Avoid These Common House Fire Causes

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to understand some of the most common causes of small house fires in order to keep yourself safer throughout the year. One such cause is overloaded power outlets. Overloading an outlet can provide the perfect storm for sparks or electrical arcs to catch nearby materials on fire. Stressed outlets are one of the primary causes of household fires.

When your Toledo Southwest home experiences fire damage, you need to find out what happened in order to avoid a repeat. Our SERVPRO team can help clean up your mess and restore the damage, but we also have the experience to help determine where the fire began based on the severity of the damages.

You need to know how to operate your power outlets within safe parameters. This information can potentially save your house from damages, but more importantly, save your life.

People ask too much of their power outlets all the time, but this gets even worse around the holidays. When you combine indoor and outdoor lights, the tree, and other decorations in with already stressed power sources, you are brewing a recipe for disaster. To make matters worse, the spark of a fire can occur from this overloaded outlet at any time.

The sooner you respond to restoring your home after fire damages the better. Our experienced SERVPRO professionals can clean up the damages and bring the structure and contents of the room back to its original conditions. We’ll make it like it never even happened.

Our Pros Can Identify the Different Types of Smoke Damage

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our pros can help identify the type of smoke damage, and the best course of action for cleaning it!

Smoke and soot can spread worse than a fire, leaving hidden damage and odor that can take forever to be rid of. 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 Toledo Southwest 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

Smoke and fire damage can differ per situation. Our professionals have the equipment and expertise to handle whatever kind of damage you experience.

Contact us today! 419-273-9645

Develop a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Home

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to even think about a fire starting and spreading through their home, but it is important to be prepared in case an emergency does arise. Developing a fast and seamless evacuation plan is crucial to keeping your family members safe. Designing and practicing the plan can help ensure that everyone is prepared in case of a disaster. Here are the most essential components of a home evacuation plan:

1. Escape Routes

Indicating designated escape routes within your home will help to avoid confusion and help make for faster thinking. Take note of all the exits in your house, including doors and windows. It’s preferable to indicate two escape routes for each room so that everyone has more options to get out safely in the event of a home fire.

1. Smoke Alarms

Be sure to check that all smoke alarms are functioning properly. There should be one installed in each bedroom as well as outside of each sleeping area. Smoke alarms must also be present on each level of the house, including the basement. Having the right number of functioning alarms in your home is a vital aspect of basic fire preparation.

1. Meeting Area

It is important to designate a meeting place, especially because your family may be confused or panicked after escaping your home. This meeting place will allow you to be sure that everyone made it out okay. Examples of a meeting area include:

• Mailbox
• Street sign
• Light post
• Another house far away from yours

Be sure that the meeting place is sufficiently far from your home and clearly indicate it to all of your family members.

1. Practice

The most effective way to ensure that everyone follows the plan in a real emergency is to practice it repeatedly. Conducting drills will help familiarize your family with the plan, so it comes naturally in case of a fire. When everyone is prepared, they can react calmly and stay safe.

Creating a reliable fire escape plan is only the first step towards recovering from a fire. To have your home return to its normal state, contact us at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest.

Could Your Business Benefit From SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile®?

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

You can never fully anticipate water damage or a fire to strike in your office, but that doesn’t mean you should not prepare as much as you can for any kind of disaster. Many businesses never reopen following a disaster; those that survive did so because they had some type of plan in place. With the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile®, you can minimize your business’s interruptions by knowing what to do before a disaster occurs. This is key to timely mitigation and can help to minimize the effects that a fire or water damage can have on your business.

Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today and get a NO COST assessment of your business’ facility today. All it requires is a little bit of your time today, but if needed will save a lot of time in the future. 

Contact us today! 419-273-9645

Clean Airducts Make for a Healtheir Environment

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever noticed at home, or in your office at work, how quickly dust builds up on your desk or furniture? Think about the dust that you see and imagine the dust that you can’t! Poor air quality can lead to a multitude of negative health effects. Ventilation systems are the number one culprit for poor air quality indoors. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

HVACs that have been operating for some time without maintenance can circulate pollen, dander, bacteria, and other harmful particles through the air, even mold.

Keeping your airducts clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and time, and give you cleaner air to breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. We’ll provide you with peace of mind and handle your HVAC needs.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest Supports the American Red Cross

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Often, when people think of disasters and disaster relief the first thing that comes to mind is the American Red Cross. We share many of the same values as the American Red Cross, and we appreciate everything they are able to do when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO is and has been a national sponsor of the American Red Cross and their Ready Rating Program since March of 2013. The ready rating program is free and is web-based. It is designed to help businesses, organizations, and schools become better prepared in case of an emergency. There is no such thing as being too prepared, and the American Red Cross helps these organizations prepare for any kind of emergency.

In January 2016, SERVPRO renewed its commitment to the American Red Cross. The strategy is now focusing more on their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign by supporting Disaster Responders. 

The goal of this campaign is to reduce home fire deaths and injuries across the country. Our support of Disaster Responders enables them to assist affected families quickly by providing trained volunteers, supplies, emergency response vehicles, and resources to transform community sites into shelters.

On the local level, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is always looking for ways to support the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio. Alongside them, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our friends and family in the community. We are there to help you prepare to avoid disaster, and there to help after disaster strikes.

Have You Taken the Necessary Precautions to Avoid Water Damage?

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

When water is where it shouldn't be, call the pros!

Water damage can affect your commercial property at any time without notice. No time is the right time to experience disaster. Once the initial shock wears off, you are left to clean up the mess and reopen as soon as possible.

Do you know what to do or how to handle disaster when it strikes your commercial business? Do you have a plan? Who do you call?

Developing a plan of action and doing your part to be prepared can significantly reduce property damage and help your business get back on track as soon as possible.

Large-scale losses can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Knowing where your emergency shut offs are located is crucial. Make sure that someone else is aware as well in case you are not there during an emergency. Create an emergency plan with directions of what to do as well as a contact list for disaster relief. Appoint someone you trust to make decisions in case of your absence.

It is a good idea to contact a water restoration company such a SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest. Not only do we have the knowledge and the resources to handle any size disaster, but we also have the capability to help you put together an “Emergency Ready Plan” Before disaster strikes. This “ERP” is not meant to replace an emergency plan that you may already have in place, but it will help you to compile all your emergency contact information and show you how to get your business on the road to recovery.

Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest and Schedule an appointment today! 419-273-9645

Electrical Fire Prevention in Two Steps!

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire might be far down on your list of worries. “My home is safe, that wouldn’t happen to me.” But, electrical fires can happen to anyone. With over 51,000 fires happening every year, there's a chance that you are at risk, even if you’re unaware of any points of potential danger. But there’s no need to worry! We’re here to let you know what you can do to prevent fire damage to your home!

1. Check Your Power Cords and Outlets Regularly

This is the easiest step you can adapt. Power cords are often put in the wrong places, or plugged in improperly. Power cords can be tripping hazards, so it is important to keep your cords organized and out of walkways. Power cords should not be kept under carpets, or anywhere that they will be consistently stepped on. Power cords can fray with constant pressure, which increases the risk of a fire.

2. Check Electrical Wiring

This second step is not as easy, but just as important. Every month or so, checking the wiring around your house can be a good way to prevent fires. Look for any loose or general abnormalities with your wiring. It's also a good idea to listen for crackling or sizzling sounds behind halls. If you notice any sizzling, be sure to turn off the source and contact a professional. 

Despite taking these precautions, accidents can happen. If you experience fire damage, make sure to call the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest to repair your fire damage. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened!"

Contact us today! 419-273-9645

Take These Precautions to Avoid Kitchen Fires

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

For some, cooking is a fun hobby and something to enjoy. For others, cooking is tedious and tiresome. And for a few, cooking should probably be avoided at all cost. No matter what category you fall into, it is important to understand how easily kitchen fires can start. Cooking can become mundane, even if you enjoy it, which can lead to inattention and accidents. Keep these five tips in mind next time you cook to avoid the risk of a kitchen fire!

• Never leave cooking unattended. Whether your frying, broiling, or searing, it is important to keep an eye out to be sure nothing is burning or catching fire. If you have to leave the room, turn off the burner on your stove. Nobody wants burnt food, and nobody wants a kitchen fire.
• Timers are your best friend in the kitchen. Not only do they prevent food from being overcooked or burning, but they also remind you that something is still cooking! After a long day at work, it can be easy to forget even something you were just focused on.
• Keep your kids away from the kitchen area. It is important to educate your children on the dangers that come with a stove and oven. Kids are curious, so it is important to establish a safe boundary where they can watch, but can’t play.
• Keep flammable kitchen items, like pot holders, dish towels, or curtains, away from stoves and ovens. Remember that your sleeves or hair may also catch fire, so be cautious of how you dress while cooking.
• Prevent grease build up by cleaning surfaces regularly.

Accidents happen! If you do experience damage from a kitchen fire, be sure to call our experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for your professional clean up! 

The Right Choice for Your Business

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

We understand the complexities that come along with running a business. When a flood hits, or a fire causes damage, and you are seeking disaster mitigation or commercial clean up and repair, there are many aspects that can go wrong. It is important to trust your business to the experts to avoid any added stress, and to make sure you are taken care of. We understand how important your business is to you, they’re just as important to us at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest too.

How Do I Know SERVPRO Is Right for Me? 

There are numerous reasons why SERVPRO is the right choice when it comes to your fire or water damage repair needs. We have been in business for over 50 years, and our staff is subject to ongoing training at our corporate training facility. Additionally, our IICRC-industry certification and outstanding customer reviews should put your mind at ease knowing your business is in well trained hands! 

So, if you have a disaster give SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest a call, and we will handle it for you! 567-368-8187

SERVPRO Helps Handle the Unexpected

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

It’s pretty difficult to expect the unexpected. Your business was doing fine until suddenly a pipe bursts causing flooding and water damage, or there is an electrical failure and you now have to deal with fire damage. We know that these disasters can be draining and stressful. At SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help when disaster strikes.

We know that time is money, and unexpected shut downs can become incredibly expensive, which is why SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is committed to arriving “faster to any disaster”. After we have stopped the disaster, we will begin the restoration process, and rebuild anything that was destroyed. We do it all, so there is no need to worry about calling a laundry list of companies. SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is your one stop shop for the entire process!

You can feel safer knowing that you can expect great cleaning and restoration services, even in an unexpected disaster when you choose SERVPRO!

Call us today! 567-368-8187

SERVPRO is the Do-It-All Cleanup and Restoration Service

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Trust us to clean and restore after any disaster!

It’s hard not to worry after disaster strikes, but you can worry a little less with your business in the hands of SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest. We will make sure that your property is efficiently and professionally restored, making it as if nothing ever happened. A disaster doesn’t have to be as disastrous with SERVPRO.

What Does SERVPRO Do? 

To keep it short, we do it all in relation to disaster mitigation. If your home or business has suffered from water damage, mold damage, storm damage, fire damage, or most any other kind of damage, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is the all-in-one disaster restoration service to get everything repaired quickly, without compromise.  

Why SERVPRO? 

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest truly cares for its community, and will take care of you every step of the way with all of your restoration needs. As a locally owned and operated business, we may have seen you in the community, or shopped at your business. Being so closely tied to the community, we strive to meet your repair needs with the upmost professionalism. Anything that is important to you when it comes to your restoration needs, is important to us as well.  

What do I Need to do After a Disaster? 

Just call us! We’re with you every step of the way, helping to repair our community one disaster at a time.  

Contact us today! 567-368-8187

How to Identify and Treat Mold

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Let our professionals at SERVPRO handle all of your mold remediation needs!

Mold is an airborne-fungus that sprouts as spores that collect in moist areas. Mold has a mind of its own, and it can and will infest any damp places that your home has to offer. That being said, mold is bound to spring up if these wet places go untreated.

Mildew is one of the most common types of mold that you would most likely see in a bathroom. It forms on the surface of damp walls, doors, shower grouting and more. This type of mold appears as tiny black spots, and it is typically easy to scrub away on your own using a cleaning brush and some sort of mold remover.

There are, however, other types of mold that can cause more damage to a home and require more work to get rid of, depending on the infestation size. One of the main signs of a mold infestation is a damp, musty odor in a specific area of your home. If this hits your nose, you’ll want to check for damp walls, carpet, flooring, or any other spaces that may breed mold. In this situation, the best option is to contact your local SERVPRO Franchise before the infestation has a chance to spread further or cause permanent damage.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is always here to help!

Contact us today with your mold remediation needs. 567-368-8187

What to Do and What Not to Do With Mold Remediation

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

No one wants to find mold in their home, but if you see visible mold, it is important not to disturb it. Mold is often accidentally spread because, when disturbed, mold releases microscopic spores that can circulate inside your home as they become airborne. Leave the handling of mold to the professionals at SERVPRO.

What to Do:

• Avoid affected areas in order to eliminate the chance of spreading.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold in any way, and be sure your children and pets do the same.
• Don’t use fans or blow any sort of air across areas with visible or suspected mold.
• Don’t try to dry or remedy the area yourself.
• Don’t attempt to bleach or disinfect the area.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

Mold cleanup and restoration is a cornerstone of the SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest’s business. Our crews are highly trained professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remove your mold problem quickly and efficiently.

Contact us today! 567-368-8187

Storm Safety Tips

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

• Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
• Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightening strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Toledo West today and let the experts take care of it! 

Contact us today! 567-368-8187

The Best Practices for Cleaning Up After a Storm

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

When the damage after a storm is too big of a task, call the experts at SERVPRO to handle your mess!

Your family has taken the necessary precautions during a storm, but what do you do to deal with the aftermath? There is a chance that something happened to your home, whether it be flooding, backed up sewage, or damage from falling debris. If there’s any major damage to your home, it’s best to call the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest and let the professionals clean up. But, there are still some things you can do yourself if you feel up to it.  

• Clean up tree debris from your property. Picking up sticks and leaves is by far the easiest step, and is something even your kids and pets can get involved in. These materials can be discarded, or saved for firewood or composting. If a branch or tree has fallen against your house and caused damage, make sure you call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest to have it quickly, and expertly repaired.  
• Dry out your house as soon as possible. Water that has entered your home, typically in a basement or attic, can lead to mold if left untreated. Mold can lead to severe property and health detriments, so it is important to get these areas dried as quickly as possible. If some time has passed and you suspect mold may already be growing, a bleach-based household cleaning solution can kill the mold and prevent further damage.  
• If you see any damage involving sewage, live wires, or possible gas leaks, do not attempt to fix these things yourself. Leave these types of cleanups to the professionals at SERVPRO

If you feel unqualified or just need a helping hand, be sure to call in professionals to handle your after storm clean up.

Contact us today! 567-368-8187

Preventing Fires in Just Five Steps

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

While you take the necessary steps to prevent fires in your Toledo Southwest home, sometimes things happen that are out of our control. In those instances, you need to already have a plan in place. Here are five things you can do to be ready should there be a fire in your home.  

1. Maintain Your Smoke Alarms Properly

This includes making sure your smoke alarms are in the proper places, have fresh batteries, and are tested at least once a month to make sure they are ready to alert you in case of danger.  

1. Ensure You Have an Exit Plan  

Develop an exit strategy with your family. Keep in mind that you should have at least two exit options so that if a fire is blocking one, there is another option for everyone to use. Make sure everyone in your household knows these exits like the backs of their hands.  

1. Have Emergency Contacts

Picking an emergency contact is vital to ensure the safety of your entire family, especially if a family member were to get separated. Make sure that your kids especially memorize the phone number of a neighbor, or a family member who lives close to ensure that they have a safe place to go.  

1. Practice

Practice makes perfect when it comes to fire safety. During a real fire, emotions or panic can make it difficult to think. You should run drills every four to six months, so that, in the event of a fire, everyone knows what to do like second nature, despite the emotions and panic.

1. Calling 911

Make sure everyone in the family knows to call 911 and can recite their address so the first responders can get there as soon as possible. 

Keeping Your Kitchen Safe in Just Four Steps

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking can be a fun and social task, but without caution or care, it can lead to disaster. In order to keep you, your family, and your home safe, it is important to understand the best safety practices when in the kitchen.  

1. Always Be Present When Food Is Cooking 

Never leave cooking food unattended. Kitchen fires can grow quickly, especially when there are no eyes present to catch them when they start. The most common causes of kitchen fires are inattention and distraction. If you need to work, consider bringing a phone or laptop into the kitchen to keep an eye on what’s cooking.  

2. Keep Children Away from the Stove

Not only is this important to keep your food from ending up on the floor, it is vital to communicate with your children the dangers of a stove, even when there is nothing cooking. Kids love to play with anything they can get their hands on, especially things they see their parents “playing” with. Keep your children away from stoves entirely to avoid unhappy accidents.

3. Regular Cleaning

It is easy for small pieces of food to fall into burners or be left behind in your oven. Although these individual scraps are essentially harmless beyond the occasional smell, a buildup can lead to a fire. Thankfully, cleaning your oven or stove top is a simple task you can do in just a few minutes.  

4. Keeping Appliances in Order

Not all kitchen fires originate from stoves or ovens. With the amount of kitchen appliances used today, from toasters to rice cookers to air fryers, your outlets can fill up quickly. When this happens, DO NOT plug in an extension cord or power strip. With all the commotion that comes with cooking, water can easily cause a short circuit, especially with a power extender, which can lead to a fire.

Following these easy four steps can keep the kitchen and cooking fun. However, if you find yourself in need of fire damage restoration after an accident in Toledo Southwest, give SERVPRO a call!  

Contact us today! 567-368-8187

How You Respond to Rain Matters

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you love to fall asleep to the sounds of dripping rain and low thunder, or you cower under the table with your four-legged friend during a storm, it is always important to be prepared for any damages that may come with severe weather. After a storm, always check and make sure that your property is unharmed and water isn’t where it shouldn’t be. Untreated water damage or flooding could lead to mold.   

What To Look For  

• Standing water in the basement, attic, garage, or anywhere else it shouldn’t be
• Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings  
• Musty odors in the building  

Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, and it can cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as negative health effects. If you have mold growing, you need to act fast for the sake of your customers, and your business.   

What Can I Do About It?  

Pick up the phone and call us! When you call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest,you can rest assured knowing our experts will act quickly, taking a methodical and systematic approach to identify your problem and eliminate it from your building as quickly as possible.   

Remember, the longer you wait, the more damage that could be happening to your property. Make sure you give SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest a call and let us get down to our business. That way, you can get back to yours knowing your building is safe, dry, and mold free.  

Contact us today at 567-368-8187

SERVPRO Restores After Your Disasters

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Recent fire damage at the Berea fairgrounds

Disasters are always unpredictable and sometimes unavoidable. Nobody wants to deal with the stress that comes when disaster strikes. The way you respond to disaster, however, could make it a bit easier to handle. That’s where the Disaster Recovery Specialists at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest come in! 

What Does SERVPRO Do? 

The well-trained SERVPRO professionals will make it seem like your disaster never happened! Our team will arrive quickly to your disaster, expertly and efficiently evaluate your issue, and restore everything to fit your needs.

When your business suffers from flood damage, fire damage, storm damage, or mold, time becomes money. The faster the problem is masterfully solved, the sooner you can open your business back up and start serving clients again! Thanks to being locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is faster to any disaster.

What Do I Need to Do? 

All you have do is call the local SERVPRO professionals, and we will help you through every step of the process. We know your business is important to you; it’s important to us too! We will take care of you and your property every step of the way in this difficult time. 

No one ever wants to deal with disaster, but when the time comes, our team of passionate experts are the best to ease your stress and conquer your mess. So, give us a call, and let us do what we do best, so you can get back to doing what you do best.  

Contact Us Today! 567-368-8187

Tips if Lightning Strikes Your Home in Perrysburg

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you need storm damage repair in Lucas County and the Surrounding Area, then it’s best to contact the experts at SERVPRO Toledo Southwest.

It’s one of those things that seems like it could never possibly happen to you. The chances of your house being struck by lightning seems to be basically zero, so why even worry about it? Well, would it surprise you to learn that between 2017 and 2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported just over 311,000 claims for lightning, with an average cost of $28,885 per claim? That’s a lot of claims, and a lot of money! So, what do you need to do if lightning strikes your Southern Cuyahoga home?

• The first thing to do is check on everyone in your house and make sure no one was hurt. It’s a bad idea to do things like wash dishes or shower during a lightning storm, but if lightning strikes, take a few minutes and make sure everyone is alright.
• The next thing you need to do is check for damage or a fire. As you do this, make sure to check everywhere from the attic to the basement looking for things like smoke, charred electrical outlets, sorted appliances, damaged roof shingles, or fried wiring.
• If you find anything storm damage and need storm damage repair in Lucas County and the Surrounding Area, then it’s best to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest to mitigate your lightning or storm damage. We’ll take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry, so call us today if you’ve experienced any storm or lightning damage!

Drying Old Wood Floors in Maumee

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Salvaging hardwood floors from water damage in Northwest Ohio by the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest

Salvaging hardwood floors from water damage in Northwest Ohio

While most insurance policies offer coverage for replacing floors, there are many situations where homeowners can save money by drying instead, especially with solid hardwood. Other types of flooring, including engineered hardwood and laminate, are more prone to structural damage, delamination, and other issues that make replacement preferable. Solid hardwood's durability makes it more salvageable and safer to reinstall.  The durability saves you time and costs when it comes to reinstallation, staining, and refinishing.

If a sudden pipe leak causes water damage to floors in your Maumee residence, professional disaster mitigation technicians at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest can restore your flooring to its preloss condition. Commercial-grade equipment an eco-friendly, EPA-registered antimicrobial cleaners work in tandem to salvage floors, sub-flooring, and other structures in the home that are affected by water. Technicians always work with both homeowners and insurance adjusters to handle damages and restoration per local, state, and federal regulations.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest works fast not only to save flooring but also to preserve the layers of infrastructure that support it. Without proper mitigation, water damaged floors can become distorted and start cupping or buckling. These conditions can also become host to mold and wood rot that affect the safety and integrity of hardwood floors.  After dispatching a team to your home, they can use wand extractors and back-mounted pumps to collect any remaining standing water. Thermal imaging and penetrative and non-penetrative moisture measurement tools can be used to assess the extent of damage to floors and subfloors. We replace non-salvageable planks as needed.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are often necessary to tackle the remaining moisture in hardwood planks due to hardwood's low evaporation rate. These types of industrial dehumidifiers collect moisture from surrounding surfaces by passing it over desiccant materials like silica gel. Heat then evaporates the collected water into an air stream which vents outside of the home. If odors from water damage are evident, OSHA-approved cleaners and ultra-low-volume (ULV) fogging deodorizers can be used to eliminate odor-causing particles.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest serves the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call 888-915-1401 today.

Storm Season Preparation in Toledo

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $15 billion in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.
8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest at 888-915-1401.

Storms Hit Northwest Ohio Hard

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water can come in a home from all over after heavy rains. If you see it, dry it. Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest.

As you’ve probably noticed, it has been raining a lot the past few days, and the best thing you can do when it rains is to be prepared. After a storm, it’s good to check and make sure that your property is undamaged and there isn’t any water where there shouldn’t be, because that could lead to mold.   

What To Look For  

• Standing water in places where it shouldn’t be, such as the basement, attic and garage  
• Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings  
• Musty odors in the building  

Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, but it can also cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as health effects, so when you have mold growing, you need to act quickly for the sake of your customers, and your business.   

What Can I Do About It?  

Pick up that phone and call us! When you call SERVPRO of Toledo you can rest assured knowing our experts will act quickly, taking a methodical and systematic approach to identifying your problem and eliminating it from your building as quickly as possible.   

Remember, the longer you wait, the more damage that could be happening to your property, so give SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest a call and let us get down to our business so that you can get back to yours knowing your building is safe, dry and mold free.  

Contact us today at 888-915-1401

One Stop Shop: Restoration and Reconstruction Experts

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Get the best when you call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for your Restoration and Construction needs

It's natural to want your Muamee, Ohio home and business to be safe and as comfortable as possible. When any part of the building is compromised, it becomes a serious concern. Fire or water damage creates many issues that affect the structural integrity of your property. It's usually necessary to contact home remediation professionals who can arrive faster to any size disaster, fix the problem, and return your home or business to its pre-damaged condition.

Recognize Professional Qualities

SERVPRO franchises are some of the most respected restoration companies in your community. There are several reasons for this:

• Professional help is available all day, every day. Emergency services prevent further or secondary damages from occurring.
• All specialists receive ongoing training, which gives them the skills necessary to respond appropriately to any type of damage.
• Local franchises allow technicians to arrive faster to any size disaster. Local technicians can arrive more quickly than out-of-town competitors.
• SERVPRO has more than 1,750 franchises positioned around the country, so it's very likely there's one in your area.
• SERVPRO is often preferred by national and local insurance companies, which makes filing an insurance claim easier.

Whether it's your home or your business that's at risk, SERVPRO technicians have the equipment, training, and location necessary to provide fast, thorough services.

Residential Services

Did you know that you don't have to wait for significant damage to occur before you contact professionals? For example, residential services are available when your home has been flooded due to heavy storms or when it has smoke damage from a chimney fire.

Commercial Services

SERVPRO technicians are also qualified to complete the work needed at your business facilities. When you need professional cleaning services or any type of restoration services for your commercial building, choose the best remediation professionals available.
Your Maumee property deserves full attention from restoration professionals. Choose SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for technicians who arrive faster to any size disaster and who don't leave until the work is complete.

Call us 24/7 at 888-915-1401.

Support Local Maumee Business's

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

When you have any kind of water damage, fire damage, flooding, or need clean up in the Lucas County area, you can support local by supporting SERVPRO

In recent years, a greater emphasis has been placed on supporting local businesses. From small mom and pop shops, farmers markets, or even disaster restoration services, it is important to support your local community, its members, and the local economy. That’s why SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is proud to be locally owned and operated. When you support SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, you’re supporting local businesses near you in Lucas County. But why is serving local businesses so important? Well, here are three big reasons! 

1. Boosting the local economy 

It makes sense when you think about it, doesn’t it? If you support a local business and that business grows, they hire new employees. It’s very likely they’ll hire people that live nearby, and this keeps the money within the community.  

1. Building Community Connections 

This piggybacks off boosting the local economy. When you support a local business, that business can become a staple to the community. It becomes a place where people can meet and meet up, make new friends or reunite with old ones. An identity can be formed around a local business, where you know the owners or employees, and know you can trust them.  

1. Environmental Preservation 

You probably know preserving the environment is important, but did you know supporting local businesses does just that? But local businesses tend to also buy from local merchants, instead of from huge facilities far away, and this decreases carbon emissions.  

So, when you have any kind of water damage, fire damage, flooding, or need clean up in the Lucas County area, you can support local by supporting SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest Certified and Trained

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. It sets the standards for the industry.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

When you choose a company that is IICRC certified, such as SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, you can be sure that you receive service from knowledgeable, certified technicians. 

Categories of water in the insurance and restoration business

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Having a water loss in your home can be traumatizing.  In addition to the tips on preventing secondary damage it is helpful to know and understand the 3 categories of water associated with a water loss.  According to the IICRC guidelines, there are 3 categories of water in a water loss: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.  Let’s take a look at each category:

Category 1: This is clean, sanitary water.  Sources can be faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.  The category can quickly change to a Category 2 however.

Category 2: This category of water is typically referred to as “grey water”, and is described as having levels of contaminates that may cause you some sickness or discomfort if ingested.  Category 2 water can come from dishwasher or washing machine overflows and sink drains.

Category 3: This is the worst category of water, it is grossly unsanitary. It used to be called, and is still sometimes referred to as, black water.  Sources of Category 3 water can be sewer backups, flooding from streams and rivers, toilet overflows with feces, and liquid that has sat and became stagnant.  

Flood Prevention Tips

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

A business in the communities of Barberton or Norton may find itself in danger of flooding from high water. Fortunately, a local storm damage restoration service can help with restoration if damage does occur, but you may want to consider mitigation steps before the storm arrives. Here are three prevention systems your business may already have in place.

1. Sump Pumps

In some cases, the installation of a sump pump in a basement area may be able to help stop flooding. These units are designed to help regulate water flow, and when properly maintained can help keep an area free of pooling water.

2. Drainage

Another feature to consider for protecting your company property from high water is the drainage system. Proper drainage is important for flood prevention as it can help direct the flow of water away from the property. Drainage systems may include roof gutters, landscaping features such as a slope or rain garden, drainage ditches, and sewer drains. All of these provide safe areas for storm water to flow into instead of puddling around the business property.

3. Backup Systems

For a business having a backup system in place for any electronic data can be an important step for protecting the company against flooding. These systems may include cloud storage or a server where all the data can be stored independently from the actual computers. This way if the electronics themselves are damaged you know the data is safe. It’s also important to note that in some cases a restoration service may be able to restore the electronics depending on the damage severity.

It’s not uncommon for high water to lead to flooding. In many cases, a business property may already have some mitigation steps in place.  If flooding does occur SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest can help repair any damages.

Simply the Best for Restoration and Reconstruction

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

It's natural to want your Toledo, Ohio home and business to be safe and as comfortable as possible. When any part of the building is compromised, it becomes a serious concern. Fire or water damage creates many issues that affect the structural integrity of your property. It's usually necessary to contact home remediation professionals who can arrive faster to any size disaster, fix the problem and return your home or business to its pre-damaged condition.

Recognize Professional Qualities

SERVPRO franchises are some of the most respected restoration companies in your community. There are several reasons for this:

• Professional help is available all day, every day. Emergency services prevent further or secondary damages from occurring.
• All specialists receive ongoing training, which gives them the skills necessary to respond appropriately to any type of damage.
• Local franchises allow technicians to arrive faster to any size disaster. Local technicians can arrive more quickly than out-of-town competitors.
• SERVPRO has more than 1,750 franchises positioned around the country, so it's very likely there's one in your area.
• SERVPRO is often preferred by national and local insurance companies, which makes filing an insurance claim easier.
  
  

Whether it's your home or your business that's at risk, SERVPRO technicians have the equipment, training and location necessary to provide fast, thorough services.

Residential Services

Did you know that you don't have to wait for significant damage to occur before you contact professionals? For example, residential services are available when your home has been flooded due to heavy storms or when it has smoke damage from a chimney fire.

Commercial Services

SERVPRO technicians are also qualified to complete the work needed at your business facilities. When you need professional cleaning services or any type of restoration services for your commercial building, choose the best remediation professionals available.
Your Solon property deserves full attention from restoration professionals. Choose SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for technicians who arrive faster to any size disaster and who don't leave until the work is complete.

Thunderstorm Safety

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Over the past few weeks, there have been several storms in the in Northwest Ohio, and with storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. In order to keep yourself safe during storms, there are a few steps to take.  

• Go indoors and stay there. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor. If you’re outdoors somewhere without many houses around, such as a park or the lake, try and seek shelter in a nearby building. Parks should have public restrooms, and these are often built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, the best thing to do is to shelter in your car and wait out the storm.  
• Once you’re indoors, move to somewhere away from windows. Many homes have a basement, which is the safest place to wait out storms. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are often a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances and avoid activities such as showering or talking on a wired phone. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so it’s best to avoid using things like washers and dryers during a storm. Additionally, if there is a lightning strike, it could cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• After the storm has passed, remember to be careful walking around, watch out for things such as downed power lines and possibly damaged circuit breakers. If you smell gas, contact authorities immediately.  

It might be an inconvenience to follow these steps, but the most important thing is to keep you and your family safe. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today and let the experts take care of it! 

Communication is Key for Emergency Response

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

“Stayed in communication and made sure I understand what was happening and if I had any questions, they would answer them! I highly recommend them!”

The above quote was from one of our many clients, and for the sake of anonymity, we’ll call them John. John woke up one morning to find that the line to his freezer had broken and caused water to leak from the kitchen into the unfinished part of the basement. He quickly shut off the water and got in contact with us to cleanup and restore the damaged area. The job itself was straightforward; dry out the area, then repair or restore anything that was damaged. But when John wrote a five-star review, he chose to harp not on the work itself, but on the COMMUNICATION he received throughout the process. This decision is interesting because it highlights was sets SERVPRO apart from other restoration and construction companies.

There are lots of companies that can do clean up and restoration, and John probably knew that. It’s easy to imagine that when he saw the damage, he googled what companies could mitigate it. SERVPRO came up, of course, but so did many other companies; some organically and some through paid ads. John had options, but he saw our raving reviews and happy customers, and chose to go with SERVPRO, and he’ll be forever happy he did. We kept him in the loop the entire time. He always had the ability to call us with questions or concerns. He always knew what was happening, why it was happening, and about how long it would take. Despite clean up and restoration being an area that John probably had no experience in, he was able to follow the process of his house and his property being restored as if he was a member of the green team doing it.

Don’t choose a company that just does the work because you’re paying them, choose a company that cares enough to help walk you through the entire process of clean up, restoration, and reconstruction. Choose SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest.

My Carpet Got Wet, Can I Save It?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

People around the Toledo, Ohio area have often asked "can my carpeting be saved after a water damage?" The answer has a couple of variables.

1. Did the water come from a clean source such as a supply line?
2. How long has the carpet been wet?
3. Age of the carpet?
4. Is the carpet Delaminated?

If The water source was clean water and you can it has not been sitting for an extended period of time chances are really god it can be saved. With that being said we then must make sure the carpets integrity will hold up when it is lifted to dry and then relayed.

First we carefully remove the carpet from the tact strips, unless of course it is glue down; If that is the case we can simply extract the carpet and dry it in place. Once the carpet is lifted from the tact strip the padding is typically removed due to the fact that it is very hard to dry properly and completely. We want to make sue the pad will not hold and grow bacteria. After the pad had been removed we then put air movers under the carpet and "float" the carpet to dry. once the carpet and sub floor have dried completely new pad can be installed and the carpet can then be relayed.

At that point SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest can then Clean the Carpet.

What if Lightning Strikes your Property?

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

It’s one of those things that seems like it could never possibly happen to you. The chances of your house being struck by lightning seems to be basically zero, so why even worry about it? Well, would it surprise you to learn that between 2017 and 2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported just over 311,000 claims for lightning, with an average cost of $28,885 per claim? That’s a lot of claims, and a lot of money! So, what do you need to do if lightning strikes your Lucas County home?

• The first thing to do is check on everyone in your house and make sure no one was hurt. It’s a bad idea to do things like wash dishes or shower during a lightning storm, but if lightning strikes, take a few minutes and make sure everyone is alright.
• The next thing you need to do is check for damage or a fire. As you do this, make sure to check everywhere from the attic to the basement looking for things like smoke, charred electrical outlets, sorted appliances, damaged roof shingles, or fried wiring.
• If you find anything storm damage and need storm damage repair in Maumee or Perrysburg, then it’s best to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest to mitigate your lightning or storm damage. We’ll take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry, so call us today if you’ve experienced any storm or lightning damage!

Lost time equals money in an emergency

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

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

   Emergency Response 1-4-8

     Service Response Guidelines

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

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

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

If you need service, don't wait. Call SERVPRO, and we will be there to make it "Like it never even happened."

We Clean Up Your Smoke and Soot Damage in Toledo!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

If you've suffered fire, soot or smoke damage in your Toledo home, call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, today!

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 Toledo Southwest 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.

Be Ready With Fire Safety

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire safety is important, but so is knowing who to call if you've had any fire damage. If you need fire damage remediation in Toledo, call SERVPRO!

Practicing fire safety is one of the best methods that individuals can use to keep themselves and their households protected against a disaster. Fires can happen for a plethora of reasons, but by implementing prevention tips, their likelihood of occurring is significantly reduced.

There is an abundance of fire safety information around the internet, but much of it is in different locations. To make researching and practicing fire safety easier, we put it together in one place for your ease of reference.

Tips to Know About Fire Safety

Frequently Check Smoke Detectors. Having a working smoke alarm system in your home is the top tip that experts recommend for fire safety. Smoke alarms significantly reduce the chance of becoming injured in a fire and can alert the entire household at once if it is time to escape.

Have a Fire Escape Plan Evacuating the house quickly if the smoke alarm sounds is essential due to how quickly fires can spread. Make sure everyone in the household is aware of their options for escape routes and rehearse your evacuation regularly.

Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher. Keeping a fire extinguisher stored in a convenient location and knowing how to use it will give you the power to put out a fire before it gets out of hand if it is safe to do so. Make sure to purchase the correct classification for the type of fire you are likely to experience.

Never Leave Flames Unattended. Many of us encounter open flames every day on a small scale, such as when a gas stove is turned on or a candle is lit. Though small, these flames still have a large potential for error, and they should never be left in a room unsupervised as they can quickly spread.

Keep a Closed-Door Policy. The deadliest fires are the ones that break out during the early morning hours, mostly due to the reduced reaction time of sleeping family members. However, one keyway to combat this is by closing bedroom doors before going to sleep. The door can slow down flames, allowing more time for everyone to execute the escape plan.

Have a Home Evacuation Plan

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

It's important to have a plan, so call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today to be ready in case of fire damage!

If a fire spreads through your home in the communities in and around Toledo, you need to ensure that everyone evacuates as quickly as possible. To keep the evacuation fast and seamless, it’s crucial to create a home fire escape plan. Designing and practicing the plan with your family members helps everyone be prepared in case of a real fire. Here are the most essential components of a home evacuation plan.

1. Escape Routes

To prevent any confusion, it’s important to designate several escape routes in your home. Take note of all the exits in your house, including doors and windows. It’s preferable to indicate two escape routes for each room so that everyone has more options to get out safely in the event of a home fire.

2. Smoke Alarms

Next, you should make sure that all of the smoke alarms in your home are functioning properly. There should be one installed in each bedroom as well as outside of each sleeping area. Smoke alarms must also be present on each level of the house, including the basement. Having the right number of functioning alarms in your home is a vital aspect of basic fire preparation.

3. Meeting Area

Once you’ve planned the fire escape routes and checked your alarms, you need to designate a meeting place outdoors where your family can converge. Examples of a meeting area include:

• Mailbox
• Street sign
• Light post
• Another house far away from yours

Be sure that the meeting place is sufficiently far from your home and clearly indicate it to all of your family members.

4. Practice

The most effective way to ensure that everyone follows the plan in a real emergency is to practice it repeatedly. Make sure to conduct drills in your home and familiarize your kids with the evacuation plan. When everyone is prepared, they can react calmly and stay safe in case of a real fire.
Creating a reliable fire escape plan is only the first step towards recovering from a fire. To have your home return to its normal state, contact emergency restoration services as soon as possible.

Causes of House Fires

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devistating, but SERVPRO of Toledo makes it as easy as possible for you, so if you have fire damage, call us today!

Fires happen all the time in Toledo. When you are the one the fire is happening to, you want to figure out its cause and how to get back to the way things were before. Understanding some of the most common causes of small house fires is an excellent start to keeping yourself safer throughout the year. Overloaded power outlets provide a perfect storm for sparks or electrical arcs to catch nearby materials on fire. Stressed outlets are a primary cause of many household fires.

When your Toledo home is fire damaged, you need to find out why it happened. Our SERVPRO team can help you to clean up the mess and restore the damage, but also has the experience to help you determine where the fire originated from based on the severity of the damages. As common as overloaded electrical boxes are, it remains one of the leading causes of accidental house fires. You need to know how to operate your power outlets within safe parameters. This information can potentially save your house from damages, but more importantly, save your life.

People ask too much of their power outlets all the time, but this gets even worse around the holidays. When you combine indoor and outdoor lights, the tree, and other decorations in with already stressed power sources, you are brewing a recipe for disaster. To make matters worse, the spark of a fire can occur from this overloaded outlet at any time.

The sooner you respond to restoring your home after fire damages the better. Our experienced SERVPRO professionals can clean up the damages and bring the structure and contents of the room back to preloss conditions. The longer that you wait, the more likely that smoke and soot damages seat themselves into your furniture, flooring, and walls. This spells a higher insurance claim to cover the repair costs, or worse yet, more out-of-pocket expenses if you are underinsured.

SERVPRO Sponsors The American Red Cross

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is committed to giving back to the community.

American Red Cross and SERVPRO

Often, when people think of disasters and disaster relief the first thing that comes to mind is the American Red Cross.

SERVPRO is and has been a national sponsor of the American Red Cross and their Ready Rating Program since March of 2013. The ready rating program is free and is web-based. It is designed to help businesses, organizations, and schools become better prepared in case of an emergency

In January 2016, SERVPRO renewed its commitment to the American Red Cross. The strategy is now focusing more on their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign by supporting Disaster Responders. 

The goal of this campaign is to reduce home fire deaths and injuries across the country. Our support of Disaster Responders enables them to assist affected families quickly by providing trained volunteers, supplies, emergency response vehicles, and resources to transform community sites into shelters.

On the local level, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is always looking for ways to support the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio. We make it our mission to ensure that our local families and community is prepared for disasters...especially home fires. Our goal is to build awareness and help them learn about what steps families can take to be prepared in their own homes.

Are You Prepared For Water Damage in Your Business?

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

It's important to be ready for whatever might happen! So call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today and get your ERP prepared.

Water damage may affect your Toledo commercial property at any time and without notice. The effects of water damage can be devastating. When the initial shock wears off the property owner is left with having to clean up the water damage and reopen their business as soon as possible.

Would you know what to do or how to handle a disaster situation at your commercial property?  What is your plan? Where would you start? Who would you call?

Did you know a little preparation for a water damage emergency and a plan of action in the event it ever happens can significantly reduce property damage and will help to get you back to business as soon as possible?

Large-scale losses can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines. Know where your emergency shut offs are located and have a contingency plan in place in case you are not available. Create an emergency plan with directions for what to do in an emergency as well as a list of phone numbers of approved companies to call in an emergency. Make sure someone you can trust has the authorization to make decisions if you are unavailable.

It is a good idea to contact a water restoration company such a SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest. Not only do we have the knowledge and the resources to handle any size disaster, but we also have the capability to help you put together an “Emergency Ready Plan” Before disaster strikes. This “ERP” is not meant to replace any emergency plan that you may already have in place, but it will help you to compile all your emergency contact information and show you how to get your business on the road to recovery. Most Plans focus on how to get you out of a commercial property in case of a disaster, but with the SERVPRO “ERP” we focus on how to get back in.

Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest and Schedule an appointment today.

Clean Air Helps Keep You Healthy

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Being emergency ready could save your business if something were to happen.

Have you ever noticed at home, or for that matter in your office a work how quickly dust builds up on your desk or furniture? Just think about what you see and imagine how much dust and debris is hidden where you cannot! Poor air quality can lead to a multitude of health effects. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest routinely inspects the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

• However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest Professionals will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

The Importance of an Emergency Ready Profile

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Being ready for an emergency is vital for your business, so create an emergency ready profile today!

No one is ever expecting a water damage or a fire in their office, but that doesn't mean you should not be prepared if disaster should strike. Preparation is key. Many Businesses never reopen following a disaster, and of those that do survive the majority have some type of plan in place. With the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile® you can minimize your businesses interruption by knowing what to do before a disaster occurs. Knowing what to do and what to expect is key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the effects a fire or water damage can have on your business. 

Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today and get a NO COST assessment of your business’ facility today. All it requires is a little bit of your time today, but if needed will save a lot of time in the future. 

Preventing Kitchen Fires in South Western Toledo

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let fire damage stop you, call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo today and let us clean up your damaged property!

It's easy to get caught up in cooking and mindlessly complete tasks. But it's important to stay vigilant when working with things that could easily burn and possibly cause a kitchen fire. Below are some steps you can take to protect your property when cooking.

• Never leave your cooking unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove. Also, don't forget to check your food often to make sure it doesn't burn!

• Use timers for everything to make sure you don't leave something and then get distracted. Also have a way to remind yourself something is done cooking!

• Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

• Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat. This also includes things like hair or dangling sleeves, make sure they don't come close to hot stove tops!

• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

 And if you do have a Fire Call 

SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo for your professional clean up!

Methods to Get Rid of Smoke Smells After a Fire

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

For the best smoke and soot damage restoration in Southwestern Toledo, call SERVPRO today!

The danger has passed, the fire is out, but that doesn’t mean you’re done. If you’ve suffered fire damage and need fire damage repair in Southwestern Toledo, it’s best to call the experts as SERVPRO to sort it out. But what if you’ve dealt with everything yourself, yet are somehow left with that ashy, sooty smell that lingers after a fire? Well, there are several things you can do to get rid of that smell.  

The first way involves baking soda and is quite simple, as well as being inexpensive. Because baking soda is a natural odor absorber, take several bowls of it and place it around your house for several days and it slowly will absorb a lot of the smell. You can also do this with activated charcoal, and weather permitting, you can open all your doors and windows to try and get the smell out faster.  

Another step you can take is washing your clothes with white vinegar, which will help get rid of the odors. If, after the first wash, the smell remains, you can go ahead and repeat the process again and that should do it.  

For cleaning walls and furniture, it’s just best to call a professional clean up company in your area, like SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for all your fire restoration and clean up needs! 

Storm Cleanup is What SERVPRO Does Best

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you have experienced any type of storm damage, whether it be from flooding or water damage, the experienced Storm Team at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest will be there for you.  Although we are an Ohio based franchise, we prepare in advance for expected damage from any storm weather anywhere in the United States!  We respond quickly, too, because we know that immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage and reduces restoration costs. Our professionally trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources needed to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams strategically prepare ahead of the storm and place equipment at the best locations in case of flood or storm emergency. With several certifications and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that we are the perfectly equipped to deal with any storm job no matter the size. Choose SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, a company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and are ready to respond when Mother Nature strikes. 

What SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest's IICRC Certification Means

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC certification logo

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. It sets the standards for the industry. 

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals. 

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry. 

When you choose a company that is IICRC certified, such as SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest, you can be sure that you receive service from knowledgeable, certified technicians. 

How Mold Grows

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you need mold remediation in Toledo, call SERVPRO today!

Mold is a type of fungus that sprouts form tiny spores that float about in the air. Unfortunately for homeowners, there is not a pilot sitting in the cockpit of these spores. Instead, the spores do the choosing of where they should land. Pair that with the fact that they often choose to make their home in moist places, and you are bound to see mold spring up in that area. 

Mildew is a common type of mold that sits on the surface of damp walls, doors, shower grouting and more. This type of mold looks like tiny black spots, and it can easily be scrubbed away with a cleaning brush and store-bought mold killer. 

Other types of molds can be a bit more damaging to a home, depending on the size of an infestation. You may notice a damp, musty odor in a specific area of your home. This means you should check for damp walls, carpet, flooring and any other spaces that may be breeding grounds for mold. Your best bet is to contact your local SERVPRO Franchise before the infestation becomes worse or causes permanent damage. 

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is always here to help. 

Is Professional Restoration Important?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you need professional restoration near Toledo, call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today!

Why is Professional Commercial Restoration Cleaning So Important? 

Professional commercial restoration cleaning is among the most vital services available to owners of commercial property. Most commercial properties get a lot of wear and tear over the years, especially multifamily housing units and office complexes. Why is professional commercial restoration cleaning so important? You’re about to find out! 

Why You will Need a Professional Commercial Restoration Cleaning Service 

There’s a lot that can go wrong with a commercial structure, especially if it’s an older one. Commercial buildings can be damaged by mold, water, fire, or a sewage backup. You hear about that kind of stuff happening all the time, but most people never think that it could happen to their own properties. Unfortunately, it can, and as time goes on, the chances of experiencing at least one of the preceding types of damage rises steeply. 

Fire is spontaneous, you never know when one may happen, especially since it might not even start in your building at all. An example, you do everything right, you bought and installed smoke detectors, check them regularly, and replace the batteries. What happens if the owner of the building next to you didn’t do any of that stuff? Then they have an electrical fire. The building will burn, and it’ll probably set your building on fire too because they’re so close together. 

Now consider this, after hiring a professional plumber to inspect and maintain the pipes in your building for several years, there’s a flood. After a flood, providing that your structure is still standing, there will be a substantial amount of water damage, and that damage will have to be fixed by a professional commercial restoration service like SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest. When you have damage from mold, fire, or water, that damage must be repaired professionally, there’s just no other substitute. 

Partner with a Commercial Cleaning and Restoration Service You Can Trust: SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest 

Why SERVPRO is Perfect to Clean Up Your Southwestern Toledo Business

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can do any water or fire damage repair in Southwestern Toledo! Give us a call, today!

Businesses are complex, and we understand that. When a flood hits, or a fire causes damage and you are seeking disaster mitigation or commercial clean up and repair, there can be a lot that goes wrong. That is why it is so important to trust your business to experts that can act efficiently and confidently to make sure your investments are taken care of. We understand that your business is important to you, that is why we at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest hold our employees to the highest standards.  

How Do I Know SERVPRO Is Right for Me? 

There are several reasons why SERVPRO is the perfect company to deal with your water or fire damage repair and mitigation needs in Southwest Toledo. Not only have we been in business for over 50 years, but our staff is subject to ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility. Additionally, our IICRC-industry certification and outstanding customer reviews should put your mind at ease knowing your business is in well trained hands! 

So, if you need disaster mitigation, water damage mitigation, fire damage repair, or mold remediation in Southwest Toledo, give SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest a call, and we will take it from there.  

Southwestern Toledo Residents, Follow These Steps if You Find Mold in Your Home.

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let mold harm you! Call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest for mold remediation near you!

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

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest 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 Toledo Southwest 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.

Smoke and Soot Damage Cleanup in Southwest Toledo

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let smoke or soot damage ruin your property, call SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest today!

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest 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.

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is Faster to Any Disaster!

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage like this is bad, but thankfully SERVPRO is equipped to repair it!

It is a horrifying moment when you realize that something has gone disastrously wrong on your property. Your Southwest Toledo business was doing fine, but suddenly a pipe bursts and there’s water everywhere, or there is an electrical failure, and your property sustains fire damage. It is a hard, stressful time for you, and we at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest understand that, and that is why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Time is money, and if your business must shut down, it is incredibly expensive, that’s why SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is committed to arriving “faster to any disaster” and working tirelessly to mitigate the damage taking place. After we have stopped the disaster, we will immediately jump to restoring your property, and rebuilding anything that was destroyed. We will do everything, so there is no need to be worried about having to call a ton of companies, SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest is your one stop shop for the entire process! 

Businesses in Southwest can feel safer knowing that if anything goes wrong, SERVPRO is one call away from fixing it! 

SERVPRO of Toledo South West is Here 24/7

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is bad, but we can fix it! Call us today!

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest 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!

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 Toledo Southwest has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest

SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest 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.

Carpet Cleaning after a Water Damage

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

People around the Toledo, Ohio area have often asked "can my carpeting be saved after a water damage?" The answer has a couple of variables.

1. Did the water come from a clean source such as a supply line?
2. How long has the carpet been wet?
3. Age of the carpet?
4. Is the carpet Delaminated?

If The water source was clean water and you can it has not been sitting for an extended period of time chances are really god it can be saved. With that being said we then must make sure the carpets integrity will hold up when it is lifted to dry and then relayed. First we carefully remove the carpet from the tact strips, unless of course it is glue down; If that is the case we can simply extract the carpet and dry it in place. Once the carpet is lifted from the tact strip the padding is typically removed due to the fact that it is very hard to dry properly and completely. We want to make sue the pad will not hold and grow bacteria. After the pad had been removed we then put air movers under the carpet and "float" the carpet to dry. once the carpet and sub floor have dried completely new pad can be installed and the carpet can then be relayed. At that point SERVPRO of Sylvania/West Toledo can then Clean the Carpet.

Maumee Water Damage Turned Mold

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Turned To Mold Call

We received a call an elderly Gentleman in Oregon Ohio about a water damage in his basement. The Customer had explained to the office that he had heard water dripping for quite some time. He had already called out a plumber and they had discovered a broken pipe. The plumber fixed the problem and told the gentleman that he needed to call someone out to dry out his basement. He Called SERVPRO of Southwast Toledo and we came out that day.When we arrived on site to assess the damage we discovered that our water damage was now a mold remediation job.  Unfortunately his basement had been damp for quite sometime. we were able to dry him out re-mediate the mold and make his home a healthy living environment once again. The customer was very happy and he stated that " At first I was concerned that two young ladies showed up to take care of my damage, but  you girls proved me wrong!"

Is The SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile® Right For Your Company?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo Help Your Company Be Prepared!

No one is ever expecting a water damage or a fire in their office, but that doesn't mean you should not be prepared in the event that disaster should strike. Preparation is key. Many Businesses never reopen following a disaster, and of those that do survive the majority have some type of plan in place. With the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile® you can minimize your businesses interruption by knowing what to do before a disaster occurs. Knowing what to do and what to expect is key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the affects a fire or water damage can have on your business. 

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo today and get a NO COST assessment of your businesses facility today. All it requires is a little bit of your time today, but if needed will save a lot of time in the future. 

Give us a call (419)385-9245

Cleaner Air Means A Healtheir Environment

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo For Your Duct Cleaning Needs Today!

Have you ever noticed at home, or for that matter in your office a work how quickly dust builds up on your desk or furniture? Just think about what you see and imagine how much dust and debris is hidden where you cannot! Poor air quality can lead to a multitude of respiratory problems. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo routinely inspects the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

• However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO of Sylvania/West Toledo Professionals will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

  The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.

• May help to eliminate offensive odors.

• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

  For more information on duct cleaning contact SERVPRO of SouthwestToledo today at

   (419) 385.9245

Water Categories As Defined By The IICRC

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo An IICRC Company

Having a water loss in your home can be traumatizing.  In addition to the tips on preventing secondary damage it is helpful to know and understand the 3 categories of water associated with a water loss.  According to the IICRC guidelines, there are 3 categories of water in a water loss: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.  Let’s take a look at each category:

Category 1: This is clean, sanitary water.  Sources can be faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.  The category can quickly change to a Category 2 however.

Category 2: This category of water is typically referred to as “grey water”, and is described as having levels of contaminates that may cause you some sickness or discomfort if ingested.  Category 2 water can come from dishwasher or washing machine overflows and sink drains.

Category 3: This is the worst category of water, it is grossly unsanitary. It used to be called, and is still sometimes referred to as, black water.  Sources of Category 3 water can be sewer backups, flooding from streams and rivers, toilet overflows with feces, and liquid that has sat and became stagnant.  

What Is The IICRC?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo An IICRC Company (419) 385-9245

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. It sets the standards for the industry.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

When you choose a company that is IICRC certified, such as SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo, you can be sure that you receive service from knowledgeable, certified technicians. 

Preventing Kitchen Fires In Your Maumee Home

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Prevent Kitchen Fires

It is that time of year again. Holiday madness, holiday parties, fun, food and drink. One thing to be mindful of as we are preparing our holiday feasts is safety in the kitchen. Kitchen fires seem to peak during the holidays. Take a minute to revue these 10 simple steps to help keep your holiday dinner from going up in flames.

1. Never leave your cooking unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.

2. Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.

3. Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.

4. Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

5. Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

6. Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.

9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

 And if you do have a Fire Call 

SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo for your professional clean up.

(419) 385-9245

Do You Have Mold in Your Southwest Toledo Home ?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo for your mold remediation needs today.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

• The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo (419) 385_9245. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

• SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

• They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

• Their specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

• The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo uses anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

• SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

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

Understanding Mold

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Prepare Your Maumee Home Before The Storm

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Are you ready?

Living in Northwest Ohio we often experience severe winter weather. That means our homes should be winterized sometime during the fall season. There are many things that can be done to prepare your home for winter including insulating attics, basements, and walls to help heat your home more efficiently, and putting plastic over windows. Heating systems should also be cleaned and serviced each year before they are used to ensure they are safe and working properly. Any drafty areas should be caulked, or otherwise repaired and the roof should be checked to ensure that there are no leaks and it will be able to bear the weight of the snow.

Before cold weather approaches, you should also spend some time cleaning gutters and trimming any tree branches that could fall on your home in the event of a bad storm. Pipes should also be insulated to prevent them from freezing which can result in burst pipes and flooding.

SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo wants you to be prepared, but by chance you find yourself with a burst pipe, We are here to service all your mitigation and restoration needs. (419) 385-9245

Leave The Clean Up To Us!

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Recently I was reading an article written on the IICRC web site. I found it very informative. The Institute of Cleaning, Restoration Certification( IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC serves serves the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations.

Why Professionals Should Clean Smoke Damage From A Fire  

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building will never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.

While fire is always the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors. Professionals that clean fire and smoke damage can stop this before it becomes a major problem, assuming they are contacted soon enough. There are many companies out there that advertise their ability to restore areas affected by fire, but only those with proper training and certification should be considered. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the main oversight agency in this industry. The IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework before earning their certification. This is a symbol of excellence, and those that uphold the standards that have been set can be contacted through the IICRC.

These professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but they must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. The first thing that ash does to the home is discolor most surfaces. Anything that is made of plastic or was close to the fire will start discoloring within minutes, and within several hours, fiberglass and finishes on appliances will begin to yellow. Metals may also tarnish. After a few days pass, the ash will cause walls to discolor permanently, along with clothing and upholstery. Wood and vinyl will need to be refinished or replaced, and metal will start corroding.

If a professional isn’t hired to clean smoke and fire damage, the costs for restoration will skyrocket after a few weeks. Metals may need to be replaced, carpet will permanently discolor and glass may be severely etched, which will necessitate replacement. It will also become apparent that the odors caused by the disaster may still be present and intense enough to be distracting. Because ash is acidic, the longer it takes to hire experts, the more destruction it will cause.

The first thing a trained, certified, professional company will do when on site is to identify all affected materials and the source of any odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

This entire process is very detailed, and hiring a professional that can be trusted to do the job right is imperative.

Green Means Clean With SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo For A "Green" Clean!

GREEN MEANS CLEAN
SERVPRO® Industries, Inc. is a member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative. As a member company, SERVPRO® can access the listing known formally as Clean Gredients. The EPA/DFE has established a set of criteria for formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products. With the assistance of larger chemical companies the EPA/DFE has put together a listing of safe cleaning components that can be used in Green cleaning formulations.

From the listing a formulation can be derived that incorporates “green” chemistry. The initiative is designed to allow chemical formulators a resource to formulate environmentally friendly cleaning products using environmentally friendly raw materials. We have formulated three Green Cleaning Products that allow us to finish any cleaning project in an environmentally sound way.


Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251 is a product designed for cleaning both carpet and upholstery. It is truly a “one product does all” in that it can be used as a spotter, pre-spray, in-line cleaner for both truck mount and portable equipment, and in low-moisture bonnet cleaning. The product is pH neutral, biodegradable, contains no phosphates, solvents, dyes or fragrances.


All Surface Green Clean #250 is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) compliant and rapidly bio-degradable. The product is designed as a one product cleans all for surfaces that can be wiped or mopped. It can safely be used on walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc. The exclusive formulation contains both ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are naturally derived and provide excellent multi-functional cleaning.


Window Green Clean #249 is an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional glass cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, VOC-compliant and rapidly biodegradable. The product comes ready to use and is formulated with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.


Two areas the EPA/DFE does not address that are common in our restoration tasks are disinfectants and deodorizers. Disinfectants are “kill” agents and not considered green per the EPA/DFE. The EPA does though classify disinfectants by the overall toxicity. The lowest toxicity disinfectants get a rating of category 3. SERVPRO® provides Sporicidin® as a low toxicity disinfectant and it carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating of category 3. Therefore in the course of Green Cleaning it is recommended Sporicidin® be used for your disinfecting requirements.

The final area is Deodorization and the problem is the fragrances used in these products can cause reactions with certain individuals. The EPA/DFE does not currently have “Green” fragrances listed. SERVPRO® provides air scrubbers with activated charcoal to serve as a “Green” method of deodorization. This method will scrub the odor particles from the air and trap them in the activated charcoal filter.

Water Damage in Southwest Toledo: What To Do First

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

When you have a water damage in your home or business, you need to know what to do NOW. The difference in waiting just a few hours can mean hundreds, even thousands of dollars worth on additional damage.

The Five Things You Should Do NOW

1. Find And Stop The Source. If fresh water plumbing is involved turn off the valve to the fixture that is leaking. If there is no cut-off valve or you cannot locate the break, then turn off the main water supply valve to the house.

2. If the water source was clean, remove as much standing water as possible. Use a wet/dry vac if you have one never a household vacuum. Use clean, white towels, linens, blankets, to contain the water and prevent it from entering unaffected areas. Do not attempt this if the water is contaminated such as sewer water, leave this to SERVPRO of Sylvania/West Toledo.

3. Remove all items that may be damaged by water and place them in an unaffected area. Move light furniture to an unaffected area. Place aluminum foil, blocks or plastic under the legs of furniture. Wipe any water from the legs.

4. In warmer months, turn on air conditioner no lower than 72 degrees. Open drawers on any wet furniture and remove contents and spread out to dry. 

5. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo to do a dry out your structure. Don’t wait. SERVPRO professionals understand the critical nature of a water damage and respond quickly, even after business hours and on weekends.

Blizzard in Toledo Ohio: 40 years Later

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Blizzard of 1978 Toledo Ohio

This January 26th - January 27th 2018 will make the 40th anniversary of the blizzard of 1978. This Storm has been referred to by some as "White Hurricane". The blizzard was the worst in Ohio history; 51 people died as a result of the storm. Over 5,000 members of the Ohio National Guard were called in to make numerous rescues. Police asked citizens who had four-wheel-drive vehicles or snowmobiles to transport doctors to the hospital. From January 26 to 27, the entire Ohio Turnpike was shut down for the first time ever.The total effect on transportation in Ohio was described by Major General James C. Clem of the Ohio National Guard as comparable to a "Nuclear Attack". Forty years later the "Great Blizzard Of 1978" is remembered by many as the time when the city of Toledo came together and took care of our neighbors. We checked on the elderly, made sure they had food and heat.  Through all of the devastation, this city came together! These are the memories some of us have from the "Great Blizzard of "78" . 

Unexpected water?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

When Water Shows Up!

We never expect to come home to a swimming pool in our basement, or a pond where our den used to be. Unfortunately a water damage can happen at any time. Whether from natural disasters, leaking roofs, frozen pipes, sewage backups, or flooding, water damage is a serious concern and a major threat to your commercial property.

Understanding the source of the water is essential for proper cleanup, as clean water from a broken pipe or a leaking roof during a rainstorm will be treated differently than floodwaters and sewage backups. Always protect your health, and let the commercial water damage experts at SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo handle the cleanup and restoration of your property. SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo Is an IICRC certified Franchise with the resources and knowledge to get the job done right. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.   

How quickly cleanup begins will greatly affect the size of the loss by reducing the possibility of secondary damage. We understand the importance of preventing or mitigating mold growth after water damage in your commercial property. Mold growth can begin 24-48 hours after water damage, and starting extraction and drying as soon as possible after water damage is your best line of defense against mold.

With over 36 year of experience in the Toledo, Ohio area we understand the importance of properly removing the water and how to correctly approach the structural drying of the building. This is critical after a water damage and will prevent any long-term problems some experience after attempting water damage cleanup themselves.

For all your Remediation and Mitigation needs

Turn to the team you can trust!

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo Today

(419) 385-9245

Toledo Crime Scene Cleanup

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, the chances of a violent crime happening in your home or in your place of business is very real in the world we live today.  Though it is a grim reality, the violent crime rate in Toledo, Ohio is well above the National average. With that being said, there are a few questions that you may have like, who is responsible for the cleanup? Am I liable for improper cleanup? Will this be covered by my insurance?  When it comes to Crime scene cleanup in Toledo, Ohio let the experts at SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo help answer those questions for you.

In Most cases the responsibility for dealing with the mess left behind falls to the property owner, and it is a significant one.  Personal restoration efforts can lead to an array of new troubles, including unpleasant odors and insect or rodent infestations. Worse, it can expose anyone who visits the space to a variety of communicable diseases. Property owners might even find themselves held liable if someone's health is compromised as a result of an improper cleaning.

     If you are confronted with the chore of cleaning up the site of a crime or trauma, rely on SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo for expert biohazard cleanup and restoration services. We recognize that this is a difficult situation. We will respond quickly and treat both you and your property with respect and courtesy. Our highly trained technicians have the knowledge, skills and equipment needed to get the job done right. Our technicians follow a safely Federal, State and local Guidelines eliminate the dangers posed by blood and other biohazards with our meticulous sanitization procedures. Our expertise also allows us to salvage items and materials that might otherwise have to be replaced, a benefit that has the potential to reduce the costs associated with restoring your property substantially. 
 

    Offering emergency Biohazard cleanup 24 hours a day, SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo is always there for you. Our team of professionals will work diligently to clean, sanitize and deodorize your property, restoring safety 

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo

(419)385-9245

Water damage in a Commercial Building

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

A water damage may affect your Toledo commercial property at any time and without notice. The effects of water damage can be devastating. When the initial shock wears off the property owner is left with having to cleanup the water damage and reopen their business as soon as possible.

Would you know what to do or how to handle a disaster situation at your commercial property?  What is your plan? Where would you start? Who would you call?

Did you know a little preparation for a water damage emergency and a plan of action in the event it ever happens can significantly reduce property damage and will help to get you back to business as soon as possible?

Large-scale losses can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines. Know where your emergency emergency shut offs are located, and have a contingency plan in place in case you are not available. Create an emergency plan with directions for what to do in an emergency as well as a list of phone numbers of approved companies to call in an emergency situation. Make sure someone you can trust has the authorization to make decisions if you are unavailable.

It is a good idea to contact a water restoration company such a SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo. Not only do we have the knowledge and the resources to handle any size disaster but we also have the capability to help you put together an “Emergency Ready Plan” Before disaster strikes. This “ERP” is not meant to replace any emergency plan that you may already have in place but it will help you to compile all of your emergency contact information and show you how to get your business on the road to recovery. Most Plans focus on how to get you out of a commercial property in case of a disaster, but with the SERVPRO “ERP” we focus on how to get back in.

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo and Schedule an appointment today.

(419)-385-9245

American Red Cross And SERVPRO®

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Southwest Toledo at The Red Cross Open House

When people think of disasters and disaster relief the first thing that comes to mind is the American Red Cross.

SERVPRO is and has been a national sponsor of the American Red Cross and their Ready Rating Program since March of 2013. The ready rating program is free and is web-based. It is designed to help businesses, organizations, and schools become better prepared in case of an emergency

In January 2016, SERVPRO renewed its commitment to the American Red Cross. The strategy is now focusing more on their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign by supporting Disaster Responders. 

The goal of this campaign is to reduce home fire deaths and injuries across the country. Our support of Disaster Responders enables them to assist affected families quickly by providing trained volunteers, supplies, emergency response vehicles, and resources to transform community sites into shelters.

On the local level, SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo is always looking for ways to support the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio. We make it our mission to ensure that our local families and community is prepared for disasters...especially home fires. Our goal is to build awareness and help them learn about what steps families can take to be prepared in their own homes.

What to expect when your not expecting.

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

When a water loss occurs, the single most critical factor in defining the amount of potential damage is the amount of time the structure remains abnormally wet. It is for this reason that the most critical course of action in the restorative drying process is how quickly the damage is responded to. This is the time to call in your local SERVPRO professionals.

The goal of the restoration process is to bring an abnormally wet and potentially damaged structure back to its preloss condition in the most economical and efficient manner as possible.

In the beginning of the process your SERVPRO professional must identify all affected materials. Next comes documenting what type of materials are affected. Affected Materials are then evaluated against three criteria to determine if they should be restored or replaced.

  Things are taken into account are:

 Degree of contamination

 Damage to item

 Cost of restoration verses cost of replacement.

Once material has been identified and the SERVPRO professional has decided what needs to be dried and what needs to be replaced’ they will then measure the Temperature/ Humidity for drying analysis.

 Our next step is to remove as much water as possible from the affected area.

 Furniture will be moved and blocked as necessary. It may be necessary to remove carpet pad to protect the subfloor and speed the drying process.

 The carpet will be checked for restorability, delamination and mold growth.

 Sometimes it is also necessary to include the application of a EPA- registered disinfectant.

Drying equipment such as commercial dehumidifiers and commercial air movers may be used to dry the property. The purpose of the equipment is to remove excess moisture and bring the relative humidity levels back down to normal.

The equipment is then left running for approximately three days until all affected material left in the home are at or below a goal level set by your IICRC certified SERVPRO professional.

Throughout the drying process you can expect the Technician to visit the home daily to monitor the progress of the material and to adjust equipment as necessary.

Once the SERVPRO professional has deemed the structure dry, the process of putting the home back together is now ready to begin. Soon your home will be back to normal.

What Does Mold Need To Grow?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is literally everywhere. Mold is outdoors, indoors, in the air we breath and on surfaces we touch everyday. 

According to Michael Pugliese, author of "The Homeowners Guide to Mold" , there are three main necessities that mold spores need to grow and thrive:

Moisture

Mold spores need moist or damp areas to grow and reproduce. Area such as kitchens, laundry rooms and Bathrooms. Basements are also a very common place to find mold growing in your home. 

Food

Mold spores need food – Mold loves porous Materials. Building materials such as drywall, wood carpet and furniture. Mold loves organic matter.

Optimum Temperatures

Mold spores thrive in temperatures 32 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures from about 70 - 90.  Although Mold does not die in temperatures below 32 Fahrenheit, but it will lay dormant until temperatures rise to support growth. 

Source: Pugliese, Michael. “The Homeowner’s Guide to Mold.” 4-5.

Not All Mold Is "Black Mold"

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Quite often our office receives calls from customers concerned about "black Mold". Unfortunately, due to media attention years ago many people still believe that all mold is "black mold" or "toxic black bold". The terms  "black mold" and "toxic black Mold" are not scientific terms. These terms were used by the Media , typicality to refer to Stachybotrys molds. The first thing that people need to understand is that Mold is everywhere. There are over 100,000 types of mold. All homes and building in general contain mold. Mold is everywhere, it is in the air outside, the trees and even the ground we walk on. With that being said, you may find yourself asking what should you do if you find an overgrowth of mold in a concentrated area in your home? That is where we here at SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo can come in and help you figure that out. Our trained professionals will do a complete visual inspection and come up with a remediation plan that best suits your particular situation. Call us today!

(419) 385-9245

Mold Removal or Mold Remediation?

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Removal or Remediation?

Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hour Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all molds from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all molds, 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 on a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed towater. 

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.

The Wonderful World Of Weather Lore

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Let's face it if you follow the weather in any way at all we know that it is not an exact science. Yes there are satellites to observe cloud patterns around the world, and radars are used to measure precipitation. All of this data is then plugged into super computers, which is how they come up with an educated guess.They do not control the weather. So how do we know if we are in for a mild winter or a winter filled with snow storm and cold temperatures? My Papaw always said to look to Nature, It would tell you all you need to know. Living on a farm in the Midwest he would often say a severe winter had many tell tell signs. A simple sign like an over abundance of acorns was natures way of preparing Gods creatures for a rough winter. If there weren't many acorn then winter would be mild. He also said "onion skins very thin, mild winters coming in; onion skins thick and tough, coming winter is gonna be rough." I am not sure who is more accurate the weatherman or my Papaw, but the  acorns were abundant and my onions in the garden this year were tough. My Papaw would be happy that my snow boots and snow shovel are ready! 

What To Do When The Storm Subsides

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

2017 has had no shortage of severe weather hit around the globe. We have seen major Hurricanes such , Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria.  The Atlantic  alone has had 17 Named storms so far in 2017!

On top of the major named storms we have had sever thunderstorms, heavy rains and we are just barely into the winter season!

So what steps should you do after the storm is gone and you are left with damage to your home?

There are steps that you should be aware of, steps to make the process smother and less Complicated.

1. Take the proper safety precautions! If your property is heavily damaged contact a reputable restoration company such as SERVPRO of Southwest Toledo to secure your property.

2. Contact your insurance company.

3.  Photograph damage, if it safe for you to do so. This is important to be sure you have an accurate record to give to your insurance company.

4. If the damage is from a storm such as a hurricane, look into Federal Disaster Assistance.The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to normal. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

Spring Floods

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

Spring Floods

Spring is here and with that comes the rain. Sometimes more rain than what our storm sewers can handle.  Rivers and streams rise above their natural boundaries causing the water to overflow. Flooding occurs and as the water travels across the ground it picks up all kinds of contaminates such as soil bacteria, decaying insects, animal droppings, fertilizers from fields, oil and roadway debris, and the list goes on. It is for this reason that even after the flood waters recede, what is left behind poses a host of health issues. Therefore it is very important that when cleaning up after flood it is imperative that certain precautions should be taken.

First on the list is to assess the situation before entering a building. Water and electrical don’t tend to mix very well. It is best to make sure the power is shut off.   

Call in a professional who has been IICRC certified such as SERVPRO®. SERVPRO® is a professional water damage restoration company that has highly trained, certified technicians, specialized cleaners and antimicrobial agents to makes sure your home or building is properly disinfected. We have the extraction equipment to remove the water and the drying/dehumidification equipment to make sure the building is drying out in a timely manner. Certified restorers have the knowledge to test the materials and apply the restoration techniques required to return the structure and salvageable items back to their pre loss condition.

Ohio's Severe Weather Awareness Wek

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

n a coordinated effort with the Ohio Commission for Severe Weather Awareness (ACSWA), Governor John R Kasich proclaimed March 20-26 as Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.

On the Morning of Wednesday March 23^rd Outdoor warning s sirens could be heard across Ohio. The outdoor warning sirens could be heard statewide at 9:50am and were active for more than one minute as part of a state -wide test to signal the start of Severe Weather Week and to remind Ohio residents to do their part to stay safe.

Lucas County alone has 131 outdoor warning sirens all of which were found to be functioning properly.

 Schools, businesses, and households are encouraged that we take the time to prepare, practice their Tornado drills and emergency plans.

During a Tornado drill or actual tornado warnings, remember to Duck!

D-Go” DOWN” to the lowest level

U- Get “UNDER” something such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk.

C-Be sure to “COVER” your Head

K-“KEEP” in shelter until storm has passed.

IICRC States why professionals should clean smoke damage from a fire

3/10/2016 (Permalink)

Let the professionals handle the clean up.

3/10/2016

Recenty I was reading an article written on the IICRC web site. I found it very informative. The Institute of Cleaning, Restoration Certification( IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonproft organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC serves serves the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade asscoiations.

Why Professionals Should Clean Smoke Damage From A Fire 

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building will never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.

While fire is always the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors. Professionals that clean fire and smoke damage can stop this before it becomes a major problem, assuming they are contacted soon enough. There are many companies out there that advertise their ability to restore areas affected by fire, but only those with proper training and certification should be considered. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the main oversight agency in this industry. The IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework before earning their certification. This is a symbol of excellence, and those that uphold the standards that have been set can be contacted through the IICRC.

These professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but they must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. The first thing that ash does to the home is discolor most surfaces. Anything that is made of plastic or was close to the fire will start discoloring within minutes, and within several hours, fiberglass and finishes on appliances will begin to yellow. Metals may also tarnish. After a few days pass, the ash will cause walls to discolor permanently, along with clothing and upholstery. Wood and vinyl will need to be refinished or replaced, and metal will start corroding.

If a professional isn’t hired to clean smoke and fire damage, the costs for restoration will skyrocket after a few weeks. Metals may need to be replaced, carpet will permanently discolor and glass may be severely etched, which will necessitate replacement. It will also become apparent that the odors caused by the disaster may still be present and intense enough to be distracting. Because ash is acidic, the longer it takes to hire experts, the more destruction it will cause.

The first thing a trained, certified, professional company will do when on site is to identify all affected materials and the source of any odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

This entire process is very detailed, and hiring a professional that can be trusted to do the job right is imperative.

Green means Clean

2/29/2016 (Permalink)

Green Means Clean

GREEN MEANS CLEAN
SERVPRO® Industries, Inc. is a member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative. As a member company, SERVPRO® can access the listing known formally as CleanGredients. The EPA/DFE has established a set of criteria for formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products. With the assistance of larger chemical companies the EPA/DFE has put together a listing of safe cleaning components that can be used in Green cleaning formulations.

From the listing a formulation can be derived that incorporates “green” chemistry. The initiative is designed to allow chemical formulators a resource to formulate environmentally friendly cleaning products using environmentally friendly raw materials. We have formulated three Green Cleaning Products that allow us to finish any cleaning project in an environmentally sound way.


Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251 is a product designed for cleaning both carpet and upholstery. It is truly a “one product does all” in that it can be used as a spotter, pre-spray, in-line cleaner for both truck mount and portable equipment, and in low-moisture bonnet cleaning. The product is pH neutral, biodegradable, contains no phosphates, solvents, dyes or fragrances.

All Surface Green Clean #250 is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) compliant and rapidly bio-degradable. The product is designed as a one product cleans all for surfaces that can be wiped or mopped. It can safely be used on walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc. The exclusive formulation contains both ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are naturally derived and provide excellent multi-functional cleaning.


Window Green Clean #249 is an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional glass cleaner. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, VOC-compliant and rapidly biodegradable. The product comes ready to use and is formulated with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.

Two areas the EPA/DFE does not address that are common in our restoration tasks are disinfectants and deodorizers. Disinfectants are “kill” agents and not considered green per the EPA/DFE. The EPA does though classify disinfectants by the overall toxicity. The lowest toxicity disinfectants get a rating of category 3. SERVPRO® provides Sporicidin® as a low toxicity disinfectant and it carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating of category 3. Therefore in the course of Green Cleaning it is recommended Sporicidin® be used for your disinfecting requirements.

The final area is deodorization and the problem is the fragrances used in these products can cause reactions with certain individuals. The EPA/DFE does not currently have “Green” fragrances listed. SERVPRO® provides air scrubbers with activated charcoal to serve as a “Green” method of deodorization. This method will scrub the odor particles from the air and trap them in the activated charcoal filter.

Heating Fire Safety Tips

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

1/26/2016

       There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening. Like They say " An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure"!

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

• Test smoke alarms monthly.