What can SERVPRO do for you if you have water damage?

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

As a property owner, it might seem cheaper to handle water damage issues yourself than hire a professional. After all, it just requires getting rid of the water, right? But water damage restoration involves much more, and hiring a water removal company can save you a lot of money in the long run.

The team at SERVPRO of North Kenner Harahan & Lakeview, a full-service water damage restoration company in the Greater New Orleans area, has outlined the following benefits of hiring a restoration specialist instead of going the DIY route when dealing with water damage:

1. Quick reaction and restoration

Water damage incidents can leave you disoriented. You'll need time to get yourself back and ensure everyone is safe before getting on with the restoration. Unfortunately, the effects of the water on your property only get worse every minute you wait. Quick restoration is necessary, and a water removal professional can help you achieve that.

After receiving your initial call, most water damage restoration specialists will respond within 2 to 4 hours to assist in containing the damage and halting its progression.

These professionals also have specialized tools and extensive experience, so the restoration process will be faster than if you do it yourself.

2. Access to Professional-Grade Tools

Water damage restoration professionals use various cutting-edge tools to ensure that all extra water has been removed from a property.

Shop vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers are part of the sophisticated drying tools a reputable restoration company would have.

Air movers enhance evaporation, which aids in the drying process, and can reduce indoor humidity to a manageable level. On the other hand, dehumidifiers are used to eliminate water from the air, building materials, and belongings.

You most likely don't have any of these tools to do the job effectively, and buying them would cost you more than hiring a professional.

3. Identifying water leak sources

Sometimes it can be challenging to locate the source of water damage yourself. People often neglect the possibility of multiple causes for water leaks and just address the most obvious ones. However, this can be dangerous, as concealed sources of minor leaks through a wall or ceiling can cause massive damage to your property's structure.

Water removal professionals like SERVPRO of North Kenner, have modern tools to find water damage before it's too late. Their knowledge can be pretty helpful in swiftly locating the origins of water leaks and fixing them to protect your property.

4. Attention to detail

Water damage restoration requires attention to detail to ensure every drop of water has been dried up. This is often not the case if you go the DIY route. You may not have the patience to do the job as meticulously as a professional would, and even if you do, you may not know whether there's still moisture soaked into the structures.

On the other hand, water removal professionals are trained and certified and would give the job the attention it needs. They are also experienced in finding and eliminating any moisture on the property.

Get Professional water damage restoration services in the Greater New Orleans area!

SERVPRO® of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview offers professional water damage restoration to residents and businesses in the Greater New Orleans area. Their team is equipped with the knowledge and modern tools required to complete the restoration swiftly and effectively.

They don't just clean and move on. They handle every part of the restoration with great care to ensure no moisture is left behind. The team can also help with mold remediation and insurance claims.

Call SERVPRO of Metairie at (504) 496-0193 to learn more about their restoration services.

Being prepared on what to do after the storm.

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Being prepared on what to do and expect after the storm has passed can be just as important as what you do before the storm gets here.  Here are a few important things to consider when making a storm plan.  Being prepared just post-storm is just as crucial as pre-storm.

When storms send floodwater into your home, you don't always know what to do. When is it safe to return to your house? Can you start the cleanup on your own? How you handle a flood will depend on the severity of the damage. It can be helpful to call about storm damage services right after the storm has left your area. You should also try to avoid doing the following:

1. Walking Into Standing Water

Did you know that 6 inches of moving water can cause you to lose your footing? Because even shallow waters can be dangerous, you should avoid walking into any standing water. Your flooded home may be full of stagnant water, but you should avoid going into it. If the electricity is on, the water could be charged. Stormwater could contain dangerous contaminants, too.

2. Waiting To Schedule a Cleanup

Do you want to try to tackle the water damage on your own? Unless you know how to effectively remove flooding and humidity from your house, you should turn to a professional. The sooner you can schedule your cleanup, the better it will be for your home. If you wait too long, you may have increased mold growth in your space.

3. Returning to Your Home Too Soon

While you want your life to return to normal, you need to make sure the flood water is completely gone before you return. Going home too soon can make it harder for the cleanup crew to properly remove excess humidity. The cleanup may require building materials to be replaced, which can leave your home dusty. If you wait until the entire process is finished, you can return to a more normal life right when you move back in.

Storm flood water may cause you to leave your home until the damage can be fixed. Taking the wrong steps after this type of flood can make the restoration process harder than it has to be, so remember what not to do.  You can find more detailed information from Ready.gov.

Damage Mitigation at your Greater New Orleans business!

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Avoiding the stress of a flood within your Greater New Orleans business is easier when you have SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview on speed dial. Storms and man-made floods can happen day or night and can infiltrate your commercial space. We are available 24/7 to tackle flood restoration so that your business never misses a beat.

Why call SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview for commercial water damage? There are a few main reasons:

• We have the most advanced tools and industrial-grade equipment for water cleanup and restoration
• The team has many years of training and experience in emergency services water damage cleanup
• Each technician has completed IICRC Certification

With one phone call, we can be at your business and ready to work within hours. Our team of experts works thoroughly and quickly, ensuring that no water remains within your commercial property after the loss. We remove all debris and work on complete cleanup of your building, focusing on restoring any contents that may come in contact with contaminated floodwater. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview are available 24/7 to assist with flood extraction and restoration. 

Can Mold Really Damage My Business?

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

How does mold get in?  It gets in very easily.  It can float through the air right through a door or window, as well as attach itself to clothing or other things that are traveling around.  Once the mold is established, it will continue to release spores into the air so that it can spread (insert horror movie music here) all through the building.

SERVPRO understands how mold can affect your business and the importance of stopping and preventing it.  Mold is a type of fungi (it’s not a mushroom) that is found outside as well as indoors.  Mold can be found in multiple colors, but the most common are black and green.

Depending on the type of business that the mold finds itself in, it will always find something to do.  The best case scenario, if you have mold, is that it might put off a “musty” (you’ll know it when it happens) odor that spreads throughout the building.  On the other end is allowing the mold to get to the point where it starts damaging the structure.  Imagine the inside of your office walls covered with so much mold that they can’t be repaired and have to be completely destroyed.  If you are in the food production business, mold can be your worst nightmare.  It can contaminate the food in your coolers as well as dry storage, not to mention the list of boxes that the Health Department just checked off on your business (not a good thing).

Tips On How To Prevent Home/Office Fires

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to think about their home or office catching on fire.  Sometimes these things happen and they are totally out of our control, but there are a lot of things that we can do to help prevent them.

FEMA’s records show that just over half (50.2%) of residential fires are caused by cooking-related accidents.  The next three biggest reasons are Heating (9.3%), Electrical Malfunction (6.8%), and Intentional (4.5%). 

Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent a house fire and protect your family.

1.  Pay attention when cooking.  If you need to step out of the room, ask someone to watch the food until you get back, or turn off the stove and stop cooking.

2.  Test your smoke alarms regularly. 

3.  Check the dryers’ airflow.  Pull the lint trap and clean it every time you dry a load of clothes.

4.  Be careful with power cords and strips.  Attaching too many appliances to one power strip can draw more power than the cord is able to handle.  This can cause it to heat up and potentially catch on fire.

5.  Store flammable products away from heat sources.

6.  Place fire extinguishers in key locations around your house.  Make sure that everyone in the home knows how to properly use them.

If you need help after a fire, SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview is here to help.  We can replace the damaged areas, check your electrical system for any potential issues, and can even help you get that smoke smell out of your home.  Contact us right away to see what we can do for you!

What is an ERP and How Can It Save Your Business?

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

6/27/2022

After a major disaster, businesses suffer a variety of interruptions like:

• financial and emotional stress
• production downtime
• sullied reputation
• a plethora of other strains.

In the time period following a trauma like a fire, flood, pipe break, or another form of disaster like a natural disaster, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan, & Lakeview, we regularly see local companies go through this and want business owners to know we are here to help after a commercial disaster. Part of that help comes through an emergency readiness checklist and disaster plan.

Creating a disaster readiness plan for your business can save you thousands on your bottom line, and can save your business, entirely. And the planning process does not have to be overwhelming when placed on top of all other responsibilities. SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan, & Lakeview is here to help take the weight off your shoulders by developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your company. Knowing you are, "Ready for whatever happens," will give you, your clients, and your employees confidence if or when your business is affected by a disaster.

We Generate A Plan For You

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

Why An ERP?

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but will save a lot of time if ever needed.

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

• Professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan, & Lakeview are established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider!
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for emergency response.

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can start cleaning up the damage, so you can reopen your business as soon as possible.

• Specific Facility Details of your business such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
  You will have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call in case of an emergency so that you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Contact SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

What is an ERP and How Can It Save Your Business?

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

6/27/2022

After a major disaster, businesses suffer a variety of interruptions like:

• financial and emotional stress
• production downtime
• sullied reputation
• a plethora of other strains.

In the time period following a trauma like a fire, flood, pipe break, or another form of disaster like a natural disaster, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan, & Lakeview, we regularly see local companies go through this and want business owners to know we are here to help after a commercial disaster. Part of that help comes through an emergency readiness checklist and disaster plan.

Creating a disaster readiness plan for your business can save you thousands on your bottom line, and can save your business, entirely. And the planning process does not have to be overwhelming when placed on top of all other responsibilities. SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan, & Lakeview is here to help take the weight off your shoulders by developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your company. Knowing you are, "Ready for whatever happens," will give you, your clients, and your employees confidence if or when your business is affected by a disaster.

We Generate A Plan For You

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

Why An ERP?

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but will save a lot of time if ever needed.

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

• Professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan, & Lakeview are established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider!
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for emergency response.

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can start cleaning up the damage, so you can reopen your business as soon as possible.

• Specific Facility Details of your business such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
  You will have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call in case of an emergency so that you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Contact SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

The Most Common Causes for Water Damage!

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO at Heritage Plaza

Everyone left the office on Friday ready for the weekend ahead.  The lights were turned off, the air conditioner adjusted and all of the doors were locked.  Everything was safe, right?  Things were going pretty well until the water line that was attached to the commercial coffee maker came off and flooded the office.  Most of the damage happened on the 9th floor of the building, but some of the water was able to drip through to some of the lower floors and cause damage.

SERVPRO arrived first thing Monday morning to assess the situation to see what needed to be done.  After checking all of the floors for water damage and unloading equipment, the crew began to start drying the floor.

This is one example of something unexpected that can damage your home or business.  We can always prepare for the things that we know about, but we also need to focus on the other stuff as well.  Here are a few things that you can do to lower the chances of incurring water damage.

Sprinkler System Maintenance

Fire suppression systems are extremely important in any kind of building.  When they work correctly, they can save a structure from becoming a total loss.  You don’t want them going off by accident and you definitely don’t want them to not work when a fire is detected.  Building/Property owners should have them inspected yearly to make sure that they are clean and prepared to work when they are needed.

Roof Damage

Keeping your roof repaired seems pretty obvious.  Don’t wait until you see a leak to start checking things out.  You should have your roof/attic area inspected every few years to make sure that there is no damage or weak areas.  You should always have your roof inspected after a major wind event.  If the weather was bad enough to knock shingles off a roof (yours or otherwise), you should have someone do a quick inspection for safety.  It doesn’t take long for a little roof leak to become a big one.  

Plumbing Maintenance

You should always make sure that the plumbing that you can and can’t see is functioning properly.  We can all see a leaking faucet, but what about the pipe in the wall that has slowly been leaking?  It won’t take much time before that leak leads to wall and flooring damage.  Having a plumber give these areas a quick inspection can lead to a lot of savings in the future.

Feel free to call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview with any of your plumbing or preventative needs!

What To Do When You Return Home With Water Damage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

When storms send floodwater into your home, you don't always know what to do. When is it safe to return to your house? Can you start the cleanup on your own? How you handle a flood will depend on the severity of the damage. It can be helpful to call about storm damage services right after the storm has left your area. You should also try to avoid doing the following:

1. Walking Into Standing Water

Did you know that 6 inches of moving water can cause you to lose your footing? Because even shallow waters can be dangerous, you should avoid walking into any standing water. Your flooded home may be full of stagnant water, but you should still avoid going into it. If the electricity is on, the water could be charged. Stormwater could contain dangerous contaminants, too.

2. Waiting To Schedule a Cleanup

Do you want to try to tackle the water damage on your own? Unless you know how to effectively remove flooding and humidity from your house, you should turn to a professional. The sooner you can schedule your cleanup, the better it will be for your home. If you wait too long, you may have increased mold growth in your space.

3. Returning to Your Home Too Soon

While you want your life to return to normal, you need to make sure the flood water is completely gone before you return. Going home too soon can make it harder for the cleanup crew to properly remove excess humidity. The cleanup may require building materials to be replaced, which can leave your home dusty. If you wait until the entire process is finished, you can return to a more normal life right when you move back in.

Storm flood water may cause you to leave your home until the damage can be fixed. Taking the wrong steps after this type of flood can make the restoration process harder than it has to be, so remember what not to do.  You can find more detailed information from Ready.gov.

Safer Alternatives to Candles!

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

With the holidays right around the corner, candles are a great way to light up, decorate, and make your home smell like fresh leaves, Fall, or sitting by the campfire. However, According to the NFPA, from 2014-2018, there were an estimated 7,610 house fires that were started by candles per year that caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in property damage. Save your Metairie home, and use these candle alternatives instead!

Flame-less candles

For those who just want the aesthetic of a candle and no scent, flame-less candles are a great option! They are typically battery-operated and give the same flame-like feature as real candles. 

Wax warmer

Wax warmers are a great alternative because you can get that amazing scent that comes from real candles without the hazard. Warmers are typically either battery or outlet operated to melt the wax.

Diffuser

Calling all of our essential oil fans, this one is for you! With hundreds of combinations to try, diffusers are a great option for the whole house. 

Fairy lights 

Although they have no scent, fairy lights are a great way to light up and make a room feel cozy! Most fairy lights also come in with a standard plug or are battery operated. 

Stick diffusers

The most low maintenance option is a stick diffuser. Put your scent in the vase and let the sticks do the work. 

Room spray 

Another great option with endless scents is a room spray. You can buy pre-made ones, or make your own for that signature scent for your home!

If you still plan to opt for a candle, be sure to trim the wick before each use to minimize sparking, place the candle where it can’t fall or be knocked over, and always blow out the candle anytime you leave the room or plan to leave the home.