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SERVPRO® Makes Insurance Claims Simple | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
When faced with a disaster, your immediate reaction will most likely focus on keeping your family safe, as it should. Fires, floods and storms can cause chaos and can be really dangerous, so keeping safe should always be your top priority.
However, even if you get your family to safety, that doesn’t mean that the situation is over and done with. You could very well be dealing with a large amount of damage or a situation that severely impacts your ability to live in your home for the time being.
That’s where SERVPRO of Reno Southwest comes into play! Our team will not only help you recover faster, but we will also work alongside you to help you navigate the world of insurance claims.
Starting on the Path to RecoveryNo matter what type of disaster you are faced with, your home or business could be severely damaged. Try to stay calm and keep your family or employees safe while you help everyone get outside or to a pre-determined meeting location.
Once everyone has been deemed safe and no emergency medical services are needed, it is important to start your recovery right away. The longer you wait, the higher the risk that your home will suffer from compounding damage from lingering moisture or structural integrity problems.
Get us on the phone right away and then start taking photos of the damage you see while you wait for us to arrive. Documenting the situation as soon as it happens will ensure that your insurance company gets the most complete picture of what happened. You should also see if there is anything small you can do while you wait, like turning off water valves or opening windows for proper ventilation.
The Final RestorationOur team is fully equipped to handle every aspect of your recovery. We will first focus on securing your home from further damage by boarding up windows, securing tarps and pulling possessions from vulnerable areas. We are proud to be highly trained in every restoration technique needed, but we are also highly trained when it comes to navigating insurance claims.
Our team will focus on putting together a complete list of your losses while also making sure we are meeting insurance inspection standards along the way. It is our goal to make sure your agent has everything he or she needs to process your claim the way it should be. We will also make sure to include the images you took along with some professional shots that we took as well.
Your home or business is in good hands when you work with SERVPRO of Reno Southwest. Our team will take care of your restoration as well as your insurance claim so you can make a full recovery.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Preventing Flood Damage by Preparing | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
Sometimes it is necessary to take life back to the basics, especially when you need to get a task done right the first time. Teaching your child a new math problem, fixing a faulty appliance or tackling an issue at work can all be easier if you go back to the beginning and start with what you know.
The same holds true for home disasters and planning for severe weather. While we may have all the latest apps and gadgets in our homes, the basic tasks that you should be doing every season have a major impact on how your home is affected during a serious flood or water emergency.
Floods are one of the most common reasons for home damage, which is why it is crucial to prepare for severe weather ahead of time.
Knowing Our Flood ZonesWe often associate floods with Mother Nature, but that is not always the reason you wind up with water in your basement. Busted pipes, leaking appliances or other manmade disasters can be just as destructive as heavy rain.
Thankfully, manmade situations are often easier to recover from because they can be controlled in a more reliable manner. Floods that come from heavy rain or roof leaks are usually more destructive because we all know that we can’t control the weather!
We are thankful to live so close to the Truckee River, but its close proximity is what increases the risk of flooding for the homes, businesses and properties around it. Understanding your personal flooding risk can help you prepare for and prevent flooding situations from overwhelming your home.
Even if your property is not necessarily in a designated flood zone, it is crucial that you understand what happens to your yard when it rains. If you live in a low-lying area or have low spots around your property, taking preventive measures around your home can help immensely. Simple things like adding extra length to your downspouts can help move water farther away from your home, and adding a rain garden can help encourage water to move into a more productive part of your yard.
If your property has heavy tree coverage, investing in gutter covers can help keep yard debris out of your gutter system. You should also be getting up onto your roof after every storm to check for damage or missing shingles. Every basic task you do could end up having a profoundly positive impact on your home to prevent flooding emergencies.
Preparing to PreventKnowing about your flood risk is one thing, but taking action to prevent floods is crucial. Taking permanent steps to protect your home can help you stay dry no matter what conditions come our way.
Consider having your property evaluated for drainage and having it professionally graded to help keep the water away from your foundation. If you have a part of your yard that slopes toward your house, you can also add absorbing landscaping materials like mulch around your foundation to soak up any excess water.
Inside your home, check your windows and doors seasonally for any signs of wear and tear. Resealing windows or leaky door jambs can help your home stay moisture free. If you have a sump pump, be sure it is inspected regularly so you can rest easy knowing that it will work when you need it most.
Good things happen when you take life back to the basics. Incorporate these tasks into your spring weather preparations, but remember to call us if you do wind up suffering from any sort of home damage when the rain comes pouring in.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
Skip the Stink—Call Us Instead | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
If you had to list the top homeowner disasters that you want to avoid at all costs, we would bet that suffering a sewage leak would make that list in some capacity. We totally get it, we wouldn’t want that to happen in our own homes either.
Unfortunately, sewage leaks are a common occurrence for homeowners regardless of the age of their houses, so it might very well happen to you at some point in your life. We explain a few simple steps to follow below to help you stay in control and recover faster from the stinky mess.
Addressing the LeakIf you suffer a sewage leak or backup, chances are that you will notice almost instantly due to the smell. Follow your nose to track down the source. Check your sinks, tubs and toilets for a sewage backup or follow any wastewater lines to check for leaks along the seams.
Once you discover the source, do your best to stay out of the water. Sewage is considered toxic and falls into the most dangerous category of water called black water. It could be harboring dangerous or even deadly viruses, bacteria or microbes, which means you should avoid contact with it entirely.
If you are able to access the water shutoff valve without getting messy, do so right away to stop the flow of water. After the water has stopped pouring into your room, open up some windows and turn on a fan to help the smell fumes escape. Block off the area and call up your SERVPRO® professionals!
A Safer CleanupNo matter how small or large your sewage leak is, having a professional team handle your cleanup is essential for your safety. Our team has the proper tools, safety gear and cleaning equipment to make sure your space is completely clean and safe to return to.
We will respond quickly and will be on our way to you as soon as possible, so while you wait, take a few photos of the situation. While these images most likely won’t be on the front page of a scrapbook any time soon, they are necessary to help your insurance claim go more smoothly.
Once we arrive, we will address the source of the leak and start on any repairs to make sure the situation doesn’t happen again. At the same time, our cleaning team will start removing the toxic water with specialized equipment. You can bet that we will all be dressed up in the best PPE on the market!
A sewage cleanup includes a deep-clean of the space, a total sanitization to remove any dangerous substances and a deodorization to remove even the most stubborn stinky smells. Once your space is clean, we can address any necessary repairs. Water in any form can cause your floors to warp or your drywall to swell, so we can reverse this damage as well.
Don’t deal with a stinky sewage leak on your own! Contact us day or night so we can take care of the mess for you.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.
Preparing for Weather by Setting Up Alerts | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Reno Southwest help you get from April showers to May flowers.
The spring season is well on its way, which means we can finally look forward to warmer and sunnier days ahead! With the rise in temperature, however, we all have to be on the lookout for thunderstorms and the occasional severe weather system that comes through town.
If a storm system pops up unexpectedly, would you be alerted with enough time to prepare and head for shelter? Take the time now to update your weather alert systems and incorporate the helpful severe weather tips below.
Connecting With the InternetDo you have your phone in your hand right now? Or is it right next to your computer? We all spend so much of our time on our electronics these days that it’s no wonder that the majority of our alert systems work via the internet. Wireless Emergency Alerts is an alert system that is already set up in your phone that can automatically be issued if a weather emergency is in the area. Just be sure that your notifications are turned on! In addition, you can download a weather app or two that you can receive alerts and watch forecasts closely.
However, if you choose to go the app route, make sure you are doing your research. There are all kinds of different apps on the market, and they are not all created equally. Look for the ones that are backed by national organizations or that were created by locally trusted sources. You should also sign up for CodeRED, which is a hyperlocal alert system for our county.
News stations and other local weather channels are also great resources during time-sensitive events. Turn on your TV and tune in when a storm is on the horizon so you can stay connected and watch the system move across the area in real-time.
Other Resources to UtilizeIt is important to stay connected no matter your situation, which is why you should have at least one alert system that doesn’t require power in order to work. Your phone, laptop and TV are only good until we lose power or lose a charge, so have a backup alert system for any situation.
Take the time to locate our local weather sirens and find the one nearest to you, noting whether or not it is easy to hear the warning sounds from specific rooms in your home.
In addition, you should consider investing in an NOAA weather radio. Weather radios can come in handy when the power goes out because many of them can be hank crank-operated or solar-powered, which means you can stay connected no matter what!
Are you prepared for what could be coming our way this season? Update your alert systems and make sure you are ready for anything, but keep in mind that we are here to help if your home suffers any sort of home damage this spring.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
Restoring Your Reno Business After a Disaster | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
2/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
One of the worst things about disasters is that they often take you by surprise. One minute you are working on this month’s schedule or chatting with an employee, and the next, you are running to the fire extinguisher or your water shutoff valve.
Once your adrenaline wears off and you are surrounded by the reality of your situation, it can be really overwhelming. That’s where SERVPRO of Reno Southwest comes into play! We can help you recover no matter your situation, and we will be with you every step of the way.
Preparing for Different ScenariosWhile we can’t always prevent specific disaster situations from occurring, having a basic emergency plan in place can help you stay in control no matter the situation. Your staff will be better-prepared, and everyone will respond faster!
The first step is to develop a reliable communication plan and make sure everyone is on the same page with you. Designate a chain of command and determine who will be in charge of what, from calling 911 to grabbing emergency kits.
In addition, you should also take a full tour of your building to make sure everyone understands where emergency exits are located and where your emergency items are like fire extinguishers and water valves.
Once everyone has a basic understanding of what to do, discuss the plan for post-disaster recovery. Choose a backup location for your team to meet and work while repairs are taking place or ensure everyone has the equipment they need to work remotely.
Recovering FasterWhile having a plan in place can help you avoid catastrophic damage, it doesn’t guarantee that you will emerge without a single scratch or disruption to your business. That’s where we come in! Our team will help restore and rebuild your home no matter how extensive the damage is.
You can relax in the knowledge that we will take care of everything for your property, but you still have to [take care of your employees and customers](https://www.chase.com/business/knowledge-center/manage/reopening-your-business. They deserve to know what is going on and when to expect life to return to normal, so keep them updated and communicate as much as you can along the way.
We also want to remind you that this entire process is only temporary. While it might be frustrating to have to work remotely or in an adjusted capacity for the time-being, we will work hard to make sure your recovery goes as quickly as possible. There will be light at the end of the tunnel!
Take the time to develop an emergency plan, and always know that your local restoration team is ready to help you recover at a moment’s notice. Let us help you rebuild, restore and recover your precious and thriving business!
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
Recovering From Home Damage | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!
Home disasters can happen in the blink of an eye, and they can often become larger than we anticipated. This is especially true when Mother Nature is involved.
Whether a storm comes to town and brings heavy rain and flooding or something as simple as a leaky dishwasher causes water to rain down from your ceiling, recovering from the damage should always be your top priority.
The team at SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is here for you no matter what happens at your home! We are equipped with the right tools and training to handle your job from start to finish.
Disasters in the Reno AreaWe all know that disaster situations are often unexpected, and the toll that they can take can be seriously impactful in your daily life. Even if we are expecting a storm or a situation to develop, it can still take us all by surprise from time to time.
For example, heavy rain can have us all hunkered down in our homes, but it can quickly infiltrate your home and lead to structural damage and even mold growth over time. A fire can break out in your kitchen, only to lead to soot and smoke damage on other levels of your home.
Disasters can lead to a “when it rains, it pours” type of mentality, and your situation can sometimes get worse the longer the damage is left to sit.
We are on a mission to help make sure the impact is lessened and you are able to recover faster. Call us right away so we can get started on your recovery.
A Single Team for All RestorationsMinutes matter when it comes to disaster recovery, which is why we are available 24⁄7 to respond to your call for help. We are here for you no matter what time it is or what day it happens to be. We will use our expertise and resources to help you overcome your particular situation.
Our highly trained certified experts are confident in many different recovery methods, and we will make sure to tackle every aspect of your fire, water or storm disaster as quickly as possible. We are locally owned and operated, which allows us to be at your home even faster! We have worked on many different homes and businesses in our community, and we are highly qualified to handle your disaster situation, too.
We will get right to work securing your roof after a damaging storm or containing the area after you suffer a serious house fire. No matter what kind of disaster happened, we have the tools and training to take care of you.
We can even rebuild entire sections of your home if they have been damaged beyond repair. We will work hard to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Another benefit of working with SERVPRO® is that you only will be working with us along the way! There is no need to juggle multiple different contacts or agreements because we are a one-stop-shop for your entire restoration.
Our highly trained staff, industry-leading equipment and 24⁄7 availability make us the best and most reliable choice when it comes to your restoration needs. Call us right away and we can guarantee sunnier days are right around the corner.
Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.
Staying Warm the Fire-Safe Way This Winter | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Reno Southwest this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
The temperature has dropped, some snow has fallen and we have all perfected our penguin walks when the sidewalks are icy. There’s no doubt about it, we are in the heart of the winter season here in the Reno area.
While we all can appreciate a chilly or snowy day, many of us spend much more time indoors cozied up on the couch. However, every time we turn on a space heater or crank on our fireplaces, the risk of suffering a house fire increases significantly. We explain some easy fire-safe tips below so you can stay safe while also staying warm.
Preparing the FireplaceThe ambiance of a warm, crackling fire can be the perfect backdrop for the season, but fireplaces can be really dangerous if they are not prepared or maintained properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clean out ash buildup from previous fires and scrub down your chimney walls to remove creosote residue. Your chimney should also be inspected regularly for cracks or signs of aging.
If you have flammable materials on your mantle, remove them before starting up the fire and check to make sure your smoke detectors batteries are fresh. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, you should be checking the lines each time before flipping your switch on. A single gas leak or faulty electrical line can be seriously dangerous to your entire family.
Setting Up Space HeatersHaving a space heater in a room can add some much-needed warmth, but they can also be dangerous in their own right. In fact, about 1,700 house fires are started every year by space heater accidents or mishaps! Setting your space heater up the right way is the key to success.
Choose a hard, level and nonflammable material for your heater to sit on. Avoid carpet or rugs, and make sure the space heater is far away from things like curtains or couch cushions. Check the cord to make sure it isn’t twisted, and lay it flat to avoid creating a tripping hazard.
Create a three-foot barrier around your space heater to keep out kids and pets, and never leave it unattended in a room for any period of time. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord, and always be sure it is switched off and unplugged before going to bed.
Additional Safety Tips for HeatersNot all space heaters are created equally, and some brands are safer and more reliable than others. That’s why it is so important to do your research before purchasing anything! Just because something is on sale doesn’t necessarily make it a good deal.
First off, make sure you are purchasing your heater from a certified and reliable company. This company should have passed all of its necessary safety certifications before manufacturing the heater in question and should have positive reviews online. Next, make sure it has a safety shutoff feature that can take over to turn off after a certain period. This can be a helpful backup if you have a busy family or have a hard time remembering to shut off appliances.
Finally, take the time to inspect the cord coming out of the heater. It should be at least six feet long so you can set it up in a safe location and should be made of high quality and sturdy materials.
We wish you a safe and warm rest of your winter season! House fires can start in any manner of ways, so call us right away if you suffer from fire damage. We will take care of your entire restoration from start to finish.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.
Tracking Down the Beginning of a Water Leak | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.
We rely on water each and every day to help us accomplish tasks in our households and we assume that it will always be there for us when we need it. However, since we have such a close relationship with water inside our homes, that also means that the risk of suffering from a serious water disaster is also constant.
While many kinds of water leaks can’t be prevented, knowing where they often start can help you stay in control and stop a problem before it gets worse.
Under Any of Your SinksEach faucet in your home or even the water lines underneath your kitchen sink that lead from your dishwasher have the potential to leak at any time. These water lines are constantly bringing water to and from your home, which means that even the smallest crack or gap along the line can pose serious water troubles.
Once a leak starts under your sink, it will quickly seep into your cupboards, into your walls and leak down beneath your floorboards. Checking these spaces every time you are in a particular room cleaning can help identify any potential issues that are emerging. If you notice a loose connection or a seal that is starting to wear away, you can address preventive repairs to help your home stay dry.
Under Any Water-Reliant ApplianceHow many appliances do you have in your home that rely on water to function? Chances are, these are the ones that you use most often in your home! Dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines and even your fridge with a built-in ice maker can leak or malfunction at any point.
Since many appliance leaks start beneath or behind the machine, it can be really hard to identify these types of leaks as they are beginning. Run your hand along the edges of your machine to check for moisture whenever you go to use it, and get in the habit of pulling them away from the way regularly to check for water spots, puddles or mold growth.
Under Your Floors or Behind DrywallWe all have water lines that are constantly flowing water in and out of our homes, and these lines are often found behind our walls and under our floors. If a water leak starts in one of these places, it could quickly become a problem! However, since the leak is not easily seen, it can cause a lot of damage before it becomes apparent.
If you start to notice a musty odor or there is a dark spot forming on your otherwise lightly colored wall, it’s time to investigate further.
Around Aging Windows or DoorsCondensation can be a natural occurrence as the temperature rises and falls drastically throughout the seasons. However, if that condensation isn’t dried off quickly, it can seep down your windows and warp your windowsills or get behind your window casings.
Moisture can also easily infiltrate your home through any small gaps or cracks in your seals. If you notice that a part of your wall is always wet after it rains, you may need to think about re-caulking your windows.
If you do end up suffering water damage, do not worry! Simply call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest for a quick restoration. Our team has the tools to help dry out your home and address repairs right away so you can avoid further structural concerns and potential mold infestations.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.
Suffered Home Damage? Stay Local With Your Restoration | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
12/15/2023 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Reno Southwest!
None of us want to imagine what it would be like to suffer from a disaster at work or at home. A single catastrophic event could upend your life and cause you to have to make some really frustrating decisions.
Even when we are prepared for what’s to come or are hunkering down when a storm blows outside, we can still be taken by surprise at the extent of the resulting damage.
No matter what happens at your home, having a reliable restoration team to help you recover matters. That’s where SERVPRO of Reno Southwest comes in handy!
Making an Informed DecisionHaving a damaged home after any kind of disaster is one thing, but having to choose how to restore it and who to have help you is something else entirely! You want to be sure that the company you choose is reliable and will be there for you from start to finish.
You also want to be able to get back to your normal life as fast as possible, which makes choosing the right restoration service even more important! A restoration company should have plenty of experience, dedication to training and trustworthiness. They should also be available 24⁄7 to respond to your call for help and to assist you with whatever you might need.
SERVPRO of Reno Southwest checks all of those boxes and then some! One added benefit of top of all that greatness is the fact that we are locally owned and operated right in the Reno area. That means that we are not only your trusty restoration company, but also your neighbors.
That close connection with our community is what sets us apart from other restoration companies in the area. Our crew isn’t just interested in getting the work done as fast as we can, we dedicate our time to ensure our community members make a full recovery after disaster strikes.
Experience That You Can TrustWhile having a friendly face to help you recover after a disaster can be hugely comforting, you also need to make sure that the company you choose knows what they are doing! SERVPRO® comes with the added benefit of being backed by a national brand with national resources. We will always come to work with the staff, equipment and ability to get the job done, whatever it is.
The national SERVPRO brand has been around since 1967 and has seen exponential growth over the years. Today, there are more than 2,000 locations all across the nation, including ours located right here in the Reno community.
When you choose to work with SERVPRO, you are getting the chance to work with professionals who have been highly trained and certified to work on your home. We are capable of handling everything from the initial tarping and securing of your home all the way to the final repairs of your walls, floors and ceilings. You truly get the total restoration package when you let SERVPRO help you recover.
Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.
Tips for a Quick Recovery After a Water Disaster at Work | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Reno Southwest a call to get that resolved!
Running a business can be so rewarding, but it can be a lot of work! Planning for daily tasks, organizing employees and making plans for the future can keep you busy. So when you discover a potential disaster situation, like a water leak, it can be really overwhelming!
No one expects to walk into work one day and be hit with the musty odor of stagnant water or step right into ankle-deep water, but it must be dealt with right away.
No matter how a water disaster occurs, jumping into action can help reduce the extent of the damage and prevent troublesome issues like mold growth. Check out our tips below on how to handle water disasters when they occur in the workplace.
Addressing the Issue FirstFloods can occur due to manmade disasters or from the wrath of Mother Nature, but each scenario can be really frustrating to deal with. Try to stay calm and follow a few easy steps in order to get started on your recovery right away and prevent further damage.
1. Stay safe. Safety is key in any situation, but especially when the situation involves your employees and customers! Keep them out of the area, and prevent anyone from walking through the water. Call us right away and then start taking some photos of the damage you see. These images will be really helpful for your insurance company as well as our team while we get started on your recovery plan.
2. Control the disaster. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage, so acting quickly is necessary to prevent major losses. Do your best to find the source of the leak and shut off the flow of water. This will probably include locating the appropriate water valve and turning it off, but if you can’t find it, turn off the main waterline for the time being.
3. Start the drying process. Floodwater can contain dangerous chemicals, storm runoff and even sewage, so do your best to stay out of the water while you open up some windows and get a fan running to start the drying process.
Getting Started on Your RestorationWe will arrive quickly, and we will immediately get started on your water removal. We will remove the excess water as well as the hidden moisture that you can’t see behind your walls. Once things are dry, we will turn our attention to your restoration plan and assess what repairs need to take place.
We will also work directly with your insurance company during this time so you can focus your efforts on keeping your staff calm and in control. Some situations allow businesses to operate in a reduced or adjusted capacity while we work, so we will do our best to help you move forward however we can.
Once we are finished with our restoration, you can open back up fully and enjoy a completely restored space! We know that it can be really frustrating to experience a setback at work, so we work hard to restore your home as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
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