What Are The Different Types of Fire Damage?

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with the damage from a fire can be a long process.  The fire could have been small, but the smoke from it did the majority of the damage.  On the other side, most of the damage could have been from the fire itself.  Lastly, there could have been another layer of damage caused when the fire was extinguished.  Here are the main types of fire damage that are commonly dealt with.

Flame Damage - This could be from an electrical outlet that caused damage, all the way to a full-blown kitchen fire.

Smoke Damage - Smoke is literally in the air and can (and will) get into everything.  Even after the rebuild is completed, there can still be a lingering smell of smoke to the property unless it is dealt with correctly.

3rd Party Damage - This type of damage comes from any in-house sprinkler system used to put the fire out or from the Fire Department themselves when they get to the scene.

Heat Damage - Even though a part of the structure might have not actually caught fire, it was probably severely heated up.  This can cause structural damage and possible swelling that you might not notice right away.

After a fire, you could be dealing with flame, smoke, water and heat damage at the same time.  FEMA has some great information on what to do after the fire.  The best way to make sure that this is taken care of promptly and properly is to contact the team at SERVPRO to get on the job!

Here Are Some Storm Damage Resources That Are Available To You

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

We have all dealt with storm damage in the past, and since we live in an area affected by hurricanes, we will probably deal with them again in the future.  We all know what to do in order to prepare for a hurricane, but what do we do after the storm has passed?  It is just as important to have a post-storm plan, as one before.

Here are a few things to do immediately after the storm has passed and it is safe to do so.

1. Before you clean up, take pictures and videos of all of the damage, inside and out.
2. Start removing anything that is wet or holding water, followed by debris from your home.
3. Have your insurance policy and contact information ready to go so that you can contact them right away.  
4. Start making any repairs that you can in order to stop future damage.

Remember that if a storm does damage to your property, it probably did to many others as well.  Get in touch with your insurance company as quickly as possible to get the claim started.    We all remember events in the past where it took weeks to get someone out to look at the damage.  Having a plan for after the storm can help keep you on a track to getting back to normal as quickly as possible.  The team at SERVPRO of Corpus Christi is here to help.  Contact us today with any questions on what we can do for you!

Is Bleach Enough to Fix My Mold Problem?

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

The short answer is no. During the height of COVID, we were cleaning and sanitizing everything from door knobs to keyboards.  Anything that was touched by multiple people was getting hit with one kind of cleaner or another.  We should be taking that same approach to getting rid of mold.  Mold has been here much longer than COVID and it isn’t going away anytime soon (maybe an asteroid).  How do we get rid of mold in the home or office?  The CDC says that using bleach to kill mold isn’t always recommended.  Using a bleach/water mixture will most likely destroy the surface mold, but the growth goes much deeper than that.  Bleach cannot penetrate the deeper levels of porous materials, so you will most likely see it come back within a short period of time.

Here are a few things that the EPA says about the basics of mold cleanup.

1. Moisture control.  If you can keep it dry, you can help control the growth of mold.
2. Scrub the mold off of hard surfaces with a detergent and water, then dry completely.
3. Any absorbent materials like carpets, rugs, and ceiling tiles will most likely need to be thrown away.

If you have tried to get rid of mold and can’t seem to keep it away, contact your Corpus Christi SERVPRO professionals today.  We have the experience, equipment, and products to help destroy the mold and to keep it from returning.

Tips On How To Prevent Home/Office Fires

9/6/2022 (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.

Preparing for the Corpus Christi Storm Season

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Storms are a common thing, no matter where we live. Sometimes they pass us right by, other times they leave a path of destruction in their wake. There are multiple classifications for thunderstorms, but the ones that we worry the most about are the ones that are considered “Severe”. We have all heard our local weather person tell us that there is a chance of “severe thunderstorms in our area”, but what does that mean? The National Weather Service considers any thunderstorm that can create hail that is 1 inch or greater in diameter or can create gusts of wind that are 58 miles per hour or greater to be severe.

Most modern shingles are created to withstand winds up to 90 miles per hour, but even the best ones will start to wear down over the years between all of the sun, rain, and possible hail. The best way to prevent roof damage and possible water damage is to make sure that your roof is in good shape. Do you know how old your roof is? If you built your home, you should know, but if you purchased it from someone else, the roof’s age should have been disclosed in the paperwork. In either case, you should have your roof inspected occasionally for any kind of damage. You can hire a professional, climb a ladder and do it yourself (be careful) or maybe grab a friend with a drone and have them do a few slow passes to look for damage.

If you are suffering from storm water damage, make sure to contact the professionals of SERVPRO Corpus Christi at (361) 596-8030.

How to be Prepared for a Commercial Disaster

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

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, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, 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 Corpus Christi East 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 Corpus Christi East established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider!
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for an 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 Corpus Christi East at (361) 985-6444 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

We are here to be your total solutions provider during an emergency commercial disaster so you can do what’s important: taking care of your clients, employees, and other business needs. 

Steps to fixing a tub, sink, or toilet overflow

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East outlines the steps to fix an overflowing tub, sink, or toilet. 

It can be very frustrating to watch as your sink, tub, or toilet steadily fills to the brim and not know what to do about it. 

Clogs cause most tub and sink overflows in the main plumbing drain pipe, so the water has nowhere to go and has to flow back up. Similarly, toilet overflows are often caused by a clog or a malfunction in the tank float system, which controls water flow.

Knowing what to do when you have an overflow from either of these amenities can help prevent water damage and safeguard your property. With this in mind, SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, a leading water damage restoration company in South Side Corpus Christi, TX, has outlined the steps to fix a sink, tub, or toilet overflow. 

Fixing a tub overflow

Your bathtub endures about the same amount of abuse from water, soap, hair products, and other solids making their way to the sewage system. 

So the bathtub drain has the potential to clog and overflow, just like every other drainage system, which can lead to an interior flood that could result in property damage.

• The first thing you should do is to stop the flow by turning off the faucet.
• Next, you must clear the water to access the overflow drain.

Here’s how you can clear the drain:

Plunge the Tub: Get a plunger and use it on the tub to clear out any debris in the drain. The plunger's full force will be focused on the obstruction as you keep pumping it. The tub may start to drain slowly, or you might notice bubbles emerging from the drain. These are signs that the plunger is working correctly. Keep plunging until the drain is clear.

Fixing a sink overflow

• Insert a brush or pipe cleaner into the overflow hole first and push the brush in and out to eliminate as much accumulation in the hole as possible.
• Next, make a funnel out of heat-resistant silicone material and insert it into your overflow hole.
• Finally, fill the funnel with a moderate stream of boiling water. This will remove any leftover accumulation in your drain by loosening it.

How to fix a toilet overflow

• Gather your equipment and supplies. You’ll need an O-ring, an auger, and a plunger.
• Remove the tank lid from the toilet and depress the flapper to prevent additional water from entering the bowl. 
• Next, shut off the water supply at the bottom and behind the toilet.
• Use the auger and plunger to generate enough suction to evacuate any debris in the toilet bowl that might still be causing a problem.
• Water still flowing? It is preferable to call a licensed plumber at this point. They'll probably use an industrial auger to clear the blockage, and the toilet may also need to be taken apart and reassembled. 

What next? Get professional water damage restoration

An overflowing tub, sink, or toilet may likely result in water damage, especially if you don’t notice it on time. What you do as regards the water damage will determine whether it will just be one of those silly incidents or one that leads to massive losses.

If any part of your home, like the ceiling and belongings like a rug or furniture, is impacted by the water, then it’s essential to have it cleaned to get rid of the moisture and prevent mold formation.

This is where water damage professionals like SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East can help.

About SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is the leading name in water damage restoration in South Side Corpus Christi, TX. They have a team of technicians trained and equipped to handle any water damage situation. They can help whether the overflow flooded your home or affected only a few properties. They will clear your home of all moisture and restore your properties to their previous state.

Call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East at (361) 985-6444 to learn more.

5 things to do when dealing with water damage in your business

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East outlines five tips to help combat water damage in a commercial space.

Water damage can result in costly issues for your business, from structural damage to spoiled equipment and loss of essential documents. According to The Hartford, 15% of all small business property damage and liability insurance claims involve water and freezing damage.

Although business property insurance provides financial security for a range of water damage claims, it would be better if you tried to prevent this issue in the first place.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, a commercial damage restoration company in Flour Buff Corpus Christi, TX, have outlined these five tips to repair water damage in a business.

1. Remove the standing water

You must remove the stagnant water from your business as the first step in repairing water damage. The longer water lingers, the more harm it will cause. You can use submersible pumps (if you can find one) to remove the water. Professionals recommend that standing water be removed from property within 48 hours to prevent the development of harmful organisms and mold.

2. Dry out everywhere

After you remove the standing water, it's time to dry up the affected areas. It’s essential to get rid of any moisture during the restoration process to prevent mold development. To dry the area, you can use towels, dehumidifiers, mops, air conditioning, and desiccants. Dehumidifiers eliminate humidity; desiccants help in absorbing extra moisture.

3. Remove and discard any porous materials that have been damaged

Carpets, unsealed cement, wood, and other items have pores. If any of these items has water damage, the only way to prevent additional damage is to discard the items or simply cut off the area that was soaked.

When porous materials are drenched in water, the result can be a fungal infestation like mildew, which spreads more quickly than mold and can result in more significant damage. If you have sentimental value and aren't ready to discard them, lay out any damaged furniture or rugs in the sun to completely dry them. But remember that the product won't be as it was before.

4. Check for mold and mildew

Another thing to do is to look for mold and mildew growth. You must be prompt when checking because mold and mildew can start to grow within 24 hours in the right conditions. If you notice any mold, you should take extra precautions because it can be very harmful to people.

If you have severe mold issues, you should try to stop airflow in the affected area and seek professional assistance.

5. Change damaged parts

Even if you immediately dry everything out and remove the water, certain parts of your property, like baseboards, drywall, and siding, can still be damaged.

You must take additional caution when replacing and removing damaged materials. Your property could suffer even more harm if structural elements are improperly removed.

Hire a water damage restoration specialist

Water damage can lead to intolerable conditions in a place of business, so you need to act quickly to restore your office or facility. When you hire a professional commercial water damage restoration company, the water will be quickly removed, the area dried and disinfected, and any repairs can then be made. These companies have a team of experienced and licensed water damage technicians who can take on any water incident effectively.

Work with commercial water damage professionals in South Side Corpus Christi, TX

While it may seem straightforward to handle commercial water damage on your own, there might be underlying worries and potential problems down the road. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East helps customers by offering round-the-clock assistance. 

They recognize the need for prompt service if you experience commercial water damage and have a team available 24/7 to handle and restore your business to its previous state.

When you hire SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, you can rest assured that any water damage issues will be promptly dealt with to ensure your business is not affected.

Contact them at (361) 985-6444 for a free quote.

What to do in the event of storm damage

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East explains what homeowners and businesses should do in the event of storm damage.

Understanding what to do after a storm can significantly alter the course of events, especially if your roof or any part of your home is damaged. Storm damage often leads to water damage that can affect your home's furnishings, rugs, and other properties.

But while recovering from storm damage might be difficult, you can find solace in the knowledge that many people have gone through similar situations.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, a storm damage restoration company in South Side, Corpus Christi, TX, have outlined the following steps to take after storm damage.

1. Safety first

The aftermath of a storm can result in additional significant threats and injuries, regardless of whether your home was seriously wind-damaged, struck by lightning, or even flooded. Making sure you and your loved ones are secure and safe is the first thing you need to do. You can assess your property and take pictures of the damage at a later, safer time. So don't take any extra risks.

Be alert to potential dangers, including downed power lines, broken windows, cracked walls, flooding or standing water, and even gas line issues. Also, watch out for other sharp objects such as displaced screws, nails, broken glass, and other items frequently found in storm damage. If your home's roof is shaky or a section of a wall has collapsed, you may want to evacuate or make plans for a temporary residence for you and your family.

2. Examine and record the damages

Once you feel it is secure enough to move about your house, it's time to evaluate the entire area and determine the extent of the damage. While seeing your home destroyed can be very traumatic, you must take pictures of the damage to show as proof to your insurance provider.

Take the time to thoroughly inspect each room and every area of your property (provided it's safe to do so) and note both significant and minor faults.

3. Get in touch with your insurance provider or company

It's essential to contact your insurance provider and inform them about the storm damage, especially if your home insurance offers such. Typically, the insurance company will send an evaluator to inspect the damage or evidence of such and determine the amount the insurer will pay to cover repairs. 

4. Throw out the debris when it's safe

You can start clearing up the storm's debris after you're sure the storm has passed. Clear any debris from your deck, patio, detached buildings, garden, and gutters to keep the water away from your home's foundation and make sure your downspouts are functioning correctly.

5. Make short-term repairs to reduce property damage

If a portion of the roof directly above the living space suffers substantial damage, water leaks may cause interior property damage. To stop more inside damage, be sure you place a bucket under any leaks and move any valuables from the vicinity. While simple repairs can be made immediately, more significant damages need to be waterproofed using a strapped tarping technique.

6. Contact an experienced water damage professional

If your home was flooded as a result of the storm, then it's essential to hire a storm repair company to restore it back to its original state. Storm damage restoration companies like SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East are equipped with the right tools to remove any moisture in your home to prevent structural and property damage. They will clear away any standing water, dry your walls, ceiling, and other structures, and restore any affected belongings to their original state.

Hiring a water damage specialist is also the best way to prevent mold from developing in your home after storm damage.

Get professional storm damage services in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi, TX

Call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East if storm damage affects the interior of your home, office, facility, or structure. They are equipped to prevent structure damage, clear up debris, and remove fallen trees to protect your yard. They also offer roof tarping, board-ups, and building stabilization to make your home or business habitable.

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East has the expertise and experience necessary to respond to your tragedy quickly and effectively. Their team of water damage technicians is always available 24/7 to meet your needs.

Call them at (361) 985-6444 to get a free quote.

What to do if You Find Mold Growing in Your Corpus Christi East Home

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our Corpus Christi East team is  trained and certified to restore mold outbreaks by the Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in Corpus Christi, TX. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore areas compromised by mold quickly and efficiently. Here are some mold damage emergency tips from our website for things you can do and should not do while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do

• Stay out of affected areas
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and fans
• Contact our Corpus Christi East office 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

Call Us!

When you discover a mold problem in your Corpus Christi East home or commercial business, our team is available to help! We’ll clean and restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (361) 985-6444.