What to do After a Fire

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire happens the first thing on your mind is your safety. The last thing you should worry about is how you’re going to restore the home or business that you’ve just lost. 

Whether it's a small brush fire that swept through your family farmland or an industrial fire that destroyed your office space, we make life after the flames easier. Call your local SERVPRO® team to assess the damages and restore your home or business.

Our motto is “Like it never even happened,” and we’re dedicated to the quality of work that restores your home or place of business to its original condition before the fire. We know you want life restored to normal as quickly as possible and we’re there to ensure we handle everything from start to finish when it comes to complete fire restoration.

To learn more about our fire damage restoration services, please give us a call at 888.745.1753.

Outlet Fire in Lubbock

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

We were called out last week to a homeowner who luckily found this happening next to one of her outlets. She called the fire department immediately, and fortunately, there was no fire active behind the wall. The electrician arrived onsite at the same time as SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock. This scenario was one of the first times that the electrician has seen this happen. 

What happened was that there was a mouse behind the wall eating the wire to that outlet. As you can see, it caused a fire to go down the main electrical line in the wall. 

Unfortunately, the only way to keep an eye out for this is to walk around your house and check the outlets for any possible melted spots or black soot coming out of them. It is essential to be aware that this is a possibility. 

Dealing with your fire-damaged home in Lubbock, TX can be taxing and tiring, however, it doesn't need to be overwhelming. As a team of professionals with extensive experience in the smoke and fire damage restoration field, SERVPRO's skilled technicians can provide you with the detailed, results-driven services you need to restore your property, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 888.745.1753.

How We Can Help With Mold Damage

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

With the introduction of a water source, any home or business can quickly become infested with mold. The most common culprits: roof and plumbing leaks. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48 to 72 hours, causing allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health issues.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires its own solution, but the general process stays the same. Let’s take a look at the steps:

1. Call us! 888.745.1753
   The mold cleanup and restoration process begins with giving us a phone call. From there, we’ll talk with you and determine the best course of action.
2. Inspection and Assessment
   Once we arrive, we’ll carefully inspect the property for signs of mold. We have various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.
3. Mold Containment
   We will use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We’ll use negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during cleanup. We will turn off all heating and cooling systems to prevent further spreading of the mold.
4. Air Filtration
   With our special filtration equipment, we can capture microscopic mold spores and remove them from the air.
5. Mold Removal
   The remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces the mold has contaminated. We will use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies.
6. Cleaning
   We can clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothes, and other restorable items that the mold contaminated. We are trained to also remove odors and deodorize your items.
7. Restoration
   Based on the level of mold damage, some building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor or major repairs in various areas in your home or business.
8. License
   In the state of Texas, you need to call a state licensed contractor like SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock who can help you with any questions and refer you to a state licensed testing company. You can view our IICRC and mold certifications and training requirements here.

If you suspect your home or business has been affected by mold, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 888.745.1753. SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock is faster to any size disaster.

Stay Safe and Follow These Fire Safety Tips!

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Fire safety is paramount to protecting lives and property. Here are some essential tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

1. Install smoke alarms: Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside every bedroom.

2. Create an escape plan: Develop a clear and practiced fire escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting point outside.

3. Keep fire extinguishers handy: Place fire extinguishers in key areas of your home, such as the kitchen and garage.

4. Practice safe cooking: Never leave cooking unattended, and keep flammable items away from the stove.

5. Electrical safety: Inspect your electrical outlets and cords for damage, and avoid overloading circuits.

6. Store chemicals properly: Keep flammable materials and chemicals in a well-ventilated, cool area, away from open flames.

7. Teach children fire safety: Educate kids about the dangers of fire and how to respond in case of an emergency.

8. Regular maintenance: Maintain your heating systems, chimneys, and other fire sources to prevent accidents.

9. Smoking safety: If you smoke, do so in designated areas and dispose of cigarette butts safely.

10. Close before you doze: Sleeping with your bedroom door closed can buy you valuable time in case of a fire, as it can slow the spread of smoke and flames.

Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a fire disaster and ensure the safety of your family and home.

What to do if you experience fire damage

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Recovering from fire damage can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can gradually rebuild and restore your life. Here are some essential tips for handling the aftermath of a fire:

1. Safety First: Ensure the property is safe to enter before returning. Contact professionals to assess structural stability and electrical hazards.

2. Contact Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company immediately and document the damage with photos or videos.

3. Secure the Property: Protect your property from further damage by boarding up windows and covering the roof.

4. Cleanup: Remove debris and damaged items, but do not throw anything away until your insurance adjuster has inspected it.

5. Restoration Professionals: Hire SERVPRO, fire damage restoration experts who can clean, repair, and rebuild your property.

6. Document Losses: Keep a detailed record of all your expenses and losses related to the fire for insurance claims.

7. Emotional Support: Seek emotional support from friends, family, or counseling to cope with the trauma.

8. Rebuilding: Plan your rebuilding process and ensure it complies with local building codes.

9. Smoke and Soot Cleanup: Address the lingering effects of smoke and soot damage with professional cleaning services.

10. Prepare for Future: Take fire prevention measures seriously, like installing smoke alarms, fire-resistant materials, and creating an evacuation plan.

Fire damage can be a long and challenging process, but with patience, the right professionals, and a supportive network, you can eventually restore your life and property after a fire.

What to do if you find mold in your home

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Discovering mold in your home can be distressing, but swift action and a structured approach can help mitigate the problem. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find mold:

1. Safety first: Prioritize your health by wearing protective gear like gloves and a mask, especially if dealing with extensive mold growth.

2. Identify the source: Find and address the source of moisture that caused the mold, whether it's a leak, poor ventilation, or high humidity.

3. Isolate the area: Seal off the affected area to prevent the spread of spores to other parts of your home.

4. Clean carefully: Use a mold-specific cleaner, and scrub the affected surfaces. Discard any porous materials like drywall or insulation that can't be adequately cleaned.

5. Consult professionals: For extensive mold or health concerns, seek out SERVPRO mold remediation services.

6. Prevent future growth: Improve ventilation, fix leaks, and reduce humidity levels.

7. Monitor: Regularly check for signs of mold recurrence.

8. Evaluate your health: If you experience mold-related health issues, consult a healthcare professional.

Remember, it's crucial to tackle mold promptly and effectively to maintain a healthy living environment in your home.

Preventing mold growth in your home

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your home can lead to health issues and damage your property. To prevent mold from taking hold, follow these proactive measures:

1. Manage humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% by using dehumidifiers and properly ventilating your home.

2. Fix leaks promptly: Repair any leaks in your roof, plumbing, or windows to prevent moisture from seeping into your home.

3. Proper ventilation: Ensure proper airflow in your home, especially in areas prone to moisture, like the bathroom and kitchen.

4. Use exhaust fans: Use exhaust fans when cooking, showering, or doing laundry to remove excess moisture.

5. Regular cleaning: Regularly clean and dust your home to prevent mold from settling on surfaces.

6. Avoid carpet in moisture-prone areas: In areas like the basement or bathroom, consider using moisture-resistant flooring like tile or vinyl.

7. Keep gutters clean: Regularly clean your gutters to prevent water from overflowing and seeping into your home's foundation.

8. Monitor basements and crawl spaces: Check these areas for moisture and use a dehumidifier if needed.

9. Store items properly: Keep belongings off the floor in basements and garages, as moisture can seep into cardboard boxes and promote mold growth.

10. Proper insulation: Ensure your home is well-insulated to prevent condensation and maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth in your home, promoting a healthier living environment and protecting your property from damage.

SERVPRO’s Fire Safety tips

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

As the month of October, Fire Safety Month, has started, it’s important to have resources on-the-go in case of emergencies. SERVPRO’s team of highly equipped and trained professionals are ready to help you, just at the touch of the call button.

 If you find yourself in a fire damage situation, remember these safety rules as you wait for help:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• We materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

We understand you may be feeling confused, stressed, and more than a little vulnerable. Our technicians will treat your family with empathy and your home with great care. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Call our expert team at 806-780-6311 whenever you might need SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock.

SERVPRO is for YOUR Fire Damage needs

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire conditions.

Here are a few things to do after a fire:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on ruge, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change the HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with fire damage? That’s why at SERVPRO we are available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Call our expert team at 806-780-6311 whenever you might need SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock.

SERVPRO: Mold Remediation and Restoration Experts

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects. Mold can spread quickly through your Lubbock home or business in as little as 48 hours.

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors. When checking for mold, mold often produces a strong, musty odor that can lead you to possible mold problem areas. Mold spores thrive on moisture and quickly grow into colonies that are exposed to water. Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

Call our expert team at 806-780-6311 whenever you might need SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock.