Archived Blog Posts

How To Assess Water Damage

Name: SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch
Address: 9015 Town Center Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34202
Telephone: (941) 747-2333

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

For property owners, flooding and leakages are nightmares to deal with. These incidents can be devastating, especially when unexpected. Even worse is the extensive water damage which is left behind in their wake. This all creates a stressful issue for property owners, which many have trouble navigating. It is best to confront the issue of water damage sooner rather than later, and with SERVPRO, this process becomes as uncomplicated as possible.

SERVPRO guides property owners through the beginning stages of tackling water damage, allowing for them to stress less as they restore their properties to their pre-damage states. If you are noticing water damage, contact our SERVPRO professionals at (941) 747-2333. You can expect the following actions to be taken when SERVPRO professionals inspect your property.

At the start of your inspection, the first priority will be to identify and stop the water source which caused the damage. This is necessary as, without it, the eventual drying and restoration processes may be hindered. At this stage, SERVPRO professionals will also begin checking for water contamination. Levels of water contamination are split into three categories. Category One is clean water, Category Two is gray water, and Category Three is black water. Accurately identifying the classification of water contamination is crucial, as it has an impact on the restoration process which SERVPRO executes under standards set industry guidelines.

From there, professionals will begin to examine the property to evaluate the level of damage present. As the moisture from water damage can spread far, this examination allows for a more complete understanding of the unique needs of a property.

Throughout the process, communicate openly with SERVPRO professionals. Known safety issues such as lead or asbestos should be brought to the attention of these professionals promptly, as safety problems will be searched for as well during the inspection. The final actions taken as water damage is assessed will be moving furniture. This is done to block certain items, warding off potential rusting hazards. This precaution also prevents stains from forming on wet carpet surfaces.

Do not attempt to remedy the issue on your own! There are a huge range of risks when dealing with water damage. It is best left to those trained for this.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is outfitted with highly trained professionals that can help you get past water damage. Call us at 941-747-2333 today.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

As lockdowns come to an end and mask mandates are lifted, cleanliness has remained at the forefront of the minds of many consumers, who are more conscious of this than ever before as they enter establishments in their communities. The pandemic has redefined what it means to be clean. As we adapt to a new normal, it is important for businesses to make customers feel safe. If you are a business owner who is looking to ensure the health of your community, consider utilizing the new Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive pathogen cleaning program.

Address your customers’ concerns regarding cleanliness by entrusting your business to SERVPRO. For over 50 years, SERVPRO has proven its dedication to aiding property owners navigate and recover from various issues, including those related to cleaning. With decades of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, SERVPRO has created this program without regard to the constraints of standard janitorial practices. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned goes beyond conventional cleaning practices, employing proactive viral pathogen cleaning

The core of the program can be summarized in a simple three Cs: Consult, Clean, Certify. When SERVPRO is carrying out its commercial services, it recognizes that each business has its own unique needs. Rather than replicating a standardized process for all businesses, in following with the first C, “consult,” SERVPRO will tailor the program to address the needs of each facility individually. The next C, “clean,” describes the deep clean which can be expected when this program is carried out by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. Utilizing its proprietary Hospital-Grade cleaning methods which follow CDC decontamination standards, SERVPRO ensures successful cleaning. The final C, “certify,” gives businesses the opportunity to call attention to their work with SERVPRO.

Any business which has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned will have the program’s shield placed on their front window. This will signal to members of your community that when they enter your establishment, they can rest assured that they are in a space which cares for the safety of all who enter.

If you are interested in this program, call (941) 747-2333 to be connected with SERVPRO, the #1 choice in clean up and restoration.

A Trusted Leader In Water Damage Restoration

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

When you are running a business, there is a long list of responsibilities you must stay on top of, from tracking orders, to managing financials, to hiring skilled employees. With this much on your plate, the last thing you want to spend time worrying about is water damage. SERVPRO wants to make things simple. Contact SERVPRO at (941) 747-2333 so you can spend less time stressing over water damage emergencies, and more time running your business.

Always Ready to Help

Emergencies such as flooding and leakages can not only harm a property, but they can also happen when you least expect. SERVPRO is dedicated to helping businesses through these tough times, regardless of when they may happen. That is precisely why the “Faster to Any Size Disaster'' team was created. When emergencies such as water damage occur, time is of the essence, a fact which SERVPRO knows to be true. With this in mind, this team was formed to respond to commercial emergencies quickly, before damage can worsen. Do not attempt to remedy the issue on your own! There are a huge range of risks when dealing with water damage. It is best left to those trained for this.

Within 24 hours of water damage, furniture begins to crack. By the time a week has passed, mold may have already begun to grow. You can sidestep these hazards with the Faster to Any Size Disaster team. The team can be contacted 24/7, and will respond promptly no matter what time of day. With over 1,960 locations in cities like Memphis, Lakewood Ranch, and Parrish, among others, help is never too far away. With the team, you can be sure that your water emergency will be addressed in a timely manner.

You Can Trust SERVPRO

SERVPRO has made a name for itself as a trusted restoration service for homes and commercial locations. Regardless of the size of your property or the extent of the damage sustained, SERVPRO is qualified to manage restoration. On the SERVPRO team are industry professionals, such as water damage restoration and odor control technicians, who are trained and equipped to address the issue of damage reduction during the process of restoration. When working with SERVPRO, you will enjoy the best service the industry has to offer.

If you are interested in our services, call (941) 747-2333 to be connected with SERVPRO, the #1 choice in clean up and restoration.

How To Care For Your Items Damaged From A Storm

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

As a resident of the wonderful state of Florida, you’re no stranger to severe weather. Storm warnings are as common as mosquitoes. Severe weather has the potential to cause hard rains, hurricanes, and flooding. While many of us know the proper procedures on how to keep safe during a storm, many may not know how to keep their property safe after a storm. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings shouldn’t be lost because of some bad weather. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is here to help. Give us a call at (941) 747-2333.

Restore vs Replace?

Many people choose to simply replace their items after they have been damaged in a storm. This is an easy decision, but not always the most economical. At SERVPRO, we have a more restorative mentality when it comes to damaged items. We test your items to see if they can be restored back to their original condition pre-water damage. This way, you preserve your precious keepsakes without breaking the bank!

How to deal with electronics after a storm

After a storm, you will likely have a variety of issues with your electronics at home. This can include everything from your television and home computer to your smaller appliances like DVD players or gaming consoles. The one thing that all of these items have in common is that they are a serious hazard.

We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to operate or turn on any electrical device which has been damaged by water. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Once our trained SERVPRO professionals have had a chance to look over the damage to your electronics, they will take prompt action. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

What about paper?

Water damage is extremely frustrating to deal with, especially when it comes to your paper materials like legal documents or photographs. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. We act with extreme caution to ensure that the document isn’t destroyed through a variety of specialized methods.

Ready to restore your items after a storm? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

Fire Damage Repair Near Bradenton, Fl

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody ever plans to have their home or business damaged by fire, but sometimes luck just isn’t on our side and we face this exact problem. When this happens, it can be stressful and traumatic. Not only does the fire burn through your property, but it also leaves behind nasty soot. And once the firefighters come and douse the fire, they leave copious amounts of water behind! If not treated carefully, you can start to see mold popping up after a fire has been doused.

So what happens during a fire? You have burned flooring and furniture, soot everywhere, widespread property damage from firefighters knocking down doors and breaking windows, and water damage. It’s a tall bill!

The SERVPRO Perspective

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has experienced restoration professionals to mitigate the damage and restore your home or business to preloss condition.

We’ll treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. If you suffer a fire damage event, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Our highly trained fire damage specialists work with specialized equipment to bring your property back to a pre-fire condition. These men and women are trained in our “restorative” mentality. This means that they value restoring your items before suggesting replacement. In turn, this saves you money and makes returning to your normal life a lot less of a headache.

Ready for fire damage repair on your home or business? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

How we do fire damage repair

While every fire damage issue is a little bit unique, our nationally-recognized fire damage repair process provides us with a great foundation to help you. First, you connect with us and our representative collects any information which you have regarding the fire. Next, a fire damage specialist is sent to your location to examine your property for all fire, smoke, and soot damage. To protect against further damage to the property, we also board up missing windows and walls. If necessary, a tarp will also be placed on the roof if damage is present.

Steps four through seven all vary from property to property. You can learn more about exactly what we do in this article. Still, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is always prioritizing your needs. Give us a call at (941) 747-2333.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Bradenton

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fires have the power to devastate homes and lives, but what we rarely acknowledge is that they also have the strength to destroy commercial properties just as effectively. If a fire breaks out in your business, you will not only be dealing with the catastrophic damages to your building and equipment, but also smoke damage from the fire. That’s not even to mention the water damage caused by the firefighters as they scramble to douse the flames.

When business owners find themselves in a situation where their property is destroyed by fire, they have two options: hire commercial fire damage restoration specialists, or restore the business by themselves.

Need commercial fire damage restoration now? Call us at 941-747-2333

Protect your commercial property from fire

Fire damage costs business owners more than $2.4 billion dollars each year. That does not include the amount of capital lost during the restoration process. Easing the financial burden through effective methods will give individuals and businesses the flexibility necessary for a flawless fixup.

Before we dive into what is important to have and keep in mind, we should first give you steps you can take in order to maximize the fire security in your commercial building.

Install and update fire detectors: This may seem to be the most obvious of preventative steps, but over 50% of large fires happen in facilities with malfunctional and/or absent fire detectors.

Get accessible fire extinguishers: Make sure there are fire extinguishers easily accessible to any given space in a facility.

Maintain cleanliness in cooking areas: A huge chunk of fires will happen in poorly cleaned greasy areas. Take the time to rid the areas of any potential fire hazards.

Fix and update electrical fixtures: Do not overload the circuitry! Old or damaged fixtures must be replaced.

Taking these four steps alone will significantly reduce the chance of a fire.

Connect with a professional

Now, on the off chance you find yourself with fire damage, call a professional! Commercial fire damage is a big job that should never be done by an amateur. Professionals will be able to assess the damage and provide you with a quote. Do not wait until the problem gets any worse. You will save time and money by following these steps.

Call Us Today – (941) 747-2333

Water Damage? Here's your first step

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Unlike fire, water damage can happen even with the best preventative measures. A small leak can increase the cost of water up to 10%. Depending on whether or not the leak was caught in time, the damage can silently spread until it is too late.

Before we begin, let’s go through some preventative measures you can take in order to reduce the likelihood of water damage in your home or office. Do not take the chance! A $20 billion-dollar annual issue is what we are dealing with. Not only must we worry about electrical appliances, but we also need to confront the reality of damage to the structural integrity of a facility or home and mold!

Reduce your chance of water damage

To make sure of the reduced possibility of water damage, you must update water supply lines especially in older buildings. Contact roofing services, even for seemingly small damage! In the chance of rain, water will leak through any small opening causing an unknown scale of damage.

Clean and maintain gutters. If the downspout pipes do not carry water 2ft or more away from the building, get it extended! Also, take note of the vegetation on the property. Tree limbs can cause a lot of damage. Trim some trees for your safety.

In an emergency, the very first action that should be taken is shutting off the water valve. Shutting off all supplies of water to the building will allow you some time to locate and assess the damage. Contact your insurance provider in order for them to properly take the steps necessary for the issue to be resolved.

Do not attempt to remedy the issue on your own! There are a huge range of risks when dealing with water damage. It is best left to those trained for this.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is outfitted with highly trained professionals that can help you get past water damage. Call us at 941-747-2333 today.

Why SERVPRO is Best: Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is not the only company which can do fire and damage restoration. However, it’s the only company that can boast the attributes which makes them the best possible choice. We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition. Our team will be at your side step-by-step providing knowledge to navigate through any size fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch are ready to help (941) 747-2333.

How We Respond to Fire Damage

When you experience a fire, firefighters will race to the scene to take it out. However, this leaves extensive water damage, not to mention the fire and smoke damage from the initial emergency. Our SERVPRO professionals are specially trained to restore your home to pre-fire condition – "Like it never even happened."

Once you call our hotline at (941) 747-2333 and we will send a team with the appropriate equipment and resources to assess the damage. Trained professionals will inspect every corner of your home for fire, smoke, and soot damage.

Since fire damage compromises windows, walls, and roofs, our technicians will board up missing windows and place tarps on damaged roofs. This protects against further damage. Next, specialized equipment is used to clean all restorable items and structures. In the event of nasty odors, SERVPRO technicians can use industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to remove them.

From there, it's down to repairs. This can take the form of minor restoration repairs, such as replacing drywall or installing a new carpet. More serious repairs such as reconstruction of certain areas of a property will also be evaluated.

For questions or concerns, call us anytime at (941) 747-2333

Your Insurance and Fire Damage

Another benefit of working with SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is that we work with your insurance. Fire damage can leave you feeling helpless, but our experts are there to help guide you through the process and restore your home or business back to its fantastic, undamaged state. Generally, fire damage insurance will cover:

Cost of total loss to your home
Temporary housing as the property is repaired
Cost of repairs to damages inside and outside the home
Lost personal possessions
Cost of secondary damages due to smoke

Ready for professional fire damage help? Call us through our 24-hour line at (941) 747-2333.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration in East Bradenton

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Your business is your livelihood. It shouldn’t be lost due to water! SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Who is Coming to Help?

Our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property to its pre-water-damaged condition – "Like it never even happened." Every SERVPRO technician who will work on your commercial property has gone through IICRC training. They are certified to know the best practices in commercial water restoration. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch also provides our specialists with specialized employee training, franchise training, and continued education. You can learn more here.

How Do We Handle Water Damage?

When you call our 24-hour hotline at (941) 747-2333, we will send in our commercial restoration specialist. He or she will visit your property to locate and tag your utility shut-offs, gather important account numbers and phone numbers, create an emergency plan, and place it all in the palm of your hand. We call this the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, and it can be kept in a binder or accessed on the SERVPRO Ready Plan App.

Once we have all the information we need, we can start with repairs. The majority of water is removed through our specialized vacuum units, which are capable of quickly removing hundreds to thousands of gallons. Your commercial property will then be assessed by our professionals to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your business.

Next, we clean and sanitize all restorable items and structures which have been water damaged. This includes sanitization techniques which remove the strong odors which come with water damage.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

This is the final step in the SERVPRO process. We do minor repairs, such as replacing drywall or installing a new carpet. Some properties are in need of major reconstruction, and we help to provide you with the next steps. We go the extra mile to help you work with insurance to maximize your savings.

Ready to tackle water damage? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

For more information, check out our Water Damage page.

Why you need to get your ducts cleaned

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch.

In 2021, there were 2,900 dryer fires in the US. This is reported each year and cause an estimated 5 death, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. See the fire safety tips from FEMA, click here.

According to experts, it is recommended to have your dryer ducts cleaned out twice a year. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch to complete this task for you.

New Year Cleaning and Decluttering For a Fresh Start

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Regularly scheduled home-maintenance and cleaning can curb hazardous, pricey problems in the future like fires and mold growth.

Regularly scheduled home-maintenance and cleaning can curb hazardous, pricey problems in the future like fires and mold growth. Since we are entering the new year, decluttering is a great way to improve the usability of your space—so you can freely undertake your big plans for the year.

More than a tidy environment

One of the easiest ways to declutter your mind is to declutter your home. If untidy environments are stressing you out, we suggest starting small. Pick up the general items around your most used spaces. Wash the dishes, fold the laundry, and make the beds. After the basics are cleaned, tackle the details.

Deep clean the kitchen:

Check for expiration and toss old food and condiments
Wipe out refrigerator drawers, cabinets, the microwave, and oven
Get rid of cupboard items you don’t use
Empty the junk drawer

Main area cleaning:

Dust ceiling fan blades
Wash baseboards and walls—especially if you have children!
Vacuum underneath furniture

Bedrooms/Closets:

Wash curtains and linens
Rotate and flip mattress
Turn all hangers backwards, then when you wear an item, replace the hanger normally—this indicates which items you wear. Toss or donate backwards hanging items after 1 year.

Bathrooms:

Scrub the bathtub walls and don’t forget the shower head
Use a drain snake tool or drain liquid to break up stuck hair and scum in sinks and shower

Holiday Purge:

For every gift received, get rid of one item
Sell or donate décor you didn’t use this season

More technical:

Replace air filters every 3 months
Check and replace smoke alarm batteries

If you need more in-depth mold, fire, or water damage cleaning, SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is Here To Help®. We understand not every clean up is quick, easy, or preventable. To inquire about our services, call us today at (941) 747-2333.

Tackle Storm Damage with SERVPRO!

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm hits, violent winds, hail, snow, and rain are a given. Finding experienced professionals who will respond quickly and protect your property from storm damage, however, is not. Storm damage is becoming more common in Florida, and destroying homes all over the state. As people scramble to save their homes and property, they put their lives on the line.

Instead of taking such a huge risk, why not leave things to the professionals?

When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

SERVPRO’s Response to Storm Damage

After you give us a call, the first thing that we do is work with you to learn exactly what happened to your property. The scope of the damage is assessed by a SERVPRO professional on sight, and this information is then used to determine how to best remove storm damage and bring your property back to pre-disaster condition.

Every one of our professionals are IIRC-certified, and has gone on to take months’ work of training and courses to solidify their skill. And, unlike some emergency response services, SERVPRO staff is continually educated to keep them up to date on the best way to save your property.

Where Can We Help?

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. Many of the people who will come to help you in your time of crisis may just be your neighbors! We are proud to be an active member of the Lakewood Ranch community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. The following communities are our first priority:

Lakewood Ranch, FL
Palmetto, FL
Parrish, FL
Ellenton, FL
Memphis, FL
Samoset, FL
Waterbury, FL
Myakka City, FL

Ready to get professional storm damage help? Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.

Faster to your East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch Water Damage Event

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service in East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (941) 747-2333

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew

Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home and extend the life of your carpet, but perhaps the most valuable benefit from the process is improving the health of everyone in the home.

According to the American Lung Association, if people in your home suffer from breathing conditions, such as snoring or asthma, it’s important that you vacuum your carpets at least three times a week.

You should also consider having your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year. If you’re not fully convinced of the benefits of professional carpet cleaning, consider the ways the process leads to a healthier home:

Carpet cleaning eliminates trapped pollutants.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a dirty carpet can retain several sources of indoor air pollutants, including pet dander, cockroach allergens, lead, particle pollution, and everyday dirt and dust. Airborne gases can adhere to these particles and get trapped within the carpet. These gases can be released through everyday activities such as vacuuming and walking across the carpet, which can cause them to contaminate the air in your home.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch cleaning services kills these bacteria through specialized shampooing formulas and can remove deeply trapped pollutants with high-powered vacuums.

Carpet cleaning can clear out dust mite infestations.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch utilizes steam cleaning techniques to deep-clean when performing carpet maintenance work, which exposes your carpet to high temperatures that dust mites can’t survive.

Carpet cleaning can help prevent mold growth.

In areas with high humidity levels, like Florida, dirty carpets are at a high risk of developing mold growth when exposed to moisture.

In precipitous weather, moisture frequently gets tracked into the home and can sink deep in the carpet fibers if not dried and vacuumed immediately. Having your carpet cleaned regularly can prevent mold and mildew growth, because SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch has the high-powered drying equipment that annihilates moisture.

By eliminating moisture, you can prevent mold growth.

We suggest regular cleaning and maintenance of all your carpeting. Vacuum at least three times per week and establish a regular carpet cleaning schedule with our office. For any questions or concerns about your carpets, including area rugs, give us a call at (941) 747-2333.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch – Water Damage, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Mitigation, and Carpet Cleaning.

Commercial Cleaning in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Business owners need professional commercial cleaning too! Perhaps even more so, when we consider the need to impress customers with a clean location. The types of businesses which we clean include:

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military

Worried about noise or customer disturbance? No need. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the training and expertise to help make any of your cleaning issues look “Like it never even happened.” We pride ourselves on providing superior results while minimizing customer disturbance.

Three Types of Commercial Cleaning Services

When disaster strikes, the last thing that a business owner should worry about is their business falling apart due to mold, or being destroyed because of fire and water damage. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has two methods of helping commercial properties in the case of such disaster events.

First, we send our commercial restoration specialist to your location before any disaster. This professional’s job is to create an emergency plan for your property based on your utilities, account numbers, and unique needs. The Emergency Ready Profile will always be available to you, whether you print it out and keep it in your desk, or if you choose to save it on your SERVPRO Ready Plan App.

Second, we mobilize our specialists to come to your aid after a disaster has struck. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to prepare before a disaster, which is why our commercial cleaning experts are always ready to help. There are two ways that we can help post-disaster: through our Commercial Large Loss program, and our Commercial Restoration Services.

Commercial Large Loss Program

The elite class of our loss specialists are strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle disasters of any size. We’ve worked with:

The Hospitality Industry
Property Managers
Universities
Municipalities
The Pentagon

Trained commercial cleaning operations managers are dispatched to your location. Their job is to cut costs of disasters through the strategic placement and management of temporary labor. This strategy has allowed our response teams to help clients through major events, such as the 2005 Katrina, Wilma, and Rita hurricanes. In 2010, we secured companies against the Nashville floods. More recently, we saved many a business make it through the 2017 California wildfires.

The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable!

Best Emergency Cleaning in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to disasters, very few people anticipate that they will be affected. In fact, many don’t realize that they need help until they’ve been hit. While competitors will turn the other way and go on holiday, we pride ourselves on taking your needs seriously. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

The last thing that a property owner should worry about is their home or business falling apart due to mold, or being destroyed because of fire and water damage. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood is there to help, day or night, rain or shine.

Call US 24/7 at (941) 747-2333

Why You Need Emergency Cleaning

SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria is filled with highly-trained professionals. Rest assured that our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property, no matter the size of the emergency.

Immediate action is needed when it comes to emergency cleaning and restoration. Water damage, for example, can significantly destroy your property within a few minutes.

In the first hour, water damage will bleed into your walls, floors, upholstery, and other belongings, causing them to stain and warm. All it takes is a single day for drywall to break down and the stench caused by water damage to take hold. Within two days to a week, metal corrosion and serious biohazard contamination become a major issue.

The longer you wait, the more expensive and unsafe things get. That’s why it’s so important to call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch the moment you notice that something is wrong. We will start restoration immediately, and work with your insurance to cut your costs.

Get help through our 24 Hour line: (941) 747-2333

Disasters can be tough, but they don’t have to be devastating. Emergency cleaning done by SERVPRO professionals is always the way to go.

Tackle Fire Damage with SERVPRO

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire.

Fire damage is no joke! The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that heating is responsible for the majority of U.S. home fires, deaths, and injuries. In fact, December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires! This makes it extremely important to keep professionals in contact.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood has the training and expertise to help make any fire damage look “Like it never even happened.”

Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

Why Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage

Fires in Manatee Country are more common than people assume. While most home and business owners will be glad to hear that they are unlikely to experience smoke or fire damage, this is not a guarantee. Far from it! In fact, Manatee County experiences a little over two fires a day.

Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can get you the resources you need quickly before a single fire destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

In addition, we work with your insurance to address any issues and help bring costs down for you. For a stress free claims process on your fire damage, call SERVPRO for details at (941) 747-2333.

Fire Damage Tips

To minimize the chances of fire damage, we have brought together some ideas which can help you.

Keep objects away from heaters and fireplaces! Flammable objects like papers and beauty products should stay at least three-feet away from heating equipment.
Set up a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. Since it can be produced by a number of fuel-burning devices, it's important to have carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. This will ensure every person in the home can hear and be alerted to the emergency.
Clean your appliances regularly! Big or small, kitchen appliances ought to be kept in good repair. Grease buildup is a major problem for interior oven walls, your stovetop, and even your exhaust hood. All of these can trigger fires.

Ready to tackle storm damage? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

Tackle Storm Damage with SERVPRO

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage can take many forms. Violent winds, hail, snow, and rain are to be expected. This weather can be so aggressive that experienced professionals can be hard to come by. This just makes things worse, as storm damage becomes more common and people scramble to save their homes and property. When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

Why Call SERVPRO for Storm Damage

The most common issue which you may experience in a storm is water damage. Because this problem can increase in severity really quickly, it’s important to contact professionals as soon as you can. Our crew of trained professionals have all the equipment needed to restore your property. We’re so good, it’s as if storm damage never even happened!

Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

How SERVPRO handles Storm Damage

In the case of water issues, this means water extraction, followed by drying and dehumidification. All restorable items and structures which have been damaged are then cleaned and sanitized. Finally, we close everything off with our restoration process. This process includes:

Minor/major repairs
Replacing drywall
Installing new carpet
Etc

To get a more in-depth look at our restoration process, check out our short guide.

Ready to tackle storm damage? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

Understanding Storms in Florida

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are 10 different common storm types? Each with unique causes and unique damage.

SERVPRO knows how important the safety of a house is, especially when a storm hits. This blog is meant to provide basic information about different types of storms - and hurricanes in particular - and their damaging effects.

The 10 most common storms are:

Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Flooding
Snow storm
Hail storm
Thunderstorm
Lightning storm
Tropical storms
Ice storms
Derecho storms

On the Florida Gulf Coast, it’s safe to say that we won’t be expecting ice or snow storms any time soon. Derecho storms are unlikely too. These monster storms are so vast that they are actually composed of multiple storms that cross 240 miles and can reach speeds of over 58 miles per hour. They are as rare as they are big.

The Gulf Coast is more likely to experience a hurricane or tropical storm, even a tornado. Hurricanes can be strong enough that their effects can be felt far inland as strongly as they are felt on the coast. (Hurricane Sandy impacted 24 states)

Because life on the coast comes with obvious risks thanks to the likelihood of a hurricane, it’s very to be familiar with how hurricanes cause damage.

These are the common causes of storm damage from hurricanes:

One: Storm Surge

Storm surge affects the coast most directly. This weather event happens because wind pushes more and more excess water toward the shore with nowhere for it to go. Eventually, all that water piles up far higher than the predicted tide level. Then it shoves onto the shore and even inland. Storm surge is powerful enough to damage buildings, roads, and other structures.

Two: Floods

Hurricanes cause floods in two main ways: rainfall and storm surge. Both have the ability to cause floods to happen across a wide geographical area. Rainfall from hurricanes can spread farther than 100 miles from where the hurricane landed. A tropical storm does not even have to be classified as a hurricane to cause destructive and widespread rain and floods.

Three: Wind

Hurricane wind can reach speeds anywhere between 74-155 miles per hour. This wind is powerful, fast and destructive. Hurricane winds can knock down power lines and trees, carry debris far and wide, and even cause a domino effect of damage. Roofs can be lifted from homes.

Storm damage can spread wide, especially on the coast. There are several precautions that you can take to prevent storm damage, such as adding weather resistant features to your home. Every home, office, and vehicle should include an emergency preparedness kit.

Cleaning up in the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming and dangerous. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, for help from the leading experts in storm damage restoration.

We're highly trained storm damage specialists!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Extreme weather has a high potential of causing damage to your property. A storm can involve anything from violent winds and rain, to hair or snow. What does this mean for you? Storm damage! Broken windows, caved-in ceilings, and flooded homes are all major issues victims face. Although this can be scary (and expensive), SERVPRO professionals have the qualifications to stop storm damage in its tracks. Here’s how we do it.

Who Fixes Your Storm Damage Issue?

SERVPRO professionals are some of the most highly trained property damage restoration experts in the country. Our staff is skilled in the arts of fire damage restoration, mold damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and much more. So, when you call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, you know that we’ll get the job done.

We scale our resources to the size of any disaster event, and we’re fast to respond. What does this mean for you? Less storm damage, and more money saved!

How are SERVPRO Professionals Trained?

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the foundation of all SERVPRO professionals’ training. The IICRC is a major international certification organization. Inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries use its standards as a baseline for quality, premium work.

At SERVPRO, we use IICRC training, but raise the bar of quality with our own employee certification training. This is a self-paced program which covers Crew Training, Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, and much more. All of these skills have one goal behind them: make sure that victims of storm damage and other disasters are able to return to a normal life.

Learn more about our repair and restoration techniques here.

Tackle Storm Damage the SERVPRO Way

Experienced professionals can be hard to come by during a storm, as storm damage becomes more common and people scramble to save their homes and property. When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for. Get the help you need now.

How Do I Eliminate Offensive Odors?

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

What’s that smell? When you are hit with a major disaster like a storm, water damage and storm damage are likely the first things that come to mind. And although both of these issues are important to tackle as soon as possible, there is one more issue disaster victims have to deal with: offensive odors. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch offers odor removal services which may just be what you need.

Signs you may need odor removal

You might have already read some articles online about how to address horrible smells in your home. Common suggestions include using baking soda, coffee grounds, and apple cider vinegar on the offending area in order to absorb and eliminate the smells.

For smaller issues, this just might work. However, the odors caused by water damage or storm damage can be particularly stubborn. When an offensive odor issue is very persistent, you may find that simple sprays or opening the window just isn't enough. In fact, nasty smells just seem to linger and won’t go away. In such a case, you should contact us as soon as possible for odor removal. The worse the smell, the more dedicated we are to get rid of it!

Why Choose SERVPRO for Home Odor Removal?

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is a leader in the cleanup and restoration industry. Our professionals not only get the highest quality of education, but they also have years of industry experience. Odor removal is something which we can respond quickly to. A fast response means less potential damage to your property, and far fewer costly repairs. Once our professionals arrive, they will use a variety of products and procedures designed to remove those odors as fast as possible. That means easy breathing for you!

Not to mention, SERVPRO will help you with the insurance claims process, which means less reading through bureaucratic red tape. Interested in getting help quickly? Contact us through our 24/7 service hotline.

Storm damage doesn't have to be stressful.

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

A storm generally involves violent winds, hail, and snow. Sometimes, there can be a storm without violent winds, but that is when the rain, hail, or snow are violent enough to be considered a storm. Any extreme weather has the potential to cause damage to property, but storm damage is a unique issue.

What to do if you’ve been hit by a storm

You should always prioritize your safety! Is it safe to stay in your home? There might be some electrical hazards from cut wires or damaged property which can be an issue. In the case of water damage from a storm, don’t use your household appliances or other electricity until professionals arrive.

What does SERVPRO do about storm damage?

Being a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is always close by and ready to respond to disaster events. Our water and storm damage specialists work hard to get your property back to pre-storm conditions as fast as possible. We do this by using advanced equipment and drying techniques which have been staples of the trade for years.

Every one of our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. In the event of major storm damage, it is a relief to get IICRC certified men and women on the ground as soon as possible. What’s more, we document everything that we do so that you can rest easy. It doesn’t matter how complex the job seems- our professionals have the know-how to save your property.

What To Do After a Fire

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire breaks out in your home, you might feel lost and unsure how to proceed. It can be extremely overwhelming to deal with post-fire damage. Insurance companies, fire departments, city inspectors, mitigation specialists, and contractors will probably all be involved in the process. All of this can leave you feeling a little lost.

However, if a fire does occur in your home, it is important to handle the situation carefully and correctly in order to protect you and your family, your possessions, and your home itself. Here are some things to keep in mind if you find yourself dealing with a house fire:

Do Not Enter Your Home After a Fire

Until the fire inspectors have given you permission to reenter your home, do not go inside the building. The structure of your home could be comprised, and the fire department will need to make sure it is safe for you to reenter. Even if the fire department has deemed your home safe to reenter, you might need to also get permission from your insurance company. Sometimes your insurance claim could be impacted or even denied if you reenter before they have cleared you to do so.

Once you are cleared to reenter the building, keep in mind that soot is extremely irritating to airways and eyes. You should wear protective gear when you step inside the burnt structure. And finally, do not turn on any source of electric, gas, or water until inspectors and the fire department tell you it is okay to do so.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of the size of your house fire, it is important to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Obviously, you will want to start repairs right away, but your insurance agent will need to be notified before you can begin those repairs. In addition, your insurance agent can help you with the financial ramifications of your house fire. Some policies offer funds to help cover alternative housing, day-to-day expenses, and replacement of personal items due to a fire.

Secure a Place to Stay

After a fire, you will need to find a place to stay. If the damage is minor, you might only need a place for a short amount of time. However, if your home is destroyed or sustained extensive damage, you will need to secure long-term housing for you and your family while you work with your insurance agent, inspectors, and contractors to determine the best course of action.

Review Your Possessions

If you did not sustain a total loss from the fire, you might still have possessions inside the home that are undamaged. Once you are cleared to re-enter the structure, you should plan to remove those items right away to avoid becoming the target of looters. Creating a catalog of your home’s contents with pictures of items prior to or after the fire will help with your insurance claim process. If possible, gather receipts or write down the make, model, and serial numbers of larger items such as appliances or electronics. These records will help make your claim process much smoother.

Fire Damage Restoration

Experiencing a house fire is stressful. Here at SERVPRO, we want to help alleviate a little of that stress for you. Once you have called your insurance agent, make sure your next call is to SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria at (941) 792-7715. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience needed to restore your home due to fire and smoke damage. Throughout the process, we will treat your family and property with care, respect, and empathy.

5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage can destroy more than just your physical property. It can also destroy your company’s revenue for a period of time and pose a health risk to customers and employees if the water damage is not handled properly. Mitigating the water damage quickly is critical in order to minimize its impact on your business.

The most common five causes of commercial water damage are:

1. Storm Damage

Severe weather from hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flash floods can cause significant water damage to your property. Before a storm hits, make sure that your building is prepared for possible severe weather. Keeping your gutters cleaned out and free of debris is an extremely important part of being prepared for a potential storm. In addition, it is important that your property has a functioning drainage system to help water drain away from your building.

2. Roof Damage

While high winds or heavy rainfall can cause roof damage, your roof can also be damaged due to improper roof maintenance, such as missing shingles or cracked caulking. If a large tree branch or a tree trunk falls onto your roof, it can cause structural damage as well. At the same time, heavy rooftop equipment—common with commercial buildings—can create entry points for water intrusion due to missing screws, punctures from maintenance tools, and ventilation panels not being 100% waterproof when hard, driving rain occurs.

3. Broken Pipes

Commercial water damage due to broken or damaged pipes is extremely common, unfortunately. Due to the pipes usually being inside walls, floors, or ceilings, it can be difficult to identify the exact issue or even where the leak is occurring within your building. Water damage professionals, such as ourselves here at SERVPRO, can help you find the leak with leak detection tools and equipment. If you notice any signs of water damage with an unknown cause—water stains on walls or ceilings, loose tiles, and musty or moldy smells—call a professional right away in order to keep the damage from spreading even further within your building.

4. Leaking Sprinkler Systems

Like broken or leaking pipes, your building’s sprinkler system can also cause water damage due to leaks. Inspect your system regularly to help avoid potential leaks. By routinely checking your sprinkler system and keeping an eye out for wet carpet or walls, you have a better chance of finding a leaking sprinkler system before it creates bigger problems in your walls or ceilings.

5. Window Damage

Broken windows or windows that are not sealed properly can allow water or moisture to seep into your building. This could be the result of poor installation or a lack of maintenance. It is important to routinely check to make sure that your windows are not cracked and the sealant is still in place and undamaged.

Do You Have Water Damage?

If you do have commercial water damage occur, call SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria at (941) 792-7715. Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we! Our team provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.

4 Ways to Avoid a Kitchen Fire

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Appliances are necessary components of a properly functioning, usable kitchen. We need them to be able to cook and prepare food properly. As with any electrical or gas source, proper care must be taken with these elements in order to prevent a kitchen fire from breaking out. Here are four key steps you can take to prevent a kitchen fire in your own home: Clean Your Appliances Regularly ?Keeping your kitchen appliances, big and small, clean and in good repair is essential to preventing a kitchen fire. Remove grease buildup from your cooktop, interior oven walls, and exhaust hood (along with its filter). Make sure to empty the crumbs from your toaster on a consistent basis. Replace appliances with frayed cords. If your appliance is not working the way it should be, have it repaired by a certified appliance repair company. Keep Towels Away from the Cooktop ?Fabrics of any sort are fire risks if stored or even placed for a moment too close to the cooktop. Do not leave kitchen towels, pot holders, dish rags, or paper towels beside the cooktop. Even your apron can be flammable. Make sure that when you remove it, you place it far away from the cooktop. If a burner is left on accidently or a towel is left too close to a pan while cooking, these fabrics can quickly ignite and cause a kitchen fire. ? Do Not Put Metal in the Microwave?You probably know not to put metal into a microwave. However, knowing can be easier said than done. When you are hurrying to get food warmed up or are on the phone and distracted while trying to get dinner on the table, these are the times that you might forget to remove a foil cover or the metal serving spoon before putting a dish in the microwave. In addition, the takeout containers that contain aluminum might easily slip by and get placed in the microwave. All of these are fire hazards! Always double check what you are putting in the microwave before you turn it on.? Be Careful with Grease?Too much grease in a pan can be extremely dangerous due to grease splattering all over your heat source along with the potential to ignite a grease fire. To avoid this, try to minimize the amount of oil or grease in your pan. Never leave a cooking pan unattended. While this is true for any form of cooking, it is particularly important if you have oil or grease in your pan. If the oil catches fire, you need to react quickly to suffocate the grease fire with a metal lid, baking soda, or salt. ? Fire Damage Restoration Regardless of how careful you are, accidents can still happen. If you’ve experienced a kitchen fire or fire of any sort in your home, reach out to us here at SERVPRO. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. Throughout the process, we will treat your family and property with care, respect, and empathy.

3 Steps to Prevent Water Intrusion from Hurricanes

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season has begun. In fact, the Gulf Coast has already experienced its first named storm of the season—Elsa. Over the next few months, we will likely experience more tropical storms or hurricanes. It is important to be prepared for these potential storms. Water intrusion from hurricanes can be extremely destructive. So, how can you prevent water intrusion from hurricanes? Here are our top three suggestions: Have Your Roof Inspected Prior to the start of hurricane season (or now, since it’s already started), have your roof inspected by a certified roofer or restoration professional. Some might even use a drone to view your roof rather than having to climb all over it. Finding a leak and repairing it prior to a storm hitting can help protect your home from damaging water intrusion from hurricanes or tropical storms. Use Sand Bags The use of sandbags is an effective way to prevent or reduce water damage to your home or business. They act as a barrier to divert water around your building, not through it. If a storm is approaching, gather enough sandbags to help protect the perimeter of your home. Assess your situation and decide where water is most likely to seep into your home. This could mean that you place sandbags against garage doors, front doors, or sliding doors. Keep in mind that any entryway on ground level could be an opening for water intrusion due to flooding. Install Hurricane Shutters or Plywood as Necessary Many homes in our area have hurricane shutters—layers of metal specifically crafted to fit each of your windows, which are then bolted to the exterior of your home. However, if you do not already have shutters, you need to figure out how you will cover your windows if a strong hurricane is approaching. Plywood can also be used to board up windows and doors. If you have hurricane shutters, install them before the storm arrives. Both plywood and shutters will help protect you from glass breakage due to wind or flying projectiles, which would then allow water to enter your home. Do You Have Water Damage? If you have damage to your home or business that has been caused by water intrusion from hurricanes or other storms, call SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria at (941) 792-7715. Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. Our team provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.

If You Have Water Damage And Suspect Mold, Bleach Isn't The Answer

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

Mold thrives on moisture, and since the primary component of bleach is water

Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch Water Damage

A few days after some recent heavy storms a homeowner wanted to know if bleach would kill the mold spores. Unfortunately, we had to give him the bad news that bleach will not kill mold spores.

Some people believe that they can actually kill a mold problem by spraying a bleach solution onto a wall and then wiping it clean. But while the area appears to be clean and rid of the black fungus on the surface, this particular method actually makes the situation worse.

When mold and bleach interact, the mold spores react as if they are being attacked. Spraying the fungus down with bleach causes the mold to shoot off spores to protect itself. So as you are wiping the surface, you are actually spreading the mold spores further out. If the cloth is used in other areas of the home, it can spread the mold to areas that were unaffected (otherwise known as cross contamination).

Mold thrives on moisture, and since the primary component of bleach is water, the solution actually feeds the fungus rather than kill it. Another reason bleach is no match for mold is because its chemicals, which include chlorine, do not penetrate through the porous areas of the sheetrock or wood where the deep roots of the mold spores are located.

Still another reason not to use bleach to combat a mold problem is because the solution is highly acidic, which can threaten the integrity of porous materials. The acidity levels in bleach wreak havoc on the fibers that compose most home building materials such as drywall and baseboard. And not only will the bleach compromise the integrity of the material, it will spread the mold spores to otherwise unaffected areas. Because this damage is occurring beneath the surface, it goes unseen and unnoticed.

While bleach can erase the unsightly black marks of mold spores on the surface, the fungus is still present in the wall. Mold has deep roots and can permeate to the outer areas of the wall, as it seeks out moisture and a food source. Since bleach can only clean up the ugly surface marks and not completely kill the roots, it is not a recommended solution for mold remediation.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch has professionally trained crews that understand the problems that can arise out of damage caused by a storm.

With years of experience responding to property owners and managers with mold in their homes or businesses, handling mold projects throughout Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, our staff can properly and completely clean up any mold situation with the right products and equipment.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

As a certified mold remediation company, SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch requires our staff to be trained and able to explain the different types of methods that can be used to clean up mold for our customers. We never sell our services based on fear but rather on information. If you need any help with storm damage please feel free to contact us for an estimate.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Preparing For Storms, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.

Hurricane Season - Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. According to the National Weather Service the primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.

Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.

Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of franchises across the country.
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Fire Extinguisher Safety And Knowing PASS

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is important. There are cases when you might need to get out of the building quickly and let the professionals handle it. If the fire is taller than you, then you should not try to put out the fire yourself. According to FEMA. Fires grow quickly, doubling by the minute. This leaves very little time to try to figure out how to use a fire extinguisher. If circumstances allow, how do you use it effectively?

PASS: The 4 Steps in Using a Fire Extinguisher

PULL - Pull the pin to break the safety tamper seal.

AIM - Aim low towards the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE - Squeeze handle to discharge.

SWEEP - Sweep the trajectory side to side at the base of the fire.

It is also important to know what type of fire extinguisher you are using to effectively knock the fire down.

According to the NFPA there are four common types of Fire Extinguishers:

Class A: This type of fire extinguishers are good for fires that have started from wood, paper and other type of ordinary combustible items.

Class B: This type of fire extinguisher is designed to be used on grease, oil, gasoline and other flammable fluids.

Class C: This type of fire extinguisher is designed to be used on fires from electricity.

Class D: This extinguisher class is the best for flammable metals.

There is also the Class K fire extinguisher which is designed for commercial kitchens.

Whether you are able to put the fire out or you call the professionals, there is a mess to clean up. This is the time to call the restoration professionals.

SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Call Us Today – SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service

Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

Highly Trained Restoration Technicians A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

Locally Owned and Operated

Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Is Ready To Help Your Business

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

Water Damage In You Lakewood Ranch Business

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When you have an emergency water event, SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 offers fast, 24 hour emergency services.

24 Hour Emergency Service

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Commercial business owners face unique challenges for their property and employees when dealing with water damage. One of the most frequent disasters a business owner can encounter is water damage.

Unfortunately, many business owners don't know how to handle this type of property damage. Learning more about the issue can empower you to take the steps necessary to get your commercial property back in pristine condition. Access the information you need to accomplish this objective by reviewing the outline below:

Water Damage Basics

A water damage is a property issue that can transpire for numerous reasons. Some of them include:

· Poor Ventilation

· Leaking Pipes

· Excessive Condensation

· High Humidity

· Damp Utility Closets

· Roof Leaks

· Damp Carpets

· Flooding

· Fire Sprinklers

Once a water damage has transpired on your property, you'll need to determine the following three things:

1) Where the water came from?

2) What is the extent of the damage?

3) How long has the devastation has been in place?

Develop A Water Damage Emergency Plan

One of the best ways to limit water damage is to develop an emergency plan that informs you and your employees of the steps you will take once a disaster strikes. Your plan should include information regarding who to call in the event of a water damage. Make sure that the contingency plan is placed in a visible area where all employees can easily access and read it. Also, be sure to delegate an authoritative figure to make significant decisions in case you are absent when the emergency transpires.

Mold Concerns

Another issue that commercial business owners should be cognizant of is mold. Unfortunately, water damage creates the ideal environment for this fungus to grow in. To prevent mold from becoming a problem on your commercial property, be sure that all excess water is removed from the office setting quickly and correctly.
Call SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 For Commercial Water Damage Cleanup.

If you find that your commercial property is subjected to unwanted water damage, don't worry. Instead, call the IICRC-certified technicians of SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch for fast, friendly water damage restoration services you need and deserve.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 is strategically located to respond quickly to your water emergency event.

Storm Damage Response In Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

A downed tree is shown with the words storm damage with a question mark

SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

As many homeowners in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are aware, there are many challenges to face when a serious storm hits. Seeking safety, inspecting damage, and reviewing insurance coverage are only a few steps on the list.

Mold can arrive in a flood's wake, as moisture left behind has a way of lingering and serving as the perfect setting for growth.

Here are a few pointers to help you prevent mold growth after flood damage.

1. Inspect the Area

Addressing a flood-damaged home can easily become a tremendous task. Depending on the severity of the storm and subsequent destruction, you may have many spots in the house to repair. When looking over your house after the storm's aftermath, make sure to comb over all the hidden corners for mold. Flooding can bring moisture that may hang around and cause mold to grow.

2. Get to Cleaning

Because the cleanup process depends on the seriousness of the storm's effects on your home, it is important to catch all places that have become damaged by a flood. Drywall, carpets, and other permeable materials may need to be replaced. A professional can also help you get a clearer picture of the state of your home, as mold removal might be another task on the list.

3. Keep Places Dry

After the long string of events that consist of relocating to safer areas, inspecting the damage, and going through the process of cleanup, you might assume the work is over. Although this is true for the most part, mold growth can occur long after the storm. By maintaining a clean, dry living space, you can reduce your chances of this fungal nuisance.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

We Have the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Are Paid Out Because Of Kitchen Fires

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

A person is shown using a fire extinguisher to put out a stove fire

Do you have a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen?

The kitchen is often the hub of the home where family and friends will gather and spend quality time while meals are prepared. The kitchen is also an area where fire can likely occur. The leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

State Farm, in one year, paid out over $130 million in homeowners insurance claims related to fires caused by grease and other cooking-related causes.

Staying Safe in the Kitchen

Staying in the kitchen while cooking is just one of fire safety tips you should be following. Here are some other helpful tips to observe while cooking:

1. What type of clothing are you wearing? Does your outfit have long, flowing sleeves or is it loose-fitting? It could catch on fire if you aren’t careful while cooking over the stove. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.

2. What type of items are near the stovetop? Make sure you don’t have kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains too close to the stovetop when cooking. Ideally, anything flammable will be moved away from it.

3. Do you have a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen? We hope that there is at least one fire extinguisher located in your home, ideally one that is near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.

4. How are you disposing of hot grease? While the grease may not be on fire, it could be hot enough to cause something in the trash to burn. You should let the grease cool a bit and then dispose of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the smoke points of the oils you cook with. Be sure to never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.

5. Do you have an established fire escape plan? Thinking about the worst-case scenario is never fun, but it’s better to be prepared rather than unprepared if an emergency were to occur. Go over exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

After The Fire

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”
If you have fire or water damage give us a call today (941) 727-2333.

Commercial Plumbing Disasters In Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

What would a major plumbing issue do to your business today? Having a commercial plumber on hand is great, but sometimes having the information to prevent commercial plumbing disasters can make a real difference.

Preventative maintenance is one of the most important things a business owner can do to protect their property, the tenants, and employees. It makes sense to have routine inspection of plumbing, sprinklers, pumps, and drains. While the inspection schedule for any of these items may vary, at least one full-scale inspection per year is recommended.

Fix minor issues before they become major ones. Inspections are useless if problems are identified and not addressed. The whole point in performing inspections is to find and resolve issues while they are still small. It's a bad idea to wait until the issue grows into plumbing problems that can temporarily close down your business. If owners can commit to performing annual inspections and fixing small issues before they become substantial issues.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Find help that you can count on. Being proactive about plumbing issues involves routine maintenance, but it also means finding 24/7 help. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch as soon as possible to minimize additional damage.

Before mold or other issues cost you more contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333. The longer water is left standing, the more likely mold growth will become a problem. Mold can begin to grow in a flooded commercial site in 24 to 72 hours.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch to eliminate standing water.

Homeowners Have A Valuable Resource When There Is Water Damage

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage turn to mold, you have a company you can rely on to help SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch.

Water Damaged Homes In Lakewood Ranch And Bradenton

Homeowners in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch have a good resource for help when they have water damage. SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is here to help. Your home may have flooding from storms or leaky plumbing.

Whatever causes water damage SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch can respond with an experienced, trained technician.

One thing to consider with water damage is mold. If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

One of the most dangerous and debilitating household complications residential property can experience is a mold infestation. Mold remediation should not be delayed in the event of visible mold patches. Learning more about mold and how to prevent it from spreading in your home can help you limit losses, save money, and prevent stress. SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch offers the following information you should know about mold.

Mold Basics

Molds are fungi, an organism that decomposes organic materials. Additionally, mold comes in a wide range of colors, including black, orange, white, green and blue. The color has no bearing on the potential danger of a specific mold. Mold reproduces through the process of releasing spores into the air. Once the spores find a damp, moist environment containing a cellulose food source, they begin to grow strings of colonies. These colonies can grow into extremely large mold infestations readily visible.

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.

Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch for mold remediation services (941) 747-2333.

What Not to Do:

Don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.

Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.

Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

Fire Hazards In Your Lakewood Ranch Home

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

A candle is shown being lit with other candles in background

Recognizing fire hazards in your Bradenton home can help you protect your family and your property.

Recognizing fire hazards can be an important way to protect your Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton home.

The problem with candles

According to the National Fire Protection Association, during a five-year period from 2011 to 2015, fire departments in the United States answered calls to almost 8,700 home structure fires a year that began with candles. In total, 82 deaths, 800 injuries and $295 million in property damage were attributed to candles.

Candles were the cause of 2 percent of reported home fires, with 3 percent resulting in death and 7 percent resulting in injuries. There were an average of 24 home candle fires reported per day during those five years, with the month of December having the highest number of calls per year for home candle fires.

Candle fires during this time span were attributed to 37 percent starting in bedrooms and were responsible for 36 percent of the associated deaths and 51 percent of the associated injuries.

While using candles, it is important that the candle is kept at least one foot away from anything that could catch fire and is placed in a sturdy holder that won’t easily tip over. Never use a candle where oxygen is used in the home—and always extinguish all candles when you leave a room or go to sleep.

Smoking can ignite fires in the home

While cooking is the leading cause of house fires, smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Cigarettes, pipes and cigars contributed to an estimated 17,200 home structure fires in 2014, resulting in 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries and $426 million in property damage.

If you’re a smoker, the safest place to smoke is outside. Most deaths resulted from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms or bedrooms.

Extinguish all cigarette butts and ashes with water or sand prior to throwing them away—and keep in mind that one out of four fatalities from smoking-material fires is not the smoker whose smoking started the fire.

Watch for hidden fire hazards

We’ve covered candles and smoking as two of the most common causes of home structure fires. There are also other lesser-known hazards that could be present in your home.

Dust is also a fire risk if it builds up near electrical sockets and floor heaters. Regular sweeping and vacuuming your floors regularly and cleaning hard-to-reach areas can help prevent buildup.

Look out for loose outlets in your home because continuous movement of these electrical outlets may cause loose wires that are connected to the outlet. This could cause dangerous arcing, which could cause a fire.

Fire Damage Restoration Services

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to homes, not to mention the water damage that happens from firefighting efforts. If your home is damaged by fire or smoke call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Water Extraction In Your Bradenton Or Lakewood Ranch Home

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Understanding water extraction in your home

Water extraction, utilizing truck-mounted water pumps and wet-vacs is the first and very important step. This will limit water damage by preventing wicking of water into furniture, fabrics, electronics, and building materials.

The clean up entails tossing badly damaged items and moving salvageable items. Wiping down walls, wooden furniture and checking the HVAC coils and ductwork for water and contaminants.

Our IICRC trained technicians have the skills to clean your house "Like it never even happened." The drying process employs air-movers, high-velocity fans, and several variations of dehumidifiers.

Measurements are taken to verify that the moisture and humidity inside the home environment are within an acceptable range. You will be provided upon request documentation indicating validated drying of your home. Mold can grow in 48-72 hours if sufficient moisture is present. Sanitizing with the use of antifungal and antibacterial products are used if deemed appropriate.

All these important steps lead to the repair and restoration of your home in Lakewood Ranch. SERVPRO can execute quick and professional water damage restorative steps to get you back home.

Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. Call us. (941) 747-2333

Fire Damage To Your Bradenton Business

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

No business owner wants to watch their hard work and years of investment go up in flames. Still, commercial fire damage in Florida, occurs more frequently than you may think. Even small fires cause significant property damage. If there is a fire in your business, damage may be more extensive than you might imagine.

When your East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch business experiences fire or smoke damage, you need professional help quickly.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce the cost of restoration.

Cooking fires account for almost 30% of nonresidential fires according to The U.S. Fire Administration. That is not limited to restaurants, 1 in 4 office building fires were related to cooking.

Major damage to your business is preventable with fire protection systems such as alarms and fire extinguishers.

9.2% of commercial fires were unintentional results of careless acts. A few examples of careless acts that result in fires:

Plugging too many things into the same extension cord

Accidentally leaving space heaters or other heat producing equipment on

Carelessly discarded cigarette butts igniting fires

So you have all of the necessary fire protection systems in place. But how well maintained and up-to-date are they? Do you have expired fire extinguishers? Following a fire, your insurance adjuster may inform you that your policy doesn’t cover certain types of fires.

Commonly, fire policies exclude the following events:

Arson-related fires

Fires in vacant buildings

Once the smoke clears and fire crews leave, you may notice damage to all parts of your business. You also must consider fire containment can cause additional damage. This is the time to call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch(941) 747-2333.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

If you don’t have a plan for recovering from fire damage, you may be making a big mistake.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Are Ready To Help

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Flood water is shown indoors with some furniture soaked

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies

Water Damaged Homes In Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch

There are a number of ways that you can end up with water damage in your home. It could be the result of a pipe bursting, a malfunctioning dishwasher, leaky shower or storm damage. Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.

While water damage is an especially common issue for homeowners, allow us to suggest some ways you can safeguard your home from some of these situations.

Protecting Your Home From Water Damage

When there is water damage, the damage caused is not the only issue to deal with, as it can have a long-term impact on your home. Mold is a common side effect of water damage, as it can start growing within 48 hours of exposure to moisture.

As you consider ways to protect your home, it may be helpful to break the large task down by areas of impact. These areas might include spaces like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ceilings.

In the basement, you can help prevent water damage by checking for any water seepage and remedying it by resealing vulnerable areas of the basement, checking that water drains away from your home and installing a backwater valve.

Your kitchen and bathrooms may experience water damage as a result of plumbing system breakdowns and appliance failures.

Steps You Can Take To Avoid Water Damage In Your Home

Inspect your appliances regularly, checking for issues with any hoses and faucets

Check the seal and caulking around your showers and tubs, ensuring they are not leaking

Know where the main shut-off valve is located for your home

Don’t leave a washing machine or dishwasher running when you’re not home

Protecting your possessions from water damage may not always be possible, but there are steps you can take to lessen the amount of possessions you may lose or that could be damaged.

Waterproof bins for storage are advisable, as is keeping items stored on shelving off of the floor—especially in the basement.

What to Do if Cleanup Is Needed

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs

There are three types of water in a water damage situation:

“Clean” water from rain, condensation, leaky pipes, etc.

“Gray” water, which is slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, etc.

“Black” water, which is water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers, etc. This water can cause serious health effects.

Following a water damage disaster, you will want to get your home dried out and dehumidified as quick as is safely possible, removing wet objects and disinfecting any remaining materials.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is critical. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. If you have water, fire, storm damage or suspect mold call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Flooding And Sewer Damage Lead To Property Loss

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Sewer Damage In East Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch

Sewer damage after a flood in Lakewood Ranch is a serious problem for homes and commercial businesses and can lead to significant property loss.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch understand that it is important for you to get back to normal quickly. It is important to begin the sewer cleanup process as soon as possible. You should always wait until the electric and gas lines have been shut off to prevent fires or explosions.

Flooding that is caused by sewage backups should be treated differently than other types of flooding events and requires professional care. Sewage is considered a biohazard and contains bacteria and viruses which pose a significant health issue if not handled properly. SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch is a certified IICRC firm and has the right equipment and the certified team to handle the job quickly.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Here are a few of the steps we take when beginning the cleanup process.

Remove any standing water and dispose of the contaminated material.

Clean and Sanitize the Flooded Area including:

• Walls

• Floors

• Countertops

• Railings

• Doors

Complete the process by sanitizing the areas and ensuring the area is dry. If the area is not completely sanitized and free of moisture mold can develop causing health concerns and illness. Any items damaged by sewer backup including furniture and bedding must go through the sewer cleanup process or disposed of properly.

Whether dealing with an overflowing toilet in your home or a full-scale commercial sewer cleanup job, consider hiring a professional like SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch. We have the right tools to ensure the job is completed and the area is safe for you and your family. Call us today 941-747-2333.

Storms In Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch Can Leave Behind Serious Water Damage

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

A man is shown squeezing water out of a towel and into a bucket

If you have water damage call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

When storms roll through Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch there can be significant water damage left behind. Understanding water damage is important to protect your home or business.
When you find yourself in a water damage situation, it is important to understand the differences in the water that could be involved.

There are three classifications for this water: clean, gray and black, and having a better understanding of these differences will help you understand how to better handle the situation.

Regardless of the type of water involved, there will always be a cleanup and restoration process that follows. The most important part of the cleanup, however, is to remove all of the moisture and damp items quickly, so that mold does not have a chance to flourish in a mold-growth ideal environment.

Clean Water

Much like the name states, “clean” water is, well, clean. And it is not likely the type that will pose an immediate threat to your health. This water is free of contaminants and can come from:

Broken water lines

Malfunctioning appliances

Toilet holding tanks

Snow melt and rainwater

This is the easiest type of water damage to work with, as there will be fewer microbes living in the water, but after only 48 hours and contact with building surfaces, clean water can move up to category two, which is gray water.

Gray Water

The cleanup and restoration process with gray water becomes a bit more involved and serious. This water could very well have the potential to pose a health risk, due to it containing chemical or biological contamination. This slight contamination in gray water means that the water would need to be thoroughly treated before being safe for consumption.

Gray water is water from dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. The 48-hour exposure rule for mold growth also applies here as well, as gray water will become black water if not quickly treated.

Black Water

The most serious and dangerous water is black water, and it is considered to be highly contaminated by harmful chemicals and biological matter. This would include floodwaters containing soil and any sewage water.

Sewage contains microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more—many of which are extremely harmful to humans.

Some of the diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:

Cholera

Typhoid

Hepatitis

Gastroenteritis-type illnesses

A good rule is to remember that, when it comes to floods, all water involved should be assumed to be black water since it will have picked up contaminants along its path.

These three floodwater classifications are recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Remediation Certification (IICRC), an organization that certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians have all studied and familiarized themselves with the IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration and are available to help determine the steps to take to get your home back to normal.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 is here to help get the situation under control and make it "Like it never even happened." Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need emergency cleanup and restoration services.

After The Storm Has Passed

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Storms in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

It can all start with a weather alert on your phone. Then you can see the weather changing quickly. You seek shelter and then you hear a loud continuous rumble. The sound that has been described as a jet or a passing train. When the threat has passed and everyone is ok, you can breathe a sigh of relief, but did your home fair as well?

After the tornado has passed

According to the National Weather Service after the storm you should assess the damage. They suggest after the threat for tornadoes has ended, check to see if your property has been damaged. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.

The best place to start this inspection is the structural integrity of your home. A small tornado can have the power to knock a house off of its foundation, or collapse a load bearing wall or roof, which needs to be repaired before other work can start.

Next, it is time to address the concerns with your home's primary systems. These include the electrical, gas, plumbing, and even air conditioning.

All of these systems are what make our homes more comfortable to live in, and they all require specialized expertise to be properly restored. Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

When storms hit East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,800 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Springtime Storms And Tornadoes

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Springtime is not too far off. That means storms and tornadoes are even more likely.

Springtime weather is unpredictable, you should always be prepared for the chance of severe thunderstorms that lead to the perfect conditions for a tornado touchdown.

April and May traditionally have the highest occurrences of tornadoes at 30% and 24% respectively, which means we are currently in the height of tornado season throughout the United States. Read on as we explore some tips and information on tornadoes that can help keep your family prepared for the worst possible scenario.

Conditions That Can Cause a Tornado

Roughly 1,200 tornadoes occur in the U.S. each year, and they are a result of thunderstorms, especially those known as “supercells.”

A tornado will be born when changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell. This is then tipped vertical by rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

If you are looking for the signature funnel cloud, you will not see it at first because it is transparent until it picks up water droplets from the storm’s moist air condense or dust and debris.

A typical tornado can grow to be 660 feet wide and will move at 10 to 20 miles per hour, although larger and faster have been observed. Hail and intense winds of over 200 mph can accompany tornadoes.

Tornadoes typically occur during the late afternoon, but it is vital to remember that they can occur anytime and anywhere.

What You Should Do for a Tornado Warning

Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning is important. A watch is issued when the conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning is issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

If you are in the path of a warned tornado, it is imperative that you take action to find safe shelter immediately.

Shelter options include:

Underground options like a basement or storm shelter.

The lowest part of your home, in an area that is away from outside walls, doors and windows. Interior closets and bathrooms can be ideal options.

If you are outside, try to get to a sturdy building. Mobile homes and trailers are not a safe option.
If on the road and no building access is available, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Instead, find a low, flat location and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
It is a good idea to always have flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries in your home tornado shelter.

When a tornado occurs while you are driving, NEVER attempt to outrun it. Also, when you are sheltering in your home, items like couch cushions, mattresses or blankets will provide further protection to your head and neck.

Tornadoes can create havoc on the areas where they touch down. While meteorologists and weather services can provide some advanced warning to potential threats, tornadoes can still occur with little to no warning at all.

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is ready to get cleanup and restoration of your property underway. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 727-2333.

Smoke Damage Requires Professional Attention

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most difficult realities for a homeowner to deal with is a house fire. After you learn that your property has been subjected to this type of natural disaster, it's crucial that you get the restoration process going.

In many cases, homeowners are inclined to handle some of the restoration processes themselves, including Palmetto smoke damage removal. While you may find the idea of a do it yourself project appealing, it's important to know that this type of work is best left to the professionals. These individuals possess the extensive education and experience to complete the job with skill and efficacy.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the experienced restoration professionals to mitigate the damage and restore your home or business to preloss condition.

Learn more about why hiring professional smoke damage companies is a good idea by reviewing the following information:

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Uses Special Equipment

One of the reasons that you should leave the Palmetto smoke damage removal process to professionals is because it necessitates the use of specialized equipment. In many cases, smoke can seep into your walls and cause health problems if it is not removed immediately.

The most effective method to remove the smoke is thermal fogging. Professionals execute this process by opening the pores of your walls and then neutralizing the odors contained within.

Professionals combine this strategy with the use of dehumidifiers and ozone generators to get your home in optimal, smoke-free condition.

If you have fire damage call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Clean Carpets And Better Health

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

a carpet is shown in a residential bedroom

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed.

Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home and extend the life of your carpet, but perhaps the most valuable benefit from the process is improving the health of everyone in the home.

1. Carpet cleaning eliminates trapped pollutants.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a dirty carpet can retain several sources of indoor air pollutants, including pet dander, cockroach allergens, lead, particle pollution, and everyday dirt and dust. Toxic airborne gases can adhere to these particles and also get trapped within the carpet. These toxic gases can be released through everyday activities such as vacuuming and walking across the carpet, which can cause them to contaminate the air in your home.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch cleaning services kills these bacteria through specialized shampooing formulas and can remove deeply trapped pollutants with high-powered vacuums.

2. Carpet cleaning can clear out dust mite infestations.

3. Carpet cleaning can help prevent mold growth.
In areas with high humidity levels, like Florida, dirty carpets are at a high risk of developing mold growth when exposed to moisture.

By eliminating moisture, you can prevent mold growth that can cause health effects if ignored for too long.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch – Water Damage, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Mitigation, and Carpet Cleaning.

Protecting Your Bradenton Business Against Fire Damage

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Two men are shown putting out a small fire

Make sure your business is properly equipped for fire safety.

There are many responsibilities business owners have, one of them being safety factors to take into consideration regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors. One of those risks that needs some extra consideration is planning for and working toward preventing fires.

Leading Causes of Fires

According to research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

Cooking equipment, 29% of fires

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires

Heating equipment, 11% of fires

Intentional, 10% of fires

Smoking materials, 9% of fires

Exposure, 4% of fires

Electronic, office or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

Three of those causes, intentional, exposure, and electrical distribution and lighting equipment, accounted for the most property damage with 20%, 18% and 15% respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2007, fires and explosions accounted for 3% of all workplace fatalities.

When you consider more recent numbers, the NFPA estimates that during the timeframe from 2007–2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires involving office properties per year. Those fires were responsible for an annual average of four deaths, 44 injuries and $112 million in direct property damage.

How to Protect Your Business

Let’s take a look at steps you can take to protect your business from fire risk. Some of those steps are focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education. These topics will help you work to reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.

Your first step should be to assess the risk of fire hazards. In some areas, the local government may even offer a visit from a fire marshal to help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan.

Ensure that the proper amount of and right fire protection equipment is in place. This should include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for each floor your business occupies.

Finally, but most important, consider the safety of your employees and visitors. By creating and regularly reviewing your fire plan with your staff, you’ll be making sure everyone is aware of the proper procedure to follow in the event of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep this fire safety protocol fresh, and take time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Water Damage And Your Lakewood Ranch Home

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with fire or water damage. SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

When thinking of water damage, severe weather is usually one of the first things that comes to mind. While storms and flooding can cause catastrophic water damage, often, they are not the main culprits.

Many of the various items in your home can be responsible for situations that result in water damage.

Water Damage Details

Many homeowners will suffer water damage, and it was the third most common reason for a homeowner to file an insurance claim between 2011 and 2015, with an average payout per claim of $8,861.

We must first explain the difference between water damage and gradual water damage, which impacts how insurance claims are paid. Gradual damage is when something has been happening over time, such as plumbing issues in the walls causing damage to the walls, ceilings or floors, or water damage caused by cracks in the foundation.

Unfortunately, many aspects of gradual water damage are usually not covered by homeowners insurance, while storm-related water damage usually is.

The Common Culprits
The leading causes of water damage, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), are:

Plumbing supply system failures. Frozen pipes can burst due to a buildup in water pressure caused by freezing water in the lines or when the supply system equipment fails and results in a leaking or burst pipe. Per IBHS, plumbing supply system failures are the leading source of residential water losses and cost an average of $5,092 per incident after the deductible. It was also found that homes ages 16 to 40 years of age were a larger group of supply system material failure claims.

Water heater failures. Once your water heater has reached its life expectancy, the chances for the tank to rust and corrode increase, which can cause leaking or bursting issues. IBHS found that 69% of all water heater failures were a direct result of a slow leak or sudden burst and, on average, cost $4,444 per incident following the deductible.

Plumbing drain system failures. This occurs when sewer drains back up and overflow into a home or from material breakdown issues. In their study, IBHS found that 52% of drain system failures were caused by sewer backups and 37% were related to material breakdown issues. The average drain system failure was more expensive in the southern region than in northern region of the United States.

Toilet failures. This type of damage is second to plumbing supply system failures for residential water loss after and can be caused by faulty fill valves or clogged drain lines. According to IBHS, toilet failures that happen on the first floor of a home resulted in more homeowners insurance claims than those happening in basements or upper floors.

Washing machine malfunctions. Typically caused by supply hose failures, machine overflows and drain line failures, washing machines are in the top 10 for residential water damage losses. Per IBHS, supply hose failures accounted for over half of all washing machine-related losses.

If your home falls victim to water damage, the team at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is available to help with cleanup and restoration and make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you have water damage call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Water Damage Could Devastate Your Bradenton Business

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

A seemingly minor broken pipe can cause a devastating amount of water damage in your commercial building.

To be prepared, make sure you understand your insurance coverage. It's also important to note that flooding is not usually covered by commercial property insurance. It requires its own policy if you want to protect your business from flood damage. Understanding your insurance coverage is definitely important to your business. It's also important to know who you are going to call if your business has water damage. Contact the highly trained restoration specialists at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

So what are the common causes of water damage?

1. A Leaky Roof

If a severe storm has happened recently or if your building’s roof is getting old, you might expect a few roof leaks. These leaks can lead to a lot of problems such as mold or serious water damage. Try to find the source of the drip and contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

2. A Damaged Water Heater

Due to high water pressure in the pipes, the seals on your water heater might crack or break. This can be dangerous, especially if there are electric fixtures nearby. To prevent leaking or flooding from happening, try to flush your heater regularly.

3. A Broken Pipe

In both cold and hot weather, water pipes can burst and cause a lot of damage. If this occurs, you can follow these steps:• Remove soaked furniture and carpets from the area.
• Focus on mopping up as much water as you can.
• Open windows to circulate the air.
• Call the professionals for additional help.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch focuses on immediate response in mitigation of water damage, understanding the expenses a water damage can create if not attended to in a timely manner.

Our team of trained experts have the tools and equipment to mitigate damages to your home or business quickly and properly. Our inspection equipment makes finding the affected areas a breeze.

Our technicians use extraction equipment to remove standing water; followed by developing a drying plan that will be documented using SERVPRO DryBook, which is available for you to monitor the progress in real time, to ensure your property is returned to preloss condition.
By doing this, you can address the problem quickly and efficiently.

4. An Overflowing Toilet

Sometimes toilets leak or overflow, which can cause a lot of expensive water damage. If a toilet in your building starts overflowing, try to adjust the float to make it stop. If this doesn’t work, turn off the water valve behind the toilet to prevent any more water from spilling out onto the floor.

Many of these problems could easily happen in your building, but you can take precautions by being watchful and knowing how to handle any water damage situation.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch has highly trained specialists in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

IICRC Training
Employee Certification Training
Initial Franchise Training
e-Learnings
Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 can respond immediately to your emergency. A team of experts will make sure everything is quickly and thoroughly taken care of, giving you your home back as soon as possible.

We Provide Immediate Response To Residential Or Commercial Damage In Lakewood Ranch

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch focuses on immediate response in mitigation of water damage (941) 747-2333.

Time is a precious commodity when there is damage to your home or business. There’s no time to waste when your Bradenton property is on the line, you need help right away.

We know how important a fast response is, which is why responding faster to any size disaster is more than just a slogan to us.

Why a Fast Response Is Necessary

When your belongings are damaged, time is not a luxury you have regarding disaster cleanup. This is especially true where water damage has come into play, which can be through various means such as flooding, appliance and/or plumbing failures, storm damage and fire damage, as water is used to put out the fires.

It can only take minutes for water to spread throughout your property, where it saturates everything in its path. Things like the walls, floors, upholstery and your belongings are all fast casualties of water.

The effects of water damage within the first 24 hours include:

Drywall begins to swell and break down
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
Furniture begins to swell and crack
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper items spread and stain
The arrival of a musty odor
The damage will worsen as time goes on.

Between 48 hours and a week later, you could begin to see:

The growth and spreading of mold and mildew
Swelling and warping of doors, windows and studs
Metal beginning to rust and corrode
Paint beginning to blister
Wood flooring swelling and warping
The possibilities of serious biohazard contamination

If left unchecked for over a week, the damage done can dramatically increase the restoration time and costs and can also impact structural safety.

You Can Count on Us

Providing an immediate response to any size disaster is what we are here for. Our fast response times can help minimize the damage and keep the cleaning and restoration costs manageable.

It doesn’t matter what day or time it is, our trained cleanup and restoration specialists will quickly be dispatched to your property or business.

Remember, if you need us, we’ll be there, no matter the time or day.

The team of highly trained restoration experts at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 is available for emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Strong Storms And Damaging Winds

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Severe storms can bring a number of concerns, but damaging winds are always a threat. These winds can come with little to no notice, and they can be problematic because they can have long-term structural impacts.

Understanding Damaging Winds

Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area can be at risk from damaging winds, but there are some structures that are especially at risk. Mobile homes, even those that have been anchored, could sustain serious damage with wind gusts over 80 mph.

While many think damaging winds are a result of a tornado or hurricane, those are not the only times when they may come into play. Winds exceeding 50–60 mph are traditionally considered damaging winds and can be produced by a strong thunderstorm. You will commonly hear damaging winds referred to as “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage from tornado damage.

The damage from these winds can be especially destructive, as they can cause any objects not anchored to become projectiles. Windows and the roof can take the brunt of this damage, and if the damage is extensive, it can result in water damage to the home as the outside elements come indoors through the damaged windows and roof.

How to Protect Your Property

Below are some ways to be proactive in protecting your property from damaging winds. The “Two R’s” are a good place to begin, reinforce and remove.

Have a professional reinforce your garage door.
Safely store or anchor loose objects on your property that could become projectiles. This includes trash cans, grills and outdoor furniture.
Dying or dead large trees and limbs need to be removed by a professional so that they don’t blow over onto the home.

Don’t rely on advanced notice for a high wind situation. Not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning. But being proactive with some of these action items can prepare you for just these situations.

Also, if you are building a new home or renovating an older home, be sure your walls, windows and doors meet the building code for your area.

If your home has been hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, the highly trained specialists at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch are here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your home. Call us today (941) 747-2333.

A Quick Response Is Important When Dealing With Storm Damage

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can cause significant damage to your property. Fallen trees, for example, can cause serious issues for your home. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 if you have storm damage. Falling trees are a common occurrence during these powerful storms. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency.

Here are 5 steps to take for emergency tree removal:

* Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms. Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.

* In the event a tree does fall on your property, first make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.

* Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are call the police and the power company.

* Call your insurance company and if you can safely do so take pictures.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

We Have the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Cleaning Up Water Damage In Your Lakewood Ranch Home

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Our team of trained experts have the tools and equipment to mitigate damages to your home or business quickly and properly.

When you have water damage in your home, the first thing on your mind is likely damage control, but you probably aren’t thinking about black mold as part of that damage. Mold cleanup should be your first priority, before anything else; it’s hard to salvage the rest of the home if mold takes root. You have 24-48 hours before mold begins its lifecycle as spores begin to blossom into a full-on fungal outbreak.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch focuses on immediate response in mitigation of water damage; understand the expenses a water damage can create if not attended to in a timely manner.

Here are a few tips for mold remediation.

Preventing Mold After a Flood

As soon as you are safely able to enter your home again, you should:

• Glove up. You should wear personal protective equipment, at the very least something to protect your eyes and hands, before handling material that may be contaminated with mold or black water.

• Shut off the water. You may have broken pipes or other leakage issues contributing to an environment ripe for mold growth.

• Shut off your HVAC system. Airflow picks up mold spores and spreads them throughout the house, often carrying them to sources of water that allow them to grow.

• Quickly clean up any standing water. Black mold will rapidly sprout in areas where standing water has soaked into the walls and floorboards.

• Get rid of waterlogged materials. Furniture, carpeting, and curtains can make ripe breeding grounds for black mold. Immediately tear out anything waterlogged that can’t be salvaged. Take other objects out into the sun to dry out.

• Use an air purifier to clear the environment. While you may want to avoid fans that could just circulate spores, an air purifier can remove them from your environment and reduce the saturation of spores in the air.

• Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Many times handling mold cleanup yourself is just a stop-gap. Once you’ve taken emergency measures to prevent the infestation and spread of black mold, contact a mold remediation professional to conduct a more thorough assessment of your home and any potential mold hazards.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (941) 747-2333

Preparing Your Commercial Site For A Disaster

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

A sign is shown indicating where an exit is located

We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

The key to being able to make sure your business can recover from disasters like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes is to be prepared for a multitude of worst-case scenarios.

Some of the considerations that need to be addressed when preparing for those scenarios are discussed in this blog.

What to Consider

Where your business is involved, there will be many things you will need to consider concerning a disaster plan. Everything from your employees to your business’s assets should be included.

Some considerations to address include:

Employee protection

Asset protection

Getting your business back up and running again
Fortunately, there are sources like the Red Cross, FEMA and Ready.gov that have created checklists available that can help you identify areas that need to be included in your natural disaster preparedness plan and also show you how prepared you truly are.

Protecting Employees and Visitors
Having a plan that lays out procedures and safety measures to follow for employees and visitors is extremely important should a disaster strike without warning. Evacuation routes and exits from your facility should be properly marked and visible. Identify an area that will be used as a shelter space, have designated “safety wardens” properly trained and ready to implement your disaster plan and assist with all emergency efforts, and consider installing emergency lighting throughout your workspace.

Obviously, when choosing a shelter space, a basement or storm cellar is the ideal location in the event of tornadoes or other high-wind situations. A small interior room on the lowest level, such as a closet or interior hallway, should be used if there is no basement space.

How to Protect Assets
There are thousands of dollars at risk when a natural disaster strikes, so it only makes sense to devise a plan to protect the assets inside the building even if your business is located in a brick and mortar location.

Always have a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of your assets and, if possible, have photographs prior to a disaster and keep these stored in a safe place as it will be helpful if insurance claims have to be made. Look into a cloud storage option for safely keeping computer files and assets, and make sure your backup system is working.

As a building owner, work with a contractor to uncover areas that need improvement regarding structural integrity. This contractor will be able to walk you through possible safety upgrades and offer advice on any areas that may not be able to stand against certain weather situations.

Getting Back to Work

When a natural disaster does occur, you may have to close the doors to your business for several days or months to recover from the damage. Every day you remain closed becomes another day of lost profits. Having funds set aside helps with additional costs that are not covered by your insurance.

Locate and establish a relationship with a list of contractors who would be available for construction matters, and find a cleanup and restoration service that will be available to quickly respond to your emergency situation.

With SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, you can count on us to get to the disaster faster and make it "Like it never even happened." Our training and expertise have prepared us to help with water damage, storm damage, fire damage and mold remediation quickly and effectively.

Knowing what to do when disaster strikes your business is of the utmost importance. When it comes to the cleanup and restoration aspects, depend on SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 to be there for you.

Do You Understand Smoke Alarms?

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

A battery is shown being put into a smoke alarm

As fire and water restoration specialists, we have the training, experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business.

A house fire can be a frightening experience, but according to the National Fire Protection Agency, one of the best fire safety measures is to use a properly functioning smoke alarm. This simple step can dramatically increase your chances of survival if a fire occurs while you are at home.

That’s why it’s important to know how to choose a smoke detector that you can rely on to protect you and your family.

Choose the Type of Smoke Alarm

1. Ionization alarms use a minute amount of americium-241, a radioactive element, to ionize the air that flows into the mechanism. If smoke is introduced, the flow of air is interrupted, which triggers the alarm to sound. These alarms work better at detecting fires that flare up quickly and don’t produce much smoke, such as those started with highly flammable materials. Ionization alarms are the most cost-effective.

2. Photoelectric alarms incorporate a light and a sensor. In its normal state, the sensor does not detect the light; however, smoke particles disperse the light, causing the sensor to detect it and activate the alarm. This type of alarm is better at detecting fires that produce a lot of smoke, such as smoldering fires that are started in beds or upholstered furniture. Photoelectric alarms are more expensive than ionization alarms.

3. Dual sensor alarms combine aspects of both ionization and photoelectricity; therefore they detect both types of fires regardless of how much smoke is produced. Because they are the most effective, they are also the most expensive.

Note the Power Source

Most smoke detectors run on batteries. If they do, you need to be sure to change the batteries regularly, at least once per year. However, some use lithium batteries, which can last up to 10 years. Some even can be connected directly to your home’s current, only using batteries as backup when the power is interrupted.

A smoke alarm can help prevent fires, but sometimes they happen anyway. In the unfortunate event that your home is damaged by a fire, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond quickly to your home. Our techncians are trained and certified.
Call Us Today – (941) 747-2333

Experts Can Help With Mold In Lakewood Ranch

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold In Your Bradenton Home

Mold loves moisture, and your bathroom inevitably has a lot of it. How, then, do you keep mold growth from occurring around your toilet, sink and tub? While water is used daily in your bathroom, you can still keep the room dry enough to avoid water damage and the subsequent mold problem by engaging in regular, preventative maintenance.

Recognizing a Mold Problem

Mold prevention is the ideal scenario, but most people discover the need for prevention as the result of an existing problem. There are many areas of a bathroom where mold can thrive:

Inside the cabinet under the sink

In bathtub grout

In the caulk where the baseboards meet the floor

Around faucets

Near drains

Mold grows in many textures and colors, but if you see a dark fuzzy growth or a collection of spots where there were none before, you probably have a mold problem. Mold remediation specialists in Bradenton, FL have techniques to take care of the problem and the water damage that likely led to it.

The experts at SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch are highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Preventing a Mold Problem

Mold growth requires moisture, so the first step in mold prevention is minimizing your bathroom's humidity. Air vents help air circulate, and circulation helps keep moisture from gathering on surfaces. Drying your shower or bathtub with a towel after every use also inhibits the growth of mold. If the air in your bathroom remains humid, you can use a dehumidifier to dry it out some more. Replace anything damaged by mold, such as caulking, to stop the spread of the growth.

Mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can help you deal with an existing mold problem, but it's even better to prevent a problem from happening in the first place. If you fix water damage as soon as it happens and take precautionary steps to limit the humidity of the room, you can probably avoid mold problems in your bathroom.
Call us today (941) 747-2333

Bringing In Trained Professionals When You Suspect Mold In Lakewood Ranch

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Once you discover mold in your business, a mold cleanup is usually your first move. While you may think it’s a good idea to grab a bottle of bleach and scrub any sign of the mold away, in the long run this can cause more problems than it helps. Mold spores are like a fine powder and can be easily carried on the wind or brushed off onto clothing.

To avoid this, most professionals in mold remediation practice something called containment. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch technicians are trained and certified.

Professional Containment in Bradenton

If you’re planning on a mold cleanup, you should always have a professional with experience at the ready. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

To make sure that there is no cross-contamination, you need the right tools and knowledge to stop the mold from spreading. A professional service has the knowledge to make the process run smoothly.

Benefits of Containment

Containment is an effective way to prevent mold from spreading during the restoration process. It has multiple benefits:

• Quick restoration time
• Lower property damage
• Reduced liability
• Lower risks

For all these reasons, containment tends to be first choice.

The Containment Process

First, mold specialists will seal their work area to keep the mold spores from escaping to the rest of the building. They can do this by setting up plastic sheets or hard walls to make the space airtight. After this, they may use something known as negative air containment.

This works by taking blower fans and using air pressure machines to draw in clean air while forcing the contaminated air outside. Once the air purification is accomplished, the area can be cleaned and vacuumed.

When it comes to mold in your Lakewood Ranch, FL business, it’s best to have proper mold cleanup. Keep in mind that scrubbing the fungus from your walls isn’t always enough. Sometimes you need a professional remediation service, especially when it comes to using the right tools to remove mold contamination. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Carpet Cleaning Confusion

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

A carpet cleaning device is shown on a carpet

Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.

After many years in the restoration business, we have learned over the years that carpet cleaning is the subject of much confusion. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about carpet cleaning that we offer this consumer education message so when you select a carpet cleaning company, you can make an informed, intelligent decision.

Misconception #1: You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your carpet.

NO! Dirt is an abrasive - like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into your carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife, causing it to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps, by itself it is simply not enough. Then longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out.

Misconception #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to get out the dirt.

NO! As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution cigarette smoke, car exhaust -- and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens and bacteria wind up -- you guessed it -- in your carpet.

If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems -- one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemicals in your carpet.

If you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, you might find that you'll breathe easier after you hire a professional to get those harmful chemicals out of your carpet.

So in addition to getting rid of dirt, another important reason to clean your carpet is to get rid of pollens, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and the tars and residue from tobacco smoke.

Misconceptions #3: One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another.

NO! Unfortunately this is not true. You can choose from two primary methods: Dry cleaning or hot water extraction.

DRY CLEANING METHODS

Many people believe that dry cleaning your carpet is like dry cleaning your clothing. This is not true. All carpet cleaning methods use water to clean. Some methods use more water than others. “Dry Cleaning” for carpets should really be called “Low Moisture Cleaning”. Here are three methods of dry cleaning carpet.

Dry Foam

When a carpet cleaner uses dry foam, he applies shampoo to your carpet, allow it to dry, and then sucks the dried shampoo chunks into a vacuum. Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum? This method can leave a residue in your carpet, which is one reason dry foam is not very effective, however a new spin on dry foam called ENCAPSULATION cleaning is quite effective. It utilizes a crystallizing detergent to suspend and capture soil particles in an acrylic polymer which actually CAN be vacuumed out. It is a cost effective maintenance method for commercial carpets.

Bonnet Cleaning

The Bonnet Cleaning method is similar to dry foam. The major difference is that when bonnet method is used, the company sets a large cotton bonnet on your carpet. Using a machine, the bonnet spins from side to side, absorbing the dirt that's in the carpet. After the bonnet is saturated with dirt, another cotton bonnet is applied. Bonnet cleaning is like trying to use a large towel to rub the dirt out of your carpet. It can, however be effective on glue down or commercial carpets.

Dry Compound

The dry-compound method spreads an absorbent mixture made of recycled corn stalks. It looks like wet sawdust all over your carpeting. Then the machine brushes the mixture into the carpet, which in theory causes dirt to absorb into the mixture. Once the mixture has dried, a vacuum cleaner sucks the residue out of the carpeting. However, vacuuming does not remove all the residue, which accumulates over time between the carpet and pad. Because the carpet is not rinsed in any way, this method is not very effective.

HOT WATER EXTRACTION

The second carpet cleaning method is called “hot water extraction”. This is a fancy way of saying that a hot water cleaning solution under high pressure is forced into the carpet and then sucked out of the carpet. This method is also referred to as steam cleaning even though steam is not used.

Shaw Industries, the world's largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot water extraction and you can choose from two different types: Portable extraction, which is done with a small machine. Or truck mount extraction which means the large cleaning machine is mounted in a truck or van.

Misconception #4: Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly.

NOT TRUE. Many companies own hot-water cleaners -- but a many company employees don't know how to use them. You probably know someone who bought the newest computer on the market -- but didn't learn how to use it for a year or more. The same is true with carpet cleaning machines. The company you are considering may own good equipment, but the employees may not know how to use it correctly. This is why it's important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.

The best carpet cleaning companies are those that have been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, known as the IICRC. A carpet cleaning company cannot buy this certification. The carpet cleaner must earn the certification through study, experience and the successful completion of formal, written examinations.

Cleaners who are certified by the IICRC have, in effect, earned a degree in carpet cleaning. In addition to IICRC training all SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch carpet techs are required to complete a proprietary SERVPRO course training in production and safety.

The IICRC provides written credentials to the companies it certifies. So before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company's IICRC certification. All certified technicians are required to carry an IICRC certification card with them.

Misconception #5: The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.

MAYBE -- but not always. Here are two important points to consider.

Point #1:

The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Before you select a company, decide what you want to accomplish. If you want the carpet cleaner to remove only some of the dirt, you can choose from hundreds of companies that use small shampooers or other cleaning methods. Or, you can even rent a machine at the grocery store and do the job yourself.

On the other hand, if you want your carpet thoroughly cleaned -- if you want to remove the harmful dirt, bacteria, pollens, chemicals and tobacco residues -- then you need to hire a company that uses a hot water extraction unit mounted in a truck. This is the only way to assure that your carpet remains healthy and free from dirt, disease-causing bacteria, and hurtful chemicals. If you want the best, most powerful cleaning available. SERVPRO has powerful portable extraction units that we use for high rises and other places our truck mounted machines cannot be used. We offer the same quality assurance, however it just takes us more time.

So remember that the price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed.

Point #2:

The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged.

And if you've ever hired a carpet cleaner, you too may have been the victim of false or misleading advertising. You probably learned the hard way that some carpet cleaners offer a cheap price -- usually between $3.95 and $9.95 per room -- and then pressure you into paying a lot more once they get inside your home. Some of them may even break the law by using unethical bait and switch tactics.

As in all businesses and professions, the carpet cleaning industry has its share of bad apples. I take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical -- and, sadly, a few are dishonest. By their misleading advertising and false promises, they cast a dark shadow on our entire industry.

Then you'll find other carpet cleaners -- professionals like us who work hard to earn your trust and respect.

As a way of improving our profession, we take a lot of time to educating the public in our industry’s best practices. The only way you can make an intelligent decision is to have all the facts you need. This is why we are engaged in writing this article and many others for your home or business.

Misconception #6: Any honest carpet cleaning company should be able to give you an exact price quote over the telephone.

I wish this were true, but it isn't. Consumers often think that if they want to clean four rooms and the price is $6 per room, then the price will be $24. But most often if it seems too good to be true it is.

First, honest, most reputable carpet cleaning companies usually price carpet cleaning by the square foot. So if you'd like us to tell you the exact cost of cleaning your carpet, we need to know the exact number of square feet that you want cleaned. You'll be glad to know that the carpet area to be cleaned is not nearly as great as most people think. For example, if you want your entire home cleaned and your home is 2000 square feet,

the amount of carpeting to be cleaned might be only 1200 square feet. This is because most home measurements are outdoor measurements. Plus we deduct the area taken up by walls, room dividers and the like. The result is that the actual area to be cleaned is usually only about 60% of the square footage of the home.

So even though we can't always give you an exact quote over the telephone, here are things we consider when quoting a price.

First, the type of carpet: Certain types of carpet are harder to clean than others. So before we can give you a quote, we need to know the type of carpet you want cleaned.

Second, the amount of soiling: Carpet that hasn't been cleaned for ten years will take longer to clean than carpet that was cleaned within the last six months.

Third, the amount of furniture that has to be moved: If we have to move your furniture, the bid must include that labor.

To recap, we consider the type of carpet, the amount of soiling, and the amount of furniture that has to be moved. So, as you can now imagine, every quotation is different.

If you're thinking about having your carpets cleaned, I offer these four recommendations:

Recommendation #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your carpets cleaned. The longer they remain dirty, the sooner they'll wear out. Plus the longer you have to breathe all the pollens, fungus, chemicals and dust mites that live in your carpet.

Recommendation #2: Consider your objectives. Do you want only the dirt removed, something you could do with a rented machine. Or do you want the bacteria, fungus and chemicals removed, which will require a hot water truck mount cleaner, like I use.

Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company -- or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price -- knowing that company might not be in business tomorrow.

Recommendation #3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are the questions I suggest you ask:

1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?

2. What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet?

3. What does your equipment remove from my carpet?

4. How often should I get my carpets cleaned?

5. What training have you had in cleaning carpets?

6. Are you a member of any trade associations and, if so, which ones?

7. Are you certified by the IICRC and will you show me your certificate?

Recommendation #4: Once you're satisfied that you're working with an honest, competent professional, invite him into your home and ask for a specific quotation in writing. A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost -- no surprises.

By following these four recommendations, you'll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision. If you want a quick, cheap carpet cleaning job, many companies in the phone book can help you. Or you can rent a shampooer and do the job yourself.

But if you want your carpeting to be completely and thoroughly cleaned, then I invite you to call SERVPRO of East Manatee County. In addition to 24/7 emergency services like water damage, fire damage restoration, mold mediation, and bio hazard cleanup, we are your local experts in carpet and floor care.

Give us a call, we are here to help. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch 941-747-2333.

Is Your Business Ready If There's An Unexpected Emergency?

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Disaster Planning For Your Bradenton Business

Creating a disaster preparedness plan ensures that your employees have the tools and the knowledge to know what to do if a disaster should occur.

Making a Plan

Spending the necessary time designing a protocol to follow during a disaster can save lives and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Make it a priority to develop a plan and share the details with your staff. Another planning best practice is to review your disaster protocol monthly or quarterly to update it with any changes.

There are numerous emergencies your business should have a preparedness plan in place for, including:

Fire

Severe weather, including thunderstorms

Other natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes

Human-caused hazards, including accidents or acts of violence

Technology-related issues like power outages and equipment failure

If there is no emergency plan in place for your business, things could get even more stressful quickly regardless of whether the emergency is man-made or from a natural disaster.

You should make sure that safety training and familiarization of emergency preparedness plans are included in the company onboarding process, team-building activities and continuing education opportunities. By working with your employees to familiarize them with proper safety protocol and emergency procedures, you’re not only giving them the tools to protect themselves, but you are also setting them up to help protect guests/visitors and the business itself.

Where to Start

When beginning to set up an emergency plan for your business, make an evaluation of the possible scenarios that are most likely to occur—even those that are highly unlikely but could still happen. After all, it’s better to prepare for all the worst-case scenarios and not be caught off guard.

There are plenty of online resources to help guide you through this process, including Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, FEMA and the CDC.

Also make sure to conduct a business impact analysis (BIA), which will help predict the potential effect a disaster may have on your business. This would include lost or delayed sales and income, increased expenses from repairs, and delayed implementation of business plans. Don’t forget to make sure that you have a crisis communications plan in place, as well.

Once that plan has been developed and put into place, it is important that you go over it and practice with employees. Reviewing and rehearsing various scenarios can help ensure the process remains fresh in their minds and can help employees feel more empowered.

Disaster can strike when you least expect it, but by being prepared and having a plan in place, your business will be better suited to handle whatever may happen. If the worst should happen and your business is damaged, know that SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Dealing With Fire Damage In Your Ellenton Home

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Inside of a home is shown after a fire with badly burned walls

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can help after a fire.

Significant fire damage in Ellenton can be an emotionally and economically draining experience.

Residential property owners find themselves caught up in tasks like temporary relocation, reassuring family members, salvaging personal possessions, and working with their insurance companies.

While all of these acts are necessary, it's equally important for you to contact a team of professional fire damage restoration experts like SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch once a fire from a natural disaster or otherwise has occurred on your property.

After Fire Damage to Your Ellenton Property, Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch for Help

Structural damage the heat from the flames can cause substantial destruction to numerous areas of your property in Ellenton. This damage will frequently result in the destruction of your property's infrastructure, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, not to mention the actual building materials of your house.

The fire damage will be exacerbated by water damaging effects from the fire extinguishing. Residue smoke and fire produce acidic residue that can cause dangerous chemical reactions. These chemical reactions will continue until you have the residue removed. If the residue is not removed quickly, it can cause long-standing problems on your property.

For example, the residue can cause your paint finishes to start flaking off and then lead to corrosion and rust.

We proudly serve our local communities and are ready to help 24/7. Call us. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Is Your Water Heater Trying To Tell You Something?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Hearing odd noises from your water heater can make you wonder if you have a serious problem. Knocks, taps, rumbles, hums and crackles can leave you wondering if your unit is about to have a major issue.

Some noises are more troublesome than others. Check out these top reasons you might be hearing strange sounds from your water heater.

" Sediment Buildup: Sediments may pile up around the heating tubes of your water heater. When the heating elements are off, water gets trapped below the sediments. As the elements turn back on, a cracking or popping noise starts when the water is forced through the buildup.

Cleaning the elements may help you fix this problem.

" Loose Elements: Electric water heaters usually have elements installed vertically in the tank. As water flows around the part, a humming noise may be caused. Tightening the element can reduce the noise.

" Temperature Change: If the water in the heater cools down, you may hear a tapping or ticking noise in the heater. This is common and shouldn't concern you.

" Open Valves: Most valves to your water heater should be open. If one is not fully opened, you may hear a screeching sound. You can fix this issue by checking to make sure all of the valves at the heater and at the water lines are open all of the way.

" Sediment Movement: If the sediment buildup in your unit is stirred up, it can produce a rumbling noise. A simple solution would be to do a water heater flush. If you clean the unit with a de-liming mixture, you may see even better results.

The noises you hear in your Bradenton, FL water heater may give you warnings of your maintenance and replacement needs.

If you hear a sound that you can't figure out, remember that many of the noises are nothing to worry about. If it makes you feel better, you can call in a professional for help. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Fire Damage and Sensitive Electronics

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Cleanup in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

After a fire in your home, the damage from smoke, ash, soot, flames, heat and water can be overwhelming. Fires can be devastating and leave you feeling helpless. Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business. SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333. As you start your fire cleanup, you might discover damaged electronics. Whether your devices and equipment can be recovered depends on the situation. Some electronics fare better than others. Factors to Consider Many different factors come into play. Here are some things to consider when assessing the damage: • How exposed was any circuitry or wiring?
• Where were the devices located in relation to the fire?
• Were they subjected to high heat?
• Did they suffer water damage?
• If they were exposed to water, were they plugged in at the time? Suggestions Unplug all of your electronics. Even if they are turned off, a small amount of power is being used while they are inactive. By unplugging them from the wall, you stop the flow of electricity completely. After a disaster, resist the urge of trying to turn on any of your electronics. Turning them on could cause further damage. If they are recoverable, they may need to dry or be cleaned properly first. Fire cleanup should include your electronics, large and small. Smoke damage can leave an oily residue that can disrupt functions or cause an electrical short. It is important to be able to quickly access your warranty information. There is a chance that your electronics are gone for good, but they may still be covered by a warranty. Types Smaller electronics tend to have a higher rate of recovery. These include personal items like tablets, cell phones, personal computers, small appliances, flash drives and external hard drives. They still need to be handled properly to increase the likelihood of a full recovery. Fire cleanup professionals may need to handle bigger electronics. These include servers, printers, copiers and large appliances. For devices that contain valuable information, like hard drives, you might want to prioritize data recovery.

Call The Experts For Help

Cleaning up after a fire is an extensive project. As fire and water restoration specialists, we have the training, experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business. We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition. SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Cleaning Up After A Fire in Bradenton

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

When your property is subjected to fire, you will likely experience discoloration in areas such as your bathroom tiles, furniture, appliances, and walls. Other areas of your property may also be affected. Within a matter of days, the discolorations and etching can become permanent. Immediate drying and cleaning of your house lessen damage. Fires leave behind unpleasant odors due to the smoke and soot they entail. Unfortunately, the smoky smells are resistant to removal. However, the fire and smoke damage experts from SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch have the industry leading equipment, training, and experience necessary to eradicate the odor promptly. We will use a broad range of techniques, such as deodorizing fog, to accomplish this objective.
Take Effective Action Immediately
There's nothing more disconcerting and disorienting than Ellenton fire damage to your residential property. While you may be inclined to despair in the face of fire, you don't have to. Instead, you should take effective action immediately to ensure that your property is restored with speed, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The team to call for professional, stress-free fire restoration services is SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Our IICRC-certified technicians, along with our participation with your insurance company, will mitigate costs and get you back home "Like it never even happened."
We’re Fire and Water Damage Specialists
We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property in Ellenton, Palmetto, and Parrish back to pre-fire condition.
Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
Odor Control Technician
Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
Water Damage Restoration Technician
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch
We proudly serve our local communities and are ready to help 24/7. Call us. (941) 747-2333

When You Have Commercial Damage Call The Experts

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Every building is susceptible to damage from a storm, and the structure that houses your business in Lakewood Ranch, FL is no exception. When the winds rage and the floodwaters rise, you need a business continuity plan to keep you up and running until you can be fully functional again. While insurance may pay for restoration professionals to repair your building, it does not guarantee your income or sustain your relationships with your customers. The following steps can help you accomplish the latter.

1. Analyze the impact the storm damage has on your business. When flooding occurs, the first thing you need to do is identify the essential elements of your business and the resources that you need to keep them functional. Resources can include but are not limited to the following:

• Space
• Technology
• Records
• Equipment
• Employees

2. Project a timeline to implement your plan. Information is vital for keeping both employees and customers informed about your continuity plan. Once you have identified what needs to be done for the critical functions of your business to continue, you must decide when and how the plan will proceed.

3. Establish your transition team. As with any new phase in a company’s development, you need a team of people to help you take it from how it functioned before the damage occurred to how it is going to operate while repairs are being made. This team helps you focus on what is necessary to keep your business going.

4. Train your team. Your new mode of operation may be a challenge for your team. Training is important to make sure everyone understands the plan and is on the same page. It can also boost team camaraderie and help them understand strategies for recovery.
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.
Damage from natural disasters does not have to signal the end of the line for your business in Lakewood Ranch, FL. With a strong continuity plan and the means to implement it, you can still serve your customers during the restoration process.
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

What Businesses Need To Know About Fire Restoration

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. We offer remediation services that will get your commercial offices back in good condition

Small business owners can face many challenges as they get their companies growing, and one of them is a Lakewood Ranch commercial fire. However, learning more about how to handle fires can help you preclude your business's physical facility from going up in flames. Get the information you need regarding fires by reading the outline that appears below:

Fire Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent commercial fires in Lakewood Ranch is to develop a disaster prevention plan. This plan can work for fires as well as hurricanes, floods, and other types of natural disasters. To attain effective strategies for the procedure, it's a good idea to contact the local authorities and acquire their tips and tricks for fire prevention. One technique that should be a part of your fire prevention plan is keeping candles out of the workplace. Additionally, you should make sure that you don't overload your electrical outlines. Instead, use multiple outlines and surge protectors.

Fire Insurance
In addition to implementing sound fire prevention techniques, you need to invest in fire insurance. The majority of property insurance policies will offer some coverage when fires transpire, but they will typically not cover all the costs. For this reason, be cognizant of what your policy will cover and make sure that you attain 100% coverage. Also, review your policy each year. In most circumstances, it may be beneficial for you to add supplemental insurance. Keep in mind that the property policy can not cover some documents and valuables, so these items will need to be covered individually.

Fire Damage Recovery
Because a Lakewood Ranch commercial fire can happen at any time, it's important for your small business to have a disaster recovery plan in place. This plan should detail all the steps that will be taken following a catastrophe. The policy should also include contact information for vendors, clients, and employees. You should also be sure to list alternative locations and methods for completing business transactions.

Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Immediately
Although it's important to utilize prevention strategies to decrease your property's susceptibility to damage, there is still a chance that a fire may impact your business. For this reason, it's important that you know who to call for fast, effective fire damage restoration services. The company to call is SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. We offer excellent, convenient remediation services that will get your commercial offices back in good condition quickly. Contact one of our friendly customer service representatives today at (941) 747-2333

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is strategically located to respond quickly to your fire emergency event. When commercial fire damage we have the resources and personnel to help. Call us today! (941) 747-2333

It's Important To Understand Storm Damage

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

A lightning bolt is shown striking a house

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch knows how important the safety of a home is, especially during a storm. (941) 747-2333

Residents of coastal towns are more familiar than most with storms and their damaging effects. But did you know there are 4 common types of storms?

Each has unique causes and each causes its own kind of damage.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch knows how important the safety of a home is, especially during a storm. This blog is meant to educate readers about different types of storms - hurricanes in particular - and their damaging effects.

The 4 most common storms are:
Hurricanes

Tornadoes

Thunderstorms

Tropical storms

The Florida Gulf Coast is much more likely to experience a hurricane or tropical storm, or even a tornado. Hurricanes can be so strong that their effects can be felt far inland as strongly as they are on the coast. (Hurricane Sandy impacted 24 states.)

Life on the coast comes with obvious risks because of the likelihood of a hurricane, so it’s of the utmost importance to be familiar with how hurricanes cause damage.

So what are the common causes of hurricane damage?

First, there’s storm surge.
Storm surge affects the coast directly. This happens because wind pushes more and more water toward the shore with nowhere to go. Eventually, all that excess water piles up higher than the predicted tide level and shoves onto the shore and even inland. Storm surge is so powerful that it damages buildings, roads, and other structures.

Second, there are floods.

Hurricanes cause floods in two ways: storm surge and rainfall. Both can cause floods to happen across a widespread geographical area. Rainfall from hurricanes can spread farther than 100 miles from where the hurricane landed. A tropical storm doesn’t even have to be classified as a hurricane to cause widespread and destructive flooding.

Third, there’s the wind.

Hurricane wind can be as fast as anywhere between 74-155 miles per hour. This wind is fast, powerful, and destructive. Wind can knock down trees and powerlines, carry debris far and wide, and cause a domino effect of damage. Roofs can even be lifted from homes. And sometimes winds from hurricanes form separate tornadoes.
Storm damage can be far reaching and devastating, especially on the coast. There are many precautions that you can take to protect from and prevent storm damage, like adding weather-resistant features to your home. Every home, office, and vehicle should also have an emergency preparedness kit.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will be prepared to respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. We are backed by a national system of over 1700 franchises who are ready to bring in additional resources to assist in the clean-up and restoration of your home or business in Lakewood Ranch.

Knowing What Can Be Safely Saved In Your Water Damaged Home

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up Water Damage in Lakewood Ranch

If you have the misfortune of dealing with a broken pipe in Lakewood Ranch, FL your first instinct may be to get rid of any item that came in contact with water. Water in your home can cause incredible damage to your floor and sheetrock, and having to discard personal belongings may devastate you. Fortunately, with the help of dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning, many of the contents of your home can be saved after broken pipes flood your home. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 792-7715.  Non-Porous Items  Depending on how much flooding was caused by broken pipes in your home, you may have many items to clean. Anything that came in contact with the water should be scrubbed thoroughly, including non-porous items like the ones listed below:  • Toys
• Appliances
• Kitchen utensils
• Furniture
• Storage containers  Scrubbing these items thoroughly may reduce the number of bacteria on them, but ultrasonic cleaning may be required to completely remove all germs. This type of cleaning involves spraying water infused with microscopic bubbles onto the item. As the bubbles pop, they effectively clean each item and remove all traces of bacteria quickly and easily.  Porous Items  When you begin to clean up after you have standing water in your home, you may have the urge to discard any item that could have absorbed water. Even porous items like the ones listed below can be saved with the right care.  • Upholstered furniture
• Bedding
• Curtains
• Stuffed animals
• Clothes  The key is to have any kind of fabric that may have absorbed floodwater dry cleaned. The special process and solution that dry cleaners use can usually remove every trace of floodwater from fabric, allowing them to be fully restored.  No one wants to throw away personal belongings just because they came in contact with water from a broken pipe. Abundant moisture in your home can cause enough damage, so resist the urge to discard your sentimental belongings. With the proper care and dry cleaning, nearly anything in your home can be saved.
As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition. Our process includes documentation of the drying process to validate your property is dry.
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

Don't Let Water Damage Turn Into A Bigger Problem

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage In Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

There are a lot of ways water can find its way into your Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch home. Floods, leaks, broken pipes, and many other ways. Water damage is not pleasant to think about, but if you don't take care of it quickly, mold could be an even bigger problem.  If your Bradenton property has been damaged by water caused by flooding or water leaks, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment to restore your property properly. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.Here are some tips on how to get started.
1. It is important once you get SERVPRO on site to have them start extracting the water. Once all of the water is removed, the drying process can begin.
2. SERVPRO can place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the facility. It is critical to monitor the drying process each day to make sure progress is being made. After a few days of drying the equipment can be removed.
3. After the drying is finished, SERVPRO can help replace and repair the damages.
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch's water removal and cleanup process also provides validation and documentation that your property is dry.  Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us at anytime. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Does Your Business Have the Right Insurance?

5/24/2020 (Permalink)

A room with extensive fire damage is shown with yellow caution tape

If your business suffers a major loss, call (941) 747-2333.

Does Your Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch Have Enough Insurance?

Any sort of interruption is bad news for your business, but the longer a disruption lasts, the more revenue you will lose.

Fire restoration can take longer than cleaning up after a flood or other disaster, as fires often result in three types of damage: burning, smoke damage and water damage.

As a result, if your building catches fire, you stand to lose three times what one would lose due to a flood, burst pipe or secondary smoke damage.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” To minimize monetary loss as much as possible after a fire, invest in interruption insurance.

What Is Interruption Insurance? If you own a business in Lakewood Ranch, FL, there are three types of coverage that you should invest in, at a bare minimum:

• General liability
• Property insurance
• Business interruption insurance

General liability and property insurance should cover losses of personal property, structural damage and injuries. However, though those expenses are bound to great, they likely won't make up a majority of your financial loss.

Depending on how long it takes your local fire restoration team to clean up the damage and get your building back to like-new, your business may be closed for months.

Not only will you lose any revenue you could have generated during that period, but also, it will take you time to reestablish your brand with your customers, and possible additional marketing efforts. Interruption insurance can cover the loss of income suffered by the slowdown or suspension of your operations, as well as the costs of re-establishing your business post-disaster.

Some interruption coverage policies cover extra expenses such as rent and moving fees for when businesses are forced to relocate due to the fire damage. Though not necessary, this type of coverage can significantly help after major structural damage. In general, interruption policies are good for as long as it takes for businesses to become operable again.

A commercial fire can result in serious structural and monetary damage to any business. To minimize your damages, invest in interruption insurance.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch responds quickly to your Lakewood Ranch fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. (941) 747-2333.

Understanding Water Damage In Your Lakewood Ranch Home

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Call The Experts if You Have Water Damage in Your Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch Home

If you have water in your home it is important to make sure you get it taken care of as soon as possible. In many cases, if the water sits to long it can start to cause secondary damages.

Here are some tips on how to get started.

1. It is important once you get SERVPRO on site to have them start extracting the water. Once all of the water is removed, the drying process can begin.

2. SERVPRO can place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the facility. It is critical to monitor the drying process each day to make sure progress is being made. After a few days of drying the equipment can be removed.

3. After the drying is finished, SERVPRO can help replace and repair the damages.

Our team of trained experts have the tools and equipment to mitigate damages to your home or business quickly and properly.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons people make claims on their home insurance. For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch focuses on immediate response in mitigation of water damage, understanding the expenses a water damage can create if not attended to in a timely manner.

Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us at anytime. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can answer your questions (941) 747-2333.

Here To Help During These Difficult Times

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can answer your questions (941) 747-2333.

Understanding Proactive Cleaning For Your Business

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum.

The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has spread to 60 locations internationally (as of this publication), including cases in the United States. The virus known as “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”) is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can answer your questions (941) 747-2333.
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19. SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces.

In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.

SERVPRO® franchise professionals offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

If You Suspect Mold In Your Bradenton Home, Call Us

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

A section of exposed framing is shown where drywall was removed

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/ Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 does more than clean up mold infestations; we can help prevent them.

Do you suspect a mold infestation in your home? If so, you need to start the mold removal process immediately. While some gutsy DIY’ers will handle a small mold infestation, it is recommended that homeowners and property owners hire a professional mold remediation team for their Lakewood Ranch home.

Because the mold removal and restoration process takes significant time, resources, and equipment, the vast majority of homeowners simply do not have access to these necessary items. Removing mold from drywall, carpet, air ducts, furniture, insulation, and other areas requires special protective gear, cleaning supplies, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbing fans.

Additionally, all mold-infested items must be disposed of properly to ensure it doesn’t spread.
Areas of the home that are not currently infested with mold can quickly become so if the HVAC system is not shut down and infested areas are not cordoned off with plastic sheeting. Mold spores travel through the air to find a suitable host, and with our hot and humid weather here in the Bradenton area, suitable hosts are not difficult to find. Bathrooms, kitchens, cabinets, closets, and other areas that tend to have high levels of moisture, are all prone to develop and harbor mold.

When tackling mold infestations, it is important to clean all affected areas, preferably in one day. This is a daunting but important task. The reason this is so important is because of the way mold spreads, and how quickly it spreads. Many individuals become frustrated when they spread mold cleanup across multiple weekends only to find it to start to reappear in just a few days.
Our SERVPRO Team has received extensive, professional training and we use only the best tools and cleaning solutions available to fully rid your home of mold.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton/ Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 does more than clean up mold infestations; we can help prevent them. Our team has the skills, expertise, and tools necessary to effectively restore your home to its pre-disaster shape after storm damage, fire and smoke damage, sewage backups, and other water damage has affected your home. Most mold infestations are caused by improper cleanup after water damage, that is, when best practices and cleanup protocols were not followed.

Water extraction is just the first part of the process; cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and dehumidifying are all key to preventing future mold infestations.

Since mold can begin growing within 48 hours of water damage, it is imperative that you call us immediately. Time is of the essence. We are available 24 hours a day, and we pride ourselves on helping our friends, neighbors, and community members recover when disaster strikes their homes.

Call us today (941) 747-2333 for more information on how we can return your home to a healthy condition, and mold free.

Your Trip Has Been Planned Carefully, But Have You Missed Something

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

The side of a green SERVPRO truck is shown in a garage

If you return from a vacation to find water damage call the experts at SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

There are people that put an incredible amount of planning into their travel arrangements. The right flights and lodging, excursions to places they have always wanted to see. Planning for your home while you're gone may not get your full attention.
Many people clean their homes prior to leaving for vacation. They also make sure that all the lights are off, and then also check that all windows and doors are locked securely. Many people do not consider shutting off the water line from outside of the home. Many times, nothing comes of this, but when it does, the water damage can be substantial. Water damage in Lakewood Ranch that results from a broken water line, no matter where the break or leak is located, can cause damage throughout your home. This damage may not only spread across the floor or down the inside of a wall space but from one floor to lower levels, increasing the amount of damage your home experiences. If you return from a vacation to find water damage call the experts at SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333. Shutting off the water should be the first thing done if it can be safely accomplished. Standing water can pose an electrical hazard if electrical outlets or wiring are immersed in the water. If you are not sure about your safety, you should have professionals complete the shut-down the electricity prior to shutting off the water. Everyone should remain clear of the water to be safe. After the flow of water has been stopped, call in SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch to properly mitigate the water damage for you. Because water can infiltrate porous materials like drywall throughout your home, it is tough to remove completely. The structure water damaged area must have the standing water extracted first. If this is not done properly, warping and deterioration of walls and other structures in your home can quickly occur. Then the absorbed moisture and humidity in the interior environment must be mitigated to acceptable levels. If not, this can lead to not only dangerous structural problems but also the growth of mold and mildew. What We can do For You
Our professionals are trained in not only the removal of water that can cause damage to your home's interior, but we have training in the IICRC approved drying techniques that are designed for maximum efficiency. After cleaning-up and extracted all of the water, we will begin the drying process and take note of any damage that needs to be restored or repaired. Cleaning-up will continue with removing any debris that is left over from repairs, as well. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has 26 years of experience in responding to water damage emergencies from leaking pipes or plumbing backups. We can respond quickly to any size plumbing disaster and we can respond quickly. We are available 24/7 so call us at (941) 747-2333 not only fast service but also professional experience.

Storm Damage Doesn't Have To Be A Stressful Experience

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

There are very few natural disasters that can cause such extensive havoc as tornado damage in Bradenton. Homeowners reel from the aftermath of a twister or severe storm. Even relatively small storms can cause major damage to your house or mobile home, and many people are often left wondering where to begin or what they should do following one of these storms.

For SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Can Provide Emergency Tornado Damage Services

SERVPRO suggests the following article may help you keep safe while getting your life back in order. Severe weather patterns are becoming the norm on the west coast of Florida; it is time to be prepared.

Safety Is Paramount

First things first, your safety has to be the paramount concern when evaluating the extent of damage or even before you attempt to start the recovery and clean up. Maintain contact with your local officials for safety procedures and shelter. The Red Cross may be an option. Get your home inspected by a trained professional from SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

This assessment will determine if your home is structurally sound to enter, and will evaluate whether there are electrical concerns, gas leaks, or even large amounts of standing water that would prevent the safe evaluation of your home. If any of these conditions exist, they must be dealt with, possibly also at a municipal level.

It is important to bring in the right team for help. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has trained, (IICRC) certified restoration technicians ready 24/7. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries.

Remember SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Our fast response is crucial to storm and tornado damage mitigation. Call us 24/7 for immediate assistance. (941) 747-2333

Storm Damage In Lakewood Ranch Means It's Time To Call The Pros

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

When it's a beautiful sunny day it's easy to forget how much damage a Florida storm can cause. The heavy sustained winds and the driving rain can leave behind substantial water damage. It's not just the named storms and well publicized hurricanes that can cause significant damage to your home. In 2018 there were 15 named storms, eight hurricanes, and two above Category 3.

Damage from water is often a problem after a tornado or hurricane. In addition to these problems that occur after tornado damage, the issue of water damage can cause significant destruction to homes following a storm. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the manpower, equipment, and experience to remove the water rapidly and to salvage as many personal possessions and structural materials as possible.

Our elite, large loss specialists, can seamlessly perform all the steps in water removal, cleanup, sanitation, and restoration to make "Like it never even happened."

The experienced professionals, tools, and equipment are in high demand. SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch has access to the resources you need when storm damage strikes. A fast response is crucial to flooding and storm damage, because it reduces secondary damage and restoration costs.

Storms don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has trained, (IICRC) certified technicians.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified.

Why Choose SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch?

We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition.

We're faster to any size disaster. Our fast response is crucial to storm and tornado damage mitigation. We have the equipment and manpower for any size storm. Call us 24/7 for immediate assistance. (941) 747-2333

Call Us First - SERVPRO Has Trained Technicians To Respond Quickly

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

A common occurrence during the storm season for the Bradenton community is trees falling on and damaging your property. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency.

Here are some tips:

Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms.

Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.

In the event a tree does fall on your property, first make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.

Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are call the police and the power company.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in Manatee County.

We will place a tarp on the roof if needed. We will also carry out any board up services required and cleanup any water inside the home. Boarding up parts of the home that have structural damage will help with your insurance claim and also deter any vandals while you are away from your home.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified.

The Principals of Mold Remediation For Your Business

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Give us a call, we are here to help you get your commercial property back on track 941-747-2333.

If you have a commercial building in East Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch, mold might not be your biggest concern each day. It is something you should be aware of and take action when necessary.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification outlines five major principles of mold remediation. This important to know if you own or lease commercial business space.

1. Make sure safety and health precautions are taken by cleanup professionals, such as the SERVPRO of East Bradenton team. Mold-contaminated buildings can be associated with a number of health problems. Anyone involved in the mold remediation process must be protected from exposure through a combination of practices and controls.

2. An effective mold remediation cannot be developed without first determining the extent of the contamination to be removed. To ensure that remediation work is being properly performed, it is highly recommended that appropriate documentation of the remediation process be kept by project management.

3. Control of mold before it spreads further. Eliminating mold at the source of contamination is essential. Once mold spores spread through the air, it will be much more difficult to capture.

4. Oversee the proper physical removal of the mold. The mold must be physically removed from the structure. Attempts to isolate mold or remove signs of mold on the surface are not adequate. Note that bleach alone cannot kill mold.

5. Ensure that moisture is controlled to limit future contamination or recontamination. Mold growth is virtually inevitable if moisture is not controlled. Moisture problems must be identified, located and corrected or controlled as soon as possible.

Application of these principles may involve multiple disciplines and professionals from a wide range of restoration and indoor environmental fields. Mold issues can be extremely costly to your business. If you suspect mold from a leak or some other source, don't hesitate to call today.
Why use a certified technician?

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch professional restoration technicians understand the need for quick response. Immediate remediation is key to controlling any escalating costs to your business.

The longer the remediation is delayed, the higher the cost of restoration. We have the certifications and the knowledge to apply the restoration techniques required to return the items to their preloss condition and make it look "Like it never even happened." Give us a call, we are here to help you get your commercial property back on track 941-747-2333.

After A Fire Insurance Shouldn't Be A Worry

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

A fire damaged room is shown including insulation that has been taken out

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we are here to help with fire damage and the secondary smoke and water damage 941-747-2333

Four of every five fire deaths and three quarters of all reported fire injuries in the US were caused by home structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA Fires are known to spread quickly and cause a lot of damage.

Restoring your home to its original state can be costly. You don’t have to meet all the expenses on your own, because homeowners insurance covers fire damage. It's always good to understand the process, but know we will be there to help and we will work with your insurance company.

During a fire, there can be a lot of damage to your property and personal possessions. The damage results not only from the fire, but also from the smoke and the actions by the fire fighters. This is called secondary damage. Secondary damage can lead to mold growth, rusting or metals and permanent staining of plastics and PVC materials.

What Does Fire Damage Insurance Cover?

These policies are varied, and cover anything ranging from totally razed down structures and personal items.

Generally, the policies cover:

• The cost of total loss to your home.

• Cost of repairs to your damaged structure and the interior of the house.

• Covering of lost personal possessions.

• The cost of temporary housing as you wait for the house to be repaired.

• Costs of secondary damage to your property due to smoke and water damage.

In order to be compensated, you need to file a fire damage insurance claim. Remember we can take care of this for you.

Filing a Claim for Damages

Filing for damages can be complicated. This is because the insurance company will try to give you a minimum payout that might not be enough for the damages incurred.

Here are tips to make sure you get what you deserve:

Document the Damages
List all the damages that you have incurred both structural and personal. Make sure you take photos of the damages, the date it occurred, type of loss and a written report if possible. Document any injuries and make sure you get the police report. When taking photos, it is best to include a general photo as well as close-up photos of specific damages.

Keep Receipts and Bills
The insurance company needs evidence to understand what to pay. If you have performed any minor repairs, keep the receipts so that the insurance company understands the original damages.

Keep the Evidence Intact
The adjustor uses the site of the accident to determine your compensation. So, don’t throw away any damaged items before the insurance adjustor has been at the site.

We work with your insurance.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

At SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we are here to help with fire damage and the secondary smoke and water damage. Give us a call if you live in Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, 941-747-2333.

Why Do I Need Trained Technicians To Clean Carpet?

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Three SERVPRO techncians are shown cleaning a carpet with SERVPRO equipment

Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home and extend the life of your carpet, but perhaps the most valuable benefit from the process is improving you and your family’s health.

This is best accomplished with trained, certified SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch professionals.

According to the American Lung Association, if members of your household suffer from conditions that can affect their breathing, such as snoring or asthma, it’s especially crucial that you vacuum your carpets at least three times a week. Beyond vacuuming regularly, you may also benefit from having your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year.

If you’re not fully convinced of the benefits of professional carpet cleaning, consider the following top three ways the process leads to a healthier home:

Toxic airborne gases can adhere to these particles and also get trapped within the carpet. These toxic gases can be released through everyday activities such as vacuuming and walking across the carpet, which can cause them to contaminate the air in your home.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch cleaning services kills these bacteria through specialized shampooing formulas and can remove deeply trapped pollutants with high-powered vacuums.

2. Carpet cleaning can clear out dust mite infestations.

Many homes have dust mite infestations, yet most homeowners aren’t aware of the infestation, because the creatures are microscopic. Dust mites themselves aren’t allergens, but they often leave behind feces and body fragments which are. Because of the microscopic size of these particles, they can easily be inhaled when the area is disturbed, which can exacerbate allergies. Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch utilizes steam cleaning techniques to deep-clean when performing carpet maintenance work, which exposes your carpet to high temperatures that dust mites can’t survive.

3. Carpet cleaning can help prevent mold growth.
Especially in areas with high humidity levels, dirty carpets are at a high risk of developing mold growth when exposed to moisture. In precipitous weather, moisture frequently gets tracked into the home and can sink deep in the carpet fibers if not dried and vacuumed immediately.

Having your carpet cleaned regularly can prevent mold and mildew growth, because SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the high-powered drying equipment that annihilates moisture. By eliminating moisture, you can prevent mold growth that can be harmful to your health if ignored for too long.

So hopefully now you are convinced how important it is to keep your carpets clean, it's just as important to chose a professional team, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is the answer.

Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries.

Do You Have The Right Insurance For Water Damage?

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Of course SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will work with your insurance (941) 747- 2333

After experiencing water damage, you may be left wondering what your options are. In most cases, you should make sure that you fix all water damage as quickly as possible. Fixing your home immediately can prevent problems from getting worse due to mold or decomposition. For some homeowners, it may be possible for insurance to cover some of the losses. Many homeowners insurance policies do not include flood insurance. Of course SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will work with your insurance.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.
To provide assistance, this will take a look at the differences between flood insurance and water damage claims. Water Damage Claims
After experiencing water damage, your first impulse was probably to call your insurance company. Hopefully, you haven’t done this yet. There is a big difference between water damage claims and flood insurance. Water damage can be caused by storms, accidents, or bursting pipes. These claims are only valid when water damage is associated with water that did not first touch the ground (such as lakes, ponds, & rivers). This means that water coming from a regular thunderstorm or tornado, plumbing, or appliance is usually covered under water damage claims. In contrast, a flooded lake or stream that inundates a person’s home is not covered. Flood Insurance
It is important to keep in mind that flood insurance is a special form of insurance contract. It does not automatically come with a standard homeowners insurance policy. In almost all cases, individuals have to purchase flood insurance separately from homeowners insurance. Since many homeowners are not aware of this, homeowners are often outraged when they discover that their insurance contract does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is generally available for just a few dollars each month. Without this insurance, homeowners can not expect to have any damage associated with flooding covered under their homeowners insurance policy. Implications of Denied Coverage
If an insurance company declines your application to cover water damage, it could still have a big impact on your monthly insurance rates. Insurance companies can take advantage of information in your claims application to increase your monthly insurance bills. It is not uncommon to see insurance companies viewing homes that have experienced flood damage as high risk. As a result, they have the right to appropriately increase your monthly rates according to this information. The reality that your insurance rates could increase after being denied coverage makes it even more important to understand the difference between flood damage and water damage claims. Many individual homeowners make the mistake of filing claims for costs associated with flood damage, only to find that these costs are not covered. When the bill comes the next month, there is nothing that homeowners can do to bring their rates back down. Therefore, it is important to only file a claim if flood damage is explicitly covered in the homeowners insurance contract. In some cases, it may even be recommended for homeowners to work with an attorney to ensure that it is appropriate to file a water damage claim. If you have questions about your coverage, we strongly advise you to contact your insurance agent and review your policy. What incidents and perils are you covered for? What are your deductibles? At SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch we are here to help you in any way we can (941) 747- 2333.

Dealing With The Mess After The Fire

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

The smoke that lingers after a fire can be more damaging than you might think. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

The experts with the NFPA have found that most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.

The smoke that lingers after a fire has been put out can be more damaging than you might think. The problem that many homeowners have is that they don’t think a fire or smoke damage could ever happen to them. The reality is that home fires are incredibly common, ranging from the very minor to the more major.

Despite the fact that a minor fire may not cause a lot of fire damage, it can still cause smoke damage that is difficult to clean and dangerous to be living around.

Smoke damage that is a direct result of fire damage should ideally be cleaned by experts, such as SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

Experts know how to get rid of smoke damage that might be present in the home after it has been ravished by flames. You should always look to hire a licensed and highly experienced professional who has extensive experience dealing with fire damage.

The professionals of SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will often start by evaluating the overall extent of the damage that is present in the home, and then they will go over prices and costs of damage remediation for you to get the issue cleaned up by their company. We use the same industry standards respected by insurance companies and adjusters.

There are a lot of reasons why handling smoke damage after a fire should be done by experts and as quickly as possible. The smoke that you find after a fire often contains ash, soot and sometimes even carbons and tar that might have come off of the flames. Also, carbon monoxide is incredibly common after fire damage has been exhibited. Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous things because it is odorless and cannot be seen or tasted. Therefore, you may not even know that you are surrounded by carbon monoxide until it has been properly tested.
Smoke damage can also be aesthetically damaging.

Furniture, walls, ceilings and practically anything in your home can become black or gray from the smoke that has come off from a fire. Many things will need to be professionally cleaned, while other things might have to be fully removed from the home in order to get rid of the problem.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch tell you what can and cannot be saved after you have dealt with massive smoke damage in your own home.

Fires are very common, and even the most minor fire can cause a lot of smoke damage. In fact, some homeowners who have simple fireplaces that are not well-vented could deal with smoke damage without a fire ever being an issue for the home itself. Handling the damage on your own should be avoided simply because of all of the expertise that goes into cleaning the mess.

Also, you should have a professional test the home for carbon monoxide to ensure that it is safe. If you have any questions call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Avoiding A Fire In Your Home During Chilly Weather

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Always here to help. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333. We make any size disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Everyone wants to keep their homes and workplaces warm during the winter.

In an effort to keep heating costs down, many residents and employees will turn to alternative heat sources, such as fireplaces and space heaters.

In Lakewood Ranch, fire damage can be prevented by reading the following tips from SERVPRO.

When used and maintained as directed, these methods can effectively warm your home or office. However, there is also an inherent danger, as heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the winter months.

According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), the second leading cause of residential home fires, resulting in severe fire damage, is alternate heating sources. Cooking equipment is the primary culprit. Alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, are safe when used correctly according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch would like to pass along the following tips to help minimize the risk for heating fires this winter:

· Never use the stove, oven or range to heat your home.

· Never burn green wood, trash, or paper in your fireplace. These fuel sources cause heavy creosote build up, which could eventually start a fire in your chimney.

· Only buy heaters certified by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

· Purchase electronic heaters with a thermostat control mechanism that will switch off if the heater tips over.

· Never use electric heaters to dry clothes. Place space heaters a minimum of three feet from combustible materials.

· Plug your electronic heater directly into the wall - do not use an extension cord or a power strip.

· Always unplug your electric heater when not in use.

Fire Damage in Lakewood Ranch can be minimized. My team and I encourage you to stay warm and safe as the cold front moves in. If you have any questions call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

How To Recover and Restore After Sewage Damage

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

A damaged background is shown with the words Storm Damage question mark

After Storm Damage, if you need help with sewage backup or just have questions please call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Storms and storm damage can result in sewage backup in your home.
Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses.
A sewer backup into your home can be devastating. If the water stands for too long, it can cause extensive property damage and the effort to clean it up again can be overwhelming. If you need help with sewage backup or just have questions please call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333. Generally, after a storm where black water has flooded your Lakewood Ranch, FL home, you need a professional with the right tools and knowledge to restore your property. Here are three tips to help you through the process. 1. Intervene Quickly A sewer backup has to be dealt with as soon as possible. If the sewer is backed up due to rain water from a storm, you may have to wait for the storm to clear to get assistance. Once you can get help, you need to make sure that you get to it right away. The quicker that the problem is solved and you remove the water from your home, the less damage you’ll suffer. 2. Clear Out Items Black water refers to any standing water that has been contaminated by pathogens. Naturally, flooding from the sewer is severely contaminated. Not only do you have to worry about the germs and bacteria that come with the water, but mold growth is also often common after a flood. Your safest option once the water is extracted is to remove any porous items from the home. If it can’t be cleaned, do not try to clean it. 3. Disinfect What’s Left The items you’re left with need to be disinfected. When it comes to sewer backup, you should use chlorine bleach to guarantee that everything is clean. This will kill and stop the spread of any more bacteria. The process to clean up your property after a sewer backup can be intimidating, to say the least. However, if you take it in a few simple steps, you can clean up your home to be as good as new in no time.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 making any size disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Curious Neighbors and SERVPRO of East Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Prevent Bad Water Damage From Being Worse

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

A water damaged ceiling is shown with peeling paint and exposed, wet insulation

If you have questions about water damage or other restoration issues give us a call today at SERVPRO of East Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

Neighbors noticed water coming from a Bradenton Condominium unit they went into to action to notify the owner. A leak from a hot water heater caused water damage throughout the home.

That's when the experts from SERVPRO of East Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch got the emergency call. Because they are always ready to respond, with 24/7 emergency service, they got to the home quickly and got right to work.
Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water damage.

From destroyed ceiling to watery carpet the technicians went to work on the restoration.
Following the techniques they learned when they were IICRC certified they systematically began addressing several problems. The Bradenton homeowner was happy with the work, knowing they made the right call.

If you have water damage, you can make the right call as well, SERVPRO of East Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.

Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water.

If you have questions about water damage, fire damage, mold or other restoration issues give us a call to day at SERVPRO of East Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Remember we work with your insurance. For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Water Damage In Your Lakewood Ranch Home Can Be Overwhelming

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is close by and ready to respond to your mold damage emergency. Call for help. (941) 747-2333.

One of the most important initial steps for you to do following a water damage or flooding event in your Lakewood Ranch home is to contact your insurance agent and then to call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333. The insurance agent will be able to send an adjuster to the property to complete the water damage assessment. If you call SERVPRO, a field operator who is always available, will also arrive at your property. SERVPRO has extensive relationships with over 300 insurance companies, adjusters, management companies and government agencies. This offers a unique opportunity for your adjuster and the SERVPRO inspector to assess and develop a plan of action for your home. The water damage restoration expert will complete a report known as the CCIS. The Contents Claim Inventory Service technology inventories items room by room and categorizes these items as salvageable, non-salvageable or questionable. This form arms you with information to work with your insurance adjuster to come to an agreement on how SERVPRO can best serve you. With a "Work Authorization Form" in hand, the expert technicians can immediately start the water damage restoration process. The importance of a quick implementation of the water damage restoration plan cannot be over-emphasized. Standing water within your home can only compound the damage the longer it remains.
Choosing SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 is an important part of taking care of your water damaged home.
Locally Owned, with National Resources
We live and work in Lakewood Ranch too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is close by and ready to respond to your mold damage emergency. Call for help. (941) 747-2333.
From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Mold Remediation Really Isn't a DIY Project

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Once you realize that mold is present on your property in Lakewood Ranch, bringing in a professional company SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

Do not try to complete the mold remediation process on your own. For small patches of mold, less than 10 feet square on a hard surface like tile, you can probably manage the cleanup yourself. If you're not sure about how much mold you might have call us for advice. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

In general, homeowners are not aware of the specific health hazards presented by mold. For this reason, they do not know how to clean up the mold without making themselves susceptible to injury or illness. On the other hand, the mold remediation experts from SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch possess the extensive industry experience necessary to complete the restoration process in a safe manner that restores your property.

Specific clothing and gear, along with HEPA filtration, are necessary for the safe removal of mold.

Expertise and having the right equipment is important, but our training really sets us apart.
Our IICRC-certified experts work with skill and expediency to identify and eradicate unwanted mold. Our commitment to maintaining a cutting edge, customer-oriented approach to mold remediation in Lakewood Ranch has made us industry leaders with more than 1,650 franchises in operation. We're ready to make your mold issue a thing of the past. Call us for a complimentary mold inspection.

Mold can produce allergens and irritants and has the potential to cause other health effects. Mold can spread quickly through your Lakewood Ranch home or business in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Locally Owned, with National Resources
We live and work in Lakewood Ranch too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is close by and ready to respond to your mold damage emergency. Call for help. (941) 747-2333

Knowing What To Do When Your Home Is Flooded

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Tips to Mitigate Water Damage to Your Property

If your home becomes flooded for any reason it is important that you know what to do. The longer pooling water stands on your property, the more severe the water damage will be to your home. It could possibly be a serious threat to your health and safety.Accessing information from SERVPRO® regarding how to handle water damage will help you get your home back to dry, pre-water damage condition.

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Tips to Mitigate Water Damage to Your Property

What To Do

• Identify the source from which the water is flowing and stop it or prevent its flow from expanding. When pooling water increases, so does the opportunity for mold growth. SERVPRO®, using moisture meters and hygrometers, will inspect for hidden pockets of water or moisture to ensure total drying. The drying will mitigate opportunistic mold spores from developing colonies of mold.
• Cut off any circuit breakers that are on. Electricity and water are not a safe combination. If not sure of shut-offs for electricity and water, call for help.
• Unplug all appliances located near the wet area, if you can safely approach the outlets.
• Determine where the damages are and try to salvage safely water damaged items by moving them.
• Make sure that your furniture legs, window treatments, and all other items stay off of the wet flooring.

What Not To Do

• Don't use a shop-vac or home vacuum to clean the water. Doing so increases your susceptibility to an unwanted electric shock.
• Don't change your property's temperature unless specifically told to do so by an SERVPRO® expert.
• Don't use newspaper to soak up excessive water. This could cause staining if the ink runs. Also, avoid walking on wet surfaces, because this could also lead to further water damage. Be aware of slippery surfaces when walking. A DIY Project for water removal can easily be unsuccessful. In many cases, residential property owners grow upset when they see an accumulation of unwanted water in their home and start to clean it up themselves. Don't take this approach if it is more than an isolated puddle. Attempting to remove the water on your own exposes you to a wide range of health hazards. Flood water surely holds chemical contaminants and possibly sewage--"black water." Even the "gray" water from a clogged a/c air handler or a leaking clothes or dishwasher contains harmful agents. Additionally, most homeowners lack the experience, knowledge, safety gear, and equipment necessary to expedite the water damage restoration process. As a result, your attempt to complete a DIY project will likely prolong your exposure to excessive water and all of the health hazards it can produce.

Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 immediately. When you find that your home has water damage, you need a team of water damage restoration experts working on your behalf. The team to trust is SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

In addition to offering excellent customer service, all of our IICRC-certified technicians provide homeowners with 24/7 emergency assistance. From the time we arrive, until the task is complete, we will keep you informed and will restore your home.

Highly-Trained Water Restoration Specialists

As SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. We provide validation and documentation that your property in Palmetto, Ellenton, or Lakewood Ranch is dry and the job is complete. Learn about our water damage training and certificates. Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Go To The Pros: Smoke Damage Industry Expertise

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage are devastating to a home. That is why choosing the right restoration company is so important. Homeowners need to understand a broad range of issues in order to make the right choice for smoke restoration. It's necessary to understand what type of smoke has damaged the property as well as the chemicals necessary to remove the damage.

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch professionals understand that the smoke odor from plastic can react differently to specific cleaning products than the odor resulting from wood. Remediation specialists know all of these specific components of the smoke restoration process, and this is why obtaining professional services is so critical.

Although dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be challenging, attaining excellent smoke damage restoration services can help you. Professional fire remediation specialists are your best option when you want to attain fast, effective cleaning and repairing services. When you start looking for the excellent smoke damage restoration company to assist you, set your sights on SERVPRO®.

We possess extensive industry experience and can get your residential property back in pristine condition with lightning speed. Call now to learn more about the amazing services we offer!
Since each removal and restoration is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your home. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is strategically located to respond quickly to your fire emergency event. When smoke damage occurs we have the resources and personnel to help. Call us today! (941) 747-2333.

When fire damages a home in East Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch, we can scale our resources to handle the damage. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Water Damage Restoration and Understanding Your Insurance

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

One of the most important initial steps for you to do following a water damage or flooding event in your Lakewood Ranch home is to contact your insurance agent and then to call a water damage restoration company.

The insurance agent will be able to send an adjuster to the property to complete the water damage assessment. If you call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, a field operator who is always available, will also arrive at your property.

SERVPRO has extensive relationships with over 300 insurance companies, adjusters, management companies and government agencies. This offers a unique opportunity for your adjuster and the SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch inspector to assess and develop a plan of action for your home.

The water damage restoration expert will complete a report known as the CCIS. The Contents Claim Inventory Service technology inventories items room by room and categorizes these items as salvageable, non-salvageable or questionable. This form arms you with information to work with your insurance adjuster to come to an agreement on how SERVPRO can best serve you. With a "Work Authorization Form" in hand, the expert technicians can immediately start the water damage restoration process. The importance of a quick implementation of the water damage restoration plan cannot be over-emphasized. Standing water within your home can only compound the damage the longer it remains.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

In The Restoration Business, What Does A Certification Really Mean?

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Restoration Companies are usually the first to your home or business following significant damage to a home from floods and fires, water damage, sewage backup and other major events. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur.

An important distinction between restoration companies is certification.
SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Whether your East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Building/Reconstruction Services
Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Learn more about our commercial services: Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Storms May Not Be Your Biggest Concern Today, But Maybe Being Prepared Should At Least Be On Your List

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

According to the Nation Weather Service (NWS), About 98 percent of all Presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. As staggering as those numbers are there are solutions to help you through extreme weather.

The NWS has developed the StormReady® Program.

After the weather has passed, the clean up and restoration process must start right away. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is the emergency response expert.

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. Mold can arrive in a flood's wake, as moisture left behind has a way of lingering and serving as the perfect setting for growth.

Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (941) 747-2333

Lightning Can Damage Your Business In Ways You May Have Never Imagined

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

As a business owner, especially if you have employees that work outside lightning is something you should consider learning more about.

Lightning strikes can severely injure or kill workers whose jobs involve working outdoors. Lightning can be overlooked as an occupational hazard, but employers should be educated about lightning hazards to ensure the safety of their workers.

According to OSHA as an employer you have responsibilities to your workers. Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act), employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that “is free from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” The courts have interpreted OSHA’s general duty clause to mean that an employer has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free of conditions or activities that either the employer or industry recognizes as hazardous and that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees when there is a feasible method to abate the hazard. This includes lightning hazards that can cause death or serious bodily harm.

If you would like to learn more about ways you can look out for your employees there is information at
https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/OSHA_FS-3863_Lightning_Safety_05-2016.pdf

If your commercial business is damaged by a storm Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

At the end of the day, hiring a professional service to remove water from your basement and to restore your home is less stressful than trying to handle it on your own. Without the proper equipment, you may not get the job done and it could lead to more issues and property damage down the road. A team of experts will make sure everything is quickly and thoroughly taken care of, giving you your home back as soon as possible.

If A Fire Starts In Your Home, Make Sure You Already Have A Plan

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape, according to the American Red Cross. A fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly, along with an early warning from a working smoke alarm can save lives. For more information on protecting your family and home check Red Cross Fire Tips

Very few circumstances can be more traumatic and stressful than the aftermath of fire damage in your home or business.

Beyond smoke and soot damage; the structure will be soaked with water. The brave firefighters may also need to cut holes in roofs, knock down doors, and break windows to ensure the fire is extinguished. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 has the experienced restoration professionals to mitigate the damage and restore your home or business to preloss condition.

If your home is damaged by fire, don't wait, call professional emergency service right away. Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

If you need to remove odors from your home or business, you can hire professionals in SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

They can help you identify the source and eliminate the problem. Many odors can be removed without a trace. Home deodorization can also include pet odors, spill odors and other foul smells. Oxidization is just one of many ways specialist might remove offensive smells. Sometimes special equipment and treatments are necessary to clean air ducts, carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Contact SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Don't Let Water Damage Destroy Your East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch Home or Business

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

There are some simple things you can do to protect your home or business. For example, update your windows and doors. Look for watertight options in new windows and doors. Older wood windows should be cleaned, repainted and re-stained periodically. Cracks in trim should be resealed. Glazing compound around older windows should be replaced as needed.
It's a good idea to regularly check your roof for signs of damage, such as excessive wear on shingles or missing shingles. Contacting a plumber to inspect the condition of the pipes in your home. Much home piping has a lifespan of 50 to 80 years, PVC pipes may need to be replaced every 25 to 40 years. You may need to add or update drainage. Use gutters and downspouts to make sure water is diverted away from your home and its foundation.
If water damage has been a serious problem in your home's lower level try adding a sump pump. Choose a cast iron pump, which may last longer, and consider buying a backup battery-powered pump in case the power goes out. Test your pump twice a year or as suggested by the manufacturer. Seal your basement. Thick coatings, paint and silicate-based sealers may help minimize or prevent water damage. Each method varies in application and cost. Remember to replace washing machine supply hoses. Plan for new ones every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance plan.
No matter how much you prepare with regular maintenance, water damage can still be a frightening reality.
SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333
If your not sure why Emergency Service is important, consider this Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

First 24 Hours:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

2 Days to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

After Commercial Water Damage It's Time To Decide What Should Stay and What Has To Go

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

When a business floods it is a serious matter. Depending on the extent of the damage, it might feel like the end of the world. It doesn’t need to be, you may be able to salvage much of your inventory and other items in your business. Here’s how to handle cleaning your commercial property after a flood.
Furniture and Carpets
Take furniture outside, brush off any mud and remove any drawers or doors. Determine the material of each item and use commercial cleaning products designed for those materials. Set the furniture away from direct sunlight and allow it to dry. This could take weeks or months, depending on the item. Once thoroughly dry, you can refinish and wax. Spread carpets outside and hose them off. Use a professional carpet cleaner on soiled items. Rinse the solution out using 2 tablespoons of colorfast bleach per gallon of water, unless the carpet is wool. Dry the carpet and its subfloor, keeping in mind that you may need a professional to re-stretch it as you reinstall it. Dry cleaning may be an option for some items. No matter what, always hire a professional water cleanup company to assist you and ensure your business does not fall victim to mold.
SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Damaged Food Items and Kitchen Inventory
Unfortunately, if you run a restaurant, you may find that you do need to dispose of much of your inventory after a flooded company. However, you may still be able to save some of it. Any undamaged foods that are in all-metal cans or retort pouches are salvageable. Remove their labels, wash and rinse the cans and disinfect them. You can use a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Once sanitized, use a marker to write the food and its expiration date on the can.
When it comes to utensils, you can wash and sanitize metal and ceramic items. You will need to toss out anything wooden or plastic, such as the following:
• Plastic utensils and dishes
• Plastic storage containers
• Wooden cutting boards or utensils
Faster To Any Size Disaster
For more information on preparing your business check https://www.ready.gov/business
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your business and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Home.

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire is completely put out it can still be dangerous to you and your family. The smoke and soot that lingers can be dangerous to everyone in your residence and cause health complications. Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
According to USFA:
It is important to understand the risk to your safety and health even after the fire is out. The soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that could make you sick. Be very careful if you go into your home and if you touch any fire-damaged items. You can learn more at www.usfa.fema.gov
If you experience fire damage in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch here are some things to consider:
Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Make Sure Your Commercial Business Is READY In An Emergency

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

If your business doesn't already have an Emergency Ready Plan, SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is ready to help. Don't Wait learn about the Emergency Ready Plan today.

We spend quite a bit of money and time preparing for unlikely events. We insure our homes and cars to protect some of our most valuable assets. We write living wills to ensure our families and estate are taken care of should the unthinkable happen. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike. Take time now to put together a preparedness plan and your family and employees will thank you should a disaster strike.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Call SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 to find out more.

Be Ready! An Emergency Ready Profile is a file created for your business that contains an emergency plan of action. This profile allows you to minimize any prolonged business interruption by ensuring that SERVPRO is ready and prepared to help with a simple phone call. The research doesn’t lie: After a disaster strikes, many businesses — about 50 percent — have to close down. Having an Emergency Ready Profile in place allows SERVPRO to take action immediately following a disaster. By taking fast action, you can limit business interruption, meaning that you can get back to doing what you do best as quickly as possible.

Our app is a no-cost readiness plan that places your ready plan data on your mobile device for quick access during an emergency.

How does this app work?
1.       Call your local franchise and ask to schedule an appointment to do a FREE evaluation of your business.
2.       Your service rep will come out to your home or business and gather vital emergency contact information you will need for your app.
3.       Register on our website and download the app – you’re ready!
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

? 24-Hour Emergency Service
? Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
? Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
? A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
? Locally Owned and Operated
? Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Clearing Up The Confusion About Proper Mold Remediation

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is serious and we are too!

Mold can grow quickly in the humid environment we experience here on the Florida Gulf Coast.

How do I identify a mold problem?
Check the air and surfaces in the area. If you notice a musty smell, then you have a mold problem. Additionally, different types of mold discolor surfaces with black and/or green specks. Look for mold in bathrooms, windows, crawl spaces, air conditioners, ventilation systems, leaky roofs, attics and basements.

Why have I found mold in several areas?
All fungi, like mold, release spores that travel along air currents. Unless a mold-infested area is sealed off, the spores spread throughout a building. Outdoor mold spores can also cling to the surfaces of people, pets and objects.

Why does mold grow in air ducts?
Poor duct maintenance and moisture from humidity or plumbing, wall or roof leaks give mold spores the perfect dark habitat for growth. The experienced team at SERVPRO East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch use time-tested techniques to remove any mold growth and fix the source of the problem.

Can I use bleach to remove mold?
Liquid bleach is the wrong choice for several reasons: Bleach can't successfully penetrate all surfaces -- especially some porous materials -- and since it is wet it will help any missed mold regrow. Worse yet, bleach can hide a deeply rooted mold problem from a mold restoration and remediation firm like SERVPRO.

Do I need additional testing if I already know that I have mold in my home?
Testing determines the type of mold and the amount of cleaning that must be done to completely restore an area.

Can I use a DIY test kit?
Although DIY kits are inexpensive, they often provide false positive results. They also don't offer the data needed to determine the type of mold or the amount of spores in the air.

How can I remove mold growth and spores from my home?
The best way is to hire a licensed mold remediation firm. Only a qualified and licensed expert, such as SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, can evaluate the problem and perform the correct tasks to remove mold from the air and surfaces, clean the infested area and safeguard against future growth.

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If you have a mold question or believe you have a problem, please give us a call 941-747-2333.

Professional Cleanup Needed When Sewage Damage Affects Your Lakewood Ranch Home

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

The Proper Steps to Take When Dealing with a Sewage Backup

Sewer damage after a flood in Lakewood Ranch is a serious problem for homes and commercial businesses and can lead to significant property loss. The Professionals at SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch understand that it is important for you to get back to normal quickly. It is important to begin the sewer cleanup process as soon as possible, although you should always wait until the electric and gas lines have been shut off to prevent fires or explosions.

Flooding that is caused by sewage backups should be treated differently than other types of flooding events and requires professional care. Sewage is considered a biohazard and contains bacteria and viruses which pose a significant health issue if not handled properly. SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch is a certified IICRC firm and has the proper equipment and the certified team to handle the job quickly.

Here are a few of the steps we take when beginning the cleanup process.

Remove any standing water and dispose of the contaminated material

Clean and Sanitize the Flooded Area including:

• Walls

• Floors

• Countertops

• Railings

• Doors

Complete the process by sanitizing the areas and ensuring the area is dry. If the area is not completely sanitized and free of moisture mold can develop causing health concerns and illness. Any items affected by sewer backup including furniture and bedding must go through the sewer cleanup process or disposed of properly

If your commercial kitchen area is affected then all food, including bottled and boxed foods should be thrown away.

Whether dealing with a flooded toilet in your home or a full-scale commercial sewer cleanup job, consider hiring a professional like SERVPRO of East Bradenton /Lakewood Ranch. We have the proper tools to ensure the job is completed and the area is safe for you and your family. Call us today 941-747-2333.

Planning for Severe Weather With Your Family | SERVPRO® of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Severe weather can strike without warning, and even though most of the time we have the benefit of advanced warning, it’s those surprises that leave us vulnerable.

Fortunately, there are different steps you can take and safety tips to follow that will ensure your family is prepared for different severe weather situations.

Setting Up a Severe Weather Plan for Your Family

The best way to come out on top when severe weather strikes is to put together an established family emergency plan.

If you have already taken this step and your family does have an emergency plan in place, be sure to practice, discuss and review it as the different weather seasons commence so everyone knows exactly how to respond to the situation.

If a family emergency plan has not yet been compiled, consider some of these considerations when creating it:

1. How will you receive emergency notifications?

Emergency alerts and warnings are always broadcast over televisions and radios, but thanks to today’s technologies, it is easy to receive emergency alerts and warnings through Google or a weather app on your smartphone, which enables you to quickly receive emergency alerts and provides you with valuable time in severe weather situations.

2. What are your storm shelter options?

You’ll want your shelter to be in your basement or an interior room without windows or doors and not in corners or on the outside walls on the lowest level of your home if you live in an area where tornadoes are common. Tornadoes aren’t the only weather circumstances that require a form of storm shelter, and you can find out more about more of the types of situations that call for them by visiting ready.gov.

3. Are there multiple evacuation routes?

You should always have multiple routes mapped out that can serve as evacuation routes since things such as hurricanes, flooding and fires can force you from your home in a hurry. It’s wise to have multiple routes should one route become impassable, and be sure to find accommodations that allow your pets along the way if you have furry family members evacuate with you.

4. How will you stay in touch?

Staying in touch with family is important and it is easy to rely on cell phones for this purpose, but what if cell towers are destroyed in the storm or power is lost? Cell service would be lost, cell phones will not be able to be recharged with no power, or phones could be lost or left behind in your rush to evacuate.

Your family will need an emergency communication plan in place, as well as a pre-determined, safe meeting place in case you get separated.

If a storm does cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call your friends at SERVPRO® of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch to get the cleanup and restoration process started.

What You Need to Understand About Mold Remediation | SERVPRO® of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property is damaged by water, mold growth will be likely to follow. It is fact that mold can begin to grow within 48 hours after moisture exposure.

Knowing the next steps to follow is vital if you are ever faced with a mold issue, which is why we’re providing an overview of mold remediation in this blog.

Why Mold Remediation?

Have you seen the ads for mold remediation and promising mold removal? The fact is the latter of the two is a fallacy.

Removing all mold from a home or business is simply impossible. A qualified restoration company focuses on mold remediation, which has the ultimate goal of bringing mold levels back to normal and natural levels.

Yes, mold spores do occur naturally and appear almost everywhere, both inside and outside, however, they only become an issue if a minor problem is left untreated and, in turn, it becomes a major infestation.

During the mold remediation process, technicians isolate all contaminated areas. Depending on the amount of area where remediation is required, isolation can be done by either closing all doors and windows or completely sealing off all doorways and openings by using a polyethylene sheet. Dust in the contaminated areas will then suppressed through a misting process.

Plastic bags will be used to remove and discard wet and mold-damaged materials and areas exposed to and affected by the mold will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum is sometimes used to aid in the removal of contaminated materials and debris.

The area affected by mold is treated with a biocide and then left overnight to kill the mold spores. The mold remediation crew will return on the following day to encapsulate the affected area and beyond.

Act Quickly If There’s a Mold Problem

If you find that your home or business may have a mold problem, you need to act quickly. Evaluate the size of the problem, and if the area affected by mold is larger than 10 square feet, it is a good idea to call the professionals to handle the problem.

These professionals should be highly trained and certified in the following areas:

Applied microbial remediation
Water damage restoration
Applied structural drying

Some homeowners and business owners may want to try to address some minor mold issues on their own, but it is always wisest to call the professionals for a speedy and thorough resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (941) 747-2333

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