Homeowners Forget About Fire Danger During Monsoon Storms

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

When monsoon season rolls around, homeowners are quick to prepare for high winds and torrential rains, possibly even damaging dust storms, but few think about the fire danger that comes with the monsoon season. Lightning is very prevalent during monsoons and lightning strikes are not uncommon. Learn more about the threat of fire damage during monsoon season.

Monsoons bring lightning and the threat of fire

Lightning is the most underrated weather hazard during monsoons. Lightning makes every single thunderstorm a potential killer, whether the storm produces one single bolt or ten thousand bolts. A roof can catch on fire after a single strike, or a nearby tree or pole can be struck and come toppling down on a home. Unlike other weather hazards, lightning can also be unpredictable.

Staying protected during a lightning storm

There are actions you can take to keep yourself and your home protected:

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm and listen to local news when a storm is near
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning
• Get inside a house, large shelter, or an all-metal vehicle during a lightning storm.
• If safe shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles
• If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land, and find shelter immediately
• Only use the telephone in an emergency (cell phones are safe to use).
• Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles.
• Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, or metal pipes and rails.
• Make sure trees near your home are adequately trimmed so any struck branch won’t cause damage to your home or roof
• Don’t use electronics of any kind during a storm
• Make sure electronics are plugged into surge protectors

What to do if you experience fire damage from monsoon lighting

Even with the best protection and precautions, your home may still experience fire damage from a lightning strike, whether it be to your home, roof, or nearby tree or pole. If you experience fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix after the flames are extinguished. Our fire remediation specialists know how to address fire damage and can provide the remediation you need to recover from the damage.

Contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix 24/7 at 602-386-4268 to get the help you need.

Rain Isn’t the Only Damaging Element of Arizona Monsoons

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Monsoons have officially arrived in Arizona! Whether you love the dramatic rainfall that storms bring, or dread the weather change this time of year, one thing is for sure: monsoons can bring damage to both homes and businesses. While most assume the torrential rain is the main threat of monsoons, the season is actually a trifecta of potential dangers: water, wind, and fire.

What are monsoons in Arizona?

From light sprinkles to high winds to dust storms to lightening, monsoons can bring the whole package Typically, the monsoon season in Arizona lasts between the months of June and September, bringing us our cool relief in the hot summer months. The long-term average rainfall in the state is 5.37 inches. As the monsoon arrives an increased threat of lightning comes with it. Lightning, accompanied by little rainfall, start many fires each year in homes, buildings, and outdoor areas. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) lightning causes over 22,000 fires each year. The Insurance Information Institute states that lightning strikes cost roughly $900 million in homeowner’s insurance losses each year. That is JUST lightning strikes! Add in damage from strong winds and water from torrential rains and you can imagine the damage experienced during monsoon season.

How to protect your home from storm damage

There are some steps you can take to protect your home from water, wind, and lightning strikes:

• Use a home lightning protection system. This can include lightning rods, main conductors, grounds, bonds, or surge protectors.
• Unplug electronics and appliances.
• Install surge protectors/surge suppressors.
• Be sure to check your insurance policy to make sure you have coverage for damage caused by lightning.
• Have your roof checked prior to monsoon season to ensure there are no loose tiles that can be impacted by wind or weak areas that can let rain in
• Bring lawn furniture and other items inside that could be picked up by heavy winds and strike the house
• Check that the seals on your doors and windows are moisture-proof
• Be sure your exterior landscaping pitches away from the house
• Clear rain gutters

What to do if your home experiences storm-related damage

After any storm damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first. Once the pros at SERVPRO of Central Phoenix show up, you’re in good hands! We offer a range of effective restorative tactics, including debris removal and emergency board-up or tarping by our contracting division. Our licensed contractors can also oversee the reconstruction and renovation of your property once storm mitigation is complete. Our technicians focus on every damaging effect throughout your property from air quality concerns to soot and smoke residue removal to moisture removal and preventing mold growth. We offer comprehensive restoration from the initial inspection through the final walkthrough to make the process more efficient and cost-effective for our customers.

We hope that you are never faced with storm damage, but if you are, remember that SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is available 24/7 to help. Our IICRC Certified technicians have years of experience in the field and the training to handle any storm damage situation.  Call us if you experience a lightning strike, wind damage, or water damage from a monsoon storm that causes damage to your home. Call us at 602-386-4268 to help you recover sooner!

Storm Safety for Your Phoenix Business

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Monsoons will be here before you know it, and it’s a good time to brush up on some storm safety tips for your business that you can use so you’re not caught off guard and can protect your building from damage and what to do if you need storm damage assistance.

Monsoons in Arizona and the damage they cause

Monsoons can be quite dramatic, but severe thunderstorms produce dangerously heavy winds and lightning strikes, not to mention flooding; all of which can impact your office building. Sometimes, flash flooding, power outages, and property damage can result from severe weather. Take heed of these suggestions to protect your office building.

Prepare during severe storm watches

When monsoon season is underway, residents usually get a bit of a heads up when a storm is approaching, as well as how damaging it can potentially be. When a watch is issued, it means that conditions are just right for severe storms to develop. Tune into your radio or TV frequently for up-to-date information, and use this time to prepare your office building for a storm:

• Review the community's emergency warning system and protocols so you know what to watch for.
• At your place of work, reiterate company policy for severe weather safety to all employees.
• Secure loose equipment or furnishings around your building.
• Reschedule outdoor events for better weather; don’t risk having an event even if a storm appears mild as they can build momentum easily and grow.

Once a warning is in effect, your preparations to your office building will improve safety throughout your business and hopefully avoid or minimize damage.

Stay indoors until the storm passes

Most monsoon storms move on within an hour or so or become less dangerous after the initial impact. Regardless of how long the storm takes to pass or subside, plan to stay put until the high winds, lightning, and heavy rain or hail are over. It may be tempting to tell employees to go home to shelter, but it’s best for everyone to stay put until the bulk of the storm has passed. While waiting for the danger to pass, take appropriate safety precautions:

• Shutter doors and windows and stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights in your office building.
• Avoid standing near electrical equipment, including electrical telephones, and don’t work on any electronics during a storm.
• Move away from plumbing systems that may burst.
• Unplug any electronics as possible until storm passes, especially during lighting storms

Listen to weather updates

Experts recommend waiting about 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder before leaving the safety of your business to make your way home. While it may seem like a mild monsoon storm, lightning and other situations caused by the storm can do you harm, so don’t take unnecessary chances. Even once the storm has passed, there’s the potential for flooding, debris in roadways, downed electrical lines and more. Stay tuned to local news for updates on hazardous conditions.

Contact SERVPRO if you experience storm damage

Every year during monsoons, there are fallen trees on buildings, roofs collapsing, and flooding. It’s a good idea to have a reputable storm remediation company’s information on hand so you can get help recovering quickly for your business. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix specializes in storm damage cleanup and restoration. Available 24/7, we can help you get your home or office back to normal. Contact us at (602) 386-4268 to get the help you need.

Getting Your Home Ready for Storm Season

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

In theory, we still have a few months before monsoon season is here, but now is the time to prepare your home. Upcoming monsoon storms will leave behind plenty of local storm damages so preparing your home beforehand makes sense. We’ve listed a few activities you can do to protect your property from the monsoon damages.

Prepare Trees for Storm Season

One of the most common hazards that occurs during a monsoon storm is the uprooting of trees. Not only that, but heavy branches being also ripped off tossed about can cause some damage too. The microbursts tend to uproot trees of any size and carry outside furniture and play equipment down the street or a neighbor’s backyard if you end up finding it at all! Not only can this cause damages to your property, but it can also cause some danger if nearby power lines are affected. Be sure that all your smaller or newly planted trees are double staked; if you’re not sure how to do that, ask a landscaper to assist you in securing those trees. You want them loose enough to give enough room for the tree to bend with the gusty winds, but secure enough to prevent them from being ripped out of the ground or broken off by powerful winds. You should also trim the more mature trees to eliminate the branches that are thinner so that the limbs will have less weight. A professional tree trimming company will know how to do that safely without damaging the tree.

Check Windows and Doors for Sealing

Now is the time to go through your home and inspect all the windows and doors for any spaces or gaps where water and dirt can seep through. If you see any space within the frames where the seal is, it’s time to replace that weather stripping, or get a professional to come in and do it for you. While a tiny gap might be tempting to ignore, even the smallest amount of water will come in through that opening and cause mold which can spread around and will require professional mold remediation and removal. Replacing the weatherstripping will also prevent the dust from getting inside and settling on all the furniture, floors, and carpet after a heavy windstorm.

Check Out Your Roof

Get up on your roof (or have a professional do it for you) and look for any loose shingles or tiles before the storm season begins. This should be done regularly throughout the monsoon season. Strong storm winds often displace shingles and tiles which leave the property vulnerable to the storm elements that could cause even more damages. Missing tiles are more than a cosmetic issue; they protect your roof so be sure to be diligent here.

Check Drainage Around Your Home

In the past, have you ever noticed any issues with the drainage patterns which cause all the water to collect into pools? If you have, get that professionally addressed before the storms come. Protecting your investment from any potential water damages is obviously in your best interest. It’s important that water drains away from your home, not puddle up against it.

Make Room in the Garage Before the Monsoon

Unsecured items outside of your property leave everyone at risk. The monsoon winds can be extremely powerful, capable of picking up objects from the ground, and carrying them somewhere else. Just make sure to clear away enough space in your garage to put bicycles and whatever else you may have unsecured on your property, like patio furniture or pool toys. If microbursts can uproot large trees, knock down brick walls, and carry trampolines down the street then they can easily swipe your furniture and other items, potentially causing even more local storm damage.

We're here to help with storm damage

Regardless of how careful you are, life still happens, and there will still be some flooding and storm damages each year. That is why SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is here if it happens to your home. Available 24/7/365 for any emergency disaster! Contact us at 602-386-4268. Our technicians are highly skilled, and well-trained and are here to help if you experience any local storm damages during this upcoming monsoon season.

Be Prepared for Power Outages Caused by Heavy Storms

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

There are a couple of times a year when Phoenix homeowners are at higher risk for a power outage. In the hottest summer months, we sometimes experience brief power outages as demand skyrockets. These outages are typically short, and power is restored quickly. The other time of year is during our monsoon season, when high winds, heavy rains, and flooding can cause havoc on our power system. Here’s how to be prepared for a power outage during storm season.

Be prepared for a power outage

Having a bit of knowledge under your belt will help you be better prepared for an outage. First, it’s always a good idea to create an emergency preparedness kit with a flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies. Keep a spare power source available to charge cell phones and any other important devices that require power in case the outage is extensive. If you have an electric garage door opener, make sure you know where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it. There’s no reason for your car to be trapped in the garage if you know how to use the manual release lever. You might always want to have a few frozen water bottles and ice on hand to help keep perishable food cold. Learn and keep copies of your community's pre-established emergency preparedness plans. These can help you locate available shelters to provide assistance as needed if the power outage is significant or results in other damage. Create a backup plan for any essential, power-dependent medical devices that you rely on. Business owners can also prepare their businesses by having a plan in place. SERVPRO offers an emergency readiness plan to help be prepared for any disaster.

What to do during a power outage

Prioritize the use of flashlights for emergency lighting over candles. If you’re not careful, candles can cause fires, so use them with caution and never leave them unattended. Don’t open refrigerator and freezer doors closed unless absolutely necessary. An unopened freezer can keep cold for approximately 48 hours; while an unopened refrigerator can keep items cool for approximately 4 hours. Never attempt to burn charcoal indoors to cook food with. Never use an oven as a source of heat either. If the power outage is for an extended period of time, make arrangements to go to another location if necessary. Consider going to a movie theater or shopping mall that might be open around you. Consider using surge protectors in the event of a power surge; otherwise, unplug your electronics as a sudden power surge can cause permanent damage to your electronic devices. Monsoon storms are notorious for power surges! While generators can be particularly useful, talk to an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing a generator for your home. Make sure any generator you use is away from your house and don’t connect it to your home's electrical system for use inside your home.

After you experience an extended power outage

If you have any perishable food that was at 40°F for more than at least 2 hours, has a non-normal odor, color, or texture, dispose of it immediately. If food in your freezer is colder than 40°F but still has ice crystals on it, it can still be frozen again and recovered. Fully restock your emergency kit with all new supplies. Be careful when powering items back up; don’t boot up everything at once! Most importantly, take stock of what you had and what you could have used during this outage and add it to your to-do list for future power outages.

No one expects a power outage in their home. While oftentimes these outages are brief, storms can cause delays in getting power restored, so having a before, during and after plan can keep you safe and not too inconvenienced. If you experienced any damage as result of the storm, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix 24/7 to address your damage. Call us at 602-386-4268 to get the help you need to recover.

Even Mild Rainstorms Can Bring Damage to Phoenix Homes

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Though stunning to watch, most homeowners are relieved once monsoon season passes, assuming they’ve avoided another year without storm damage to their home. Unfortunately, monsoons might do enough damage to weaken a roof; a mild winter rainstorm can be the final straw for a weakened roof or cracked windowsill, resulting in flooding or water damage in your home. Here’s how to be prepared and what to do if you experience storm damage.

Even light rainstorms can be enough to cause damage

If any part of a home is already slightly compromised from previous storm activity like monsoon season, all it takes is a little more rain to be the final straw, resulting in water damage. If your home experienced undetected damage, only to finally fail with a mild rainstorm, contact SERVPRO's flood damage team. Stormwater seeping into your home can cause much more damage to your house than you realize and it's important to address the damage as quickly as possible. Don’t be fooled into feeling secure that you avoided storm damage after another monsoon season has passed; your house may still be at risk.

The damage rainwater can do

Even the smallest amount of moisture can cause considerable damage to a home if left unchecked. Water itself can ruin building materials and contents inside your home. In the case of rainwater, the contamination level of the water coming into your home can be a significant issue. In most cases, rainwater entering the home is considered "grey" water damage. In flooding situations, water comes in from the outside forcing SERVPRO technicians to use different procedures than if the water came from a fresh source. Luckily, SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is trained to work with all kinds of water and water damage and will suggest the best approach to get the job done. We’ll educate you on our approach and share our observations and recommendations based on the quality and quantity of water that’s damaged your home.

What SERVPRO does to address storm damage

Our highly trained SERVPRO team shows up at your house and gets to work immediately once alerted that water damage has occurred. We assess the damage and what the water situation is. After sharing our observations and recommendations with the homeowner, the next to step is to use specialized equipment to extract all the water we can. Items that are salvageable after water damage will be restored; other items may be too far damaged and will be discarded after notifying the homeowner. After extraction and restoration, there may be residual odors if the water has stood long enough, and mold may have started to grow. Our experts know how to handle any mold issues or odor removal to be sure your home returns as close to pre-storm damage condition as possible. Our job is to return your home to the way it was before the water damage occurred.

No one expects to suffer water damage from light rainstorms, but if you do, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix at (602) 386-4268 for 24/7 assistance. We’ll help you recover as quickly as possible from any water damage you may experience.

Storm Damage Continues Even After Monsoon Season Passes

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoon season is officially over, but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature. Several days into October have seen storms, from light sprinkles to torrential downpours. If the rainy season in Arizona is new to you, then here are a few things you should understand about monsoons and the damage they can cause.

Flash flooding happens... a lot

One frequent item you’ll see on the news during the rainy season is how cars get stuck in flash floods. What most people are surprised about is how this can happen within city limits, not just remote backroads that are prone to flooding. Neighborhoods all over Phoenix experience flash flooding from storms every year. Flash flooding can cause anywhere from a small amount of damage to your property to substantial damage requiring remediation. Because of Phoenix's unique geographic location, it is vulnerable to the leftovers of tropical storms, which originate from the Pacific ocean and make their way to our state. Just because we don’t have beachfront property in Arizona doesn’t mean we don’t experience storms coming in off the ocean. The water from these storms can be torrential, which can lead to flash floods. Make sure your home has proper drainage so excess water doesn’t permeate your home. Flash flooding is just one of the many ways that these storms can impact your home and cause damage.

High winds can damage homes

Storm damage can be exceptionally damaging to your home, regardless of whether it’s old or new. High winds and flying debris can break a window and allow the water to enter. It can rip off rain gutters, loosen roof tiles and permeate into your home. It can uproot trees that can fall on your home, vehicle, or wall. As the winds from the storm recede and some of the water goes with it, the damage may continue. With high winds and water, undetected and unaddressed water can result in mold growing within moist walls and attics, so be sure to inspect the damage thoroughly from the wind as well as the water that may have entered your home and call for professional help if you find any damage.

Floodwaters and the aftermath

Floodwaters are not always clean; in fact, they can often come teaming with chemicals, pesticides, petroleum products, and sewage depending on where they came from. When the water becomes mixed with such things, disposing of it is not a job for a layperson. When black water or otherwise compromised water floods your home, it is best to call SERVPRO because we have the proper equipment and tools to deal with the problem. If left unaddressed, flood water can ruin furnishings in your house. It is essential to understand and know what possessions and materials are safe to keep and dry out inside of your home and what needs to be discarded. SERVPRO can sort through your belongings and advise you on what you can and what you should not keep. We even offer a document drying service should you need it.

New residents of AZ are often taken by surprise by the amount of damage caused by monsoons and other seasonal storms. If storm damage impacts your Phoenix home, call SERVPRO of Central Phoenix so that we can assist you with the damage and get your house back to normal. Call us today (602) 386-4268.

Arizona Storms Can Bring Unexpected Damage to Your Home

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoons in Arizona can be quite spectacular to behold. Depending on the strength of the storm, your home could experience flood damage, fallen trees, or a leaky roof. If you’ve experienced a particularly strong storm and noticed no damage, you may feel like you’re in the clear. However, Arizona storms can bring unexpected damage to your home. Learn more below.

The unseen damage of storms

While water may not be dripping from your ceiling or pouring down your walls, there is a chance that some water may have seeped into walls, ceilings, or attics after an especially strong storm. Unfortunately, unless you’re in the habit of inspecting every inch of your home after each storm, you may not realize there is any damage until it’s too late. A common result of unseen water is mold.  Left alone, mold can spread and cause significant damage to your home.

Mold is always present

What most homeowners don’t realize is that microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors, and outdoors. If your home experiences mold growth after a storm, know that our mold remediations specialists will come in and remediate the mold in your home. We’ll inspect the extent of the damage, contain the mold growth, remove any mold-infested materials, and ensure there are no residual odors so that your home is back to normal after a mold growth situation.

Small water damage, bigger issues

If your home does experience visible water damage, you may be tempted to simply mop up the visible water, throw open the windows for some air, and run the ceiling fans in hopes of everything drying out. Unfortunately, that may not be enough to address the damage done by the storm. If water is not completely removed and materials such as walls and carpeting dried out, mold growth and accompanying odor issues may happen. May also not be aware that the small amount of visible water damage from the storm may be much more significant behind your walls or in your attic. Storm water can be deceiving, entering small spaces, and causing more damage if it’s undetected. Water remediation specialists like SERVPRO of Central Phoenix are trained to not only address visible damage but look extensively for unseen water damage from storms.

If you experience even minor damage from monsoon storms, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix 24/7 at 602-386-4268 to ensure your home is free from ongoing issues.

Work With Professionals to Clean Up Your Monsoon Flood Damage

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

The monsoon season throughout the Valley brings about violent storms that can compromise the structural integrity of many homes throughout the region. Once trees have fallen into roofs or through windows, or roof tiles or shingles have gotten ripped up with high winds, the integrity of your home is compromised and needs to be addressed. Another issue with monsoons is floods, which can cause significant damage to your home if it’s not addressed, including water damage as well as the potential for mold to grow. It’s important to work with professionals to clean up your monsoon flood damage to ensure it is addressed properly.

A company experienced in monsoon flood damage remediation

As a team that has been proudly serving the Phoenix area for many years, we have considerable experience with flood damage relief that can result during monsoons. We have a team of professionals that stays ready to handle these emergencies; IICRC-certified technicians and collective equipment that can help address not only homes impacted by flood waters, but large loss incidents that occur in the area with some of the larger square footage business properties that exist throughout the city. We have multiple contractors licensed through the state of Arizona that can respond alongside our rapid response team in the event of an emergency. These experienced professionals can work to provide temporary repairs for roofing and exposed areas like broken windows to prevent floodwater and direct rainfall from penetrating buildings. With these temporary repairs in place, our SERVPRO technicians can get to work on the necessary mitigation that can keep costs lower for our customers and reduce restoration time.

Addressing the damage done by floodwaters

Often damage has already occurred to the inside of a home by the time our technicians have arrived on the scene. We can work quickly to address the standing water or the saturation of exposed elements to prevent the need for demolition and reconstruction when possible. We’ll remove the water as quickly and as thoroughly as possible and discuss with you what items can be saved and what items need to be discarded due to excessive water damage. We’ll use ensure that there is no residual moisture that can cause mold growth, and we’ll address any odors that may develop with our odor removal and deodorization process. Rest assured that we have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home or business back to normal quickly with our water restoration process.

Call us for flood remediation

Throughout monsoon season in Arizona, many homeowners should be prepared for the unpredictability of potentially violent storms that can leave their property facing flood damages. Our SERVPRO of Central Phoenix team can respond quickly to help with emergency repairs, 24/7 and effective mitigation the situation. Give our team a call anytime at (602) 386-4268.

Lightning Strikes from Monsoons Pose Fire Danger

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Living in Arizona, we are no strangers to severe storms that are also known as monsoons.  From light sprinkles to high winds to dust storms to lightening, monsoons can bring the whole package and take even the most seasoned homeowners by surprise. Severe pop-up storms loaded with cloud-to-ground lightning are especially common during these monsoons. While any of the above can cause damage, lightning strikes are exceptionally dangerous as they can result in fire damage to your home. Learn more about how lightning strikes from monsoons pose fire damage, how to prepare and what to do if it happens to you.

What are monsoons in AZ?

Typically, the monsoon season in Arizona lasts between the months of June and September, bringing us our cool relief in the hot summer months. The long-term average rainfall in the state is 5.37 inches. As the monsoon arrives an increased threat of lightning comes with it. Lightning, accompanied by little rainfall, start many fires each year for homes, buildings, and outdoor areas. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) lightning causes over 22,000 fires each year.  The Insurance Information Institute states that lightning strikes cost roughly $900 million in homeowner’s insurance losses each year. 

How to be prepared and protect your home

There are some steps you can take to protect your home from lightning strikes:

• Use a home lightning protection system. This can include lightning rods, main conductors, grounds, bonds, or surge protectors.
• Unplug electronics and appliances.
• Install surge protectors/surge suppressors.
• Be sure to check your insurance policy to make sure you have coverage for damage caused by lightning.

What to do if your home experiences lighting-related fire damage

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first. Here are a few tips to keep you safe while you wait for SERVPRO’s fire remediation specialists to arrive on the scene:

• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform until help arrives.
• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Once the pros at SERVPRO of Central Phoenix show up, you’re in good hands! We offer a range of effective restorative tactics, including debris removal and emergency board up or tarping by our contracting division. Our licensed contractors can also oversee the reconstruction and renovation of your property once fire mitigation is complete. Our technicians focus on every damaging effect throughout your property from air quality concerns to soot and smoke residue removal. We offer comprehensive restoration from the initial inspection through the final walkthrough to make the process more efficient and cost-effective for our customers.

We hope that you are never faced with fire damage, but if you are, remember SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is available 24/7 to help.Our IICRC Certified technicians have years of experience in the field and the training to handle any fire damage situation.  Call us if you experience a lightning strike that causes fire damage to your home. Call us at 602-386-4268 to help you recover from a lightning fire in your home.

Steps to Recovering from Storm Damage

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

As monsoon season approaches, it’s good to have a reminder of what you should do should your home experience storm damage.

Take inventory

Taking inventory of the storm damage needing repairs is your first step. Remember that most insurance companies cover damages from the storm over the entire property, not just the structure on the property. Not all insurance companies support this, but it’s better to document all damages just in case yours does. Check with your insurance agent to understand your coverage so you’re well-versed ahead of time.

Document the damage

Document any damages from the storm to the outside of the entire house like the walls, windows, doors, gutters, roof, any major structural elements of the house. Look around the entire property including the front and backyards, the side yard, storage areas, garage, and any equipment kept outside. Document and take pictures of any damages you find. Be sure to visually examine any damages to any power or gas lines and anything else that serves power and water to the building but only do so visually; leave in-depth examination to the professionals.

Call your insurance agent

Once you’ve documented what needs to be repaired from the storm damage, call your insurance agent. More than likely your insurance company will take the time to open a claim, but all insurance companies run differently with different processes and policies that need to be adhered to have a successful claim. Again, planning ahead is your best bet so know the answers to these questions well before you need to place an insurance claim:

1. What are all the terms of the insurance policy regarding storm damage repairs?
2. What is the deductible on the storm damage repair and the caps?
3. Does the insurance company have authorized vendors that you must contact, or are you able to contact your own storm damage repair company?

Contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix

If the insurance policy allows you to reach out to your own storm damage repair company, call one you trust. A leader in the industry like SERVPRO of Central Phoenix that has a vast amount of experience repairing storm damage done to both the interior and exterior of properties is your best bet. We are licensed, bonded, and certified and our techs are well trained and very empathetic to those experiencing all kinds of disasters. So, after taking precautions to prevent future storm damage and you still fall victim, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you out. We are available 24/7 with an immediate response, so call us at 602-386-4268.

Tips to Prepare for the Upcoming Monsoons in AZ

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Upcoming monsoon storms will leave behind plenty of local storm damages so preparing your home or commercial property beforehand makes perfect sense. The microbursts tend to uproot trees of any size and carry outside furniture and play equipment down to another neighborhood. We’ve listed a few top things you can do to protect your property from the monsoon local storm damages.

Secure Trees to Prevent Storm Damages

One of the most common hazards that occurs during a monsoon storm is the uprooting of trees along with heavy branches being ripped off tossed about. Not only can this cause more damages to your property, but it can also cause some serious danger if nearby power lines are affected. Be sure that all your smaller or newly planted trees are double staked. You want them loose enough to give enough room for the tree to bend with the gusty winds, but secure enough to prevent them from being ripped out of the ground or broken off by powerful winds. You should also trim the more mature trees to eliminate the branches that are thinner so that the limbs will have less weight.

Check All Windows and Doors for Sealing

Go through your home and inspect all the windows and doors for any spaces or gaps where water and dirt can seep through. If you see any space within the frames where the seal is, it’s time to replace that weather stripping. Be meticulous because even the smallest amount of water will come in and cause mold which can spread around and will require professional mold remediation and removal. Replacing the weatherstripping will also prevent the dust from getting inside and settling on all the furniture, floors, and carpet. Prevention goes a long way here!

Inspect Your Roof

Get up on your roof and look for any loose shingles or tiles before the storm season begins. This should be done regularly throughout the monsoon season. Strong storm winds often displace shingles and tiles which leave the property vulnerable to the storm elements that could cause even more damages.

Check Drainage Patterns Surrounding Your House

In the past, have you ever noticed any issues with the drainage patterns which causes all the water to collect into pools? If you have, get that professionally addressed before the storms come. Protecting your investment from any potential water damages is obviously in your best interest.

Make Room in the Garage Before the Monsoon

Unsecured items outside of your property leave everyone at risk. The monsoon winds can be extremely powerful, capable of picking up objects from the ground, carrying them somewhere else. Just make sure to clear away enough space in your garage to put bicycles and whatever else you may have unsecured on your property, like patio furniture or pool toys. If microbursts can uproot large trees, knock down brick walls, and carry trampolines down the street then they can easily swipe your furniture and other items, potentially causing even more local storm damage.

We're always here to help with storm damage

Regardless of how careful you are, life still happens, and there will still be some flooding and storm damages each year. That is why SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is here if it happens to your home. Available 24/7/365 for any emergency disaster! Contact us at 602-386-4268. Our technicians are highly skilled, well-trained and are here to help if you experience any local storm damages during this upcoming monsoon season.

How to Prepare for Severe Storms to Stay Protected

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Typically, Phoenix has severe storms during monsoon season, but this year has been anything but “typical”. With unusual storm patterns of late, it’s good to be prepared. Extreme winter weather often increases the risk of storm damage. A snowstorm or even the presence of graupel can bring extreme cold, ice, and high winds. Keep yourself, your business, and your employees safe by having a plan to respond to severe winter weather in place before it occurs.

Know the risks related to storms

Slick and icy roads, blowing hail or pelting rain, and decreased visibility all raise the likelihood of weather-related damage to homes and businesses, including a loss of power or downed lines. While it may be tempting to go outside and address those issues yourself, the best plan is to stay inside, and stay off the roads whenever possible. Those storm-related issues can be addressed once the storm resides, so don’t risk further damage or personal harm by trying to fix anything during a storm.

Prevent damage or keep it at a minimum

When water freezes, it expands, often leading to an unexpected pipe burst. To minimize the chance of this happening during an exceptionally freezing storm like we’ve experienced recently, make sure your pipes are properly insulated. Inspect the pipes seasonally to check for any leaks or loss of integrity. Plan ahead and have a list of trusted and reliable plumbers, electricians, and storm restoration specialists to call when you need help. Researching these trained professionals before you need them will speed up the process of any repairs if you do suffer damage after a storm. It will also decrease wait time until help arrives which can help minimize further damage.

Keep employees home

While many businesses are working from a work-from-home model, not all businesses are able to do that, and therefore have employees in the office. Watch the news and pay attention to all storm warnings and emergency alerts during severe winter weather to see if it makes sense to have your employees stay home versus driving into work under adverse conditions. This will keep them off the roads and away from the associated risks that go along with driving during winter storms. If your business experiences significant storm damage, call in storm remediation specialists to assess the damage, as it may be extensive enough to have to keep employees away until the damage is fixed.

A snowstorm can be frightening, especially for those of us who really aren’t used to having to deal with snow, hail, and the damage it brings. Being aware of the dangers they carry is important to keep your property safe. If you do experience damage from a storm, call the pros at SERVPRO of Central Phoenix at 602-386-4268 to help get the damage addressed as quickly as possible.

Prepare for Storms and Other Emergencies to Stay Safe

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

This year’s monsoon season ended up being called a “nonsoon” after the rains and winds we experienced were all but nonexistent. However, just because we dodged the damages of storms that never came this year, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always be prepared for storms and other emergencies. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix has pulled together a few ideas on how to be prepared and stay safe in storms and other emergencies.

Keep Emergency Kits on hand

There are many things you can do to prepare for a bad storm or other emergency.  One of these is to have aa Home Emergency Kit/Car Emergency Kit on hand.  These kits are usually a collection of basic household/automobile items that you will need in an emergency, whether it’s a bad storm, a fire, or any other unexpected emergency. Try to assemble your kit as soon as possible so that it will be ready in case of an emergency and don't forget to rotate new items in so when you need it there will not be expired or out-of-date items.  You can also purchase premade kits from The Red Cross or other resources.

Have an emergency plan prepared

Depending on the severity of a storm or other event, it may take some time for help to arrive. Services like electricity and phone might be cut off for over a week. Emergency plans should be prepared with this information in mind. In addition to your emergency kit, which should include flashlights, batteries, and water, make an overall emergency plan with your family. Determine a place to meet if you need to leave your home in a hurry. Assign each member of your home with a task to make sure everyone gets out safely, including pets. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix offers an Emergency Readiness plan for businesses, but households should have a plan as well.

Know who to call to help with storm damage

Should your home experience significant damage during a storm, know who you can contact quickly to come out and assess and repair the damage. SERVPRO offers storm damage cleanup and restoration. With 24-hour emergency services offered, we’re “faster to any disaster”, with our highly trained technicians ready to help. Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Central Phoenix can help with storm, water, fire, or mold damage. Keep our information on hand as part of your emergency preparedness. Contact us 24/7 at 602-2386-4268 to get the help you need.

SERVPRO Handles Your Exterior Flood Damage to Your Home

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

When flood damage of any kind happens to your home, it can be devastating. While interior damage is the most stressful, the exterior of your home also requires cleanup after monsoon flooding. Debris can end up on your lawn, strewn across your landscaped areas, up on your roof and can create serious safety hazards. Fallen trees can also do a lot of damage to sheds and garages. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix can help!

Addressing exterior flood damage

Monsoons in Phoenix that leave homeowners suffering from flood damage often need mitigation of the exterior areas in addition to any interior damage that may have occurred. SERVPRO technicians can properly address the interior areas of your home, as well as those on the exterior, including making sure that debris no longer remains behind as an eyesore or hazard potential, and addressing the sides of your home by washing them clean of residue. We can also address flood damage that impacts your outbuildings such as garages and sheds by inspecting them and cleaning up any damage found.

Getting your home back to normal, inside and out

While interior flood damage affects your family the most, we know that hazards outside of your home can keep your family from enjoying time outdoors; especially in the summer when families want to enjoy their pools and backyards. We can help you resolve these concerns by cleaning up the area and making it beautiful and hazard-free again. Damage from severe monsoon winds can include pieces of broken glass, shards of splintered wood, piles of debris that was pushed into corners of patios, gardens and backyards. This can cause a hazardous situation for kids and pets. Removing them, as well as any other hazards can restore safety to your yard for your children.

Garages and sheds can retain moisture just like the interior elements of your home which over time can cause additional damage. Our IICRC-certified technicians can go in and dry these areas out and clean up any debris left behind. Address this damage as soon as possible can keep your tools from rusting in your shed or outside storage. We know that what is in your garage, shed or other outside storage space is important to address and know how to get it done.

We are here to help 24/7

SERVPRO of Central Phoenix's technicians are always ready to help homeowners after flood damage ruin their property. Call our 24-hour emergency services line at (602) 386-4268 to get the help you need to recover from monsoon flood damage to your home.

Getting Prepared for Arizona Storms to Prevent Damage

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Experiencing the power of an Arizona monsoon can be quite impressive. Unfortunately, they can also cause quite a bit of damage to homes in the Valley. Getting prepared for Arizona storms to prevent damage is a smart move for homeowners. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix has a few helpful tips to be prepared.

Check your roof before the storms hit

Out of sight out of mind is the classic excuse homeowners use when it comes to their roofs. Most have no idea there is an issue with the roof of their home until it leaks. The best prevention is to have the roof inspected before the storms hit each year and allow plenty of time for any repairs that need to be done. That will keep storm damage from happening.

Inspect the drainage around your home

Storm damage does not just happen to roofs of homes. If a house does not have proper drainage surrounding the property, you may find yourself with water seeping in under your doors. A telltale sign that your property may have drainage issues is if you have pooling of water during a rainstorm. If you do, make sure you have it taken care of before the monsoons hit. You may need to hire a landscaping company to provide a drainage solution that will keep your yard and home protected from possible flooding, but it is well worth the investment to prevent water damage.

Clean out rain gutters and spouts

We are fairly dry here in the Valley most of the year, and critters take advantage of the dry weather to build nice, comfortable nests in rain gutters and drainage pipes. Great for them, not so good for your home during a monsoon where fast drainage is critical. Rain gutters and downspouts are the best way to direct the rain that comes from monsoon microbursts away from your home. Make sure yours are ready to do their job and divert the rain away from your home’s foundation. Clean out obstructions and ensure any water is being directed away from your home.

Arizona storms are something to behold. Make sure you can do so from the comfort of your home without the worries of storm damage from monsoons. If you do experience storm damage, contact storm damage remediation specialists SERVPRO of Central Phoenix immediately to keep damage at a minimum. We are here 24/7 to serve you.

Storm Safety for Your Home or Business

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Monsoons will be here before you know it, and it’s a good time to brush up on some storm safety tips that you can use so you’re not caught off guard.

Monsoons in Arizona

Monsoons can be quite spectacular to behold and are vital to the well-being of the environment, but severe thunderstorms produce dangerously heavy winds and lightning strikes. Sometimes, flash flooding, power outages, and property damage can result from the severe weather. Tragically, every people are injured or killed during this type of storm. Protect yourself and your home or business with these helpful tips.

Prepare During Severe Storm Watches

Arizona news is quite helpful when it comes to letting the public know when a storm is on the way. When a watch is issued, it means that conditions are just right for severe storms to develop. Tune into your radio or TV frequently for up-to-date information, and use this time to prepare for a storm:

• Review the community's emergency warning system and protocols.
• At your place of work, reiterate company policy for severe weather safety.
• Secure loose equipment or furnishings around your building or home.
• Reschedule outdoor events for better weather.

Once a warning is in effect, your preparations will improve safety throughout your home or business

Stay Inside Until the Storm Passes

Most storms move on within an hour or so. Regardless of how long the storm takes to pass or subside, plan to stay put until the high winds, lightning, and heavy rain or hail are over. While waiting for the danger to pass, take appropriate safety precautions:

• Shutter doors and windows and stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights.
• Avoid standing near electrical equipment, including electrical telephones.
• Move away from plumbing systems.

Listen to official weather updates

Experts recommend waiting about 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder before leaving the safety of your home or business. While it may seem like “just a monsoon storm”, lightning and other situations caused by the storm can do you harm, so don’t take unnecessary chances.

Know who to contact if you experience storm damage

Every year we see images of fallen trees on homes, roofs collapsing on buildings, and home or office flooding. It’s good to have a reputable storm remediation company’s information on hand so you can get help recovering quickly. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix specializes in storm damage cleanup and restoration. Available 24/7, we can help you get your home or office back to normal. Contact us at (602) 386-4268 to get the help you need quickly.

Heavy Rainstorms in Phoenix Can Damage Your Home

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve had some significant rainfall lately in Phoenix. While this time of year may bring a sprinkle or two, this week’s rains were enough to cause unexpected storm damage to homes already soaked from last month’s record rainfall.

Roof damage

This is the time of year you start seeing homeowners replacing their roofs in preparation for the rough monsoon season only a few months away. Unfortunately, many were caught unprepared by how much rain came down this week, and the result is storm damage to that partially installed roof. While you may be able to get your roofer to come out and address damage to the roof itself, you may have experienced additional storm damage from your unprotected roof.

Leaky window frames and casings

With the amount of rain, we’ve received here in the Valley, some window frames and casings may become compromised, letting rain to seep into the home and interior walls. The result of that can be mold and mildew growing. Left unchecked, it can become a big problem, resulting in the need for mold remediation. Check those windowsills and casings after a solid storm to ensure you don’t have any unwelcome leaks or drips.

Flooded basements

Many Phoenix homeowners suffer flooded basements as a result of unusually wet rainstorms. To protect yourself from that happening to your basement, once again check those windows! You may also want to look and see that exterior water from the storm isn’t puddling right up against the house which could ultimately cause mold or mildew. Last, check that sump pump and make sure it’s in good working order. Here are a few tips to follow if you experience storm damage.

How to handle rainstorm damage

If portions of your home experienced flooding from the recent storm, call SERVPRO of Central Phoenix immediately! Our storm damage cleanup and restoration services can help get your home back to the way it was before the storm. We can provide emergency board up and tarping services, as well as reconstruction and repair. Our qualified IICRC-certified disaster relief technicians can utilize equipment like our extraction machines and efficient drying units to reduce the spread and damaging effects of floodwater in your home. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your disaster so contact us at 602-386-4268 to get help for storm damage today!

What to Do When Rains Cause Storm Damage to Your Phoenix Home

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Unlike other parts of the country, Phoenix’s weather is predictable most of the time. However, we’ve had some strange weather patterns these past few months, a mild monsoon and then late torrential rain, more sun, more rain. It’s been crazy! If your home experienced storm damage, it’s time to contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix!

Phoenix storms can be powerful and damaging

Monsoons can wreak havoc on a home of any size, but desert storms, in general, can cause storm damage. The Thanksgiving weekend storm in Phoenix saw heavy rain and at least three tornadoes touched down in the Valley. After that, the weather was mild until another round of soaking came along in early January this year. This resulted in excess water, downed trees hitting homes and, in some cases, damaged roofs; results you usually hear about during the monsoon, but it really can happen any time after a good storm. For many homeowners, the intensity of the storm took them by surprise and their homes couldn’t handle it.

Why it’s important to react quickly to storm damage

Water damage and flooding can cause structural damage that needs to be addressed quickly to maintain the integrity and safety of the home. Working with professionals like SERVPRO which offers 24/7 emergency service ensures that any damage will be dealt with quickly, efficiently and professionally. Even if the storm damage didn’t cause structural damage, the water damage caused by rainstorm can cause issues including mold, mildew and possibly electrical damage. Here are a few water damage tips to follow if you experience storm damage:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting as best you can.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after the removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery and cushions for air circulation.
• Place foil or blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting to avoid stains and damage.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place to protect them from further damage.
• Gather loose items from floors to keep them safe.

How SERVPRO of Central Phoenix can help with storm damage

When you call the SERVPRO highly trained specialists, we’ll come out to your home and inspect the damage, providing a full overview of what damage was done and how it needs to be addressed. We’ll check for contaminated water in the home to ensure the homeowner’s safety and do a complete safety inspection, providing a summary of what we found. Then we move to the water removal and water extraction stage. We’ll move out any belongings that need to be removed to get to all the water in the home. We’ll inspect the carpet and the carpet pad to evaluate how to best extract the water. We’ll follow by using specialized equipment for water removal and extraction including moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture permeation. We also use infrared cameras that may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings, which can really cause damage if left unchecked. We’ll use submersible and gas-powered pumps if necessary, for continuous pumping of high-level water and our truck-mounted and portable extraction units to perform efficient water removal.

Going a step beyond after the water is gone

After the water has been removed, there are still steps to be taken by our team. We turn our efforts towards drying and dehumidification of items to prevent more damage like mold and mildew.  The floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection may reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage. You also risk the chance of odors forming.

The final step: cleanup and repair of your home

Once our team has the water under control and the drying process complete, we can assist with any items that need repair from water damage such as walls, flooring, etc. Our building services include:

• Drywall Removal and Installation
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• Tile Floor Repair
• Painting

We’ll also focus on odor removal and deodorization if necessary. We do a complete and thorough job to ensure your home is completely addressed when it comes to storm damage. If your Phoenix home experienced storm damage recently, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix right away at (602) 386-4268. We’ll get the job done and get your home back to its normal condition in no time!

Dangers With Standing Flood Waters in Phoenix

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

There are storms, hurricanes and tornadoes that cause unfathomable devastation, and standing flood water, waiting for cleanup, can aggravate that devastation even more. Cleanup and Restoration companies get a lot of calls for local storm damages in Phoenix during the monsoon season with some involving flood waters left standing for a period of time. Some severe dangers come with standing flood waters but can prevented when being proactive and understanding the risks beforehand and being equipped with tools to cope with anything that is threatening. 

When the flood waters that come from a local storm are left sitting for some time, the health of anyone living around it is at risk. The CDC website has a lot of valuable information dedicated to the health risks and hazards from standing flood waters and how to prevent, and cope with what can and does happen.

Flooding can infect everything and everybody it touches with life-threatening diseases and bacterial infections. All your belongings become hazards to your health when they have been touched by the flood waters that still stand. It is essential that you do not drink or eat anything that was affected by the flood and that you are diligent about keeping your hands clean, especially before eating or drinking.

Health Risks from Standing Flood Water

Being aware and proactive with any open wounds on your body is extremely important. Any standing water from a storm poses an even greater risk to your well-being if you have any open wounds, it’s crucial that you protect them from any standing water and always use waterproof bandages.

Physical Risks from Storm Floods

In addition to all the health risks that come with floods from a storm are the physical risks. When flood waters sit for a period of time, they become murky, hiding other threats like poisonous insects and dangerous animals along with very sharp objects like broken glass. All storm flooding situations are unique to the region which they occur in, along with their own unique physical hazards also.

Parts of the local storm damage, like power lines that remain in the standing flood waters add to the list of threats with electrocution. Event the flood waters alone are a hazard claiming too many lives from drownings that occurred victims were in their vehicles or swimming to safety..

SERVPRO of Central Phoenix knows all about disasters, and. our technicians are well-trained, experienced and completely equipped for  a disaster of any size. Though, a catastrophic disaster is a “once in a lifetime” event, all it takes to turn your entire world upside down is that one disaster. Want to know more or need our assistance? Give us a call 24/7 any day of the year 602-386-4268.

What Can I Do Before My Adjuster Arrives After Storm Damages?

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Though the monsoon storms are showing up late this year, it’s inevitable they will come and go without any warnings leaving homes in Phoenix, AZ with severe storm damages. Even if you already have flood and storm damage insurance, eliminating the total damages to your home is in your best interest. Insurance adjusters are very busy during the monsoon season, so being prepared upon their arrival will make them happy and save time in the end.

Documenting Storm Damage 

If your first call was to your insurance company, than your next call should be your trusted storm damage company, like SERVPRO of Central Phoenix. We understand the storm damage restoration process well and our certified techs will help guide you throughout the entire process always informing you of what is going on as well as what to expect. There are many benefits to contacting your storm damage company early on, and they are:

• Initial assessment of all storm damages to your home
• Less time between the initial damages occurring and the water extraction which will prevent even more damages
• You will have your itemized list of all things damaged by the storm, needed for the claim.
• You will have photos taken of all things damaged by the storm, which will improve the chances of your claim being accepted.

Storm Damage Specialists

When the monsoon is up and running, you can be sure that local adjusters are at their busiest, making their ability to get to you in a timely manner less feasible. By preparing before their arrival with all the storm damage documentation done to your home, and having already contacted the restoration company, you will be making things easier on your adjuster which in turn will support things getting done faster. Storm damage companies in Phoenix are always ready for an emergency, so the chances of them getting to you first are in your favor.

One thing you can do to improve your ability to get your claim accepted is by taking some video of the affect property and items. Collect all receipts of the damaged property if you can. If it has been more than a few days since the initial storm damage and the arrival of the restoration company, video is especially helpful as there has most likely been some mold growth by now which may require mold remediation and removal.

Call Your Local Storm Damage Experts

SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is prepared and ready for any size storm damage that may come with the monsoon storms. Our customers are our top priority and we take our services seriously! Available 24/7 for your storm damage disasters, call 602-386-4268. We respond Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Monsoon Storm Damage Recovery in Phoenix

6/30/2019 (Permalink)

Phoenix storm damage - uprooted tree from the monsoon

Very soon now Mother Nature’s monsoon season will start acting out in Phoenix, Az, causing havoc leaving the valley in desperate need of emergency flood and storm damage and recovery. The monsoon storms will come and go without any warnings for the next few months bringing a lot of wind, dust, and rain. The dust in particular can be hazardous in itself when it comes rolling in like a gigantic wall of dirt, otherwise known as a haboob.

Haboobs are comprised of quick rushes of winds referred to as micro-bursts. These micro-bursts can be extremely powerful, swiftly making their way through the valley neighborhoods, leaving behind many homes and commercial buildings needing immediate storm cleanup and restorations.

Monsoon Damage from Storms

Monsoon brings with it many dangers, some of which are obvious, but the other dangers that arise include damages to residential homes and commercial building structures.  There are some precautions we can take prior to the storms’ arrival that could potentially save you from the headaches associated with monsoon storm damages, not to mention the extra costs needed for restorations.

Tips for Monsoon from Storm Damage Specialists

The first precaution is to stop any and all airflow going into and out of the property. Keep all doors closed. Also close any windows and all vents. Secure anything outside that can be tossed around within the micro-burst winds, and remember, these winds can be very strong.

Our project manager, Tony Baird runs through some other useful tips for dealing with the monsoon season on AzFamily.com. Watch Monsoon Season Tips with Tony Baird of SERVPRO of Central Phoenix.

Storm Damage Restoration Company in Phoenix, Az

SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is your trusted source for storm and flood damage repairs and restorations. As the oldest SERVPRO in Arizona, customer satisfaction is one of our top priorities and the local valley residents and property owners continue to reflect our commitment when they continue to use our services or recommend our services to others. Our techs are certified, skilled and come with years of experience. Our storm damage specialists are ready to help 24/7 with an immediate response for emergency water damage mitigation and restorations. Call 602-386-4268 when you need prompt storm damage repair professionals.

Flood Restorations for Phoenix Monsoon Storms

6/30/2019 (Permalink)

An uprooted tree from a monsoon storm crushes a home in Phoenix, Az

During the monsoon season, SERVPRO of Central Phoenix provides many valley residents and property owners with storm flooding restorations and water cleanup. Our monsoon storms pretty much sum up any weather catastrophes that we face here in Phoenix, Az.

Emergency Water Damage in Phoenix

Thankfully, most of us live through the monsoon storms without any harm, but the same cannot be said for our cars, homes, and commercial properties needing emergency water damage and storm cleanup services. Trees get uprooted, brick walls are knocked down and patio furniture, even trampolines end up somewhere else due to the strong micro-burst winds.

When Phoenix home and property owners need a repairs in an emergency situation, they can be understandably become overwhelmed, not always knowing what to do first, or what to do at all. That’s when the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Central Phoenix immediately respond with genuine care and understanding along with years of experience.

Restoration Water Damage Experts

Storm damages often require reconstruction and with the in-house Construction Division, SERVPRO of Central Phoenix tops the list of companies that do it all. Run by Temple, our licensed and bonded KB2 contractor bringing in years of professional experience, diligence and hard work!

If not given immediate attention, storm water damages will quickly generate thriving conditions for all kinds of mold, further impacting the property and your life even more. 

Emergency Water Damage Services

SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is here for you 24/7 for immediate emergency response to any water and flood damage remediation, restorations and much, much more. Our certified techs will help with any damages and cleanup servicesyour property needs, all while working with your insurance company so that you can get back to your normal life as soon as possible. Call 602-386-4268  when you need storm damage restorations.

Phoenix Flooding, Monsoons, Broken Pipes, Punctured Roof? Call SERVPRO to Mitigate the Damage

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet Restoration and Removal Post Flooding in Phoenix--Professionally Done by SERVPRO

How Flood from an Appliance Damages Your Phoenix Home Affects Carpeting

Some of the most noticeable effects of water damage that happen to carpet and rugs throughout your home are obvious. As they are made from porous and sensitive materials, most carpets are built without significant protection against water and flood intrusion. When a broken pipe spews water that submerges a carpet, it begins to undergo permanent changes that create lasting visual deficiencies in that section of your home's flooring. SERVPRO technicians are skilled at mitigating costs by replacing as little damaged material as possible, but after some of these effects, at least partial restoration features in many of our jobs.

Shrinking Carpets
One of the most obvious ways that carpet in your Phoenix home can sustain flood damage is through shrinkage of the material. As water fills the porous spaces between the fibers that compose your carpeting, those spaces expand and stretch out farther than they would when dry. As the water dries out, the gaps close again but may shrink far beyond what may be required to return to normal. Shrinking carpets also pull on tack strips and any other structural elements attached to the floor. In the case of the shrinkage being caused by groundwater flooding, then the wet materials must be discarded.

Bacterial and Fungal Growth
The longer it takes to remove water from your carpet, the more opportunities microbes such as mold and bacteria have to start to grow and form colonies in your home. Because these can sometimes cause health effects, they should be taken seriously and handled by a certified remediation company like SERVPRO.

Color Bleed
The pigments used in many carpets and rugs can begin to break down and bleed into nearby materials when soaked in water. A fast response is critical to ensure that all relevant materials can be separated and any existing discoloration can be rectified or at least stymied. SERVPRO responds Faster To Any Size Disaster to ensure that time-sensitive issues such as color bleeding cause as little damage as possible to your home.

SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is a fully certified provider of home damage mitigation and restoration services. Call us 24/7 for emergency help at (602) 386-4268.

We have a lot of attractions here.
 

How Professionals Restore Flood Damage in Phoenix

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Violent storms can bring heave rain and flooding to Phoenix.

The Immediate Effects of Flooding on Your Phoenix Home

With an average annual rainfall rarely exceeding 8 inches, it might be surprising for many Phoenix homeowners to consider restoration and recovery from flooding. While some might not ever experience this phenomenon in the area, others in the lower lying basins of the region can often find themselves most susceptible to storm damages and other avenues for flooding in their properties. Whenever disasters like these strike, you can count on the fast response and dedicated work of our professionals to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When it comes to flood damage in your Phoenix home, there are many hurdles and obstacles that professional restoration technicians must overcome to restore your property entirely. With flooding, the effects can spread quickly and affect many areas and materials over a brief period. The faster that you can secure the services of our professionals the least likely it becomes for this water to make exposed materials and items unsalvageable.

The best thing that you can do for your home when it gets faced with flood damages of any magnitude is to reach out to our SERVPRO professionals right away. We have a rapid response team that stays ready at a moment’s notice to address emergencies that affect your home. Our production truck gets stocked with effective mitigation, extraction, and drying equipment to ensure that we can make a difference with our initial visit to your damaged property.

Standing water can saturate into materials almost immediately, which can have adverse and unsalvageable effects on elements like drywall in as little as 24 hours. Warping and distortion are where these effects begin, but they can ultimately lead to structural failure and compromise. Our SERVPRO team can work quickly to set up air movers and dehumidification equipment to begin drying out at-risk construction materials right away.

Understanding the effects of floodwater on your property can help you appreciate the need for professional restoration services. Our SERVPRO of Central Phoenix rapid response team is available 24/7 to respond to this emergency and employ our effective mitigation strategies. Give us a call anytime at (602) 386-4268.

How did the city of Phoenix get its name?  Click here.

After A Flood In Your Phoenix Home, You Need To Contact Our Experts At SERVPRO Immediately!

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Central Phoenix rapid response team a call at the first sign of an emergency!

Debris Removal And Cleanup After Flooding In Phoenix Homes

Natural disasters can affect Phoenix homes at certain times of the year where heavier rainfall can get expected. While the better part of the year is dry, certain seasons can bring about heavy rains without much warning that can pool above the arid ground without saturating. This phenomenon is one of the ways that flash flooding can occur, and it has affected more homes in the area than many homeowners might care to believe.

It is challenging to prepare for flood damage in Phoenix, but the possibility of this occurrence persists. Recovering from a situation like this is nothing that homeowners can do on their own, and it becomes a situation better left to highly-trained professionals like our SERVPRO team. Our professionals are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide effective mitigation solutions designed to protect structural elements of your home and its contents before they become irreparably damaged by floodwaters.

Securing professional restoration like ours is not difficult to do, but the faster that you react to the situation the better likelihood you have of protecting the belongings and contents of your home that matter most. Debris removal is among the chief concerns for our technicians on site, as these can also be contaminated from outside sources like sewage systems or oil and chemicals to provide a hazard to the occupants of the household. Cleaning up this mess must happen quickly, along with efficient extraction and drying solutions.

Cleaning up the mess within the house after the areas have gotten thoroughly dried can be as basic as steam cleaning and scrubbing lightly affected surfaces, or it can be as involved as removing damaged materials too damaged to preserve. It is a commonplace to remove materials saturated by floodwaters to prevent persistent potential contaminants from existing in the home and reducing the possibility of situations like mold growth.

While you might not expect flooding to occur as readily as it does to area homes, storms and other factors can allow it. Give our SERVPRO of Central Phoenix rapid response team a call at the first sign of an emergency at (602) 386-4268.

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Flash Flooding Outside Can Cause Flood Damage Headaches Inside Your Phoenix Home

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Unexpected water damage from flash floods are no match for SERVPRO.

Various Activities Involved in Restoration of Flood Damage in Phoenix

Because of its geographic traits, flash floods happen in Phoenix, and although most may not cause injury or loss of life, damages to properties in the affected areas are common. Such outcomes happen because even just an inch of water intruding your property can cause considerable damage. Floodwaters are worse because they are heavily laden with contaminants such us sewage, silt, and even fuel residues.  

Restoring flood damage in Phoenix may require different efforts. Depending on how much water intrudes the property, and how fast it moves, there might be structural damages to address. If the property remains submerged for an extended period, wooden parts of the are likely to rot or develop other problems such as warping. Our SERVPRO team does thorough inspection establishing whether there are structural issues that must be addressed by a contractor.  

All the toxins collected by floodwater end up in the affected property. Restoration efforts should include deep cleaning of the affected areas and removal of porous materials. Removing porous materials is necessary because even the best cleaning efforts do not guarantee removal of all contaminants. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on different approaches to clean the affected areas. By pressure washing the areas, we can eliminate debris left by the flood water. We also use various EPA-registered cleaning agents to disinfect the area before starting cleanup, and again after cleaning to sanitize affected areas. This step is vital because biocides are more effective when applied in clean areas.  

In flooded properties, materials such as drywall, insulation, and others which are porous tend to lose their structural form once they become saturated. Unfortunately, restoration of such materials through drying or any other procedures is not possible. Our SERVPRO technicians help remove all these materials even from hard-to-reach sections of your property.

Drying a waterlogged property is an essential part of the recovery process. Drying is a multi-step procedure starting with the removal of standing water and ending with the minimization of moisture to normal levels. Our SERVPRO team is equipped with the necessary pumps, different types of dehumidifiers and air movers for this restoration phase.  

Restoration of a flood-damaged property takes effort. Calling SERVPRO of Central Phoenix can help reduce your burden. You can reach us at (602) 386-4268 any time of the day.

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Precautionary Measures To Prevent Flood Damages In Your Phoenix Home

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Floods are invasive and destructive forces, especially when they can find their way into your home.

Precautionary Measures To Prevent Flood Damage

Natural disasters might not be everyday occurrences to those with homes in Phoenix, but the likelihood of it happening persists all the same. Flash flooding and flooding from the rise of creeks, streams, and rivers remain a threat throughout longer periods of rainfall spanning several days or more. Preparing yourself for a flood can be challenging, especially if you are not entirely certain of your home's structural defenses against the rising waters.

Floods are invasive and destructive forces, especially when they can find their way into your home. Not only are you getting the water damage itself, but other flood damages like mud and debris to clean up in your Phoenix home as well. Choosing the right professional restoration team to bring your home back from this often catastrophic event can make the ordeal less stressful and ensure that it gets done thoroughly.

One avenue that you should take to begin preparing your home for the possibility of flooding sometimes is to have your house inspected. This assessment would include areas like your crawl space and foundation but also look at areas like your roof and building materials for your home to determine their likelihood of keeping rushing flood waters out. Our SERVPRO technicians have done these assessments in the past, helping to locate problem areas that need to get addressed before they become costly avenues of flood damage.

Another thing that our SERVPRO professionals can do for your home is to install protective measures to divert water should it affect your home. For example, encapsulation of the crawlspace or the installation of a drain with a sump pump in this area can help to keep water out and continually divert potential problems far away from your house.

Some homeowners are not fortunate enough to think of the potential for flood damages before they happen, however. If you are already dealing with the harmful effects of a natural disaster, or even some water loss event that originated inside of your home, contact out SERVPRO of Central Phoenix water restoration specialists today at (602) 386-4268. We can respond quickly to help clean up the mess and restore your home back to preloss conditions.

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Understanding What Storm Damage Brings To Your Home In Phoenix

6/30/2018 (Permalink)

When storm damage strikes your Phoenix home, do not wait.

Understanding What Storm Damage Brings To Your Home

Flash flooding can cause anywhere between a moderate amount of damage to your property to immense damage. Because of Phoenix's unique geographic location, it is susceptible to the remnants of tropical storms, which originate from Pacific ocean, that hit the west coast of the US and Mexico. Flash flooding is just one of the many ways that these storms can impact specific areas of the state.

Storm damage can be incredibly damaging to your home in Phoenix. High winds and drifting debris can break a window and allow the waters to enter. As the storm recedes and some of the water goes with it, the nightmare might seem like it is ending. While the remainder of the situation can seem like nothing more than a massive mess to clean up, that is not always the case.

Flood waters are not always clean; in fact, they can often come riddled with chemicals, pesticides, petroleum products, and sewage. When the water becomes mixed with such things, it becomes unsafe for human contact and disposing of it is not a job for an amateur. When black water floods your home, it is best to call SERVPRO because we have the proper equipment and tools to deal with the problem.

Unfortunately, black water can ruin furnishings in your house. It is essential to understand and know what is safe to keep and dry out inside of your home, and what is not. For example, carpets must be thrown away after they have been soaked through with black water as they are no longer safe to keep. SERVPRO can sort through your belongings and advise you on what you can and what you should not keep. It is best to be safe, rather than sorry in these situations as remaining in contact with black water is unsafe for your health.

When storm damage strikes your Phoenix home, do not wait. As soon as you are able, call SERVPRO of Central Phoenix so that we can assist you with the damage and get your house back to normal. Call us today (602) 386-4268.

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How Storm Damages Can Allow Flooding In Your Phoenix Home

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Damages to this roof resulted in flood damage inside the home in several areas.

Damages to your home can allow rainwater to invade your home.

Often when homeowners think of flooding, they envision their entire neighborhood combatting several inches of water. As much of a possibility as this might be in light of certain conditions, this is not always the end all for flooding occurring in your Phoenix residence. In fact, something as simple as some storm damages to the exterior of your home could have large volumes of water penetrating into various areas in your house and spreading out to cause significant issues.

While you might not be able to visualize the kind of damage that could occur to your home to cause this kind of phenomenon, it is not as far-fetched as you might believe. High winds can shear off siding and shingles from a roof, just as torrential downpours can break limbs off of large trees on your property. With just a modest opening, flood damages can quickly appear in your Phoenix home amid a severe storm.

From the moment that water starts to work its way inside of your home, it does not take long for this water to spread out over as much of the affected areas as it can. The ideal thing for any homeowner to do in this situation is to reach out to our SERVPRO professionals to give them an opportunity to reach your home quickly and work to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

One of the initial things that must happen is the damage needs to get repaired to the exterior of your home. Whether portions of the roof or siding require replacement, large openings prevent restoration from occurring. Once this situation has gotten resolved, the extraction and drying can follow suit and steps officially begin to restore your home back to pre-water loss conditions.

Storm damages have been a contributing factor to many instances of flooding in the area over the years. Fortunately, you can depend on our SERVPRO of Central Phoenix restoration specialists to help you clean up the mess and set things right. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (602) 386-4268.

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What to Do When a Storm Floods Your Phoenix Basement Entertainment Center and Causes Damage

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps Phoenix Residents Recovery Their Entertainment and Rec Rooms After Flooding

Spare On-Going Water Problems from Storm Damage by Calling SERVPRO Immediately

Storms with aggressive winds can bring flood damage to your home relatively quickly. Before you can stop it, a window has broken, and water has spilled into your basement entertainment area, soaking expensive furniture, the carpeting, and your electronics. The longer that the flood water sits stagnant in your home, the more damage it can do to the structure and your belongings. Do not consider your options for an extended period as waiting can cause further damage to your home. Fortunately, there is professional help nearby to take your call.

Our technicians can arrive at your Phoenix home to remove the damaging flood waters as swiftly as possible. Once we arrive, we can investigate the damage and then begin to apply the most appropriate method of remediation. Our technicians can use conventional tools such as industrial-quality wet/dry vacuums and truck-operated pumps to remove the flood waters from your home. Using these tools allows our technicians to remove the water as quickly as possible from your home so we can inspect and address the damage that it has caused.

SERVPRO can clean up any debris that has found its way into your home, including foliage, rocks, and human-made objects from the outside. Our technicians can inspect your belongings and help you catalog what you have lost. SERVPRO strives to return your entertainment center to its preloss state by attempting to remove any stains from your home that the flood brought.

After cleanup, our technicians can focus on drying out any areas of your basement that are excessively moist. We can measure the humidity in your home through tools like moisture meters. Once we have a reading, we can set up our advanced drying equipment. Drawing the water out of your home and belongings is all about creating a moisture-free environment, which encourages evaporation. Our technicians can use axial fans, air movers, dehumidifiers, and other tools to achieve this.

When your home suffers flood damage, do not wait. Call SERVPRO of Central Phoenix at (602) 386-4268. 24/7, we can send our technicians to your home to help make you feel "Like it never even happened."

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Flood Damage Assistance Throughout Uptown, Midtown, Downtown, And Central Phoenix

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

If floodwater enters your home, call on SERVPRO to restore your home and save your belongings.

By Calling SERVPRO , You Can Limit Your Losses after Flood Damage

After experiencing a flood on your Phoenix area property, always play it safe. The dangers not over just because the water goes down. You need to think of everyone’s safety before worrying about anything in or around your home. 

Remember, you need to check to make sure it is safe to go back, before ever setting foot in your Phoenix area home again. A professional flood damage restoration company can help you avoid possible hazards and provide you with the personnel, equipment, and resources necessary to get you on the right road to recovery. 

SERVPRO can assess flood damage on your property and prevent risks associated with re-entering your home. If you have to step over water to enter your property, shutting off the central power, water, and gas lines can help prevent additional problems that often lead to injury or death.

SERVPRO technicians help you avoid causing additional damages as you enter your home. If any door in your home sticks, it is probably swollen. If the door only sticks at the bottom, you can often force it open with little problem. However, if it sticks at the top, you may be facing drop-ceiling problems, where the ceiling on the other side is ready to fall. 

SERVPRO can retrieve your most valuable items, giving priority to money, jewelry, insurance papers, photographs, and family heirlooms that you cherish the most. Our technicians understand how to handle all of these items, protecting them from further damage and can restore many of them in most cases.

We have access to infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, water extractors of all shapes and sizes, cleaning, deodorization, and disinfection equipment that makes your drying process as quick and efficient as possible. Our technicians help you get things under control as fast as humanly possible while limiting any losses you might experience as much as possible throughout the restoration.

Contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix for 24/7 emergency response, providing homeowners just like you with cleaning and restoration services throughout Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown. (602) 386-4268

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Flood Damaged Homes in the Phoenix Area Require Drying and Cleaning to Restore Habitable Conditions

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

Protect Your Phoenix Area Home from Flooding with SERVPRO'S Help

Removal of Storm Water and Contaminants Are Crucial for a Safe Home

When flooding happens, people are often surprised and shocked at the amount of damage that happens inside their homes. Phoenix residents whose homes flood because of new floodplains or nearby construction need to get their homes dried out and cleaned quickly. Otherwise, several other problems can quickly develop and cause future problems and expenses.

Homes in Phoenix that suffer from flood damage can become habitable again with the proper steps. Drying out an affected home is only half of the battle in saving a home. Flooding brings in untold amounts of debris full of pathogens and chemicals that can cause infections and other medical issues. We eliminate these and sanitize your flooded home so that you can live in it again safely.

To dry out your home, we use pumps for any remaining water. We treat saturated areas by heating them and increasing the circulation of the air around them. This includes all surfaces, and even though ceilings may never touch floodwaters, evaporation causes them to become saturated, also. Personal belongings can be transported to our site for temporary storage and to receive treatment that dries them out and then sanitizes them, removing any pathogens and other contaminants.

Sanitizing your home's interior keeps things safe for your family when they return home. Some items in your home require their removal and replacement because of the inability of any known methods to adequately clean them. These include carpeting, mattresses, and many food products, including those inside your refrigerator.

Carpeting cannot remain after a flood because of the ability of pathogens and other microbes to adhere to the many fibers in the carpet. Mattresses can harbor pathogens much the same way that carpet can. Food items, again, can hold microbes in tiny areas that defy even the best cleaning techniques. Safety and caution first.
 
To clean and sanitize your home we use the latest methods available. We want to ensure that your home protects you and your family. At SERVPRO of Central Phoenix, we have the tools and equipment to help us put our skills and training to work for you. Call us at (602) 386-4268 whenever you have flood damage or other disaster-related situations in your home.

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Immediate Response When Dealing with Flood Damage Situations in Your Phoenix Area Home

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to assist with your recovery from flood damage 24/7, 365.

Fast and Efficient Flood Damage Restoration Services

As massive storms plague our entire area, homeowners in Phoenix may find themselves falling victim to flooding. We want everyone to know that our entire team is available 24/7, 365, to assist with your recovery from this terrible ordeal.

It can help to have a professional restoration team on your side when flood damage occurs on your Phoenix area property. Whether you have questions about our restoration services or concerns about your current circumstances, we can help you manage the entire experience.

SERVPRO technicians respond immediately, providing you with flood damage restoration services; we are “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. You can count on us to be there when needed, giving you access to advanced restoration and cleaning services you can trust. 

All of SERVPRO’s technicians are IICRC-certified, giving us the ability to deal with any size situation, quickly and efficiently. Acting fast means that you have an opportunity to avoid permanent losses or extensive damage to your property after a flood. We often find solutions that help restore even the most at risk materials and dedicate ourselves to providing quality results you deserve.

SERVPRO can also help you prepare your home to battle incoming storm or flood damage. Our technicians understand where most problems occur and take the appropriate steps to mitigate damages that often happen during a flood. We can inspect your entire home, provide grading services, repairs to your downspouts and gutters, or install sump pumps and additional drainage that help keep water away from your home.

Should a flood occur on your property, our water extraction and drying process make your recovery as swift as possible. We have extractors of all shapes and sizes, along with infrared moisture detectors and hygrometers that make removing water a cinch. Our technicians find water everywhere in your home, preventing secondary damages and mold situations from occurring.

Make the call to SERVPRO of Central Phoenix to receive assistance. We are ready to help you recover throughout the entire Phoenix area, including Encanto and Camelback East, call today. (602) 386-4268

For more information about Phoenix, visit https://www.phoenix.gov/.

Emergency PROFILE Ready Plan is Simple but Crucial in Preserving Your Investments in the Face of a Phoenix Fire

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Phoenix Fire Prevention and Preparation Starts with SERVPRO's ERP Plan

Damages from Fire & Smoke, Water, and Storms Are Mitigated with the ERP Program

When a fire, flood, or mold disaster affects your housing units, office space, or other real estate investment, fast action is required. As the seconds tick by, damage levels, and costs for repair and restoration, increase dramatically. This extra damage is preventable, even if the disaster is not, but requires preparation.

Becoming better prepared and being able to respond more quickly than ever before has been passed onto the average person by the use of SERVPRO's powerful Emergency PROFILE Ready Plan. An assessment of each Phoenix fire damaged property under your control is conducted to gather the required information that populates each Profile's data sheet. This is also on a mobile app for always available use.
 
Since these profiles can be shared by a link sent as an email once they have been created, the information given to all receiving it remains consistent, resulting in little room for error regardless of who responds, even years later, or even by employees who have not yet been hired. Future employees can be provided this information as part of their training. It takes more than a fire extinguisher to be prepared for possible emergencies. Get the ERP.
 
Whoever is on duty at the time of a disaster can locate all of the needed information with just a few presses on their mobile device or mouse clicks on their computer. Photos of locations where shut off valves and breaker boxes help those individuals present at the time of the disaster find these spots faster than making a frantic phone call might. All of this, the assessment, the assistance, and the app itself, are all provided free of charge, but it results in a priceless means of preparation that can save so much.
 
When any disaster happens, contacting us is also built-in to the app. Your first contact informing us of what type is simple and only requires a few key presses. After we know about your disaster, we can start the resolution of the catastrophe.
 
We are SERVPRO of Central Phoenix and are always ready to help you in the event of any size disaster, and beforehand, as well. Call us anytime at (602) 386-4268 for both prevention tips that can reduce the amount of time involved in mitigation and setting up your READY Plan.

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Phoenix Flood Damage Affects Furnishings

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Post Flooding Furniture Cleanup at Your Phoenix Property After Dog Removal

Upholstered Furniture Needs Special Drying to Mitigate Water Damage

Plumbing failures are responsible for most of the water damage in the average home each year. A split intake hose for a washer can put hundreds of gallons of water into a home just as quickly as a rising creek or spillway. A rusted-out water heater can spill enough water in nearby hallways and bedrooms to quickly ruin the carpet. But severe water damage typically results from storm damage.
 
To restore a Phoenix home after flood damage, SERVPRO has created a process that helps us protect every home and its contents. We first consider if the water has been contaminated. For clear or gray water, we can typically dry and restore and not replace. Our decades of experience in the restoration industry have helped us come up with practical steps that work in every home and situation when it comes to drying out and protecting upholstered furniture.
 
First, we pull every piece of furniture off the carpet. Until dried, every carpet is a constant source of water that leaches finish and stains fabrics. As members of the work crew begin drying out carpets, others turn their attention to sofas, recliners and other furniture.
 
After moving the furniture to a dry area, we tent all cushions and place waxed paper between them. Tenting ( plastic sheeting to reduce the air volume and focus on the water damaged items) prevents the colors from bleeding and helps to speed up the time needed to dry them. With that started, one of our IICRC industry certified inspectors carefully checks each furniture item and calculates our restoration costs against the expense of replacing the items. Once the customer signs off, we continue working on every approved piece.
 
To keep the color uniform, we may need to dampen an entire section of fabric and then dry it as a single piece. Dampening ensures any color changes are even across the item and do not leave spots or stains.
 
Our next step is to place dehumidifiers next to cushions and other upholstered items like sofas. These devices draw moisture out of the cushions and the surrounding air. Technicians also set-up air movers to force warm, dry air across the surfaces, reducing the amount of time it takes to dry them.
 
If there are zippers and metal buttons present, we hand dry those since they tend to rust quickly. After drying them, technicians insert pads or more waxed paper between these accessories and the fabric to prevent any chance of rust stains.
 
Restoring your sofas, recliners and other upholstered furniture is a lengthy process. These are not items that can be set outside in the back yard and left to dry in the sun. SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is ready to not only dry out your home but to help return your life to its pre-flood state. If you would like to schedule an inspection and free estimate, call us today at (602) 386-4268.

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