Fire Damage Tips

6/10/2024 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. Utilizing SERVPRO of Central OKC can help make it "Like it never even happened."

Fires are extremely dangerous and can pose significant damage to your health and property. At SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City, we are committed to restoring your property back to its preloss condition following a fire. Here are some tips of what to do and what NOT to do when you experience a fire:

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety.

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

What To Do After a Fire:

• Limit movement in the building to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpets and other structures.
• Keep hands clean so as not further soil contents, walls, and woodwork.
• Place clean towels on rugs and carpets.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Change the HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

What NOT To Do After a Fire:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet without contacting your local SERVPRO®.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to the fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don’t send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

By following these tips and contacting SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City after your home or business experiences a fire, secondary damage can be prevented and your property will undergo the restoration process to ensure that it goes back to normal in no time. SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is available 24/7 to assist you.

Signs of Mold in Your Walls

6/10/2024 (Permalink)

When you discover mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City.

Mold has a multitude of signs, but is there a way to know if it’s growing inside your walls? The great news is YES! While the thought of mold in your home in any form can be daunting, finding it and identifying it can be very simple.

Common Signs of Mold in Walls:

• Discoloration of the wall such as black dots, or patches of gray, white, green, black, and/or brown typically clustered together and will spread.
• A musty or “earthy” smell emanating from the wall.
• Dampness to the wall- this may present as sagginess, or make the walls soft to the touch.
• Stains.
• Visible mold growth directly on the wall itself- the mold may look fuzzy or have a cotton-like texture. It may also be velvet-like, rough, or leathery.

If you are suffering from mold damage, contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City. We have the knowledge, equipment, and professional team to remove mold at its source and to clean affected areas. We’re available 24/7 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Cleaning Fire Extinguisher Residue

6/10/2024 (Permalink)

Knowing the different types of fire extinguishers and what they do will help in the process of cleaning fire extinguisher residue.

Following a fire to your home or business, fire extinguisher residue needs to be cleaned as soon as possible. Some types, depending on the extinguisher, can damage metal surfaces and electronics if left untreated. While SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City is always available to provide emergency fire damage clean up services, you may wish to begin the clean up process yourself. Here are some tips and important information regarding fire extinguisher residue and how to clean it up:

What Is Fire Extinguisher Residue?

According to CHEMGUARD, fire extinguisher foam is made of water, foam concentrate, and air. It is considered to be a stable group of tiny air filled bubbles with a lower density than water, oil, and gas. When the ingredients are mixed, they create the homogenous foam we see, that blankets spaces when aerated and discharged.

Tips For Cleaning Each Type of Fire Extinguisher Residue:

Visit our blog titled “Learn The Different Types of Fire Extinguishers” or visit the main SERVPRO webpage at https://www.SERVPRO.com/resources/fire-damage/types-of-fire-extinguishers to learn about the different types of extinguishers.

For cleanup for dry chemical extinguishers that put out class A, B, and/or C fires:

• Vacuum or sweep up as much of the residue as possible.
• Mix a solution of 50% warm water and 50% isopropyl alcohol, then spray the mixture to break up any leftover silicone. Allow the solution to settle for about five minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Treating sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate based dry chemicals is handled slightly differently. First, mix 2% vinegar and 98% hot water, then wash the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for about five minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Treating monoammonium phosphate- first, mix baking soda and hot water. Allow the solution to settle for approximately five minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Using soap and water, wash and rinse the affected area(s).
• Lastly, use a fan to spot dry any remaining wet areas.

For wet chemical extinguishers that put out class K fires:

• Turn off all fuel sources that may be connected to cooking equipment.
• Using hot water and soap, scrub the residue away with a sponge or cloth.
• Rinse affected areas and surfaces.
• Lastly, let the area dry completely before turning equipment back on.

For dry extinguishers that put out class D fires:

• Use a vacuum or brush to clean up the residue.
• Sweep all the collected residue into a trash bag or other method of containment, then properly dispose of it in a trash can.
• Lastly, use a damp cloth to wipe off any lingering powder from affected surfaces.

While you may be able to clean the initial residue for a small fire using the steps above, contacting SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is an ideal option as our fire restoration process ensures that your property is returned to its preloss condition quickly and efficiently. When disaster strikes your home or business, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here for you.

Equipment Involved In Water Damage Restoration

6/6/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City has the right equipment to help you take back control of your life.

Following a water loss, it’s always a good idea to have professionals assess and restore your damaged property in a timely manner to avoid any additional damage. SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is your go-to when you need professional restoration services for water damage to your home or business. With our fast response rate and state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll have your property back to normal in no time. After our initial inspection of the damages our expert technicians will compose the most effective plan that includes all kinds of equipment to extract water, dry contents, and clean your space. Here is an overview of the equipment we use for water damage restoration:

Detection Equipment: This equipment helps locate the areas of the structure affected by water and define the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Moisture detection devices are also used to verify that an environment has been dried thoroughly. These devices include:

• Moisture sensors: detects moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.
• Moisture meters: determines the actual moisture content of various materials.
• Thermohygrometers: measures temperatures and relative humidity

Extraction Equipment: This is the most effective way to remove moisture from a structure. Equipment in this category includes:

• Extractors: used to clean carpets and upholstery and to remove water from floors.

Air Moving Equipment: Air Movers are used to enhance evaporation at the surface level to reduce drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases which is then eliminated by the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment: Dehumidifiers work by extracting water vapor from the air to lower the relative humidity which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. They pull in the moist, humid air, and then discharge dry, warm air. There are two types of dehumidifiers:

• Refrigerant dehumidifiers: work similarly to air conditioners.
• Desiccant dehumidifiers: use chemicals, called desiccants, to absorb moisture from the air.

Deodorization Equipment: Work to get rid of lingering odors. The different types of equipment are:

• Ultra low volume (ULV) foggers: atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach places.
• Thermal foggers: dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

With our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment described above, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City will have your home or business back to normal in no time following  water damage events. Call us anytime, we’re available 24/7 to assist you.

Commercial Water Damage

6/4/2024 (Permalink)

We specialize in commercial restoration services for all types of commercial buildings.

Water damage to your commercial property can be overwhelming. Luckily, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City specializes in a multitude of commercial restoration services including water damage. Whether it be a small business, warehouse, high-rise, or other industrial space, the destruction of water damage can be devastating. Not only is your business damaged, but operations may stop, causing a disruption in production and revenue, as well as inconveniencing or causing possible safety concerns for your customers and employees. No matter the size or source of the commercial job, from floods to broken pipes, our team of professionals is ready to respond to your call. We service all industries including: 

• Retail
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Educational Facilities 
• Property Management 
• Food Service 

If your commercial property is affected by water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City. We’re available 24/7.

Contaminated Water Must Knows

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Contaminated water requires professional attention to avoid serious illness that could be life threatening.

Water damage in your home or business caused by scenarios such as sewage back-up or toilet overflow are considered emergencies due to contaminated water that may be carrying bacteria, viruses, or harmful microbes. Contaminated water can cause serious illnesses, which is why it is important to understand what is considered contaminated water and how to go about fixing the damages caused by it. Contaminated water can be classified by three different categories, here is some information about each category.

Category 1:

Contaminated water in this category is typically from a clean source such as a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. But even though it comes from a “clean source”, if it is not taken care of in a quick and efficient manner, it can easily progress to a category 2 or 3 depending on the length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

Category 2:

This category involves contaminated water that could cause discomfort or illness. Examples of this include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow containing urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow. Contaminated water in this category may contain bacteria and viruses and will progress to a category three if left untreated.

Category 3:

Water in this category is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided completely. Examples of this include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. Contaminated water in this category may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.

If you experience water damage of any kind, especially from situations that could contain contaminated water, call SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City. We have the specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely remove contaminants and clean the affected areas. In the case of any water damage, we will inspect your home or business upon arrival to determine the best plan of action for the type of water encountered. SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City understands how important it is to restore your property after experiencing water damage and is available 24/7 for an immediate response.

Preventing Fires During The Summer

5/22/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here for help when you face disaster

As the weather gets warmer, the risk for wildfires and house fires increases due to dry weather conditions and the boost of outdoor activities. While summer calls for fun in the sun, it’s important to brush up on some safety tips to decrease your chance of facing a fire while you enjoy the season. 

The U.S. Fire Administration provides these helpful tips on fire safety this summer:

Grill Fire Safety

• Only use the grill outdoors  
• Keep a 3-foot zone around your grill to keep kids and pets safe
• Place the grill far away from siding and deck railings as well as branches
• Open your gas grill before you light it
• Always keep an eye on your grill, never walk away from it when it is lit
• Clean your grill after each use to remove fire-provoking grease build-up
• Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid after cooled
• Do NOT store or use grill on a porch or balcony

Fire Pits, Campfires, Outdoor Fireplaces, and Chimney Tips

• Build campfires at least 25-feet away from anything that can burn such as tents, shrubs, or tree branches
• Use outdoor fireplaces, chimneys, and fire pits at least 10-feet away from your home and anything that can burn
• Keep a close eye on children and pets when using the fire pit
• Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to contain sparks that try to fly out 
• Put out or turn off fires before you leave the scene
• Store matches and lighters in a safe and secure spot

Firework Safety

• It is advised to avoid use of fireworks completely
• If you want to see fireworks,  go to a public show 

Along with these safety tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration, it’s also important to be aware of electrical hazards that could cause a fire at any moment. To avoid electrical fires you should:

• Inspect any plugs, cords, and appliances for damage before using them
• Avoid overworking outlets and extension cords
• Turn off and unplug electrical devices when not in use 

Stay Prepared

As the summer months approach, it’s important to ensure you have an emergency plan in place should you experience a fire. By following the safety tips above and brushing up on your emergency plan, you can reduce the risk of experiencing a fire during the heat of the upcoming summer months. 

If you do happen to face a fire this summer, contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City for an immediate response. Our team of certified technicians are available 24/7 to assist you when disaster strikes to get your home or business back to its preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”

Fighting Against Water Damage This Spring

5/14/2024 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall can lead to water damage if your property is not prepared

With spring in full swing, so is storm season. In an attempt to minimize the potential for your property to be affected by water damage, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City® has compiled a mix of strategies and tips to keep your home or business safe this spring and guidance of what you should do if you experience water damages.

Preparing Your Property:

Insurance

One of the most important steps in preparing your property for water damage is ensuring you have the right insurance to help you face potential damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, different types of water damage is insured by different policies. For example, insurance policies such as homeowner’s insurance and renters insurance offer coverage for water damage due to burst pipes, wind driven rain damage to your roof, and generally any water damage that comes from the top-down. However, most of the time these policies do not include coverage for sewage and drain backups and is something that can be added on to your existing policy. When it comes to flood damage, there is a separate insurance policy specifically tailored to this event which can be purchased from the Federal Government’s National Flood Insurance Program or other select private insurers. Checking with your insurance provider about what is and isn’t covered in your current policies is a key step in preparing your home or business for potential water damage this spring.

Reinforcements & Assessment: 

Another crucial step in preventing water damage to your property is to reinforce your home or business by confirming all maintenance is taken care of and up to date and assessing the property to check for cracks, leaks, or potential drainage issues that could cause water to intrude your space. Prioritizing places such as the windows, roof, gutters, doors, and any entryway leading directly from outside is essential during this step.  

Along with these precautionary measures, it is also beneficial to create a personalized Water Damage Prevention plan. The Article “Home and Water Damage Prevention: Protecting Against Leaks and Flooding” provided by staysafe.org includes a detailed guide for you to follow to help with the process of creating a water damage prevention plan.

If Your Property Experiences Water Damage:

Even after adequately preparing your property for potential water damage, there's always a possibility that you will still face disaster. Knowing where to turn after experiencing a water damage event can save you time and stress. In the event of a water damage emergency, contacting professionals such as SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is the best response. At SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City, our restoration experts are prepared and available 24/7 to assist all of your water damage restoration needs. Upon arriving at the scene, we will conduct an inspection and water damage assessment to understand the severity of damage, hazards that could be present, and determine what can be restored. Following our initial inspection and assessment, we will continue with the restoration process which includes water removal, damaged material removal, cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorization, along with drying processes, monitoring, and the needed repairs or reconstruction. With our knowledgeable technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, no problem is too complex for us to conquer. As the #1 choice in clean-up and restoration services, you can trust SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City to restore your home or business quickly and efficiently if you experience water damage this Spring. Visit our website to learn more about our water damage restoration services.

Tips For Keeping Your Commercial Property Safe Against Storms

4/30/2024 (Permalink)

No matter the type of commercial property, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here to restore the damage caused by storms this season.

With storm season in full swing, is your commercial building prepared for the potential damages that might occur? Learn about the different ways you can prepare your commercial property for the upcoming storms this season.

According to seacoastconstruction.net, these tips prove to be effective in preparing your commercial property for storm season:

1. Complete a building inspection and ensure all maintenance and repairs are up to date: by doing this you can strengthen and protect your building. You can also make upgrades such as compact glass windows to protect from strong winds. You can also visit the FEMA flood map service center to evaluate and determine how susceptible your building is to flooding or resulting water damage and storm damage.
2. Have emergency response plans ready: if you don’t already have a disaster response plan in place, now is the time to create one or revisit the one you currently have in place to update if necessary. In this plan, you need to document how you will protect your property and your employees (if applicable) in the event of a disaster such as a storm. It is also useful in this step to review your company’s insurance policy and to take photos and videos of your property to keep on file in case you need to file a claim.
3. Ensure supplies are well-stocked and test any systems/back-up equipment: this may include fuel, generators, tools, sandbags, or any other protective supplies for your property.
4. When the storm approaches, secure exterior and interior property: this includes windows, electronics, exterior signage, moving furniture and equipment away from the windows, and turning off the electricity before leaving the premises. 
5. Implement communication plans: make sure employees/staff know the processes and procedures before, during, and after the storm and ensure they stay well informed about when it is safe to return to the building. 

Along with these preparation steps, it’s also important to know who your local reconstruction company is that can help you when your commercial property experiences damages due to storms. SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City is here to help restore your commercial property, no matter the extent of damage. We are available 24/7 with the skills, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your property back to its pre-damage conditions “Like it never even happened.” Contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City for any and all of your restoration needs!

Restoring Damaged Documents

4/24/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City offers document restoration for all types of documents such as books, certificates, photographs, contracts, and more!

When your home or business experiences damage due to water, fire, or perhaps mold, valued documents may seem lost. Luckily, at SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City we offer document restoration services that help salvage your valued items. 

What Exactly IS Document Restoration?

 Document restoration involves methods such as vacuum freeze drying, gamma irradiation, certified destruction/incineration, cleaning, and deodorization that aim to restore damaged documents such as certificates, photographs or any other valuable file.

How Its Done:

• Vacuum Freeze Drying: This process involves freezing and drying an item containing moisture with various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation.
• Gamma Irradiation: Used for cleaning/disinfecting, and decontaminating documents by emitting high-energy photons from the isotope force Cobalt 60 to produce ionization, killing organisms that have affected the product.
• Certified Destruction/Incineration: When you or your facility have documents that are no longer needed our certified technicians can dispose of them properly.
• Cleaning: Each document is hand cleaned front and back, removing dirt, soot, or any other contaminants. 
• Deodorization: Achieved by removing the odor causing agent then cleaning the document with various methods such as scrubbing, power-washing, sanitizing, ultrasonic immersion, or whatever else necessary. After the document has been cleaned off, we apply a deodorizer to the affected surfaces.

Our Process:

• Inventory: All documents will be inventoried at the location of the loss prior to packaging.
• Packaging: Documents will then be packaged/boxed accordingly
• Cold Storage: Documents will be frozen to prevent further damage.
• Shipping: Documents will be shipped to the SERVPRO corporate office for vacuum freeze drying.
• Receipt: Upon receipt of documents they will be placed either in cold storage until ready to be processed through the Vacuum Freeze Drying Chamber or processed immediately.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City knows that timely mitigation is the key to reducing severity and recovering damaged items. Without proper handling, valuable files and irreplaceable documents could be lost forever. Our technicians are trained to use the most advanced technology for document drying and recovery along with proper HIPPA Master Certification to protect your information and keep it confidential. 

If you experience damage to valuable documents, you can trust SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City to help make it “Like it never even happened.”