When Sever Storms Bring Damages - Count On SERVPRO To Help!

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Business

When a storm affects a business, business owners may wonder what they could have done to prevent the damage. Performing exterior maintenance and inspecting your property prior to a storm, however, may make it easier to prevent storm damage.

1. Obvious Signs of Damage

When inspecting a building, there are certain issues that may be quite obvious. For example, mold growth on a building can be highly visible, and damaged siding can also be easy to spot. Visible signs of exterior damage may also be an indicator that your building has sustained interior damage, and it is sometimes useful to employ water and mold restoration professionals if you suspect your business has existing damage that could become worse if a storm occurs.

2. Loose, Cracked or Worn-Down Materials

Thoroughly examining building materials and areas that are prone to damage before a storm can also be helpful. If you know there are building materials, such as old roof shingles, that may be prone to damage, it can be helpful to check that the materials aren’t loose, dented or otherwise damaged before a storm. Perform frequent exterior maintenance in these areas can help to keep your building maintained.

3. Potential Sources of Damage

When inspecting the exterior of your business, it may be easy to forget to examine your environment. However, even you don’t see any visible indications of a problem and you don’t notice any worn-down materials, it can be important to look around your property for debris or other materials that could damage your business during a storm. You can also use landscaping to your advantage by planting shrubs, flowers or trees that are able to absorb excess water, which may be able to prevent floodwater from affecting your building.

By performing exterior maintenance before a storm can prevent your building from sustaining damage. In your building inspection, it can be helpful to look for obvious signs of damage, worn-down materials and potential sources that could cause damage to your property during a storm.

Give SERVPRO of Vigo a call if a storm does hit your business! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to put our expertise, equipment and experience to work for you!   (812)242-9611

Fire Damage Restoration Process

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Vigo has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (812)242-9611

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

House Fire in Terre Haute Indiana

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Have you had a fire damage recently?

If you have experienced a fire damage in your life, you will have a different perspective from those whom have not. A house fire can be life altering. 

Imagine experiencing a fire in your home. The thought alone is devastating. But when you imagine living it..it's not something you would wish on anyone. For us, we want to be that phone call of hope on the other line. "Yes, we can help you. We are sorry that you are experiencing this, but we are going to help you through this tragedy hand in hand."

SERVPRO of Vigo is here to serve you.

Our team is trained and ready to clean up whatever size fire you have. We are ready to serve you and serve you well. We are ready to listen and communicate. We are ready to provide you, your family, your home, and your items with the utmost respect. 

Give us a call today if you have fire, smoke, or soot damage (812)-242-9611

Our Customers say it all!

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Nothing is more valuable to a business than the reviews left by their customers.  SERVPRO of Vigo County takes great pride in providing the highest possible level of customer service to residents and business owners throughout the Vigo, Clay, Parke Sullivan and Vermillion county area when disaster strikes, and this is evidenced by the online reviews we receive.  From fire damage restoration in a single-family home when the pot on the stove gets a bit out of control, to multi-story water damages affecting numerous owners, SERVPRO of Vigo County is Here to Help make the damage “Like it never even happened.”  So, what do our customers have to say about the service we provide?

 I can’t say enough about how happy I was with the service from all the guys at SERVPRO! I called in a panic when I found 2 feet of water in my basement, they showed up within the hour and had everything under control. I would highly recommend them to anyone, truly a lifesaver for me! Thanks SERVPRO! - Jill T.

Unfortunately I had a water heater blow out in one of my rentals. The damage was substantial. Luckily SERVPRO was called and the work they performed was outstanding. They had to open my walls 3 feet up where the water damage occurred to insure there was no mold growing. SERVPRO was quick to respond, cleaned up all the mess and fixed everything. The left my rental property just as they advertise, "like it never happened ". Thank you SERVPRO! - Mike E.

AMAZING!!!!! They were at my house within an hour of our flood! They answered all my questions and took the time to walk me thru all the steps of the process as I had never had to do anything like this before. Customer service at its finest! And... they got things dry so fast I didn’t have to do major repairs due to water damage!!!! Very very impressed SERVPRO! - Ruthee L.

When it comes to finding a local professional that you can trust for your cleanup and restoration needs, look no further than SERVPRO of Vigo County.  Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies, SERVPRO of Vigo County is “Faster to any size disaster.” (812)242-9611

Water Damage Emergency Tips

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

When water damages occur in your home or business, safety is a top priority.  Depending on the severity of the damages, depth of standing water, and condition of the surrounding structure, it may be unsafe to remain inside the building.  If choosing to remain in the building, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:

• Avoid sagging and/or bubbling ceilings: this is a sign of water contained above which could cause the ceiling to fall.
• Watch for any "slip, trip or fall" hazards that may be present.
• Do not step into pooled or standing water.  If electricity is still running through the building, electrical shock may be possible.
• Do not attempt to lift or moved waterlogged materials as they may be very heavy.

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (812)242-9611

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

When Storms or Floods hit Vigo County, SERVPRO is ready!

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Terre Haute Indiana.

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Vigo county, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 2,000 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Vigo (812)242-9611

Vigo County Storm Damage Can Lead to a Big Mold Issue

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can lead to big mold problems

The presence of mold leaves behind an unmistakable musty odor. Although this fungus can develop inside a house when it is simply a little too humid, it is more likely to develop after floodwater damages the premises. When that flooding is accompanied by sewage loss, the contaminants only exacerbate the problem.

Homeowners should try to prevent mold growth entirely. If mold does develop, then you need to address it right away before a bad stench turns into something much worse.

1. Structural Damage

Mold is particularly destructive to certain materials, including gypsum board, plaster and wood. Over time, these materials may weaken and change color. You may not even see the damage if the item is painted, but the paint merely hides the mildew. The only way to ensure your home remains structurally sound is to remove all presence of mold. Certain structures may need to be replaced entirely to make sure your house is safe.

2. Rapid Growth

Mold growth can get out of hand in just 24 hours. It can spread exponentially when exposed to the right conditions. Leaks, condensation and high humidity can accelerate the growth process, causing the mold to overtake entire sections of walls and flooring. Over time, this can lead to toxic black mold.

An even more dangerous aspect is that visible mold is only half the story. If you see mold, then there is a very high likelihood there is even more growing out of sight. You need someone to come out to your place immediately to ensure your house remains mold-free.

When bringing in a professional team to address mold in your home, it is vital that every sign of it is removed. This includes the mold you see on the wall as well as spores that have entered the air.

Without addressing the problem comprehensively, the mold growth will simply resume, sometimes in less than a day.

SERVPRO of Vigo has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to restore your home or business to its pre-existing state. If you need someone to help you with any fire, soot, or smoke damage, our certified technicians will be there to start the restoration process.

If you have storm damage or suspect mold, call SERVPRO of Vigo (812) 242-9611

The Benefits of HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Dirty Duct Work

HVAC systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. The air inside your Western Montana home is full of tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. When your furnace or air conditioner draws air, it also pulls airborne particles. Over time, these contaminants can build up inside the ducts, reducing airflow and re-circulating throughout your living space.

Like furnaces and air conditioners, air ducts require proper cleaning and maintenance to perform at their best. Keeping ducts free of dust and debris can also help reduce your energy bill and improve air quality in your home. More frequent duct cleaning is recommended if you have indoor pets, or are sensitive to indoor air quality. You should also have your ducts cleaned if you have recently renovated your home, as this will increase the amount of dust in your forced air system.

Air duct cleaning clears debris from your HVAC air ducts, registers, grilles, and other components of an HVAC system and provides these benefits for you and your home:

- Creates a cleaner living environment
- Reduces allergens and irritants
- Helps your family breathe easier
- Removes unpleasant smells and odors
- Improves airflow efficiency

Duct cleaning is not an easy job. Doing it right takes specialized equipment in the hands of skilled professionals like ours at SERVPRO of Vigo. Call us at (812)242-9611.

I bought a fire extinguisher for my home. Now what?

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Basics of a fire extinguisher

We care about our customers here at SERVPRO of Vigo SERVPRO, so please read below so you can be well informed on how to use your fire extinguishers at home.

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep until the fire is out!

Now you may be thinking that you’re as prepared as you could be for a home fire. However, owning a fire extinguisher won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to use it. Did you know that fires can double in size every 60 seconds? That being said, you don’t want to wait for a fire to break out in your home to look over the directions for the first time.

Before you even reach for that fire extinguisher, make sure the fire is still in the incipient stage (the flames aren’t taller than you) and that it’s not threatening to block your evacuation route. If you’re good on both of those fronts, all it takes to effectively operate most fire extinguishers is remembering and executing the acronym 

P.A.S.S:

PULL the pin.

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the handle to release the fire extinguishing agent.

SWEEP the nozzle from side to side until the fire appears to be out.

After executing the P.A.S.S. technique, don’t turn your back on the area of the fire as flames may still flare-up. And remember to evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1 if the fire gets out of hand. Your safety is the number one goal of a fire preparedness plan!

When Dealing With Smoke Damage Insurance, Here Are Some Pointers

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Recent fire in downtown Terre Haute Indiana

Every commercial building owner needs to have insurance in the event of a disaster. Smoke damage could force your business to shut down operations. Even if you need to close for just a week, it could be enough for you to lose out on significant revenue. A thorough insurance policy can help tremendously with smoke cleaning costs and other essential expenses, and here are some tips for making sure you can have peace of mind in the event a fire ever occurs on your property in Vigo County.

1. Make Sure Your Insurance Covers Fires

All insurance policies are different. You need to make sure your specific policy covers fire damage. If you are presently unsure of what your policy covers, then you need to contact your agent to double-check. In the event you do not have any insurance that covers property damage, then you need to add it to your policy posthaste.

2. Be Detailed With Damage Documentation

A fire of any size will most likely cause some amount of smoke damage around the property. This documentation should include:

• Location of damage
• Overall condition of the building
• Description of damaged items
• Date damage occurred
• Any injuries involved
  
  

You will need to provide all these details within a certain amount of time, so do it as quickly as possible. Make sure to take plenty of photographs as evidence.

3. Pay Professional Cleaning Experts

Another thing to take care of right after a fire to handle soot damage is to hire a professional remediation service. Without an expert, more damage could occur, and your insurance may not cover damage that technically occurs further down the line. Ultimately, you should pay for the cleaning service, and have your insurance agency reimburse you later.

You may not be able to prevent every fire, but you can increase your chances of recovering more successfully. Having a thorough insurance policy will be a major asset if you ever need to pay for smoke damage repairs.

Vigo County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Sump pump failure results in a flooded basement

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Terre Haute basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - SERVPRO of Vigo (812)242-9611

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Vigo and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help SERVPRO of Vigo (812)242-9611

Does your Vigo,Clay, Sullivan, Parke, or Vermillion County home have a mold problem?

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

In Vigo, Sullivan, Clay, Parke, and Vermillion counties mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

CALL SERVPRO OF VIGO TODAY: 812-242-9611

Faster to your Vigo County Water Damage Event

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Vigo provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Vigo, Clay, Parke Sullivan and Vermillion Counties.

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 812-242-9611

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Vigo

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

When a storm comes to town we are ready. Call on us at SERVPRO of Vigo and we will be there.

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm comes through your town, the damage the storm can bring may be scary. From strong winds to heavy rain to tornado's a storms damage can cause a roof to leak, a basement to flood, and even major structural damage to your home or business.  

Heavy winds can cause damage to roofs. SERVPRO of Vigo can tarp roofs to help keep water out of your attic and homes.

Heavy rain can cause basements to flood. SERVPRO of Vigo knows how important it is to come quickly to extract the water to prevent any further damage.

When major structural damage happens to your home or business due to a storm let SERVPRO of Vigo come in and start the demo and drying process. 

When storm damage happens to your business SERVPRO of Vigo knows how important it is to get your business up and running to cut down on business interruption. 

When a storm comes through and causes damage to your home or business it can be scary. Call SERVPRO of Vigo at 812-242-9611 and let us be the heroes in your storm. 

We can make it "Like it never even happened." and remember, SERVPRO of Vigo covers Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan and Vermillion counties.

Wetness in Your Home’s Crawl Space - How To Identify and Resolve

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

While you may have experienced your first fire drill at your local school in Terre Haute, IN, that doesn’t mean your emergency escape learning is complete — nor is that of your employees. Implementing a proper emergency drill system within your workplace can drastically reduce the likelihood of a casualty or injury when an actual disaster does strike your building. To build a proper drill experience, you’ll need to:

• Assign specific tasks and roles to each employee taking part beforehand
• Go over your escape plans verbally on a regular basis
• Create and enforce accountability procedures during each drill
• Identify the location and use of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.)

Assigning Tasks

While evacuation may seem easy enough, there are always going to be snags that need to be addressed to keep things running smoothly. For example, if any of your employees are physically disabled, they may need extra assistance with an evacuation, which should be addressed during your drill. Upon creating your fire drill plan, identify any potential complications and assign one of your staff members to take care of the issue specifically during the evacuation.

Creating Reminders

Reinforcing Actions

Microbials In Your Home & How SERVPRO Can Help!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Two dreaded word for homeowners:  MOLD and MILDEW. Microbial growth can cause all kinds of issues and can be very expensive to mitigate.

Microbial growth grows best in dark, damp, humid and warm conditions and spreads by reproducing spores.  Some microbial growth can grow in a harsher condition as well. Some common indoor types are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.  These kinds of microbial growth, and others, can cause health effects.

Here are a few locations that are more likely to have mold issues in your area:

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages

If you believe you are having a microbial growth issue in your home or business, let SERVPRO start working on the issue before it gets out of hand! Call us today!We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

What Do You Do When Your Washing Machine Malfunctions?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Thankfully the customer was home to stop any further damage from being done before SERVPRO of VIGO COUNTY was called.

TIP:

STEP 1:Turn off the water Main

Final STEP: CALL SERVPRO OF VIGO COUNTY 812-242-9611

SERVPRO of Vigo County came in and fixed her water damage as the customer would say better than it was before.

The crew was organized, fast and professional. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of Vigo County to my friends, family, and neighbors.

Call SERVPRO OF VIGO COUNTY for any type of disaster you may encounter! 24-7, any time or type of day we are there to save your home!

With SERVPRO Give Soot The Boot!

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Vigo County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (812) 242-9611

Will Your Insurance Cover You If Your Basement Floods?

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Basement flooding is among the top reasons for homeowner’s insurance claims. If you’ve discovered a basement flood in your home, you suddenly have a long list of tasks to take care of to protect your property. It may help to understand whether you can expect insurance to pay for your damages.
Water damage is handled through two separate insurance sectors, depending on the source of the water. Many common causes of home flooding fall under the umbrella of your homeowner’s insurance, but there are exceptions.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Water Damage

Your conventional insurance will generally cover a portion of the water cleanup and restoration costs for a basement flood, as long as the water didn’t enter from outside the home, such as with rising floodwaters. These are among the scenarios that would likely be covered:

• Broken or leaking water pipe
• Leaking appliances, such as a washing machine or ice maker
• Stormwater leaking through a damaged roof
• Overflowing toilet
• Overflowing bathtub or shower
  
  

It’s important to report the damage with your insurance agent right away if your basement has flooded. If your damage was caused by external water entering your home, you will need to look beyond your conventional policy.

Government Flood Insurance

A flood is defined as a temporary condition where usually dry land is inundated with water or mud. If your basement flood was caused by floodwater entering your home from ground level or below, a special government flood insurance policy would be required for coverage. Flood insurance is issued by the US Government, but your agent can help you purchase it or file a claim. If you are considering flood insurance, it may be useful to determine your level of flood risk. Your agent can refer you to an expert who can help assess your risk.
Researching insurance coverage options and finding out your flood risk level are important steps in food preparedness. If you experience water damage, it's a stressful time, and knowing which insurance entity to approach will move you one step closer to returning your home and your peace of mind to normalcy.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Vigo County 24 Hour Emergency Water Service

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Vigo County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Vigo County.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today -812-242-9611

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Vigo County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Vigo

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

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Vigo County today at 812-242-9611 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Here at SERVPRO of Vigo We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Homes basement flooded by heavy rain

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Vigo basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 812-242-9611

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Vigo County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 812-242-9611

Restoring your Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Terre Haute commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Vigo

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

Why let SERVPRO handle fire damage and odor control?

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Because the longer that your home sits without restoration efforts, the more difficult it is to salvage your contents and materials. Even if some elements like your HVAC System, light fixtures, and appliances seem to be untouched, there could be soot deposits wreaking havoc.

• Once our Green Fleet arrives on the scene and the first responders give the green light for re-entry, our crew chief begins the assessment. 
• All unsalvageable materials, contents, and charred debris gets safely disposed of.
• Water removal services and drying begin if any standing water or chemicals are present from fighting the fire.
• Controlled demolition gets done to replace any unsalvageable building materials with brand new materials.
• Meticulous cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing help wrap up the project, leaving your home like-new once again.

Why SERVPRO of Vigo for fire damage restoration? We are locally owned and operated, staffed by a team that cares about getting our residents the results they deserve. Reach us 24/7 at (812)242-9611.

Water Damage in your home

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes can Damage your home.

Lots of things around your house could be causing water damage to your home and you might not even know it.

Here's a list of potential problems to keep an eye out for. 

Leaks in the Plumbing System The most common and obvious source of water damage in your home is a leak in the plumbing system. 

Clogged Gutters and Downspouts Most homeowners are guilty of overlooking their gutters, and only clean them when they really have to. 

Old and Faulty Appliances A lot of people don’t know this, but old and faulty appliances can also lead to water damage.

Blocked Toilets Your toilet blocks when excess solid material goes down the toilet and clogs the drains.

Burst Pipes Pipes are likely to burst when the temperature of the house drops drastically. The ice in the pipes will expand rapidly, which makes the pipes burst.

Septic Tank and Sewage Backup If you have a septic tank, you need to be extra careful about septic backups.

Air Conditioner Your air conditioner has probably gotten you through some freezing winters and searing summers, however, they could also be a source of water damage.

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

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home. SERVPRO is here to help!

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Apartment Fire that spread from the stove to the entire kitchen

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of [[Franchise Name]] will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 812-242-9611

The Importance of Preparation Brought To You By SERVPRO

1/16/2022 (Permalink)

If you ever suffer a plumbing failure at your place of business, call SERVPRO!

Any building that has water running to it poses the risk of having a leak at some point. Over time plumbing fails and appliances malfunction possibly causing commercial water damage to take place in your art gallery. Issues related to water are the second most frequent cause of insurance claims in the United States. Also, about 20 percent of all insurance claims have to do with some type of moisture-related problem. The good thing is that about 93 percent of all of these issues, including commercial water damage, could have been prevented.

Being prepared for any disaster can greatly reduce the severity of an issue that occurs. Once a commercial water damage situation takes place, mitigating the problems quickly will reduce the overall cost of the project. When our SERVPRO team arrives at a business such as your gallery, we start restoration procedures as soon as we can. However, sometimes we need access to things like water or electricity shutoffs that can be difficult to find. When we start a project, we always get work authorization, and we know we sometimes have to go through certain channels.

One way to avoid these types of issues is to contact SERVPRO today and establish us as your official restoration contractor. We can come into your art gallery ahead of time and get all of the information we need in case a disaster takes place in the future.

Our technicians will locate all of the water and power shutoffs and record them in a file we save for your business. We also will get all of the needed chains of command and contact information so that we can quickly get work authorization if a problem arises.

Once we are your designated as your restoration contractor, you will have our contact information so that you can get a hold of us immediately after you notice a problem with your building. We can then respond with your file in handing already knowing all of the things we need to know to begin work promptly.

If you ever suffer a plumbing failure at your place of business, call SERVPRO! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help you! 

During This Time Of Need SERVPRO of Vigo County Is Here To Help

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vigo County today! 812-242-9611

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vigo County today! 812-242-9611

Working Smoke Alarms And Your Home

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today!

According to www.cpsc.gov, they indicate why smoke alarms are important and also where smoke alarms should be installed in your home.

Why Are Smoke Alarms Important?

Every year in the United States, about 2,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. In a fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread farther and faster than heat. That's one reason why most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not from burns. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep because occupants are unaware of the fire until there is not adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. This often allows a family the precious, but limited, time needed to escape. About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire and could reduce by almost half the risk of dying from a fire in your home. 

Where Should Smoke Alarms be Installed? Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms A smoke alarm should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When installing a smoke alarm, many factors influence where you will place the alarm, including how many are to be installed.  Consider placing alarms along your escape path to assist in egress in limited-visibility conditions. In general, you should place alarms in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be near the ceiling.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today!

Fire Safety During Winter Months

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best.

Nothing is better during the holidays than gathering around a warm, crackling fireplace to celebrate the season with family and friends. Just make sure your fireplace is safe and holiday-ready before lighting to decrease your risk of a house fire. Make sure your chimney has been cleaned, and that your damper is operating properly and open when lighting a fire.

Clean the firebox after each fire but retain a light layer of spent ashes to create a good based for the next fire. Remember, coals can remain hot for several days. When you remove them, immediately take them out of the house and store them in a fire-safe vessel. If you have a ceiling fan in the same room as your fireplace, run it clockwise on a low speed to redirect warm air from the ceiling into the living space.

Fireplace Safety Tips

There is an art to making a good and safe fire for your loved ones. Here are some guidelines:

• Don’t overload the fireplace with wood
• Use only clean, dry wood, cured for 8-12 months
• Build the fire slowly
• Never leave a lighted fireplace unattended
• Make sure fire is extinguished before going to sleep
• Remove dry spent ashes from fireplace and store outdoors in a fire-safe vessel
• Keep any flammable materials a safe distance from the fire
• Glass doors should be kept open when a fire is lighted
• Keep a fire screen in front of fireplace
• Keep children and pets a safe distance from fires with a gate
• Place a non-flammable rug in front of the fireplace
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working

Chimney Cleaning and Maintenance

• When your chimney is cleaned of creosote buildup, make sure it is also checked structurally for cracks, missing mortar, loose bricks or any signs of deterioration.
• Install a wire-mesh cap over the top of your chimney to prevent birds, squirrels and debris from entering.
• Keep any tree limbs from growing near your chimney to avoid igniting.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, area. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your needs following disasters and accidents in your home and business.

We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

SERVPRO Is Here To Help When Storms Bring More Damage Than Many Can Imagine

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with winter property damage from ice, snow or freezing temperatures, give our restoration professionals a call we are always here!

After a frozen pipe busted in the basement in Vigo County this lady was left with standing water throughout her basement, with a lot of contents affected. She wasn't sure it could be fixed and put back to "normal".

SERVPRO of Vigo was called in to remove the water and restore the basement "Like it never even happened." Once we arrived at the property the customer was very happy that we arrived within "seconds" at the time of the night it happened.

She stated that she thought she would be left dealing with it overnight by herself. She stated that she was very happy to see us when we arrived and "I was completely satisfied with the work you did for me." I would definitely recommend you to our family and friends if they were ever in need of our services.

SERVPRO of Vigo County Is Here For You When Storms Strike

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Vigo County 812-242-9611

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

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

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

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Vigo County 812-242-9611.

When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Your Dryer Vent? It's Probably Time!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Remembering these guidelines may help prevent a lint fire in your home.

Many people may not realize the importance of keeping a dryer vent clean. However, keeping your dryer vent clear of debris is the first step in preventing a lint fire from occurring in your home. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, January is the peak month for dryer fire incidents, so be particularly mindful to remove lint during the fall and winter time. 

Preventing Losses 

• The best way to avoid a lint fire is by simply cleaning the lint which has collected in your dryer’s lint trap after every load.
• Cleaning your lint trap ensures that debris does not accumulate over time in your dryer vent and restrict airflow through the unit’s exhaust.
• If the airway becomes restricted, there may be excess heat during operation of your dryer, which can cause flammable materials such as lint to ignite and cause damage to your property.
• Annually, there are 2,900 dryer fires reported, and every year, an estimated $35 million in property loss results from these fires. The leading cause of residential fires results from a failure to keep the ventilation free of debris. 

Keep It Clean

A great way to keep your dryer’s exhaust ventilation clean is by using a rotary vent auger, or dryer snake, which is a bristled and flexible tool used to clear hard-to-reach areas of ductwork, such as your dryer exhaust. You should clear the vent anywhere from one to three times per year, depending on the number of people in your household, as lint and debris may begin to accumulate over a shorter amount of time if more loads of laundry are being done on average. You should be able to clean the vent on your own, but it is also possible to hire professionals to clean it for you.

Remembering these guidelines may help prevent a lint fire in your home. For more information for residential fire prevention, you can also check the local fire codes in Terre Haute, IN.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

SERVPRO Is Your #1 Cleaning For Soot And Smoke Clean Up!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (812) 242-9611

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Vigo County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (812) 242-9611

When It Comes To Mitigating Water Damage - Call SERVPRO

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Before photo after the water was removed and the equipment was set.

With a back up pump failure the church was left with 2 inches of standing water. Not only do they have Sunday service to worry about they also run a full time very large Pre-School.

SERVPRO of Vigo County was called in to remove the water and restore their church back to normal ASAP.

After we arrived we removed the water and set equipment and had them back up and running within 48 hours. We also made it to where the pre-school could stay in session with no hazards to the children while our equipment was set drying out the facility.

We were very pleased with the quality service and fast working technicians. We had no regrets calling SERVPRO of Vigo County and will use them in the future if needed.

Is Your Kitchen Sink Leaking? Give SERVPRO A Call - We Can Help!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Before the kitchen was fixed to new.

Upon arrival SERVPRO of Vigo County received a call from a homeowner explaining she had some leaking under her kitchen sink and she is unsure of where the water is coming from.

Fast forward a couple hours after homeowner had plumber come out and inspect and fix the problem. SERVPRO of Vigo County/CPSV arrived at the home to set equipment and get the homeowner back to "Like it never even happened." She was very pleased with our fast response and taking time at the job site to explain to her everything we were doing to get her home back to new.

After fixing her leaking kitchen sink and getting her kitchen back to working she was very pleased with the hard work from the water technicians and pleasant attitudes.

Call SERVPRO of Vigo County today with any of your needs, 812-242-9611.

Don't Let The Cold Weather Freeze Your Pipes!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

If your pipes have burst, turn off the water right away. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.

During the winter months, you need to be careful to ensure you do not get frozen pipes. Water can freeze in your pipes, causing problems that can lead to expensive repairs and costly cleanup efforts. Here is what you need to know about frozen pipes:

Why Your Pipes Freeze

When you turn on a faucet, water flows through your pipes and out the faucet. But when you shut the water off, the water that is flowing through the pipes sits there. When temperatures begin to freeze outside, it can cause the water in your pipes to also freeze.

Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Freeze

When water freezes, it expands. This can cause the pipe to crack or burst open. When the ice begins to thaw out, it turns to water which can then leak into your home, causing major water damage. Worse, if you do not know that the pipe has burst, you may turn on your water and cause flooding.

How You Can Prevent Them from Freezing

Frozen pipes can be catastrophic. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to prevent pipes from freezing in your home:

• One of the best things that you can do is to insulate your pipes. When you insulate your pipes, it helps the pipes to stay warmer.
• Another thing you can do is to set the temperature in your home no lower than 55 degrees. This helps to keep the pipes warm and prevents them from freezing.
• If you are going away or out of town, you can allow the faucet to slowly drip to prevent the pipes from freezing. This ensures water is always moving, minimizing the chances of it freezing.
• Lastly, you can apply heat tape to your pipes. If your pipes have frozen, you will want to turn on the faucets and use heat to thaw the pipes. A plumber can assist you with this.

If your pipes have burst, turn off the water right away. Then contact a professional to clean up the water as quickly as possible. The longer water sits, the more likely it is that mold problems and water damage can occur. Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we provide fire and water cleanup 24/7. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.

When Water Damage Happens, Keep Clam & Call SERVPRO

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen of a Vigo church after removing the damaged flooring.

When arriving for church on Sunday, this Vigo church's congregation was in for a big surprise. They stood in aww as water gushed from the kitchen when they opened the door.

After our crews arrived on site and were able to assess the damage and create a scope of work, the customer gave us the go ahead to get started on the work.

There is a technique in water damage restoration and our crews are highly trained in them. 

1. The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful vacuum units to quickly remove the water.

2. We then set air movers and dehumidifiers for proper drying. We go by the drying standards IICRC to ensure that properties are properly dry.

Our goal is to prevent secondary damage in all situations.

SERVPRO of Vigo County Is Faster To Any Size Disaster & Ready

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Terre Haute Residents: We provide immediate service day or night! Or ANY surrounding COUNTY!

SERVPRO of Vigo County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Terre Haute or surrounding counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 812-242-9611

Residential Services

Whether your Vigo County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Terre Haute commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO Making Storm Damage "Like it never even happened."

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

We are faster to every disaster and we are here to help you! We have years of experience dealing with disasters from fire to storm to water!

After a cluster of storms rolled through Riley on a Saturday there were many homes and businesses that were affected with damage. A lot of that damage was roofs causing water to be able to intrude the home.

In this case there was so much rain that water was able to penetrate into the house through small foundation cracks. These homeowners were not aware of their storm damage because they were gone on vacation. It took seven days before anyone knew there was damage inside the home.

Our crews were on site and ready to get to work. 

1. Stabilize the area

2. Assess the damage

3. Extract the water

4. Remove wet material

5. Set drying Equipment

Once the structure is dry our crews will work with you and your insurance company to determine the next step.

We are faster to every disaster and we are here to help you! We have years of experience dealing with disasters from fire to storm to water! We will come in and make things "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Is A Step Ahead Of The Rest!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Have you ever wondered what makes each restoration company unique? What sets them apart? What makes you want to use them? Some companies are nationally known franchise operations, like ours. Some may offer more services than others, but not all are qualified to perform those services.

We as an office and a company in general, are governed by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They set the rules and guidelines for how we take on and produce each job. Our owners, production managers, crew chiefs, and many of the office personnel have sat through hours upon hours of classes. They have taken tests to be certified by the IICRC, which renews annually.

Have you asked if your service professionals are certified to do the work they offer? SERVPRO has trained and qualified professionals coming to your home or business. Not all restoration companies are created equal. Ask if your service professionals are licensed, insured, and certified (which we are). 

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO Is Open 52 Weeks A Year, 7 Days A Week, 24 Hours A Day!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Did you know that SERVPRO is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Top notch customer service and protecting your home from extended damage are our top priorities so we are open all the time.

Our dedicated and experienced crew is always ready to answer the call. Whether it is at one o'clock in the morning on a Sunday or Christmas Eve your water damage, fire, or mold loss is not going to wait so neither do we! SERVPRO understands the urgency of home damage and we are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about our crew of skilled professionals click here and for service or questions give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and we are here to put our expertise to work for you! No matter what time of day or night, let us get you back to preloss condition! 

SERVPRO of Vigo County proudly serve the communities of:

• Terre Haute
• North Terre Haute
• Brazil
• Clinton
• Springhill
• Seelyville
• Rockville
• Sullivan
• Riley
• Otter Creek Junction
• Farmersburg
• Southwood
• Youngstown
• Clay City
• Shelburn

Check out our reviews and more information on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Angie's List and the Better Business Bureau.

Does Your Business Have a Continuity Plan? (Part 1 of 2)

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

If a disaster hits your workplace and you suffer storm damage as a result, don’t be caught unprepared. Put together a plan for continuity in advance!

Protecting your business from a natural disaster requires that you take the necessary steps to prepare your workplace and your workforce. Could you access copies of your critical business documents, insurance papers, and financial information after major flooding? Would you know how to start up again after disabling storm damage? Creating a business continuity plan is vital to ensure the longevity of your company.

Here are some basic steps to start a plan: 

• Complete and document an analysis of a potential issues.
• Document what would be required to recover core business processes.
• Identify a team of your employees who would manage if your business were to be interrupted.
• Develop relocation plans and document recovery procedures.
• Hold training and practice exercises.
• Create and test emergency communication plans.

Recovery Strategies. 

When creating a continuity plan to address damage, consider full-loss and partial-loss scenarios. How long can you run your business if you don’t have access to a building? Does your staff have the ability to work from home or from another location? Document your recovery strategy, and include manual workarounds to plan for technology or machinery loss. Here are some things to review and consider:

 Increasing production at other locations (if applicable)

• Use of third-party vendors to cover gaps
• Telecommuting
• Use of another location
• Prioritization of workflow to complete critical deliverables

Does Your Business Have a Continuity Plan? (Part 2 of 2)

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

If a disaster hits your workplace and you suffer storm damage as a result, don’t be caught unprepared. Put together a plan for continuity in advance!

Flood Insurance.

An important component of a recovery plan is flood insurance, which can offer compensation for repairs that result from flood damage. Flood insurance may be available for business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Cleanup.

The final step in your Terre Haute, IN, business continuity plan is knowing who to call for help with cleanup. Reach out to a local, professional, clean-up crew, and look for one that is available on call and has relationships with insurance providers.

If a disaster hits your workplace and you suffer storm damage as a result, don’t be caught unprepared. Put together a plan for continuity in advance and get back to business as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Is Your Sprinkler Malfunctioning?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Finding the cause of a problem can help you keep your landscaping beautiful and your building safe from external flooding.

The landscaping at your commercial property in Terre Haute, IN, often makes the first impression on clients entering the building. Keeping your irrigation system working properly is therefore vital to maintaining your company’s image. Broken sprinklers can be detrimental to the plants they’re designed to care for. If left unchecked, they can also cause flooding problems for which you will need to hire a water mitigation specialist to handle. When sprinklers malfunction, there are several steps you can go through to determine what the underlying cause may be.

1. Determine Type of Problem. 

Irrigation problems tend to fall within two main categories. Hydraulic problems are the result of an issue with the way the equipment works. They may be due to a cut pipe, debris in the line or a technical problem with one or several of the sprinkler heads. Electrical problems have to do with getting power to the components that need it. Checking the timer or making sure the irrigation system is fueled from a working outlet can be some of the first things you do when you suspect that the problem is electrical. 

2. Determine Scope of Problem.

Is your whole system out, or is it just malfunctioning in one zone? If, for example, pressure is low in one zone, a pipe in that zone could be clogged. If, however, it is low everywhere, the problem is probably closer to the main source. Determining how large the problem is can help you narrow down the causes quickly.

3. Determine Cause of Problem.

Any number of things can cause irrigation issues. If some of the components are poor or worn out, you are likely to experience leaks. If a rock is blocking the water’s path, the system has to work harder to get the flow to the sprinkler. It is a good idea to contact a qualified professional to help you determine the cause if it’s not immediately evident.

Finding the cause of a problem with your irrigation system is important. It can help you keep your landscaping beautiful and your building safe from external flooding.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

What Is the Purpose Of Workplace Inspections?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you have fire, water, mold, or asbestos issue give SERVPRO a call today!

A thorough routine scheduled investigation of your building can help reduce a large loss at your home or business. This is an example of a rusted pipe causing sewage to flow into a basement of a commercial building.

According to www.cchos.ca this is why workplace inspections are effective and important.

Why are workplace inspections important?

Workplace inspections help prevent incidents, injuries and illnesses. Through a critical examination of the workplace, inspections help to identify and record hazards for corrective action.

What is the purpose of inspections?

Inspections are important as they allow you to:

• listen to the concerns of workers and supervisors

• gain further understanding of jobs and tasks

• identify existing and potential hazards

• determine underlying causes of hazards

• recommend corrective action

• monitor steps taken to eliminate hazards or control the risk (e.g., engineering controls, administrative controls, policies, procedures, personal protective equipment)

If you have fire, water, mold, or asbestos issue give SERVPRO a call today!

SERVPRO of Vigo County & CPSV Helped A Home Fire "Like it never even happened"

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

This is a before picture of what we walked into after the fire.

Furnace caught fire with no one home resulting in a house engulfed with flames as the fire department arrived. Homeowner stated that when she arrived "he thought there was no way it would be back to new without tearing it completely down."

SERVPRO of Vigo County & CPSV was called in to making it "Like it never even happened."

After fixing the house back to new and having vandalism damage during the process of putting it back to new not once but twice. The customer is back in the home and very happy with the whole process.

Customer stated that even though it took longer than expected due to the two vandalisms, he was very happy with how everything turned out in the end. He stated that he would use our services again if it ever would to happen hat he would need them.

Don't Hesitate When Water Damage Occurs! Contact SERVPRO !

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Have Questions? Call SERVPRO of Vigo County provides 24/7 at (812) 242-961!

SERVPRO of Vigo County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Terre Haute or surrounding counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 812-242-9611

Residential Services

Whether your Vigo County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Terre Haute commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO serves Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan and Vermillion counties, call at (812)242-9611

Don't Let Storm Damage Slow You Down! SERVPRO Is Faster To Any Size Disaster!

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Garage and attic damage in Terre Haute Home

After a large storm in the Vigo County area, the homeowners woke up to their ceiling in their garage on top of their car, with their storage from the attic falling through.

SERVPRO of Vigo County arrived within hours of being contacted. The home owner stated that SERVPRO of Vigo County had "excellent cooperation and assistance to fully meet my needs."

If you have any type of disaster SERVPRO of Vigo County can be on site anytime of the day to make it "Like it never even happened."

The homeowner is very pleased with the outcome of his home and stated that it is truly "Like it never even happened."

CALL us today SERVPRO of Vigo County!!! No matter what the TIME is 812-242-9611.

Items Damaged After A Flood? Here Are Some Tips On Taking Care Of Them!

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

We can help with any size disaster! Call us today!

One of the biggest fears any homeowner has is losing valuable items in a disaster. These incidents can come in many forms, including flooding. When you have unwanted water in the home, you not only face costly repairs and restoration, but you may also struggle to salvage many of your belongings. Fortunately, there are some effective strategies and steps you can take to preserve your possessions.

Dry wet Objects.

Be Extra Careful With Books.

If you’re like many people in Terre Haute, IN, you probably have valuable or meaningful books and other documents. Water in the home can destroy these items, but they’re also salvageable in many cases. If you exercise caution you can preserve these fragile keepsakes. Air dry these items and put into a freezer if they’re soaked. For wet photos, never touch the surfaces.

Cleaning Metal.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Why SERVPRO? Because carpet stinks, but don't worry...we can help!

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever been sniffing around wondering where a certain smell is coming from? Then you realize it is coming from your carpet. If your carpet has a bad smell, consider these possibilities, it may require a professional carpet cleaning. Once you find the source of your carpet odor, you can decide the best treatment. 

• Moisture or dampness
  • Oftentimes moisture can be trapped in the carpet and carpet pad leading to a musty odor. This can be caused by humidity, spills, potted plants dripping on them.
  • A flood in a finished basement can cause carpet odor. If the situation is not handled properly, continued moisture exposure can cause mildew and mold growth.
• Pet odor
  • When pets use your carpet as a bathroom, the smell can really linger around.
  • The smell of pet urine can sometimes return even after a carpet cleaning. This is due to the gases released by the bacteria that are digesting the urine.
  • The best solution for eliminating pet odors are dry carpet cleaning treatments or treatments that use enzymatic odor removal products.
• Cigarette smoke
  • If someone smokes inside the home, the carpet can hold in the cigarette smoke odor.
  • While the person living there may not notice the smell, but visitors will.
  • A professional carpet cleaning is suggested to remove the smell, but if the smoking was excessive, the carpet may need to be replaced.
• Old age
  • Carpeting is made from fibers that break down over time.
  • Carpet cleaning can't remove the old, musty smell from the carpet. It needs to be replaced.
  • Along with smell, old carpets start to release dust contributing to indoor allergies.
• Food and drink spills
  • Any food or drink spills on carpet can lead to odors.
  • Professional carpet cleaning is best to remove the smell.

Basement soaked? SERVPRO can help!

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Basements can become wet and humid during the warmer spring months. Unfortunately, moisture promotes mildew and mold growth. As such, it is important to keep your basement dry. Here are some ways you can avoid a musty, damp basement.

Slope the Ground Away From Your Foundation

One of the tips for helping to keep your basement dry is to make sure the ground around the exterior of your home slopes or is graded away from your foundation. If the slope is toward the basement, water can flow through the foundation and into your basement.

Place Rocks and Gravel Around Your Foundation

Another tip to help keep your basement dry is to place rocks or gravel around the base or foundation of your home. Rocks or gravel help to absorb water, preventing excess water from seeping into your basement. If you have a large amount of water, consider installing a French drain system around your home.

Install Gutters and Downspouts Around Your Home

Installing gutters and downspouts around your home can also help to keep your basement dry. Gutters help catch water flowing from the roof and guide it away from your home. This prevents water from falling off the roof and landing on the surface area directly adjacent to your foundation.

Paint Your Basement With Water Resistant Paint

A water-resistant paint can be painted on the interior walls of your basement. This helps prevent water from seeping through your walls and making its way into your basement.

Keep Humidity Down By Using a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are great appliances for keeping humidity low in a basement. A dehumidifier can effectively reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which will prevent mold and mildew growth.

Vent All Appliances Outside

Lastly, make sure all of your appliances vent outside. As appliances vent, they produce hot air. When this hot air comes into contact with cool air in your basement, condensation can form. Venting your appliances outside prevents this from happening, keeping your basement dry.

Keeping your basement dry will not only reduce mold and mildew but will also make it a safer area whether you use it for storage or as a family-gathering area. When water intrudes your property, mold can accumulate in as little as 48 hours. If your basement is already wet or you notice mold or mildew growth, you need a professional to help you with clean-up. At SERVPRO of Vigo County & Clay, Parke, Sullivan, & Vermillion Counties , we use advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help find the moisture and remove it as quickly as possible. Call us at 812-242-9611 to get started today. 

Ask The Experts: What To Do After The Flood

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally-owned and -operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs, so we are part of this community, too.

Following a flood event at your residence or business, your primary focus should be safety. After any major natural disaster such as a hurricane, flooding is often the most dangerous risk to human life and property. If your flood has been caused by infrastructure or equipment failure such as a hot water heater, a broken sump pump, or burst water pipe – locate the source of the leak to stop the surge of water from increasing. Following a natural disaster, do not enter your home until you are given permission by authorities. And even then, do so with extreme caution. Make sure all power is turned off, so you do not get electrocuted. You also need to be protected in case the standing water is contaminated.

What to Focus On

Always use caution and consider these issues while you assess your situation and damages:

* Is it safe to stay in the house?

* Electrical and “slip and fall” incidents are big concerns.

* Only attempt activities that are safe for you to undertake.

* Be careful while lifting saturated items as they can be very heavy.

Once It is Safe

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Once you have been assured it is safe to return to your home, you should photograph all damage so you have proof for your insurance company. Make sure you take pictures before removing the water, damage or debris. Also, make a written list of all damage and impact to share with your insurance company. Remember to be aware of any broadcasts relating to additional flood warnings or watches that would necessitate you retreating from your home. Just because the storm has passed does not mean the danger has.

Cleaning Up

To protect yourself from any contaminants in the water, you will want to wear rubber boots higher than the water, as well as gloves. If you can, try to drain and/or mop up the water. Dry out your home with fans, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers. Remove art objects and other valuables from the walls, mantles, and shelves for safe storage in a dry place. Prop furniture up off carpets using aluminum foil or wood blocks.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally-owned and -operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs, so we are part of this community, too. 

Call us today! We are faster to any disaster and here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Ask The Experts: How do I get rid of the effects of fire damage?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, everything in your home may smell like smoke. Many textiles and materials absorb the odor, which can make it hard to remove. When possible, air out your home for as long as possible as quickly after the fire to allow as much of the smoke smell to dissipate on its own. After that, there are some steps to take to remove the smoke smell from specific materials.

From Clothing

The key to removing a smoky smell from your clothing is to act quickly. The quicker you act, the more successful you will be. First, soak the clothing in warm water with laundry detergent or white vinegar. Allow the clothes to sit overnight. The detergent or vinegar will work to neutralize the smell. Once the smell has been removed, wash and dry the clothing. Do not wash or dry the clothing until you are sure the scent has been removed, as it can set in the smell.

From Flooring

Flooring, including carpet, wood and tile, can all absorb smoke after a fire. The best way to properly clean your flooring is to call in a professional. A professional fire restoration company can work to restore your flooring and clean it, as can a carpet cleaner or tile cleaner. Hot water extraction is usually the best method for removing soot and scents.

From Your Walls

Unfortunately, after a fire, your walls can have a smoke scent that lingers. A professional should be called in, as removing the scent is not always easy. In some cases, the scent may actually be trapped in the insulation housed behind the wall. In other cases, the scent may be so embedded in the drywall that replacing the drywall is the best option. If the scent is faint and the drywall is in good condition, painting the drywall may help to remove the scent.

After a fire, it is well worth it to hire a fire damage specialist to come in and complete the cleanup process. Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we are committed to helping those who have gone through a fire get their home back. We can help with water damage cleanup, fire restoration and removal of soot and smoke smells. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.

When soap becomes an issue, or, scrub a dub dub, thanks for all the suds!

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

If you are not paying attention, you may add more soap to your dishwasher than needed. When this happens, suds may begin to emerge from your dishwasher and can overflow into your kitchen. Both the suds and the water can cause water damage if you do not act quickly to stop the problem and clean it up. Here are the steps you should take if your dishwasher begins to overflow.

Step 1: Stop the Dishwasher

It may sound obvious, but the first thing you should do if your dishwasher is overflowing is to stop the dishwasher. Try and stop the dishwasher using your controls, rather than opening the dishwasher.

Step 2: Place Towels on the Floor

The next thing you should do is place towels on the floor. Soak up the excess moisture that is already present. Then lay a dry layer of towels down because more water will leak out once you open the dishwasher.

Step 3: Control the Soap

Once you have a dry layer of towels in place, open your dishwasher. Be ready for water and suds to stream out. You can pour salt over the foam and suds to help control them. If salt does not work, place ice cubes on the foam and let it melt. As it melts, the foam will too.

Step 4: Clean the Dishwasher

Once all the foam is gone from the dishwasher, run a quick rinse cycle. This rinses salt and excess soap residue from your dishwasher. Pay close attention to the dishwasher as it is rinsing. If an excess amount of foam begins to form and overflow from the dishwasher again, you will want to repeat step 3.

Step 5: Clean the Kitchen

As the quick rinse cycle is running, clean your kitchen. Take the time to properly dry and wipe down any surface that got wet. If there is an excess amount of water present, consider opening your windows or using a fan to dry the area thoroughly.

Unfortunately, you may not have been around when your dishwasher overflowed. Your cabinets, flooring and drywall may have sustained water damage if there is foam and water all over your kitchen. A water damage professional should be called in to remove water, prevent mold growth and repair anything that is water logged. Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we can help you with damage caused by your overflowing dishwasher. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.

Ask The Experts: Speed Matters When It Comes To Water Damage

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and we are here to help!  SERVPRO of Vigo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day 7 days a week, including all holidays.

Leaks from the piping, roof and other water sources can cause water damages that can go unnoticed for weeks, even months.  Attempting to clean up water from a leak can lead to further damage and contamination if not handled properly.  SERVPRO of Vigo County is trained and is equipped with a full line of cleanup and restoration services to handle water damage caused by leaks and excessive moisture.  SERVPRO can and will help you protect your business and property from further damage and get you back to normal business functions.

Do you have a mold problem? We at SERVPRO of Vigo, Clay, Sullivan, Parke, and Vermillion County can help! We are Mold Remediation Approved and have trained and experienced technicians that will arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.  An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and restoration cost. We are faster to your disaster and are here to help make things "Like it never even happened."

When it comes to sump pumps, SERVPRO is the expert!

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

If disaster does strike, give SERVPRO of Vigo County a call! We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

Check out our reviews and more information on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Angie's List, and the Better Business Bureau.

Ask The Experts: What To Do When It Comes To Smoke And Soot Damage

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

SERVPRO Tips: Best Practices To Prevent Laundry Room Fires

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

While the kitchen is the most common room for house fires, dryer fires are another common problem. The heating of the dryer combined with lint build-up can cause your dryer to burst into flames. A lint fire is scary, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it.

Safety First

It's important to realize that even when the lint is properly cleaned from your dryer, there is still a chance of a dryer fire. For this reason, you should never run your dryer:

• When you are sleeping
• When you are not home
• When you are going to be outdoors
  
  

Leaving your dryer unattended can cause the fire to spread further, which can cause extensive damage. In addition, unplug your dryer before you start cleaning out the lint.

Vacuum Out the Lint Screen and Dryer

You probably already clean out your lint screen every time you start a new load. However, a lot of lint can get past the screen, and eventually lead to a lint fire. Take your vacuum attachment and clean underneath and around the lint screen the best you can. Refer to your owner's manual to see how to safely vacuum out the inside of your dryer.

Cleaning Out the Hose

Pull out any lint you can reach after removing the hose from the back of your dryer and the wall. If you can't reach it all, use a dryer vent snake to push it all the way through. In addition, check the pathway from the hole in the wall to the outside of your house. Use the snake to ensure that all of the lint is out of the vent.
These steps can help reduce your risk of a lint fire. You should do this at least once every six months, and more often if you do a lot of laundries. If you do experience a dryer fire, let your fire restoration experts do what needs to be done to clean up the mess.

Why SERVPRO? We are the business emergency plan experts

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Your business may already have a contingency plan, but do you have everything included that you should? Formulating a complete evacuation plan may not be easy, but doing so can help protect you and your employees. Here are some things you may want to make sure are included.

1. Fire Extinguisher Locations

Making sure everyone knows where the fire extinguishers are located can save precious time during a fire. The extinguishers should be easy to locate and easily accessible during an emergency.

2. Building Exits

An important part of an evacuation plan is knowing where the nearest exits are from any point in the building. This will allow your staff to quickly and safely leave in the event of a fire. There should be at least two exit options from every point in case one path is blocked.

3. A Meeting Place

Another thing to include in your contingency plan is a safe meeting location. This should be outside and a safe distance from the building. All employees should gather here so they can be quickly accounted for.

4. Emergency Information

While 9-1-1 is the emergency number everyone should have memorized, there may be other numbers you want to keep track of. For example, emergency contact information for your employees. You may want to include a note in your plan about where this information is stored to ensure it’s accessible when needed.

5. Post-Fire Information

You may also want to include the location of insurance or cleanup numbers in your plan so it’s easily available after a fire occurs. Having the number of a trusted fire restoration service may make fire cleanup easier.

With these things included in your contingency plan, you can help ensure that your employees will be able to safely evacuate the building during a fire. Also including your emergency numbers will help ensure you know where they are when you need them.

We are here to get you back up and running when storms hit your home

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

The damage is done. Whether a burst pipe or torrential rains, a flooded home is a devastating thing to behold. The amount of tear out and restoration ahead may be too daunting to imagine. However, there are three basic steps that can help to guide you through this intimidating process.

Step 1: Remove Excess Water.

While getting rid of extra water may seem like an obvious step, many homeowners fall into the trap of believing the water will recede on its own; however, basement floods and many other types of flooding need decisive action to minimize the amount of water damage. To mitigate extensive flood damage, it is imperative to remove water as quickly as possible, which can be done with the use of electric pumps.

Step 2: Tear Out Wet Materials.

Mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours; therefore, it is essential to remove all wet materials from the home. This especially includes drywall and insulation. Insulation can often be overlooked because it is hidden behind your walls, but it is the most likely culprit for mold growth after a flood.

Step 3: Dry the Remaining Structure.

Once the water is gone and the damaged and dampened materials removed, it is time to start drying out your home. More often than not, drying a flood-damaged home will require the use of dehumidifiers and air movers to circulate the air through the home and ensure that there is no significant sign of moisture in the remaining structure.

Step 4: Restore the Home.

Then, after the days and possibly weeks of tear out and drying, it will finally be time to make your house a home again. For that, you can do a quick internet search to find a storm restoration specialist in the Terre Haute, IN, area. These companies are wonderful support for both your mitigation and restoration needs.

Floods are devastating, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you have water damage in your home, remove the water and wet materials, dry the structure, and contact professionals for help.

SERVPRO Tips: Fire can happen anywhere, any time

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can happen anywhere, including when you leave your home unoccupied. A quick trip to the store can end terribly when you return to see fire trucks swarmed around your house. This scenario does not put you and your family in the same risks families experience when a fire starts during the night. While your smoke detector hopefully wakes you, the smoke can make escaping extremely difficult. Flames can take over your entire house when no one is there to call for help.

Our goal is to help families prevent fire damage, and where it affects homes, to mitigate the situation, so those properties become safe to live in again. The best way to deal with fire damage is by preventing it from happening.

During the summer months, many families enjoy outdoor cooking on the grill or fire pit. Grills put away when still holding hot coals can cause stored chemicals in the garage to ignite. Fireworks stored for Independence Day celebrations can turn into problems when young children locate them and then mishandle them inside the home by trying to light them. Electrical hazards develop when using tools outside with the cords laid in the driveway can later create hot spots when using the tool inside the house.

Waiting until your grill cools off completely before rolling the unit into the garage keeps combustible liquids from getting hot enough to burn. Keeping combustible liquids in a cabinet or shelving area away from other items can also help. Installing a smoke detector in the garage can also alert you of a fire before it grows too large.

Explaining to children about lighters and matches and their inherent dangers can help prevent fires caused by curious youngsters. However, placing both fire starters and fireworks well out of reach and out of range even if chairs get pushed up against tall cabinets can work wonders at avoiding tempting situations.

Keeping cords in good condition and replacing damaged ones effectively stops fires and electrical shocks from hurting anyone. Always check the gauge of the wires before replacing them to avoid damaging the tool.

SERVPRO wants to remind families to install smoke alarms in strategic locations in your house and check the batteries monthly. You should choose a family member's birthday or anniversary as the date to install new batteries, to keep them fresh. When fire damage does happen, call us and we will send out qualified mitigation specialists.

We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tips: Preventing Space Heater Fires

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Space heaters can keep you warm during those long winter months. A burned space heater, however, can cause severe fire damage to your home that may require extensive smoke cleanup.
Space heater fires most commonly occur when the heater is left next to a flammable substance. You should thus avoid placing your space heater next to:

• Upholstered furniture
• Curtains
• Bedding
• Gas cans
• Matches
• Paint
  
  

There are several other steps you can take to avoid a space heater fire in your home. You can check for certain safety features before purchasing a heater. Once you do choose a heater, you should also make sure it is used properly.

Safety Features

When you are considering a space heater for your house, make sure you choose one with a strong cord. The cord should also be long enough so that it doesn’t require the use of a power strip or extension cord. An extension cord or power strip can lead to a burned space heater.
You should additionally look for a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature. This causes the heater to turn itself off when it tips over or gets too hot.

Proper Use

After you take your space heater home, make sure to place it on a level, non-flammable and hard surface. The floor is an ideal spot. You should similarly put it at least three feet away from flammable items. Keep your children and pets a safe distance away from the heater, as well.
Make sure to clean the space heater’s filter regularly. When you aren’t using the heater, turn it off and unplug it from the wall. You should also regularly check the cord and replace it if it appears worn or frayed.

Even if you follow the above advice, space heater fires can happen. If a burned space heater damages your home, you need to hire fire cleanup professionals. Fire damage cleanup experts can eliminate the smell and even remove soot from your carpets.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you to "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO Tips: Burn Injuries In The Workplace

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can result in large losses to your business' material assets. Along with those damages, there may be injuries to employees. Knowing how to provide burn first aid can be very beneficial in this situation. After calling the appropriate local emergency services, here are four things you can do to help.

1. Stop the Burning Process

Once the injured person has been safely evacuated from the building, take them to a safe area and have them sit or lie down so the injury can be looked at. Be sure there is nothing still burning, such as hair or clothing, that can cause further injury. If it is safe to do so, remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry before the burned area swells.

2. Asses the Injury

Just as the fire damage to your business needs to be assessed, so does the injury to an employee. Check the person to see how many areas of his or her body have been burned. Look carefully for burns to the face, as these types of injuries can cause the person to have trouble breathing, and he or she may need special attention or rescue breathing.

3. Cover the Wound

If a first-aid kit is available, use burn dressings or slightly moist sterile gauze pads to cover the burned area. A clean cloth can be used if emergency supplies are not available. 

4. Treat the Injured Person for Shock

Have the injured person lie down with his or her feet and, if possible, the injured area elevated above the level of his or her heart to help prevent shock. If the person is cold, cover him or her with a blanket or similar item. Have someone remain with the person until emergency services arrive.

Handling fire damage to your business and having an injured employee is a stressful situation. A little bit of preparation and first aid learned beforehand can go a long way in keeping everyone calm and ensuring the best outcome.

Give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tips: Fire and Smoke Can Both Be Damaging

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage is usually a covered loss in many commercial property insurance policies. Even if the fire that led to smoke or soot damage in your property in Terre Haute, IN occurred in an adjacent business, your insurance should still pay out when you have smoke cleaning performed. If you want to eliminate all traces of smoke in your business or property, here are three steps that you can take to have the air quality restored.

1. Check with your insurer. Some commercial property insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by smoke. Other policies may not have this coverage. Before you schedule commercial cleaning or remediation services, you should check with your insurance provider and make sure that they will cover most, if not all of the cleaning costs with the company that you are considering to hire.

2. Schedule a smoke damage consultation. A consultation with a restoration company that specializes in cleaning up smoke can help you determine the extent of the cleaning process. Experts can inspect your business or commercial property and come up with a plan that will get rid of every trace of smoke or soot damage.

3. Have smoke cleaning performed in and around the property. Smoke cleanup may involve dry or wet cleaning of hard non-porous surfaces and the use of a machine such as an industrial air scrubber, thermal fogger, or an ozone or hydroxyl generator. Each of these machines has different requirements in terms of whether or not evacuation is necessary, side effects, and the duration of the cleaning process.

If you have recently experienced smoke damage in a commercial property located in Terre Haute, IN, you should start the cleanup process by asking your insurance company about your options. Once you know which restoration companies and services are covered by your commercial property policy, you can make the best decisions regarding restoration.

For more information call us at SERVPRO of Vigo (812)242-9611. 

SERVPRO Tips: The Importance of Planning For Safety In The Workplace

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

While you may have experienced your first fire drill at your local school in Terre Haute, IN, that doesn’t mean your emergency escape learning is complete — nor is that of your employees. Implementing a proper emergency drill system within your workplace can drastically reduce the likelihood of a casualty or injury when an actual disaster does strike your building. To build a proper drill experience, you’ll need to:

• Assign specific tasks and roles to each employee taking part beforehand
• Go over your escape plans verbally on a regular basis
• Create and enforce accountability procedures during each drill
• Identify the location and use of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.)

When it comes to safety in the workplace, give us a call at SERVPRO! We can help you plan for disaster, and should the unthinkable happen, we are faster to any disaster and we will help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Call us at (812)242-9611

SERVPRO is here to help when your church is damaged by water

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Accidents happen all the time, but there are many instances in which they can be costly mistakes or take time to repair. Since some churches are rarely used regularly throughout the week, something as fundamental as forgetting to turn off the water in a faucet could have catastrophic results before someone returns a couple of days later.

Mostly, churches have relied on the volunteer work of people to handle repairs or help clean up messes that might occur within the building. The congregation might be diversified, but in situations involving substantial water damage to your church, you can easily see the need for professional action. A company is going to have the tools and resources to quickly rectify the damages and get the affected area ready for use.
 
Our experienced and professional SERVPRO team can work quickly from the time that you call to assess the extent of the damage and put together a plan to restore the area. Communication is an active component of the process, helping you to both understand the restoration process as well as listening to your concerns. By working closely with your priorities and suggestions, our team operates efficiently to make the problem “Like it never even happened.”
 
The SERVPRO technicians we dispatch to the site have the tools and experience to start repairing the damages to get your church ready for services or events. Getting the water up is the first step in the process, and depending on the severity of the pooling, this process is done with either wet vacuums or with portable pumps. Air movers are used to completely dry the affected area, where a closer assessment can get done for structural damages and other areas in need of restoration or repair.
 
You cannot account for accidents like a sink that was allowed to overflow in a common area or bathroom for your Phoenix church. What you can count on, is the emergency response team we have at SERVPRO of Vigo County.

Call us at (812)242-9611, we can make it like it never even happened.

SERVPRO Tips: When it is time to return to work after a flood

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

When a flood occurs in a commercial building, it’s a common concern of business owners when they can resume business. Ultimately, it depends on how severe the flood damage was as well as if the damage was caused by black water. Flood restoration experts generally have a process in place that allows your business to resume in as little time possible, although some of the phases are deemed not safe.

Commercial Flood Cleanup

While the commercial restoration company is doing the initial cleanup from the flood damage, it’s not safe for the employees to be there. Water becomes contaminated with bacteria causing a serious health hazard. It is wise to keep all personnel stay away from the building during this phase.

Demolition After Commercial Flood

The restoration company will likely have to do some demolition to preserve the property after the flood damage. Demolition removes any property affected by the black water. This phase includes eliminating drywall, insulation, carpet and any furniture affected. During this phase, it is also not safe for staff to be present.

Sterilizing Commercial Building

During the sterilization phase, all the affected property undergoes scrubbing and disinfecting to make sure everything is sanitized. The sterilization phase consists of very strong chemical cleaners, requiring anyone who isn’t trained and complete with the proper wear remain absent.

Commercial Reconstruction

The reconstruction phase includes replacing all items compromised during the demolition. At some time during this phase your restoration company will give you the green light to resume business.

Commercial Flood Restoration Company

It’s very common when a flood produces black and gray water so it is wise to allow a certified disaster recovery team to take care of the flood cleanup and restoration, like SERVPRO of Vigo County.

When water attacks your business, call SERVPRO of Vigo County

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Like other types of water damage, commercial flood damage brings its own unique challenges. Water is heavy, and the more exposure formerly dry structural materials have to it, the more weakened they become. Factor in the potential toxins or even sewage groundwater has the potential to contain, and the need for expedited mitigation for the property becomes even more crucial.

When SERVPRO technicians handle commercial flood damage in a business, they usually close the property and put up barriers with a two-fold purpose of preventing cross-contamination as well as limit foot-traffic for safety from issues such as slip-and-fall accidents on wet floors.

Locating Water Damaged Structural Components

During restoration services, the technicians scope the water loss affected areas of the property to determine all areas with elevated moisture. When needed, controlled demolition tactics such as removal of sheetrock through flood cuts and disposal of wet insulation are necessary for thorough drying. Water-affected building materials such as baseboards, carpet, and flooring that do not have the potential for sanitization require disposal.

Packout When Necessary

After scoping the property, SERVPRO technicians make a fast decision regarding currently unaffected items and often a pack-out to either a secure on-site storage pod or usage of off-site storage is the best choice to save stock, office furnishings, equipment, and other items from prolonged exposure to elevated indoor humidity and risk of contamination.

Vent Inspection and Cleaning

If the HVAC system was running after flood damage, the potential for the ventilation system to contain airborne contaminants is a concern, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ductwork is standard.

Return to Sanitary Standards for Reopening

SERVPRO technicians have the equipment and proprietary solutions to bring properties to disinfected levels that are less rigorous than hospital operating rooms. In most cases, this level of disinfection is not necessary for most commercial operations and the techs clean water-affected surfaces eradicating 99.9% of bacteria and microbes to ensure the property is safe for employees and the public once again. 

SERVPRO knows commercial flood damage requires expedited action to limit downtime and destruction to a business or residential complex. The certified technicians work until the property is returned to its preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

Give us a call today! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

We serve Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan and Vermillion counties. Call us today at (812)242-9611.

Why SERVPRO? We are an IICRC Firm

9/19/2020 (Permalink)

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

IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Vigo County

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We serve Vigo, Clay, Parke Sullivan and Vermillion counties, call us today at 812-242-9611 to make it "Like it never even happened".

SERVPRO Tips: The Importance of Protecting Your Home After Roof Damage

9/19/2020 (Permalink)

If high winds or hail damage your roof in Terre Haute, IN, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Storm cleanup and restoration companies may simplify the process because of their experience in handling all the details of this kind of disaster. Here are four steps the experts can help with to make your roof repair less stressful.

1. Protect the Affected Areas

One of the most pressing worries after roof damage occurs is preventing further property destruction. While more permanent solutions can take time, covering the affected areas with a tarp is a quicker fix. It can help protect your house from the elements while the rest of the repairs take place.

2. Remove Water and Dry Absorbent Materials

Next, the experts can use specialized equipment such as pumps and wet/dry vacuums to remove any standing water. Then comes the crucial step of drying any porous building materials such as drywall and wood. Industrial-strength dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers help with this step, which can prevent the contents from swelling, warping, or becoming moldy.

3. Complete Restorations

Technicians can also complete and coordinate all necessary reparations. These include simpler things such as repainting the walls as well as more complex jobs such as drywall replacement, floor installation, and roof repair. Having the same company assist with every step of this process can save you time, money, and trouble.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Whenever your home suffers from storm or wind damage, it can also be important to call your insurance company. An agent will likely ask questions about the extent of the problem to determine the company’s next steps. Cleanup and restoration companies encounter insurance companies' questions regularly and may be able to help you answer them more thoroughly.

When storms harm your rooftop, the cleanup and restoration can be complicated and time-consuming. Hiring professionals to help with everything from the water removal to the roof repair can lessen your workload and help guarantee your home is as close to its pre-damage state as possible.

Why SERVPRO? Big or small, we handle them all!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

If your home suffers water damage as a result of water leaks or flooding, there are specific measures you have to consider. That is when you need water cleanup and removal specialists to dry your property and mitigate the damage. Below, we are going to take you through some of the techniques that these professionals employ to restore your property. 
 
When you are working with a locally owned company like SERVPRO to solve water damage problems, technicians start by tracing the wet areas and their respective moisture levels. Thermo-hygrometers, moisture meters, and moisture sensors are some of the tools that our professionals use to examine the level of moisture in contents. After that, drying the materials to their standard moisture levels follows. 
 
Water extraction is vital during the restoration process. Extractors and pumps are some of the tools that our SERVPRO technicians use to remove the water. Extractors can either be portable or truck mounted, and they all have three key components: vacuum, pump, and the heater systems. The vacuum component is very crucial during water extraction, but when cleaning upholstery and carpets, all the three work together. 
 
When performing moisture extraction in areas with limited access, portable extractors are preferred. The work of truck mounted extractors is similar to that of the portable ones, with the significant difference being that they come with their powering sources and are more powerful. Additionally, truck mounts can efficiently perform restorative cleaning and water removal. 
 
Our SERVPRO technicians may also use pumps to remove the accumulated water when attending to a water damage incident. However, we do not use the pumps when the debris is present. The team uses submersible pumps when the depth of the standing water is more than two inches. It is important to note that certified service providers follow the IICRC standards in the restoration work. 
 
So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Because when water finds your basement, we help it find its way out!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Many areas of the country experience heavy rains in the spring and early summer, and our area is no exception. These types of storms send water flooding into your home at its lowest level. Restoring the damage done from several inches of water pouring into your house needs the professional help of the skilled staff at SERVPRO. 
 
The one thing you do not want to do when flood damage occurs in your house is to wait to see if things get better on their own. Water can damage your home’s structure and contents if it remains inside for any amount of time. Also, if moisture levels remain high within your house, you run the risk of mold growth and damage. Flood damage recovery is at the heart of our business plan, and we pledge to do everything within our power to return you to preloss condition. 
 
Our SERVPRO team needs to complete some preliminary steps before they begin removing the water and then drying out your home after the flood. First, we need to be certain that there is no risk of electrocution. Many appliances in the flood water use electricity, so we risk trouble if the power is live. Second, other tools and systems use natural gas or oil for fuel, and they also need to be shut off while our crews work. We also need to be mindful of any structural damage or weakness that puts restorers or you in danger. 
 
Once we clear any hazards, we begin by removing standing or puddled water in the lowest levels of your house. A submersible pump works for deeper floodwaters, and once the level goes down, we use extractors, which are powerful water vacuums. Air movers are the next line of defense, staged to reduce the moisture content of flooring, walls, and ceilings. Carpeting dries in place if we can lift it to get air moving on both top and bottom. Padding is inexpensive, and we often remove and replace it as it dries too slowly and incompletely. 
 
With our drying goals met, we take a final look for any microbial growth. Mold spores are always present, and it just takes a boost of a little water to get them growing. Drying out the structure within 48 hours gives SERVPRO staff the best chance of preventing flood-related mold growth. 
 
Driving rain flooding into your home has little chance of permanently damaging your house if SERVPRO of works on your behalf. So give us a call today! We are faster to any disaster and are here to get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Because we help each other!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchisees are independently owned and operated, but we are all still a part of the SERVPRO family. We help each other out, just like family. If a neighboring franchise has an overload of calls (we call it double occupancy), they can call another SERVPRO to help. 

We also help each other out when large events happen. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, freezes, and wildfires happen every year. We call these Storm events and multiple franchises outside the affected area will send crews to the area to help. 

SERVPRO participated in helping out with the polar vortex in the Mid-West that had temperatures dipping to -52 in some places. Pipes froze. A few days later the temps rose enough to allow those pipes to begin thawing. The local franchises were inundated with calls and our crews were able to help. 

We are here for you when you need us, just like we are when another SERVPRO needs us. We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration: One of our specialties!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is the act of responding immediately and using advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. SERVPRO professionals use innovative equipment to monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. SERVPRO professionals have the tools and resources for faster and reliable service.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business. At SERVPRO, no job is too big and no question is too small.  So when fire or water damage strikes your home or business, call on SERVPRO of Vigo County! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program in Vigo County

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Vigo County today at 812-242-9611 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Winter Water Woes

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Winter can be freezing and snowy, or sometimes, it’s just rainy. But that does not mean that winter weather can’t still take a toll on your home and property. We at SERVPRO of Vigo County want to make sure you know the correct steps to take to prevent damages to your home and more importantly disruptions to your life. Ensure gutters are clean & secure, leaves & debris that accumulate damage gutters and can lead to roof problems & water damage. If winter and cold weather take their toll on your home, make sure to call the team with the knowledge and experience to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster! We are also faster to any disaster and are eager to take our decades of experience and put it to work for you! Give us a call today! 

Why SERVPRO? Chimney Fires

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

Chimney fires happen when there is too much buildup in the chimney. The buildup will begin to burn causing fire to come out the top and push smoke into the house. 

How do you stop a chimney fire?

Cleaning out the chimney using a wire brush or hiring a chimney sweep during the warm seasons is the best way to keep fires out of the chimney and out of your home.

The homeowner put out the chimney fire with a fire extinguisher. They were left with dust covering the home and contents.

The home owner was at a devastating loss and didn't think his home could be restored back to new.

SERVPRO of Vigo County came in to restore his home to "Like it never even happened." The customer stated that he was very impressed with the management team and trust worthiness.

Why SERVPRO? Helping Prevent Dryer Fires

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you notice your dryer is not functioning properly, you should act immediately. Your Terre Haute, IN, home is at risk of fire when the dryer cannot properly redistribute heat. Proper dryer maintenance and cleaning protects your home from the danger of a lint fire.

Know the Symptoms of a Dryer Vent Clog.

There are several telltale signs that you should clean and inspect your dryer:

• Unusually long time for clothes to dry
• Clothes much hotter than they used to
• A burning smell
• Lint spilling out of the hose

These warning signs mean you should immediately stop using the dryer and clean it. Running the dryer when it shows any of these signs could cause a dryer fire.

Remove Excess Lint From the Lint Trap.

Depending on the model, you should be able to find a lint screen on the bottom, top or side of the dryer. The screen may come out fully but should not be forced out.

Once you have the screen out as far as it’ll go, lint can be cleaned up using your hands, a brush or vacuum. The lint needs to be fully removed from the sheet to prevent a potential lint fire. Before putting the screen back, it’s advised to vacuum out the empty lint trap area.

Check the Exhausts for Lint.

After disconnecting the dryer and removing the exhaust hose from the wall, the hose should be checked for any lint. If there is lint, a lengthy cleaning brush tool from a vent cleaning kit should be snaked through and back to fish up any lint until no more comes out.

If there is an exterior vent in your home, it is good practice to regularly clean its screen of lint too.

Prepare for the Worst Regardless.

Your home can be protected from a lint fire, but fire damage always needs a plan. A local fire restoration company can assist you with a fire and should be kept as an emergency contact. Thankfully, cleaning the dryer regularly saves you from fire damage to worry about.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

SERVPRO can help repair your leaky ceiling

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

After receiving the call from the homeowner stating that their ceiling in their downstairs bedroom was leaking, we found out shortly after showing up that their upstairs toilet was leaking from a cracked pipe.

Homeowner stated that after hearing there was way more damage than a leaking ceiling I was worried about what I would be left with. After talking with our water technician and him reassuring her that everything would be taken care she was at relief leaving the problem in our hands.

The homeowner was very pleased by everything that was done from the time they called to the time it was finished. They stated that "everything was fantastic and made the process so much easier. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of Vigo County to anyone having to go through this situation. They were a GREAT help!

Why SERVPRO when it comes to storms and flooding

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Although no one can stop the rains, there are ways to limit flooding in your home. Overland flooding or backups due to overwhelmed storm sewage systems are but two of the sources of floodwaters in the lower levels of your home. Regardless of the source of the water, we have the technicians and the equipment to help you recover.
 
Even though the water causing flood damage to your home may be drawing your eyes down as it seeps into the foundation or lower levels, the problem often is at the roofline. Clogged gutters and damaged downspouts cause water to pound down near the perimeter of your home, saturating the soil and ultimately invading through the slab, poured, or cinder block foundation. We can respond to and restore the damage but expect suggestions from our managers or production crew to minimize or even eliminate future flooding.
 
The grading and landscaping around your home can also contribute to the seepage of floodwaters into the foundation. Over time even correctly graded ground can erode and shift, encouraging rainwater to drain into your home rather than away from it. SERVPRO crews also see scenarios where plantings surrounding your home contribute to excess water moving into the porous materials making up the base and protecting the lower levels of your house. Irrigation systems or merely an overdone watering of foundation gardens have the unhappy result of a wet home.
 
SERVPRO evaluates the characteristics of the water flooding into your home to determine whether it needs to be contained and disposed of according to local regulations. The sooner you get our team to your home the more likely that the water checks out as Category 1. If the soil around your home is loose, dirt particles can flow in with the water. Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, and even pet wastes can taint the water, requiring careful handling. Gutter overflow can also contain bird and animal waste and mold, threatening the flooded area with microbial growth if not disinfected and dried out after the flood water evacuates.
 
Submersible pumps and water extractors pull most of the flood water out of your home. If Category 1 we can drain it outside, but take care to deposit far from the house to prevent it from flooding again. We use moisture meters and infrared scanners to locate hidden pockets of moisture and to set a baseline for drying goals. SERVPRO crews position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected space. The moisture numbers are monitored to ensure we achieve standard levels.
 
The team at SERVPRO of Vigo has the necessary training and experience to remediate seepage-based flooding. Do not hesitate to call us if we can help!

Why SERVPRO When it comes to the aftermath of fire!

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Vigo County has specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

Board-ups - In some cases firefighters may break windows and cut holes in the roof in order to vent the fire. It is extremely important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders.

Types of Fire/Smoke/Soot

Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

What to do after a fire:

• 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.

What NOT to do after a fire:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Vigo County
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to 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 ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may damage garment further.

SERVPRO of Vigo County has what it takes to restore your home back to pre loss condition.

Secrets to Make Your House Smell Good

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, you know the importance of maintaining you home. Along with structural repairs and updates, cleaning is also a valuable aspect of a well-maintained home. However, cleaning is not always about being tidy. Sometimes, you need to go beyond what you can see and consider the way your home smells. Your home’s smell makes a big first impression on anyone who visits you. Even if you think it smells just fine, it’s helpful to freshen things up. These tips can help you to do that.

Start with the Cleaning

The first step is always to focus on cleaning. Areas contributing to a less-than-fresh scent to consider include the following:

• Look for and clean up areas of mildew spots.
• Your carpets generally harbor scents. Vacuum them thoroughly to remove as much debris as possible.
• Minimize humidity and moisture in the air by using a dehumidifier when possible.
• If you have pets, clean up the areas they spend a lot of time in, such as litter boxes and dog beds. These hold onto scents long-term.
• Keep the trash cans empty – and don’t forget to also tackle washing out the trash occasionally so no odors linger within it.
• Clean the refrigerator inside and out. Get rid of old food inside and be sure to move the fridge to check for any type of spills or food particles that may have slid under or behind it.
• Keep your linens fresh. This includes cleaning throw-blankets and pillows located around your home.
• Keep your pets clean, too. Routine baths help with the shedding of fur.
• Wash the washing machine. Mildew can build up around the door and the rubber gaskets. You may not realize the scent that lingers on your clothes from mold build-up in your washing machine.

Add Scent

The next step is to add scents that you like. You don’t have to overdo this, but consider these options for ways to add subtle fragrances to your home:

• Put baking soda and citrus into the garbage disposable.
• Simmer your favorite spices on the stove for a few minutes.
• Add eucalyptus leaves to your bath and shower.
• Purchase a room spray.
• Add a dryer sheet to the opposite side of the heating and cooling vent.
• Add scented candles throughout your home.
• Add tea leaves to litter boxes to absorb some of the odors.

Extra Tips

Now, consider a few ways to get instant improvement. Open the windows and allow fresh air to come into your home. Bake some cookies or bread for a warm, cozy scent. You may even want to use more indoor plants that can actually absorb some of those scents.

Don’t Feel Like Spending Your Time Cleaning?

That’s where our team comes in. Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for residential cleaning services and enjoy a fresh, clean-smelling home without all of the work.

Unexpected Places to Find Mold In Your Home

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is a very complicated organism. Most people think that mold is only present when areas are damp and dark. Under the sink or in the basement may seem like the only areas of risk. Although it is common in areas such as the basement and crawlspaces, it can also be lurking elsewhere, and always needs immediate attention.

Consider these tips to spot some of the other areas where mold may be lurking.

Common Areas for Mold Growth and Development

Mold occurs in areas that offer the sources of fuel it needs. This is typically areas where there is some moisture and warmth. Here are some areas where you may find it that should be examined on a routine basis.

• Window sills – Be sure to look around the edges of the window and the glass itself. It commonly builds up in areas exposed to the outdoors but can be in the framing around the window, too.
• Refrigerator drip pans – There’s a small drip pan located under your refrigerator. Be sure to check for this. Pull it out and empty it routinely.
• Attics – It can be hard to pinpoint mold in the attic, but look for sources of moisture, such as a leak or an area where condensation is built up.
• Front-loading washing machines – This has become a common problem because the doors tend to remain closed, making it hard for these surfaces to dry out.
• Chimneys – Typically due to leaks, it is always a good idea to inspect your chimney for signs of mold damage.
• Air conditioners – Your air conditioner can be at risk both in the outdoor condensers and the indoor units.
• Carpets – Carpeting in damp areas can trap in moisture, making it hard for you to see it. However, this creates the ideal place for mold to grow.
• Under the sink – Look under each one of your sinks. Look for areas of discoloration on the cabinetry and the wall.

There are a few other surprising areas where mold can be lurking. Check inside your toothbrush holder. Look at your children’s toys and in their toy boxes (a stray juice cup is all it takes to make this happen!). Look at the bases of potted plants. And, check your dishes, especially if you have not used them in a while.

Do You Have Mold? Let Our Team Clean It Up

Mold is highly dangerous, even if it looks easy enough to clean up. It’s best to allow a professional handle it in order to minimize the risk of it becoming airborne. If you find mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Vigo County at 812-242-9611 for fast, reliable help.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is on the horizon. It’s time to think about warm weather and outdoor fun, but also the increased risk of humidity and moisture build-up in your home. Excess indoor humidity can support mold growth and mildew spreading. It can also increase pest infestations and weaken your home’s structural integrity over time. Your goal should be to reduce and control humidity.

How to Tackle Humidity

When it comes to humidity, it’s ideal to keep the level between 30 and 50 percent. This provides enough to ensure personal comfort but doesn’t encourage mold growth. Humidity levels at this range can also benefit air quality and energy efficiency. Use these tips to help you control the amount of humidity present in your home.

1. Set your fan to automatic. Your HVAC system is ready to help you. By setting it to automatic, it turns on as soon as the temperatures rise out of the desired zone.
2. Add a dehumidifier to your home. A dehumidifier can be an affordable way to control particularly worrisome areas, such as basements, by pulling out excess moisture from the air.
3. Vent spaces properly. You should have an exhaust hood in the kitchen and vents in the bathrooms. This helps to pull out the moisture in those areas efficiently.
4. Pinpoint air leaks around your home. This is usually a problem around doors and windows, allowing air to enter and reducing efficiency.
5. Use houseplants in your home. They help to absorb extra moisture in the air. They can also help to improve overall air quality.
6. Place firewood outside of the home. This helps minimize any type of infestation and moisture buildup.
7. Cook with some focus on humidity. If you are boiling something, cover it to limit the amount of moisture that escapes into the area.
8. Improve circulation around the home by leaving doors open.
9. Keep wet clothing out of the home. If you have items like towels that are wet, be sure to wash them as soon as possible.

Let Us Help You Clean Away the Mold

When your home has been exposed to humidity for any given time, there’s the risk that mold and mildew are present. Allow our team at SERVPRO of Vigo County & Clay, Parke, Sullivan, & Vermillion Counties  to come to inspect and clean this away. Contact us today for a cleaning appointment.

HVAC Spring Cleaning Tips

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Springtime is the perfect time for HVAC maintenance. By putting a bit of maintenance into this system now, you may be able to avoid complications during the hot summer months. When you invest in this type of maintenance, it can extend the life of the equipment, saving you money on emergency repairs and replacement. And your home’s air will be cleaner as well.

How to Ensure Your HVAC System Is Ready

When it comes to preparing your HVAC system for rising seasonal temperatures, follow these simple tips:

1. Get filters cleaned
   Clean or change the HVAC filters on your system. It’s best to replace them at least once every two to three months or more often when pollen and dust levels are higher.
2. Remove dust from your home
   Minimize the amount of work your HVAC system must do by keeping your home dust-free. Don’t overlook the importance of cleaning your bathroom fans and exhaust fans in your kitchen. These can build up with debris over the colder months, too.
3. Have the ducts cleaned
   The ducts in your home are the metal pathways that cooled and heated air travel from the HVAC system to the various areas of your home. Dust can build up in these areas, creating a problem for your system. Have a professional clean the ducts now.
4. Inspect your windows and doors
   Small areas where air can get into the home through window and door leaks can cause problems for energy efficiency. They also let the dirt and debris in. Look around them to spot areas of potential concern –if you can see light or feel air, you know there’s a leak that needs attention.
5. Get professional HVAC cleaning
   It’s always best to have a professional handle your HVAC cleaning. A service check in the springtime is the best way to ensure all the electrical and mechanical components are working. This is also a good time for your team to ensure the Freon is filled and the outdoor condensers are properly cleaned.

Keep Your HVAC System in Good Shape with Our Help

SERVPRO of Vigo County  & Clay, Parke, Sullivan, & Vermillion Counties offers routine inspections and servicing for HVAC units. When you use our services, you benefit from eliminating offensive orders, reducing pollen and mold growth, and restoring peak energy efficiency to your home. Contact us for an appointment now.

How to Fight Pollen in Your Home

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Pollen strikes each spring, leaving you coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. As your car starts to get covered with the yellow stuff and your sinuses get backed up, it’s time to make a plan to keep your home pollen-free. These tips can help you minimize the risks.

Minimize Exposure of Your Car

When possible, park your car in the garage. This helps minimize the amount of pollen it’s exposed to during the day. If you can’t do this because you don’t have a garage, drive through the car wash as often as possible.

Keep the Shoes Outside

Anything with pollen on it should remain in the garage or outside of your home. You don’t want to bring it in on your shoes. Take off your coat or anything else with pollen on it in the doorway to avoid exposing the whole home.

Take a Shower

If you’ve spent enough time outdoors to attract a significant amount of pollen, assume it’s in your hair and on your skin. Take a shower, if possible, to get rid of as much of it as possible.

Avoid Getting It in Your Bedding

Pollen on your bed and pillows can be harmful to you because you’ll breathe it in for hours at a time. Wash your hair prior to going to bed, and take a shower if you have not done so previously.

Manage Your Pets, Too

Your pets are likely to bring in just as much pollen as you do. For that reason, you’ll want to keep them washed whenever they are spending time outdoors.

Minimize Interior Air Exposure

Keep the doors and windows closed, especially on high pollen days. You’ll want to minimize the amount of exposure to pollen.

Keep Surfaces Clean

Be sure to vacuum your home routinely. Empty the vacuum outside to minimize the spread of pollen again. You’ll also want to keep your porch areas clean to limit the amount of pollen brought into the home.

Avoid Bad Days

When the pollen count is high, stay inside. This is important if you are at a high risk for respiratory concerns.

Need Help Keeping Your Home Clean?

Pollen isn’t easy to clean, but we can help. SERVPRO of Vigo County  & Clay, Parke, Sullivan, & Vermillion Counties can help you keep your home clean with our residential cleaning services. We ease the burden of the constant cleaning and maintenance of your home, so you have a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is just around the corner. Traditionally, people feel the need to deep-clean their homes once they feel the warm air arrive and can open their windows to welcome the new season. There are many areas in your home that you will want to clean once begin tackling this spring-time chore. Here are a few tips to help you get started that you may not have considered.

Wash Your Curtains and Drapes

When you start your spring cleaning, one of the first things you should do is clean your window coverings. This includes blinds, shutters, curtains or drapes. This should be done early on in the process as dirt and dust from the coverings can fall to the floor below, so you don't want to clean your floor before the drapes.

Test Your Smoke Detectors

Another step that should be included in spring cleaning is testing your smoke detectors. Most detectors have a test button on them that allows you to ensure they are working. If they don't work, you probably just need to replace the batteries.

Replace Water and Air Filters

As part of your spring-cleaning checklist, be sure to replace water filters and air filters. Filters catch debris from water and air. When they get full, they cannot filter as effectively as they should. The filters should be routinely replaced to ensure that they can work efficiently.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer vent can easily become filled with lint and debris. Clean the dryer vent to help improve drying time and energy efficiency and also to prevent a fire. The vent inside your dryer should be cleaned with each load, but in the spring, you should check your exterior vent as well, making sure there is nothing accumulating in the tubing from the dryer to the outside.

Clean Your Grill

Once it begins to get warmer, people start thinking about cooking and eating outside. Now is the perfect time inspect your grill, refill your tanks if it is a gas grill, and clean all the cooking surfaces so it is ready to use when you want to make delicious meals.

Check Your Windows and Doors For Leaks

As you spring clean, take the time to check your windows and doors for leaks or air drafts. If you feel outdoor air seeping in, the seals may need to be replaced.

Check Your Plumbing for Leaks

Lastly, take the time to check your plumbing for leaks. Look for leaks under your sinks and for leaking faucets. If you notice any leaks, call in a plumber to make the needed repairs.

Are you looking to get your home clean for spring but lack the time to do it all yourself? Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we can help you with some of your cleaning needs. We offer many services including fire and water clean-up services, mold remediation, and routine house cleaning, including duct cleaning and carpet cleaning. Give us a call at 812-242-9611 so we can get started today.

How to Get Stains Off Walls

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

Stains or marks on a painted wall can make it look dirty and worn. Unfortunately, removing stains from a wall is not always easy. Some items do not easily lift from the wall, or worse, the paint may peel or flake off as you try to remove the stains. Here are four common items that may be on your walls – and the best way to get them off.

Dirt

Dirt is the most common item to be found on a wall. If your walls are looking dull or drab, you may want to thoroughly clean them to remove dirt. Fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt of liquid dish soap and grab a soft cloth. Wipe your walls down to remove dirt. If you simply have one dirty patch on your wall, a Magic Eraser can help you wipe away that dirt smear or spot.

Crayons

Kids do not always color where they should. They may see a wall as a giant canvas. Unfortunately, the wax in crayons makes it tough to remove. Luckily, toothpaste can cut through the wax and lift the color. Grab a white paste toothpaste and rub it into the crayon marks. As you do so, the crayon should lift away.

Kitchen Grease

Grease is common on kitchen walls. The easiest way to remove kitchen grease is to fill a bowl with warm water and a squirt of a grease-fighting liquid dish soap. Grab a soft cloth and dab at the spot with the soapy water. The soap should help to cut the grease, ultimately helping to remove the stain.

Permanent Marker

Permanent marker doesn’t have to be permanent on your walls. To remove permanent marker from a wall, dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and then dab at the ink spot until all of the stain has lifted. You may have to use multiple cotton balls to remove the stain.

Your walls should be routinely cleaned to remove dirt, dust, allergens and stains. But most people do not have the time to properly clean their walls. Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we can help you with your wall cleaning. Whether you have painted walls or wallpaper, we can properly clean your walls ensure they always look their best and are free of dirt and dust. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.

New Year, Clean Carpet

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again when the chances of getting your carpets dirty beyond the normal day-to-day pet accidents or kid spills increases with visiting guests and holiday parties. Here are some tips to clean up those unfortunate accidents before they take the joy right out of your seasonal, festive spirits.

When it comes to wine, consider serving white. Red can be particularly disastrous to light-colored carpeting. General rules for removing stains from rugs are to blot and not rub, which can ground the stain into the fibers. Here are some common household items and how they can help:

• Hydrogen peroxide can remove blood.
• Shaving cream is a great general stain remover.
• Ice can remove gum.
• Club soda is effective on beer and wine stains.
• Grease-cutting liquid dish soap removes grease stains.
• To remove wax from candles, place a white towel over and then heat with iron. Scrape the softened wax off with a butter knife.
• For candy stains, remove with a knife then follow with a sponge dipped in water and mild soap.

Pet Stains

Pets are most definitely not a carpet’s best friend. Cleaning urine up before it dries will help immensely. Once it is dry, the odor will set into the carpet fibers. Place a few layers of paper towels, or a towel, on the spot to absorb the urine. Stand on the towels to remove as much as possible. Follow with a solution of 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Place the mixture into a clean spray bottle and spritz over the area. Let dry for about 10 minutes, then blot with a soft, dry cloth. For heavier stains, cover the stain with baking soda. Then pour a mixture of even parts vinegar and water on the spot, letting it dry for a few minutes and then blotting it up with a cloth.

The acid in pet vomit can stain quickly, so again, wipe up ASAP. Remove as much as possible with paper towels or a hand towel then blot with a clean, dry towel. Prepare a solution of 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and ½ cup vinegar. Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and apply to the soiled area. You may need to reapply and blot the solution a few times, depending on the severity of the stain. Once it is gone, remove the cleaner by placing a cloth dipped in clean water over the area and blot dry.

Odors

While family members enjoy deep, plush carpets underfoot, one of the drawbacks is they are absorbent and like to hold onto smells from spills, pet accidents and smoking. If your carpet smells bad, you may not have to replace it. A bit of extra attention and some common products most people have stocked in their households may take the offending odors away.

That wonderful cure-all that comes in the little gold box works wonders all over the house and is particularly useful for removing odors from your carpet. If a stain has left a lingering odor, try sprinkling baking soda on it and letting it sit. After a few hours, vacuum it, and hopefully, the offending aroma, right out of your rug.

Ramp up the purifying power of baking soda with some Borax, mixing them in equal amounts.

Smoke Odors

Pervasive smoking odors can be broken down by setting out separate bowls filled with ammonia and white vinegar. Do not mix the liquids because it will create a harmful gas. Allow the bowls to sit out in the room for 24 hours, then sprinkle the carpet with baking soda and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it up. Follow with a steam cleaner, filled with distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic cleaner that kills bacteria and removes tar and resin odors.

These do-it-yourself tips for removing stains from your carpets may help with some of the bothersome stains and odors that come from everyday wear-and-tear. But if they don’t, or when you are ready to get your carpets off to a fresh start for the new year, give us a call at (812) 242-9611.We can provide you with a professional, deep clean!

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us when you need help in getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Does Your Humidifier Cause Mold?

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

In many parts of the country, the cold winter months can remove moisture from the air, both outdoors and in our heated homes. This can lead to dry, and uncomfortably itchy skin as well as irritated nasal passages. Many homeowners find relief using a humidifier to add moisture back into their home air. But the use of portable humidifiers, which are prone to mold growth, always begs the question: are they helping or hurting your health?

One of the biggest concerns about indoor air quality in recent years, has linked mold, indoor humidity and chronic sinusitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, 96 percent of chronic sinusitis can be traced to a mold allergy. In previous years, it was thought humidity levels of 50 percent were ideal for sinus health, but that ratio has now been lowered to between 35 and 45 percent.

Another practice that is thankfully on the wane, is the practice of having cool-mist humidifiers in the rooms where children sleep. Increasing moisture to rooms of the very young carry the risk of generating high microbial and mold counts, which can cause several health issues, including asthma.

5 Humidifier Mistakes to Avoid

In an effort to relieve your dryness symptoms, you may cause greater health issues through the use of a humidifier. Here are some mistakes you want to avoid:

1. Ignoring the humidity level achieved
2. Allowing humidity to climb too high
3. Not cleaning the humidifier properly or frequently enough
4. Using tap water instead of recommended distilled, demineralized or purified water
5. Letting water stand too long before changing it and cleaning machine

Breeding Grounds

Humidifiers are essentially breeding grounds for bacterial and fungi. According to the EPA, microorganisms often grow in humidifiers that are equipped with tanks of standing water. When the water becomes contaminated, it then creates a toxic mist that gets sprayed around the room. Breathing in this dirty air can cause a number of health problems, including:

• Lung problems
• Lung infections
• Risk of asthma
• Sinusitis
• Allergies

The use of humidifiers is banned in hospitals because of the tendency to spread infections.

Mold Growth

It doesn’t take much for mold to begin growing. A home with humidity levels of 50 percent encourages mold growth. And humidifier use can quickly elevate moisture levels above that rate. Too much moisture in the air can set the perfect stage for fungus growth in your home’s carpets and walls.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We specialize in water damage and mold-damage restoration. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Holiday Fire Risks

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Christmas Trees

One in every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. Be careful about the placement of the tree in your home, as well as lights and decorations that could potentially ignite. Always keep a close eye on the tree when it is lighted, and follow these safety measures:

• Buy quality lights with a safety rating
• Never use old lights with frayed cords
• Use heavy-duty, safety-rated extension cords
• Don’t overload your electrical outlets with too many plugs
• Do not leave your tree lighted when you are sleeping or not at home
• Place tree safely away from heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces
• Do not let anyone smoke near the tree
• Keep the tree hydrated with plenty of water

Candles

Sure, candles provide a certain ambience and can fill you home with wonderful aromas, but open flames can present a huge fire risk. The incidence of candle fires is four times higher during December than other months. If you use candles, never leave them unattended while lighted. Keep them far away from any curtains, bedding, kitchen items such as pot holders or dishcloths, or towels in a bathroom, to prevent a high flame from igniting nearby fabric. Also keep them away from open windows and doors to avoid the chance of a gust of wind knocking them over.

Children and Pets

Pay particular attention to young children and pets who can inadvertently topple lighted candles, ornaments and trees while playing. Keep lighted candles elevated so they do not have access. As children get a little older and curious, make sure matches and lighters are kept out of reach. Purchasing child-safety lighters is a good preventive measure. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a room with a lighted candle. Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles to be on the safe side. These can provide extra peace of mind during the busiest days of the holiday season when a lot of people are in your home, and you are busy cooking or talking with guests.

Keep the joy in your holidays by making sure you decorate, cook and entertain safely this season.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, area. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your needs following disasters and accidents in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

How to Prepare for a Flood

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. In recent months, we have seen tragic and devastating flooding in southern states hit by hurricanes. This destruction happens so quickly, impacting not only property and nature, but also human life. While we cannot prevent natural disasters, we can prepare our families and properties for them. Having a plan in place and a planned evacuation route can help to minimize the impact of natural disasters. Your family should be aware of your plan, what their role is, and what to do if you become separated. Make sure you have flood insurance, particularly if you live in high-risk flood areas. Traditional homeowner’s insurance may not provide flood coverage.

Be Prepared to Remain in Your Home

If you remain in your home you need to take measures to protect your family and pets as well as the infrastructure and your belongings.

• If you remain in your home, you need to prepare all the food, water and supplies you will need for at least a week’s time.
• Follow local media for up-to-date information and heed emergency broadcasts
• Store valuables that you cannot take with you in waterproof bags or containers on the second-story level of your residence.
• Reduce the risk to your residence by unplugging and elevating utilities (such as portable heaters or air conditioners mounted close to the floor) as much as possible. For waterproof basements, be certain the sump pump is operational, clear debris from gutters and downspouts, and secure fuel tanks. Elevate or relocate furniture when possible. Make sure valuables and important documents are stored on the second story of your home.

If You Need to Depart Your Home

• Keep a “go bag” of emergency supplies at the ready that you can grab at a moment’s notice containing food, clothing and supplies for your family for a minimum of 3 days.
• Evacuate before floodwaters threaten your area
• Have a planned evacuation route and follow directions from authorities
• Do not enter flooded areas in a vehicle or on foot, as both can easily be swept away in flash floods of only a few inches of water
• Listen and follow emergency broadcast directions and alerts.

The Five Ps of Evacuation

Build your kit to depart you home with in case of emergency by considering the Five Ps of Evacuation:

1. People - and if possible, pets or other animals
2. Prescriptions along with medical equipment and devices
3. Papers or digital copies of important documents, including your identification for all family members, and insurance information.
4. Personal Needs – such as clothing, food, water, cash, digital devices, chargers and cash
5. Priceless Items –irreplaceable things such as family photos and heirlooms

Emergency Notifications

Listen to and heed all emergency notifications from the National Weather Service and local authorities. Know the difference between what they mean:

1. Flood Watch – means flooding is possible and you should be prepared to evacuate to higher ground upon short notice.
2. Flood Warning – means flooding is occurring or is imminent. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
3. Flash Flood Watch – means flash flooding is possible. You should leave or be prepared to leave on short notice.
4. Flash Flood Warning – means a flash flood is occurring or about to happen. Seek higher ground immediately.

Don’t wait until your family is in a crisis situation and facing an impending flood. Plan now, get prepared, and make sure your entire family understands the plan and the actions they may need to take to remain safe. Knowing your have prepared will help you rest easier and keep your family safe should an emergency scenario develop.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. so we are part of this community too. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help in getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Thanksgiving Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

As family and friends come together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, food is, of course, a big focus. This yearly feast means kitchens are placed in overdrive. It’s a chaotic time that calls for being aware and alert, as Thanksgiving has the dubious distinction of being the peak day for home cooking fires. Make sure you and your loved ones, as well as your property, remain safe this holiday.

Steps You Can Take to Protect from Kitchen Fires

• Be Proactive– by testing the batteries in all your smoke, fire and CO2 alarms to make sure they are operational. Keep your oven and stovetop clean and grease-free. Do not leave combustible materials like oven mitts or dishtowels near a hot oven or stove. Do not allow young children to get near stoves and ovens. Always have a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach in the kitchen.
• Be Attentive – never leave cooking food on the stove unattended. If you have food in the oven and want to step into another room, make sure to set a timer. Keep pot and pan handles turned so they cannot be knocked over as people pass by. Keep electric appliance cords dangling off counters, along and with knives that could be grabbed by children. If you use candles, make sure they are kept well out of reach of children or breezes that could topple them over. Never leave them unattended. On more hectic holidays, consider using battery-powered candles to keep everyone safe and sound. If food ignites, throw baking soda on it or cover it with a pot cover.

Be Cautious When Deep-Frying a Turkey

Some people claim to like the taste of deep-fried turkey better than the more traditional oven cook. If you chose to cook your turkey this way, make sure to follow safety measures.

If a fire starts in your home, quickly call 911, after you and your family members and pets have safely evacuated. Do not return to the dwelling for any reason. Let the professionals take it from there when they arrive.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. so we are part of this community too. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help in getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Common Causes of House Fires

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

House fires are devastating and often tragic to human and pet life, in addition to causing smoke and water damage to property. But house fires are traditionally caused by just a few very common scenarios, which means they are highly preventable. Make sure you and your family stay safe from the potential dangers of a house fire.

Major Culprits
In 2016, fire departments responded to a house fire every 90 seconds. Here are some of the leading causes of home fires:

1. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. It is the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Unattended cooking is the primary cause of such fires and frying poses the greatest risk of fire.
2. Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths and has been for decades. Smoking materials account for the fifth largest cause of house fires overall.

Always take extra precautions against these common causes of house fires to keep your home and family safe from harm:

• Kitchen fires are most often started by grease from frying. When a pot or pan overheats and splatters grease, it can take virtually just seconds for a fire to erupt. Make sure combustible materials such as oven mitts, dish towels, and paper towels are not located near the stove or oven, where they can easily catch fire. Always have an operating fire extinguisher in the kitchen so you can effectively douse any flames before they get out of control. Never leave food cooking on a stove unattended.
• Candles should never be left unattended. They should be kept in sturdy, heat-safe holders on a stable surface. They should be kept away from children, pets and any flammable materials like curtains, furniture, and carpeting. Also, they should not be located near an open window because a breeze could tip them over.
• Electrical fires occur mostly during winter months and typical are caused by home-heating equipment or faulty electrical wiring in a home, particularly out-of-date systems. Make sure your heating equipment is clear of any combustible materials and in good working order. If you live in an older home, check with an electrician to make sure your system is up to code and the load demand is not too intense. Discard any frayed or old cords. Be particularly careful with space heaters and never leave them unattended while in operation.
• Children are curious and can cause a fire by playing with matches or lighters. Make sure these items are safely stored well out of their reach. Only buy child-resistant lighters.
• Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of house fire fatalities. If you smoke inside your home, use a large and deep tray that is cleaned daily. A smoking cigarette butt can be left smoldering for hours before igniting a fire. Never smoke in bed or when tired and never leave a lit cigarette unattended.

Fire Prevention Week
The devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1911, that caused 250 deaths, led to the creation of the annual Fire Prevention Week from October 3rd to 9th. Sponsored by the National Fire Prevention Association, this week helps to raise awareness of fire safety and prevention. Take some time to brush up on your fire education during the month of October.

If Your Home is on fire, families should have an emergency plan in place, with all members on board, with a planned escape route. If there is an active fire in your home that has not been immediately controlled, everyone should exit the home immediately. Call 911 once you are clear of the structure. Under no circumstances should you re-enter a burning home. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and allow them to do what they are trained to do.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally-owned and -operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs, so we are part of this community, too. We have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Incoming Water from Ceiling

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

Water removal in the hallway

After a severe thunderstorm passed through Spring Hill, water poured in to the roof of this residence. The wind had torn off shingles and allowed rain water to flood into the home. 

The entire upstairs of this residence including the walls, ceiling, and floor sustained large amounts of water.  We were able to get on site to being immediately extracting all of the standing water.

The hardwood was saturated beyond repair and the ceiling had collapsed leaving drywall and insulation debris scattered everywhere. After several days of drying and cleaning SERVPRO of Vigo County was at a point that repairs could begin.

It's never fun when disaster strikes, but we are always here to get your home or business back to pre-existing condition.

Water Pipe Gone Crazy in New Goshen Home

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

Fixed pipe under sink

After a small piece ruptured from this kitchen sink causing water to flow through this homeowners house, our office was contacted after hours.

A plumber was on the way to fix the pipe and the local Insurance Agent recommended that the customer call us here at SERVPRO of Vigo County to do the water damage cleanup.

We were able to get water extracted, removed the toe kick from the cabinets to allow air flow and then set drying equipment.

Our team works closely with local agents and adjusters to assure that homeowners are taken care of as soon as possible so that their lives are as minimally impacted as possible.

This homeowner was very pleased at how quickly we responded and even asked us to do the repairs after the structure was dry.

Why does mold grow on a water damage?

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold restoration in Vigo County

Mold will grow where there is water present. In this case it was from a leaking shower. The mold showed up and the homeowner was very worried.

A leaking shower caused this bathroom and bedroom to be completely restored. After finding out their shower was leaking behind the wall and there was visible growth the homeowner was devastated and did not think her home of 45 years could be restored.

Removing Mold and Restoring Homes

We removed all the moldy materials from the home and replaced the damaged parts with new materials.

At the end of the restoration the homeowner stated:"I am so glad I had SERVPRO of Vigo County come out and get things taken care of. They were all a very friendly bunch of hardworking guys."

Tips and Tricks for Preventing Mold Growth

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

If you’re looking to protect your business in Terre Haute, IN, one of the best things you can do is take preventative steps. Even before the building incurs any sort of water damage, there are various things you can do to keep mold out before it has a chance to wreak havoc on your building. Here are three main steps to take:

1. Repair and Clean Gutters.

Clogged gutters are common culprits of mold growth. Leaves and other debris can block the water flow and cause it to spill over the sides. It can then stream onto the building below and in through foundation cracks, causing water damage. Once moisture leaks into the building, mold can develop over the next 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the number of trees near the building, you may want to clean your building’s gutters several times a year.

2. Watch the Indoor Humidity.

Another mold prevention technique is to keep the humidity inside the building low. Ideally, the humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent. To measure the humidity, you may want to invest in an inexpensive humidity meter. If your business uses appliances that produce moisture, such as stoves and clothes dryers, make sure to vent them to the outside if possible. If your building has a high humidity level, you can also use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to bring that level down. If your business involves stoves or dishwashers, you can use exhaust fans or open windows.

3. Prevent Condensation.

Buildup of condensation on windows can be a trigger for mold growth. Window condensation is a sign that your building is not properly ventilated. If you notice your windows sweating, quickly dry the surface to prevent water damage to the surrounding area. A simple trick to combat this is to just open the windows a little. If you can’t do this, turn on a fan or increase the air temperature.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to mold growth. Use these tips to keep any fungus from forming inside your commercial building.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

What Does It Mean for a Company To Be Certified in Mold Cleanup?

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

What Does It Mean for a Company To Be Certified in Mold Cleanup?

When you have a mold problem in your Terre Haute, IN, home, you need to act quickly. If you don't already have a residential mold remediation team, you need to find a reliable company. As you search for a professional, you may find that some companies are certified mold cleaners while others aren't. Is this certification simply justification for a company to charge you more money? Actually, working with a certified mold remediation crew can be a big benefit for you.

Expert Knowledge

A mold certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Cleaning means the professionals have proven knowledge of mold remediation and cleanup. The crew would have passed a test proving they understand mold cleanup, which encompasses the following:

• How to contain a colony
• How to meet legal requirements
• How to use safety gear to reduce contamination
• How to find hidden mold growth

When you work with a certified team, you can feel confident that they will know how to get the job done correctly.

Insurance-Provider Approved

Not only can you feel confident working with a company that has certified mold knowledge, but your insurance provider may also feel better about the situation. Depending on your policy, some of the mold damage remediation may be covered by your insurance. This means you need to follow the stringent guidelines set up by the provider to ensure the work can be reimbursed. Insurance providers prefer working with companies that are certified in mold cleanup because they know the right steps are being taken to address the fungus growth.

State Approved

Some companies in this industry may work without a proper state license. This may allow them to charge less money for the remediation, but it also means you may be legally and financially liable should anything go wrong. In order to become certified, a company has to be properly licensed.

Going through the cleanup process after discovering fungus growth can be hard. When you work with a certified mold expert, however, you can feel confident that you're getting sound advice and service.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Crucial Personal Protection Gear for Mold Cleanup

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to the cleanup of mold, you want to be sure that everyone involved in cleaning has the proper protective gear to wear. This is important because mold spores are easy to spread around or inhale. If you are dealing with mold growth at your commercial facility, make sure that you listen to the instructions of your Terre Haute, IN, remediation professionals and that any workers have access to what they need to do the job efficiently.

There are a handful of things that the experts use to protect themselves as they gear up for cleaning:

• Eye protection
• Nose and mouth protection
• Skin protection

Protecting the Eyes

One of the most important things to keep safe during cleanup is the eyes. In some cases, a respirator will be sufficient for this. However, if workers are not using a full-face version, they should have goggles. Mold can make eyes itchy and red, so make sure they are safe while cleaning. Goggles can also keep out any chemicals from cleaning products.

Protecting of the Nose and Mouth

Having proper protection for the mouth and nose is also critical. That means a respirator. An N-95 mask will keep out most particles and ensure workers' safety during cleaning. However, an N-99 mask is an even better option, if available. Reusable and disposable masks are available for purchase.

Protecting the Skin

There are a few different things needed to protect skin from mold. Disposable gloves fitted to the workers' hands are important. Hair covers and shoe covers may also be used. A disposable Tyvek suit will take care of the rest. If you are in the area yourself, make sure you wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and immediately wash the clothes after leaving the cleaning area.

Professional mold remediation experts know the proper equipment needed to protect themselves from this fungus. Make sure to listen to their recommendations and provide what is needed for your own workers to keep everyone safe as your facility is cleaned.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

3 Tips To Troubleshoot Your Irrigation System

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

An irrigation system can be a convenient way to keep a happy, healthy lawn or garden, but sometimes even the best sprinkler system needs a little maintenance. Irrigation problems can be more than just a headache. Left unchecked, they can cause serious flooding damage. With warmer weather heading to Terre Haute, IN, now may be a great time to ensure your sprinklers are working optimally.

1. Clear the Terrain

Start with the simplest solution: Check to make sure there are no rocks or debris causing irrigation problems. Tree roots, rocks and other debris can get stuck in your irrigation line or solenoids.

2. Check the Pressure

If you notice your sprinklers are barely shooting any water, low-pressure could be the culprit. This is commonly due to a loose valve or loose solenoid. In many cases, you can remedy this by making sure the valves near your backflow device are fully open. If not the valves, you may have a leak or a crushed pipe.

3. Get in the Zone

An irrigation system is usually divided into zones. The zones should have an electrical valve that controls the sprinkler heads. If a zone is malfunctioning, the issue could be as simple as making sure the valves are open. It’s common for valves to accidentally close due to human error or pressure from roots wrapping around pipes.

Sometimes a zone problem is electrical. In that case, check your timer or controller. To do this, you should use a volt meter to test out the wiring. If you’re not getting a reading of 24 volts, then the problem is likely your timer. To solve a timer malfunction, fix your wiring. If the zone is getting power, the issue could be a faulty solenoid. Solenoids are susceptible to both corrosion and debris, which can keep the valves open. Clearing debris can fix the problem. However, when corrosion is the culprit, it’s often best to replace the solenoid entirely.

It’s normal to need more help. If you’re still not able to identify the issue with your irrigation system, or you experience flooding, you can always work with a water cleanup specialist.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Signs of Mold in Your Home

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about their home being infested by mold, but it does happen. Whether you discover the mold yourself or get the dreaded news from an indoor environmental specialist in Terre Haute, IN, who has performed a mold test, you will want to have the mold removed. How do you know you have mold, though?

Trust Your Senses

You may know that your home has mold by relying on your senses of smell and sight. If there is a musty odor in a particular area in your home that you cannot seem to overcome, it is likely that there is mold growth in the area. If you see something dark growing in a place it does not belong, such as on a wall or on your carpet, you may have a mold problem. An indoor environmental specialist can help you remediate anything that resembles the following:

• Dark, fuzzy patches
• Black stains in a damp area
• Black, white, green, brown or orange flakes

Follow the Moisture

Since mold needs a wet environment to thrive, any place in your home that experiences water damage is potentially at risk for mold growth. Mold can hide under floorboards and inside walls. Whether the excess moisture comes from something as simple as an overflowed toilet or as extensive as flooding from a storm, water damage can appear as warped, buckling surfaces, and these damaged areas are a breeding ground for mold. You might also notice discoloration on the walls, which can be a sign of a nasty mold problem behind them.

There are many ways to know that you have a mold problem that needs to be eradicated. An indoor environmental specialist in Terre Haute, can help you uncover the problems you cannot see or smell yourself. The sooner you find mold, the less it will spread and the sooner you can get rid of it.

For more information, visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com.

Vigo County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today SERVPRO of Vigo County – (812) 242-9611

Terre Haute House Fire

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Call us for your house fire needs.... we can make it "Like it never even happened!" SERVPRO of Vigo County 812-242-9611

Furnace caught fire with no one home resulting in a house engulfed with flames as the fire department arrived. Homeowner stated that when she arrived "he thought there was no way it would be back to new without tearing it completely down."

SERVPRO of Vigo County was called in to making it "Like it never even happened."

After fixing the house back to new and having vandalism damage during the process of putting it back to new not once but twice. The customer is back in the home and very happy with the whole process.

Customer stated that even though it took longer than expected due to the two vandalisms, he was very happy with how everything turned out in the end. He stated that he would use our services again if it ever would to happen hat he would need them.

Have Mold? Call SERVPRO of Vigo County

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Vigo County (812) 242-9611

IICRC

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

IICRC CERTIFIED SERVPRO Of Vigo County

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

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of VIGO County

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Vigo County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

1/31/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Vigo County & CPSV specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (812) 242-9611

Does your Vigo,Clay, Sullivan, Parke, or Vermillion County home have a mold problem?

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

CALL SERVPRO OF VIGO TODAY: 812-242-9611