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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Snow Storms and How They Can Affect Your Home

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Snow not only can affect things when it accumulates, such as slick roads, frozen pipes, and low visibility. It can also cause trouble when it starts to melt as well. When snow melts it can not only cause a slushy, muddy mess, but it can damage your home. Here are a few ways to help prevent damage to your home as snow starts to melt: 

  1. Clean snow and debris from ground drains and gutters. 
  1. Ice and compact snow can create dams that keep water from draining. 
  1. Consider where snow will go when it melts. 
  1. When shoveling snow on your property, think about which direction it will drain when it melts.  
  1. Remove large accumulations of snow from areas where it could melt and enter your home.  
  1. Shovel snow away from the outer edges of your home. Something to consider is, if snow builds up around your house and begins to melt the water may seep into any existing cracks in your foundation, leading to basement flooding. If the temperature drops below freezing once water has entered those cracks, the water will expand as it turns to ice, and that expansion could lead to even further cracking. 
  1. Know what’s covered by your insurance policy. 
  1. Not all household water damage is treated alike – freezing pipes may be evaluated differently than seeping snow. Read your insurance policy carefully and call your local, independent insurance agent to determine what’s covered. SERVPRO is here to help! 

If you do incur a loss inside your home because of melting snow, it’s important to take quick action. At the first sign of dampness inside your home, call immediately for professional help before long-term damage sets in. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (316) 260-9011. 

Tools of the Trade

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

air mover and thermal camera Pictured is a protimeter, carpet probe, air mover, and a thermal camera.

Being a leader in the restoration industry means that our tools have to be able to keep up with our practice. SERVPRO is constantly looking to improve our efficiency on the job by continuing to provide upgraded equipment that streamlines the restoration process. We have amazing employees that work hard and are highly trained and the best way to support them is to give them the tools they need to get the job done.

Here are some of our most used tools in the business and what they do:

Air Mover:

The Air Mover is our classic fan that we use on almost every water loss. In combination with our dehumidifier the fan speeds up the drying process significantly. When we put all the measurements of the affected area into our drying program it calculates the optimal amount of Air Movers needed to get the job done.

Dehumidifier:

Our Dehumidifier does what it says, removes humidity from the air by creating and adding heat. When you are trying to dry an area the more humidity the longer it is going to take. Our dehumidifiers pump out around 100-degree air at 12-20% humidity which is very helpful to drying when your typical water damage is at around 60-80% on day 1. Our dehumidifiers work by having a refrigeration inside which forces the water in the air to condense inside the dehumidifier in the reservoir and the heat that is lost by the water from the condensation is then used by the dehumidifier as heat that is exhausts back into the room.

Protimiter:

The protimeter is the tool we use to measure the moisture content on walls, hardwood/tile flooring, and even furniture. Often times surfaces cand look dry, and even feel dry and still be extremely saturated.

Thermal Cameras:

Thermal cameras can help us clearly see the temperature differences where water may still be affecting an areas. This is very helpful with tall walls and ceilings.

Carpet Probes:

When your carpet gets wet sometimes it is hard to tell, as the water absorbs from area to the next some area may be more saturated. The carpet probe is a tool that helps us determine what areas are wet. The carpet probe is essentially a broken circle and if the carpet is wet enough that it is able to duct the charge and finish the circuit.

Laser Measure:

When we go into your property to assess the damages we take measurements to help with our sketches of the rooms that were affected. A laser measure quickly takes measurements without the use of a standard tape measure.

Let SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita be your go-to restoration company. If your home or property is affected by a water loss we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (316) 260-9011.

What is the IICRC?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Industries. The knowledge they provide allows SERVPRO to advance their education and continue to be a leader in the restoration industry. They offer over 20 different certifications, below are a few of the certifications we hold here at SERVPRO: 

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician 
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician 
  • CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician 
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program 
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician 
  • IICRC Certified Firm 
  • JTC - Journeyman Textile Cleaner 
  • OCT - Odor Control Technician 
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation 
  • UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician 
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician 

Having a company you can trust is so important, when you go through a stressful and emotional time during your loss you want a company that is knowledgeable and trained to get the job done efficiently. Being an IICRC certified firm means we can give you the confidence to call us when disaster strikes. We are a 24-hour emergency service and will quickly respond. To contact our office for a non-emergency service such as a mold inspection, duct cleaning, or carpet cleaning, or to reach our emergency line for a water loss, call (316) 260-9011.  

What is Kennel Cough and How SERVPRO Can Help

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

two dogs in a kennel Give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call if you need a quote to disinfect your home or business (316) 260-9011.

Kennel cough is a very contagious upper-respiratory infection caused by bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) that is spread through saliva and/or air borne particles, either through direct contact or through exposure to surfaces that an infected dog has had contact with. Kennel Cough is the most common upper respiratory infection of dogs of all ages. It is most often identified by a persistent hacking, gagging, or unproductive cough. Some dogs may even experience low energy, decreased appetite, or may be asymptomatic but still contagious.  

Any one of these common situations can put your dog at increased risk for Kennel Cough: 

  • Dog park visits 
  • Vet visits 
  • Grooming 
  • Day Care 
  • Boarding 
  • Multi-dog households 
  • Training Classes 
  • Daily walks or contact with other dogs 
  • Chronic heart or lung disease 
  • Compromised Immune System 
  • Commercial transport 
  • Recent adoption from shelter, rescue  
  • Pet store visits 

How Can SERVPRO Help? 

SERVPRO has their own professional cleaning products we use, SERVPROXIDE is designed to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and mold on hard surfaces and is an effective sanitizer for soft surfaces. It carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating making it safe for everyday use. This is especially helpful for business such as shelters, and vets where they may have been affected. Give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call if you need a quote to disinfect your home or business (316) 260-9011.  

Rodent Health Risks

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

mouse in attic in wichita ks Give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call (316) 260-9011.

It's hard to stay healthy during the winter, we are constantly fighting the common cold, the flu, and now covid. One thing most people don't think about this time of year is the threat posed by rodents to both our health and property. During colder months, mice and rats are on the hunt for food, and warmth. This means they are often entering homes and businesses and can go unnoticed for quite some time. Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. every winter, and an infestation can cause more than just some property damage, mice and rat feces can cause hazardous bacteria to spread. When the fecal matter of a mouse or rat dries it can become extremely dangerous to those who breathe it in. Some of the most common and sometimes deadly diseases or viruses are listed below: 

Hantavirus 

Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by rodents-primarily, the white-footed deer mouse. People become infected through exposure or inhalation of infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, and the chances increase when people are near spaces where rodents are actively living. 

Bubonic Plague 

Also known as the "Black Death", the Plague is a highly contagious and often deadly disease notorious for killing one-third of the European population during the Middle Ages. Plague is usually spread by the bite of an infected rodent flea and can cause fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes. 

Salmonellosis 

Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning spread by rodent feces, especially through the consumption of contaminated food. 

Rat-Bite Fever 

Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a potentially fatal infectious disease spread by infected rodents or the consumption of food contaminated by rodents. The CDC says that symptoms usually occur 3-10 days after exposure to an infected source and include fever, vomiting, headaches, rash, and muscle pain. 

Not only can rodents in your home cause health effects they can also destroy your home. They can tear through insulation and chew through drywall, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita can not only remove your infested insulation but we can remove the feces and sanitize so you don’t have to worry about any bacterial diseases effecting your home. We use HEPA grade vacuums, EPA registered disinfectant and will also deodorize the area.  

Give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call if your home or business has experienced a possible infestation (316) 260-9011.  

How To Prevent Dryer Fires

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

dryer vent Give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call to clean out your dryer vents (316) 260-9011.

Dryer fires are responsible for a large number of home fires each year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2014-2018, local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 13,820 home structure fires per year in which dryers were involved in the ignition. These fires caused an average of seven civilian deaths, 344 civilian injuries, and $233 million in direct property damage annually.

Not all dryer fires start the same, mechanical, and electrical failure is one-way, faulty wiring and damaged appliances can potentially cause a dryer fire. Improper use can also be a factor, such as overstuffing the dryer, items that should not be put in a dryer, and items that have warnings that advise to not dry with heat. For example, a mat in your home with a rubber back could potentially cause a fire. The most common cause of a dryer fire is clogged vents, ducts, and filters. The buildup of lint on the filter, as well as the outside vent can also become clogged, which inhibits airflow and can lead to dangerous conditions.

Here are a few tips on preventing a dryer fire:

  • Make sure it is properly installed
  • Clean the lint screen after each use
  • Clean the vent and duct periodically
  • Have your dryer routinely inspected

We offer dryer vent cleanings as one of our services which can help prevent fires started by your dryer. If your home experiences a fire, give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call. We can help you through the process of getting your home back to normal (316) 260-9011.

The Most Common Sources of Water Damage

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

main water line leak Let us be your emergency contact (316) 260-9011.

Water damages occur in so many ways that sometimes it feels like water could come in for any reason. Since SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita is called on daily to help with water damages we have seen a lot of examples of water intrusions and their causes. No matter what the cause of your water damage is it is always important to know where your water shut off is, to have towels or another absorbent material on hand and to move any furniture or items out of the area of water damage to prevent further damage.

 In this post we are going to go over some of the move common sources of water damage and things you can do to prevent them from happening or minimize the effect if something goes wrong.

Take these tips into account when dealing with any kind of water based loss. One tip you can always employ is when you leave your house empty for several days turn off the main water supply to your home. It may save you a huge headache.

Causes of a water loss:

  • Broken pipe
    • Turn off water supply immediately after finding a loss
    • Sometimes if you notice a large spike in your water bill that might indicate a broken pipe in a crawlspace or an area which you normally do not go around
    • Keep the broken part of the pipe after it has been fixed
  • Appliance water supply or drain line
    • Many times after moving into a new home or buying a new appliance installation of the water features of an appliance cause water damage
    • Take extra care to check the installation of supplies and drains
  • Water supply line to toilet
    • Changing out the plastic supply line for a metal braided line is something that could have prevent many water losses we see.
  • Water supply line to washing machine
    • Similar to the appliance installation make sure both the supply and drain are properly installed
    • Opting to use a metal braided line may prevent a water loss entirely
    • Make sure the drain lines are secured, many losses are caused by a drain line coming out of or loss from the drain line connected to the home
  • Broken sump pump
    • Having a new sump pump ready to swap out in case your current one breaks can prevent a huge loss from happening especially during a storm event when many pumps might be sold out.
    • Have a water based back-up pump in case you lose electricity. The water pressure is not affected by the loss of electricity and will continue to work.
  • Water coming in from the outside
    • This can be addressed with improving the drainage from your home to move as much water away from your home as possible
    • The easiest thing to do is to add gutter extensions
    • Check this blog for all the steps you can take to protect your home

If you are concerned about any kind of moisture intrusion in your home feel free to call us for a free inspection where we utilize all of our restoration tools to examine your home. Our 24/7 emergency line is (316) 260-9011.

Space Heater Safety Tips

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

space heater Combustible's can cause a risk of fire if they come in contact with a unit's electric heating element or too-hot surface.

Space heaters caused 81% of civilian deaths involving heating equipment according to NFPA. Nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February. With the cold winter months approaching many Kansans will look to space heaters to heat certain rooms in their home and avoid high electric or gas bills. In order to minimize the risk of fires caused by space heaters here are some practices you can keep top of mind to keep your home safe. 

  1. Never leave a portable heater running unattended, unplug when not in use.
  2. Assure that there is at least 3 feet of distance in all directions where there is nothing combustible.
  3. Regularly inspect the portable heater to assure it is working safely and effectively.
  4. Frequently, clean and maintain the heater to reduce dust or dirt build up.

If you do experience a fire don’t hesitate to give us a call. We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is considerably less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita is dedicated to getting you back to your preloss conditions, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- including holidays (316) 260-9011.

Storm Damage Tips

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

storm damage in wichita ks Call SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita if your home or business experience's a loss after a storm (316) 260-9011.

Kansas Weather is always unpredictable, snow, rain, tornadoes you name it. When a storm comes through and causes damage inside and outside your home or business it can be hard to know what to do.  Do you stay put until the storm is completely over, or do you try to get out and get to safety? To help you figure out the best thing to do in a delicate situation, here are a few storm tips.

STORM TIPS

After any severe storm, your main concern should always be the safety of yourself and others.

Ask yourself the following questions to decide if you should stay:

  • Is it safe to stay in the home? 
  • Is there water damage that is affecting the walls or ceilings?
  • Are there any fall hazards or electrical hazards?

When not to stay in your home during a storm event:

When a storm rolls through and affects your home, most often we think it is safer to stay in the home until it passes, or help arrives. Sometimes the affects on the home can be more dangerous then facing the elements. What should you look for in your home to know if you should evacuate?

These storm tips may help: 

  • If your roof is compromised and caving in or materials are falling, it’s time to evacuate your home. 
  • If any part of the home’s electrical wiring is exposed and touching water, it’s time to evacuate.  
  • If any part of inside your home is exposed to the elements and the storm is still active, it’s time to evacuate, especially when there is lightening.

If you are in a situation where you must choose between staying in a damaged home or going out into the storm, you need to think carefully and act fast. Consider the storm tips above to make the best decision for you and your family. Remember SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita if your home is affected and know that we will be on site as soon as it is safe to get you back to your preloss conditions.

Wet VS Dry Smoke Damage in Your Wichita Home

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

smoke damage in your wichita home Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (316) 260-9011

What is smoke?

Smoke is a collection of tiny solid, liquid and gas particles. Although smoke can contain hundreds of different chemicals and fumes, visible smoke is mostly carbon (soot), tar, oils, and ash.

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of residues after a fire that SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita will assess when they arrive on scene. With the different types of residues, there is also different types of cleaning.

Wet Smoke Damage

Wet smoke is usually produced from items made of plastic or rubber, from a slow burning, low heat fire. Protein fires also create wet smoke, these types of fires are quite common, very difficult to clean, very greasy and quite pungent. Wet smoke damage will leave thick, black, and sticky residue with a lingering smell.

Dry Smoke Damage

Dry Smoke is created by a fast burning, high-temperature fire, usually started by paper or wood. This is one of the most common type of house or business fires and is one of the larger loss types of fires. Dry smoke is an easier to clean smoke as it has a powdery texture and wont smear when cleaning.

Each smoke and fire damage situation is different, they all need a specialized solution customized for the specific event. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Give us a call (316) 260-9011.

Ways To Protect Your Home When You’re Away on Vacation

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

protect your wichita home SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita handles water, fire, and mold damage. Give us call (316) 260-9011.

Going on vacation is something everyone looks forward too, but as part of the restoration business a lot of our calls come from families who were on vacation and came home to the farthest thing from. There are a few tips we always recommend, so that way when you return from a trip you don’t have to wonder what you’re going to come home to.

  1. Locking your doors and windows:

Locking up might seem like a no brainer but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. SERVPRO not only handles water, fire, and mold damage but we take care of vandalism damages too.

  1. Unplug your un-used appliances and electronics:

Making sure electronics are unplugged will not only help save money on your electric bill but it will also lower the chance of a house fire due to an electrical short or something flammable being to close to an outlet.

  1. Shut off your main water supply:

A major lifesaver could be turning off the house’s main water supply valve to prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes. If you live in a moderate climate and the house will be empty this is a practical option, but if you live in a colder climate, or someone will be checking in while you’re gone, you probably want to leave the water on.

  1. Get your security system ready:

Make sure your cameras, smoke detectors and any other components are on and in good working order. Being able to check on your home while you’re away from your phone is just another benefit of today’s technology.

If you come home and walk into an unprecedented disaster, give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call. We are available day or night, 24/7/365. (316) 260-9011.

SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita Can Handle Your Commercial Size Job

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

servpro of southwest wichita warehouse Our warehouse is stocked with equipment, no job is too big. Give us a call 316-260-9011.

Not only does SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita handle residential jobs we can tackle commercial jobs as well, no job is too big. We have the equipment and vehicles ready for whatever is needed to get your business back up and running again. SERVPRO has over 1,700 franchises that are ready to help with more equipment and people if needed, so you don’t have to be worried about the capacity of your job. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) claims that nearly 40% of businesses that close due to a disaster fail to reopen. The businesses that can reopen normally usually have some type of emergency plan set up to ensure a fast and efficient shift back to normalcy. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita actually offers an emergency ready plan at no cost to you, check out our blog to learn more.

SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita recently handled a job in a building that was over 6,500 square feet. This building was affected by a water fountain malfunction that caused standing water throughout the structure. Sometimes, with large commercial jobs we have to create the most effective environment in order to dry areas efficiently. Water damage doesn’t always happen close to drains, so we must be ready for whatever happens. We often bring large buckets to drain the dehumidifiers hoses in. Dehumidifiers can suck up to 125 PPD out of the air a day and that water needs to go somewhere so the dehumidifier can pump its reservoir tank.

We are ready 24/7 for any emergency that may occur where you would need our assistance. If you are experiencing a water damage loss of any size give us a call, day or night (316) 260-9011.

The SERVPRO Water Damage Process

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

water damage process in wichita ks If a water loss does occur in your home or business, you can call on our SERVPRO team to help quickly and efficiently.

Why choose us? SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita has a team of highly trained water damage specialists. Water restoration in homes and commercial buildings is a big part of our business, and we are ready with the expertise and experience to tackle whatever job you have. When you call us to help, we lay it out in a step-by-step process, so you are a part of and knowledge of what we are doing to restore your building.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Water damage can be stressful, chaotic, and confusing. That’s why when you call us, we are here to help guide you through the process. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Immediate action is crucial when a water emergency strikes, save our number in your phone so that way you never have to worry again (316) 260-9011.

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)?
  • How many rooms are affected?

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

When our team arrives, we will do a detailed inspection of your home or business. We need to be able to determine the extent of the damage so we can provide you with the correct plan of action. If you haven’t already, we will try to locate the source of the moisture in your home or business so you can get it stopped it as soon as possible. We also will have to identify the classification of water, for more information on that check out our blog post on “How the Cleanliness of Water Can Affect Your Water Damage.” The level of contamination the water has will effect the restoration process. We will also check to see how far the moisture has traveled and move furniture or other items.

Step 3: Water Removal/ Water Extraction

After the inspection is done, we can start the water extraction process. We use pumps and vacuums to quickly remove the water from your property. We also offer a Move-Out Service is needed, we recommend this is your home or business will require extensive restoration or cleaning. After water removal we then inspect the carpet pad and carpet to see if it needs to be removed.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

After the removal of water things may appear dry but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials are porous and will retain water. This retained water can cause warping, deterioration, and mold damage. We will then use our air movers and dehumidifiers to dry        your home or business. We check the moisture levels daily to monitor the drying process.                                                         

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

After the drying process your home or business will most likely require professional cleaning services. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita specializes in restoring content damaged by fire, water, or mold.  Flooding and water damaged items have a very distinct odor, we are trained to identify and eliminate those offensive odors. We are also here to help with removal and disposal of any beyond repair materials.

Step 6: Reconstruction

The final step in the water damage process is reconstruction which is when we take the steps to get your home or business to its preloss conditions. It may involve smaller repairs such as drywall removal and installation, painting, and installing new carpet, or may require larger repairs.

If you are experiencing a water damage loss call us on our emergency line: 316-260-9011.

SERVPRO at The Wichita Open

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Michael and Patrick at the golf tournament Patrick, the owner and his son Michael, the head of business development at The Wichita Open.

Here at SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita we really want to give our support to the events that happen around the city. So much time, effort and heart is put into these events to grow the city and really help stimulate the local economy and community. The Wichita Open PGA Tournament was held June 14th through June 20th this year. This year was Wichita’s 32nd year on the tour. In 2020 over $150,000 was donated to local charities and each year the event generates 6.5 million in economic impact for our local economy.

SERVPRO was set up at the main entrance of the event, as a local business we were able to get involved as an event sponsor to support one of the top destinations on the Korn Ferry Tour. We had access to the Snydeo Birds Nest, located at the 17th tee box.  There we were able to experience a panorama view of 4 holes on the course, the 14th and 17th tees, as well as the 13th and 16th greens.

Supporting Wichita in events and as one of your premier cleaning and restoration companies is our goal. We take pride in being a locally owned and operated company and want to do our part in making the Wichita KS community the best it can be.

Does Your Wichita Business Have an Emergency Ready Plan?

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

person on phone We offer an emergency ready plan app!

As a business owner you try to prepare yourself, your business, and your employees for all sorts of possibilities. Commercial risks can span from burglaries to fires, shortage of staff, slow business, and flood damage. Wichita and surrounding area business owners who have an emergency ready plan will find it easier to get back up and running after an incident.

A flood can occur due to many reasons such as a natural disaster, bursting pipes, or a leaking window during a storm. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita recommends all businesses have an emergency ready plan in place, even if your property does not seem prone to flooding. You never know when a flood might occur. We offer your business an emergency ready plan, this plan highlights some of the biggest security and safety concerns in your business and allows you to take steps to avoid them altogether. These plans show where the water, sprinkler or gas shut offs are so anyone at your business can have access to that information. If the only people who know where these important locations are then your small disaster can quickly grow out of control into a huge disaster.

One of our SERVPRO representatives comes out, documents, and assesses your facility then provides a concise profile for your organization and employees to use if an emergency occurs. The profile also provides information about the chain of command in place for an emergency, having this information will not only ensure that the process of recovery begins much faster, but it takes the stress of looking for the right company out of the equation. The emergency ready plan can also be accessed and edited via an app that we provide to your organization. This whole process we provide is completely free of charge.

If your organization doesn’t have an emergency plan give us a call and we can show you the benefits of working with SERVPRO as your disaster preparedness partner- (316)260-9011

How the Cleanliness of Water Can Affect Your Water Damage.

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Know your Water The three categories of water; clean water, gray water, and black water.

When you have a water intrusion in your home or business there are many elements which affect the steps needed to protect and restore your property. One of the first determinations we make on the site of a residential or commercial water damage is the contamination level of the water. We call this water category and the category of water that affected your building or home will have a huge impact on the job that we have to do. The cleaner the water, the more we can save instead of throwing away and replacing building materials, which means a cheaper, less invasive, and shorter job altogether.

Here at SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita the IICRC’s standards are what we follow to ensure every water mitigation and remediation job we tackle is done correctly. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the organization that sets the restoration industries standards and practices. When it comes to the sanitary level of water there are three levels: 

  • Category 1: Clean and Sanitary. Typically comes from a sanitary source such as faucet, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, or water heaters.
  • Category 2: Grey Water which can cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Typical sources are dish washers, washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains, or toilet overflows with urine (no feces)
  • Category 3: Black Water is grossly unsanitary which could cause severe illness or death if ingested. This includes sewer backups, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid which has supported microbial growth.

These categories are also time dependent. Category 1 clean water will become contaminated category 2 water after 48 hours. Another 24 hours after that it becomes a category 3 loss. This change in category means a tremendous difference in the scope of work, cost of remediation, and time of job. 

If you are experiencing a water damage, call us on our 24/7 emergency line: 316-260-9011. 

Fire Safety and Your Pets

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Golden Retriever Tips to help keep your pets safe during emergencies.

For many of us our pets are our family, here at SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita we all have our own fur babies that we love. Emergencies can happen at any moment, and while we may never be able to fully prevent them, we can make sure we are prepared for an emergency and have a plan in place for our pet’s safety. The Red Cross provides a great resource for tips on how to keep your pets safe from potential danger.

Tips for Pet Safety

  • Note where your pets like to nap or hide.
    • If you must evacuate quickly knowing the key spots to look will help.
  • Have an emergency plan and practice escape routes with your pet.
    • Include all members of the family in this plan, and make sure they know what to do and where to go.
  • Keep the phone number and address of a local animal hospital handy.
  • Have an emergency bag handy with your pet’s normal food, snacks, waster, medications, and a couple toys for comfort.
  • Pet proof your home
    • Use only flameless candles.
    • Removing any stovetop control knobs they could possibly turn.
  • Have a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Click here for an example.

After a fire emergency, the trauma of smoke and fire damage can affect the whole family, even the pets. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita to start the remediation process (316) 260-9011.

For Service in Southwest Wichita, Call SERVPRO at (316)260-9011

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

The Fleet Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being your trusted restoration company in the Wichita area. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the knowledge 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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 (316)260-9011

Commercial Services

There is never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When you are in need of professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

Residential Services

Whether your 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: