Halloween Safety Tips

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Be safe this Halloween!!

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for many Americans – children and adults alike! It’s a night full of candy, costumes, and fun. While it can be an exciting time for all, it is important to stay safe so that you don’t become another scary statistic. 

PUMPKIN CARVING

• Small children should never be allowed to carve pumpkins. Instead, they can use markers to draw faces or pictures on the pumpkin while the parents do the carving.
• Open flames left unattended can lead to disaster. Consider using a flashlight or glow sticks to light your jack-lanterns this year. If you do still choose to go the traditional candle route, a votive candle is safest.

COSTUMES

• When planning costumes, be sure to incorporate pieces into the costume that are bright and reflective. Whether you are out trick or treating with your kids or walking to a nearby party, it is important that you make it easy for drivers to see you – especially if you’ll be walking on a street that doesn’t have great lighting.
• Consider using non-toxic makeup as an alternative to a mask this year as masks can limit or block your eyesight.
• Choose wigs and accessories that are clearly labeled as flame resistant. Many people choose to light candles as Halloween decorations, and if you happen to lean in the wrong place, it could mean trouble!

TRICK-OR-TREAT

• About twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. Make sure that younger kids are accompanied by a responsible adult when trick-or-treating. If they’re going with a larger group, there should be more than one adult so that every child can be always accounted for. If your older children are going on their own, review/plan their route ahead of time and agree upon a curfew for them to be home.
• Bring flashlights with fresh batteries with you on your route so that you can see where you’re going, and so that others may see you as well.
• Only trick-or-treat at homes with porch lights on. And never go into someone’s home or car for treats.
• Always walk on the sidewalk when available. If you are on a street with no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street as close to the curb as possible while facing traffic.
• If you will be driving when other are out trick-or-treating, make sure to drive safely. Slow down and stay alert, especially if you are driving in a residential area.
• Staying in to hand out candy? Be sure to keep your front path/porch/etc. clear of any trip hazards and make sure your house is well lit in the area where trick-or-treaters will be walking.
• If your pets get anxious with so many visitors, try keeping them restrained in a back room with music or a television on so that they are unaware of the trick-or-treaters. You may also be able to drop them off at a “day care” for pets. Many places stay open late on Halloween for pets with anxiety.

How Professionals Help You Tackle Underlying Issues After Fire Damage

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local SERVPRO of Kitsap County when you experience a fire loss! We are always here to help!!

Watching your entire home or a section engulfed in flames can be an overwhelming experience. Luckily, quick action from the fire department and occupants save most homes from destruction. The restoration process that follows can be confusing especially since most of the affected people are first-time victims. Understanding issues likely to crop up during restoration can help you deal with the situation better.

When fixing fire damage, there is a degree of restorative cleaning involved. Such cleaning seeks to restore the property to its preloss state. The restoration crew might, therefore, take steps to establish whether there are conditions that existed before the fire incident, which the restorative cleaning cannot address. Our SERVPRO technicians work closely with you and your insurance adjuster ensuring that all the involved parties iron out any such issues identified.

Fires leave pungent smelling debris in the affected properties. Odors produced during the blaze also penetrate materials and therefore even cleaning them up thoroughly rarely removes all odors. Odors can also develop due to secondary issues such as mold growth sparked by the water used during firefighting efforts. Elaborate deodorization is, therefore, part of restoring the property to preloss state. Our SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians use different approaches to deodorize property. Fogging removes smoke odor effectively because it replicates the conditions that deposit odor particles. We use ULV foggers or thermal foggers for this purpose.

Because of the different ways fires soil property, a variety of cleaning methods might be necessary to get the job done. Fire residues such as soot spread quickly in the affected property. They also cause corrosion or staining so pre-cleaning may be necessary. Combining wet cleaning and dry-cleaning is necessary because fires leave a variety of soluble and insoluble residues while some materials are affected by water. Our SERVPRO technicians pre-clean metallic surfaces and finishes to remove soot. We also apply a thin oil film to prevent corrosion and staining before we can do a thorough cleaning.

Being informed helps you deal with fire loss better. Call SERVPRO of Kitsap County to assess and restore your fire damaged property. You can reach us at (360) 373-1290 any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Is Flood Water in my Crawlspace a Biohazard?

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kitsap County is always ready to answer your call.

Natural disasters that result in flood damage to Kitsap County homes, also bring along the potential threats of contamination. Black water, or category 3 threats, present substantial risks of contaminants, bacteria, viruses, and other hazards. Because of this contaminant level, exposure to your crawlspace can have potentially harmful effects to the main level of your house when absorption and exposure to underlying supports take place. 

Our SERVPRO professionals can appreciate the need for a speedy response in these situations, namely, to reduce the volume of contaminated water beneath your house. We have qualified biohazard cleaning technicians that can safely navigate the health threats present in exposure to black water. This preparedness and training can also ensure that the right steps get taken quickly to deploy efficient extraction units like our trash pumps and high-capacity extractor trucks. These options provide a fast resolution and can get the area ready for drying and controlled demolition quickly. 

We have a team of licensed general contractors capable of addressing the controlled demolition necessary after exposure to high-threat contaminants. Once disinfection or build back has occurred, we can focus on lasting solutions can that prevent these same pressing risks from occurring again with future flooding scenarios. Crawlspace encapsulation can cover all exposed surfaces with thick 6mil plastic sheeting, and can even install water diversion and removal equipment like sump pumps for a permanent solution to a recurring loss. 

We understand how important your home is to you: that is why we do not waste time in addressing situations that could substantially damage the property. We have contractors and water restoration professionals standing by to help with any flood loss to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give our SERVPRO of Kitsap County team a call today at (360) 373-1290.

How Can I Handle This Mold Growth in My Business?

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Problem? We can help!!

Out of all the mold removal companies in the area, you can count on SERVPRO of Kitsap County to get the job done.

There are times when damp or wet conditions in the Kitsap County area start to impact your place of business. The risk of the onset of mold and mildew is high at certain times of the year, so you need to address it promptly and efficiently. Any area of your business that is difficult to keep dry has the potential for mold development. However, SERVPRO of Kitsap County has proven techniques and products that allow us to get it cleaned up for you quickly.

Can’t I Clean the Mold on My Own?

Calling mold removal companies like SERVPRO of Kitsap County will ensure you get high-quality and long-lasting results. Our team makes sure that we not only clean up the mold, but that we also protect your business property from further damage. When you hire us, you can expect:

    •    Expert remediation technicians with ample training
    •    The identification of all penetration points where moisture is coming into your business
    •    Best practices for safely working through all remediation efforts
    •    The use of EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants
    •    Utilization of full personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect our crew,  and to keep contamination from moving into other areas of your business

Why is Mold Cause for Concern?

The main reason for concern is that the onset of mold can cause health effects. Our team understands how mold develops and precisely what to do once we find it. This includes looking at indoor air quality (IAQ) to see if something is causing the levels of relative humidity to rise.

How Can You Be Sure You Found All Areas Containing Mold?

Cleaning mold damage means further cleaning of a broader area beyond the portion of your business that has been affected. Mold spores often float throughout the air; they are microscopic and can enter your business through doors, windows, your HVAC system, and more. Even if you hire a cleaning crew that tackles surface cleaning to various areas, there can still be mold spores present. Given the ideal situation, this mold begins to multiply and turns into a much bigger problem.

When we assess your building for mold, these are some of the elements that we cover:

    •    Are there any musty, strong odors indicating mold is present?
    •    Are there visible signs of mold contamination?
    •    Have there been issues with mold in the past?
    •    Is mold present in the HVAC system?
    •    When was mold first flagged as a concern?

It is also important that we contain the issue after we determine all areas where mold is detected. This ensures that it does not move from one area of your business to another. This is done by:

    •    Putting Containment barriers in place using plastic sheeting
    •    Negative air pressure used in the contaminated area
    •    Creating “clean rooms” that our team can use for decontamination purposes
    •    Sealing off HVAC vents to keep contaminants from moving through the ducts.

Our team ensures your business interior is not only dry, but we also take the time to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces. Out of all the mold removal companies in the area, you can count on SERVPRO of Kitsap County to get the job done. Call us at (360) 373-1290 to have a team deployed so that we can get to work.

What You Need to Know About Storm Restoration

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help 24/7!!!

We are here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, 2019 was the most active year for climate disasters, costing Americans $40 billion in property damages.

SERVPRO of Kitsap County knows that storm damage repair is often a lengthy and costly process. However, we want to help homeowners make the process easier and understandable. Here’s a quick guide on getting your home back to normal after a storm.

Contact the Insurance Company

Most homeowner's insurance policies will cover some aspects of storm damage, so your first step is to get in touch with the insurance agency. You can help the insurance adjuster by taking photos of the damage, but most companies will also send out their own assessor to the property. They will evaluate the extent of the damage to see how much compensation you need.

Many local homeowners are shocked to find that their insurance doesn't cover hail, windstorms, or natural flooding. If you have a standard homeowner's insurance policy, it would be wise to take out additional coverage. The last thing you want is to be stuck without coverage after a bad Washington storm.

Find a Storm Damage Restoration Company

Even small incidents of hail can cause significant damage, so it's smart to call a restoration company to assess your property. Even a single missing roof tile can result in thousands of dollars of water damage if left unattended.

In many cases, your insurer will provide recommendations on a building restoration service, but that doesn't mean that owners can't do their own research. Friends and relatives can give recommendations, and online reviews are everywhere.

The Restoration Process

The restoration begins by making sure any existing issues don't worsen. Some repairs may take days to complete, so these will need to be patched up before the complete restoration takes place. 

An unseen issue, such as an electrical problem, can pose a huge threat. For this reason, the sooner the company starts working on the property, the better.

Most storm, water, and fire restoration companies recommend that homeowners don't try to enter the property or use any electrical appliances after a storm. Amateur water cleanup attempts can make the situation even worse, and homeowners lack the gear and training to clean up a damaged home safely.

The restoration process will depend on the type of damage and the extent of the damage. For example, water restoration companies might be able to remove standing water and dry out all surfaces in as little as two days. On the other hand, fire restoration companies might need weeks to remove rubble and ensure all wiring is safe.

Any good restoration company will understand that the possibility of losing a home is stressful. They should approach clients with a kind and professional demeanor, as well as explain each step of the process. 

About Us

Here at SERVPRO of Kitsap County we can handle every aspect of restoration, from water removal and flood cleanup to a fire damage restoration service and even mold removal. We are IICRC certified and experienced. We are also available 24/7 365 days a year to help you when you need us most. If you have more questions or need our services call us at (360) 373-1290!! We are here to help!!

SERVPRO has the Equipment for Water Removal in your Home

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at anytime. We are ready to help 24/7!!!

As a team that has witnessed multiple water loss incidents year after year in Kitsap County, our professionals can attest that no two instances are alike. Sources of the damage change and the varying layout of homes means that water flow moves differently, and the severity of the situation changes as a result. With the uniqueness of each disaster, we have a wide variety of mitigation tools in a growing inventory of equipment to tailor our response to the specific situation to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

One of the priorities of our professionals when we first arrive at a damaged Kitsap County residence. Identifying the location of this damage and the volume of the standing water can help to guide our SERVPRO professionals to the appropriate mitigation tools and extractors to most effectively remove the threat. The faster that our technicians can complete water removal from the flooring and other regions of the house, the faster we can get vital drying efforts started that can protect original construction materials from requiring replacement. 

For higher volumes of standing water for our professionals to contend with, we often rely on truck-mounted pumps and extractor trucks. These powerful machines can remove water at a rate of 300 psi, which is one of the most substantial extraction approaches in the restoration industry. With the use of extractor trucks, we also do not have to have an immediate location nearby to discharge removed water. 

For inaccessible areas and smaller volumes of water, our SERVPRO team might also opt to use portable submersible pumps we can run by generators if the power was also a casualty of the loss incident. Wet-vacs with extraction wands can be used to reach challenging locations and put the final touches on removing excess water before drying efforts begin.

There are many approaches to removing standing water from your home after a substantial water loss incident. Our SERVPRO of Kitsap County professionals can determine the best solution for your property and make these effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (360) 373-1290.

Storm season is almost upon us!!

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

No need to worry SERVPRO of Kitsap County is just a call away.

A storm event can be a widespread or localized event typically caused by a flood, fire, or other natural disasters. Here at SERVPRO we have access to a network of strategically positioned storm teams that can mobilize crews to deploy with additional equipment and personnel necessary to service property owners on any size loss. No matter the size of the disaster, our team works to advise and assist to provide additional capacity and resources to perform the work needed.

With storms come the two common types of pluvial flooding the two types are surface water floods and flash floods. Surface water floods occur when an urban drainage system is overwhelmed, and water flows out into the street and nearby structures.  It occurs gradually, which provides people time to move to safe locations, and the level of water is usually shallow. It creates no immediate threat to lives but may cause significant economic damage.

Secondly, flash floods are categorized by an intense high-velocity torrent of water by torrential rain falling within a short amount of time within the vicinity or nearby elevated terrain. They can also occur via the sudden release of water from an upstream levee or a dam. Flash floods are very dangerous and destructive not only because of the force of the water but also the hurtling debris is often swept in the flow.

SERVPRO of Kitsap County professionals can give you peace of mind by helping full mitigation and restoration from start to finish to make it “Like it never even happened." Whenever there is a call out SERVPRO of Kitsap County is ready to meet the need. No matter the time or place you can count on SERVPRO to be there for you. Any questions please call us at 360-373-1290!!!

Storm Damage is Unexpected

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Winter storm caused tree to fall on house.

Storm damage is hard to prepare for.  Wind and rain can cause severe water problems and your SERVPRO Professional can manage the damage.

• SERVPRO has been in business for 50 years in the cleanup and restoration industry.
• Detailed communication throughout the cleaning and restoration process helps keep you informed and in control.
• Professional equipment and industry approved techniques can save you time and money.

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, SERVPRO Professionals will work hard to restore the property and its contents to pre loss conditions helping you survive in a disaster situation.  SERVPRO of Kitsap County "can manage the damage" and strongly believes in the 3E's (Experience, Expertise and Equipment) and is proud to serve Kitsap County and surrounding areas.  Any questions please give us a call at 360-373-1290.

Unexpected toilet problems

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

To best dry demolition was required to make sure all moisture is removed.

SERVPRO of Kitsap County received an early call in the spring regarding a water loss in a local home. The homeowner let us know during the initial call that they woke up to the bathroom overflowing with water that affected the bathroom, hallway, entry, one-bedroom, and a closet in that bedroom along with the master bedroom. They let us know that they wanted SERVPRO to come out as soon as possible to extract the water and clean up the damages.

Within 10 minutes of the call ending the crew packed up the truck with all the necessary equipment. Once our crew of well-trained professionals arrived the crew chief and the homeowner took an initial walkthrough of the home. During that walk through the Crew chief came up with a drying plan and once the walk-through he shared and explains the drying plan to the homeowner.

The drying plan was we needed to place dehumidifiers to stabilize, while that is happening, we start to remove the laminate flooring in the hallway, entry, and the bathroom until we’re able to reach the end of the mitigation line.  Along with removing the laminate flooring we also needed to remove all affected carpet and underlayment in the bedrooms and closets.

Once that was finished, we began to dry the home. We brought in air movers and dehumidifiers.  Demolition was also needed in certain rooms.

Here at SERVPRO of Kitsap County, we make sure to make your home or business look just as good as new or how we like to say, “Like it never even happened.” After mitigation services we also offer our customers reconstruction services. Please call SERVPRO of Kitsap County 24/7 a day 7 days a week for any Fire, Water, Mold, or Bio-hazard clean-ups. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 360-373-1290!!!!

Summer Safety

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and firework displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency room?especially during the month of July. Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't considered. Your local SERVPRO franchise professionals want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers from structural fire damage, call your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened. ®"