How to Set Up Weather Emergency Alerts on Your Phone

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Search for "CMAS" or "WEA" in your phone's messaging settings. You can also dial "##2627##" (minus the quotes) on your phone to turn them on.

If neither of these do the trick, you might not have a phone that is WEA enabled. But, you can still get emergency weather alerts with weather apps like the Weather Channel app or WeatherUSA, for which you can search your app store.

WeatherUSA sends out real-time alerts to you every time there’s any weather-related warning in your area. They send these alerts out whenever they are released by any federal agency, including the National Weather Service. These alerts are sent across to the subscribers via SMS or email. You can choose to add your county or state for the local weather warnings.

For Android users, To meet the FCC standards, Android introduced “Emergency Broadcasts” features in all its mobiles. Through this service, you can get severe weather alerts instantly. Apart from these alerts, this feature also sends out an alert whenever there’s any emergency in your area.

Source: USA Today Online

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Unlike other types of house fires, which occur more frequently in the winter months, fires in the home caused by lightning are more likely to happen in June, July and August in the late afternoon or early evening. From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes.  Lightning is responsible for a number of wildfires as well.

Lightning during storms poses the greatest risk outdoors and frequently strikes the highest point on a structure.

Safety tips During Lightning Storms: 

• When possible, stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.
• Do not use corded phones, computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.
• Unplug major electronics – TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.
• Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm as metal plumbing is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Source: Property and Casualty 360 online and National Fire Protection Association online

If Your Pipes Clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

How To Unclog a Sink Safely

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks do not realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes.

Source: www.farmers.com

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Classes

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

What type of fire extinguisher should I buy?

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

• Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
• Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires
• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Purchasing your fire extinguisher

Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

Source: Nationwide

Would your Business be Prepared in the Event of a Disaster?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

What would you do if your business suffered: Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Mold, or a Bio-Hazard contamination? Do you have a plan in place? SERPVRO® of Helotes / Leon Springs offers at no charge a business "Ready Plan" app for your phone that will walk you through a preparedness  plan that could save your business $1,000's. 

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. In general, the faster the response time to a disaster, the less secondary damage can occur. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is "faster to any disaster" and works with you and your employees every step of the way.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan app will guide you through a: Water Damage event, Fire Damage event, Mold, Bio-Hazard contamination, and more.  Pre-planning and having this app on the ready can help to give you tremendous peace of mind.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Overflowing Toilet – What to Do

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Help! My toilet overflowed!

An overflowing toilet is a problem everyone will likely deal with at some point. When water overflows from the bowl, chances are the culprit is a clogged toilet drain—usually an easy fix with some basic tools.

First, turn off the toilet’s water supply, on the wall behind the toilet. If you can’t find the water supply to stop the toilet overflowing, take the top off the tank and lift the float ball or cup high enough to stop the water from running. If that does not work, the shut off valve for the water supply to the house is generally located near the water heater.

Should overflow continue once the main water supply is off, you’re dealing with sewage backup, a serious situation due to the hazardous nature of the sewage water. If you are on a municipal septic system, you may need to call the city. If you have a septic tank, you’ll need a plumbing company that can flush out your system.

If you need help cleaning up after a leaky toilet that has caused water damage, please do not hesitate to call today: (210) 361-9353

Source: Bob Vila online

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Understands That When It Comes to Business, Time is Money

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Immediate Damage Restoration Service, 24 Hour Emergency Service

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Understands That When It Comes to Business, Time is Money

When SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs restores commercial spaces from water damage, mold, fire damage, and other damage, we understand that the longer a business cannot operate, the longer it cannot generate revenue. SERVPRO will work emergency hours and around the clock to get your business back up and running as fast as possible while working with your insurance company the entire way. No commercial job is too big or too involved for SERVPRO. We are faster to any size disaster and are here to help. To learn more about SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs commercial restoration click HERE or call today to learn more: (210) 361-9353

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is at the Forefront of Continuing Education for the Insurance Industry

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

CE Credit Courses for Property and Casualty Insurance License

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs offers complementary continuing education credits for insurance and real estate industry professionals.  Call today to find out when and where the next class is.

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs offers both credit and noncredit courses for: real estate professionals, insurance adjusters, insurance agents, and franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation. Courses include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Restoration and Remediation
• Restorative Drying for Loss Control
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
  (non-credit course)

When we all work together for our clients, everyone wins. Striving for the most efficient and cost-effective restoration process is always the goal. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is happy to offer CE credits in our specialty lines of business.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Faster to Disaster

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs offers a 24 hour emergency service.  Our office is open Monday through Friday, however there will always be someone to answer your call after hours and on the weekends.  If the event is classified as an emergency, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will be out right away regardless of time or day.  When hurricanes, floods, wild fires, and other disasters strike all around the country, SERVPRO franchises band together and travel sometimes thousands of miles to come to the disaster area to help restore homes and businesses affected. If there is a catastrophic event in your area, SERVPRO will call in "extreme teams" that will arrive in your city or town to help cover more ground and to help more home and business owners. If your home or business has suffered a water damage or other emergency event, please do not hesitate to call. 

Why SERVPRO – SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Has Been Locally Owned and Operated in the San Antonio area for Years

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Damage Restoration Company Locally Owned and Operated

The owner of SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is a resident of San Antonio himself and has been helping home and business owners in the San Antonio area for over a decade. We have worked with all the insurance companies and know many of the agents. We are here to help not only you and your home/business, but San Antonio as well. When the San Antonio area is successful, we are all successful. We service the areas of: Helotes, Dominion, Fair Oaks Ranch, San Geronimo, Cross Mountain, Leon Springs, La Cantera, Scenic Oaks, Grey Forest, Beckmann, and more. Each franchise of SERVPRO is individually owned and operated. Click HERE to view our team and HERE to learn more about us.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs has Great Reviews!

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Damage Restoration Company with Great Reviews

When SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs received a call from a homeowner telling us about fire he had in his Helotes area home, we came over right away to assess the damage and the restoration that would be needed. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs was able to salvage many of the homeowner's contents as well as remove the smoke odor and the smoke damaged objects. It's never an easy process to go through something like that, but we tried to make it at painless as possible for the homeowner. Below is the Google review received. Thanks, Aarron!

"We had a fire in our home. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs did a perfect job cleaning my home and contents. They were awesome in dealing with the insurance company and making a bad situation so much better!" - Aarron

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs Can Help Get Rid of Odors in Your Home or Business

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs Can Help Get Rid of Odors in Your Home or Business

Did you have a water damage that has left your home with a bad smell? Do you have smoke damage in your home from a fire or from cigarettes? SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs can take care of that musty, smoky, or foul smell in your home or business.  Are you smelling a musty smell that may point to hidden mold in the walls or behind the sink? Whatever odor is in your home, SERVPRO can help you identify it and get rid of it. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs uses air movers, ionizers, and industrial grade cleaning solutions to clean, sanitize, and remove odors from your home or business. SERVPRO will help to make it "Like it never even happened." Call today to get the process started.

Safety in Removing Water After a Storm

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Should you experience a flood in your home after a storm, our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered. If you suspect your home or business has been contaminated with "black water", please do not try to remove it yourself. Please call the professionals at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs who are bio hazard certified.

What exactly is black water? Category 3 "black water" is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians at SERVPRO® of Helotes / Leon Springs are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency situations that arise. We are here to help.

Emergency Alerts on your Smartphone are a Proven Lifesaver

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) can save your life. Here's how it works: when the National Weather Service issues an urgent alert for a storm in your location, the system looks to see which cell phone towers are included in the storm’s area. All cell phone towers within the warning area send out an instant emergency alert to WEA-enabled devices. The alert plays the classic emergency alert tone and pushes a notification to your screen.

The great benefit to these alerts is that they only go off if you're in the area affected by hazardous weather. This helps remedy the problem of receiving false alarms for storms dozens of miles away on the other side of your county. If you receive an emergency alert on your smartphone, you know you need to take immediate action to keep yourself and your family safe. Wireless Emergency Alerts are pushed out for tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, hurricane warnings, dust storm warnings, extreme wind warnings, and local dangers such as AMBER Alerts and evacuation orders.

Source: Forbes 

Roof Damage After Storm Sweeps Through San Antonio

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

A located in Leon Springs experienced storm damage when strong winds and heavy rains rolled through our area. A couple of shingles blew off during the storm which allowed rain water to get into the attic. The rain soaked the insulation and the drywall in the ceiling, causing the ceiling in this home to collapse. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs received the call and came out immediately. Our technicians did a temporary tarp job on the roof to prevent further rain from causing additional damage to the home until the roof could be repaired. Then they began extracting any standing water and removing debris from the collapsed ceiling. They set up fans and dehumidifiers throughout the house to thoroughly dry the affected areas to prevent mold from forming. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, Here to Help. 

HVAC and Electrical Fires in Commercial Buildings

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

HVAC System Malfunction

Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources. Areas where the main HVAC system is housed, as well as any water heaters or storage rooms, should be outfitted with smoke alarms.

Electrical Malfunction

About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring. Make sure your building is regularly inspected.

If your business has suffered fire and/or smoke damage, please call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today. We are here to help. To learn more about commercial fire damage restoration, click here.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs will work with your insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate.  Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 14 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs will work hard to make any damage, "Like it never even happened."

For more great reasons why you should hire SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs for your Commercial Restoration and Cleaning needs, click HERE.

What Secondary Damage can Occur after Storm Damage?

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

After roof leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

Make Sure to Have a Fire Extinguisher in Your Home or Business

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Where Should I Keep My Fire Extinguisher?

Not only is it smart to keep fire extinguishers in your home, it’s also the law in many states.

It's important to make sure you have the right types of fire extinguishers on hand to put out common household fires. Read our fire extinguisher safety tips to learn how to stay safe and don't forget to make sure you have the right coverage if your home sustains fire damage.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

The first thing to do when choosing a fire extinguisher is to decide which rooms in your house need one. You should keep at least one on each level of your house. Make sure you keep fire extinguishers handy where fires are more likely to start, like in the kitchen and garage.

Source: Nationwide

How Do I use a Fire Extinguisher?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Steps to correctly using a fire extinguisher

Once you've made your purchases, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

• Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. 
• Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent. 
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. 
• If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

Source: Nationwide

The Different Types of Fires

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

There are five different classes of fires, each designated by a letter.

Class A: The most common type of fire, Class A fires have combustibles that include paper, wood, cloth, plastic, trash and other ordinary materials that may be found in any home or business.

Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids are considered Class B fires. These flammable liquids include gasoline, paint and oil. A Class B fire may also include combustibles such as propane or butane, which are flammable gases.

Class C: Electrical fires are Class C fires and include fires that originate from outlets, wires and other electrical components.

Class D: Any fire caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum and potassium, also known as chemical fires, are Class D.

Class K: Combustibles such as cooking oils, grease and fats are Class K fires.

No matter the type/class of fire, SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs will perform the fire damage restoration and will work with your insurance every step of the way. Call today to get started!

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Which Companies Work With My Business Insurance?

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs will work with your insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate.  Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 14 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs will work hard to get your business up and running as quickly as possible. Here to Help.

Deep Cleaning Industrial Kitchens

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs would like to deep clean and sanitize your industrial kitchen! Whether your building is a restaurant, a school, a church, an office, a cafeteria, or even a roller rink, chances are it's been a minute since the kitchen has had a full deep cleaning and sanitization.  The flooring is cleaned and sanitized along with all surfaces and storage areas.  Today, it's more important than ever to keep food preparation and storage surfaces clean and sanitized. Customers and patrons have been more and more demanding of a clean restaurant and/or industrial kitchen. In addition to cleaning the flooring, and the food prep and storage surfaces, SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs  employees will move large appliances to the best of their abilities and even clean behind those as well. Call today to schedule. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, Here to Help. 

NFPA Fire Prevention Week 2021 is October 3rd - 9th

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2021 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 3^rd and end on Saturday, October 9^th. This year’s Fire Protection Week theme is: “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”. The National Fire Protection Agency is working to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

What do the fire alarm beeps mean?

• A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are special smoke alarms and alert devices that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarms sound. Products like pillow or bed shakers that are designed to work with smoke alarms are also available.

Source: NFPA.org

Hot Water Leak Causes Damage in San Antonio Kitchen

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

We responded to an emergency water damage call in a San Antonio home. Summer had just begun, and mom along with her two children were enjoying the slower pace of life. The three had spent the morning in their pool and worked up quite the appetite. Mom decided to step inside to get food started for lunch while the kids stayed outside and dried off. Mom opened the backdoor and there in front of her was a flood in her kitchen and a hole in her ceiling. She shut off the water, called her children in to help, and then called us to mitigate the rest of the water damage. Shortly thereafter, she discovered her hot water heater was to blame for this disaster. The hot water heater, which was located in the attic above the kitchen, had sprung a leak. As more and more water was absorbed by the drywall, water began to pool and the kitchen ceiling started to bow. Eventually, the ceiling couldn’t hold the weight of the water any longer and the kitchen was flooded with water from above. Our technicians cleaned up the ceiling debris and extracted the standing water. They also cut and removed additional drywall that had been affected by water damage. It is important to get rid of drywall that has gotten wet as soon as possible because when it gets wet, it loses its structural integrity. In addition (and very importantly), removing water quickly will help minimize the potential for  mold growth. After several days of drying, the moisture levels met our dryness goals.  We were happy to say, "another home back to normal after experiencing a water damage emergency". 

Warped Kitchen Cabinets Under the Sink

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Underneath the Kitchen Sink

At SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, we’re are often called due to water damage found underneath a kitchen sink.  Often times, there is a slow leak that has occurred over time causing water damage and, in many cases, mold growth. The water will get absorbed into the wood of the cabinets and cause them to warp. Kitchen sinks with garbage disposals are especially prone to leaky pipes under the sink. In order to prevent water damage, it’s important to inspect your kitchen sink pipes and make sure everything is dry and working properly. What you find might surprise you.  If you have discovered water damage underneath your kitchen sink or have discovered mold growth, please call us today at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs as it is very important to restore and remediate the problem right away so the situation does not get worse and continue warping kitchen cabinets and flooring. Call today!

Save My Hardwood Flooring!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

"How to remove water from my wood floors"

Your wood floors can be saved if you act quickly. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs uses high power water extracting machines specifically designed to "suck" the water out of your home or business' wood flooring. Replacing wood flooring can be very costly, but if you act quickly, you can save what you already have as well as time and money. Once the water is extracted, industrial grade air movers and dehumidifiers are placed to completely dry the area. Removing all the water also prevents mold growth as well as bacteria growth. Industrial grade anti-fungal treatments are also applied to prevent secondary damage. To learn more about water removal extraction from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click HERE.  

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is here to help and faster to any disaster. The first 48 hours are critical to a water damage. Call today: (210) 361-9353

Here to Help Businesses

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every professional at SERVPRO® of Helotes / Leon Springs is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered–whatever the case, with SERVPRO® our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

References

From large commercial environments to small residential losses, SERVPRO® of Helotes / Leon Springs Professionals understand your loss is the job that matters most! We will be happy to provide references so you can feel confident that SERVPRO® is the best system to service your needs.

You Can Trust SERVPRO® of Helotes / Leon Springs!

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Put Property Owners Back in Control. 

Entering Your Home After a Storm, Hurricane, or Tornado

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Entering your home or business after severe storm damage can be risky… roofs can collapse, glass from shattered windows will be on surfaces and floors.  Cleaning up after major storm damage can mean facing: contaminated water, animals and insects, splintered wood and sagging ceilings. It is best to let the professionals who are trained and certified to work in these storm damage environments handle the damage restoration. However, according to the American Red Cross, if you absolutely must enter your home or business, be sure to wear:

• Long pants

• Long sleeved shirt

• Sturdy shoes or boots (no tennis shoes or flip flops)

• Work gloves

• Eye protection

• Disposable masks

• Hard hats

Whether it’s for your home or for your business, for more information on storm damage restoration from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click HERE.

We are here to help, San Antonio.

 Source: Red Cross Online

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Maybe you had a water leak from a plumbing problem or from a leaky refrigerator. Maybe we had a major storm, hurricane, or tornado sweep through the San Antonio area. Either way, now your home has water damage. Depending on how severe the water damage, you are probably asking yourself, “Should I clean up the water damage myself or hire a professional?”.  The following are a couple things to consider. First, hopefully, the water damage will be covered by your insurance company. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs works with all insurance companies in the area and knows what each company is looking for (this will make things easier on you). Second, if the area is not properly and completely dried out, even in the areas you cannot see, the structure will more than likely suffer secondary damage. What is secondary damage? Mold growing in your home is known as secondary damage after a water damage event. Mold needs moisture to grown and it can grow within 24-48 hours.  Time is a factor after a water damage. If mold is already growing in your home after a water damage, SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs can remediate that as well. We are here to help. Give us a call today!

How to Get Rid of that Cigarette Smell in the House

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor

It's obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes.  The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor?  The short answer is that it's very difficult.  ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, knick-knacks, and clothing. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process.  It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs have done it many times and are more than willing to help you.  Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air!

Black Water Damage after a Storm

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes during a bad storm or flood, sewage water has no place to go and will start coming up through the toilet, bathtub, sinks, and other areas with pipes. This water is considered very hazardous and is called, "Black Water".

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency situations that arise. We have been a trusted name in safety and properly restoring homes and businesses for over 15 years! We are properly trained for bio hazard restoration and are here to help!

Kitchen Fire in Helotes Causes Smoke Damage

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

To learn more about fire and smoke damage remediation, click here.

Please call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today to get the process started: (210) 361-9353

We are here to help.

Why SERVPRO - SERVPRO's Mold Technicians are Mold Certified

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is certified to remediate mold in the state of Texas. We can refer to you a mold tester as well, if you are interested. Can you visually see signs of mold growth or are you smelling a musty odor? SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs can perform your Mold Remediation using a Mold Certified Technician so you know it is done correctly and safely. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants. Don't hesitate to give us a call today to set up a time to start the mold remediation process.

Why SERVPRO?  SERVPRO is Hazmat and Bio Hazard Removal Trained

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Bio hazard clean up is considered: blood clean up, urine clean up, human feces clean up, animal feces clean up, vomit clean up, and other human fluids.  General maid and janitorial services will not remove these items due to their potentially hazardous nature.  SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs technicians are trained and properly uniformed to safely remove bio hazardous materials. This is why you can rely on SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs to get the job done quickly, safely, and to sanitation standards.  Many homes and buildings that have been left unattended and/or improperly cared for will generally require this type of service. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will remove all hazardous items and properly dispose of them. If you or your business is in need of bio hazard removal, please do not hesitate to call today.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Insurance

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

In the unfortunate event your home or business suffers: water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or bio-hazard clean up needs,  SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs will work seamlessly with your insurance company.  This means less hassle and less worry for you. Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for years and years, whatever property and casualty insurance you or your company uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  If you need the job done quickly and correctly with less hassle for you, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs: (210) 973-7636

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO Tests for Moisture You Can’t See

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Do you smell mildew or mold in your home or business, but cannot visibly see it? Do you suspect water damage in your ceiling or walls? Before your ceiling and walls deteriorate, call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs. We can test for what you can’t see. We use industrial moisture detecting devices to help us detect water in walls, ceilings, floor boards, etc. Hidden moisture will cause mold in time and become an even bigger problem.

Would you like the help of SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs to detect water or mold damage or for any other type of cleaning or restoring? Click HERE to learn more or give us a call today at: (210) 973-7636

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is available 24/7 for emergency service and is Here to Help.

How to Fill and Stack Sandbags to Prevent Flooding

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Sandbags for Flooding are essential tools if you live in an area prone to flooding.

Filling Your Sandbags

It is recommended that you use sand to fill your bags with, however if it is not readily available soil will work too. When filling your bags, you want to fill them just slightly more than half-full so they lay flatter, are easier to stack, and are lighter to move.  Bags are much easier to handle if they are no more than 40 pounds when filled, although this may vary depending on the size of the bag (typical bags for sand-filling are 24-26 inches long by 14 inches wide).

Stacking Sandbags

One factor to keep in mind when protecting your home and property in the event of a flood is that sandbags are simply meant to divert water and debris away from the home, but do not create a water-tight seal. Proper placement will, however, significantly reduce the amount of water that seeps in.

First, you will need to prepare the site where the bags will be placed.  You should clear the area where they’ll be placed by removing debris such as large sticks, ice, and snow etc. These may cause gaps in your structure. Your barrier won’t serve you any good if the ground is too slippery and your sandbags all slide away when the water flows so you need to be sure there is enough friction to keep them in place.

If your home has experienced flooding, please call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs right away, as time is a factor. The professionals at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs offer emergency services 24/7. Here to Help.

Source: Chainsaw Journal Jan 2020.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Workplace

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. The main requirements for outdoor mold growth are moisture and shade. Mold does not like the sun and/or ultra violet rays. The main requirement for inside mold growth is simply moisture and it can occur in ceilings, attics, floors, insulation, wood, drywall, clothes, carpeting, bathrooms, and more. Some causes of excessive moisture are condensation, humidity, cooking, washing, or water from a flood, leak or spill. Mold also grows in environments with a warm temperature. Mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours of excessive moisture.

What you can do as a business owner to prevent mold growth from forming in your place of business:

• Fix water leaks. Any known water leaks should be fixed quickly. Have a contractor inspect for unknown leaks.
• Limit condensation. Keep room temperatures warm and/or well insulated.
• Reduce humidity. Open windows, install exhaust fans or use a dehumidifier.
• Clean wet/damp areas. Any wet or damp area, materials or affected equipment should be cleaned within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

If your business has experienced water damage or mold growth, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today!

Proper Tree Trimming and Storm Damage

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Trees in our yards are beautiful, necessary for clean air, help to prevent water damage to our homes, and provide the relief of shade.  As healthy as a tree can be, often larger, older trees can have dead limbs that require trimming.  When trees are not properly trimmed, dead limbs are very susceptible to breaking off during a storm, causing storm damage to our homes or places of business. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs has received multiple calls this storm season from homeowners who have suffered storm damage due to a tree limb through their window or roof. When this happens, it is important to board the roof or window as quickly as possible after the storms have passed and to call a SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs' remediation crew right away in order to prevent further water damage and mold from forming. Faster to Any Disaster, (210) 973-7636

San Antonio Area - Are you Storm Aware?

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

As we continue to see storms throughout our San Antonio area cities, we at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs experts.

3 Myths About Fire Restoration

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Myth 1: Fire does the most damage

While the initial incineration from the fire can level homes and businesses in a matter of minutes, it is the aftershock of the smoke damage that in fact can be the most damaging. The aftershock of the residual water damage, soot, and smoke can continue to destroy structures and everything within them for days, weeks and months after the fire.

Myth 2: Just “air it out”

Once the initial fire event is over, the most frequent reaction for homeowners and business owners alike is to open all windows, doors and start the fans. Unfortunately, these initial reactions can often make matters worse as waterlogged furniture, flooring, and more can foster mold growth for years to come even if the surfaces do not seem wet anymore.

Myth 3: Everything must go

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs knows how important your possessions are.  We try our absolute best to salvage what can be salvaged. Adopting a “restore first” mentality is crucial to help lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This process relies upon specialized training and industrial equipment to restore your property and possessions back to pre-fire condition; something in which SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs specializes.

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is available 24/7 and works easily with your insurance. Give us a call today.

Candle Safety Over the Holidays

1/1/2021 (Permalink)

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. There are more candle fires in December and January; the top three days for fires are: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

About one-third of these fires started in bedrooms, causing 39% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. More than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items.

Other causes of candle fires include leaving them unattended in a room or someone playing with the candles. Even something as simple as knocking a candle over when someone bumps a table they're sitting on or a pet brushing against one is enough to light a fire.

Learn more about Fire Damage Restoration from SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Like candle fires, Christmas tree fires are more common during the holidays, with 43% occurring in December and 39% in January. The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights, and an abundant fuel supply (gifts) under the tree. Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million in property damage each year.

The most common causes are electrical failures (32%), having the tree too close to a heat source like a fireplace or wood stove (17%) or being too close to candles (7%).

Safety tips: 

• Keep live trees well watered and dispose of them before they become dry.
• Turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Check lights for any shorts or other electrical issues before putting them on the tree.

To learn more about fire restoration from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click HERE.

Source: National Fire Protection Association 

SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs will Deep Clean your Restaurant

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Obviously, a restaurant's preparation areas should be kept clean. But, besides the everyday cleaning of kitchen equipment and appliances, it is necessary to perform a deep cleaning of kitchens at least once to twice a year.

Appearance

A restaurant's atmosphere, attention to detail, and well-kept facilities are important for a customer's good first impression. The appearance of a restaurant's kitchen can bring in clients as well as scare them away.

Safety

A messy and unorganized look will affect guests' appetites as well as employee productivity. Daily mopping sustains a clean floor, but will not scrub deeply enough to remove certain bacteria. Sticky floors and unwanted objects can cause personnel or guests to slip. For a truly clean floor, it is important to remove: grease, oil, gum and even mold.

For a deep cleaning of your restaurant, please call SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs today!

Source: Yahoo Finance 

Fire Prevention Week 2020 is Going on Now

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2020 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 4^th and end on Saturday, October 10^th. This year’s theme is all about fire safety in the kitchen. Since we are all home more in 2020, we are home cooking more. In order to reduce the amount of kitchen fires in 2020, the National Fire Protection Association has named this year’s fire prevention week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!^TM”

Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

3 Safety tips from the NFPA regarding kitchen fires:

1. Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, or cooking food.
2. Never leave kitchen towels, oven mitts, or flammable items on top of or near the stove.
3. Kitchen fires spread quickly. If you do have a cooking fire in the kitchen, get out immediately.

Source: NFPA.org

Office Disinfecting

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Office Disinfecting During a Pandemic

During these difficult times, please know that SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is here to help your business and employees. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs will disinfect your business, office, restaurant, school, commercial building, and more! Would you like to assure your customers and employees that your commercial space has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected? We can help you with that! Deep cleanings, sanitizing, and bio hazard removals have been services SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs has been offering for over a decade. We know how to do it safely and effectively. We are trained and certified to do so. To learn more about Commercial Cleaning and Disinfecting from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click HERE. Or, call today for more information – we are here to help: (210) 973-7636.

With Water Damage and Flooding, It's Best to Act Quickly

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

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.

 SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is Faster to Any Size Disaster and Here to Help. Call today to start the water damage restoration process. We will work with your insurance every step of the way. 

What Is Secondary Damage After a Water Damage?

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster.

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because of one of two reasons.

Reason #1 your fridge is leaking:

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clog up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that is clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Reason #2 your fridge is leaking

From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

Source: CNET online

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

7/26/2020 (Permalink)

Brace your garage door to prevent more-extensive damage.  Most garage doors are not reinforced, and when the wind gets into the garage, it creates a positive push at the same time that the wind swirling above the structure creates a negative pull. That push-pull combination can cause the roof to fly off. Find a kit that you can buy at home-improvement stores to brace your garage doors.

Secure your windows and doors. Broken windows can let in wind and rain, and they can also increase the pressure under the roof. Storm shutters provide the best protection, but boarding up windows when a storm is on the way can help, too. Make sure doors have several locking mechanisms so they don’t fly open; deadbolts are best. And it’s important to secure windows and doors at all sides of the home -- not just the one facing the body of water where hurricanes could form -- because hurricanes can swirl in any direction.

Source: Kiplinger

Learning About Smoke Alarms

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

Here's what you need to know:

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/

Certified SERVPRO Cleaned

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. It is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs has been cleaning, sanitizing, and removing Bio Hazard in both homes and businesses for over a decade. Deep cleaning is not new to us. 

Below are the Three "C's" of SERVPRO Certified Cleaned: 

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you are walking around the San Antonio area, when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield sticker in the window, you know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is HAZMAT and Bio Hazard removal certified. The industrial grade chemicals that SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs uses to clean, disinfect, and sanitize are high-grade and effective. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized, please give us a call today. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized after COVID-19 has infected your office, restaurant, school, business, or commercial space, please give us a call today. Because we are HAZMAT certified, we are able to clean areas with known COVID-19 contaminations. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is available and here to help. To learn more about the commercial cleaning process from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, please click HERE or give us a call today: (210) 361-9353

Flooding and Sandbags - Which to Choose

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

When the threat of a flood is close to your home, sandbags for flooding become as valuable as gold, yet they’re cheap. There have been advancements with sandbags, which is great, thanks to water-activated sandbag which mimic the ability of real sand bags. Yes, they cost more, but are much quicker to move and implement in the case of a flood so the cost is negligible.

Sandbags for flooding are essential tools if you live in an area prone to flooding.  It is not advised to use other bags that are not intended for use as sandbags as they may not be as effective. Sandbags are constructed for the use of containing sand or soil to prevent or reduce the impact of water damage in the event of a flood. They are typically made with woven polypropylene or burlap sacks. Plastic garbage bags are slick and will not create a sturdy structure when stacked. Feed sacks, although made of similar materials to sandbags, are usually large and are also not practical for handling.

If your home or business has experienced a flood, please call the professionals of SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs right away – open 24 hours for emergency services and here to help!

Source: Chainshaw Journal. Jan 2020.

Storm Damage Prevention and Treatment

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage prevention and treatment: reducing damage from storms with preventive action using trees.

Damage to trees from storms can be minimized by designing and implementing a tree management plan. Designing and executing a plan can help prevent problems.  There is no doubt trees can cause damage and be damaged in storms. However, appropriately placed and well-maintained trees can help to reduce storm damage to structures by deflecting wind, as well as reduce damage to the tree itself. Appropriate actions include: proper placement and planting, structural pruning prior to the storm, and proper species selection. Actions in the weeks and years following a strong storm can help bring damaged trees back to health.

If your home or business is affected by a storm, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs. To learn more about storm damage restoration with SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click here.

The Top Three Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

The Top Three Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

From 2007 to 2016, these are the top three causes that were identified as the most common reasons behind commercial fires.

1. Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

Cooking remains at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires at 25% to 30%. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning.

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure full protection and prevention. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

2. Arson/Intentional

Arson, or an intentional fire, is the next common cause of a non-residential fire, with roughly 10% of fires occurring from arson.  Intentional fires are most likely to occur after working hours, between 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.  An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots.

While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

• Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
• If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsonists can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
• Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
• Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

3. Human Error/Unintentional

Human error, or unintentional fires, are also responsible for about 10% of fires. Because there are a vast number of reasons why a fire might occur accidentally, employee fire safety training is extremely important.

Some examples of an unintentional fire include cigarettes being improperly discarded, employees leaving heating equipment too close to walls or flammable surfaces, candles, and improper use of electrical cords.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

Fire Prevention Week 2019 Theme

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has created the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2019, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”. This year’s campaign recognizes the everyday people who motivate their families and neighbors to create and practice a home fire escape plan.

“This year’s campaign works to celebrate people of all ages who learn about home fire escape planning and practice, bring that information home, and spur their families to action,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “From young students who learn about the campaign at school to parents who attend a community event like a fire station open house - all of them truly are heroes because they’re taking steps to make their households much, much safer from fire.”

Source: Firehouse online

Water Damage to a Mobile or Manufactured Home

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Mobile or Manufactured Home

At SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, we often are asked if we can restore water damage to mobile or manufactured homes.  The answer is “yes”! Mobile homes and manufactured homes are treated for water damage very similarly to single family homes. Actually, the process is often times quicker.  If the mobile or manufactured home is not often used, many times the water damage goes undetected for some time and has caused mold growth to form as well. Mold growth after untreated water damage is called “secondary damage”. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is mold certified and can treat the secondary damage in addition to the water damage if needed.

If you suspect water damage or mold growth in your mobile of manufactured home, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today.  We will work with your insurance.

How to Fix Your Fridge When It's Leaking Water

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because if one of two reasons.

Reason #1 - A Blocked Drain

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

How to Fix It: Flush the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. Use a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger in a pinch to forcibly remove the clog. 

Reason #2 - A Clogged or Frozen Supply Line

A clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to form beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production and water flow from the ice maker.

How to Fix It: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

If you have suffered a water damage due to a leaky refrigerator, please call us at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today! (210) 973-7636

Source: CNET online

Things to Do to be Prepared for a Hurricane

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Things to Do to Be Prepared in the Event Your Home is Affected by a Hurricane

Take inventory. The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve been affected by a hurricane is to try to remember everything you had in the house. Having an inventory will make the process of getting through the claim and getting back to normal so much easier. Keep the inventory list in a safe place away from your home like a safe deposit box or email the list to yourself and your spouse.

Update your insurance. Make sure you have the right amount of insurance, and fill in a few key gaps in coverage.  Call your Insurance Agent for more information.

SERVPRO® of Helotes / Leon Springs will work with your insurance and try to make things go as smoothly as we can for you. Faster to Any Disaster

Source: Kiplinger online

What Never to Pour Down Your Sinks

7/28/2019 (Permalink)

Always avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause serious damage and blockage.

Using detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain may help sometimes, but there’s no guarantee it will keep the grease from sticking to your pipes.

The safest thing to do is just to pour your cooled grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator.  Once it hardens, throw it away in the garbage can.

Pipe leaks from clogged pipes can cause water damage to your home as well as mold damage if the water damage is not soon addressed. To learn more about water damage restoration from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click here.

Source: Farmers online

Fireworks Safety

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs urges you to please be safe with fireworks this summer.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Source: CPSC online

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

A fire can cause severe damage to business equipment, materials, and structures. As a business owner, focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention, and staff education can help reduce your chance of fire and smoke damage. Here are three tips to help:

Assess the risk of fire hazards : The National Fire Protection Association offers handbooks and other publications on the fire safety code in place for businesses. If your local government offers it, a visit from a fire marshal is a great step for your fire prevention plan. If a marshal visit isn't available, ask for workplace fire risk assessment guidance from your building's property manager.

Have fire protection equipment : If you have an automatic sprinkler system in place, this will provide primary fire protection for your business.

Standard fire safety practices call for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor. Your best bet is multipurpose extinguishers, which will douse most small fires with ease, without shorting out your electronics.

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plan : Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan : In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid : In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Source: State Farm

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

In the laundry room:

• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
• Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.

In bathrooms:

• Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
• Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary.
• Open a window when showering.
• Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

Source: webmd Jan 2019

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

If you or your business has suffered a water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or bio hazard damage, odds are it has affected some sort of fabric or textile in your home.  The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your home or business performed by a company that is llrc certified?  SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs cleans upholstery for general cleaning , pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more. 

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Preventing mold and bacterial growth in the building’s ventilation system

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing mold and bacterial growth in the building’s ventilation system

Ventilation systems should be checked regularly, particularly for damp filters and overall cleanliness. A preventive maintenance plan should be put into place for each major component of the building’s ventilation system. Contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and operations and maintenance manuals. Components that are exposed to water (e.g., drainage pans, coils, cooling towers, and humidifiers) require scrupulous maintenance to prevent microbial 10 growth and the entry of undesired microorganisms or chemicals into the indoor air stream.

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the ductwork or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Source: osha Jan 2019

What Color is Mold?

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

What Color is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.

In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.

If you are concerned your home or business may be experiencing a problem with mold, please do not hesitate to call the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs.

Source: webmd

Dryer Lint Fires

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Dryer Lint Fires

Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries, and $238 million in property damage.

Facts and figures

• Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 5%.
• The leading factor contributing to the ignition of home fires involving clothes dryers was failure to clean, accounting for one-third (33%) of dryer fires.
• A mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines.
• Fires involving clothes dryers usually started with the ignition of something that was being dried or was a byproduct (such as lint) of drying, while washing machine fires usually involved the ignition of some part of the appliance.  

Source: Report: NFPA's "Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines"
Author: Richard Campbell
Issued: March 2017

HUD Standards Regarding Fire safety in manufactured homes

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

HUD Standards Regarding Fire safety in manufactured homes

Manufactured homes (sometimes called "mobile" homes) are transportable structures that are fixed to a chassis and specifically designed to be towed to a residential site. They are not the same as modular or prefabricated homes, which are factory-built and then towed in sections to be installed at a permanent location.

The federal government regulates the construction of manufactured housing. Since 1976, manufactured homes have been required to comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manufactured housing construction and safety standards, which cover a wide range of safety requirements, including fire safety. Post-1976 manufactured homes bear a label certifying compliance with these standards.

The HUD standard has been enhanced over the years and the HUD "Final Rule" for smoke alarms in manufactured homes is largely based upon NFPA 501. Today, new construction of manufactured housing is required to contain, among other provisions:

• factory installed hard wired or 10 year battery source, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up (including alarms inside or immediately adjacent to all rooms designated as sleeping areas, top of the stairs and on the basement ceiling near the stairs)
• provisions for special devices for hearing and visually impaired persons.

NFPA's national fire data indicate that manufactured homes built to HUD standards (post-1976 construction) have a much lower risk of death if fire occurs compared to pre-standard manufactured homes. The latest data (2007-2011) also shows that the overall fire death rate per 100,000 housing units is roughly the same for manufactured homes and for other one- or two-family homes.

Despite the federal requirements for factory-installed smoke alarms and the fact that eight out of ten manufactured homes now are and seven out of ten manufactured home fires now involve post-HUD-Standard units (based on 2007-2011 data), 51 percent of fires in manufactured homes were reported as having no smoke alarms present. This suggests a problem with detection devices being removed by occupants.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

Fire Safety in Manufactured Homes

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire safety in manufactured homes

Safety tips

To increase fire safety in manufactured homes, NFPA offers the following guidelines:

• Choose a HUD-certified manufactured home
  If you are in the market to purchase or rent a manufactured home, select a home built after 1976 that bears the HUD label certifying compliance with safety standards.
• Keep smoke alarms working
  Never remove or disable a smoke alarm. If you experience frequent nuisance alarms, consider relocating the alarm further away from kitchen cooking fumes or bathroom steam. Selecting a photoelectric smoke alarm for the areas nearest kitchens and baths may reduce the number of nuisance alarms experienced. As an alternative, NFPA 501 permits a smoke alarm with a silencing means to be installed if it is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the "test" button. It is not necessary to use smoke or a real flame to test the smoke alarm's operability, and it is risky to do so. Replace batteries at least once a year, and when the alarm "chirps," signaling low battery power. Occasionally dust or lightly vacuum smoke alarms.
• Make sure you have enough smoke alarms
  If your older manufactured home does not have smoke alarms in or near every sleeping room and in or near the family/living area(s), immediately install new alarms and fresh batteries to protect these rooms.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Plan your escape
  Know ahead of time how you will get out if you have a fire. Develop an escape plan which includes having an alternate exit out of every room. Make sure you can open and get out of windows and doors. All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to provide windows designed for use as secondary escape routes for the bedroom. Familiarize yourself with their operation and don't block access to them.  Immediately fix any windows that have been painted or nailed shut, doors that are stubborn or "stuck," and locks that are difficult to operate. Security bars or grates over windows or doors should have quick-release devices installed inside, which allow you to open them in an emergency. Hold a fire drill twice a year to rehearse how you will react if the smoke alarm sounds.

• Electrical
  Hire a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights, frequent blown circuits, or a "hot" smell when using electricity. Use extension cords for temporary convenience, not as a permanent solution. Avoid overloading electrical receptacles (outlets). Electrical cords should not be run under carpets or rugs, as the wires can be damaged by foot traffic, then overheat and ignite the carpet or rug over them. Ground-fault circuit interrupters reduce the risk of electrical shock and should be installed by electricians in kitchens and baths. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters monitor electric circuits for arcing and should be installed by electricians on bedroom circuits.
• Cooking
  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires in U.S. homes. Supervise older children who cook and stay in the kitchen when heating anything on the stove. Keep cooking surfaces clean and place anything that can burn well away from the range. Heat oil slowly and know how to slide a lid over a pan if you experience a grease fire. Read more cooking safety tips.
• Heating
  Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. When purchasing new space heaters, select appliances with automatic shut-off switches. Kerosene heaters are illegal for home use in some jurisdictions. Check with your local fire department before purchasing a kerosene heater. Turn off portable space heaters before falling asleep or when leaving the room. Refill kerosene heaters outdoors, after the heater has cooled down. Supervise children and pets when space heaters are operating. Read more heating safety tips.
• Walls
  All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to have wall linings that do not promote rapid flame spread, with special protection around primary heating and cooking equipment, such as the furnace and cooking range. Presently, gypsum wallboard has replaced plywood wall paneling and wood based ceiling panels in the fabrication of manufactured housing walls and ceilings. This action has dramatically reduced the impact of fires in manufactured homes. Do not mount anything on the walls – such as paneling, drapery, or wall hangings – that would reduce this protection, especially near major heat sources.
• Smoking
  If you have smokers in your home, ask them to smoke outside. Wherever people smoke, set out large, non-tip ashtrays on level surfaces and empty them frequently. Thoroughly douse butts with water before discarding. Check around and under cushions for smoldering butts. Read more smoking safety tips.
• Protect yourself from intruders
  Install outdoor lighting to deter intruders, including would-be arsonists. Keep gasoline, charcoal lighter and other flammable liquids locked in an outdoor shed. Don't store items underneath your home. Store firewood away from your home and keep trash and other flammable debris cleaned up. Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

You’ve heard all of the preventative steps, you’ve prepped your employees, and your building is up to code. However, the easiest prevention methods are usually the most overlooked. Inspect these things today and be sure to set reminders accordingly:

• Smoke Detectors. Safety experts say that you should check these at least once a month and replace the batteries once a year, or as needed.
• Fire Extinguishers. See the directions on your fire extinguisher to see when it expires and who you can call to replace your extinguishers. Extinguishers can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Also, depending on your fire marshal’s standards, you may have to have your extinguisher certified.
• Fire Exits and Exit Signs. Can guests clearly see exit signs? Can they easily get to them? Consider having a fire drill to ensure guests and employees can easily get out of the building in the event of an emergency. Practice regularly.
• See any State or Local Guidelines. There are some local and state guidelines that businesses have to follow to stay up to code. Take a minute to read up on these laws or talk to your local fire marshal to learn about the guidelines.

Keeping your business, employees, and guests safe is important. Just by taking the time to make sure the basics of fire safety are taken care of, you can protect your investment.

 Source: DKI Service Fire Services

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

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

Source: cdc.gov

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

Like candle fires (a large cause of fires in the home), Christmas tree fires are more common during the holidays, with 43% occurring in December and 39% in January. The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights, and an abundant fuel supply (gifts) under the tree. Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million in property damage each year.

The most common causes are electrical failures (32%), having the tree too close to a heat source like a fireplace or wood stove (17%) or being too close to candles (7%).

Safety tips:

Keep live trees well watered and dispose of them before they become dry.

• Turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Check lights for any shorts or other electrical issues before putting them on the tree.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

If you’re hoping to save your current furniture or you’ve bought a new patio set and want to keep it from falling victim to the same problem, you can take steps to prevent mildew and mold. When purchasing new furniture, look for water-resistant fabrics and materials and check to see if the dyes used are also weather-resistant. Acrylic and polyester are usually the most durable. You can also waterproof your patio furniture yourself by purchasing a waterproofing kit at your local supply store.

Note that sunscreen and bug spray are known to soak into cushions, so always use a towel to sit on as added protection, and never sit down directly after coming out of the pool. If you do spill water or otherwise soil the furniture, clean it immediately, and do routine cleaning every few weeks. If you do not use your patio furniture year round, consider using furniture covers, or find a shed, garage or storage unit to house it during the off season.

Now that you know how to remove mold and mildew from patio furniture, you can clean up your chairs, table and umbrella to return it to good condition. You’ll be back to lounging out in the summer heat in no time.

Source: https://learn.livingdirect.com/patio-furniture-mold-removal/

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your business? SERVPRO cleans upholstery for general cleaning, pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more.

The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

TheIICRC works with other organizations to increase awareness of certified firms – from companies like Shaw, which requires warranty work be done by an IICRC Certified Firm, to associations, to government officials. Additionally, theIICRC also partners with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to include a suggestion for use of IICRC Certified Firms that specialize in upholstery cleaning in its Furniture Care Codes.

When you see aIICRClogo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018

During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. See what programs your local fire station offers.

Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere!” That’s the theme for Fire Prevention Week.

LOOK
Look for places fires could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks 

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from a homeowner who has mold behind their dishwasher or mold behind their sink because there has been a slow leak in a pipe in their walls. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to the water damage.

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

You’ve heard all of the preventative steps, you’ve prepped your employees, and your building is up to code. However, the easiest prevention methods are usually the most overlooked. Inspect these things today and be sure to set reminders accordingly:

• Smoke Detectors. Safety experts say that you should check these at least once a month and replace the batteries once a year, or as needed.
• Fire Extinguishers. See the directions on your fire extinguisher to see when it expires and who you can call to replace your extinguishers. Extinguishers can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Also, depending on your fire marshal’s standards, you may have to have your extinguisher certified.
• Fire Exits and Exit Signs. Can guests clearly see exit signs? Can they easily get to them? Consider having a fire drill to ensure guests and employees can easily get out of the building in the event of an emergency. Practice regularly.
• See any State or Local Guidelines. There are some local and state guidelines that businesses have to follow to stay up to code. Take a minute to read up on these laws or talk to your local fire marshal to learn about the guidelines.

Keeping your business, employees, and guests safe is important. Just by taking the time to make sure the basics of fire safety are taken care of, you can protect your investment.

 Source: DKI Service Fire Services

One Year After Hurricane Harvey

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

One Year After Hurricane Harvey

August 25th marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the category 4 hurricane that deeply affected the great state of Texas one year ago.  Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain in parts of the Houston area, flooding thousands of homes and killing more than 80 people. The devastation was swift, and the recovery is far from over.  SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs was proud to come to the aid of the people whose homes were damaged by the hurricane.  The water damage was catastrophic. The professionals at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs worked especially hard during that hurricane and will always be here for you during any Texas storm...faster to any disaster to help you through any type home flood.

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives.  Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful.

Mold can grow on areas with the following:

• Water, moisture or high humidity
• Food (any organic substance)
• The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)
• Lack of ventilation
• Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.
• Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

If you suspect you have mold, please contact SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs today. We are here to help you through the process.

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

7/22/2018 (Permalink)

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO Helotes and Leon Springs. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect

mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from

plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the

contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores

from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of

surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to

eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing

of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate

heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs  Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using

fogging equipment. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

What is the SERVPRO® Ready Plan Tool

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

What is the SERVPRO® Ready Plan Tool

The SERVPRO^® Ready Plan is a tool for property managers and owners, both residential and commercial. It allows for the creation of an Emergency READY Profile. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your home or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your home or business.

SERVPRO^® Franchise Professionals have restoration experts available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold mitigation and removal. Our Large Loss Division has the expertise to manage the cost and operations of large commercial disaster recovery projects.

Basement Flood Clean-ups and Restoration

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

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  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

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 leiting 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

The SERVPRO Difference

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

What is the SERVPRO difference?

Serving America Since 1967

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have been helping business owners recover from water and fire damages across the United States.

Over 1,500 Franchises Nationwide

More locations means faster response. A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can usually be on-site within four hours to help protect the structure, business and personal property.

SERVPRO® National Call Center Served Over 300 Insurance and Property Management

Companies and Their Clients Nationwide in the Last Year Alone.

We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year. That helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service

In our business, you need us fast! The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money. Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Trained, Uniformed Franchise Professionals

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Professional will walk you through the job process and then work quickly to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible.

Hurricane Harvey Clean-Up and Restoration SERVPRO Report

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Overview

Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a Major Hurricane at Category 4 strength on Friday, August 25 causing widespread devastating flooding and wind destruction along the Texas and Louisiana coast. After making landfall, the storm’s track continued through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, causing heavy rains and additional flooding situations.

Flooding

Unprecedented flooding occurred across Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur in Texas. Rainfall totals exceeded 50 inches in Houston.

Response Update

SERVPRO mobilized and deployed Disaster Recovery Teams to the most heavily impacted areas of Texas and Louisiana. Over 400 fully-equipped storm crews were deployed and additional crews were being added daily.

During disasters of this magnitude, SERVPRO appreciated residents and business owners while we made every effort to respond to each need as quickly as possible.

Mold Remediation Needed for Helotes Business

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

A team at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs was called out to this San Antonio commercial property when an employee noticed this mold colony growing behind a bookshelf in their office. The office adjacent to this one had experienced a flood, causing water damage and mold grew when the water damage was not properly dried out. It then spread through this office wall. We needed to do mold remediation on the lower section of the wall, removing drywall, sheet rock, and insulation. 

If you are in need of mold remediation services or a professional dry-out after flooding, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs at (210) 361-9353

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the follow:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Comes to the Aid of Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Comes to the Aid of Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Fortunately, the Helotes and Leon Springs area received only a handful of inches of rain due to Hurricane Harvey. 

Unfortunately, Corpus Christi was hit hard by Harvey's strong winds and high rain totals.  Immediately, Austin Tonroy, owner of SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs responded to the owners of the homes in Corpus Christi.  Windows were shattered, roofs were torn off, and water had flooded in from every direction in some cases.  Our SERVPRO team was able to bring in generators to power the: pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers that helped us to remove the water and dry the homes. As in most cases with water damage, many homes were in need of mold prevention applications as well. There were many, many long work days and meals on the go.

In the end, we at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs, were immensely proud to have helped our fellow Texans during one of their most desperate times of need.

If you are ever found in the same situation with terrible storm damage, please know we are Faster to Any Disaster and are always happy to help.

Storm and Flood Maps Available Through FEMA

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Storm and Flood Maps Available Through FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) partners with Tribal nations, States, and communities through the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program to identify flood hazards, assess flood risks, and provide accurate data to guide stakeholders in taking effective mitigation actions that result in safer and more resilient communities. This data is incorporated into flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), that support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provide the basis for community floodplain management regulations and flood insurance requirements. Flood hazards are dynamic and can change frequently because of a variety of factors, including weather patterns, erosion, and new development. FEMA, through the Risk MAP program, works with communities to collect new or updated flood hazard data and periodically updates flood maps to reflect these changes.

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.

FEMA flood maps are continually updated through a variety of processes. Effective information that you download or print from this site may change or become superseded by new maps over time. For additional information, please see the Flood Hazard Mapping Updates Overview Fact Sheet

Source: https://www.fema.gov/

The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association

The cold weather often means that people are spending more time at home and all of this time indoors increases the risks of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 360,000 home structure fires each year, resulting in about $6-8 billion dollars in damage.

The causes of these fires range from food left unattended on the stove to candles left burning. From the moment a fire starts to the point where the structure is fully engulfed is usually less than two minutes, which is why it is so important for occupants to get out of the home as quickly as possible and not try to put out a large fire themselves.

Here are the eight most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Cooking
2. Electrical and Lighting
3. Lightning Strikes
4. Smoking
5. Dryers and Washing Machines
6. Candles
7. Children Playing with Fire
8. Christmas Trees

A Large Cause of House Fires are "Candles", According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

A Large Cause of House Fires are "Candles", According to the National Fire Protection Association.

Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. There are more candle fires in December and January; the top three days for fires are: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

About one-third of these fires started in bedrooms, causing 39% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. More than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items.

Other causes of candle fires include leaving them unattended in a room or someone playing with the candles. Even something as simple as knocking a candle over when someone bumps a table they're sitting on or a pet brushing against one is enough to light a fire.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

Dryers were involved in 92% of the Washer/Dryer fires; the risk of fire was basically the same for both gas and electric-powered dryers.

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.

Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.

Safety tips:

• Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended.
• Don’t throw water on a grease fire, put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.

• Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.
• Have working smoke detectors in the house and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Sources: http://www.propertycasualty360.com and National Fire Prevention Association

What are Molds?

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

What are molds?

One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold.  What kind of mold do I have?  How do I keep it from spreading?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home.  In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming.  In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.

In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated.  Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can — no higher than 50% – all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

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

Source: cdc.gov

November is Child Safety and Protection Month

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

November is Child Safety and Protection Month

Below are tips for helping to keep children safe at home.

1. Use safety gates. Even before your baby crawls, install safety gates to match your home and protect curious children from harm. Hardware mounted gates should be installed at the top and bottom of the stairs.
2. Prepare for bedtime: Remove all soft, fluffy and loose bedding from the baby’s sleep area. This includes pillows, blankets, quilts, bumper pads, sleep positioners, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft products.
3. Be mindful of plants. Choose decorative plants that are nontoxic. Common household plants can often cause serious sickness.
4. Use Doormats. Place a welcome mat outside your home or apartment. Pesticides and other toxins may be carried inside on the soles of people's shoes.
5. Be cautious of choking hazards. Be vigilant about coins, marbles, keys, jewelry, paper clips, water bottle tops, safety pins, removable rubber tips on doorstops, jeweled decorations on children's clothing, crayons, and hard and round foods.
6. Check out your furniture. Use angle braces or anchors to secure large furniture to the wall.
7. Hot water: Set hot water heaters no higher than 120 degrees F. A lower water temperature reduces the chance of scald burns.
8. Fingerprint your children. Contact your local police department to ask if the department provides home fingerprinting kits. Some departments will fingerprint your child for you. If your local police department does neither, you can easily find fingerprint kits for sale online. http://www.yoursafechild.com/
9.  Be Mindful of Windows. Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not prevent children from falling.  Never put furniture or cribs near windows where children can easily fall through.
10. Dishwasher Hazards. Point knives, forks, and other sharp items downward in the utensil basket. Don't fill the dispenser with detergent until you're ready to run the load, and wipe out any that's left over after each cycle. Always replace the cap on the bottle tightly, and store it in a locked cabinet. Keep the dishwasher closed and latched when it's not in use.
11. Stoves and Kitchen Ranges. Make sure free-standing or slide-in ranges are installed with anti-tip brackets that secure the rear legs to the floor. Manufacturers are required to provide these brackets on ranges made after 1991, but you can contact the company for the parts, or order them from an appliance-parts store. Keep the oven door closed when not using the oven, and never allow your child to lean on or climb on the range or oven door. Install child safety locks on knobs. Install stove guards.
12. Fire Safety. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Teach kids never to play with matches and lighters. Make a habit of placing these items up and away from young children. Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room in case of a fire.

Sources: http://www.parentguidenews.com, www.hg.org, http://www.parents.com, and safekids.org

National Fire Prevention Week

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

National Fire Prevention Week

October 8th - 14th is National Fire Prevention Week.

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Source: National Fire Protection Association,  http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week-2

Commercial Cleaning

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Remediation

Did you know SERVPRO is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO is even certified to remove biohazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO is available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door.  Please call today for a quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

Causes of Water Damage & What To Do if You Experience It

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

If a flood or leak affects your San Antonio home or business, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs to properly take care of your water damage!

Water is an important substance, but it can also be one of the most destructive. Homes and businesses cannot survive without water. However, when water leaks or causes flooding, it can be a devastating loss. A water damage disaster can result as a cause of the following factors:

• HVAC issues
• Faulty household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, etc)
• Leaking pipes or a pipe burst
• Faulty plumbing systems
• Natural disasters

If you experience a water damage emergency, it is important that you address the situation immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to minimizing the amount of damage done to your San Antonio home or office. The longer you allow water to sit and saturate your property, the more damage there will be done to it. It can even lead to secondary damage, also known as mold! So, what should you do if you have a flood or leak in your house or commercial property?

• Switch off the main water line to prevent additional water from intruding into your home.
• So long as the water is clean, remove any items out of the area that have been affected and remove or push back any items that may become affected. Set affected items out to dry and use a fan to help.
• Depending on the cause of the water damage, it may be advised to call a plumber to fix the problem.
• Call in a trained and licensed restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs, to begin mitigation.
• Remove excess water by mopping, blotting, or with a wet/dry vac while you wait for the technicians to arrive. Do not use a regular household vacuum to extract the water!
• Turn on the air conditioner and set up fans to help with the drying process.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help with all your water damage emergencies. Our team of technicians is available for emergency mitigation and restoration 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  If you are in need of assistance, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call – (210) 361-9353

Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage To Ceiling

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

The yellowish water spots the San Antonio homeowner noticed on the ceiling in the master bedroom

The homeowner of this house in San Antonio, Texas noticed water spots had appeared on the ceiling of his master bedroom. Realizing that the cause of the water damage was likely the air conditioner located in the attic above the room, he climbed up to take a look. Sure enough, that was the culprit of the damage. He called out an HVAC repair company to fix the problem with the air conditioner, and then he called us, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs, to mitigate the water damage done to the floor of the attic and the ceiling of the bedroom. Our technicians removed all affected drywall, and set up several of our air movers to dry out the wet areas. After a few days of drying and daily moisture checks, the moisture levels were low and back to normal, so our crew pulled the equipment and packed up. The floor of the attic and ceiling of the bedroom were repaired, and it was like this water disaster never even happened!

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Restoration

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Restoration

Did you know SERVPRO is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO is even certified to remove biohazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO is available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door.  Please call today for a quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

San Antonio's 24-Hour Emergency Restoration Company

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Disaster can strike at any moment. It doesn't abide by a 9-to-5 schedule. It doesn't care if it's the weekend or a holiday or the middle of the night. And it is almost never (if ever) a convenient time for an emergency situation to arise. 

So why choose an "emergency" remediation and restoration company who only chooses to be available to help you only during regular business hours? Our team at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs understands that when you need help, you need it immediately! That is why our staff and technicians are ready to assist you whenever water or fire damage occurs, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team at SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs has been proudly serving the San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country areas with their water mitigation, fire restoration, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning needs since 2002. If you ever need us, we are always here to help! (210) 973-7636

Mold Discovered in Upper Cabinets in San Antonio Apartment

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Another mold colony discovered behind drywall above where the mold-infested upper cabinets used to hang.

The renters of this San Antonio apartment noticed black and green spots growing along the inside of the upper cabinets in their kitchen when they decided to make a call to SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. The renters mentioned that the unit above their's had experienced a water damage event recently when the dishwasher started leaking. While the upstairs unit may have had their water damage properly taken care of, the lower unit did not. And thus, mold began to grow! More times than not, when it comes to mold, there is more to it than what originally meets the eye. The upper cabinets were affected so obviously the ceiling the cabinets were attached to also had mold growth. When our techs started to remove dry wall, they found even more mold growing behind it. Our team of highly-trained professionals began remediation right away and made this event "Like it never even happened."

What To Do (And Not Do) After A Fire

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

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

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 Helotes & Leon Springs.
• 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 set smoke odor.

Washing Machine Malfunction Results in Water Damage

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

A portion of the affected area after this house experienced water damage due to a washing machine malfunction.

SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs received a call late one evening. The couple who owns this San Antonio home decided to go out for a last minute date night to grab dinner and catch a movie. Before heading out, the couple threw a load of laundry into the washing machine. When they returned home, they discovered a flood that affected a large portion of their house. The couple quickly realized that the washing machine was the culprit of this disaster. That is when they placed the call to SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. Our technicians arrived at the scene, removed any standing water, and set up equipment. A number of air movers and dehumidifiers were strategically placed throughout the San Antonio home to ensure that it was properly and thoroughly dried out. 

If your home or business requires mitigation services, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs. We are here to help! (210) 973-7636

San Antonio Businesses Affected by Memorial Day Storms

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

An office affected by Memorial Day storms. There was glass to clean up and water damage to mitigate.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs was called out to this commercial building located in San Antonio, Texas when a terrible storm blew in over Memorial Day Weekend. The rain was heavy and the wind was strong. So strong, in fact, that it managed to blow in a window, sending shards of glass throughout this lawyer's office causing damage to a couple pieces of furniture that were in the room. Not only did this office experience damage due to the glass breaking, but the rain caused an extensive amount of water damage too. Since the storm hit over a holiday weekend, it went unnoticed until Tuesday morning. By the time SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs was called, the water damage had spread throughout the entire fifth-floor office, as well as dripped to several floors below it. There was a lot to clean up, but no job is too big for our awesome team of technicians who made this disaster "Like it never even happened."

If you experience any type of storm damage, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs at (210) 973-7636. No job is too big or too small! We have been proudly serving San Antonio & the Texas Hill Country for almost 15 years.

You May Need Mold Remediation If You Can Answer "Yes" To These Three Questions

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Did you recently experience water damage? Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours after your San Antonio home or business experiences water damage. This is why it is so important to begin mitigation and remediation as soon as possible. If the leak has gone unnoticed for awhile, you may be looking at a larger mold infestation. However, you don’t necessarily need to have experienced water damage for mold to start growing in your home. Humid or damp conditions along with stagnant air will likely lead to the growth of mold colonies as well.

Is there a musty odor? Have you ever left laundry in the washing machine so long that it smells a little funky once you finally take it out? The same smell may be coming from mold growing in your house. Again, if your home wasn’t recently affected by water damage, the likely cause is a humid or damp environment, which the mold thrives in.

Have you noticed green or black spots? These spots may appear on the wall, in cabinets, under sinks, behind appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines, in shower stalls or bathtubs – pretty much anywhere! Because, given that the conditions are right, mold will grow virtually anywhere. If these spots seemed to appear overnight, or if they appear to be growing or spreading, you have mold growing in your home.

If you can answer "yes" to these three questions, you may be in need of mold remediation services. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help - give us a call! (210) 973-7636

If you are unsure if you have mold in your home and wish to have mold testing done, we recommend calling Clean Environments, Inc. at (210) 349-7242.

Who Do I Call After A House Fire?

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs in your San Antonio home, it can be a crazy time. You don’t know who to call or what to do. Once the fire trucks leave, a new fleet of trucks will arrive at your home. You will be swarmed by remediation companies claiming that they were sent to you by the fire department, your insurance company, or even that your neighbor called them. As a customer, you have the right to choose who helps you with your fire damage clean up. SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs has been working hard for almost 15 years to provide the very best customer service and to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.” If disaster should strike, be sure to call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs at (210) 973-7636.

“If I ever have to go through this again, I definitely want to go through it with SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs at my side!” – Phillip from Fair Oaks Ranch, Fire Damage

When Disaster Strikes Your Business

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

If your San Antonio business or office experiences any type of water, fire, storm, or mold damage, give SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs a call!

Disaster doesn't just mean natural disaster. Disaster can strike at anytime, from the sunniest of summer days to dark stormy nights. Any number of scenarios can play out -- an overflowing toilet, an electrical fire, a leak in the roof. This can be a devastating loss when it happens in your home, but when it happens in your San Antonio business or office, the impact of a disaster can be detrimental to your livelihood. Did you know that 50% of businesses will not reopen after they have been affected by disaster? SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs understands that you have a job to do and people to take care of, and that your business needs to be back up and running to its fullest potential ASAP! Our team of highly-trained technicians will help minimize down time and get you back to business. 

SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs have been proudly serving our community for almost 15 years. If you experience any kind of disaster, no matter how big or small, we are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

210-973-7636

Preventative Measures To Help Keep Your House Dry

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

If your San Antonio home experiences water damage, call the team in green! (210) 973-7636

Water damage can occur in homes in a variety of ways. It is important that San Antonio homeowners check their house for leaks by inspecting pipes and connections in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. When checking in the kitchen, don’t forget to check connections to dishwashers, and refrigerators with water and ice dispensers. Look under and around sinks, and around bathtubs for any discoloration, which may be a sign that water is leaking from them.

Check the floors around your water heater for moist or wet spots. Areas of moisture could indicate that you have a problem, such as a rusted tank. If necessary, replace the tank as soon as possible.

Make sure water is flowing properly down drains. If water drains slowly or not at all, you can attempt to clear the drain with a drain snake, plunger, or drain-clearing solution. If your attempt to unclog it yourself is unsuccessful, call a professional for further assistance. This may be an indication that your main sewer line is clogged and that water has nowhere to go. If ignored, sewage can backup into your home.

To keep drains and pipes clear, follow some simple steps, such as never flushing diapers and other inappropriate items down toilets and not pouring cooking oils down sink drains. In addition, backflow valves should be installed in sanitary and storm sewer lines.

A leak in the roof of your home and clogged gutters and downspouts can cause significant water damage inside your house. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof, tarp over it if need be, then have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. In addition, keep all gutters and downspouts free of leaves and other debris so that the water can move away from your home and foundation.

Owners of properties located in areas prone to flooding should consider applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing watertight shields over doors, windows and other openings.

To ensure that pipes do not freeze and burst in the winter, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping, keep the heat in your home at or above 55°F, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Letting water trickle from the faucet can help prevent pipes from freezing. Don’t forget to insulate any pipes you have in the attic that may be prone to freezing.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is always here to help! Call (210) 973-7636 for all your mitigation, remediation, and restoration needs!

Water Damage Can Lead To Mold Infestation

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

Mold was found on this cabinet when an ongoing leak under the kitchen sink was discovered.

Did you know that mold can start to develop in as little as 48 hours after your home is affected by water damage? Whether the damage is caused by a leaky or broken pipe, flood, or fire, when you experience water damage in your San Antonio home, it is important that the water is cleaned up promptly and properly. This cleanup can help you avoid significant secondary damage to your home – mold. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is always ready to mitigate your home after water damage. Our professionals are also highly trained in removing mold safely from your home.

After Spring storms comes the damp moisture forecast, and the result of mold infestation is high. Mold can develop anywhere in your home, especially if you have experienced any type of flooding or an ongoing leak. It is important to address any signs of mold immediately and correctly. Time is of the essence when dealing with mold – the longer you postpone cleanup and removal, the more it can spread, the longer the mold remediation process can take, the more expensive it can be, and the greater the inconvenience for you and your family.

If you start to see or smell mold in your home, mitigation should be done by a trained professional, such as the ones we have at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. It is important to not attempt to clean or remove the mold yourself, as fussing with it can cause mold spores to spread through the air which can lead to further problems.

Water damage that was not properly remedied prior to rebuilding may have caused mold to start growing behind your new walls or under your new carpeting. If the structure of your home was not properly disinfected, dehumidified, and dried, mold may be thriving. In a rush to make properties habitable, steps are often skipped, leading to mold infestations. The team at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs sees this frequently. If you believe you have mold growth from recent floods or other water damage, call us immediately. We can quickly help you identify problem areas and start the mold remediation process.

Regardless of the size or type of damage, we can quickly respond and start the evaluation and mitigation, as well remediation of your property. Call us today at (210) 973-7636! We work directly with most insurance companies and carriers to help relieve a portion of the burden of the rebuilding process in order to make your loss "Like it never even happened."

Spring Cleaning Your San Antonio Office

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

The carpet in this San Antonio event rental space was in need of a deep cleaning.

It's finally Spring, which means it's time to start Spring Cleaning. If you don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your San Antonio office, then you definitely don't have the time to spend cleaning it. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs for prompt service. We offer a wide variety of cleaning services to get your San Antonio office back to pristine conditions. Whether it’s removing an odor problem, deep cleaning flooring or carpets, or you're in need of an air duct cleaning, you can rely on this team in green to make your work space look its very best.

Kitchen Fire In A San Antonio Home

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

The cause of a kitchen fire in a San Antonio home

This San Antonio home suffered fire damage after a kitchen fire. Fortunately, the fire was contained in the kitchen and was quickly extinguished. However, the damage spread when the air conditioner kicked on, causing the soot that had settled in their HVAC ducts to be blown throughout the entire San Antonio home.

So, how can you prevent a kitchen fire in your home?

• Don’t leave the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling, and definitely don’t leave the house. A fire may erupt if left unattended and the damage can spread quickly.
• Turn off the stove or broiler whenever you leave the kitchen.
• Set a timer while cooking so that you don’t accidently forget about the food cooking in the kitchen.
• Don’t put metal or dry foods in the microwave.
• Keep things that can easily catch fire, such as towels, food packages, and potholders, away from heat.

What should you do if a fire breaks out in your kitchen?

• When in doubt, get everyone out! Close the door behind you and call 911!
• If a small grease fire starts and is confined, put on an oven mitt and smother the fire by sliding a lid over the pan. You can also dowse the fire in baking soda. Turn off the burner. Don’t move the pan and keep the lid on until the pan has cooled completely. Do not attempt to put a grease fire out with water!
• In case of an oven or microwave fire, turn off the appliance and keep the door closed. Unplug the microwave if you can reach the outlet and do so without putting yourself in danger. Do not use equipment again until it is deemed safe.
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll! Cover your face with your hands and continue to roll around until the flames are extinguished.
• If you get a small burn, immediately put it under cool water for three to five minutes. If your burn is larger than a fist or if you have any questions or concerns, seek medical attention right away.
• Call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs at (210) 973-7636 for any fire remediation you need completed.

What To Do If You Suspect Mold In Your San Antonio Home

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

Our trained professionals at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs are ready 24/7 for any mold remediation services your San Antonio home may need!

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO of Helote and Leon Springs Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call (210) 973-7636

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Your local SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Preparing For Disaster: Floods

2/2/2017 (Permalink)

An intersection in Boerne, Texas under water during a storm in May 2015.

Natural disasters can strike at any moment, but you can be prepared when they do happen. Being familiar with what natural disasters affect the San Antonio area is the first step in getting prepared. It is then important to know what to expect and what to do if a situation arises. Planning can be the difference between a bad situation and a catastrophic one. You should also inform your family or co-workers on what to do if a disaster were to happen in your home or commercial building. When disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.

Over the past couple years, flooding has been a major problem in and around San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Storms can roll through bringing torrential rain. The large amount of rain is not absorbed by the ground quick enough, so the water will run off and accumulate in low-lying areas. Water will also run into creeks, rivers, and ponds causing the water level to rise. Both bodies of water and low-lying areas can quickly accumulate water and the water can rise very fast.

If the forecast is calling for heavy rain, it is a good idea to stay up-to-date on the threat level. A flood or flash flood warning means that flooding is possible and you should be prepared to possibly carry out your emergency plan. A flood or flash flood watch means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If your San Antonio home or business is prone to flooding, you will be told to evacuate the area.

When planning for an emergency, the first step is getting basic supplies together. Some of these items include water, canned food, first aid supplies, and batteries for radios and flashlights. These items should be kept together in a separate area from where they would usually be stored, and everyone in your home or office should know where it is located in the event that an emergency were to occur. It is also a good idea to keep important documents – birth certificates, medical records, insurance cards - in this box/area. If a flood warning is issued, fill your gas tank and move your emergency items into your car. If you do not own a car, make arrangements with family, friends, or neighbors for transportation. Gather family and pets, if possible. If your pets will not fit in a car with you, or if you own livestock and are unable take them, find a safe area to move them to. You should also adjust refrigerator thermostats to the coolest possible temperature in case the power goes out.

If you are told that you need to evacuate, you should leave as soon as possible; never ignore this order! It is advised to turn off your water, electricity, and gas and to unplug appliances, if you have time, to reduce the possibility of additional damage. Those of us who have grown up in the area, have heard the saying a thousand times – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. Don’t ever attempt to walk or drive through flood waters. You cannot be sure of how deep the water actually is, nor can you properly gauge the strength of the moving water.

Flooding is common in our area and being prepared is essential to avoid making a bad situation worse than it needs to be. If your home or business experiences flood or water damage, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will be there to make it “Like It Never Even Happened”. Call us at (210) 973-7636

Preparing For Disaster: Emergency Supply Kit

2/2/2017 (Permalink)

Being prepared for an emergency is essential to surviving a disaster

It is important to have basic emergency kit supplies gathered in the event of a disaster. These items should be kept separate from where you normally store them in your San Antonio home. The last thing you need in an emergency is to find out that your child used your emergency batteries to replace the dead ones in their video game controller a month ago. If you keep them separated, you will reduce the likelihood of something like this happening. While you can’t plan when a disaster happens, you can plan for a disaster. The following items are recommended to have in your emergency kit:

• Water – You should have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This water will be used for not only drinking, but also sanitation (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc). If you have pets, you should have water on hand for them as well.
• Food – You should have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. These items can include canned fruits and vegetables, soups, crackers, nuts and seeds, and canned tuna. Don’t forget to put a can opener in your emergency kit. Again, if you have pets, you should also pack away at least three days worth of pet food for them.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a weather radio with a tone alert. Be sure to have extra batteries on hand for both, if they require batteries.
• Flashlights and extra batteries for them. Not everyone will need one, necessarily, but it is a good idea to have more than just one on hand.
• First aid kit – alcohol wipes, band aids, gauze, bandage tape, disposable latex gloves, thermometer, tweezers, saline solution, aspirin, just to name a few. You can purchase pre-made first aid kits or make your own with extra supplies sitting around your home. If making your own, put them in a separate bag to prevent them from getting lost amongst your other emergency kit items and to help keep them as sterile as possible.
• A Whistle, to signal for help. Again, while you don’t need one for each person, necessarily, it might be a good idea in the event that you and your family members get separated.
• Dust masks – These will help filter the air in case it becomes contaminated. Plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off an area in your home is also suggested.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off your utilities with
• Cell phones with chargers, inverter or solar charger. No need to purchase an emergency cell phone; you can use the one you use everyday. But keep in mind that cell phones should be used for emergency reasons only during a disaster. This would not be the time to drain your cell phone battery playing games or scrolling through Facebook.

A couple additional emergency supplies you might want to consider keeping on hand:

• Prescription medications
• Eyeglasses and/or an extra set of contacts
• Important documents such as identification, birth certificates, bank account records, and copies of insurance policies. These should be kept in a waterproof, portable container.
• Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. Bleach can used to treat water and it can also be used as a disinfectant. Do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Bleach as a disinfected: nine parts water to one part bleach
  • Bleach to treat water: 16 drops of bleach per gallon of waterSleeping bag or warm blankets for each person. If it going to be cold, you might want to consider having extras on hand.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items
• Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic eating utensils. If you are packing mess kits, be sure to also pack a small bottle of dishwashing liquid soap and a sponge.
• Paper and pencils
• Activities to keep you and your family occupied, such as books, games, puzzles, and coloring books
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes. Clothing should include at least a long sleeved shirt and long pants. Extra, thicker clothing may be required if cold weather is in the forecast.

7 Reasons Why You Can Count On SERVPRO

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

If you experience water, fire, storm, or mold damage, or are in need of cleaning, call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs! (210) 973-7636

1. We Are A 24-Hour Emergency Response Team

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is ready to help when you need us the most! Whether you have experienced storm, smoke, or mold damage, or a fire or flood, you can count on us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make it “Like It Never Even Happened”. We know that time is of the essence when damage has occurred, not only to limit further damage to your commercial building, but also to limit your San Antonio business’s downtime and get it back to normal. Our SERVPRO has a 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline in place to get your facility back in operation quickly!

• Within one hour from the notice of loss, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will contact you to arrange for service.
• Within four hours, our highly-trained professionals will be on-site to start mitigation services.
• Within eight hours, the professional(s) remediating your business will have a verbal briefing of the scope.

2. Communication 

We know how frustrating it can be to work with a company who keeps you in the dark about what is happening with your San Antonio business. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will keep you in loop every step of the way. We will let you know what we’re doing, what the next step is, and when we will be there.

3. Reduce Recovery Time

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is faster to any disaster. By arriving quickly and addressing the extent of the damage to the structure and contents, and by providing effective cleanup and restoration services, we can reduce the amount of downtime and get you back to business. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will help you reopen the doors as soon as possible.

4. Lower Recovery Costs 

We can help you save money. Our quick response helps minimize secondary damage to your property which will save you thousands (and another headache).

5. Emergency Response Profile 

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs helps you plan for recovery before a disaster happens! Because when disaster strikes, the time prepare has passed.

6. Full Line of Services 

You know that SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will mitigate and remediate your commercial space if you experience water, mold, fire, or smoke damage. But, did you know that we offer a number of other services as well. Below are just some of the cleaning and restoration services we offer.

        Restoration:

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Humidification 
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response 
• Move Outs & Contents Restoration 
• Document Drying 
• Contents Claim Inventory Service

        Cleaning 

• Ceilings, Walls and Floors
• Deodorization
• Bio-hazard and Crime Scene
• Vandalism 

7. A National Leader in Storm Response 

We are here help when you need us the most! SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs will travel far and wide to assist areas that have experienced storm damage. No job is too big or too small, and you can rest easy knowing that your office is in good hands.

If you are in need of restoration or cleaning services, call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs at (210) 973-7636

Everyday Household Items That May Be A Fire Hazard

1/22/2017 (Permalink)

The build up of lint in dryer vents causes thousands of fires every year.

Most people are aware of the potential risk of fire posed by some obvious household items – candles, stoves, and space heaters. But there may be a number of items you overlook that pose as a fire hazard. Below are a few common everyday household items that could start a fire in your home.

Microwaves

Metal and dry foods and fans, oh my!

Microwaves, especially those that are outdated, are one of the most common sources of house fires. By accidently microwaving a piece of metal, arcing can occur. Microwaves work by heating up the water molecules in your food, so when you attempt to cook dry foods in the microwave without first adding water to it, this can cause your food to ignite if cooked for too long. And to quite literally add fuel to the fire, the fan in your microwave can also provide oxygen to feed the flames, which is why you should never leave a microwave unattended when in use. 

Batteries

While rare, battery-related fires do happen! Since their positive and negative terminals are so close together, 9-Volt batteries can pose as a fire hazard if a piece of conductive metals comes between the two posts. To keep your home safe, store unused batteries in their original packaging, or cover the ends with a bit of electrical tape. Never store batteries in a drawer with loose metal or flammable objects. 

Light Bulbs

All outlets are rated for a certain wattage, and using light bulbs that exceed those standards is a fire waiting to happen. If the outlet is unmarked, the safest course of action is to choose a light bulb that is 60 watts or below. If your home includes track or recessed lighting, consider using cooler LED bulbs instead of CFLs to avoid overheating. 

Dryer Lint

Every year, more than 15,000 fires are caused by dryer lint. Lint traps do not catch a majority of the lint, which means that most of it ends up in the dryer vents. Dryer lint is highly flammable, and it can become a serious fire hazard because it block air flow and exhaust gasses. Clean the lint trap between each load of laundry, and take the time to clear lint away from the vent and the back of the dryer at least once a month. Not only will this help keep your home safe, but it can also improve the life span of your dryer.

Laptops

It is normal for laptops to get warm during regular use. But laptops can overheat when their cooling vents get covered up, and could possibly cause a fire. Avoid leaving your laptop on the bed, couch, or any other surface that might block air flow, or shut it down when it is not in use or leaving it unattended for a significant period of time.

Reading Materials

It is not news that paper ignites quickly. Newspapers, magazines, books, and paperwork can easily ignite if stored too close to a heat source. Always store reading materials away from open flames, space heaters, outlets, or radiators. Store them a shelf or in another cool, dry place, and consider tossing out anything that you won't use again so that it doesn't become a hazard in the future. 

Heating Pads

Heating pads and electrical blankets that are old, damaged, or improperly used can pose a significant risk to your home and your safety. Throw away any pads that have missing covers, tears, cracks, or exposed wires. Avoid bunching pads up during use, and never fall asleep with a heating pad turned on - many older models do not have an auto-off setting, which can lead to serious burns, short-outs, and even fires. 

Charcoal

Barbecue charcoal is highly flammable, even when it's damp. The best way to store charcoal is to keep it inside a metal container with an air-tight lid, so that if a fire does start, it won't be able to spread. Keep charcoal in an area that isn't exposed to sunlight or moisture, such as a shed or outdoor storage unit. 

Clutter

Assorted clutter is a surprisingly common source of household fires. Combustible materials that are stored near light fixtures or electrical outlets can easily ignite; clutter in the bedroom is especially dangerous since it gives you less time to react to a potential fire. Avoid stacking clothing or paperwork in a closet with light bulbs, and vacuum regularly so that flammable dust doesn't accumulate around sockets and light fixtures. 

Old Appliances

Old and outdated appliances are a major fire hazard, even if appear to be functioning properly. Many older appliances do not have the built-in safety features that come with modern models, and pieces may wear out or break down over time with regular use. Check old appliances regularly for worn insulation, exposed wiring, or malfunctioning components.

What To Do If You Have A Water Leak

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

Water leaks can happen at any moment and wreak havoc on your home. They can come from a number of sources from a bad hose on your ice maker, to a leaking washing machine, to an overflowing toilet.  It is important to familiarize yourself with what to do in case of a disaster so that you can minimize the damage done to your home and belongings, and get it back in order as fast as possible.

So, what should you do once you’ve discovered a water leak?

Shut off your main water supply! This will close off the water line going into your San Antonio home and prevent any additional water from entering. It is a good idea to locate this shut-off before an emergency happens so that you aren't trying to find it with your home and belongings at stake.

Shut off the electricity to outlets if the water is near them.

Call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for all your water removal needs!

To prevent further damage, soak up as much water as you can with towels and mops.

Collect personal belongings from the affected area and move them to a dry space.

Protect your furniture by putting blocks underneath it to get it off the wet floor.

Being prepared and following these simple steps can mean the difference between a major loss and a small inconvenience. Remember: when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.

If you are in need of water removal, give SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs a call 24/7 at 210.973.7636!

How Much Do You Know About Mold?

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

As the flood water recedes, the opportunity for mold growth presents itself. Due to this, we recommend that you call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs at the first signs of moisture.  If you have discovered mold in your Bexar county home or office, we are here to help. We wanted to share some interesting facts about mold.

1.       There are over 10,000 species of mold.

2.       Some of your favorite cheeses have mold such as blue cheese.

3.       Penicillin is actually purified mold

4.       Mildew IS mold… many people think they’re two very different things but they’re not

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help with your water and mold damage remediation needs and are a phone call away.  We are available twenty-four hours a day every day of the year.

All About Mold

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Plan to Stay In Business

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow. 

This year, for National Preparedness Month (NPM), join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. 

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes.  As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps:
 

• Plan to stay in business; 

• Encourage your employees to become Ready; 

• Protect your investment.

This year, the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, with support from members of the National Preparedness Community across the nation, including your local SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Valley Franchise Professionals, are focusing on encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to take active steps toward becoming Ready. We must work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, places of worship, and neighborhoods are Ready.

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare their employees, operations, and assets in the event of an emergency.  At Ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to get started preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

Tips to help your Business by Ready

• Update and Distribute Emergency Contact Information to your Employees.  Additionally, you can create and distribute a list of important emergency numbers in the areas you do business 
• Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to review your company's emergency plans. 
• Conduct Office Evacuation/ Shelter-in-Place Exercises and Drills. Once completed, evaluate how well they worked and if additional training or exercises are needed. 
• Put Emergency Items on Display. Showcase an Emergency Supply Kit in your break room or other high-traffic locations and encourage employees to get their own Emergency Supply Kits for their home.

It's the Water You Don't See

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

With any leak, it’s the water you don’t see that causes the most trouble; especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria, or causes mold, rot and other unseen damage.  Water damage can affect the value of your property.  So before you get out the mop bucket and box fan to try and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect your property.

Your local SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs professionals understand how disruptive unseen water damage can be for your home or business.  For this reason, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs professionals offer 24-hour emergency response, and, under normal circumstances, will have a trained, uniformed technician on-site within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services.  By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, your local SERVPRO of Braun Station Professionals can help you regain control quickly while drying, deodorizing, and protecting your facility or home and contents.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Valley technicians have the training and experience you need.

A mop and common cleaning products may not be enough for serious water intrusion.  SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals are trained to safely clean and restore your building utilizing the following procedures:

• Identify the source/ type of water.
• Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis
• Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises.
• Perform emergency water extraction.
• Apply necessary treatments (disinfectants/ deodorization).
• Utilize drying equipment and monitor drying.
• Dispose of refuse.

So, before you risk further damaging the value of your home or office by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local San Antonio SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs.

The SERVPRO Difference For Businesses

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to pre-loss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Professional is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered–whatever the case, with SERVPRO® our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What is the SERVPRO difference?

Serving America Since 1967

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have been helping home and business owners recover from water damages across the United States.

Over 1,500 Franchises Nationwide

More locations means faster response. A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can usually be on-site within four hours to help protect the structure, business and personal property.

SERVPRO® National Call Center Served Over 300 Insurance and Property Management

Companies and Their Clients Nationwide in the Last Year Alone.

We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year. That helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service

In our business, you need us fast! The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money. Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Trained, Uniformed Franchise Professionals

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Professional will walk you through the job process and then work quickly to restore your property to pre-loss condition whenever possible.

References

From large commercial environments to small residential losses, SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals understand your loss is the job that matters most! We will be happy to provide references so you can feel confident that SERVPRO® is the best system to service your needs.

You Can Trust SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs!

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Put Property Owners Back in Control. 

Controlling Water Damage, Moisture and Mold Problems

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Property management, construction and real estate companies in San Antonio, TX face a common challenge from water damage, moisture and mold problems.  As insurance premiums rise to offset the cost of these challenges, real estate industry professionals and insurers must work together to achieve reasonable solutions.

Facts About Mold

·        Mold has existed since ancient times.

·        The human species has always lived in the presence of mold.

·        There are over 100,000+ species of mold identified.  The unique flavor of bleu cheese is produced by mold.

·        We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives.  Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful to health.

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

·        Water, moisture or high humidity

·        Food (any organic substance)

·        The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)

·        Lack of ventilation

·        Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.

·        Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

The good news is there are things you can do to reduce the growth of mold.

An Ounce of Prevention Can Protect You

The most important step you can take is to identify and humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold growth or structural damage.

§  Periodically inspect your building or home inside and out

§  Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs to identify the extent of the damage.  Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen.  This provides perfect conditions for mold growth. 

§  Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator of growing molds.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.  Remember, the key to protecting your home or business is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.

§  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product will keep problems away.

§  Business: make sure your Emergency Response Plan includes vendors that have the proper personnel and reserves and guarantees response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  This especially includes plumbers and restoration vendors like SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. 

§  Regularly have your HVAC system and air conditioner inspected to identify moisture problems or drain clogs.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is Faster to Any Size Flood Disaster

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

When the flood waters rise...so do we.

Before the Flood:

Tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for Preparing Your Home or Business for a Flood.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

During the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid flood waters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

 After the Flood:

Flooding is still possible. Listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Know the terms:

Flood Watch:

Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flash Flood Watch:

Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flood Warning:

A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Bexar County Disaster Preparedness

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

In order to be fully prepared, you should have all pertinent and proper information in a written plan for easy retrieval.  Some key questions to consider when creating a personal emergency preparedness plan include:

• Do you have an escape or evacuation route in place?
• Do you have a designated meeting place in case of separation?
• Does everyone have a list of contact information including family members out of state who can serve as a point of contact?
• Do you have a disaster supply kit with necessary supplies?
• Do you have a first aid kit that includes necessary prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and basic medical supplies?
• Do you have enough non-perishable food and bottle water?
• Do you have access to important family documents, including insurance policies, bank, credit card and loan information and family records such as birth certificates and social security cards?
• Do you have an inventory of valuable household goods?

A well-equipped disaster supply kit should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Water- a large enough supply to provide each person with 1 gallon daily for drinking and sanitation.
• Food- enough to last 3-7 days. Food need to be non-perishable or canned food.  You will also want to include a non-electric can opener, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
• Bedding including sheets, blankets, and pillows
• Clothing- remember it may be warm, however, you may be working and cleaning and may prefer pants or long sleeves to protect your skin.  You will also need sturdy, closed-toe, non-slip shoes if available.
• First aid kit including antiseptics or sanitizers and bandages, over-the-counter and prescription medications.
• Extra flashlights and batteries.  Oil lanterns also provide a good source of light, if available.
• Toiletries including toilet paper and hygiene items.  Hand sanitizers are also good to have on hand.
• Battery-operated radio with extra batteries so you can listen to weather service announcements.
• Cash- you will want some cash and small bills on hand as banks may not be open.
• Emergency phone numbers and contact information including insurance agent, SERVPRO of Braun Station, and family contacts.
• Tools, tarps, plastic sheets, trash bags, duct tape, etc. to help make minor repairs.
• Important documents should be kept in a waterproof bag or plastic sealed container and should include insurance, medical and family records, birth certificates, social security cards, bank account information and a complete home inventory analysis.
• Gas- fill your car's tank ahead of time if time permits. You may also want to fill plastic gasoline-approved container with gas to store.
• Pet care items including food, leash and a carrier or cage.

Don't wait until it is too late; prepare now to help protect your family in an emergency or disaster situation.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Understand Home Fire

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Halloween is the start of the festive holiday season and with the holidays quickly approaching, we at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs wanted to give you some quick tips to help insure that you have a safe holiday season.

One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.

• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every six of Christmas tree fires.
• More than half (56%) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
• Choose decorations that are fire resistant
• Check if lights are intended for indoor or outdoor use.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini-light sets and a maximum of 50 screw-in bulbs. Read the manufacturers instructions for the number of LED strands to connect.
• Replace strings of lights if they have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Keep trees away from heating appliances

What To Do Until Help Arrives After A Fire Damage

10/26/2016 (Permalink)

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage, and a host of other problems.  Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning.  If you home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until you local SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals arrive.  The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean.  Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.

Bexar County Storm Experts

10/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs are the experts you can trust with your storm damage remediation needs.  We are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year for your commercial or residential storm remediation needs.  Whether you have wind-driven rain damage to one room in your home or a full commercial building full of flood waters, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help.  We have the resources available by accessing the equipment and trained personnel of 1,700 franchises in the event of a catastrophe.  We are a trusted leader in the water restoration industry and have the industry training needed to remediate the damage a storm can cause. We can be reached at (210) 973-7636 or on our website at Web Inquire Contact

Bexar County Water Removal Experts

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

Have you ever came home to standing water?
Perhaps you just enjoyed a long 3 day weekend out of town only to come home to find water gushing out of your front door?

Unfortunately, these things happen, and often times can come at the most inopportune times.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help.  We like to assure people that even if you aren't prepared for a water event to happen SERVPRO always is!

We have the knowledge and experience to help in whatever your situation is, so, even if your kitchen is flooded don't be afraid, give us a call and we'll take care of it all!

Even if a water damage is a very stressful event for any person be assured that when we arrive you can sit back and relax, we have it covered.  Let us take care of the work and hardships so you don't have to.  We'll be happy to make it "Like it never even happened."

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

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

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 San Antonio 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 - 210-973-7636

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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 210-973-7636

For Immediate Service in Bexar County, Call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs

9/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in San Antonio.  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 – 210-973-7636

Residential Services

Whether your San Antonio 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

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Bexar County 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 Services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Faster to your Bexar County Water Damage Event

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 – (210) 973-7636

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 Helotes and Leon Springs

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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.

Restoring Your Helotes Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/5/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Leon Springs 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 Helotes and Leon Springs

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon 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.

When Storms or Floods hit San Antonio, SERVPRO is ready!

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Valley 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 San Antonio, we at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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

Bexar County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/15/2016 (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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 – 210-973-7636 

Leon Springs 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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 - 210-973-7636

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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 Helotes and Leon Springs

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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.

Does Your Helotes or Leon Springs Home Have Mold Damage?

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

In Bexar County, 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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today