Are you REALLY Storm Ready?

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Get REALLY ready!

When thinking about what it means to be prepared for a storm, my first thought is rounding up the everyday essentials. Get new batteries in the flashlight, have water bottles and snacks on hand, and charge up your phone in case of a power outage. These are the things that typically first come to mind when preparing for a storm.

While any measure of preparation is beneficial, there are a few things that many people don’t think about. These precautions can take you the extra mile, and in turn, protect precious belongings!

ASK YOURSELF 3 QUESTIONS

1. Do you have priceless valuables in your basement? -- You should consider moving them

• Tubs are helpful but are not foolproof because they can flip upside down!
• Be sure your sump pump is on its own electric circuit. Have a battery backup, it will save you a big mess and hassle.
• Keep valuables at least 3-4ft off the floor.

2. Where are your important documents, pictures, passwords/usernames, codes, keys?

• Make sure you have copies of any important content kept somewhere safe.
• Use a flash drive or keep a copy of your information in a lock box at the bank or other safe location.

3. Do you know how many items you keep plugged into outlets in your home?

• Leaving items plugged into your outlets during a storm can put them at risk of damage.
• According to the Department of Homeland Security, you should unplug all of your appliances during a thunderstorm.

Now that you have asked yourself these three questions, are you storm-ready? Are you taking all the precautions to keep you and your home safe? If not, now is the perfect time to begin!

A Lesson from Smokey the Bear

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Just 4 steps to ensure safety!

Campfires often bring family and friends together for music, laughter, and good conversation. There is something about bonding over the orange flickering light and roasting marshmallows that just feels so perfect in the summertime! 

When a campfire is not properly put out there is potential for forest fires, putting animals, people, and homes in danger. Nobody wants to end a wonderful night of sitting by the fire, looking out across a field that is up in flames. 

Our suggestion to put this possibility at bay is quite simple and has been one of Smokey the Bear's most significant missions for countless years! Knowing the way to properly put out a bonfire is key! 

If you can remember these steps, you'll always be prepared to keep forest fires at bay: 
Drown, mix, drown, feel!

1. Drown: once the fire has mostly burnt out, pour lots of water on the fire Drown ALL The embers, pouring until this hissing sound stops!
2. Mix: mix all the embers and ashes- Using soil or sand will enhance this step
3. Drown: pour more water onto the fire and ensure it is all moist. 
4. Feel: carefully feel the fire to make sure there is absolutely no heat coming from the remnants. 

Following these steps will help to keep you and your surroundings safe

8 Places You May Forget to Clean in Your Business

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Make your commercial business shine!

Keeping your commercial business’s image as reputable as possible is a very important task, as well as a big one! A spic and span commercial property is one way to maintain a great name! SERVPRO knows a thing or two about clean, that’s why we want to present you with a resource we think might assist you when it comes to making your workspace shine!

When it comes to cleaning, we know you all probably do the vacuuming, dusting, and tidying up of those office files and paperwork, but what about the nitty-gritty details?

Here are 8 areas in your commercial business that you may be overlooking, and could use a nice scrub down!

1. Your breakroom microwave: When lunchtime rolls around, it’s easy to quickly throw your food into the microwave without a second glance not realizing the microwave could use a good wipe down. You may walk away to make that cup of coffee, or use the restroom. PS: You should never walk away from a running microwave, but that’s a lesson for another time!
2. Your printer surface underneath: Our office printers very often sit static for most of their lifetimes. Dusting off any extra debris will also keep your printer in tip-top shape! Go that extra step, and every so often wipe down the surface that your printer sits on to ensure everything is pristine!
3. Ceiling fans: We all know how a fan blade can collect dust. Enough said.
4. Vents and Air ducts: This one is very important because it will also help prevent potential fires!
5. Plants: Office plants and foliage can be one of the biggest dust collectors. Using a damp paper towel, you can easily wipe off any leaves and plants and it will add that extra level of cleanliness to your office space!
6. Door Handles: Everyone knows this is one of the most highly touched areas in any commercial business. Help reduce the spread of germs by taking this step!
7. Office Phones: Same thing as door handles!
8. Carpets: Getting your carpets cleaned every few years, or maybe even every year is a great way to keep your business as possible! If you have a very high-traffic storefront, you could consider doing it more often.

If you are reading this and you think any of these areas in your business have been needing some love, you’ve come to the right place and we’re glad to be a resource!

If you ever have a mess that you need assistance with, call SERVPRO! We are here to help!

Storm Safety Becomes Children’s Storytime

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

THUMBS UP for education on storm safety!

Teaching a child how to tie their shoes, use good manners, and look before crossing the road, are all no-brainers when it comes to education. Something you might not have thought of is to teach them the ins and outs of storm safety. Why is this important you ask? Storms can cause potential dangers and educating your children on emergency plans and what to look for can be crucial to their well-being in addition, can be a great science lesson!

KNOW THE SIGNS

When I was little, I was scared of big thunderstorms, but I also found them fascinating. What helped ease my mind when it came to bad weather, is that my parents talked to me about the types and signs of different categories of storms.

One of the first lessons I received from my parents on this subject, was about common signs that allude to potential tornadoes. If the sky became dark and green-tinted, this was never a good sign. If we were outside playing and we felt the temperature drop or the wind change course, we knew we should be prepared for the potential of bad weather.

We knew to help gather up flashlights, and other necessities to help our mom get us to the basement, especially when my dad was traveling for work.

MAKE IT A SCIENCE LESSON

Severe weather education doesn’t have to be boring. There is so much science behind the way that storms work. You could provide a whole lesson on the makeup of a funnel cloud. This will give them important information on how the earth works and keep them aware of their surroundings.

A few other ideas on fun lessons to help educate your children on storms:

-Types of storms (tornado, thunderstorm, derecho, blizzard, etc.)

-Different types of clouds

-How rain forms

-What humidity is and how it affects the weather

The list goes on!

HAVE A PLAN

One of the most important things you can do to keep you and your family safe is to make sure your kids know what to do if sirens go off. What should they do if they think that there is a threat due to weather? What should they grab? Where should they go for shelter? Who do they call if they are home alone?

These are all essential things to have in your emergency plan. It may just help put your mind a little more at ease. One additional step is to put your mind at ease is to put SERVPRO'S number into your phone. In the event that your home is overtaken by water or storm damage, we are HERE TO HELP!

A Perfectly Timed Disaster

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO today to schedule your FREE ERP!

Getting a call to re-schedule a meeting an hour before it is to occur, can leave you a little jolted. But not as much as canceling the meeting only to SCHEDULE a water cleanup instead! I can’t make this stuff up…I was literally going over to the property manager’s office to explain how their SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) would assist them at their 72-unit apartment complex in times of trouble when they called for help!

A contractor had pulled some baseboard off, ripping a nail out of a water line. Water was taking over the room quickly. The property manager remembered where the SERVPRO water shut-off tag had been placed the week before by us and ran to stop the flooding.

She was very thankful for the time and steps taken to prepare her in this means.
SERVPRO’s ERP & Education to the rescue!! Even though we would never expect it to be needed this soon. 

PREPARE WITH AN ERP 

Preparing for a catastrophe is crucial. I’m not talking about worrying, negative thinking, or doomsday prep. But just being aware and putting into place contingencies will bring peace of mind, in case something were to happen.
Unfortunately, we know IT does happen, hence the story above. 

E.R.P.> Emergency Ready Profile app by SERVPRO is just that- gets you ready in case of an emergency. By documenting the important areas of your home or business through photos and compiling necessary phone numbers & insurance information ALL IN ONE PLACE, this free app is accessible anywhere you go!

You can take time to celebrate, once your ERP is in place! I know I have offered before, but please take me up on this and call to set up a time for me to come and walk you through your very own ERP- let’s start with your work office!

Having Patience in a Stressful Situation

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Stay calm and call SERVPRO!

Heavy rains have saturated Black Hawk County as of late. While SERVPRO is the pro for being at your service when your home has undergone storm damage, we have been in high demand. We want you to know how important YOU all are to us! If we could duplicate our teams to get to everyone within an instant, we would! Since there is no equipment for those purposes, we want to leave you with some positivity and points for when we are in this stressful situation!

ALWAYS CALL

Never hesitate to call us. No matter the circumstances, we always want to be a resource to you! Our Job File Coordinator will ensure that we get you taken care of in one way or another. If you experience water or storm damage, the sooner you call, the sooner we will be able to assist you. Never wait to contact someone if you are in need of professional services.

PRACTICE PATIENCE

In a world where instant gratification seems like the norm, you can feel thrown off when things take more time than normal. Especially when it comes to your home or business. Patience is a virtue, and it also takes practice. Something I like to do in stressful situations, is remind myself of the things that are going swimmingly in my life. Things could ALWAYS be worse, and your mindset is SO important.

PROACTIVE IS BETTER THAN REACTIVE

We preach a lot about being prepared in the event of a catastrophe, and there is a reason for that. When damages occur, if you have never thought through what to do in that situation, it can often cause disarray and fear. If you are unsure of where to start in having a plan, call SERVPRO today and we can set up your free Emergency Ready Profile! This will help guide you after damages occur. Use us as a resource and follow our social media to get continuous tips and other prevention methods!

We are HERE TO HELP!

Back In Business!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water cleanup and restoration is one of our specialties!

The refrigerator… A wonderful creation, it keeps your food fresh and your beverages cold. It seems as though your fridge could do no wrong.

A commercial business that we are doing a job for begs to differ! When a fridge waterline broke in their office, water leaked for several hours. All through the office and down into the basement - there was water damage.

SERVPRO is here to help in situations like this and we will get you back in business!

GETTING STARTED

Our team had to extract all the affected areas to get this commercial business out from underwater. The trim was pulled and equipment was set to get the drying process into action!

DAILY READINGS

Daily readings are taken to ensure that things are beginning to dry. Not even 24 hours later and our team had made great progress on the drying process.

Later in the week, most of the rooms were reading dry. To learn more about this process, you can read our blog on wet checks! There was still one room showing moisture, so equipment was moved around to attack that area.

On the next visit, our team was able to pull all equipment, and our Construction Manager reinstalled the baseboards finishing the job off!

GREEN TEAM

Our certified technicians are highly educated, and with the help of state-of-the-art equipment, they will get you back in business!

Call SERVPRO today at 319.268.1521

Looking Back- The 2020 Derecho

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

A reminder of how important preparedness is, even when things are least expected!

It’s been just short of 2 years since the derecho came tearing through Iowa, in August of 2020. This was a tough time in more ways than one. With COVID-19 still very fresh and new, our communities now had to face one of the biggest natural disasters to date. Winds estimated at 110-120 mph caused damage resulting in a projected $11 billion dollars.

When this season of severe weather rolls around each year, this memory reminds us that we need to have a plan. Now that the dust has settled, for the most part, we’re looking back on this devastating event and reflecting on some important takeaways.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE

We have seen it happen once; it can happen again. Maybe not a derecho (hopefully), but tornadoes and other disasters can come knocking. It is vital to have an emergency-ready plan in place. Even more importantly, make sure you teach your children what to do when something like this occurs. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking of possible solutions or plans:

• Where will you go to seek shelter?
• What necessary items should you grab in the event of dangerous weather?
• Do you have an emergency-ready kit?
• Where is your first aid kit located?
• What will you use as protection in the event you need to cover yourself from flying debris?
• If you are in a vehicle and need to seek shelter, what should your plan of attack look like?

These are just a few points to get your wheels turning. Use your resources and make sure that your plan is documented somewhere! It is good to have easy access to help you in stressful situations, as well as for your kids to utilize!

SERVPRO STRONG

Another thing we learned from this catastrophe, was there really is no mess too big for SERVPRO. We often consider ourselves SERVPRO strong, and this is because SERVPROs across the nation are non-competing. In times of distress or large losses, we band together and compile resources to get the job done and be there for our communities. SERVPRO has storm teams on standby who are at the ready for situations such as the 2020 Derecho.

CHECK YOUR COVERAGE

For 250 miles the derecho stretched across land, leaving a lot of damage in its path. look at your homeowners, or renters’ insurance and confirm that you are protected under any future events that could lead to potential damage. When disaster strikes, it creates enough distress on its own. Not having coverage on your home can result in even more chaos, as repairing the damage will have to come out of your pocket.

While we hope and pray that nothing like this ever takes place again, we can only control how we prepare and react when the universe has a mind of its own. SERVPRO is dedicated to helping our communities and by sharing preventative and proactive measures, we get one step closer!  

Is Your Landscaping Causing Water Damage?

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Swale to the rescue!

Landscaping around your home is a beautiful thing! … or is it?!

Yes, indeed it can be beautiful, however, there are some things to consider when landscaping that may have lasting effects on your home.

What many people do not know is that depending on the area, position, and path of your landscaping, there may be factors that are causing water to seep into your home or basement. When bushes or shrubs are too close to the home, it can cause serious leaks from the draining of that tree or plant running into the side of your home.

Some preventative measures to keep your home looking beautiful:

SWALES

A swale is a depression that is created at the bottom of a slope to direct water away from your home when landscaping. Think of this as a trench of sorts. Building a swale into your landscaping is a great way to prevent future water damage. Just be sure that they are allowed in your area and carefully determine the position.

Find more on how to create a swale here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAY5jixv0Gc

RAIN GARDENS

Creating an area in your yard that serves as a place for access water to pool is a great way to minimize damage to your home. For a rain garden, you want to choose the lowest point of your yard and make sure it is at least 10 feet away from your hose. You will want to pick plants that require high moisture levels for this project.

LAY MULCH

Another wonderful and fairly simple way to protect your home is to lay down mulch in your landscaping area. There is, however, a few caveats with this. You want to make sure that you choose a heavy mulch that will obstruct the flow of fast-moving water. Lay the mulch at least 6 inches away from the siding of your home, this will help prevent any rotting on your exterior!

There are other ways to use landscaping to your advantage when it comes to home protection. When planting, use your resources, and of course, if you happen to get any unwanted water in your home, call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County! Happy planting!

So, You Think You Have Water Damage?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your ceiling looks like this, your next phone call needs to be to SERVPRO of Black Hawk County!

It's common that with water damage come signs that let you know something is not quite right. Why would you seek out this damage, you may ask? Let us tell you!

WATER DAMAGE CAN BECOME DETREMINETAL FOR A HOMEOWNER

When it comes to possible water damages, whether you can see it or not, you need to take action. Water damages can cause severe problems to your homes structure and worse yet, can cause health effects. High moisture levels can lead to bacteria growth in your home.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Now that you know the importance of why taking care of water damage properly is so crucial, lets talk about what you should look for.

First thing to look for are dark or wet spots, typically on your walls, ceilings, or floors. Many times, water will cause discoloration in certain areas. Secondly, search for any areas that seem to be cracking, flaking off, or bubbling. If you suspect there is something off, you can also listen for any running water sounds.

Using your other senses, take a whiff! If you smell musty, damp, or moldy odor, this can also be an indicator of water damage.

YOU FOUND INDACTORS OF WATER DAMAGE, NOW WHAT?

Depending on if there is current water still seeping from somewhere in your home, you may want to find your water shutoff to prevent further damage.

Once water damage has been determined, one of your first calls should be to your insurance company. Directly following call SERVPRO. Our licensed professionals will get your taken care of and ensure that everything is properly dried and no mold growth has presented itself.

SAVE $$$

Knowing the signs of water damage not only makes your more educated when it comes to maintenance in your home, but it also can save you a lot of money in the long run if you can see the signs right away by preventing further damage.

If you think you see any signs of water damage in your home or business…Call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County today! We are here to help!

An Electric Take on Storm Safety

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A shocking fact!

When the skies get dark and you see a storm rolling in, it is easy to think about the possible safety hazards that come with it. I know where my mind goes when I first hear about storms in the forecast and the possibility of injuries or other scary situations. I think of tornadoes, or heavy winds that can cause a lot of damages. These things sure are frightening, but did you know that you should be extra cautious of lightning?

LIGHTNING- THE SILENT WEAPON TO A STORM

According to the Red Cross, lighting causes more deaths a year than tornadoes or hurricanes. That is why it is so important to know about not just storm safety, but precautions when it comes to lighting. When storms are in action, lighting Is almost a guarantee. Here are some things that you can do to help keep yourself safe from becoming a statistic!

• Prevent going outside when lighting or thunderstorms are in your area
• Stay off computers and other equipment that is hooked up to electricity
• Stay away from doors, windows, or other open areas such as porches

IF YOU ARE IN A PINCH AND CANNOT GET INDOORS

• Do not go onto elevated surfaces: hills, mountains, etc.
• Never lie flat on the ground
• Stay away from ALL metal objects or objects that conduct electricity

When it comes to your safety, it costs nothing to take precautions and use these preventative tips.

EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?

If you are injured during a storm, we will leave that to the medical professionals. If your home is impacted due to severe storms, that is where SERVPRO can step in and make your life a little easier! Call SERVPRO today if you have experienced storm damage to your home or business!

319.268.1521

Seeing is believing! Sewer Backup Catastrophe

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Service your drains to prevent a catastrophe!

Touring SERVPRO work sites is very beneficial in discovering what it takes to cleanup and restore.
When I took the field trip to a job that focused on sewer backup cleaning, I never imagined the impact it would leave on me! It is often said, putting yourself into another person’s shoes-situation-can help you understand what they are going through.

At this site, SEEING WAS BELIEVING! The basement I visited looked almost exact to my own. The washer and dryer, furnace and water heater were all located near the ‘drain pit’. It is this pit where not only the water from outside tiling flows in, but where my shower, washer and the furnace drain tube empty into. It is also this drain pit where sewer backs up and enters your home when a clog develops! Weather, like excessive rain, can sometimes trigger the backup.

Running Slow?
If a drain is running slow or clogged, it will ‘show itself’ in a horrible way. Consider a few maintenance steps to put off a catastrophe. I made a call to a plumber and inquired on what I needed to do to prevent sewer backup. Snaking is the act of running an auger like cable down the drain. It will push through physical clogs that chemicals can not break up. Once you have hit the blockage, it will be loosened to flow out, and the auger is brought back out. Sometimes pieces of the clog will come with it-and often is due to hair, debris and even tree roots.

ALL the WAY to the Street!
Ask your plumber to snake your drain pipes all the way to the street. Sometimes the blockage is loosened but not mined all the way through to the city sewer line, which runs underground in the street. Snaking the large cleanout pipe will provide more peace of mind. Be sure to run or flush with water for several minutes after the snaking. A bucket of water is helpful in the main drain.

Thankful and Educated
I’m glad I got to see what could have been, before it was! If you have experienced a backup by either sewer or water, call a plumber to open your drains. Then call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County to clean up what’s left behind. 319.268.1521

Being Part of Our CommUnity!

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO BBQ fund!

Being part of something bigger than ourselves, including our own jobs, can make such a difference all around! I’ve read several places where the importance of wage is not the highest overall deciding factor in job search anymore. People want more of an experience & know they are making a difference.

Sponsorships:

SERVPRO is often asked to consider a monetary sponsorship. With so many great causes & possibilities, we consider the passions of the people who work for us when committing. Employees appreciate that we support areas of their life outside of work that matter. Examples include the Special Olympics- Polar Plunge, donations to the Humane Society, House of Hope, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, and school fairs. To support business networking, funds are extended to include educational events, golf outings, and realtor activities. We enjoy being part of a diverse collection of communities.

Volunteering:

Natural connections in B2B make it easy to say YES when asked to volunteer. Staff is involved with the Red Cross activities including sitting on a community board and making & delivering cookies to first responders.

BBQ Social Jar:

Find a penny, pick it up, all day, have good luck…Crew Chief Mikey labeled a pickle jar and started filling it with loose change. This urged co-workers to throw in their 2 cents and fund a social BBQ for the team. Pooling together to celebrate working together feeds a feeling of unity.

Reel/Real Relationships:

Getting to know a person in a real way is encouraged at SERVPRO of Black Hawk County. In a REEL way / REAL Relationships is the foundation of our work.  Start by drawing a person in (reel) by asking good questions and listening. Adding personal content & sharing experiences establishes a friendship. Real relationships are developed when we take time to see people and put them first.  

PLUS 1=

When Scott, the boss, asks the employees for a + 1, he is referring to ONE extra step someone could do to make our service one step above the expected. He challenges everyone to find a particular way to make their day. When people experience more than they expect, a trickle effect happens and most often they will do something nice for someone else. What goes around, comes around! 

Joining together in a variety of ways, showing & extending care,
creates the Unity in CommUnity.

Sewer Backup, Not Part of the Phone Plan

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

What will you choose?

A call to a friend, check-ins with a loved one, a happy birthday message, a congratulations-- these are the kind of calls that we like to get in life. A call due to sewage backup is one of the least fun calls that a commercial business owner has to make. It is not fun for the owner, and while we are in the restoration business, we never want anyone to be going through a mess! We always work to prepare and prevent.

SEWER BACKUP COMES RINGING

The SERVPRO crew worked on a job at a local phone store after sewage backup came ringing.

When these catastrophes arise, we understand how important it is to get the mess cleaned up so your commercial business can be back up and running with no stinky mess.

That is what we did for this local commercial phone store.

Our team ensured that the sewage was cleaned thoroughly. You might think that counts as a job well done, however, at SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, we thoroughly inspect to make sure there are no other damages. In this case, there was more to it. Along with the sewer backup, came significant water damage that required drying equipment.

The technicians on the job went back to check on the drying process throughout the process and even drilled some holes into the drywall to ensure that the moisture was completely addressed. When all the readings showed that the structure had been completely dried, the job was now done.

SERVPRO ON SPEED DIAL

While some disasters are non-preventable there are ways to limit damage, and it is best to always be prepared in the event that they happen. Put SERVPRO’s number into your phone so as soon as that sewer backup comes ringing, we can be out there to address the problem at hand and minimize damage! 

319.268.1521

Here to Help!

Keep Your Neighbors Safe on National BBQ Month

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

The firepit and the neighbor's deck that caught fire

On National BBQ Month, SERVPRO would like to remind you to invite your neighbors over for the cookout, rather than bringing the flames to them.  

When it comes to safety and fire prevention, here at SERVPRO we have learned that precautions and prevention are not for just your own safety, they're also for your neighbors! We worked on a job where the fire damage to a house was caused by a neighbor's fire pit. Gusts of wind picked up debris from their fire pit and I think you can see where this is going. The neighbor's deck caught fire causing damage to a number of rooms and smoke odor throughout the home. They never thought that a 'harmless' fire pit fire could get so out of control and end up causing damage to a property that was not their own. 

The safety of you, your family, and your neighbors is something to take seriously! When you are having a BBQ, bonfire, or any other kind of open flame during this spring/summer season, we urge you to practice the fire safety that we all know but don't always practice. 

If you need a refresher on some important fire safety, here is a great resource: 

• https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/outdoor_fire_safety.pdf

Expanding. Advancing. Moving Forward.

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Three small words, big meaning!

Our world is in a constant state of moving forward. No matter how much you want to slow down and stretch out each minute, the reality of it is--  we are always expanding, advancing, and moving forward. This is especially important in the world of marketing, branding, and even business as a whole. To be an industry leader, you've got to do more than just keep up, you need to be ahead of the game! Here at SERVPRO, we are ALWAYS trying to improve and bring fresh ideas to the table so we can continually serve our communities in the best, most efficient, and purposeful way!

A FRESH LOOK FOR SERVPRO 

Since the new year, you may have noticed the words under our roof logo have changed. They read: "Cleaning. Construction. Restoration". Along with our new verbiage, our color pallet, logos themselves, and other SERVPRO content were all rebranded to a fresh, new, clean, and exciting look. A process that Headquarters took years in advance to plan, there is no shortage of thought behind our new brand, but let's break it down. 

CLEANING

SERVPRO is committed to getting things CLEAN, and we have pretty much seen it all! Whether it's the space within your home or business that needs to be brought back to its former glory or contents that get detailed in our wonderful cleaning room after a fire or water loss. No matter what tough grime you need to tackle, SERVPRO will put in the work!

CONSTRUCTION

After disaster strikes, things often get torn apart so we can remediate the issue right down to the root of the problem. We never want our customers to be left in shambles, instead, we send in our Construction Manager, Dennis, and he puts things back together to make it "Like it never even happened."

RESTORATION 

One of the biggest things that we pride ourselves on is restoring. We aren't just restoring homes, we are restoring precious items, memories, and lives. After a catastrophe happens, we look at all parts of the puzzle when it comes to restoring. We want to get people back into their homes and businesses, so they can too, work on expanding, advancing, and moving forward. 

As we move forward you will see these new words on our branded materials, social media, and CE registration sheets. When you read them, we hope you remember the deeper meaning of these three words that signify our staff and services because we are so much bigger than just three words!

Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

Test your CO2 alarm now!

Don’t ignore the beeping sound of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.

Yes. We are talking to you, the person who has justified the sound to low batteries. Admittingly, that has been me. It could be low batteries but don't take that risk. Do you know that besides water and fire disasters, we also have cleaned after TRAUMA disasters related to CO poisoning? Death by carbon monoxide is tragic and traumatic for anyone involved. What’s worst is that carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas so there are no alarming indicators to alert you naturally and right away. 

Here are a few tips to make sure you and your family are safe in your home.

1. Test your Carbon Monoxide Alarm monthly.
2. Install CO alarms on the outside of bedrooms and on each floor including the basement.
3. Invest in a Plug-in with Battery Backup CO Alarm.
4. First Alert recommends replacing CO alarms every 5-7 years.
5. If the alarm goes off, quickly go outside and call 9-1-1.

Household items that produce CO.

It is important to do a maintenance check-up on heating sources such as the furnace, generators, stove, oven, dryer, and chimneys to ensure everything is working properly. Changing filters on your equipment will help it be more efficient and safer. In addition, do not leave your car running in an enclosed space even if you are just heating up the car before traveling especially if it’s the enclosed space is an attached garage.

P.S. If you visiting a family or friend overnight and they are ignoring a beeping CO alarm, DO NOT STAY THERE.

We are here to help PREVENT disasters. Disaster will always happen and although we are good at restoring homes and content, we can’t restore someone's passing. That’s why it’s important for us to share safety tips and bring awareness to topics such as these. Be safe.

More Resources: 6 Things to Know About Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

Patience Takes Practice - Help is Coming!

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Patience is key!

Sometimes it seems as if we live in a world where instant gratification is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. With the way the world is operating currently, getting things at the snap of a finger is even more of a challenge than it used to be. Items are taking longer than they used to in the world of shipping and materials. Many people are short-staffed, making it harder to stay operating for their full business hours.

SERVPRO STRONG

We are so blessed that we are able to trust in our team during these trying times to get things done, and done right! That doesn’t always mean we can be out on a job site within an instant. In the restoration business, sometimes emergencies come up and we need to send our staff to help those individuals right away. We take pride in our work being done quickly, but also efficiently, and most importantly done RIGHT!

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE - AND NOT JUST FOR THE RESTORATION BUSINESS

As quickly as we want it to be done, it is important to take each step carefully and not rush drying or demo processes. Our techs and machines are very calculated- serious math involved- to take out any guessing and possible problems down the road. SO- set your expectations longer than you think, and when it turns out shorter, it will feel better! If you are ordering materials (cabinets and such) we know there have been some delays for certain products…that’s today's reality no matter who, what, and where.

Right now, is a great time to exercise your patience. Be patient with others, but also learn to be patient with yourself!

Help is coming, whatever you are waiting on is coming…hang in there!!

319.268.1521

The Importance of an Emergency Plan!

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

It's time to get prepared!

Having a plan when things go array is very important when you own a commercial business. Not only does this make you more aware of your property, but could save you some dollars in the long run if you are prepared and can take immediate action!

IF THAT ISN'T REASON ENOUGH, HERE ARE A FEW MORE:

• Promotes safety & shows that the organization is committed to keeping its workers safe.
• You will be more prone to taking immediate action, which could result in a less severe loss.
• Being prepared can reduce fear, stress, and anxiety.

FREE EMERGENCY READY PROFILE

Yes, you read that right, FREE!

SERVPRO offers a free ERP or Emergency Ready Profile that you can use for your business. There is a mobile application that is used to gather all crucial information and help during and after a disaster occurs.

Recommended information to store in your ERP.

• Emergency contact information
• Building information and description
• Contact information for local emergency services, utilities, municipalities, and vendors
• Map of your business
• Collections of images of important rooms and expensive equipment with an area to add notes or instructions
• Emergency instructions in case of a fire, water, or storm disaster

You can add as many images, instructions, and details to this mobile app as you want! Get started right now!

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

TO SUM IT UP

Whether it's through our ERP program or through means of your own, we hope that you get your emergency-ready plan in place. If something goes wrong, you are going to be in a much better position to get back into your building faster! If everything is smooth sailing, then you still get peace of mind that you are prepared!  

If you have any questions or would like to request a walkthrough of your business to begin the ERP, give us a call! (319) 268-1521.

Pay Attention to the Sounds in your Bathroom!

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Take a look at this visual!

Your drain is demanding help

If you hear gurgling noises in sinks, showers, toilets, and floor drains, it is actually a yell for help! These noises signal that there is a possible blockage somewhere. Do not ignore these warning signs.

Vent, drain, and, main line…How is it all tied together?

Located on the roof and running through your home to the mainline connected to the city sewer, the vent or stack pipe plays two roles. It removes sewer gases and odors, which keeps your house from smelling. And second, it brings fresh air into your plumbing system to maintain pressure and helps water drain properly. It is the hub of the entire plumbing system.

In this image, the toilet, sink, and bathtub all drain to 1 mainline and all vent through 1 main vent.

If there is a clog somewhere in this line (drain pipe or vent pipe), the air is either pushed out or sucked into one fixture (like the toilet), when another is used (like the shower).
The main sewer drain line, most likely buried and running through your lawn, carries all the wastes to the city sewer line. It can also plug with tree roots and household debris and remains.

While the gurgling noises may seem like a nuisance, they can lead to larger issues, like damaged pipes and possibly sewer backup into your home.

Understanding the draining concept

Try this: Turn a plastic soda bottle filled with water upside down and open the cap. The water will pour out in waves as air is pushing its way past the flowing water. The gurgling sound occurs when this repetitive act of flowing water and air move in and out of the bottle.

Call a professional plumber to assess the situation and possibly clear the blockage.

Don’t wait too long, otherwise, our green SERVPRO trucks will be needed to clean up the yuck backup!  

HERE TO HELP.  

What's IN a Name?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is our name, cleaning and restoration is our game!

One of the most commonly asked questions is, “What’s your name?” with the next inquiry following, “Where do you work?”. Our personal names and placement of our jobs are often the first way to identify ourselves. So, what’s really in a name, and how does it affect our lives?

Names hold emotional value-nickname vs legal name; they connect us to others (origin of family) and establish the depth of our relationship- “We’re on a first-name basis”. Titles added to our names define who we are in a job position: The Smile Supplier. J And of course, the name of a business is crucial in telling its story.

SERVPRO'S NAME

It might seem picky wanting SERVPRO spelled correctly, but for 2 reasons we desire so.
One, out of respect of our founders, Ted & Doris Isaacson. They took an early painting business in 1967 in Sacramento, California, and developed a premier cleaning and restoration company. Twenty years later, seeing the need to help more efficiently, they strategically moved the headquarters to Gallatin, Tenn., which is located within 600 miles of 50 percent of the US population and closer to more SERVPRO franchises. True service professionals with forward-thinking.

The second reason is so you can find us quicker! When searching on the internet, during a catastrophe, time is crucial, every letter counts.
Often asked, we don’t know the reasons for leaving off an ‘e’, in serve or why the ‘p’ isn’t capitalized in pro. What is known is, for 54 years, SERVPRO has spelled out clearly the compassion and help that is provided during a fire or water loss, with exceptional cleanup and restoration services.

When it comes right down to it, we are thankful to be connected to you, no matter how you spell SERVPRO.  Thank you for choosing SERVPRO for your cleanup and restoration work.

Need help identifying what it takes to put life back together again after a water, fire, or mold problem? Call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County

Totes Float and Flip Over- Protecting Your Content in a Flood

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Don't just buy any old tote for your valuables!

I’ll never forget the factual words Valerie spoke when she described her basement contents. The small town in northeast Iowa had recently experienced flooding and SERVPRO of Black Hawk County was there to rescue their homes and possessions. Valerie believed her precious items and packed away seasonal things were protected in totes as they floated in her water-filled basement. Her despair was evident as she shared the truth with me, “These storage totes weren’t made for this!” She had purchased plastic storage containers that are commonly found in almost any store. Her belief in the product is a shared thought by us all. Not only do we purchase the convenience of the storing and stacking capabilities of these, but we have a sense of protection for the items in them. She knew now that was false.

NOT ALL TOTES ARE MADE THE SAME

If you can lift up the sides of a storage tote lid when the end handles are clasped down in a closed fashion, then it is not completely airtight. In this case, small amounts of moisture can get in and with the right (or actually wrong) environment, it will lead to dampness and possible mildew. These conditions will damage the contents of the tote. Some of her totes had baby clothing in them. A fine layer of fuzzy growth and earthy smell had covered the clothing in less than 5 days while sitting in the wet basement. She had been addressing other issues like carpet and furniture, trusting the totes were fine. A few of the totes were floating in the deeper end and one had completely flipped over as friends helped remove the items. Water had flowed in around the lid edges and once turned to the proper position, the water seeped in, drenching the papers and books inside.

THERE’S HOPE IF YOU GET TO IT FAST

Some soaked items can be air-dried and then “ozoned” to remove the smell, while paper products and pictures can be salvaged after being frozen. SERVPRO knows the key is quickness-getting to the materials soon after discovering water damage. Using appropriate storage containers for the items put away along with proper placement is the first step in ‘keeping’ items protected in your home.

RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

We suggest reading up on various brands and reviews of specialized storage containers on the internet. After you purchase, do your own research before packing it up and away. I bought a Remington storage container for my kid’s keepsakes, as I was passing them down to them. I choose Remington after making a list of the qualities I wanted: water and airtight, durable & stackable design with no tipping. This container is made for indoor/outdoor use and can be used in the back of an exposed truck bed, for outdoor gear. I sprayed a great deal of water from a hose on it, attempted to left the sides of the lid and tipped it up and around many times. I stacked two of them and attempted to rock and wiggle to see if they toppled over.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPT

If you discover the tote won’t pass your quality test, take it back and keep on searching! You only get one chance to store and save your memories. Take TIME to be sure they will STAND THE TEST OF TIME in the tote you choose. Call SERVPRO to help you dry out, clean up, and restore.

(recommendation of Remington products is not an endorsement by SERVPRO)

Elbow Grease, Heart, and Diligence

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Our techs get it done right!

All cleaning and restoration companies have the ability to clean and restore, that is quite obvious. What most don’t have are individuals who go above and beyond and get the job done right, and then some!  

ELBOW GREASE 

Our cleaning technicians have what I like to call elbow grease. By definition, this means “hard physical work, especially vigorous polishing or cleaning”.  

Our technicians put in a vast amount of hard physical work to assist our customers. Cleaning and restoring is what we do best and in order to make sure that we can provide quality results, elbow grease is a big part of the process.  

HEART 

Not only is our team great at what they do in regards to their polishing and cleaning, but they have the heart for it. When contents come into our cleaning room, they know it’s not just an item that needs to be cleaned. People’s belongings have a story and our technicians take that seriously and provide extra care because of this.  

DILIGENCE 

Another big piece of the puzzle when it comes to our cleaning technicians' great work ethic, is diligence. Diligence is defined as “determination and careful effort. An example of diligence is a person who does a job efficiently and takes care of little details”. This is exactly what we see in our cleaning room every day. When it comes to putting people's homes and businesses back together, being efficient and putting care and attention into the little details is part of what makes our team so successful.

We are proud of our cleaning team every day! 

Springing into Warmer Weather: Commercial Property Maintenance

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your commercial property!

As the seasons change, business owners are always looking ahead to what is coming next. The next campaign, the next project, the next meeting, the list is pretty much endless.

What commercial business owners might not think about is how to prepare their buildings for the thaw.

Cold temps, snow, ice, and sometimes even salt, can cause seasonal damage to structures. Due to the way that water expands when it freezes, it can cause cracks and then proceed to melt causing areas of moisture within your structure. The dreaded ice dam can also be a perpetrator of damage. You can read all about Ice dams in our blog on What to Know About Melting Snow!

INSPECT YOUR BUILDING FOR DAMAGE

After the bitter cold has started to subside, one of the first, most crucial steps to getting your commercial building in tip-top shape, is doing a proper inspection. Make yourself a list of things to check for and bring a camera with you for documentation while thoroughly looking over your property. Some things to look out for are:

• Cracks in foundation, pathways, parking lots, and patios
• Lose or damaged pavement
• Missing shingles
• Chipped paint
• Leaking or drafty windows

DO A MAINTENANCE CHECK

In addition to doing a damage inspection, It is also wise to do a proper maintenance check. This includes things such as:

• Getting your air conditioning units looked at
• Replacing air filters
• Flushing your water heaters
• Put fresh batteries in smoke and CO2 detectors

CALL A PROFESSIONAL

If you are unsure of where to begin when getting your property ready for the thaw, make sure to connect with a local professional who can give you guidance on the next steps.

For your cleanup and restoration needs, SERVPRO is here to help in any way that we can! We are simply a phone call away!

What to Know About Melting Snow!

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Be smarter than the snow!

It’s that time of the year when flower buds, sunshine, and chirping birds are at the forefront of our minds. There is a peaceful feeling that comes with the winter months melting before our eyes. While we know how exciting this change in season can be, there are a few things you should be aware of!

ICE DAMS

During the cold season, snow and ice will often form around the gutters and lower portion of your roof. When the heat from your roof melts this snow, it begins to pool and gather in your getters. This water then freezes and will create icicles or ice dams.

The problem with this is that when it begins to melt during the blooming of spring when the water has nowhere to go, it will begin to seep in through your roof.

THE TRICKLE EFFECT

When this happens, there is one other big issue that can occur, the big M word. Mold.

Mold can be a serious health hazard, so you want to avoid ice dams and water damage at any cost.

HOW TO AVOID ICE DAMS

Here are three tips that can help you prevent damage from an ice dam

• Ventilation under the roof deck
  • keeps colder outside air moving through the attic and prevents it from warming above the freezing point so it can melt snow on the roof.
• Insulation in the ceiling
  • prevents warmer air from rising up into the attic space to melt snow on the roof.
• Blocking any heat sources
  • Try to prevent any heat sources from sending warm air up into the attic.

BE IN THE KNOW

Now that you are aware of these pesky little dams, it will be a lot easier to be prepared and prevent a disaster.

Ice dams come in many severities, some may way up to hundreds of pounds, which in turn can compromise your home’s structure. Size aside, when these phenomena melt, they can flow down causing serious damage to your roof, gutters, paint, insulation and interior drywall, etc.

If you think that your home or business has been compromised due to an Ice dam or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County!

319.268.1521

We are here to help!

Growth for the SERVPRO Team

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

We hope to continue adding to this wall of certifications!

We have made it through almost two whole months of the new year but if you know the importance of growth, you know that the work is never done! SERVPRO of Black Hawk County and our employees at an individual level are always striving for growth. We see this in many ways, but one way, in particular, is through certifications.

CERTIFICATIONS

Since the new year, we’ve already had 5 people add to their list of certifications! This number will only continue to grow. We take pride in the fact that through these certifications we can better serve our community.  In addition to investing in our community, we are seeing our team members flourish in their careers.

GROWTH AT SERVPRO

For our employees here at SERVPRO, we know that every day is a learning opportunity. With the use of our extensive training in the restoration business, the ongoing education through certifications, and firsthand experience we are able to adapt and always be working towards advancing. We look forward to what we can accomplish if we continue to have a growth mindset.

GROWTH DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

Life can move at a speed that seems impossible to keep up with at times. Find the time to give yourself grace as you improve upon daily activities or certain areas in your life. Growth can not happen overnight, but if you are willing to put in the time and keep an open mind, it is amazing what you can accomplish!

It's Time for your Water Shutoff Scavenger Hunt!

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Injecta-dry units hard at work, drying out this commercial building!

A lot of times we hear about disasters that occur in a home or business when no one is present. In certain situations, things can go array right in front of your eyes. The ONLY positive spin in that scenario, is that immediate action can be taken to help prevent a bigger mess that usually occurs. That is if you are PREPARED! 

COMMERCIAL VALVE MALFUNCTION 

Recently, we have been working on a job where a toilet was flushed and the valve let loose. The toilet immediately started spraying water everywhere, and in the 35 minutes it took to get the water shut off, it had already flooded three floors of this commercial business. The moral of the story is, know where your water shutoff is located!

A SCAVENGER HUNT FOR YOU 

Everyone should know where their main water shutoff valve is located, so in the case of an emergency, you can stop the flow of water, and save yourself the stress of a much larger mess!

Click Here to find a guide to where your shutoffs are! Have fun and make it a scavenger hunt! 

Stock your Survival Kit in Case of a Snow Storm

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Don't wait until the storm hits to get prepared!

When storms come in the form of snow, it can be scary to think of what might happen if you were traveling in your vehicle and got stranded. We can’t always prevent these occurrences from happening, but what we can do, is be prepared!

It is important to keep some sort of emergency kit in your vehicle, especially in the wintertime. Having one leg up on those freezing, bitterly cold days here in Iowa is key!  

Here is a list of things you can store in your car in case of emergency:

• Hat and mittens
• Blanket
• Flashlight
• Cell phone charger and a USB port
• Notepad and pen
  • When you call for help sometimes dispatchers will give you additional phone numbers. If you were in an accident involving another person, it could also be used to write license plate numbers down!
• Jumper Cables
• First Aid Kit
  • These are helpful during any time of the year!
• Ice scraper
• Bottled Water
• Winter boots that will keep your feet warm
• Sleeping bag
  • On longer trips especially!
• Tire gauge

This list is a great reference point to come back to when you need an idea of what to put in your car snowstorm emergency kit! We are HERE TO HELP and sometimes helping comes in the form of preparedness! 

For an extended list of emergency storm kit items that are great for any time of the year, check out our blog, DIY Emergency Storm Kit!

What's the 'Sitch' on Wet Checks

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

One of our technicians doing a wet check for a commercial building.

In the world of restoration, making sure things are completely dry after a water mess is important to avoid mold or other structural issues. The magic of how we gauge this is done through wet checks. Today we want to give you an inside look into how we do wet checks, so if you ever find yourself in deep water in your home or business, you might have a better understanding of the restoration process.

WHAT IS A WET CHECK?

A wet check is just what it sounds like. When our techs go into a water loss, they are checking to see how wet the affected materials are. The job is not done until everything has been properly dried out, and our team is very thorough in this process.

WHEN DO WE DO THEM?

Typically, wet checks are started on the 2^nd day of the job. The first day is reserved for the initial mitigation process and setting of equipment. After the drying process begins, it usually takes about 2-3 days for materials to begin to show any signs of progress.

HOW ARE THEY PERFORMED?

Our techs use moisture meters to detect moisture. The probe that they use for the affected material, depends on the type of material they are drying out. For wood, they will use the wood probe, for moisture in carpet they use a special carpet probe. As long as they are seeing improvements in the material, they continue to wet check until it is dry.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN IT’S DONE?

Here at SERVPRO, we never want to leave behind any hidden water, so we have a “dry standard” by checking an unaffected material. If water was 6 inches up the wall, we get a max reading by putting the meter 6 inches up the wall. Once we have that dry standard, we continue to check the materials until they have reached that “standard” to ensure everything has been properly dried.

THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!

We are so fortunate to have a team that provides such great attention to detail, and gets the job done properly! When you are in need of water cleanup, call SERPVRO of Black Hawk County, we will take care of you, and make it "Like it never even happened."

Discover the Source and Turn Off the Stress of a Mess!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared by placing these shut off tags on water sources in your home and business. Lessen stress by knowing where shut off valves are located.

Determining the location of water shut-offs in your home and business can turn off the stress of a mess created by leaking, or worse, overflowing and spraying water!

Homes and business buildings have MAIN WATER VALVES that supply ALL the water, which is located outside of your home, usually in the front yard and at the meter entering your home. This is the water source coming from your municipal water company located in the street area. Sometimes this valve will need to be shut off completely to the entire home for a repair, but a plumber or the water company usually assists with that.

If you have discovered water in your home, and it is not from an outside source like rain, first look for an individual or isolation water valve near the area or appliance. Look for exposed plumbing in this area.
Toilet: behind or under the toilet base. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops, being careful not to force it.
Sink: in the cabinet below, there are 2 sets of flexible tubes, one for each hot and cold water. Turn the valves on these handles, again not to force, clockwise to shut them off. Sometimes a bathroom sink will have levers instead of valve handles.
Bathtub/shower: The hot and cold-water valves are most often tucked in an access panel and can be hard to locate and get to. Finding the main water shutoff in* your home is best bet for these issues.
Refrigerator: turn off the valve on the supply tube running to the refrigerator. Like the shower, this can be located in a walled off panel, sometimes located in your basement.
Clothes washer: some houses have these clearly exposed behind and above the washer. If not, pull the washer out to find. Turn off both hot and cold valves.
Water heater: The cold-water inlet valve is located on the heater and generally is a ball shutoff valve, looking different than the other valves we have described.
*The main water shutoff in your home: located usually in the basement/utility room as part of the water meter. A facet handle shaped valve is common on these fixtures. Otherwise, it will be part of the meter on the outside of the home and be a knife-style or lever handle.

We encourage you to take 30 minutes and discover where the different on/off valves are located in your home. These common areas are the source of water issues SERVPRO of Black Hawk County cleans up after issues occur. Knowing where and which valves control the water can help you be prepared! Turn off the stress of a mess by shutting down the source of water. Always seek professional help from an accredited plumber, if you are unsure. There are lots of circumstances we can not foresee.

If you need help finding water shut offs in your home, schedule a time for SERVPRO to visit and locate with you. Call SERVPRO 319.268.1521

Do You Have a Fire Plan?

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Do yourself a favor and have a plan in place!

If you have ever seen the show This is Us on ABC you’ve got a look into how devastating it can be for your home to go up in flames. Maybe you have witnessed it happen to a loved one, or you have experienced it yourself. Either way, we want to protect you from this happening to you or your family, and if it does, we want to help you be prepared.  

While we know it is not always 100% preventable, things happen, there are many ways that you can lessen the odds. In this fictional show, the house fire was caused by a faulty wire from the couple’s crockpot. This brings us to our first tip: ALWAYS unplug appliances when not in use.

Have a Plan Set & Educate your Children

Though there is a long list of precautions you can take, one of the most important actions necessary when it comes to fire safety is making sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency. When I was little my bedroom was at the top of a three-story home. My parents kept a fire escape ladder under my bed and told me that it was to be used in the event of a fire so we could get out safely. This is great, but go even further! Teach your kids your fire plan and then show them how to properly execute it! Running drills can only further your preparedness and in turn, keep you much safer!

Click here for some fun resources on fire safety with kids, and as always call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County for your clean up needs! 

Safety During the Holidays

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Peace, love, and safety!

It’s that time of the year where chestnuts roast on open fires and Christmas trees are lit up providing extra holiday cheer. While the holidays are a great time for lights, warmth, and other festive things, this can sometimes be hazardous.

CELEBRATE SAFELY

While we want you to all celebrate this holiday with all the pizzaz, we also want you to be safe. Here are some good guidelines to keep in mind when getting holly and jolly!

• Keep all decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources
• always unplug your Christmas tree before you leave the house or go to bed
• If you have a real tree, make sure to water it to keep it hydrated and safe
• Inspect your fireplace and make sure it is working properly before use
• Check lights and other electrical decorations for shortages or broken wires
• Only plug in Christmas lights in dry areas

WRAPPING IT UP

We hope that your holidays are safe and Merry, but if disaster creeps its way into your festivities, call SERVPRO so we can help you get back to your celebration and loved ones.

Growth Under our SERVPRO Roof

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Wall of certifications at our central office!

Our technicians are continuously adding to their list of certifications. This year is no different, in fact, this is something that our techs are super proud of this year. When asked what they thought were some of our SERVPRPO highlights, getting more certifications was one of their top answers! You can click here to see a list of all of our certifications!

Growth All Around

There has been so much growth under our SERVPRO roof this year in other areas as well. We gained 19,000 square feet in our move to our new central office, and many of our techs have had great personal growth and achievements. Graduating college, buying homes, growing families, are just some of the things that our team has accomplished.

 The year is now under wrap, and as we look forward, we anticipate even more growth for the years to come!

BE-etle Smart and Check your Chimney

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Pests making themselves at home in your house is something no homeowner wants to deal with. What’s even worse, is when those critters end up causing damage to your home. They can be hiding in the most unique places.

BEETLE BUILD UP 

Pests making themselves at home in your house is something no homeowner wants to deal with. What’s even worse, is when those critters end up causing damage to your home. They can be hiding in the most unique places.

JUST DO IT, CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends a yearly inspection by a qualified professional. This could help prevent pests from making your chimney their home! In addition to yearly inspections, if you ever suspect that your chimney needs attention, you can also follow these steps to do a self-evaluation.

-Check for any cracked brick or structural issues

-Notice any changes in wood-burning speed

-Check for smoke smell when the burner is not lit

- Use a mirror and a light to look for any obstructions

All in all, it is important to keep your fireplace and chimney functioning properly, this could also help prevent pests from making your chimney their home! If you are ever second-guessing, call a professional to do an inspection, and if something gets missed and you have a mess on your hands due to fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO! We are here to help!

Business of the Year 2021

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

The faces of our wonderful SERVPRO team!

Moving forward in life’s aspirations can be fast and exciting! Pausing to take a look back is what keeps us grounded and even more appreciative. When we can see how decisions, along with hard work and determination, contributed to the success, we are mindful of the effort and people who were on this journey.

Grow Cedar Valley Business of the Year 

We are privileged to announce that SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has been awarded the Grow Cedar Valley Chamber Business of the Year, 2021. We are so proud that this award pays tribute to the owner, Scott & Libby Demuth, and all the employees who passionately & selflessly serve, helping people rebuild their lives after a catastrophe! THANK YOU SERVPRO TEAM FOR BEING EVERYDAY HEROES! 

Vital Substance or Vicious Villain?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Injecta-dry unit hooked up to multiple tubes that are helping dry out the ceiling!

Water… It’s a vital substance that all forms of life need in order to survive. Of course, we know that despite its great attributes, water can also be the reason for immense stress and mess (aka a villain). This job is the perfect example of how water can creep its way into your life, putting an extra think on your plate. Thankfully we have amazing equipment that can help us keep your home as intact as possible when water has a mind of its own. This equipment here is an injecta-dry unit. Our team set this up by drilling holes and putting these tubes up into the ceiling which then pushes air into the ceiling cavity and in turn, produces quicker drying time for the drywall as well as the subfloor from underneath. In this particular job, they were able to utilize multiple hoses in different areas all off of one air mover! The team provides special care and attention to detail when doing this. They are able to dry out the space rather than just coming in and saying that the ceiling needs to be torn out, which is a huge relief for our customers to hear!

If you find yourself in deep water, give us a call at (319) 268-1521 so we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Space Heaters- What you Need to Know

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Know the facts!

The leaves are beginning to change, the air is crisp, and trips to the pumpkin patch are just about in full swing. Fall is officially here and wrapping up in a blanket with a warm beverage is a great way to stay warm. Another tactic to stay cozy is using a space heater. Space heaters may be a great source in keeping you warm but they can also be the source of a fire if not properly used.

Get Cozy...Safely 

If you find yourself longing to warm up via space heater, follow these safety tips to ensure that your comfy, relaxing time doesn’t end up being a burning hot disaster!

• Keep your heater 3 feet away from flammable objects
• Set the heater on a level surface
• Never leave it running unattended
• Always plug your space heater into the wall -- NOT a power strip
• Look for a safety-approved heater
• Purchase a space heater with an automatic shut off
• Make sure your fire alarms are working properly

There you have it! By following these tips, you are able to enjoy that nice warm flow of heat all while keeping yourself safe!

We know sometimes things still happen despite your best efforts, so if all things go astray, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County so we can get it back to "Like it never even happened."  

The Craft of Water Restoration

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our Injecta-dry at work alongside Mike's careful construction!

Our technicians are highly trained and certified when it comes to cleaning up a water mess. What you can't always teach is the heart to go above and beyond as our techs do!

The Mess

When a faulty toilet tank float creates a waterfall in your bathroom and a river in your hallway making the home trail unpassable; you must carefully place every hose for drying out purposes of the Injecta-Dry, making a clear and safe pathway!

The Craftmanship

Our production technician, Mike showed his care & concern by being very proficient in his design. Removing baseboard and directing heat to dry out walls is crucial in making it “Like it never even happened."

We are so lucky to have a team that puts their heart into the job every day! 

We've got Brains, Heart, and Courage!

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Follow the yellow brick road!

OUR SERVPRO technicians have ALL the traits the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion were seeking. They come to work every day ready to put their brains, hearts, and courage to the test. A test they pass with flying colors!

BRAINS

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County’s technicians are highly trained and certified. They take their work seriously by making sure that they have the knowledge they need to mend people’s homes after a disaster. Their certifications are granted by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as the IIRC, and through SERVPRO’s Employee Training Program (ECTP). Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
• Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT)
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)

HEART

Restoring homes and cleaning up mess is not something that the faint of heart choose as their line of work. Everyone on our crew has the heart and caring nature to decide to get up every day and come help put people’s lives back together. As a business that is open 24/7, our techs have the task of working on holidays and around the clock in certain situations. Their hard work does not go unnoticed by us, or our customers. As stated in an online review, “I must commend you on the fine young men who did the cleaning. They were very professional and made sure I knew what they were doing and how they were going to do it. They were very personable and easy to talk with.”. We are always appreciative of the heart they put into their work.

COURAGE

Our team most certainly has the courage to tackle the mess life has become after a fire or water problem in your home or business.  Courage is made up of strength from within one’s self, and it is evident that SERVPRO employees have this characteristic as they care for each other.  The clean-up they perform can be physically and emotionally draining. We witness their courage each day to continue the process to make life "Like it never even happened," for our customers.

We’ll help you click your heels and get you back home. Call us for help.

SERVPRO 2021 Convention

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

2021 SERVPRO Convention

Last year the SERVPRO Annual Convention was moved to an all-online platform in the midst of COVID. This year, the convention took a Hybrid approach after the lasting effects of the pandemic. While these changes stemmed from trying to navigate in a world where our “normal” has been changing frequently, the outcome has been something that we have embraced.  

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

This year, our owners, Scott and Libby Demuth, took their family down to Orlando Florida where they got to fully submerge themselves into the buzz and excitement of all things convention. Getting to experience the lights, music, and time spent with other business owners is something that comes with a lot of advantages. Owner, Scott Demuth, says his favorite part of convention is “Networking with other owners on things that they are doing and meeting the vendors of our suppliers”.

Meanwhile, back at the office, we had the privilege of sitting in on a handful of the live presentations virtually. This Hybrid method really gave us the best of both worlds! We were able to hear from some great speakers all within the comfort of our desks, where we could easily absorb and take notes!

We are looking forward to seeing what next years Annual SERVPRO Convention has in store!

Property Managers, Look No Further!

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

We have our own chemist!

It’s that time of the year when college students are flocking back to Black Hawk Country to return to school. There are a few things that come with the return of students, especially college-age. Stores are preparing by stocking their shelves with college must-haves, the university is getting their buildings ready for students to begin learning, and last but not least property managers are in need of flipping their buildings for students to move in.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! 

That’s where we come in! Whether you are a property manager or not, there is always a need for a clean and safe living environment, and we’re “here to help”!  From carpet cleaning, all the way to mold remediation, no matter how big or small, SERVPRO has you covered!

Here you can read all about our specialty services when it comes to commercial cleaning!

Call SERVPRO to turn your apartments, your residents will thank you!

The Cat’s Out of The Bag- Pets and Candles Don’t Mix

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

It's not something you see every day...

Picture this: you are snuggled in your living room with your friends after a long day of work. The TV is on and there is a candle lit on the coffee table RIGHT where you can see it for comfort. It seems like having the open flame directly before your eyes would make it safe to enjoy the ambiance of a softly lit candle. That is probably what we were all thinking before things went terribly wrong.

THE PURRRFECT DISASTER

I got my cat Pepper back in February of 2021, though sweet and cuddly, she is curious and loves to cause mischief. They do say curiosity killed the cat… Thankfully she is alive and happy as can be, her tail however, let’s just say it’s not as fluffy and silky soft as it once was.

While we were mid-episode, Pepper jumped up on the coffee table, as cats do. As we know, the candle, Soft Cashmere Amber, to be exact, had also made its home on that same table. Pepper, who I tend to call my “dog cat”, due to her excessive tail wagging, wagged her tail… you guessed it, RIGHT OVER the burning flame of the candle. If you are familiar with how a sparkler on the fourth of July lights up, just imagine that except the screaming and laughter from little children was replaced with the screaming of three very concerned and shocked roommates. Pepper ran, jumped, and hit the floor (a stop, drop, and roll, if you will) causing her tail to miraculously extinguish.

THE AFTERMATH

When all was said and done, what we were left with was a very unpleasant smell in our house for a couple of days, and one tail with a limited amount of char. Two things that we gladly took, over what the alternative could have been. A little bit of brushing and some cuddles made Pepper good as new

THE LESSON

Sometimes things can go wrong right in front of your eyes, which makes it even more inevitable that disaster can strike at any time and you might not be there to put the flame out in the moment.

In the U.S. alone, candles cause roughly 8,000 home fires. Additionally, candle fires have cause approximately 80 deaths and 700 injuries each year. This number seems to grow rapidly each year.

Keep yourself and your furry friends safe by avoiding burning candles in your home. If you can’t give up that delicate light and fresh smell, follow these tips to avoid becoming a statistic:

• Never leave an open flame unattended
• Make sure that the candle is completely out before leaving your home
• Burn your candle far away from anything that can catch fire, including but not limited to: curtains, towels, blankets, bedding, carpet, books, and furniture
• Make sure children and pets cannot reach the candle
• Never move or touch a candle when it is lit

HERE TO HELP

In the event that your best efforts are not enough to keep your home (or pets) from going up in flames, SERVPRO is readily available to help! We have highly trained technicians who have the heart and skill for cleaning up after a disaster, no matter the size!

Balloons, Frogs, Thundersnow, Oh My!

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

You might not believe it until you see it!

Storms can consist of many things. If you have read our blog, “multiple ways to define a storm”  
then you know the vast number of ways that you can explain the term “storm”. What I bet you didn’t know is that storms have some hidden unique attributes. Let me fill you in on all things storm.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BALLOONS

Weather balloons are used to predict the weather. Hundreds of large balloons filled with 300 cubic feet of helium are released each day. Meteorologists all around the world use these balloons to help gauge critical measurements. Sensors will shoot data back down to earth while the balloons drift as high as 20 miles above the earth. You can read more about these interesting tools here.

ICY THUNDER

If you are from the Midwest and even if you’re not, you probably are familiar with the term “blizzard” but have you heard of the term “thundersnow”? People tend to think of lighting and thunder as something that only comes with rain and other storms that happen more frequently in the summer. This is true, they do occur frequently in those circumstances, however it can lightning and thunder in the winter. It is commonly referred to as “thundersnow” and happens when a mass of air becomes so unstable that it turns over violently, usually due to two extremely different temperatures meeting.

IT’S RAINING FROGS

While thundersnow is pretty unique, the phenomenon of it “raining frogs” may have it beat. It is something we often hear as a witty remark, and some people probably consider it a myth. The truth is, it is actually possible for it to rain frogs. This does not happen often, in fact, one of the last times it rained frogs was in 2005 in Serbia. If you don’t believe us, this article helps explain how it is indeed possible for it to rain frogs. 

Now you know, weather and storms have a mind of their own. Very much like in our own lives, things are not always black and white. The next time a storm rolls through, if the rain creeps into your basement or a tree falls on your roof causing a big mess, call SERVPRO so we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Restoring Contents for a Local Bowling Alley

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

The soot from the fire left a lot of equipment in need of restoration

It has been over a year since a local bowling alley burned down due to arson. The fire was meant to be a distraction as some thieves made their escape but the fire quickly took hold of the building causing major fire damage to the property. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County received the call to help.

SERVPRO to the scene 

A few days after the incident, we were on the scene ready to pack up all their contents and set down equipment to begin the process of possibly cleaning the structure. The structure received irreparable damage to the front of the building and the interior walls so our team worked hard to fill dumpsters with debris. The metal roof and some of the exterior walls did stay intact but the building needs extreme construction.

We were able to facilitate some of the structure cleanings by garnet blasting the soot but our biggest role in helping this business was CONTENT CLEANING.

SAVING MEMORABILIA & PRECIOUS CONTENT

When news got out about the fire, so many customers of the bowling alley quickly contacted the owners to find out about their lockers and bowling balls that were kept there for them. They received the sad news that the fire affected all the content that was inside but the good news was that SERVPRO was taking care of cleaning the content.

For the past year, we have done our best to remove smoke odor and clean off smoke and fire damage from more than 50+ bowling balls, bowling-specific antique décor, and neon signage. This content has been returned to its owners and all the décor that we were able to clean and save will be making their appearances in the new building!

HERE TO HELP.

POST COVID- Back in Business: Are you ready for the Next Disaster?

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

A look into our ERP mobile app!

As each day passes, what seemed to be our new normal is now once again changing. Has everyone just dropped their face masks off at Goodwill and bid them all “Good day”? Seems so! This could mean that we are almost out of the weirdness of being a part of a pandemic in the 21^st century. We are all just so excited to be with people in close proximity.

Back in Business

As a business owner, you may also experience everyone’s excitement as they rush back into their social life especially during the weekend. That is amazing news!

We don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade but as a business that works closely with cleaning up after disasters, we want to make sure that our local businesses are prepared in case of another one. Here’s a practical and proactive way to prepare for one.

EMERGENCY READY PROFILE

We recommend setting an ERP or Emergency Ready Profile for your business. This is ABSOLUTELY FREE!! This ERP is a mobile application used to gather important information for your home and/or business that can help during and after a disaster. Here’s the type of information you can add to the app.

Recommended information to store to your ERP.

• Emergency contact information
• Building information and description
• Contact information for local emergency services, utilities, municipalities, and vendors
• Map of your business
• Collections of images of important rooms and expensive equipment with an area to add notes or instructions
• Emergency instructions in case of a fire, water, or storm disaster

You can add as many images, instructions, and details to this mobile app as you want! Get started right now!

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

If you have any questions or would like to request a walkthrough of your business to begin the ERP, give us a call! (319) 268-1521.

Multiple Ways to Define a Storm.

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

During a storm, a tree branch falls and damages a homes room leaving a wet mess inside

A storm is a storm by any definition.
The description of a storm differs on who you ask. Most will recount a weather-related memory, while a few will talk about the act of force made by a person or group, and someone will refer to an unfortunate accident that altered their life. These are valid accounts that can be linked to the aftermath of problems and mess.

Forms of Storms
Storms come in all sizes and conditions and can affect numerous individuals, cities, in fact, to the point of labeling a catastrophe. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is experienced in cleaning up in these circumstances.
After the ‘storm’ moves on, our work begins…
*A tree falls on a part of your roof, leaving a gaping hole, while the rain continues-We can remove soaked carpet, cleanup & remove damaged ceiling tiles, walls, and more.
*The electricity goes out for hours and your sump pump quits, while the rain continues-We will extract water from your flooded basement, use equipment to dry out the area and clean contents.
*Your business had a break in and shattered glass is spread out looking like rain puddles-We will board up the window to protect your belongings, and tear out carpet that has been affected.
*Your loved one has fallen and injured themselves, causing a discoloration mess on furniture and carpet in your home-We will determine if removal or cleaning is best suited for the items and care for it.

Storms Happen!
For the most part, everyone can agree a storm is a disruption of the norm- either weather related or a life issue. We wish neither of these on anyone! But unfortunately, we know they happen. And we are trained, certified, and ready to help with any storm that comes your way!

If you are in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Hudson, Janesville and surrounding cities, Call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County at 319.268.1521, and we will be there for you!

I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Read the signs! Whether (or weather) that's literally or figuratively!

If you live in the Midwest, it might not cross your mind to be prepared for those nasty storms that can roll through the sky during the hot summer heat. 

The Art of Being Prepared

Just like individuals that live on the coast have to prepare when there is the word of possible hurricanes by boarding up windows and taking other necessary precautions, we too. here in Black Hawk County, have to be prepared in other ways. During summer here in the Midwest, there are multiple types of weather that we should look out for. One of the most common during this beautiful but humid season is tornadoes.

"Look at the Sky, It's So Green!" 

I’m sure you have experienced a moment where you are enjoying the great outdoors and the temperature suddenly drops, the wind picks up, and you see a nasty green hue in the sky. That is a quick sign that it is time to be prepared and take cover.

In the event that you are in a tornado watch or warning here are some SERVPRO tips that can help keep you calm and collected:

• Educate your children on the difference between a tornado watch and warning, and make sure they know what county they are living in
• Have a designated “safe room” – preferably a basement, or a low floor with no windows
• Have essentials stored in your “safe room”
• Have a flashlight with charged batteries on hand in case of a power outage
• If you are stuck outside--find shelter right away, steer clear of highway overpasses and bridges
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, instead find the closest building
• Do NOT stay in a mobile home, find shelter somewhere secure

Here to Help!

Here at SERVPRO, we are here to help in many ways. Assisting you in being prepared is a big part of our passion!

The next time you look into the summer sky and see signs of a tornado, we hope these tips can help ease your mind and keep you and your loved ones safe! 

Don’t Let Sewer Sit in your Basement!

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let sewer water sit in your basement, call for help!

Body:

It is an overwhelming task to try to even figure out what to do if you come home to a basement that smells and has YUCK all over the floor. I get why someone would want to just close the basement door and ignore it. STILL. We recommend sucking in some fresh air from outside and get ready to handle a nasty situation. You can do this… with some help.

CALL A PROFESSIONAL FOR A SEWER BACKUP!

Sewer water is hazardous and we recommend staying away from it. Sewer water, also known as “Black water” may contain feces and bacteria that can affect your health. Once you realize you have a sewer issue, here are some steps you can take to the issue resolved.

• Call a plumber. They can find out the source of the issue and fix it.
• Call the city. Some city sewer lines can get backed up and be the reason for the sewer. They may provide a way to resolve the issue or provide financial help.
• Call a Restoration and Cleanup service. SERVPRO can help clean your sewer “Like it never even happened.” We remove odor, wash floors and content, and SANITIZE.
• Call your Insurance Agent. Your policy may cover the cost!

If you wait too long to resolve the issue, the damage may get worse, it can affect your health, and insurance might not cover the cost due to negligence.

We are here to help!

Is Your Laundry Room Wet? Watch out For Mold!

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Lower level laundry room, pre mitigation

Do you have a room specifically for your washer and dryer? I do but it’s in my unfinished basement. The water hose from the washer machine is directed and near the floor drain. The room tends to feel wet and humid. Some ways we have been able to combat that is with a dehumidifier but there’s a few more suggestion from personal experience I would like to share.

• Do not leave clothes on the floor if you have water issues. Damp clothes will start to smell mildewy and mold can begin to grow on them. Instead, leave them on a plastic hamper away from water.
• When you wash clothes, put a timer on your phone to remind you to move them to the dryer. If you leave clothes in the washer for too long, it will also start to smell like mildew. You will have to wash your clothes again.
• When you are done washing your clothes, leave the washer door open to air out and dry.
• If your washer or dryer has rubber around the door, occasionally spray microbial cleaner on it and wipe it down.
• If mold starts growing on your clothes, do not just throw them in the washer. Check out this link for cleaning recommendation CLEAN MOLD FROM FABRIC & CLOTHES.
• Double-check your dehumidifier to see if it’s working properly. Some dehumidifiers have a pump to dispose of the water gradually or a bucket that collects water. Make sure the hose is placed towards a drain or empty your bucket.
• If you have surface mold in a small area, use a mold-specific solution to kill the mold, scrub the pores, and wipe clean.
• If you are constantly dealing with water issues such as water seepage through the foundation or water leaks from your washer, fix the issue! The longer you wait, the worse the water damage may become.
• Add a water detector near the washer and floor drain in case of flooding.

If you suspect mold on a large scale, give SERVPRO of Black Hawk County a call.

Must-have Apps during a storm disaster

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

We <3 Safety apps.

It’s HOT. This week, it’s been so hot that our clothes seem to be stuck on us, permanently. You would hardly suspect a storm to come swooshing by. Luckily, technology has allowed us not to be hit by a sudden surprise when it comes to the weather and preparedness. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has prepared a list of apps you can download today to keep you safe during a storm. These apps are available on Apple and Google Stores.

WEATHER APPS

• StormTrack7 (Local weather updates)
• The Weather Channel
• AccuWeather

TRAFFIC

• Iowa 511 (Road conditions by the IOWA Department of Transformation)

SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS

• Emergency – American Red Cross
• FEMA

FIRST AID

• First Aid: American Red Cross

CONNECT

• Nextdoor (Connect with your neighbors.)
• FACEBOOK

USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO LET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY KNOW YOU ARE SAFE.

If there’s an app missing, let us know! Email us at debbie@SERVPRObhc.com.

Making sure your best vacation doesn’t turn into your worst vacation when returning home

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Enjoy your vacation and stay safe!

Where did the masks go??? As we continue to gain confidence in our health, more and more people are venturing outdoors and traveling. Perhaps you have been thinking of a nice escape as well? That’s good news! We all deserve to be refreshed once in a while. As you get ready to pack your bags and go on vacation this summer, SERVPRO wants to share a few tips to protect your home.

1. Unplug electrical items to prevent an electrical fire especially during a storm.
2. Shut off your main water valve to avoid water damage.
3. Have a family or friend check your home daily.
4. Properly close and lock all doors and windows to protect your home from animals and thieves.
5. Turn off your AC unit to save energy.
6. Remove any items that might turn bad from the refrigerator.
7. Remove trash from your home to return to a fresh-smelling home.

COOL DOWN WITH SOME COOLER TIPS

Now that you have done the responsible things to protect your home. Here are a few articles on vacation tips regarding coolers.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoor-gear/a19638152/how-to-pack-cooler/

Enjoy!!!

How can SERVPRO support you?

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Ever felt left out? When calls or emails aren’t returned and it appears everyone else’s life is going great; it can feel lonely. I was overwhelmed by that in late April. Doubt crept in and affected my home life and work progress. In desperation, I reached out again and discovered I wasn’t being ignored! Schedules have filled again, the business has sped up, and my people were tired, physically & mentally, and had not responded. Changing my perception of my loneliness helped refocus on what was really happening-LIFE, once again!

Another clue is the number of sponsorships, donation requests, and event participation appeals SERVPRO is receiving. Golf outings, auctions, and in-person activities are taking place!

On Saturday, May 1^st, our SERVPRO team took the plunge, raising money for Special Olympics in their annual Polar Plunge (which usually occurs the first week in April- and is a lot colder!)
The cause was one of our ‘passion points’ among our employees and provided incredible fun we enjoyed socially! 

Due to the variety of opportunities presented to SERVPRO over the years, it was important to create a process to manage the sponsorships. In the marketing field, we often think in terms of how the donation will benefit the business- our logo and name seen by many. There are natural alignments to businesses in regards to our cleanup & restoration and emergency services. So, helping out first responders and backing realtor events are an easy fit into our marketing budget. Others fall into different categories like a gift of goodwill or national support, the Red Cross, for example.

A larger impact occurs within our SERVPRO culture because our boss, Scott Demuth, asks employees for their input when supporting community efforts. He listens to what motivates them and discovers what areas of life they want to give back to. From hands-on volunteering to gathering items to donate and business dollars financially gifted to organizations; our SERVPRO family supports together!

It was the Polar Plunge that helped me realize that I wasn’t being left out. As I pulled together the team’s costumes & props for the event, I decided to put activities back on the calendar, and getting busy being involved, would keep me feeling positive and linked with others. A feeling, I think, we all want in our workplace and at home.

#NationalMentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Prepare your home or business for selling

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to help get your property ready to sell.

It’s a hot market out there for buying residential properties. We know a few realtors who have been blessed with a rise of homes being put on the market and selling like hotcakes! Is that not the case for your home or business? As a restoration business, we have found ourselves partnering with homeowners, property managers, and realtors in preparing their property before putting it on the market. Here are a few preparation tips by SERVPRO of Black Hawk County.

7 Tips to Selling your Home or Business

1. DECLUTTER – After occupying a space for a long period of time, it is natural to start collecting items. Before selling, take the opportunity to throw away broken items, donate old or unused items, and have a garage sale! The fewer things in your property, the bigger it will look and feel.
2. CLEAN – A clean space can communicate a place that's been taken care of.
3. REMOVE BAD ODORS – Carpet and Upholstery can absorb a lot of odors. Consider removing bad odors especially if you’re an animal owner or like to cook a lot.
4. DEODORIZE – It is important to only deodorize after you remove the bad odors. Deodorizing can help freshen up a place but if it’s too overpowering or is mixed in with a bad odor, it can be off-putting and bring suspicion to the buyer.
5. CHECK HIGH HUMIDITY AND MOLD – Check your home, especially the basement and attic, for high humidity and mold. Add a dehumidifier in the room to avoid a mildew smell and remediate any mold.
6. DOCUMENT – Gather all documents on repairs, appliance manuals, or even fire escape plans.
7. REPAIR – Consider doing repairs on the structure or doing some updates. It’s important to repair anything that might cause water or fire damage such as electrical issues or plumbing issues.

SERVPRO CAN HELP!

Give SERVPRO of Black Hawk County a call if you need help with carpet cleaning, content cleaning, mold remediation, odor removal & deodorization, or reconstruction. We would love to assist in making your property more desirable and selling it quickly.

Call 319.268.1521.

Plant Combust on deck and sparks catches house on fire.

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Home insurance may cover the cost of fire damage.

We are currently working on an uncommon fire loss. Last Sunday, a deck caught on fire after a flower pot spontaneously combusted. The fire investigation is still taking place but the plant food or fertilizer seems to be the culprit. While it is usually safe to use these products for your plants, too many variables such as temperature, placement of kindling, all lined up “just right” to combust and start a fire.

Some propane tanks were located nearby and exploded when the fire spread, making matters worse. The fire destroyed the deck and continued to spread to the side of the house, attic, kitchen, and dining room. There is smoke damage all throughout the home.

Unfortunately, the fire damage was so severe that the home will have to go all the way down to the studs. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is working hard to remove all the affected content as well as demolishing damaged walls and built-ins to dispose of. Our crew will continue to clear out the home, clean the smoke, soot, and fire ruins. Removing the smoke odor will also be a priority.

A lot of this homeowner’s contents were nonsalvageable but some old heirlooms will be cleaned and stored away until their home is restored.

Sometimes, disasters just happen.

Be Red Cross Ready for a House Fire

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared and Ready for a Fire.

We had the opportunity to join a video call with the Regional Red Cross team for a monthly update. In this meeting, Red Cross leaders shared activities in the field, celebrated volunteers, and encouraged all participants to share safety tips to prevent a fire disaster. Today, an ex-firefighter who now volunteers for the American Red Cross presented a slideshow of how to be RED CROSS READY DURING A FIRE.

It was a great presentation with really important tips to keep yourself and your family prepared and safe from a fire. Here’s what stood out the most for us.

5 Tips to be RED CROSS READY

1. Always supervise your cooking. (About 50% of fires start in the kitchen.)
2. Keep flammable objects away from any heat source.
3. If you smoke, avoid smoking in bed or when you are drowsy.
4. Put your lighters and matches in a protected place, away from children.
5. Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly.

We clean and restore homes and businesses after a devastating fire. Although fire restoration is our business, your safety is what is most important! We appreciate all that American Red Cross does to ensure family safety and empower preparedness.

Practice an Escape Plan

Nevertheless, accidents and disasters happen even after doing all the right things. In the case that a fire occurs, make sure you have an escape plan and communicate it to the whole family, especially the children. Check out these great resources, Home Fire Safety Checklist and Home Fire Escape Plan.

Here to help.

House Fires aren’t fun. 10 Tips to keep your Summer Fun.

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Do not leave any fire unattended.

As outdoor activities start to be in full swing, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County wants to share a few tips on how to prevent a fire disaster on your property.

1. Do not grill or smoke meats indoors.
2. Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your home or garage.
3. Ensure there are no trees or other overhangs near the grill, firepit, or tiki torches.
4. Keep a bucket full of water nearby or a fire extinguisher.
5. Do not use water for tiki torch fires. Snuff out the flame. In the event that it is an unmanageable size, use a fire extinguisher.
6. Do not leave your fire or grill unattended.
7. Do not light your fire pit if it’s windy outside.
8. Saturate the embers from a fire pit with water and cover it up with a metal top.
9. Keep all flammable things away from any fires or heat source.
10. If smoking cigarettes or cigars, make sure you put it out all the way and put water on it before throwing it into the trash.

We are ready for warmer days and, as we start feeling more confident to be with larger groups, to enjoy people’s company safely. Share these tips with a friend or family member so that they may also stay safe this summer.

SERVPRO Presents: Discover and Devours! Learn about SERVPRO.

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

“NOW you're speaking my language!”

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has several “Discover and Devour” learning opportunities for you. We want to take the guesswork out of how catastrophes of water losses and fire damage are handled. Topics include but not limited to:

• The Journey of an Insurance Claim. Exploring the day in & day out of work that can be performed and the lingo that goes with it. Before and After pictures are the show stopper with this one.
• Display and Demonstrate. Hands-on opportunity with equipment made to clean it up “Like it never even happened.” See first-hand how we care for your clients.

Want to dig into a different SERVPRO subject? Let us know!
We’re open to suggestions.

We are flexible!

• Class length and arranged hours can be made to fit YOUR schedule. Early morning, over lunch, or late in the day, we will make it work for one hour or more.
• We can include team-building laugh factors to accentuate the material.

At NO COST to you!

• The education and all the ‘sides’ are entirely complimentary.

Leave knowing you can serve your clients better from the knowledge you gained.

CONTACT me at Debbie@SERVPRObhc.com to discuss your Discover and Devour details!

-Debbie R (SERVPRO Cheerleader)

Should you use bleach to remediate mold?

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Bleach can be harmful if used on mold.

In some households, bleach has become a multi-cleaner agent and a disinfectant and while we can recognize that bleach does have its uses, when it comes to remediating mold, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County does not promote it as the best method.

Bleach is ok when it comes to "bleaching" things but, bleach alone is not a sufficient solution to mold issues. While bleach can kill mold on hard surfaces, it is almost impossible to use bleach to kill mold on wood, drywall, or any porous material inside your home. Not to mention the fumes can be hazardous to a person’s lungs. Mold tends to root itself deeper into the material. Bleach may kill some of the molds on the surface but what it’s mainly doing is “bleaching” or removing the color from the mold. This can be very misleading. Due to the bleaching of the mold, it might trick you into thinking the mold issue has been resolved, putting a pause to further removal actions. Even the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend using bleach for mold removal.

While killing mold is important, the removal of the mold and its mold spores are too! This will require agitation of the mold, cleaning up the mold, and airing out the mold spores away from your home. Safety measures such as wearing gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask are highly suggested. In some mold cases, a DIY cleanup is perfectly ok but it will require a thorough cleanup job and resolving of the humid or wet environment so the mold doesn’t return.

MOLD WILL CONTINUE TO RETURN IF HUMIDITY IS HIGH

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County uses mold removal sprays in conjunction with cleaning methods as a way to remove and prevent mold. Two mold removal sprays that we recommend are Concrobium Mold Control and Benefect. The porous material may have to be disposed of and replaced. If you have mold issues inside your home or suspect some water damage, give us a call. We’re here to help!

References: https://moldhelpforyou.com/bleach-kill-mold/

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf

Spring Cleaning Tips from Cleaning Experts!

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning Like a Pro!

Iowans understand what a false start to Spring looks like, but we cannot help but let our guards down and celebrate the upcoming warmer weather and the beauty of spring. We even started doing yard work (cleaning up the dog waste from winter). Most of us look forward to spring cleaning to refresh our homes and even our mood.

As cleaning experts, SERVPRO is sharing helpful cleaning tips that we use to clean and restore homes after a fire, water, or mold disaster.

7 TIPS TO HELP CLEAN THIS SPRING

1. Fold your cleaning rag like an expert. Do you know that we use an 8-fold technique with our microfiber cloth when removing dust or soot? Grab your cloth and fold it in half twice. After this fold, you should have 8 sides of the cloth to use for one single pass in one direction on each side. After each side is used, use a new rag. This will help avoid the spread of dust and cross-contamination.
2. Clean from top to bottom. Wipe the dust from the fans, exhaust fans, walls, trims, and furniture, and work your way down.
3. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum for window blinds, your dryer, and lampshades.
4. Use clean coffee filters for a streak-free window.
5. If you are a plant owner, make sure you clean and dry around the plant's space. Moisture and high humidity can promote mold.
6. Do not use bleach when trying to clean an area that has mold. Use a microbial cleaner instead.
7. Wash your carpets and rugs with a wet vacuum or have them professionally cleaned.

NEED EXTRA HELP?

SERVPRO can aid in areas that are a bit more challenging or questionable; call us for an expert opinion on cleanup.  

Reconstruction for Home and Businesses after Disaster

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened," with RECONSTRUCTION.

Got Construction? Yes, we do! New Division of Service Opens for SERVPRO of Black Hawk County.

After SERVPRO cleans up from a water or fire disaster in a home or business, construction work will be necessary. More times than not, clients want us to arrange the reconstruction. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is making good on living up to its national tagline, “Like it never even happened,” by announcing the new division of work, Reconstruction Services.

Dennis Larson, Construction Manager for the division, joined the team in September of 2020. He brings 25 years’ worth of skills & standards that align and complement SERVPRO’s core values. Dennis is the project manager that directs team members AND completes the work, literally putting homes and businesses back together again. Clients can, of course, recommend or choose a preferred subcontractor but having Dennis onboard- dedicated to SERVPRO projects only- speeds up recovery time and eliminate scheduling conflicts. This is favorable as it equals saving money & moving back in sooner!

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Structural repairs, carpentry, and framing, along with installing windows and doors are part of the Reconstruction Division work. Flooring, as well as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, are a common area of need that Dennis and his team will address. He will work with the owner in the selection of materials and designs to restore the business or home. 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Communication is vital from the start. A plan is outlined and approvals secured, including estimates to an insurance adjuster, if the loss is part of an insurance claim. As the rebuild activities progress, Dennis will communicate timelines and expectations to the best of his ability. Consistency is a benefit of working with one contractor, like Dennis, during the entire rebuild.

"Like it never even happened,"® can be part of your experience with SERVPRO of Black Hawk County with our new division of Reconstruction Services.

Discover more about our reconstruction division on our website.

Where’s the pool of water in your kitchen coming from?

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Find the source of the water to protect from extreme water damage.

Are you constantly dropping paper towels on the floor and with your foot dragging it across a pool of water that just appeared out of nowhere? There’s not even a streak of water to determine which direction it came from. Is it coming from underneath the floor? Have you investigated or allowed it to be apart of your daily routine? Well, continual water on your floors may be a bigger problem than you think. There’s a water leak in your home.

Water Damage in your Kitchen

Not only can a pool of water be hazardous to your safety but it can damage the walls and flooring of your kitchen. Water that has not been dried properly or that continues to show up may promote mold or mildew growth and weaken building material such as drywall or flooring’s adhesive. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County suggests that you DO NOT IGNORE, FIND THE SOURCE! This will protect your home and pocket especially if you are considering filing an insurance claim on the water damage. Some insurance companies may not cover the claim if there’s proof that the issue was neglected over an extended period of time.

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF WATER LEAKS

Here are a few areas to investigate for signs of water leaks…

• Under the sink- Quick tip: Place a plastic tub under the main sink’s plumbing lines. It’s the little leak that wreaks havoc!
• Behind the refrigerator by the water line
• Underneath the refrigerator near a bottom freezer.
• Around the dishwasher.
• In the basement, underneath the kitchen.

Signs of water leaks can look like water stains, mold growth, or rotted wood. As Fix A Leak Week approaches (March 15^th- 21^st), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has great resources on how to DETECT AND CHASE DOWN LEAKS. <- Click the link for a helpful checklist!

A great tip from EPA.gov is to read your water meter during a period when no water is being used. If the meter reading changes there is definitely a leak somewhere in your home. If you still can not find the source, you may need to seek assistance from a professional such as a plumber.

Have water damage in your kitchen? Call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is available for Inspection and Water Damage Assessment to determine areas of concern with moisture readers and thermal infrared cameras. While we do not repair pipes, we can help clean up after water leaks, floods, sewer backup, and pipe breaks. Call us at 319-268-1521.

Protecting your home against SNOW

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Do not use a ladder to shovel your roof.

Now that the groundhog indicated a LONG WINTER, we thought it would be a fantastic idea to go over some snow and ice removal tips that may help you avoid water or storm damage to your property. Heavy snowfall and even ice can start water damage to your home.

5 Tips for snow and ice removal on your home

1. Shovel snow away from your foundation – Driveways, sidewalks, and entrances are all important areas to shovel but another area that should be considered are those areas nearest to the foundation of the home. A pileup near the structure is not a good idea especially once it starts melting. Flooding can occur and water may seep into your home and inside your basement.
2. Do not shovel your flat roof – Some people could think that shoveling their roof might be a good idea especially when the snow footage is in eye view. Some concerns are wet snow and the weight collapsing a roof but your roof should be able to withhold the weight. Shoveling your roof on your own is putting yourself at risk of injury, plus, you might actually cause damage to the roof instead. We recommend calling a professional to remove the snow
3. Use roof rakes for sloped roofs on detached garage or sheds to remove SOME snow – This is a safer way to remove a few inches of snow because it doesn’t require you to stand on a ladder. This is why we recommend it on small structures such as a garage or shed. When using the roof rake make sure you are not scraping the snow off the shingles as you may damage it. Less snow on the roof can help avoid ice dams.
4. Do not chip off ice dams with a hammer or ice pick – If you have ice dams, leave them alone unless you are certain that the ice dams are resulting in water leakage in the attic or ceilings. If the ice dams are causing water damage, you might be able to freeze the leak by aiming a boxed fan at the leakage inside the attic. For more info on how to get rid of ice-dams CLICK HERE.
5. Inspect the roof and ceiling before, during, and after winter – Your roof may be pretty healthy now but over time, your roof will need maintenance. During this time, it will be difficult for a roof inspection but if you see some areas of concern such as a collection of ice dams in certain areas, take a picture and save it to reference later during a future roof inspection.

Wet insulation can cause Mold!

If you suspect wet insulation in your attic or water damage, give us a call! We can help remediate the issue and restore your home. Call us at (319) 268-1521.

Saving Grandma’s Wedding Dress

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Preserving Cherished Treasures.

A few weeks ago, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County had the opportunity to remove a musty smell, along with smoke odor, from a wedding dress. The woman, Madison, came to us saddened after other attempts to clean it failed. The wedding dress was an heirloom from her grandmother, that had been passed down. Brought to us in a black plastic bag; it seemed like an impossible feat to restore!

Here to help

Empathizing with Madison, we prepared our plan to save the precious dress.  The small house fire they recently experienced revealed items tucked away for safekeeping had been affected. The smoke from the fire found itself inside the closet where the dress was stored. After most house fires, the homeowner not only has fire damage but often water damage from putting out the fire. Humidity that builds up could have dampened the room as well, causing more damage. Out of the garbage bag and onto a dress hanger, to a portable rack was the first step to recovery. Wheeled to the confined bay area, the dress was relocated and the room prepped for ozone treatment.

What is “ozone-ing”?

SERVPRO utilizes ozone machines to generate a gas called Ozone that is very reactive. The ozone molecules are made up of three oxygen atoms with the third atom being able to detach and attach itself to other surrounding molecules, including smelly ones! Most often, “ozoned” items no longer have an odor.  OZONE IS DANGEROUS to breathe in. That’s why we take precautions and use a sealed room to contain the manmade concentrated gas. A caution/warning sign on the door communicates the importance of staying out while the machine runs. When the ozone machine is turned off, we keep the doors closed for at least 24 hours. Then we open the room up and air it out.

BYE SMOKE ODOR

We returned the keepsake wedding dress to Madison the following week, absent of any smoke or musty odor! Our team of cleaning technicians especially enjoys restoring an item with significant meaning for a person AND in this case, future family members, being able to continue handing down the heirloom piece. Don’t give up when you have experienced odor damage to a beloved item, give us a call! We will tackle it to our very best ability.

Learn more about Ozone:

https://www.SERVPROblackhawkcounty.com/blog/post/235159/commercial/true-or-false-ozone-effectively-kills-viruses-and-bleaches-the-air

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/its-tough-to-get-rid-of-cigarette-smells-but-an-ozone-treatment-can-do-it/2018/11/11/e0d64dfa-dedc-11e8-85df-7a6b4d25cfbb_story.html

Chimneys are pretty… dangerous.

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Annual Inspection of your chimney can prevent a fire.

*sings

Chim chiminey

Chim chiminey

Chim chim cher-ee! A sweep is as NEEDED

As NEEDED can be

The look of a chimney and the sound of crackling wood is indeed pretty to look and listen to but did you know that without proper maintenance and cleaning, chimneys can be hazardous. As a restoration business that cleans up after fire damage, we have already had a few fire losses due to chimneys. With colder temperatures, we assume most of you have started up your fireplace and hopefully, nothing has happened but it’s not too late for some education!

6 Tips to maintain the health of your chimney

1. Have a professional do a chimney inspection annually – the best time is off-season (before fall and winter).
2. Observe your chimney draft. The chimney should draw the fire up rather than push back inside your home. You can test this by lighting a rolled-up newspaper or small pieces of wood inside the chimney. If you see that it doesn’t smoke properly and fills the room, quickly distinguish the flame. There could be an obstruction in your chimney that needs to be cleared away. Be sure to always open the damper before lighting your chimney.
3. Do not use unseasoned wood in your fireplace. Unseasoned wood or “green wood” is wood that is still wet. Unseasoned wood will smoke harshly and can create more soot and creosote. Creosote is a residue of wood burning in the chimney but too much can be extremely flammable. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), “All forms are highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and the internal flue temperature is high enough – the result could be a chimney fire.”
4. If you have a brick or masonry chimney, inspect the interior of the firebox and exterior of it for any holes, loose debris, or cracking in the mortar. Fire can escape from these cracks and spread to the rest of your home. Also, check for creosote or soot build-up. If the creosote is tar-like, do not light a fire. You must get the chimney cleaned out.
5. If you are a new owner to a chimney, understanding the mechanics and build of your chimney will help you prevent a fire. Before you purchase, make sure you ask a lot of questions about the proper way to maintain the chimney and even how old it is and when was the last time it was repaired or had a maintenance check. The diynetwork.com has a great article with easily consumable information about the Fireplace and Chimney Elements.
6. With a glove, check the smoke shelf for any debris, leaves, or water that could have fallen through the chimney cap. It is important to have a cap on the top of your chimney to prevent large objects or animals to come in through your chimney. Sorry Santa, you might need to come in through the front door.

Enjoy your clean and safe fireplace!

We do not sweep chimneys but we do clean soot and fire damage. Remember, you should schedule an annual inspection preferable performed by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in 2021. If you experience some fire damage and need your fireplace restored, give us a call. We are here to help.

Merry Christmas from the SERVPRO family!

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help this Christmas season!

A holly jolly greeting from the elves at SERVPRO!

With how this 2020 has gone, we are on a mission to brighten our year with some holiday cheer. Our SERVPRO Elves are hard at work to make this happen. Brett, our project manager, took lead once again with setting up Secret Santa. Chuck, our warehouse manager, is decorating his “office” (the warehouse) with some twinkling lights. Debbie and Dani (marketing team) are hard at work wrapping up gifts for our Insurance friends. Scott & Libby, our SERVPRO Santa & Mrs. Claus, prepared a fun and safe party to show their appreciation for all the hard-working “elves” whose gift of restoring homes and businesses have shown greatly this year.

2020, you’ve been naughty… but still, we are grateful for all the NICE that happened during this time.

SHARING THE JOY IN OUR COMMUNITY.

We wanted to share with our community some Holiday Cheer too. Our team picked a few organizations to collect items for such as the Cedar Bend Humane Society… Most of us own a cat or dog and we love animals! Here are a few other things we did…

• Donate cans to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank
• Collected gifts for a mom and her two children from Friends of the Family
• Collected gifts and a cash donation for seniors in Home Care Assistance of the Cedar Valley and surrounding senior living.
• Drop off gifts to the Fire Department and City Hall.

We are doing our best to finish this year off with a positive attitude and a grateful heart. Thanks to all those who trusted us to clean and restore after a fire, water, or COVID-related disaster.

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy Boss's Day!!!

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Scott and Libby are the BOSS! (Best)

Today is Boss’s Day and we want to give a special shout-out to Scott and Libby Demuth, our franchise owners. We are so grateful for your care, generosity, and leadership. Here are a few of what your employees had to say about you two.

1. What was a time your boss(s) really helped you?

I didn’t feel like I was doing a good job but Scott gave me confidence. He encouraged me and believed and trusted that I could do the job right!

Even when I was doubtful of my work, Scott never ever thought I couldn’t.

Scott and Libby worked around my schedule with having to get off early during my pregnancy and having health issues that came up. They were super understanding and helpful.

2. What qualities do you most appreciate about your boss(s)?

They have a great sense of humor and I can rely on them to answer any questions or concerns I may have.

Sincere care, Flexibility, and Lightheartedness.

I appreciate having a comedic work atmosphere because it makes me enjoy my time at work. I want to get up and come in every day.

3. What have you learned from your boss(s)?

They always strive for excellence. They have invested in me by training and certifying me so that I may be more efficient with my work.

If I have any questions or concerns, I can trust Scott and Libby to answer and help.

4. What do you want to thank your boss(s) for?

Thank you for comforting me during my loss.

Thank you for allowing me to spend time with my family on short notice.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to lead a team and for trusting me to do so.

Thank you for allowing me to work with great people.

Thank you for letting me do what I want! (Trusting me in the ways of my work.)

Thank you for giving me the confidence to do my job quickly and efficiently.

5. What is one positive thing you have always wanted to tell your boss(s), but never have had the chance?

You are the first boss that I haven’t wanted to push down a flight of stairs. Congrats!!

I like how you come to the office in a positive mood every day and greet everyone. You make us feel welcomed here and appreciated.

We wish you many more years of blessings and success!

Home Maintenance List

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Home Maintenance keeps your home healthy!

With our changing seasons, we usually all remember to change the heating and cooling furnace filter but it's the upkeep of other appliances and essential working parts of our home that we need a reminder.

• DISHWASHER FILTER - Wipe off with a paper towel, then rinse with hot water till the water runs quickly through the screen. Use mild soap if needed.
• GARBAGE DISPOSAL - Turn off the power. To remove sludge, fill the sink with ice cubes then pour in 1/2 cup of coarse salt. Let the ice sit for about 30 minutes, then turn on the garbage disposal and the faucet and leave both on until all the ice and salt are gone. Use a scrub brush to clean the drain and baffle.
• BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN - Turn the fan off. Remove the plastic exterior grille. Wipe or vacuum with a bristle brush to thoroughly remove dust. Carefully vacuum the fan housing and around the motor.
• DRYER LINT SCREEN - Remove lint, then rinse with hot water till the screen runs clear and quickly through. Use mild soap if needed.  The flexible dryer duct should also be cleaned out to make sure the lint is not clogged. Make sure the outside vent is cleared.
• FLOOR DRAIN - Remove debris and sand while wearing disposable gloves. Annually, have a floor cleaning expert to ‘snake’ or clear buildup from hair, laundry soap & fabric lent, and especially tree roots that block flow.
• DEHUMIDIFIER FILTER - Wipe off with a paper towel, then rinse with hot water till water runs quickly through the screen.
• SUMP PUMP - Test the flotation device by pouring enough water into the sump basin to trigger the pump, make sure the float moves freely and the sump pump activates when the water gets high enough. Let the pump remove most of the water and make sure it shuts off when the water is only a few inches deep. Repeat this test one more time. Make sure the intake screen or discharge pipe is not clogged. Purchase a battery-operated pump or have a generator to use if the pump were to stop due to power failure.
• AC UNIT - Turn off. Use a leafblower to remove large debris. Spray water to clean off loose debris. Spray outside unit with coil cleaner and wait 15 minutes. Rinse the cleaner off with water.

***Every appliance model is different so make sure to research your item for the location and best maintenance practices.

DOWNLOAD OUR MAINTENANCE LIST 

As always, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is here to help. 

BEWARE of 10 Things That Can Start a House Fire.

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention week is Oct 4th- Oct 10th. Visit NFPA.org for more info.

Fall is in full swing so you know what that means? Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Patches, Apple picking, Apple Cider, Pumpkin or Cinnamon scented candles, and all your favorite things about Fall. It’s important to mention that it’s also when the risks for fire in your home can increase because of the upcoming Holiday season. Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is on October 4^th – October 10^th so we are going to share 10 Things that may cause something just as scary as any of your Halloween costumes this year. HOUSE FIRES.

1. Candles – Candles can help create a cozy, mysterious, or romantic atmosphere but don’t let a fire kill the vibe. If you are going to light a candle, do not leave it unattended, put it away from anything flammable and keep it out of reach from your children and pets. We are pro-battery-powered candles. They might not smell Fall-ish but they look just as great!

2. Space Heater – If you want to save costs from turning up the furnace and heating the whole house, a space heater might be a good way to do just that. Still, you will have to practice some safety measures. Make sure the wires are healthy, do not plug it into extension cords only directly into an outlet, place it at least 3ft away from anything flammable, do not put anything over the heater, and turn it off and unplug it every time it’s not in use.

3. Heating Pad/ Blanket – There is something so great about sleeping with a heated blanket on a cold fall/winter night. Make sure that you connect it directly to an outlet. It’s important to inspect the wires. If it’s damaged, do not use it. Also, make sure that it’s connected properly to the blanket or pad. Turn off and unplug after every use.

4. Electrical Cords – Please inspect the wires of all your electrical devices and appliances. Damaged cords can spark up. If you bought or inherited an antique appliance, we advise that you take it to a certified professional who can rewire it, possibly test it and certified for a UL certification (safety organization).

5. Fireplaces – Chimneys and fireplaces are a magical thing but so are fire breathing dragons… do you want that in your house? Actually, I would because it’s cool but I definitely don’t want my house to catch on fire. Fireplaces in your home are great but please take safety measures. Before you light up the chimney this season, have a chimney inspection.

6. Stove and Oven - This year’s FPW focus is on Kitchen Safety. According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), “Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.” Do not leave unattended and definitely set a timer for when food is ready or a reminder that you’re cooking.

7. Sawdust – Is your husband overtaking your garage because he started a woodworking business during quarantine? Well, you better tell him that he needs to clean up all that sawdust because it’s actually flammable. This might help you keep a tidier and safer workshop.

8. Dryer Lint – It is extremely important to clean your lint filter before and after you use your dryer. The heat from the dryer can spark lint on fire and lint is extremely flammable. Dryer vent ductwork should be cleaned out at least every year. Here’s an eye-widening fact from the S Fire Administation, “2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and can cause an average of 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.”

9. Smoking – If you’re a smoker, please smoke cigars, cigarettes, or pipes outside of your home. It is going to be safer that way. Stay alert as you smoke and do not smoke while drowsy or sleepy. Make sure you completely put out the cigarettes in an ashtray or bucket with sand. If you are going to throw ashes away in the trash, put water over it and make sure the ashes are cool. For more safety information, download this Smokers Safety Sheet.

10. Grill – The temperature is still nice enough to grill. Remember to always place your grill away from your home or garage. You should not put your grill in your garage or under any porch. Do not leave it unattended and always have a bucket of wire nearby. Store paper towels or cloth towels away from all hot surfaces.

As a restoration company, we clean up after many fire-related disasters and we see how it affects homes and families. We really encourage you to be alert when using any of these items.

Need help figuring out what to do with your home after a fire? Call your Insurance agent and then call us! We can help restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

HERE TO HELP.

Average Cost of Water Damage in 2020

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer damage can increase a water damage estimate.

Many of our potential customers call us asking questions very similar to the following; “How much would it cost to clean my basement from water damage?” We understand the importance of this question especially as individuals who also ask the same type of question when we need services done for us or to us. At times, we do find ourselves shy in giving a definitive answer because there are so many factors in pricing for water damage. From the type of water to the number of affected contents, there’s a lot that can happen to your home when unfavored water is present. Still, we want to give you an idea of how much it could cost. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of water damage is about $3000.

Potential reasons why pricing may increase.

• Structural damage – Demolition of affected drywall, ceiling, removal of trimmings, removal of carpet, trash disposal, etc.
• Amount of Affected Contents – An unfinished basement could cost less than a finished basement because of the lack of contents.
• Type of Water – Sewer water aka “black water” is hazardous. Will require cleaning, disinfecting, and possible structural restoration.
• Amount of Water- Extraction time and drying time may take longer due to the amount of water.
• Square footage- A small affected room could cost less than a whole affected floor.
• Mold – Moisture is a breeding ground for mold. The longer you wait to dry an area, the higher risk your home has of getting mold. Mold remediation will increase the price.

The Benefit of Insurance is Peace of Mind.

Did you know that Insurance can help cover the cost of water damage in your home or business? We want to encourage you to find out more information about your insurance coverage and if your provider covers water damage, sewer damage, storm damage, or mold remediation. You might want to consider paying a little extra now on premiums so that later, you could pay less.

We can inspect your water damage! Please give us a call at (319) 268-1521.

References:

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/disaster-recovery/repair-water-damage/

https://www.fixr.com/costs/water-damage-restoration

Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Derechos in Iowa.

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Be aware of weather conditions and stay safe.

On August 10, 2020, Iowa experienced what felt like an inland hurricane. The storm we experienced is identified as a Derecho. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a derecho is a line of intense, widespread, and fast-moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that move across a great distance and are characterized by damaging winds.

This natural disaster was unannounced and in just a few hours, homes and businesses were destroyed, crops were flattened, phone and electricity lines knocked down, trees uprooted, and semi-trucks toppled over. This was no small feat. Fortunately, nearby communities took notice and local SERVPROs requested help from the SERVPRO Storm Teams!

Weeks after the event, we are still seeing many disaster relief organizations, restoration companies, electrical companies, tree removal companies, and utility companies still hard at work aiding Iowa.

SERVPRO Cleans Up After Storm

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is currently working on losses as a result of the derecho storm. One loss we are hoping to restore sooner than later is a middle school in Tama County, whose roof was torn off by the heavy winds. The classes received a lot of water damage. Water made its way inside the three-story building, knocking down ceiling tiles and soaking the carpets. There’s a lot of debris we need to clean up as well. We have rented out a power generator for an electrical source and a Desiccant generator to provide hot air in the building for a faster drying time. We are grateful to our team who is working in these conditions to help restore this important building.

4 DERECHO SAFETY TIPS

1. Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for weather conditions.
2. Stay indoors.
3. Stay away from windows.
4. Go to basement or an inside room with no windows on the lowest floor.

DID YOU KNOW? The word “derecho” is of Spanish origin but the first person to assign this word to this type of weather phenomenon was a professor of physics at the University of Iowa. His name is Gustavus Hinrichs.

Check out our Emergency Disaster Kit blog.

References:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derecho

https://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDerechos/hinrichs/hinrichs.htm

https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/derecho_safety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ5-ijji3cA

True or False: Ozone effectively kills viruses and “bleaches” the air.

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Research COVID precaution’s validity.

We want to educate our community about ozone generators. We have recently received a lot of calls about renting out our ozone generator as a COVID precaution. While it is great that many organizations are trying to find ways to keep their members healthy and safe, there might be a misperception of what an ozone generator can do. So, does ozone effectively kill viruses and “bleach” the air?

Truth is that there’s not enough evidence to give you a definitive answer. So, MAYBE? There may be businesses selling the notion that this is what ozone generators can do for you but it’s not completely accurate.

What are Ozone Generators and their functions?

Ozone Generators is a machine that emits ozone into the air. According to the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is a molecule with three atoms of oxygen, in which “Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition.” (EPA)

SERVPRO uses an ozone generator for the main purpose of Odor Removal and Deodorization. In our experience, a smelly room or smelly contents that has been affected by a concentration of ozone has proven to be non-smelly after the fact.  We believe it’s the altering of the odor’s composition. The concentration of ozone is extremely dangerous to living things. Although scientifically, there is not enough research to prove that it “removes” odor, we have used this method for several fire, smoke, and mold loss because we have seen it, first hand, alter the smells. Now this method is used after first cleaning the content or room.

We do not use ozone generator as a means to “bleach” or remove pollutants from the air because that’s not what it does. An air cleaner or air purifier may be a better solution as a COVID precaution because its purpose is to clean air. The best solution is to practice safety measures such as quarantining, social distancing, wearing protective equipment, avoiding touching high-touch surfaces, and personal hygiene.

CLEAN HIGH TOUCH SURFACES FREQUENTLY.

We understand the importance of setting up a COVID precaution for the maintaining of your business but please research your methods to see if they are effective. We have a great Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program that may fit well for your business. The focus is to frequently clean, disinfect and sanitize high touch surfaces.

Need COVID Cleanup or Proactive Cleaning. Call 319.268.1521

Resources:

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners

https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/will-ozone-generator-protect-me-and-my-family-covid-19

Back to School during Pandemic… Thoughts?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Clean Schools = Safe Children

Back to normal school. Praying for wisdom and safety for your families.

Summer vacation went by so quick and yet, there were probably moments that felt like it would never end. The thought of resuming school during this “COVID era” is a very provoking and overwhelming one. We understand that. Our own employees are in the same position as other parents.

We want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for protection over everyone in the school systems. Our schools have a huge responsibility to do what is best for the community. Let’s continue to be gracious and grateful towards them. They are doing the best they can. You are doing the best you can. WE are doing the best we can. We’re praying for your physical health AND especially for your mental health and your children’s mental health.

We are currently cleaning and sanitizing some schools that asked us to come alongside them for a little extra peace of mind. If you know an organization or school that may benefit from some extra help in a proactive cleaning program, please consider suggesting SERVPRO. We are here to help our families and communities feel safer and at peace with our new defensive pathogen program. Thank you for trusting SERVPRO.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

We are hopeful for the new school year!

Have a Sump Pump or Grinder Pump? Get Sewer Insurance.

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have sewer backup insurance?

What kind of relationship do you have with your home insurance provider? Is your home insurance adequate or is it the bare minimum to check the list that you have insurance? When you become a homeowner, it’s required to have insurance and after putting a large sum of money on a house, you may have unknowingly cheated yourself with getting the basic package. In reality, the basic coverage most likely will not cover the total cost of home damage. SERVPRO doesn’t sell insurance but we understand the importance of it especially as a restoration business that receives many calls about home-related disasters. Frankly, restoration services are costly and not many have the means to pay out of pocket. We want to encourage you to discover more about your home coverage and ask more questions.

One insurance coverage that your insurance agent may not have mentioned is a sewer line coverage.

So why would you need a sewer line coverage? Do you know that it’s possible that the line in which carries all the nasty water from your toilet, sink, and shower to wherever the city sends it, can actually come back inside your home? Yep. You might have “black” water (essentially feces water) in your bathtub. “Ew” is right. We often get these types of losses after a heavy storm but there are several reasons it could happen. Here are 3 common reasons sewer back up occurs.

1. A clog in the sewer lines. For example, Tree roots that grow in sewer pipes.
2. A damaged sewer pipe like a crack or corrosion.
3. Too much water inside the sewer lines.

Don’t have a sump pump? How about a Sewage Ejector (Grinder Pump)?

Most people are familiar with a sump pump but some of you may not know about your sewage ejector. We heard from our insurance friends that homeowners may opt-out of a sewer line coverage because they don’t have a floor drain or sump pump in their basement. Well, if you have a toilet in your basement and the city’s sewage line is above the sewer pipes, you may still have to consider it since you have an ejector pump system. It is the mechanical equipment that grinds solids and pumps the sludgy wastewater upward into the city’s main sewer line. The pump may malfunction if you flush down items that are not meant for a toilet or it can wear down over time. You will not know there’s a clog or issue until it’s too late. It’s good to consider sewer insurance coverage and maintenance check-ups on such equipment.

Smell sewage in your home? Be safe, stay away, and call a professional! 319-268-1521.

Ways to Prevent Fire from Toasters.

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Toast your bread, not your home.

Don’t be Toast because of Toast.

A regular morning routine of putting white bread in the toaster might turn into an unexpected fire inside your house. It is possible to accidentally start a fire when using what seems to be a fairly harmless kitchen appliance. Just recently, SERVPRO responded to a call about a house fire and the cause of loss was a rag that was near a toaster! Let’s go over a few safety tips to avoid a fire from your toaster.

5 Ways to Prevent Toaster Fires

1. When choosing a toaster, read up on reviews and check for recalls. Some brands of toaster may have a history of fire-starting issues.
2. Make sure there is nothing flammable near your toaster such as paper towels, curtains or rags.
3. Regularly clean your toaster from breads crumbs and any grease or dirt residue.
4. Keep your toaster unplugged when not in use and inspect the health of its cords. Do not ever plug in an electrical appliance that has frayed wires.
5. Stay near the toaster when using it. Depending on how brown you want your toast, it will only take about 2-3 minutes of your time that can easily fly by. Just pull out your phone and watch a YouTube video on Toasters catching Fire while waiting.

BONUS SAFETY TIP - GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FOR YOUR KITCHEN!

We restore and clean up after fires. If you experienced an unfortunate fire disaster, we are here to help. Call us at 319-268-1521.

There’s Grease Build-up in your Kitchen.

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

You might have grease in high places.

Do you know that you may have grease on surfaces you’re not aware of? Personally, my kitchen is very small and I do not have an overhead exhaust. I also do not do a lot of cooking but my husband on the other hand could be a professional chef. He loves cooking and I like a clean home. I’ve been avoiding the kitchen because I have noticed things that I wanted to ignore such as grime on the stove plates, burnt trays in the oven, and smoke stains crawling upward from the stove to our wall…. So, my husband cooks amazing but leaves a scary kitchen. It’s a fair trade-off… Anyway, I was going to continue to ignore it until one day, I looked up towards the ceiling fan and saw a thick layer of dust on each blade. I could not tame the urge to wipe it away so I grabbed a small ladder and climbed up with a microfiber towel in one hand, and a multipurpose cleaner in the other. I thought this would be an easy, easy, easy clean. Just a swipe of my towel on the blade would pick up all the dust but instead, it felt as if my towel was wiping a thick layer of honey. It wasn’t honey though; it was grease! The dust was stuck on the grease and worse yet, since I was on that ladder, I saw several other surfaces that had that same yellow yuck on it. I was overwhelmed so I ran away into my living room which is much cleaner.

Apparently, oil in a hot pan will evaporate into oil vapors that will travel through the air until it cools down and stick to the surfaces of your kitchen. 

This week’s cleaning chore is deep cleaning my kitchen.  I haven’t cleaned it off yet, not because I’m ignoring it (it’s way too much to ignore right now especially being an employee of SERVPRO - THE Cleaning PROS!), but I’m researching the best way to approach this. Below I provided some links to a few of my good internet finds. Plan A is to try one of these natural home remedies but if that’s not heavy duty enough to remove possibly a years’ worth of grease, I’m turning to our SERVPRO Orange Plus cleaner. This cleaner cuts through soot, dirt, and grease! Plus, it smells fantastic.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has had its fair share of cleaning commercial and residential kitchens.

Need Professional cleaning? Call us at (319) 268-1521.

By Dani Liu

Helpful Links

How to Clean Grease off Most Common Kitchen Surfaces – Taste of Home

How to Clean Greasy Kitchen Walls, Backsplashes, and Cupboards – kitchen

How to Clean a Ceiling Fan: The Greasy, The Dirty, and The Dusty -Del Mar Fans

DIY Emergency Storm Kit

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Be Ready & Prepared for a Storm.

Take some time to gather some items and create your own emergency kit! We’ve decided to put together three options from Basic to Extreme preparations. Preparing doesn’t mean you are paranoid; it means that you are mindful and perceptive!

Basic Kit (Must-haves Supplies)

• First Aid Kit
• Extra Battery
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio or hand-crank radio
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day (at least 3 days)
• Nonperishable food & snacks (at least 3 days’ worth)
• Can opener for food
• Wrench to turn off utilities
• Whistle to signal for help
• Sanitation, toiletry and personal hygiene items
• Family and Emergency Contact Information
• Store items in waterproof book bags, duffel bags or containers

Intermediate (Being Extra)

• All items in Basic Kit
• Prescriptions and medications
• A seven-day supply of water and non-perishable food
• Candles & Matches in a waterproof container
• Multi-purpose tool
• Extra cash
• Baby supplies
• Pet supplies
• Games & activities
• Paper & Pen
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Blankets

Expert (Ready for a Zombie Apocalypse too)

• All items in Basic and Intermediate Kit
• Plastic Sheeting & duct tape
• Portable Water Filter
• Backup power generator
• Scissors
• Extra clothing & sturdy shoes
• Sleeping Bags
• Propane heater & camp stove (make sure it’s safe for indoor use)
• Fire Extinguisher
• Emergency Light Sticks (12-hour duration)
• Working Gloves
• Sewing kit
• Nylon Rope
• Masks

Do not be intimidated by all the items for fear of cost. Most of these items, you can find at your local dollar store. We recommend you keep these items in a designated place where you can access it quickly. Prepare for a safer future!

References:

https://www.ready.gov/kit

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

https://www.amazon.com/emergency-preparedness-kit/s?k=emergency+preparedness+kit

2020 SERVPRO Annual Convention & Special Guest, Kevin Brown.

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Let your leadership linger in other’s lives.

Every year, franchisee owners and top leaders are invited to an annual convention event hosted by SERVPRO corporate. This year, the convention was in Boston, or at least it was scheduled to be in Boston but changes were made for the safety of our SERVPRO family. So instead, the 2020 SERVPRO Annual Convention was held VIRTUALLY, and we participated right from our small office in Waterloo, IA.  

We are proud to be a part of this ONE TEAM.

SERVPRO corporate really went all out in entertaining, encouraging, and educating us. They displayed perseverance and patience as they learned something new, relying heavily on technology with scheduling live events, scheduling a full production team, pre-recording several workshops, monitoring chat rooms and so much more. It was a successful event! 

We even had a great guest keynote speaker, Kevin Brown! Kevin Brown is a successful motivational speaker that helps “people expand their vision, develop their potential and grow their results.” (https://kevinbrownspeaks.com/bio) He worked at SERVPRO for several years before he focused full time on speaking.  

Here are just a few of our favorite one-liners! 

• You can get there from here. 
• Smile. Connect. 
• Do not allow stress and pressure to blind you from your potential to do great things. 

• Be Enthusiastic Ambassadors. 
• Be careful of the vision you cast for yourself and others. 
• See them as what they can be not what they can’t be. 
• Rewrite your storyline. 
• It doesn’t matter what everyone thinks, it matters what you believe.  

• Let your leadership linger in other’s lives.  
• Can you look in the mirror and see those who influenced you the most? 
• Create a world-class experience when you serve others. 
• No pain, no perspective. 
• Your past is a place of reference not of residence. 

• Who looks in the mirror and sees you? 

If you ever have a chance to listen to Kevin Brown speak, we recommend you go for it. We are so grateful that the convention was not canceled considering everything that 2020 has thrown at us. We look forward to next year’s convention! 

Trauma Cleanup

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

There is strength in asking for help.

*Warning: This is sensitive content. 

This blog is not meant to sell you a product and service. This blog is to let you know that there are businesses out there that can help you in the aftermath of something really painful and traumatic. We are a cleaning and restoration business for disasters and unfortunately, a disaster we have cleaned up too often is suicide. One is far too many. Our condolences are for those who had to live through this traumatic experience. We can’t begin to imagine what this feels like but we are willing to listen and help in the ways that we can.  

Trauma Cleanup is not something that we advertise. In the past two years, it has come to our attention that we need to inform our first responders about this service. SERVPRO can be a resource for cleaning to those who may need it. Biohazard contaminants are left behind from an accident scene and who is left to clean it? We know that sometimes this cleaning need is not dealt with because people are unsure how to proceed. It is not a simple task, physically or psychologically for anyone. Still, some people have had to eventually push through and clean up themselves There is no doubt that these individuals are beyond strong but there is also strength in asking for help.  

As we mentioned, this educational piece isn’t meant to sell you a service… it’s meant to give you an option when you need help. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is certain we can help in trauma cleanup. Whoever you choose, we recommend looking for a local cleaning business. We have been told stories of out-of-state businesses charging an insurmountable amount, making matters worse. 

In closing, know that your home insurance may cover the cost of this type of cleaning. Give your insurance provider a call and find out. You can expect our team to have specialized training for biohazard cleanup, wear proper protective equipment, clean affected area, and content, dispose of any unsalvageable material, and even finish with construction if needed. Our team will continue to be empathetic and professional throughout the whole process. Again, we are sorry for your loss. 

Here to help. 

Grill Fires are the highest in July.

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. (Credit:National Fire Protection Association)

It is summertime and we are taking advantage of the weather by spending as much of it outside as we can. One outdoor activity we Iowans enjoy is grilling or smoking meats. There’s nothing like beautiful grill marks on steak, burger or hotdog to really stamp the summer season. We don’t want your summer to go up in smoke because of a nasty grill fire or grill caused injury so here are 5 ways to stay safe while grilling. 

Here’s the Drill, Grill SAFE! 

1. Keep your grill at least 3 ft away from your house.  Yes, that means NO GRILLING ON YOUR PORCH. 

1. Keep your grill away from anything that might catch fire such as outdoor umbrellas, cushions, garage, or dry plants. 

1. Keep your children and pets away from the grill and let your children know why. 

1. Do not leave your grill unattended when you’re cooking. This can save you from fire AND a burnt burger. 

1. Clean your grill from any left-over food and grease. Crumbs and fats can catch on fire. 

Keep your grill clean. 

Some of you may think that a dirty grill can actually make your food taste better but whether or not that’s true (it’s not!), we still recommend you clean it. It’s not just the grates you should clean but clean all the parts of the grill especially the main chamber where food and fats drop from the grates. In the long run, this will help with the longevity of your grill and prevent fires. Please take a look at the references for more information on grilling safety tips and how to clean a grill. 

If you experience smoke or fire damage, give us a call. We can help.  

References 

Grilling safety - https://www.nfpa.org/grilling 

How to Clean a Gas Grill - https://youtu.be/xmIQVDvkvZs 

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-grill-grill-grates-are-just-the-start/ 

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/grilling/grilling-food-safety 

Cons of a Finished Basement

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Basements are common areas of a home for water damage.

In our experience, the most common area of a home that we clean up after water damage in the basement. That’s why we kind of have to wonder whether it is even a good idea to finish a basement. So, in all honesty, this might not be a completely objective little read. We have cleaned up many homes in the Cedar Valley that have experienced flooding in their basement and usually, there aren’t too many warning signs. A 100-year-old home whose foundation may be compromised, or the city’s sewer lines backing up into your basement or the sump pump not being able to keep up with the heavy rain, are all unfortunate happenings. Sometimes, we even clean the same finished basement twice, or even three times from numerous issues. Yikes.  

Pros 

You have more space where you can kick it back with your friends or a family room where you can spend quality time with your children or even a bedroom for that child who never wants to leave you. It can also increase the market value if you are thinking of selling it. 

Cons 

• It can be extremely expensive to finish your basement. 
• A flood in your basement can add extra repair in restoring the basement.  
• Flooding may destroy valuable and sentimental content.
• If there’s a sewer back up, all content will not be saved. 
• A humid basement can promote mold growth in areas that aren’t always noticeable. 
• Over time, the foundation of the basement might settle and lead to water seepage. 

Healthy Homes can have a finished basement. 

Not every house will experience flooding or sewer backup in their basements. Since water restoration is our business, we often are a part of such issues but it doesn’t mean it will happen to your home. If you are considering finishing your basement or buying a home with a finished basement, we recommend you be super observant of the health of the home and ask as many questions as possible to avoid such a situation. (Does this neighborhood experience flooding? Have you ever had a water problem in the basement? Etc.) 

Water in your basement? Call us at 319-268-1521  

15 Questions to ask yourself before a Storm.

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

It is always better to be safe than sorry. 

As a mature and experienced human being, precautionary measures are normal! I mean, it is always better to be safe than sorry, right? Our goal is to get you thinking about situations that might not cross your mind until it’s panic time! Ponder these questions; get prepared with your answers. Alleviate problems to be better set for whatever happens. 

1. Am I prepared for a storm? 

2. Do I have a Storm Emergency Kit? 

3. How will I stay connected to local media in a power outage? 

4. Do I have perishable food? 

5. Have I discussed with my family about emergency plans?  

6. Do I have homeowners and flood insurance? 

7. Who are my insurance provider and local insurance agent? 

8. Does my insurance cover mold? 

9. Do I understand what my insurance covers? 

10. What is my deductible? 

11. Should I invest in a higher premium to ensure the protection of my home at a lower cost? 

12. Do I know how to turn off my utilities? 

13. Have I set money aside for disaster emergencies? 

14. Are my important documents protected from water damage? 

15. What will happen to my sump pump if there was a power outage? 

Your Safety is Important to Us. We can help you answer these questions and set you up with a complimentary Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). You can download the ERP app at ready.SERVPRO.com. 

Water Damage? Call us at 319-268-1521. 

SERVPRO to the (Food) Rescue!

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Best marketing plan is to sincerely care!

Late April, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County filled the need of our local food bank by volunteering to rescue food from 4 grocery stores every Tuesday and Thursday. SERVPRO employees were all considered essential workers during the pandemic. The marketing team shifted to working from home since many in-person meetings and events transitioned into online gatherings. 

SERVPRO corporate provided online webinars for marketing staff. The focus of our marketing plan turned from visiting and educating insurance agents and commercial businesses of our services to giving generously and finding avenues of helping. In one webinar session, Amber, a co-owner of a SERVPRO in Idaho spoke about ways that she was helping her community. Amber connected people to resources they were looking for through a Facebook group she started. This group was all about the community and very little about SERVPRO. Her enthusiasm to coordinate this type of help inspired us at SERVPRO of Black Hawk County. She was making a difference individually but also as an extension of SERVPRO. When the community needed assistance with a task that she knew SERVPRO could accomplish, she did not shy away from proudly recommending her business. After listening to the webinar, we needed to take action and write our own story of care and concern for our community! 

Marketing Manager, Debbie Robeson, contacted the local food bank to see how we could help. We learned that many of their regularly scheduled volunteers were unable to put their time in due to pandemic restrictions. Governor Reynolds of Iowa mobilized the US National Guard & Americorps to help repackage food at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. One department that wasn’t staffed was the Food Rescue mission. Food Rescue consisted of stopping at several local retail outlets or grocery stores, to pick up food donated by them to the community through the food bank system. 

We are grateful to our boss, Scott Demuth, who didn’t hesitate and agreed to donate employee time, our green SERVPRO vehicles, and cover the cost of mileage each day of rescuing food for this mission.  

We, Debbie and Dani, and occasionally with our warehouse manager Chuck and project manager Sam, picked up food until June 18th, collecting over 16,000 pounds of food! We also donated $350 which provided about 1,400 meals to insecure individuals. If you would like to see more fun pictures of our community involvement, check out our community events photos page on our website.  

The best marketing is to put action with sincere care. Our friends at Northeast Iowa Food Bank shared some kind words about our involvement in their latest newsletter.  We are thankful for the opportunity to help in a different setting from our cleanup and restoration efforts and provide the resources needed. 

Here to Help. 

First Notice of a Water Loss – The Phone Call

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Michelle Miller - Job Coordinator by day, Rock star EVERY DAY!

On Monday (June 22, 2020), we received over 50+ calls at our office concerning some type of water problem in homes. We refer to these problems as a ‘water loss’. The majority of calls focused on issues with basement floor drains or the sump pump. This is not our usual Monday. The call that we receive is a lead on a job and referred to as the First Notice of Loss, shortened to FNOL. On this call, our team is asking questions and collecting all the information they need in order to respond to the request for help as quickly and as efficiently as they can. So, here’s what to expect when you call us. 

**Ring 

SERVPRO, how can we assist? 

During office hours (Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm), our phone calls come straight to our local offices where our job coordinator, Michelle Miller, answers it. Many might see her and think she’s “only” a receptionist but she does more than answering the phone. She is vital to our operation. We all seek and appreciate amazing customer service and that is what Michelle does every day as she answers calls from worried and sometimes frantic people. Disasters are scary and we understand that. At SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, we give you peace of mind from the very beginning with our empathy, honesty, and professionalism.  

FAQs 

There are 3 important details that we collect during the FNOL. 

1. Caller Details – Name, Phone, Is the Caller the Customer? Etc. 

1. Customer Details – Name, Phone, Email, Loss Address, City, etc. 

1. Loss Details – Type of Loss, Date it occurred, Cause of Loss, Finished or Unfinished Basement, Residential or Commercial, Type of Flooring, Is there standing water? Etc. 

Who is your Insurance Provider and Agent? 

Home Insurance policies may be able to cover water loss expenses so we work closely with our local insurance agents and adjusters. We ask the customer who their insurance provider and agent are for two reasons…First, to remind the customer that their insurance can possibly help them. Secondly, to determine their coverage and if they will be turning the damage in as a claim.  

Our desire is to be “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 100% of the time, but when heavy call volume occurs, it won’t ever seem fast enough! We respond and follow up to every call.  We know first-hand how crucial timing is with a water issue and cleanup is needed.  A waiting list is often started, and as hard as it is to ask, we encourage people to continue contacting other restoration and cleanup companies that may be able to assist sooner. SERVPRO cares about you enough to make this recommendation! What’s most important is that you are helped, even if it’s not through us. We’d rather gain a friend and direct you to another than to lose you over a promise we can’t keep. 

Water Damage? Give us a call at (319) 268-1521. We’re Here to Help, all ways. 

We won the 2020 Character of Business Award!

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Thanks to our SERVPRO team who help make this possible!

We are happy to announce that SERVPRO of Black Hawk County and owners, Scott & Libby Demuth, recently won a prestigious award, the Cedar Valley Character Counts Business of Character Award! 

The Iowa Character Counts! program is based out of the Ray Center at Drake University, in Des Moines. Every year, Drake University recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. 

We felt so loved and appreciated when the Vice President of Operations, Sandi Sommerfelt, at Grow Cedar Valley (local chamber) told us she was nominating SERVPRO for the Character Counts! Award. Her first experience with SERVPRO was after flooding at her workplace in 2019. We responded very quickly but what impressed Sandi the most was the care she felt from the SERVPRO team.  

“In my opinion, they exceeded expectations of ‘their job’, and demonstrated care and concern that meant the world to me and others in my office.” - Sandi 
 
We are thrilled that SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has won an award of this degree focused on integrity! We are very proud of how Scott and Libby have built a commendable position among hundreds of businesses while showcasing the SERVPRO brand. Their business ethics and sincere care for the team and the service they provide our community ranks right up there with large corporations! We knew it, now others do too!

The following is a nomination question answered by our friend, Sandi Sommerfelt. Thank you, Sandi! 

Explain how they demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, good citizenship)  

Trustworthy – Having worked with SERVPRO, they have my complete confidence that they can be trusted to do a thorough job without me having to look over their shoulder and can be trusted with personal belongings.  And not only can you trust SERVPRO to do the job right, you can also count on them to be discreet.   

 And the owner’s CONSTANT ON CALL motto is felt by many area businesses and homeowners. Testimonies of appreciation are often shared through emails, phone calls and letters from people that Scott and the team have walked with during their crisis. It’s always saying yes by being there at any hour, any day in all ways during their recovery after a fire or water loss situation.  

Respect – The team at SERVPRO show the utmost respect for their customers and for their personal belongings.  They take extra steps necessary to cover items while cleaning, and handle personal items with care. They are respectful of customers schedules and busy lives, trying to be the least disruptive as possible.    

Responsibility – SERVPRO doesn’t just do their portion of the work and leave. They will work with your insurance agents with you, help line up contractors, and make sure everything is done right. They take responsibility for the entire project from start to finish.  Throughout the process of my office flooding they were very responsive anytime I had a question about the clean-up.  They stood behind their work and did everything they could to make sure we were beyond satisfied with their service.    

Fairness – They don’t charge you for things you don’t need. A few years ago, prior to our complete office flood, we had a small water leak in one office.  SERVPRO checked it out, made some recommendations to continue the drying process and said I did not need any additional work. There aren’t many companies that won’t try to sell you on some sort of service, and I was truly impressed with their character.    

Caring – The staff at SERVPRO are so compassionate to their customers. This is clearly evidenced in the testimonials and the letter of recommendation.  They go out of their way to make sure their customer is okay first and foremost.  After my office flooded and days after the clean-up was complete, members of the staff actually came back to our office to check on us and bring us treats.  In addition, Scott frequently demonstrates genuine care and concern for his team members, commonly referred to as a family.   That is truly caring in my book!  

Good citizenship – During the flooding of neighboring counties, Scott has volunteered along with his own crews to tackle mounting service requests. When their SERVPRO office gets numerous weather-related emergencies called in, Scott reaches out to other local restoration companies and ‘shares’ the work. This helps to ensure our community members are taken care of and bounce back quickly. His ‘you before me’ attitude and passion for assisting others is a distinguishing trait that motivates others to be their best. 

Gear to stop the fear of Water Damage

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Water Cleanup is more than water extraction. The Drying process is key.

As a home or business owner, the fear and anxiety of the possibility of water damage are real. Mostly because we have seen or heard the outcome and headache it can be. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has answered many calls of water loss and we are grateful for the opportunity to help. We are qualified and equipped to clean up the mess as fast we can to prevent further damage and restore you to a home and business that functions. After we extract water, there are a few pieces of equipment that we utilize to make a water loss like it never even happened.

Sensing more than the eye can see…

We have two different technologies that we can use to detect moisture in hidden places. One of the moisture readers is a 2-pin Moisture Sensor that has 2 pins that can penetrate through wood, carpet, carpet padding, and drywall to find an accurate reading of the wetness of the area. This can help us determine how far the water has spread. The other technology to detect water is an Infrared Moisture Reader that can detect moisture through a thermal reading. Sometimes water damage is not as obvious but there are suspicions because of the humidity in a room, or the smell of mildew. An example of when we had to use this is after we found some mold in a basement. The homeowner’s basement flooded and decided to try to clean it up on their own. They extracted the water and set up fans everywhere. The floors and walls all felt dry. After a few weeks, we received the call for mold cleanup. After using the Thermal Moisture Reader, we found their downstairs cabinets, the walls behind it, the closets, and some parts of the ceiling were still wet!

Humid, sticky & wet… we’ll use a Dehumidifier.

Another equipment that we use is a Dehumidifier or as we (restoration specialists) like to call it, Dehus (pronounced Dee-hue). A dehumidifier helps reduce water in the air and maintain the level of humidity in the air. We set this up every time we work on a water loss to prevent the growth of mold. You would be surprised by all the water it collects from the air.

Dry. Dry. Dry.

We use various types of air movers to ensure the home or business is completely dry. Air movers are often compared with fans but unlike fans, air movers can be much more precise and often have a higher air velocity. We place several air movers around the area. If you walk into a water loss job, you can find several air movers on an axis frame directed up towards the wall, down toward the flooring, low central air movers alongside the walls, and air movers that direct airflow directly above the flooring. The placement of the air movers is always intentional. Our production manager speaks to our customers about the importance of the placement of the equipment and not to turn any of it off.

If you decide to clean up water damage yourself, we would love to be a resource to you. You can give us a call for any questions or even call us over to inspect the water loss and help evaluate the scope of the damage.

Call us at SERVPRO of Black Hawk County at 319-268-1521

6 Useful Tips for Heavy Rains

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy Rainfall can bring forth floods. Beware.

There’s something about rain that can be very soothing and calming. It might even bring an inviting melancholy mood as we reminisce happy memories while listening to the rain’s pitter-patter but let’s be cautious. Days of rain, especially heavy rains, can lead to experiences that no one, EVER, wants to think about again. Unfortunately, flooding and sewer back up in your basement can be a result of heavy rain.

What is Heavy Rain?

If you were born and raised in the Midwest, have a monthly subscription of the Farmer’s Almanac, or have a rain gauge in your front yard, you may already know what’s considered heavy rain… According to the National Weather Service, Heavy rainfall is more than .49 inches of rainfall per hour. Heavy rainfall in a short amount of time can lead to flash floods that can damage homes and farmland. We want to share a few tips in case rain wants to sneak inside your home.

Safety Tips during Heavy Rains

1. Check your basement for any water seepage.
2. Check on your sump pump and make sure it’s working. Consider getting a battery-operated one as a backup.
3. If you use your basement as storage, make sure your treasured contents are inside durable waterproof totes.
4. Make sure your humidifier in the basement is on.
5. Always have an emergency kit ready for any type of disaster.
6. Listen up to the weather forecasts on local media.

Beware of Floods

Visit Ready.gov for Flood Safety Tips! This is a great resource to better prepare yourself in case heavy rainfall leads to flooding inside your home and neighborhood. Something really important to consider is your home insurance and whether it covers flood or water damage and to which extent.

If you experienced water damage inside your home, give SERVPRO of Black Hawk County a call.

We are here to help. Call 319.268.1521.

Are you ready to open your business?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to bring peace of mind.

What an unusual year this has been. From staying at home to canceling school and vacation trips. Recently our governor, Kim Reynolds, announced more openings for businesses in Black Hawk County, previously closed because of the pandemic. Great news, but now to figure out what steps are necessary and the right way to proceed? Business owners and management staff may be carrying a lot of burden because of this very question. It can be overwhelming. Still, WE GOT THIS.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can help!

WE CAN CLEAN YOUR BUSINESS BEFORE RE-OPENING.

We understand that during the closure of many stores and offices, some may have had the chance to take time to deep clean their business. For those who did not have this opportunity, please allow SERVPRO to clean for you. Here are a few things you can implement when working with us to become a new normal.

• Schedule regular cleaning that best fits your needs.
• Get our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) put in place- No charge!
• Sign up for our newsletter that contains safety tips that can save you money.
• Ask for signage to let your customers know your location has been SERVPRO cleaned.

Giving you Peace of Mind.

We are here to help, so please just give us a call for any questions you may have. We are an industry leader in cleaning and restoration. Our team is ready to help re-open your business.

Call 319.268-1521

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

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

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

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

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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

Call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County today at  319-268-1521 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

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

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

Home Alone! Helpful Home Safety Remedies For A Safe Summer.

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

With confirmed school closings, the uncertainty of summer programming, and the re-opening of work offices, some children will continue on their own at home. Prepare them well for a safe summer. These tips are a good reminder to ALL of us.

1,2,3, Home Safety Remedies

1.UNPLUG! 
Reminders to UNPLUG certain appliances and equipment can prevent a fire.

Toasters, Toaster Ovens, Pizzazz, Keurig Machines- (hot cocoa use- not coffee, of course!) Unplug when the food is done, before consuming. Forgetfulness happens too soon once they sit down to eat.

Cell Phone Charger- It no secret that we are ALL using a lot more battery life these days. Phone chargers are moving up the list as a common cause of fires. When fully charged, unplug both the phone AND the charger from the wall.

Plus, unplugging these items can avoid any unwanted energy consumption- albeit small amounts of it.

2. STAY PUT!
Multi-tasking while preparing food won’t get them ahead here. Don’t walk away from appliances once started.

Microwave ovens and pre-set temperatures can be helpful, but should NOT be relied upon.
Children should be advised to wait at the microwave and use the sound/smell test when preparing packaged food. These items can be tricky in the description as defined for the recommended temperature button on the microwave, i.e. small vs regular-size popcorn.  Remind them if an item is smelling burnt or has had the sudden ‘blop’ sound, hit off, and wait a few seconds before removing.

Plates, bowls, and cups- which one to use? Set out in a basket specific microwave-safe dishes and paper products for them to use.  Avoid having other items around that they could grab. Styrofoam is highly flammable, literally taking seconds to ignite. (Unfortunately, I know this from experience). How often have we entered too much time to reheat an item? Equip them to use the right stuff and be ready to hit off if it smells or sounds done.

3.EXTRA, EXTRA, Read All About It… 
Details of new chores should be written out and demonstrated. Being intuitive comes with age and experience. Understanding the reasons why sometimes are learned the hard way. It’s a lot to expect young people to have the knowledge we have gained through trial, error, and probably a mishap. Here are a few things you might be assigning and need to explain more:

• Removing & folding laundry- take out the collection in the lint trap of the dryer: It causes fire when it builds up.
• Vacuuming- NEVER pull with the cord to remove it. Use the plug ‘head’ to pull it out.
• Use of cleaning products: show them how to flush their eyes in case of accidental spraying, along with proper handling of rags when they are done. Hang outside separately. 
  (NEVER leave in a pile- combustible fires start this way!)
• Garbage Can & trash bags-empty at the end of ‘their’ day, or set a specific time like right before you come home. Define full: items are all the way to the top. It seems obvious, but we all see things differently.

We hope this helps prevent an unfortunate disaster.

If you fire or water damage restoration, please call 319.268.1521

SERVPRO® of Decorah opens in WINNESHIEK COUNTY

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

A new franchise opens up in Decorah, IA on April 1st, 2020.

There is a NEW, LOCAL, and independently-owned business right in Decorah, Iowa. Franchise owner, Scott and Libby Demuth are excited for this opportunity to reach out and be of service to the city of Decorah and the surrounding counties.

SERVPRO® is a top leader in Cleanup and Restoration

We are proud to be in the business of restoring lives back together after a disaster. Some of our services include cleaning up after a …

• Water Damage & Floods
• Fire & Smoke Damage
• Sewer Back-up
• Vandalism
• Storm damage
• Commercial Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning

You’ll be seeing our green trucks around town as we get to know our new community. Scott Demuth, also the owner of SERVPRO® of Black Hawk County is eager to establish the SERVPRO® of Decorah.  Being more efficient and ‘faster to any size disaster’ in Winneshiek County and the surrounding area is important!

SERVPRO® NEW location is a natural connection. 

Since the floods of 2016, SERVPRO OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY has continuously traveled to northeast Iowa to provide needed service and care to individuals and businesses. Opening a new location allows us to invest in the city and provide job opportunities while expanding our reach. Time is an important factor when it comes to disasters; the SERVPRO® of Decorah Team will be available.

Our network of franchises allows us to team up for large commercial losses or heavy rain and flood damage in the area. We are trained and certified in the latest restoration certifications and our experience will benefit everyone. We truly believe we are ONE TEAM.

We are looking forward to becoming a trusted business in Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette, and Chickasaw counties.

If you need a general cleaning or clean up from a fire and water disaster, Call us at (563) 277-1615.

Tornadoes and High Winds in the Midwest

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Iowa experiences frequent tornadoes, are you prepared?

Although we are not in tornado season yet, in late March, we had two tornadoes touch ground in Black Hawk County, two in Fayette County, one in Dubuque County and one in Buchanan County, all confirmed by the National Weather Service. According to the Associated Press News, we weren’t the only state who tornadoes paid a visit to.

We want to remind you to be safe and take a proactive step in preparing for a tornado. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is doing an excellent job of updating us on the safety and prevention of the coronavirus, meanwhile, they also have provided resources for Preparing for a Tornado.

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

For locals, you may know a lot of this information but if you are new to the Midwest, here are a few safety tips to consider before and during a tornado watch.

• Keep important documents and phone numbers in a waterproof Ziplock bag in your basement.
• Put together an emergency safety kit.
• Use battery-powered radio for emergency information in case the electricity goes out.
• Take shelter – Avoid areas with windows and take shelter in the basement or the lowest floor.
• Charge your phone before a storm and put it in Battery Saver mode during a storm to conserve the battery life.

More safety tips – Tornado Safety Guide

How can SERVPRO help you after tornado damage?

Although our business is to clean up after disasters, this does not mean we wish it upon anyone. Disasters happen and we are here to help. We work closely with your insurance agent, keeping everyone in the loop of our services. Here are a few of our services relating to tornado damage or storm damage.

• Tarp a roof
• Board ups
• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Sewage Cleanup
• Content Cleaning

STORM DAMAGE? Call us at (319) 268-1521.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help in general cleaning, specific cleaning and disinfecting.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, 319-268-1521]

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Emergency Ready Plan for Senior Living Businesses

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

ERPs can help reduce interruptions in senior living homes.

What is an Emergency Ready Plan?

The Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a complementary tool that we offer as a community service to businesses. The ERP is a mobile application to input important information (emergency contacts, location of the main water shut-off valve, etc.) This will come in handy in case of a disaster such as flooding or fire. You can access the app at any moment, plus, share it with the necessary personnel.

Benefits of having an ERP

Here’s what you can store in an ERP app.

• Contacts (Vendors, Utilities, Municipality, Insurance, etc.)
• Directions for contractors (parking location, entry, exits, etc.)
• Image & Location Description (Water Shut-Off Valve, Gas Shut-off Valve, Elevators, Floor Plan, IT Tech room, valuable contents, safe, etc.)
• Property Overview (Building Type, Square feet, Number of Floors, Type of flooring)
• Emergency Action Checklist (A checklist that will help keep people safe and reduce business interruption.)

People who should have access to your ERP are:

• Owners
• General Managers
• Facility Managers
• Local SERVPRO*

*Privacy is important. You will have access to your ERP with your own login and password. We help with the initial walk-through to fill the general request of the app on our own app and then share the profile with you to access and edit as you wish. If you desire to add more information such as passwords you can lock your profile.

Senior Living Business

We have completed ERPs to various senior living businesses in Black Hawk County. Senior living housing is more than a business, to its residents, it’s home.  That’s why we think it is so important to reach out to them and offer this no-cost service so that the residents do not have to go through a long and distressing interruption in their lives. This is a tool that you can use as a resource but it’s also a pro-active way to get SERVPRO’s help faster, more efficient, and to make a disaster look “Like it never even happened.”

Need to Schedule an ERP?

We are happy to schedule an ERP walk-through. This will take about 30 mins – 1 hour. We will start the profile with the property overview before the initial visit. We will need a manager, owner or facility employee who can walk with us through the back ends of the facility. We look forward to getting you prepared with an ERP!

To schedule, call at (319) 268-1521 or email Debbie Robeson.

Snow is melting - Be careful of water in your home.

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

The marks on your ceiling can indicate severe water damage.

The forecast for the next two weeks looks very promising! We are edging our way right out of the 30-degree weather into the 40s, 50s and even the 60s. I’m feeling warm just thinking about it. You can kiss your snowman goodbye… for now.

Runoff Frosty!

This warmer weather does sound nice but we still need to keep in mind that snow melting, aside from the wetness and muddiness, can be a risk of water damage or flooding in your home. We want to encourage you to be observant of every area in your house especially the ceilings and the basement walls. Water can seep into your home through cracks in the roof, windowsills, and foundation.

Inspect your home

• Yellow or gray discoloration on your ceiling can be water markings. Don’t ignore them. You can lessen the damage by hiring a professional to clean your roof from snow and to check the health of your roof.
• It would be a good idea to have a restoration company check the moisture level in areas of concern. They can dry any moisture with special equipment if necessary and cut out or remove any affected porous surface that can promote mold growth.
• If you have piled snow that is near the exterior of your home, we suggest you shovel it away from your home before it melts. This can protect your home.
• Check your basement. Do not be comfortable with a wet basement. If you notice the walls, and flooring are wet, call a professional to inspect your foundation. Take care of your home! Flooring such as carpet and linoleum that has been affected by flooding might need to be replaced as well as the trim and molding.

SNOW/WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME?

If water is seeping and creeping into your home, Take action! The sooner you can get help, the less damage it will create. We can help you! We are the leading water restoration company in Northeast Iowa.

Call us at 319.268.1521.

Until help arrives, read WATER DAMAGE EMERGENCY TIPS.

Water Damage, More than the eye can see.

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our equipment is extracting water from the hardwood floors in the kitchen.

Water doesn’t stay in one place.

How do we end up working in a basement when the cause of loss is in the kitchen? Water. Water spreads because of its adhering properties and seeps into every crevice, crack, or dent it possibly can. We received a call about a kitchen sink that malfunctioned causing a flood. The water seeped through the flooring and in no time, the finished basement was unrecognizable. The paint was peeling, the ceiling tiles were stained as well as sinking, some tiles even fell off the ceiling, and everything inside was getting wet. It’s as if it was raining inside their basement.

Do you know where your water shut-off is?

Unfortunately, this family was not present when the situation developed. They returned home to a bad situation. They had the sense to turn off the water shut off valve in the basement and that’s when they noticed further damage. Shutting off your main water valve will definitely help reduce the damage so please take some time to locate yours.

Water Damage? Give SERVPRO a call!

That day, Michelle our job coordinator received their frantic phone call. She immediately worked fast to get in contact with a project manager. The project manager and a team of technicians went to the home and began water extraction, removal of the paneling in the basement, removal of cabinetry, and setting up drying equipment on the main floor and basement. The kitchen, basement, and multiple rooms on the main floor were affected by the broken kitchen sink. Before we arrived at the Waterloo home, some mold growth had already occurred in some of the drywalls and the cemented landing of their basement stairs so it was important to work fast and diligent. We cleaned and mitigated the growth.

We are here to help!

No matter the size of the disaster, we have a team certified to help in cleaning and restoration. If you suspect your sink or refrigerator is leaking, please get it looked at by a plumber or appliance repairman.

SERVPRO Terminology (Part 2)

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Packing out contents to our warehouse for content cleaning.

What is Pack Up/Out and Content Cleaning look like in the restoration industry?

As a restoration company, we help restore and clean up homes and businesses after an extreme loss. An extreme loss can look like vandalism, damage after a fire, a sewer back up amongst other types of damages. When there is in need of professional help, we come in to try to restore everything that has been affected.

What is Pack Up?

In order to clean the content, we will first have to determine what is salvageable and non-salvageable.  This will happen during the pack up process. Some of the contents that may not be salvageable are children's toys affected in sewer loss or perishable items. Our team will take inventory plus photographs of the items that can’t be saved. Some items are hard to determine whether it’s salvageable or not in the beginning but once it’s determined, it will be updated on that list. We take inventory and photographs to keep track of the owner’s items and for transparency of our work. Most times, insurance agents will require these documents.

What is Pack Out?

We pack up the contents carefully into boxes and then pack out to transfer the items to our warehouse. We will pack out if the current worksite might be going to a restoration process or if there’s not workable space for the cleaning process. Our warehouse is large enough to store content from multiple losses, as well as having a great cleaning station. We have the best cleansers and equipment including our UltraSonic that removes dirt or soot by the vibration of water. This comes in handy for hard to reach in areas.

What is Content Cleaning?

Content Cleaning is a part of the process of getting all the contents or items that have been affected clean from any odors, stains, or bacteria. Depending on the type of loss, the method of cleaning the items may vary. We have rolling carts with multiple shelving units to store items to dry. Once they are clean and shining, our cleaning technicians will re-pack them carefully into brand new boxes. Our team wraps the contents will packing paper and bubble wrap. We will store the clean content until the restoration process at the job site is completed.

Water or Fire Damage? Call NOW at (319) 268-1521.

Water Loss in Apartment Building

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

We restore after water damage in commercial buildings.

Disasters do not sleep.

On December 17, we received a phone call during the evening about water damage at a local apartment building in Waterloo, IA. Water damage was due to a small grease fire in one of the apartments that activated the sprinklers. We responded to that call and within an hour, we had a team on site. We understand that fire and water damage happens in the most inopportune times, even when its dark outside, but we are ready to help when disaster strikes.

We provide 24/7 Emergency Services.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County schedules and rotate 2 employees after hours to guarantee that someone can respond to any emergency due to fire or water damage. In this case, the apartment building is active with residents so, for a faster restoration process, we decided to expand the team that evening. Our owner reached out to 3 other employees who were not on the on-call schedule. We are so grateful for the can-do attitudes of our employees. We had four of our production technicians, a project manager, and our owner all working hard on getting the job done right. Our SERVPRO truck was packed with our water extraction machine, dehumidifiers, and different types of air movers and driven to the job site location. The last employee left the site around 4:30 am in the morning after water was extracted and all air movers and dehumidifiers were purposely set in several places for faster drying.

We provide services to Apartments, Hotels, Schools and many other commercial buildings.

For the next few days after the initial call, our team routinely checked the equipment, monitored the humidity levels and took moisture readings of all the affected areas. Our employees are all trained professionals and take the necessary actions to ensure a job well done! Water damage is usually covered by your insurance but it should always be dealt with immediately to prevent further issues.

If you are a landlord or an apartment owner and you suspect water damage, give SERVPRO of Black Hawk County a call at 319-268-1521.

Fire Extinguishers and How to use it.

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Team member Debbie learns how to P.A.S.S a fire extinguisher at the Waterloo Fire Department's open house.

A friend and local insurance agent recently told us about how he had to use a fire extinguisher for a fire that started behind a wall. He was working on a do it yourself project in the bathroom and was soldering two copper pipes together which created a small rumbling fire. He first smelled the fire and then could hear it behind a wall. He quickly got a hammer and his fire extinguisher from the garage. He took the hammer to the wall where he smelled, heard and sensed the heat. He could see the pipes that were heating up and released the foam from the extinguisher right to the source of the fire. It was a quick decision which probably saved his home.

FIRST, ALERT YOUR FAMILY AND FIRE STATION.

Still, it is important to consider the steps you are going to take if you decide to use a fire extinguisher. Personal safety is extremely important so we do not recommend to try to put out a large fire that has already spread. Use your best judgment. Evacuating your family and calling the fire department should be some of your first steps to take. After using a fire extinguisher, the source may re-ignite so it’s important the fire department can inspect it.

There are 5 main types of extinguishers – water, foam, dry powder, C02, and wet chemical. The type of extinguisher you should use is according to the class of fire. All extinguishers should have the label of which class it's suitable for. Please take some time to find out what label(s) your fire extinguisher has.

5 Class Fires – A, B, C, D and K (What does it mean?)

Class A Fire – fires on wood, paper, rubber, plastics. “Ordinary combustibles.”

Class B Fire – fires in flammable liquid such as gas, alcohol, or oils.

Class C Fire – fires involved in electrical equipment or electrical fires.

Class D Fire – fires in combustible metals such as titanium.

Class K Fire – Fires in cooking oils & grease.

Most common extinguishers are a multipurpose dry powder for class A, B, and C Fires. According to homedepot.com, Extinguisher for Class B Fires can be suitable for cooking grease or oil fires (Class K) in a home. Commercial Kitchen should always have a fire extinguisher specifically for Class K fires. We recommend keeping a few extinguishers around your home. The kitchen, garage, and in the second level are some of the locations we suggest having them in.

*Fire Extinguishers should be examined annually for maintenance.

Your local fire department might be able to examine your extinguisher to see if it’s still in good condition. One of our employees did exactly that at an open house our Waterloo Fire department held in September. They went as far as to double-check to see if that extinguisher was on a recall list. Good thing they checked because it was recalled and our employee was able to trade it in for new extinguisher. In this open house, they also had hands-on training on how to use a fire extinguisher. We recommend checking out some of the open houses your local fire department might hold. It’s fun and educating for you and your whole family.

Remember how to use a fire extinguisher with the acronym P.A.S.S.

P- Pull the pin

A- Aim the hose at the base of the fire from a safe distance

S- Squeeze the lever

S- Sweep the hose from side to side until no more fire.

If you don't have a fire extinguisher, we want to encourage you to get a few for your home. Being educated and prepared is the best thing you can do for you and your family's safety.

If you need cleaning and restoration after a fire, please give us a call at 319-268-1521.

SERVPRO Terminology (Part 1)

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our vision is to be the best restoration company in the world.

What is a production technician and what is the IICRC?

For SERVPRO, production technicians are the employees who work out in the field with water, fire or mold damage that can take place in a residential home or commercial building. They hold the responsibility of demolition, removal of trash, professional cleaning, using equipment for water extraction/drying and more. They do this with the utmost care and respect of our clients to get the job done in a timely matter.

All of our production technicians are trained and certified by the IICRC which stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This is the most advanced certification for the restoration industry! We invest in this certification so that our employees can have the best understanding of how their job needs to be done and so that our potential customers can trust in our abilities to help restore their home or business.

Mold Remediation Training - Containment

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Training for SERVPRO production technicians on Mold Remediation and Containment.

At the beginning of December, we sent two of our employees to a training opportunity held by the IIRCC.

Devon and Jeremy (production technicians) participated at a 4-day training of Mold Remediation alongside other Iowa’s SERVPRO employees. Scott, the owner of our Franchise, requested that they take thorough notes to report back to the office. We are always open to new techniques or best practices in our field. Luckily, these guys are team players and did exactly that. They had two experienced Instructors, Luis, a highly successful field expert from Australia and Rachel who has basically written the book on Mold Remediation. One of the training practices that we were very intrigued about is called “pressure fit containment” for mold remediation.

Mold releases spores when messed with so we must contain the affected room or area. We do this already by using 8-millimeter plastic and tape. A pressure fit containment requires more material. The pros of building a pressure fit containment are that it can be less invasive than using tape on painted walls. A tape can remove paint. The con is that the cost is more expensive and there’s the possibility that insurance may not cover it.

Pressure Fit Containment

A pressure fit containment is a frame constructed to fit in a doorway or entry. The frame is held by the pressure of 2 x 4” wood boards. Then the plastic is stapled tightly on the board. To get inside the containment, a zipper is attached straight down from the top frame to the bottom. The zipper has an adhesive in the back of it so it’s easy to attach right onto the plastic. After its attached, the zipper is unzipped and the plastic is cut straight down from in between the open zipper. The trainees had hands-on training on how to do exactly this in a demonstration room.

Aside from the pressure fit containment, they also built an exit chamber to be attached. The materials that are used are PVC pipes (nonporous material) and plastic that is glued on and wrapped around most sides except for the area that will attach to the main containment by plastic and tape. After they built it, the trainees attached it to the main containment. This area is used to enter after exiting the affected area so that the person can be HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuumed. When someone exits the chamber, all the spores or unclean air from their clothes, body and the chamber itself would have been removed. I have to mention that the plastic that they and we use is fire-resisting so in the case of a fire, the plastic will not engulf into flames spreading the fire but instead it would melt. Fire safety is quite important to us.

Back in the office, we were able to see exactly what went on because Devon brought back great pictures that showcases the training. Knowledge is power and we care about what we do. Our vision is to be the best in the world for restoration so training our team will help us achieve that! If you want to see the pictures Devon brought back, CLICK HERE.

#SERVPROstrong

A Letter of Thankfulness

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

We are grateful for people who trust, recommend, and choose us to clean and restore lives.

Dear Readers,

It’s not unusual for Iowa to experience white soft powder falling from the sky in November as you may already know. Apparently, we are preparing for a LONG and COLD winter this year but instead of being grouchy or “Grinch-y”, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can’t help but be grateful during this holiday seasons.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is not only a business that cleans and restores homes or buildings, but we also restore lives.

In honor of Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to jot down a few things that we are grateful for…

1. We are grateful for our families and friends.
2. We are grateful for shelter and warm clothes.
3. We are grateful for people who trust, recommend, and choose us to clean and restore lives.
4. We are grateful for our employees that raise their hands each morning and say “I’ll go do that clean up!”, no matter what it involves.
5. We are grateful for the wisdom and knowledge we gain being in this line of work.
6. We are grateful for our owners who care about our well-being and who encourage us to grow.
7. We are grateful for our first responders who protect our community.
8. We are grateful for insurance agents and adjuster who care about restoring lives as much as we do.
9. We are grateful for the turkey, potatoes, corn, gravy, biscuit, pies and all the other food we are going to be filling our stomachs with.
10. We are grateful that we are here to experience all that life has to offer, even the tough stuff because we are just a little more grateful for the good.

We hope that you can find joy and thankfulness during this season. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Sincerely,

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County.

5 Tips to Winterize your Home.

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

These tips will help avoid water damage and fire damage during the winter.

Let’s get ready to WINTEEER!!

It’s time to wrestle Iowa’s winter to the ground with a ton of jackets, gloves, beanies, boots, scarves, and wool thick socks. With all the layers of clothes that you and I will be wearing, there’s no way “Stone Cold Frost Bite” is going to beat us, but what about our homes? Let’s talk about how you can WINTERIZE your home to avoid water or fire damage. (Ok, I’ll stop it with the wrestling analogy.)

You can avoid Frozen Pipes or Chimney caught on Fire with these 5 Tips.

1. Remove the hose from outdoor spigots and stow away for winter.
2. Clean out your gutters and downspouts before winter.
3. Apply caulk or weather stripping to windows that may have gaps.
4. Replace the filter in your furnace.
5. Check the health and cleanliness of your fireplace before igniting it for the first fire this season.

We hope this will help keep your home healthy from the cold weather. We also want to remind you that it’s a good idea to make sure you have a shovel and stock up on Ice Melt before a heavy snowfall.

Need Water Extraction or Fire Damage Cleanup?

Call us at 319.268.1521.

Click here for a Winterizing List from Lowes.

Prevent and Prepare for a Fire.

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Lint is highly flammable. Clean out your dryer vent.

Fall is here and Winter is coming so we all know that we Iowan folks are going to use fire very soon whether it is to light up a fire pit or chimney to warm up during the cool nights or light the pumpkin latte scented candle to fill our home with seasonal cheer. We need to make sure we are being very careful in order to keep our precious home safe. We want to take a moment to give you 5 tips on how you can prevent a fire.

5 Ways You Can Prevent Fires.

1. Make sure you keep your stove and oven clean from grease, food and flammable cardboard or paper. Never leave the food you are cooking unattended.
2. Be cautious when lighting candles. Make sure candles are clear from curtains or anything really and always remember to blow out the candle when you are leaving the room.
3. Clean out your dryer vent and throw the lint away. Do not collect lint in your laundry room. If an electrical issue does occur, the lint is highly flammable and it will make matters worse.
4. Be cautious of your space heater. Do not plug it in a power strip that is not designed for a higher voltage. Always unplug the space heater before you leave the house or go to bed.
5. Keep your cords in good shape. If you have a pet that has chewed some cords, please change them out right away because this can be extremely hazardous.

DO YOU HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN?

It’s not a joke. Escape plans or practicing your escape plan isn’t only for schools or businesses. The National Fire Protection Association has created a grid you can download and print to help you create an escape plan for you and your family. CLICK HERE to download.

Win a Fire Extinguisher from us!

During this Fire Prevention Week (Oct 6^th – 0ct 12^th), we are giving away a fire extinguisher for your home. There are three things you need to do in order to enter this giveaway. First, go to Facebook and LIKE our Fire Extinguisher post which will be the very top post. Second, Leave a comment! Lastly, Share the post. The last day to enter is Oct 12^th, 2019 and the winner will be announced Wednesday, Oct 16^th. Good luck!!

It’s raining… You might have sewer backup.

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer Backup may be more prevalent during heavy rains because of the overflow of water and sewer lines.

Nothing more gets you deeper into the Monday Blues like a gray sky and black puffy clouds looming over you. Add some crazy winds and a few branches flying across your car while you are driving to work and you are almost certain it’s going to be bad Monday. As work gets busy the superstition starts to fade away and now it seems like it’s going to be just a regular ol’ Monday, Right? WRONG. You go home and as you open your front door to your house, the foulest smell just punches you straight in the nose. It hurts so much you can’t help but start to tear…

Find out your Finished Basement is bubbling with Filthy water.

Back-up sewers are a nightmare for homeowners and renters. Not many are prepared for such a disaster. This week, as eastern Iowa received some severe thunderstorms and rain, many of our community members were affected by back-up sewer. Basements are in danger of getting wet with BLACK WATER possibly due to the home’s clogged pipes or maybe an overflow of the city’s pipelines or main sanitary system. Either way, it’s a disheartening situation especially if your basement is finished. 

What to do if you have Sewer Backup.

• DO NOT TOUCH THE WATER. Keep your children and pets away from the dirty water. Black Water is extremely dangerous. It is unsanitary and can cause severe illness and possibly death if ingested.
• CALL A RESTORATION COMPANY. A sewer back up is an emergency and needs to be dealt with immediately. We (SERVPRO) can help in such a disaster and we have 24/7 Emergency Services available.
• CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. Cleaning up after a sewage backup can be costly. Call your insurance agent TODAY and find out if your sewer lines are covered.

Prevent a sewer backup by regular inspection and maintenance on your pipes.

The City of Waverly recently sent out a mailing brochure to their community about not flushing F.R.O.G.s down the drains. This acronym stands for Fats, Rags, Oils, and Grease. Here’s a few more things not to put down your drains; coffee grounds, eggshells, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. The health of your drainage pipes can save you from sewer backup.

CALL US FOR WATER DAMAGE, FLOODING, OR SEWER BACKUP. WE ARE HERE TO HELP. 319.268.1521

September - Prepared, Not Scared

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure your family is ready for any type of disaster.

A disaster can be scary but this year, Ready.gov’s theme for National Preparedness month is PREPARED, NOT SCARED.

Huge fires, loud thunderstorms, rising waters can all be extremely frightening but being prepared for it can definitely lessen the fear. SERVPRO can clean up materials after a disaster but there are some things that we can never restore, like someone’s life. It’s important that you and your family talk over the possibility of a flood, fire, or extreme weather situation to protect what matters the most.

Here are 7 things you can do to prepare for a Disaster.

1. Make a savings plan for when a disaster strike.
2. Review your Insurance Coverage.
3. Talk to your Insurance agent about Flood Insurance.
4. Document your personal property.
5. Create an evacuation plan for your home in case of a disaster and practice it with your family.
6. Create a family emergency kit that includes contact info, medication, and supplies.
7. Have an emergency communication plan.

We are available 24/7 for your Emergency Needs! In case of a severe weather disaster in the community, we have a Storm Response Team on standby. If you don’t have a plan, it’s not too late to start.

Visit ready.gov/september for more information on how you can prepare for all types of disasters.

How we remove odor with an OZONE GENERATOR?

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

OZONE GENERATOR IN USE!! Warning Label in our warehouse where we are removing smoke odor from contents that belong to a property in Decorah, IA.

There are some odors that are not easily removed by a DIY method especially if it’s been affected by a terrible storm, water, or fire incident. Even so, cleaning it up yourself might not even be an option due to the quantity of content or a busy life. We are here to help. We can remove tough odors from homes, furniture, cherished memorabilia, jewelry, purses, and even clothes. What is our secret?

What is the secret to removing tough odors?

It’s no secret at all. We remove really tough odors with an OZONE GENERATOR. We have multiple ozone generators currently in our equipment warehouse. An ozone generator is a machine that splits apart oxygen to generate OZONE with electrical charges. Ozone is composed of 3 oxygen molecules, where the third molecule detaches itself and reattaches to other substances like tough odors. This happens naturally during a thunderstorm. The lighting splits oxygen in the air producing ozone which leaves a “fresh” scent. Ozone changes the chemistry of odors. So, in layman’s terms, BYE SMELL-LICIA!!

2 COMMON WAYS WE USE THE OZONE GENERATOR

1. We take the ozone generator inside unoccupied homes. Most common places are inside a basement that may have experienced sewer backup or extreme mold damage. If a home has experienced fire damage, we will use the ozone generator to eliminate smoke odor.
2. We use it inside our warehouse to remove odors from a large amount of content. This is especially true when the home or business may be in the reconstruction phase. We have a room with shelves to organize content and poles to hang clothes. We then put our ozone generator inside the room and tightly seal the room. We will always leave a warning sign that the ozone generator is in use and the reentry date/time.

The generator we use is a SERVPRO 771 Ozone generator. It is durable, has a built-in 12-hour timer and can cover up to 120,000 CU/FT. This ozone generator creates a large amount of ozone allowing for fast and efficient treatment.

WARNING! Ozone exposure can be harmful to the body.

Our team is highly trained in Cleaning and Restoration by the IICRC or Institute of Inspection and Restoration Certification in order to use this equipment properly. Such a tool is only beneficial if we are responsible and use it as it is intended. We make sure that the ozone generator is timed off at least 20 minutes before reentry and the room is aired out. If you would like to know more about ozone generators, click HERE.

If you have any questions or concerns about removing odor, please give us a call at 319.268.1521 or send us a message by clicking the chat button located on the bottom right of your screen.

Smoke Cleanup at South Tama Middle School

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

(Photo by Jens Johnsson on Unsplash) We are trained and equipped to remove soot and smoke odor after a fire.

On August 5^th, firefighters were called to South Tama Middle school in the middle of the night due to a fire. This fire originated in the boiler room which was located in the basement. Luckily the fire was contained. The school will receive a full smoke and odor clean up and some construction from SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids and us, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County.

LOCALLY OWNED BUT WITH A ONE TEAM MINDSET.

We received the call to be apart of this job a day after the incident from Co-Owner of SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids, Brett Kellogg. Our Owner Scott Demuth and Production Manager Brett Armfield quickly took off to Toledo, IA to assist in the full inspection of the fire damage. We are truly excited to be working as ONE TEAM with another franchise. This job may seem overwhelming to another cleanup and restoration business but not to SERVPRO! The school needs to be cleaned from top to bottom before August 16^th, that means we only have 10 days to get this job done but we are ready and excited to meet the challenge. The team has taken the initiative to form a strategy to get South Tama Middle ready before their teacher’s planning day.

Here’s a low down on our plan.

• We have requested 20+ workers to help with the Cleanup process.
• We are setting up a tent for employee check-ins and equipment inventory.
• We are loading our truck with equipment and commercial cleaning products.
• We have 1-3 on-site supervisors making sure tasks are being met.
• We have employees removing tiles from the ceiling so we can remove smoke odor from all crevices.
• We are blasting soot or fire particles with a commercial garnet blaster.
• We are setting up various air movers on site.
• We will be in daily communications with the superintendent on our progress.
• We will clean every carpet in the building.
• We will do a full cleanup of the chimney.

Getting to the Finish Line with Ease.

Scott and Brett have a combined 11+ years of experience in restoration and cleanup services. We are eager to get this job done for the community and to continue building our brand as a business you can trust. For the next 2 weeks, our team will be working overtime to get this school looking “Like it never even happened.”

Get connected with us and follow us on INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK. @SERVPRObhc

August 4th is Campfire Day - Celebrate with some Campfire Tips!

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to fully extinguish your fire before leaving the campgrounds.

Here in Iowa, we love campfires.

Even though it’s summer, the worst of the heat has ceased for a moment allowing us to enjoy our evening with 70-degree weather. School doesn’t start for another 3 weeks so enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family. Maybe visit Deerwood Park in Evansdale or Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls? Wherever you decide to go camping, we want you to have loads of fun and to stay safe.

Here’s some Campfire Safety Tips! *

1. Find out the campground rules about building a fire. Campgrounds may already have existing fire rings or pits.
2. Make sure your fire pit is 15 feet away from dry logs, leaves or any flammable objects.
3. Keep your fire to a manageable size.
4. Never leave your campfire unattended.
5. When extinguishing the fire, drown the fire completely in water until there is no more hissing.
6. If there’s no water, allow all the wood to burn to ash and cover with dirt.
7. Before leaving the campground, make sure the firepit is cool to the touch.

*For more information on Campfire Safety Tips, visit smokeybear.com.

Now that we know you’re going to stay safe during your camping trip, we are ready to blow your mind with a few Non-traditional Smores!

• Graham + Banana + PB + Marshmallow + Bacon
• Chocolate Graham + Mint Chocolate + Marshmallow
• Chocolate Chip Cookie + Hazelnut Spread + Strawberry + Marshmallow
• Oreo + Marshmallow (stick the marshmallow in between the sandwich cookie)
• Graham + PB cup + Marshmallow

Yum! We would love to hear about your campfire adventure on social media. Tag @SERVPRObhc in your photo or story and share your campfire safety practice.

“Snake” your Floor Drain or Pit to prevent backup sewage

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

Finished Basement’s floor drain or pit is about to be “snaked” or cleared out.

OH NO!

A few weeks ago, we received an emergency call from a home in Waterloo about a possible sewage problem after a rainstorm. The unfinished basement was filling up with water and the homeowners had no control over it. Apparently, the floor drain was so clogged up that it wasn’t only filling up with their sewage but the neighbor’s sewage was coming in as well. We know… What a nightmare! For this type of water, it is not safe for anyone who isn’t trained or have the equipment to have contact with it. It can be very dangerous especially for your health. This type of water is called “blackwater” and it can contain unsanitary agents and harmful bacteria. Our crew uses safety precaution when dealing with such a job. Needless to say, we completed the job quickly and successfully.

STAY AWAY FROM “BLACKWATER”!

A question that came up during this job is, why did this happen and how can it be prevented? Sewage pipes can get clogged with oils, food, hair, soap residue, and even tree roots. We recommend that you clear out or “snake” your floor drain with a professional! At least that is what one of our employees did as soon as she walked out of this job site. She said it was the best money she spent for some peace of mind. Her floor drain looked almost identical to the one on the sewage job so it really shocked her. Unlike that basement, her basement is finished so if an unexpected sewage disaster were to happen, it would mean more content to clean, dispose of and possibly more costly to fix the problem. So yes, think about snaking your floor drain.

Here are a few more things to do to prevent your drains from being clogged.

• Keep toilets, sinks, and drains clean.
• Do not flush feminine products, diapers, or wet wipes down the toilet.
• Use a mesh in a shower to trap the hair from going down the drain.
• Do not pour fats or coffee grounds down the sink.
• Do not put large food waste down your garbage disposal.

Make sure you direct the professional snaking your drain to clear it all the way to the street where it goes out into the public sewer system. And as a side note, find out if your Home Insurance has coverage for possible issues with your service line.

If you experienced a backup or flooding, Give us a call at 319.268.1521. We are here to help.

FROM PANICKED TO PREPARED, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County's E.R.P can take you there.

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Unexpected things can happen, Do you have an Emergency Ready Plan?

NO one is really ever ready for any kind of disaster! We can try to put measures in place that help us get on top of a situation, but in all honestly, it’s difficult to really get prepared on our own!

The no-cost to you EMERGENCY READY PLAN (ERP) is a pro-active approach to help streamline your efforts in putting your home back together.

House fires are devastating! SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can help you put a detailed action plan in place that can take you from panicked to prepared if you experience a fire in your home.  Through a 20-minute question and answer time with a member of SERVPRO, a profile is put together that documents the following:

• Emergency contacts that include insurance agents, policy numbers (name, phone, email)
• Pictures of the main utility information: shut off locations for electric, gas, water
• Additional utility contact info: pictures of alarm systems, sprinkler, IT server
• Property overview –PICTURES of rooms and contents
• Additional notes for anything else homeowners may want

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!

The big plus is that the ERP IS AN APP and can be uploaded to your phone and home computer. Access it from anywhere! Working to develop this ERP does not obligate homeowners to SERVPRO in any way. (But we would come running if you called during an emergency to assist) J

We all know the plan for fire exits in our homes but we don’t usually have a plan to get back into our homes quickly! SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plans do that!

You may never feel prepared for a fire, but taking the steps to develop your personal ERP is a start. The Emergency Ready Plan creates confidence that you have, literally, at your fingertips the contacts and documented contents of your home to help rebuild after a fire in a speedy fashion.

We can devise an Emergency Ready Plan to protect your home from fire damage. Call us at (319) 268.1521 before a disaster occurs.

Cleaning up a School in Wapsie Valley during the Summer

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

There’s been a spotting of our van in Bremer County.

Have No Fear, SERVPRO is Here!

Last year, we had a superintendent reach out to us for fear of mold issues in one of the schools. It was a very busy time because of flood and storm damage in our area but our owner, Scott, went to inspect the school right away. Careful examination and testing occurred to validate a full deep cleaning of the entire school.

We understand the importance of having a safe and clean place for children to learn.

At that moment, because of so many ongoing jobs, we wondered if we had enough equipment available. Scott quickly put a plan into action. As a dad, he understands the importance of having a safe place for children to learn and also peace of mind for the parents, so he made a few phone calls. He reached out to SERVPRO of Fort Dodge, who had a project manager available to help co-supervise the team of workers. Scott’s dad, Joe (sweetest person ever), drove to SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids with our truck to borrow extra equipment. It’s one of the bonus’ of being a unified company, working together. Scott also made an investment and purchased additional dehumidifiers and air movers for this project.

Let’s get down to Cleaning!

Needless to say, cleaning the school from top to bottom was a success. Such a success, we were invited back this summer to strip and wax the floors! We are happy to return to the Wapsie Valley Community School district to get them ready for the end of August. BACK TO SCHOOL will be here in no time!

Board Ups to the Rescue in any kind of Storm!

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

We can board-up home or business and keep your property safe from looters.

The word STORM can take on several different meanings.  It can refer to weather-related events, major life occurrences, and it describes emotionally packed situations. Doesn’t it always feel like a storm has hit when life gets turned upside down!?

Whether fire, rain or wind problems have caused a window, door or roof to leave a gaping hole in your home or business, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can help by covering it up.

When vandals and varmints have created an unfortunate mess, leaving your home or business vulnerable, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can assist by closing it up.

Commercial properties are exposed to hazards of automobiles running into them or destructive items like rocks or bricks thrown through a window. We have the skills and knowledge to board up these unexpected conditions.

We will be sure that the board-up procedures provide durable protection for the damaged structure and cause minimal additional damage to building surfaces. After protecting and securing the structure, our professionals can begin the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can provide a full range of restoration services that will bring your home or business back to full function. Here are a few necessary aids we provide:

• Board Up
• Carpet Extraction or Removal
• Document Drying
• Drywall Removal
• Electronics Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Drying
• Pack Up and Move Out
  

Along with the physical work SERVPRO of Black Hawk County offers, our team of employees recognizes the storm of emotions that home and business owners go through during these crises. It takes special individuals who understand, empathizes, listens, and hold out their hand to walk you to the completion of the project, making it "Like it never even happened".

If your property is in need of board-up services, give SERVPRO of Black Hawk County a call. Day or night, we will assist you. 319.268.1521

Wax off, Wax on- Learning a new skill, STRIP AND WAX FLOORING.

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

The technician is buffing or stripping the wax with degreaser and a Global Foor Machine.

No, we aren’t talking about Karate but that would be pretty cool. Our cleaning technician added a new trade to their repertoire called Strip and Wax Flooring. While we usually do a lot of commercial and residential work, it is usually just carpet or upholstery. We are now able to clean, buff, AND wax hard surface floors!

What’s the Process Like?

A close friend of ours and experienced expert in the field took the time to educate our technicians on this trade. We had all the equipment on hand from another type of work we do so it just made sense to learn this! These are the steps for Strip and Wax.

1. Clean the hard floor surface.
2. Soak with water.
3. Buff or strip wax with a degreaser.
4. Wet vacuum all water.
5. Set air movers to dry the flooring.
6. Apply 3 layers of wax.

Voilà! Floors are shiny and ready to reenact the “Risky Business” dance move. We find it important to grow in our knowledge so that we can continue to help your cleaning and restoration needs.

If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, we recommend you do so!

Where it all started, Sacramento! | SERVPRO 50TH Annual Convention

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Scott and Libby Demuth going back in time to the late 60s.

Having a Groovy time at SERVPRO Conference!

This Annual Convention is a very special one as we celebrate 50 years of making history as a cleaning and restoration company. We are so honored and proud to be a part of ONE TEAM and the SERVPRO family. Ted and Doris Isaacson launched SERVPRO in the late 60s in Sacramento, CA. It sure was a “groovy” decision because we are now the top leader in Restoration Services!

FUN FACT... SERVPRO started off as a painting business.

Scott and Libby Demuth, owners of SERVPRO of Black Hawk County enjoyed a week of reenergizing and restoration at the convention. The week included a golf outing, key speakers like John Gordon, a reception, educational workshops and so much more. Not to mention, so many photo ops with great leaders from corporate, photo booths, and the new SERVPRO tattoo Corporate gave us! No worries, it isn’t permanent.

Our vision is to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.

As we mentioned, we are proud to be a part of a franchise that strives for excellence within our employees and with serving our customers in their time of need. We can’t wait to reunite again next year at the conference!

Tips on how to avoid water damage from Kitchen Appliances

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fridge and dishwasher leaked water. The fridge was removed and the production crew made a flood cut to dry the walls and cabinets.

Did you wake up to find your kitchen flooded by an appliance?? Call us at (319) 268-1521.

Most of us think nothing of turning on the dishwasher before bed or as we leave for work, but malfunction or lack of maintenance on appliances can cause severe water damage if unnoticed for a long period of time. We have a few maintenance tips to avoid such a problem.

Top Kitchen Appliances that can cause Water Damage are…

• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator Water and Ice Dispenser

Dishwasher Tips and How to Clean the Filter.

1. The dishwashers water line can slowly deteriorate over the years. Check your water line connection regularly.
2. If you see a puddle of water near the dishwasher every time you run it, turn off the water valve to your dishwasher is connected to and call a plumber. The plumber will help you determine the issue. Besides a worn-out water line, issues may result from old gaskets, door issue, and a clogged drain.
3. Wipe your filter with a paper towel to remove all the gunk. Then run it under warm water or dip it in vinegar for a few hours. *

Refrigerator Ice Maker Tips and How to Clean it.

1. Avoid moving the refrigerator so as not to misalign the copper tubing that supplies the water to the fridge.
2. If it is leaking, turn off the water valve and call your plumber or an appliance expert.
3. To clean your dispenser, turn off the water valve and unscrew the copper tubing. Pour vinegar into the tube letting it run downward. Throw away the ice. Connect the copper tubing. Throw away the first batch of ice cubes. Run the water dispenser until all vinegar has run through. Scrub the outside of the dispenser with a small brush that’s been dipped in vinegar.*
4. To extend the life of your water filter, Take the filter and wipe off large particles with a paper towel. Soak the filter in warm water with vinegar. Rinse under running water until it runs clean. Let it air dry. *

*All appliances are different so please check your manual or call an appliance expert to clean out your appliance.

If you are experiencing some water damage, click here for some tips on what you can do until help arrives.

The ROOF is on Fire… Shingles VS Metal

7/6/2019 (Permalink)

The red roof of a small home in Waterloo after a fire. No damage on the outside is noticeable except for the doorway where smoke tried to escape.

Do we have any HGTV fans out there?

Well, as a restoration company that works with a lot of homeowners, we tend to also be a fan. We are noticing the emergence of metal roofing, not only on our favorite home improvement show but in some of the houses that our production crew are working on. Recently, we had to do board-up of a home in Waterloo from a fire. This small home had a red metal roof. We started to wonder whether metal roofs may have added to the fire damage so we did a little research. Here are a few pros and cons that can help you make a well-informed decision on choosing what type of roof is best for your home.

 Shingle Roof Pros:

• Asphalt shingles are very inexpensive and can possibly outweigh the price of a long-term metal.
• They tend to be easier to install and replace. Some can be installed within 1-2 days.
• It is less expensive to repair.

Shingle Roof Cons:

• Shingles usually need to be replaced every 12-17 years.
• If you live in your home for a long time it may be a higher long-term cost.
• It absorbs heat and performs poorly in extreme heat which can cause cracking.

Metal Roof Pros:

• It can last up to 50 years.
• Outperforms other roofs in its weathering as well as being non-combustible.
• It is environmentally friendly as it reflects heat helping keep the house cool and the energy bill low.

Metal Roof Cons:

• The cost can range from $150-$1,400 per square.
• Depending on the type of metal, they are more prone to denting.
• In the case of a fire that starts inside the home, it may be harder for firemen to cut through the roof to ease the fire. A fire department might not have the right equipment for metal roofing.

So, does a metal roof increase fire damage in a home?

Not necessarily...A house fire is dangerous and will cause damage no matter the roof your home has. Firefighters who are well equipped and well trained can help stop the fire at home but unfortunately, your home may suffer from smoke and soot damage as well as smoke odors. 

We can help restore your home and belongings after a fire. Call us at (319) 268-1512.

Sources:

https://www.sheffieldmetals.com/Resources/Blog/metal-roofing-vs-shingle-roofing

https://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/metal-roofing-drawbacks.html

https://www.metalroofing.systems/metal-roofing-pros-cons/#longevity

Sump Pump Maintenance before a Thunderstorm

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Maintenance on your sump pump can help avoid a wet basement during a thunderstorm.

Thunderstorms are looming over the Cedar Valley

Summer is starting off with Scattered Thunderstorms according to the weather forecast for Waterloo, IA, and Cedar Falls, IA. Hopefully, that doesn’t ruin too much of our summer plans and to make sure nothing worsens… like a flooded basement… SERVPRO of Black Hawk County wants to remind you to check your sump pump.

SUMP PUMP MAINTENANCE CAN SAVE YOU FROM A RUINED SUMMER

Thunderstorms can bring forth rain, floods, strong winds, hail, tornadoes, and of course lighting. Here are a few tips on some preventative things you can do before a thunderstorm to try to avoid a flooded basement due to a sump pump failure.

• Check to see if the floatation device is not lodged from debris build-up or simply wearing out.
• Remove debris, especially after heavy rainfall.
• Test the floatation device by pouring water into the sump basin to trigger the pump. The float should move freely and the sump pump will activate when the water gets high enough. Let the pump remove most of the water and make sure it shuts off when the water is only a few inches deep.
• Repeat this test one more time.
• If the pump fails to operate smoothly, the float switch or entire pump may require repair or replacement
• Check to see that the intake screen or discharge pipe is not clogged.
• Purchase a battery-operated pump or have a generator to use if the pump were to stop due to power failure.
• Regularly check on your sump pump.

PURCHASE A BATTERY-OPERATED PUMP OR HAVE A GENERATOR IN CASE OF POWER FAILURE.

Remember that during a thunderstorm, please avoid touching metal and water since electricity can travel through. We hope this helps keep your basement dry but if your basement does get wet or currently has some water damage, please give us a call at (319) 268-1521 and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Business References: “Tooting Our Own Horn”!

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Water extraction taking place in a storage room after a water pipe broke and flooded a commercial department store.

‘Tooting your own horn’, bragging about what someone has accomplished, is often frowned upon. We are taught to be humble and modest when it comes sharing about ourselves. But when you need to know who to reach out to in certain circumstances, you DO want to hear of their accomplishments! It’s one of the top ways we make decisions when choosing almost anything these days. We read reviews and ask for referrals, convincing ourselves of one’s merit.

Since 2012, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has been cleaning up commercial businesses in the Cedar Valley as well as in nearby cities as close as Janesville, north to New Hampton, and south to Grundy Center- and every town in between. We want to showcase the businesses and the wide scope of work we have had cleaning up:

• Warehouses: ConAgra in Waterloo, Metal Fab in New Hampton, Black Hawk Engineering in Cedar Falls
• Hotels & Event Centers: Courtyard by Marriott & Days Inn in Waterloo, the Suburban in Cedar Falls, Prairie Links in Waverly
• Hospital, nursing homes, apartment buildings: MercyOne in Waterloo, NewAldaya in Cedar Falls, President Hotel & Pineview Apartments in Waterloo, Evansdale emergency service building
• Offices: Braceabiltiy in Cedar Falls, TechWorks in Waterloo, Pioneer in Grundy Center, LSB in Hudson and Reinbeck
• Stores: HyVee, Gordmans, & Slumberland in Waterloo, Tires for You in Sumner
• Restaurants: Swan Lake in Independence, Tipzy Bar & Grill in Raymond, Tokoyo in Waterloo, Godfathers in Waverly, Los Cabos in Cedar Falls
• Churches in New Hampton, Fredsville, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Reinbeck, Aplington
• Elementary, middle schools & high schools in Northeast Iowa

CALL SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, 319.268.1521, for additional references.
LOOK at our website, www.SERVPROblackhawkcounty.com and see the work we have completed.
READ the reviews commercial business owners have written.
TRUST that we can help your commercial business during a water or fire crisis.

Water Spigot leaks into Split Level Home

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Technician Work on Water Damage from Spigot Leak

The Phone Call

The last day of the week, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County got a call for a water damage job. The call was received in the office where our CEO Scott Demuth took down the name, address, and telephone number. He then called Evan, a production manager who was already out in the field, to go to the house to inspect the situation and set a plan of action on how to remove the water. Before Evan arrived at the customer’s home, Evan called the customer to introduce himself and give him an estimated time of arrival. The customer was running an errand so there was a quick coffee stop at our local cafe Sidecar.

The Arrival

After, Evan drove up to a nice neighborhood with newer homes. Evan parked his truck and brought in an iPad, a small black case that held a handheld moisture meter and a thermal hydrometer, and a moisture meter gun or a Hydrosensor. The customer just arrived and was waiting on the front porch. The customer led Evan inside the house. Gary (the customer) started entering the house as he started to talk about the situation in the lower level of his home but was interrupted by the barking of a small, cute dog. The customer warned Evan that his dog isn’t very friendly with strangers but Evan is not scared of no cute dog. He proceeded to introduce himself to Gary (the customer) and went to great details of what he will be doing there.

The Intro

“Hi Gary, I’m Evan, a production manager from SERVPRO. We just spoke a moment ago. I heard you have a water situation in the basement caused possibly by a water spigot. I’m going to go over what to expect by my visit. I will inspect the damage and then after that, I have a few documents that I will need you to sign before we can get started with our services. I have a production team on their way with the equipment so they should be here shortly. Can you show me the location of the water damage?”

The Situation

Gary lead Evan downstairs to a walkout basement. They walked towards a corner by sliding doors leading to the backyard. There was a wall that connected two rooms. On the other side of the room was a guest bedroom.  The water seems to have stemmed from that corner. Gary let us know that there’s a spigot outside that seems to be right in between this wall. Gary and his wife had recently started using the spigot to water their outside plants. The other day, his wife went down to the lower level to work on a craft project when she felt the squish of the water by the table near that corner. Gary let us know that there will be a plumber to check it on Monday. Evan took out his handy dandy Hydrosensor and started poking it to the carpet. It beeped loudly, letting Evan know that it was definitely wet. He then walked further from the corner until the beeping didn’t occur to determine how far the affected area was. He then went to the guest bedroom and repeated the same thing. Luckily, the affected area wasn’t too large. He then pulled up the carpet from the corner and noticed a small growth of mold spores. The carpet pad that lay underneath the carpet had a moisture barrier on the top but it did little to prevent the water that came from below.

The Plan

Evan told him that we will start by extracting any water from the carpet and carpet pad. Then, we will cut out the affected carpet pad which can later be replaced. Then, we will spray the carpet and floors with an antibacterial to prevent odor-causing bacteria. The team will also cut out about 15” of drywall which is referred to as a flood cut. This will allow easy access to the spigot for the plumbers and to avoid further growth of bacteria caused by moisture. We will then pull out the affected baseboard and tack strip that have been warped by the moisture. After, we will set up a dehumidifier and air dryers that are strategically placed to dry up the moisture.

The Documents

Evan then read through documents that needed to be signed before the plan can be started. He thoroughly read each document, clarifying any concerns or questions that Gary had. These documents include an Authorization to Perform and Direction of Payment Form, Customer Information Form, and Customer Equipment Responsibility Form. This took only about 10-12 minutes to complete. During that time, Chris our technician arrived with the truck.

Plan into Action

Our other technicians were held back at other jobs but Evan was able to help Chris get the process started. The team did everything as planned while Gary took a break upstairs with the confidence and trust that SERVPRO will make it “Like it never even happened.”

CALL US AT (319) 268-1521

If you have water damage caused by a leak, be confident that we will be there as soon as we can to prevent further damage and help restore your home. Water damage that is left ignored may cause further problems to your home. We have a hard-working team that gets the job done so you won’t have to!

CHECK OUT OUR PRODUCTION TEAM IN ACTION.

The Terrifying Truth about Laundry

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let your laundry become an absent-minded activity. It needs more attention and supervision than you realize.

Most of us pride ourselves for being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time where it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.

Water Loss Potential

The first one being a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.

Fire Loss Potential

The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you do not hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Lesson Learned

We know it’s tempting to get two things done at once, but this is one task that needs more of your attention and presence.

Taking Time for Your Timeless Pieces: Removing Soot from Furniture

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Soot covered shelf RESTORED!

When we think of fire damage, we all can visualize the blaze and burned, charred items. What we don’t think of are the hidden effects that soot from the fire causes. Smoke carries the ash and particles throughout the house to places you would never think and deposits a thick layer of soot.

 It is everywhere: black lines emerging from air vents, nestled behind outlet covers, and of course, completely covering and darkening furniture.  At first glance, you might not even notice it on wooden furniture. But if you remove an item, you will see distinct outlines of it, almost looking like a painting.

Unlike a dusty room, where furniture polish will wipe it away, fire soot includes the fine particles made up from a wide variety of materials like wood, paper, plastic, and other synthetic items. It contains acids and chemicals and is actually smaller than dust or even mold, resulting in a serious cleanup problem!

SERVPRO has spent extensive time researching and formulating cleaning solutions that we use to remove soot particles. Trained technicians use the cleaners, taking great measures to remove all the soot from every crevice. Patience and good ole q-tips help in this effort.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County stands proud over the items successfully rescued and restored for you!

Borrowing Equipment from other SERVPROs

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

We're only as good as the equipment we have on hand. That's why it's essential we have a backup plan when all of our equipment is in use.

Picture This:

You’re in the middle of making cookies when you realize you’re short a cup of sugar. Without thinking twice, you call up your neighbor and ask if they can spot you the cup of sugar. Of course, they say, “Absolutely! Come on over.”

How does this translate to SERVPRO?

This is similar to what happens when we are preparing to help a homeowner or business. We take inventory of what equipment we have, and if we happen to be a few air movers short, we call up our SERVPRO neighbors in the surrounding area and do a switch-a-roo! SERVPRO is actually the only restoration franchise that teams up to help each other out in times of need. All other franchises are owned and operated independently without association with one another.

So what?

This buddy system we have in place allows us to help YOU faster, and we know from experience that response time is critical in emergencies. If we can get to you even a day sooner, you’ll be much better off, and the damage will be significantly less because of the response time.

In addition, with this buddy system, we’re able to take on bigger jobs because we know our SERVPRO neighbors are waiting at the sidelines to step in at a moment notice to lend a helping hand.

What can we say? We’re here to help.

SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products Division

5/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our cleaners are not something you can buy off the shelf. They are exclusive to SERVPRO franchises.

The SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products, LLC (SPCP) team works diligently to help SERVPROs across the nation succeed with top-notch cleaning products. Our SERVPRO Corporate Headquarters offers an extensive cleaning product and agent line to the local SERVPROs in your community.

They produce 89 cleaning products on site throughout the year. They also have 61 cleaning products from outside vendors (which are a lot of aerosols since we don’t have the capability of making those on campus.) Combined, the SPCP team offers a total of 150 cleaning products to assist your local SERVPRO.

Why is this important?

When SERVPRO production crews are out on a job, they are likely using SERVPRO’s proprietary products. This allows us to own the cleaning and restoring products by offering an exclusive line available only to SERVPRO customers. The SPCP team motto is, “Supporting Franchises through research, development, testing, and production of high-quality cleaning products."

SPCP has 6 Team Members:

• Gary Slagle
  • SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products Manager
• Hugh Lloyd
  • Chemist
• Tom Jennings Jr
  • Lead Blender
• Brian Adams
  • Blender
• Michael Houghton
  • Blender
• Jennifer Berry
  • Tech Support

A Win for us is a Win for You:

Having these valuable individuals on our team is what makes us different from other restoration companies. We’ve put in the time and dedication to develop our own cleaning products and find the best methods and practices to meet your cleanup needs. This reduces the time it takes to fully restore your home or business and put your life back together.

We are extremely thankful to these bright team members for keeping us SERVPRO Strong.

Phone a Friend When You Leave for Vacation

5/11/2019 (Permalink)

Vacation should remain worry-free when you have a responsible neighbor watching over your home.

As summer approaches, we want to encourage you to recruit a friendly neighbor to check more than mail while you’re away on vacation. We’ve seen it all too many times where people will leave for a short week, for the vacation of a lifetime, only to find a disaster waiting in their basement as they return.

But it doesn’t have to be like that…

Many times, when people “check-in” to see if a vacant home is okay, they’ll peak around the main level and assume everything is okay. We encourage the friendly neighbor to walk down into the basement to check for any water that may have leaked in overnight. After you confirm the basement is dry, we suggest checking the furnace room as well to ensure the heating and cooling systems are “A-Okay” as well.

Be Proactive

With so many things that can go wrong in life, we want to encourage you to be proactive. Call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, immediately, if you do find water in your basement. As always, we’ll be here to help.

When Spring Storms Keep You Indoors - Spring Cleaning Tips

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

Sponges ready. It's spring cleaning time.

Here’s a checklist to reference as you tackle the fun task of spring cleaning:

Whole Home

• Change smoke alarm batteries
• Clean/polish fixtures
• Clean mirrors and glass
• Clean rugs, floors & baseboards
• Dust/polish furniture
• Dust bookshelves; donate books
• Dust light fixtures & bulbs
• Replace old light bulbs
• Wipe walls & ceilings
• Wash curtains
• Wash light fixtures/ceiling fans
• Wash windows

Living Room

• Organize room clutter
• Shampoo sofa cushions

Bathroom

• Clean & sanitize sink
• Clean & sanitize tubs, shower & toilet
• Clean out the medicine cabinet
• Clean under the bathroom sink
• Dispose of expired medicine

Kitchen

• Clean & sanitize sink
• Clean appliances (inside and out)
• Clean oven
• Clean pantry; toss old food
• Clean refrigerator/freezer
• Polish stainless-steel appliances
• Wash cabinet (inside and out)

Outside

• Clean garage
• Clean gutters
• Clean house siding
• Clean patio furniture
• Clean porch/deck/patio
• Landscaping
• Seal driveway
• Wash/inspect light fixtures

Bedrooms

• Clean out closets & donate
• Put away winter bedding
• Rotate mattress
• Wash bedding

If you need any help with deep cleaning in your carpets, we'd be happy to help. Please call (319) 268-1521.

Spontaneous Combustion of Rags

4/13/2019 (Permalink)

Spontaneous Combustion can cause serious fires if not attended to.

Have you ever heard of something catching fire out of the blue without being exposed to an open flame? Believe it or not, this can actually happen. It’s called a spontaneous combustion fire.

Tell Me More

In these cases, oil-soaked rags can slowly heat to their ignition point through a process called oxidation. The products that are at risk include oil-based paints and stains, teak oils, varnishes, paint thinners, etc. Heat will begin to release from the rags; however, if the heat cannot escape, the temperature will increase to a level high enough to ignite.

It can Happen to Anyone

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has responded to several calls where the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion. The true danger is if the fire starts while you are away from your home. Damage can happen all too quickly when time is on a fire’s side.

Disposal

We encourage you to properly dispose of your rags after exposed to oily substances. The best method is to place the rags in a metal trashcan with a tightly fitted lid on top. You can then fill the remaining space in the trashcan with water to prevent the rags from heating up. However, this is a temporary solution. The long-term answer is to wash the rags in a hot cycle as soon as possible.

Hopefully, you will never experience such an occurrence, but if there is a necessity for clean up after a fire, know that SERVPRO of Black Hawk County can assist you!

Additional Source: https://www.bendoregon.gov/

We Care About More Than Your Home or Business

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Our "Be Ready" kits are the perfect fix for seasonal colds and allergies.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County cares about more than just your home or business. We also care about YOU as a person.

Although we all try to be superheroes on a daily basis, we sometimes fall short because we’re human. Our strong, but vulnerable, bodies cannot always fight off illness when we are thriving 110% of the time.

Going the Extra Mile for You

Since we formulate Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP’s) for businesses and homes regularly, we decided to do something similar for the business and homeowners. This led to our “Be Ready” packages.

We included the following items:

• Sprite: settles an upset stomach
• Chicken Ramen Noodles: clear broth soup and noodles are hydrating because they contain water and salt, and those two together are good properties for hydration especially after the stomach flu
• Applesauce: a bland food is easy to digest, ensuring your stomach stays settled
• Jell-O: easy to swallow on a sore throat
• Chamomile Tea: lowers stress levels & helps with sleep
• Cough Drops: temporarily relieves cough
• Chapstick: moisturizes dehydrated lips

Self-Care is the Best Care

These are the items that are typically needed when people are feeling under the weather but are not always on hand. The last thing anyone wants to do when they’re sick is run to the store to pick up a “few” items.

As always, we do it because we “CURE” about you!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Home

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

It pays to take your time and do your research when making big purchases.

Buying a home is no small purchase. In fact, most people spend 20 years paying off their home. That’s why we want you to be well-informed as you make a decision of a lifetime.

Beware of Flood Zones

The first item you should focus on is location. Is the home in a flood zone? Are there any bodies of water nearby that could threaten your home? Particularly, if you’re moving to a new area, it’s even more important to do your own research on the area to ensure you’re aware of any potential problems.

Look for Water-Related Problems

Next, you should be aware of the ground the home sits on. Will water go toward the house or away? The answer should always be away. Be particularly cautious if the home is located at the bottom of a hill. The last thing you want is for your investment to become a money pit as soon as it starts raining. Landscaping can a quick fix in some cases, but not always.

Get a Second Opinion from an Expert

We highly recommend hiring a home inspector to give you closure that the home is structurally sound and won’t give you problems. The most expensive thing to renovate in a home is everything behind the walls (bathrooms and kitchens are the worst cost-wise). So even if the floors have been redone and the cabinets have been replaced, don’t be too quick in making a decision.

There's an app for that! The ITEL speeds up productivity.

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

The ITEL app at work!

Technology is helping save time, money, and energy in more ways all the time.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is thankful for the advances it has brought to us in determining replacement costs for carpet and pad after a water loss. The ITEL app is one more way we are implementing to help reduce stress for customers and insurance agencies alike.

Previously, our office administrator, Lisa, would cut the samples to the correct size, bag them up, and ship them to Florida. A specialized company there would evaluate the sample and send back results for the adjuster and insurance company to settle on reimbursement. With mailing, the risk of losing samples, coupled with the wait time, evaluation and then reporting, took weeks. This process made restoring a customer’s home or business lengthy.

Now, after cutting carpet and pad samples to the correct size, our job coordinator, Nikki, can simply use the ITEL app to submit a test for the claim in a matter of minutes. Results are provided in 30 minutes or less. The app is so easy and convenient; it does not require education or prior experience with these materials. It guides you with step by step pictures and videos for user ease.

Another bonus is the ITEL app communicates to the insurance company itself! The whole process eliminates the lengthy wait and speeds up decision making.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is thankful technology is helping us get your home or business back together so quickly!

CE Classes for Insurance Pros - April 25th, 2019

3/9/2019 (Permalink)

Join us for a day of Continuing Education with Todd Davis.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has a history of hosting Continuing Education (CE) classes for insurance agents at Hawkeye Community College located in Waterloo, and this year is no different. On April 25, we will have two classes with Todd Davis as our instructor.

Todd has been a great addition to our class time traditions. Many agents have complimented that he keeps the information relevant and interesting. He is an independent insurance agent with the Davis Agency Insurance based in Peoria, Illinois, and he has 30 years of experience as an insurance agent.

Our spring classes are as follows on April 25:

• 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | LIFE: The Next Generation – 4 Credit Hours
• 1:00 pm –  4:00 pm |  21^st Century Ethics – 3 Credit Hours

It is $20 to attend one class and $35 to attend both. The fee covers the class as well as lunch.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register as early as possible. Registration can be completed by emailing debbie@SERVPRObhc.com, calling 319-268-1521, or completing the form on our website.

We hope to see you there!

What You Need to Know About Sewer Backup Coverage

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Be your own advocate and ask your agent about your sewer backup coverage today.

Insurance can be a tricky concept to understand. There’s just so much to know that it’s no surprise that we miss details here and there. One detail we want you to be aware of is your policy regarding sewer backup. Every insurance policy is different in this matter, and we strongly recommend consulting with your agent to ensure you are covered.

It's Becoming More Common

Sewer backup happens all too often when it’s least expected. In fact, sewer backups are increasing at an annual rate of 3%. That’s an alarming percentage because it’s happening in homes that haven’t encountered it for 30 plus years, and it’s also happening in homes that are fairly new. The fact is no discrimination is involved when life decides to throw something unexpected your way.

Protect Your Home 

One way you can protect your home is to add a sewer backup endorsement to your policy. It’ll only cost you $40 to $250 annually depending on your home and location, and it covers thousands of dollars more than the included coverage. Please note this is different from water backup coverage.

It is Your Responsibility

According to Insurance Information Institute, “Most homeowners may not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house or sewer lateral—that is, the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.”

Causes of Increased Sewer Backups:

• Aging sewer lines
• Combined pipelines
• Tree roots
• Sanitary main blockages

Let's Talk Cost

A typical sewer backup can cost anywhere from $500 to over $5,000 in repairs and cleaning. It is heavily dependent on whether or not the sewer backup occurs in a finished basement or not.

Start the Conversation

 We hope this information encourages you to spark up a conversation with your agent because it’s easily overlooked. Even one of our employees found out she didn’t have coverage when she joined our team, but now she’s all set with the additional coverage.

Additional Sources: https://budgeting.thenest.com/

5 C's SERVPRO Employees do Every Day

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

We put lives back together one person at a time.

Confidence

We instill confidence in the homeowner or business because we are professionally trained to restore their items and space.

Clean Up

We do all of the cleaning, packing, organizing, and returning of items to their previous state. During this process, we also clean up after ourselves and leave your space in an organized and tidy manner.

Construction

We cut, tear, and haul out the drywall, carpet, appliance, and excess items that can’t be restored.

Carpet Cleaning

When we’re not responding to an emergency, we also do residential and commercial cleaning, including carpet and upholstery.

Counseling

As weird as it may sound, we help people get through their loss emotionally as well by listening to them and consoling them when they’re at their lowest. This part is just as crucial as the actual cleaning and construction.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

This was the first bowl game to honor first responders, and we're so honored to have been a part of the experience.

On December 26, 2018, the First Responder Bowl was set to take place in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, due to severe weather, the game was delayed several times before making history as the first bowl game to be canceled. The irony of SERVPRO’s slogan, “Like it never even happened,” hung in the air as many disappointed fans packed up and traveled home.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, we were still able to celebrate and honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to being first responders. Awards were awarded and applause was applauded. Not even Mother Nature could take away from the special day.

In better hopes for next year, the First Responder Bowl offered a full game ticket refund or tickets to next year’s game at no cost. Our fingers are already crossed for better weather next time.

Northeast Iowa Food Bank Donation

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Product Technicians, Devon and Keiland, donate non-perishable and self-care items for the food drive.

It takes a great deal of compassion to work at SERVPRO because we walk with people through their losses. These same individuals who put their heart and souls into their jobs have passions outside of work as well. One of them being the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

This past November and December, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County hosted a food drive during the holiday season. The idea stemmed from Devon Burgess, Product Technician. His support for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank runs deep in his being, and he moved the rest of the team to make a difference during the season of giving.

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank was recently recognized as the 19^th best in the country, and that’s thanks to the support of the community and organization of the Food Bank, itself.

After finishing our food drive, we were notified that we donated 76 lbs. of food. We will continue to donate to local nonprofits because that’s what we do—we help people!

Ultrasonic Cleaner to the Rescue

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

The Ultrasonic Cleaner is like no other piece of equipment.

Our brand-new toy—I mean equipment—keeps impressing us even after the holidays. The Ultrasonic Cleaner is a unique machine that is used to restore fire and water damaged items.

With the help of sound waves, the Ultrasonic Cleaner is able to create millions of tiny vapor bubbles that instantaneously implode. This collection of energy is then able to produce the tremendous energy needed for the most efficient cleaning process. The time-saving capabilities have been jaw-dropping.

Without the owner’s manual, we’d probably bypass the science behind the entire process altogether and settle for the simpler explanation: it’s magic.

If you want to truly be impressed, take a peek at all of the items this machine can restore:

• Electronics – televisions, VCR, DVD, telephones
• Antiques – silver, crystal, metals, finished wood, ceramics
• Specialty – delicate or intricate objects
• Kitchen Appliances – coffee machines, toasters, food processors
• Computer – monitors, keyboards, CPU’s, printers

When you find yourself in a disaster, don’t be quick to throw away your belongings. Odds are, we can bring them back to their previous state. Give us a call at (319) 268-1521.

Ringing in the New Year of 2019

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

As we settle into the new year, we wanted to give you an update on your local SERVPRO location.

New Team Members:

At the tail-end of 2018, our team gained four new compassionate team members who made the courageous decision to put peoples’ lives back together. Keiland Woodson, Jeremy Towsley, Chuck Frost, and Adam Koch have all jumped in as Production Technicians. We’re overjoyed to have them on board with us. 

New Equipment:

That’s not all that’s new. After a year of being good little helpers, Santa brought us a new piece of equipment! The Ultrasonic Cleaner has proven to be an efficient tool in the short time that we’ve had it. The superpowers of our Ultrasonic Cleaner include restoring fire, water, and mold damaged items and electronics back to their original state using non-toxic cleaning bubbles.

Prior to having this asset, our Production Technicians had to spend a large sum of time in our warehouse cleaning items by hand or in a small tub of SERVPRO cleaning solutions. However, now, we are able to send our Production Technicians out in the field at a faster rate. We anticipate using this piece of equipment for both residential and commercial losses because of its time-saving capabilities.

Christmas Tree Safety

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

We're taking our advice and are putting away our office tree for the year.

With the holidays coming to an end, we want to encourage you to dispose or store your Christmas tree sooner rather than later. The reason being it’s a fire hazard, regardless if you have a real or artificial tree, and the dryer the tree, the bigger the fire hazard. In fact, nearly 40% of U.S. home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January.

In light of the holiday season winding down, we’d like to give you a list of tips to consider when getting your tree next holiday season.

1. Fresh is best: Buy a tree that isn’t previously cut to prevent it from drying out before you bring it home.

2. Do your research: If you have a pre-lit artificial tree, check to see if it’s been recalled. Often times, these kinds of trees are recalled due to exposed wiring and electrical shock hazards.

3. Hydration is key: Keep your tree well-watered throughout the entire holiday season to keep your tree green and fire free.

4. Lights out: Don’t leave lights plugged in when you leave your home or go to bed. If a fire sparks, you want to be the first to know.

5. Flames lead to blame: Keep open flames, such as candles, away from the tree at all times.

6. Your outlets need breaks too: Don’t overload your electrical sockets when plugging in Christmas tree lights.

Drying water out behind items with the Injectidry System.

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Drying out behind wet cabinets after a rainstorm.

Time is of the essence when drying out the areas you can’t see or easily get to after a heavy rain storm floods a basement in Waterloo, Iowa. When water gets and sits behind cabinets it creates the perfect conditions for fungi to grow as well as deterioration of wood materials!

The Injectidry system is the way to disperse and circulate air BEHIND things to dry it out. It utilizes a regular air mover by attaching the large “lego look-alike” piece to the front and adding as many hoses as necessary to spread the air around. The hoses focus the air to specific cavities that are wet. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County drilled holes in the kickplate area of the cabinets to permit the hoses to be positioned for directional air distribution.

The finished basement was restored by the use of the Injectidry system instead of demolished due to hidden water.

There's No Place Like Home!

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Our Job File Coordinator using the software Xactimate.

It’s a twister, it’s a twister! When a storm hits don’t call around from place to place to see who claims to have the lowest remediation cost; SERVPRO of Black Hawk County uses the industry standard program called Xactimate to calculate the estimate of your loss. Remediation companies and insurance adjusters across the board are using Xactimate to calculate cost. So rather than making dozens of frustrating phone calls, make your first call to your locally owned SERVPRO helping individuals and businesses in Black Hawk, Bremer, Grundy, Buchanan, Fayette and Tama counties. Connect by calling 319.268.1521.

It’s more important to begin the remediation process as soon as possible and when the chaos of a storm hits, our whole team will be doing their part. A vital position in our local office is the Job File Coordinator. They organize the calls that come in ensuring from the moment you meet our project manager to production technicians cleaning up the storm mess to final paperwork including insurance details, you’re taken care of by SERVPRO to 100% satisfaction.

You can trust in SERVPRO to get your home feeling like home again.  As we know, there’s no place like home.

Disposal of Ashes

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

WARNING: Do not put ashes in a plastic trash can. We know from personal experience that it does not end well.

As the end of summer draws near, we’d like to address the proper way to dispose of any left-over ashes you may have sitting in your fire pit.

Be Safe:

Always treat ashes as if they’re hot when removing them because they can stay hot for several days after the initial fire. It all depends on the heat of the fire and what was burned.

Proper Disposal:

• Wait several days after a fire to remove the ashes—just to be safe
• Place the ashes in a metal trash can and dump some water on top
• Be sure the trash can is placed far away from anything that would catch fire such as a home, garage, or tree
• Keep the trash can away from any combustibles

What not to do:

The person who sent us these photos found out the hard way the improper way to dispose of ashes. Let’s walk through some basic techniques that should be avoided:

• Placing ashes in a trash can the day after a fire
• Using a plastic trash can for the disposal
• Having the trash can right next to the house

Thank goodness a friendly neighbor noticed the smoking trash can, or this could have been a more serious case. The only damage was to the trash can.

Timeline of Events:

The time-lapse of the destroyed trash can was within a 3-hour window. The ashes were placed at 1 pm, and the destroyed trash can was found at 4 pm.

Spread the Word:

This a mistake that is too easy to make, and that’s why we love to educate people. Please share this information, so no one makes the same mistake.

Source: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/

Are you prepared?

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

1. What’s in your basement that you would be devastated to lose? MOVE IT!

• Tubs are helpful but not a ‘for sure’ method of something being saved because they can flip upside down!
• Be sure your sump pump is on its own electric circuit. Have a battery operated one for a true back up!
• Keep it at least 3-4ft off the floor. Shelving at these heights can be more helpful for storage.

2. Where are your important documents, pictures, passwords/usernames, codes, keys?

• Make sure you have copies in a lock box at a different location than your home.
• Use flash drives, DVD's, or CD’s along with a notebook entry. Keep a copy with someone else and in the lockbox.

3. How many items do you have plugged into electrical outlets?

• Do you regularly leave your phone charger plugged in WITHOUT the phone? A growing number of fires caused this way!
• Know the amps available in your home. Just because there is an outlet doesn’t mean you can plug multiple items into all of them and carry the load without it causing an issue.

The lesson is don't keep your most important items in your basement because it's the most likely place to endure a loss.

For further questions, contact SERVPRO of Black Hawk County at (319) 268-1521.

Different Mold Types Part 1

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can come in any shape and color. Check out these mold samples.

2 Classifications of Harmful Molds:

• Allergenic: Molds that cause allergies and allergic reactions like asthma attacks.
• Toxigenic: Molds that produce toxic substances that can lead to dangerous conditions.

Different types of mold:

1. Acremonium: A toxigenic mold type that changes in its appearance over time, and it typically grows in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.

2. Alternaria: The most common allergenic mold type in the world, and it typically grows wherever dampness occurs (showers, bathtubs, and below leaking sinks). It is very quick to spread.

3. Aspergillus: This allergenic mold type has the potential to become toxic, and it is commonly found in American households. There are over 1,885 species appearing in many different colors.

Source: https://aerindustries.com/

More mold types to come in another blog post.

Different Mold Types Part 2

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County at (319) 268-1521

4. Aureobasidium: An allergenic mold type that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces.

5. Chaetomium: A mold commonly found in water-damaged homes and buildings. It has a cotton-like texture and usually changes colors over time.

6. Cladosporium: An allergenic mold type that can grow in both warm and cold conditions. It often is found thriving in indoor materials such as fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets.

7. Fusarium: An allergenic AND toxigenic mold type that grows in homes with water damage. It is capable of growing and spreading at cold temperatures.

8. Mucor: An allergenic form of mold that usually grows in thick patches and grows near air conditioning, HVAC systems, and ducting due to moisture from condensation.

9.Penicillin: An allergenic form of mold that is easily recognizable by its blue or green colored surface with a velvety texture, and it is often found in water damaged buildings.

Source: https://aerindustries.com/ 

How to Put Out a Grease Fire

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

This is the aftermath of a grease fire.

Fires are scary. Grease fires are even scarier because we have to fight off our human instinct to throw water on the blazing flames. Yes, you heard right. Do not throw water on a grease fire. It’ll only make the situation worse. Odds are, if you put water on the grease fire, it’ll A) make it bigger and B) spray grease all over you—which may lead to minor burns.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has been building awareness for several months now regarding the proper way to handle grease fires by handing out cans of baking soda. Here are steps to follow when dealing with a grease fire.

1. Get the Baking Soda

The number one way to put out a grease fire is sitting right in your kitchen: baking soda! That white powdery stuff works miracles in dowsing fires in your kitchen. We recommend keeping it in an easy-access area near your stove, but not right above your stove because tall flames can make it nearly impossible to grab in your moment of need.

2. Take Away Its Power

You should also turn off the source of heat as soon as possible. This will keep the fire from growing any bigger. 

3. Grab the Lid

If the fire isn’t too big, you can also cut off the oxygen supply by putting a lid over the pan. Just be careful not to burn yourself in the process.

Again, do NOT pour water on a grease fire. It’s bad news.

We encourage you to educate young teens who are learning to cook about the dangers of grease fires, and as always, if you have any fire damage, give us a call. We’ll make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Ready Plan

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Download the SERVPRO Ready Plan app today.

When thinking of a disaster, you hate to think that one would ever happen to you. However, it is very likely at some point in your life, you will be faced with some sort of loss in your home or business.

Have a plan.

SERVPRO has put together a program to prepare you for these life-changing events. It’s called the Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). This tool essentially collects the following information:

• Emergency contacts (name, phone, email)
• Main utility information (shut off locations for electric, gas, and water)
• Additional utility contact info (alarm systems, sprinklers, IT server, etc.)
• Insurance contact info
• Property overview (can include contents)
• Additional notes page for ANYTHING else homeowner/business owner wants to be included

The ERP boosts communication between all individuals alike involved in the restoration process.

To put it simply:

Think of an ERP as the key to get back into your house or business after a major loss. You probably already had an emergency exit plan, but what about the reentry process? No need to worry. That’s where the ERP comes to the rescue.

Convenience:

The ERP can be uploaded to your phone, home computer, or tablet via the mobile app called, “Ready Plan”. It is important to be able to access this information at any given time because life happens. One day your house is fine, and the next it’s not. You’ll want all this information handy and ready to go in case of an emergency.

Disclaimer:

By filling out an ERP, you are not married to doing business with us. In fact, we hope you never have to, but if you do, we’ll be ready with all the proper information ahead of time.

One last thing:

Perhaps the most important detail is that filling out the ERP takes 20 minutes, and it’s completely FREE. Not to mention if you have any questions, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is here to help you fill it out because we care. We really do.

You can be RUINED, or you can be READY! Choose to be ready.

Visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com/Account/Register to fill out your ERP today.

Emergency Ready Vehicle

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Thank your local American Red Cross for all of the amazing work they do.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County and the American Red Cross (ARC) are working together to ensure the Emergency Ready Vehicle (ERV) is equipped to serve the community in times of need.

Who’s ERV?

ERV brings supplies such as water and blankets to families who have recently encountered a disaster. When not in use, ERV is plugged in as a means to keep it charged and ready to go. Many of the calls that ERV responds to are storm and weather related. 

Opportunity Around the Bend  

Marketing Manager at SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, Debbie Robeson, came across the opportunity to house ERV after being on the Red Cross volunteer community board for almost a year. At the December Holiday party, she heard them talking about the woes of ERV being outside in the elements and how it was limiting them responding to emergencies quickly. Debbie said, “I asked Scott about keeping ERV with us and he was quick to say YES.”

The process started in January and required approval from ARC national headquarters in Washington DC. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County had to meet insurance requirements, upgrade security, and add key code access to their building. The contract was approved in March and the ERV arrived on April 24, 2018.

Looking Ahead

The ARC is looking to replace the current ERV in about year. With the rapid advancement of technology, a new one is overdue. With the help of fundraising, the ARC has already raised over $200,000 for the new vehicle.

Much Praise

Debbie spoke praises of her team when saying, “Scott’s leadership and trust in his team and how they pursue opportunities is a key part of making this possible. His passion for the community and being on the same page helped get this out together so quickly before someone else heard of the opportunity.”

New Skills to Better Serve YOU

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Here are some of the many certificates received by our versatile technicians.

We are proud to share that some of our technicians have undergone training recently and are now certified in new areas! 

Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

Jake Barkow, Devon Burgess, and Nicole Webb received certificates as Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT). The training was a 3-day process where they took the time to learn how to handle different losses.

For instance, in a water loss, they first have to determine what category the water belongs to. The different categories indicate the level of contamination the water has been exposed to.

• Category 1 – Water comes from a clean source and does not pose a substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure.
• Category 2 – Water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans.
• Category 3 – Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents.

Crazy right? Who would’ve thought there were different categories for water.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)

Brett Armfield, Lana Bruhn, Autumn Kelly, and Nicole Webb all received a certificate as a Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT). Extra snaps and claps go to Nicole for doing both certifications back-to-back!

Once a technician receives additional training, they are now more versatile and able to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles. For example, our current Project Managers started out as technicians and kept receiving training. With time and mentoring, they both landed leadership roles at SERVPRO in Black Hawk County.

Call for Backup

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

No job is too big for SERVPRO.

In the recent weeks, we have done a fair share of traveling outside of our assigned territory in order to help our neighbors and meet the demand. Just this summer, we have traveled to Mason City and Des Moines to assist with flash flooding.

Why SERVPRO?

The “Cool Factor” regarding SERVPRO is our phone tree. If one franchise cannot help a customer, they will pass the call along to another franchise nearby. No other restoration company is the COUNTRY does this. We pride ourselves in having the manpower to handle anything.

Wait, there’s more?

As if that wasn’t cool enough, we even have access to a disaster relief team during very large disasters such as the floods of 2008, 2010, and 2016. In these cases, an entire semi load of equipment is shipped to the disaster area in addition to a full-fledged disaster crew.

Be proactive.

If you are hit by flooding, do not wait to call. Too often water losses turn into mold losses because action isn’t taken. Give us a call before the situation gets out of hand. 

148 Emergency Response Guidlines

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Backed by 1,700 franchises- you can trust us.

We wait all the time. We wait in line. We wait for our food. We even wait for our packages to arrive in the mail. Well, the wait is over. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is promising right here and now that you will not have to wait for us.

We acknowledge the importance of emergency response time by living by the 148.

1 – Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service

4 – Within four hours of loss of notification, we will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).

8 – Within eight business hours, we will communicate with you what needs to be done and how we will take action.

So, when a water or fire emergency strikes—regardless of the time and day—give us a call. We’ll be there because we’ve got your back. It’s as simple as that.

We'll make it, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO 49th Annual Convention Takes Place in Florida

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

We brought the brand to life at the 49th Annual SERVPRO Convention!

Every year our SERVPRO Corporate Headquarters hosts a national meeting where franchises gather together to learn and network. Scott Demuth, owner of SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, and his family attended the week-long convention on behalf of our franchise.

The convention had many workshops during the week and was segmented for marketing, human resources, finance, production, office and technology, and executive departments. SERVPRO Corporate Trainers dedicate a majority of their time in the year to preparing for this convention to deliver the most relevant and helpful presentations.

One of the major points of the convention was integrating more advanced technology into our routine. For example, the use of iPads is a wonderful tool that many franchises take advantage of. Corporate suggested using this technology to take initial measurements, readings from equipment, and notes while onsite instead of the traditional pad and paper. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has already taken the steps to fully integrate this method by the end of the summer. How exciting!

In addition to education and networking, this convention serves as a time to recognize hard work and dedication. This year SERVPRO awarded the Oregon/Northern CA/Western NV and the Woodlands/Conroe of Texas as the Franchisees of the Year.

We’re excited to celebrate SERVPRO’s 50^th Annual Convention next year!

Things to do Before You Leave for Vacation

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Rest easy soaking up the sun on a beach and know your house is a little safer while you're away.

Let’s be honest, a lot of terrible things can happen to your home, and you have 100% no control over it. A pipe bursts. A heavy rain comes. Whatever it may be, you are not in control.

There is also a small list of things you DO have control over, and you should take advantage of it before leaving for vacation this year. Follow these steps and rest easy while soaking up the sun on a beach.

1. Turn off the main water supply.

Now, why would you want to do that? Well, if we’re thinking of the worst-case scenario, you’ll probably have a leaking supply line the minute you step out the door for your week-long vacation. Greaaaat. Just what you wanted. But wait. If you shut off the water supply, the amount of water leaking is significantly lower. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to do.

2. Check the sump pump.

Another scary thought is sump pump failure. That’s why you should check it before departing. Try dumping a bucket of water in and wait. Your sump pump should turn on and everything should be hunky dory. But if it doesn’t turn on, that’s a red flag.

3. Unplug Electronics.

Just do yourself a favor and unplug everything that isn’t plugged into a surge protector—as long as it’s switched off. Even then, unplug the surge protector if you want to be extra careful with unexpected power surges. You’ll also save money by doing this, so that’s neat.

4. Don’t turn your air off completely.

As tempting as it may be to save some money by turning off your air while away, try to resist. The reason you want to keep your air on is that your home needs air circulation; otherwise, heat can build up and effect wood floors and other surfaces alike. Setting your thermostat to 85 degrees will keep your electronics cool and will save you money too. You’re basically preventing your house from becoming a giant oven.

5. Check your gutters.

Downspouts should release water at least 10 ft. away from your house. If this is not the case for you, maybe an extension is in order.

6. Have a trusted friend check on your house, even if you don’t have any pets.

Nothing beats having a human being keep an eye on your home while away. Feel free to give specific instructions like, “Go check our basement to make sure there is no water in the furnace room.” They’ll care as much as you care, so be clear as to what you’re concerned about.

Keeping your home safe is our top priority, so please, take precautions before leaving for vacay and have a wonderful time.

Sources:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/

https://www.popularmechanics.com/

DIY Emergency Kit

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

In an emergency, what goes through your head in the 30 seconds you have to run to the basement? Maybe something like, “Where are the kids?!”, “Honey, grab the flashlights!”, and maybe, “Where’s my phone?”

In such a short time slot, it’s hard to think clearly, let alone think of everything you might need when heading for the basement. That’s why SERVPRO of Black Hawk wants you to have a Do It Yourself (DIY) Emergency Kit ready to go in times like this.

Emergency kits vary, but most are pretty similar. We recommend having the following on hand in your basement in an easy-access location:

• Food: enough non-perishable items for your entire family for 3 days
• Can opener—so you can actually eat the food
• Water: 1 gallon per person for at least 3 days
• First aid kit
• Flashlights with fresh batteries
• Blankets
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Phone chargers
• Tennis shoes and socks
• Extra pair of clothes for each family member
• Candle and matches

Emergency kits are great for your home, car, and even workplace. They can be as big or small as you want.

We recommend re-evaluating and updating your kit every year. Depending on who’s living in your home with you, and the needs may change. Also, the food may expire, so swapping it out with fresh food is a great idea.

If you experience any storm damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County. We’re here to help.

Source: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

MB Mold and Air Quality Testing

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County really appreciates MB Mold and Air Quality Testing and would recommend them to anyone.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County really appreciates MB Mold and Air Quality Testing and would recommend them to anyone.

Introduction:

MB Mold and Air Quality Testing is a company out of Dubuque who helps our customers with various indoor air quality issues (IAQ). They serve the Eastern Iowa area—including Dubuque, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls—as well as Southwest Wisconsin and Northwest Illinois area.

How does air quality testing work?

When we have a customer, who has a potential mold problem, we call our friend Bob Vohl, CIE, of MB Mold and Air Quality Testing. Ideally, an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) from MB Mold, will take initial samples when there is a suspected mold issue.

In our case, Bob makes regular trips from Dubuque, IA to take air samples in the home or building that is suspected of mold and also samples the outside environment. Typically, an air sample contains enough air so the results capture an accurate picture of about 600 square feet of the indoor environment. He then sends the samples to a lab and receives the results within 48 hours.

The samples taken outside are just as important as the ones inside the home—if not more. They use the outdoor results as a comparison because mold spores are everywhere—both outside AND inside. Having mold spores in your home or building is completely normal, but if there are more mold spores inside than outside, it indicates there is a source of mold inside the building and there’s a problem.

Wrap it up.

Here’s where SERVPRO of Black Hawk County comes in. We rely on their expertise so we can apply our expertise of remediating the mold problem and returning your building to a state of normal fungal ecology (NFE). The whole remediation process is explained on our website. After the remediation, MB Mold and Air Quality Testing will perform Post Remediation Verification (PRV) testing to ensure that the home or building has returned to NFE. If the results come back with more mold spores outside than inside, then it’s case closed, and we can finish the wrap-up.

How does mold testing work?

Over the counter mold testing kits gives very little information. These test kits require a swab of the suspected material being inserted into a liquid and waiting for a color change. They simply tell you that mold is present, which is normally the case in every building. If you’re concerned a specific piece of furniture has mold on it, this method may be acceptable. However, if you want to know the type of mold, if it is actively growing and most importantly how much of the building has been contaminated with airborne mold spores, we recommend getting an IEP.

From the man himself:

We reached out to Bob and he shared,

“The IEPs from MB Mold and Air Quality Testing have undergone rigorous training and are certified by the ACAC as Council Certified Indoor Environmentalists (CIEs).  They are extensively trained in several areas of IAQ in addition to mold, such as; allergen testing, methamphetamine residue, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), avian-bat-rodent droppings and several other IAQ issues.  MB Mold and Air Quality Testing works with residential and commercial customers and their buildings.”

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County really appreciates MB Mold and Air Quality Testing and would recommend them to anyone.

5 Facts About Smoke Damage

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke damage to a wall.

Smoke damage is often overlooked, but it’s more prevalent than one would think. Discover five facts about smoke damage, so you can be prepared for a fire loss.

This Stinks—Literally

The smell of smoke can remain long after the fire occurred. For this reason alone, we highly recommend people receive professional help from SERVPRO of Black Hawk County in any fire loss. We use deodorizers, air scrubbers, and fogging equipment to eliminate the smell of smoke. 

If the smoky smell remains, it can actually impact the selling price of your home or business when you go to sell it.

Discoloration is Everywhere

Another burden of smoke damage is the discoloration. Walls, ceilings, household items, and more can be discolored after a fire. In the photo, you can see the walls have turned black due to excessive smoke—and no, it’s not a black and white photo.

Unsafe to your Health

As you have probably guessed, smoke damage is also bad for your health. Coughing is only the start, with respiratory problems to follow.

Speed is Key

Corrosion is the next thing to occur after a fire, and time is not your friend. With every day ash sits, more corrosion will occur.

Different Smoke Types Require Different Cleaning Methods

Perhaps the trickiest thing about smoke is there are different types, and each type requires a different cleaning method. 

If you experience any smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County right away. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Does your insurance policy cover Mold?

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know what's hiding behind your walls? If you've had water damage, there could be something more.

Does your insurance policy cover mold?

Mold removal can be extremely costly, so you don’t want to find out too late that you’re not covered!

What’s included in mold coverage?

Coverage varies from policy to policy and state to state, so the only way to know for sure if your policy will cover mold removal is to read your policy carefully. Or, if the long document intimidates you, you can just ask your agent. It’s good to let the experts explain the nitty gritty details, that way you don’t miss a beat when an event does occur.

When Mold Coverage Exists:

In cases where mold coverage exists, coverage needs to be triggered by another covered cause of loss such as:

• Burst pipe
• Flood
• Residual water from putting out a fire

Water Damage from a Leaky Roof

Homeowners insurance usually won’t pay for water damage that results from a leaky roof, and most policies won’t cover mold damage that results from a leaky roof, either. This is because it is within your responsibility to provide maintenance to your home. However, if damage to the roof is caused by a fallen tree or limb, that damage usually will be covered by homeowners’ insurance. In that case, your insurance policy might also cover any resulting mold damage.

Note: Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away

Most policies have a requirement that you take reasonable steps to mitigate damage. Once you are aware of a water loss you have a duty to address the condition to protect from further damage. If you are aware of otherwise covered water damage and fail to take any action, there could be coverage issue for the water damage as well as any resulting mold damage.

We hope you don’t need our services, but if you find mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Black Hawk County at (319) 268-1521. We’ll arrange mold testing with MB Mold and Air Quality Testing in Dubuque, a trusted firm we utilize.

When Storms or Floods hit anywhere from Black Hawk County to New Hampton, or even Grundy Center, SERVPRO is ready!

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Life comes crashing in-THROUGH the CEILING! Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Black Hawk County.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County specializes in storm and flood damage cleanup.  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 by Scott and Libby Demuth, 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 Black Hawk County or anywhere between New Hampton and Grundy Center, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States. That’s SERVPRO Strong!

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, 319.268.1521

Using technology so you are READY not RUINED when disaster happens!

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing for the WORST, using technology, is the BEST way to be READY!

According to ready.gov, when a business suffers from a disaster the likelihood of reopening is only 60%.

When disaster comes, you can be ruined or you can be ready with the help of technology. The difference between those who make a comeback and those who don’t is preparedness. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for the worst.

• Backup online: Various services such as Google and Dropbox offer secure, online document storage. Backup your important computer files and/or images of important documents online where they can be recovered immediately.
• Stay informed: Follow local news, local government, FEMA and SERVPRO of Black Hawk County on social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Mark yourself safe: Keep your family and friends up-to-date. Use Facebook’s Safety Check, or The American Red Cross’ Safe & Well site to mark yourself safe after you’ve been caught up in a natural disaster, or crisis situation.
• Update Contact Info: Maintain current contact information in your e-mail and phone for family and friends you may need to contact in the event of an emergency.
• Stay charged: Keep a portable charger charged up and ready to go in your home and vehicle. Solar powered chargers are available as an alternative to portable chargers. Solar chargers don’t require recharge and may be more reliable in the event of a natural disaster or crisis situation.
• Get an Emergency READY Plan (ERP) put together by SERVPRO of Black Hawk County.Give us a call to make an appointment to have an ERP- Ready Plan put together for YOU!
• Your local SERVPRO of Black Hawk County marketing department is specially trained to assist you in preparing an Emergency Ready Plan for your business.  Our READY Plan software is available at no cost and once completed you can manage in online yourself through the READY Plan mobile app.

It’s all about us, all for you! Training brings positive results at SERVPRO of Black Hawk County.

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Regional meeting brings hands on training and education for employees of SERVPRO'S across Iowa.

We invest in our SERVPRO of Black Hawk County employees by sending them to education classes put on at SERVPRO regional meetings.

Marketing departments from the SERVPRO’S across Iowa gather to discuss social media trends, and unique ways to educate homeowners and business proprietors on recovering from damages of water, fire and biohazard.

Project managers from Iowa experience hands on demonstrations by equipment venders as they discover new ways to use drying tools in homes and businesses.

Franchise owners study up on business advancements and network, sharing insights on clean-up efforts in water and fire losses.

It’s all about us, all for you! More instruction and training brings positive results during catastrophic times like flooding or a disaster with basement sewer back-up or restoring people’s lives after a fire.

Ask for SERVPRO of Black Hawk County when you have a fire or water problem.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County 2018 Continuing Education Classes with YOU in mind!

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Todd Davis presenting continuing education class at Hawkeye Community College for SERVPRO of Black Hawk County in 2017.

Continuing education classes (CE) are an important part of practicing insurance for both personal lines and commercial agents.

Each state has different licensure requirements for insurance agents. In general, to obtain a license to sell insurance, one must pay a fee, complete a pre-licensing training course and pass a licensing examination.

Agent licenses must be renewed and maintained by completing continuing education.

The magic number 36 is how many credit courses Iowa resident licensees must complete of CE’s every three years. Only 18 hours of the total requirement can be earned through self-study unless a course is part of a national designation.   Three hours of ethics training must be included as part of the overall CE requirement.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County organizes and makes possible classroom CE credit courses. The courses are presented by a licensed speaker that has been approved and has their classes registered in the State of Iowa.

2018 CE classes being offered by SERVPRO of Black Hawk County:

May 9:

• Ethics Boot Camp (3 CE’s) 9:00 to 12:00
• Navigating Insurance Claims (4 CE’s) 1:00 to 5:00

October 23:

• Insurance Hot Topics & Trends (4 CE’s) 8:30 to 12:30
•  For a few dollars more, Endorsements (4 CE’s) 1:00 to 5:00
• Fee for 1 class per day is $20.00, both classes taken on the same day is $35.00.

Space is limited, registration is on a first come, first served basis.

Back by popular demand, Instructor Todd Davis, Davis Agency Insurance of Peoria, Illinois, will teach these all new courses. Conveniently located with plenty of parking, the classes take place at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. 

Email Debbie Robeson at debbie@SERVPRObhc.com for registration material.

Water Extraction versus Evaporation

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Weighted extraction "Ride On"

There are two ways that excess water can be removed from your property after a water damage loss, Extraction and Evaporation.  A much larger volume of water can be removed by extraction in a much shorter period of time. 

It is a pretty simply process to test, pour a few ounces of water on the counter top in two different areas.  Set up a fan blowing across one area to utilize air movement to speed up evaporation.  Use a sponge or dry cloth on the other area.  Needless to say, this will prove the point.  The same is true during a water damage loss to your home or business.

At SERVPRO of Black Hawk County we utilize both methods to get your property dried up as quickly as possible.

For extraction, we use several pieces of equipment including hard floor wands and carpet extraction machines, including this "ride on" weighted model pictured.  Strong suction and downward pressure allows us to get water out of carpet and pad. This process is the most effective on free or surface water.

Once the water has been soaked into other materials such as, hardwood floors, drywall or wood, extraction becomes less effective and we concentrate on evaporation.

Evaporation uses a combination of air movement, dehumidification and sometimes heat to remove water that is bound or soaked into hard to dry materials.

Whether you have excessive surface water immediately after a storm or other water event or you have water that has become bound in building materials, SERVPRO of Black Hawk County has the tools and knowledge to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Content and picture provided by SERVPRO of Dubuque, 2017.

Phone Charger Shorted Causing Fire Damage

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

This is a phone charger that was plugged in and shorted out causing fire damage.

In a continuing education class presented by Todd Davis, Davis Agency Insurance, for SERVPRO of Black Hawk County, Todd pointed out that one fast growing fire hazard was phone chargers left plugged in for extended time periods. Look around, do you have one plugged in now and possibly without a phone attached?

To prove the point, I am sharing a story from SERVPRO of Dubuque, Iowa. They were recently called to clean up and rebuild a local home that sustained significant fire, soot and smoke damage due to an electrical fire.

As usual they were prevented from beginning their work until after the Cause and Origin Specialist had reviewed the scene and determined the cause of the fire.

It ended up in this case that a cell phone charger was left plugged in after the phone was removed after charging overnight.  The charger shorted out and started a fire resulting in $50,000 plus in damage.

It is commonly known that charging a phone while on top of a flammable surface such as in bed or on a sofa is a fire hazard, but what about once the phone is removed from the charger?

Most people are unaware that once the phone or even the charging cord are disconnected there is still power being drawn by the "wall plug".

As we find that we use more and more mobile electronics in our daily lives, most of us have a handful of different chargers for our cell phones, tablets and other accessories.  It is common to leave wall plugs or car chargers plugged in and simply disconnect our devices.  Unfortunately doing so is not only a fire hazard but is becoming one of the most frequent causes of electrical fires in homes.

Two possible preventative measures are either simply unplugging all chargers when not currently in use or to plug all chargers into a quality GFI power strip and turn it off when not utilizing the chargers.

I hope this information will be helpful and can prevent a dangerous and costly fire in your home or business.  Should you have a fire or water damage loss, please remember SERVPRO.  We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Thank you to SERVPRO of Dubuque for sharing the picture and story.

Freeze Drying can save your valuable documents and important papers when they have been damaged by water!

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO'S Large Scale Vacuum Freeze Drying Document Chamber.

SERVPRO Strong! That’s what I call our relationship with the rest of the SERVPRO franchises! We are unique in the fact that we all work together, sharing resources to better serve you!

One resource is large scale and portable document drying chambers. SERVPRO of Dubuque, Iowa offers a document restoration service.  It’s true other restoration companies have this service, so what is the difference?

For starters, they have one of the only HIPAA certified document response crews in the area.  If an event causes documents to get wet, response time is critical to stabilize the documents before they begin to degrade.  Once the documents are frozen to stabilize them, we have plenty of time to discuss restoration options with the client.

The most effective method of restoration is vacuum freeze drying.  The documents are brought under extreme vacuum to very low temperatures and sublimation will remove the moisture directly into a gas form.

SERVPRO of Dubuque has a large freeze drying chamber located in the Midwest, as well as access to one of the only mobile drying chambers in the country.  The mobile unit can be delivered to a client’s building and the restoration can take place there.  They are one of the only restoration companies that can accommodate this request.

Here is a list of items that can be salvaged using vacuum freeze drying:

• Books and manuscripts: coated papers, maps, parchment, pulp paper, drafting linens, text books, reference books, manuals
• Business/Personal records and documents: legal/bank/company files, patient and medical records, x-rays, engineering and architectural plans and drawings, catalogues, reference materials, certificates, contracts, passports, transcripts, tax records
• Historical and collectible items: archival documents, rare documents, maps, stamp collections, money collections
• Keepsakes: photographs, leather and hide items, newspaper articles, recipe books, cards, scrapbooks, baby books, wedding albums, yearbooks, baskets, awards & achievements
• Textiles: embroidery and needlework, silks, tapestries, flags
• Artwork: acrylic paintings, linen drawings, water colors.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County utilizes these services. From a single file cabinet filled with personal financial documents to a warehouse full of documents, it can all be handled. 

When you have SERVPRO of Black Hawk County cleaning and restoring your home or business, you will have a multitude of resources available to you! That’s the SERVPRO strong way!

Content provided by SERVPRO of Dubuque, 2017.

One incredible washing machine cleaning and restoring your items, the Esporta!

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

An inside look of the Esporta washing machine. Four multi chamber sections make up this appliance.

The Esporta Wash System, restores up to 85% of the soft contents that have been traditionally non-restorable!

Here's why it's important for you to know WHERE & HOW your content is being cleaned & restored.

• Your content will be cleaned by the latest technology - not harsh dry cleaning methods or out of date equipment & methods. The computer determines what is needed based on content.
  
• The Esporta will hold up to at least 6 standard loads of laundry, with room to spare.
  
• Your content will be inventoried and cataloged for more expedited claim process.
  
• Your content is stored in a safe, controlled environment.
  
• You will have emergency laundry cleaned and returned quickly.

Examples of what the Esporta can do is decontamination of soft content, remove smoke, odor and stains, and clean sewage damaged clothing. It can hold a variety of sized items in its multi chambered sections.

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County utilizes the Esporta Wash System which is located at the SERVPRO of Burlington, Iowa site.

Providing more restoration resources for you so we can make it “Like it never even happened.”®

Restoring Your Black Hawk County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Extracting water from a broken water pipe after it floods a business's basement before an event.

Flooding and water damage events at 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 Black Hawk County

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County 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.

http://www.SERVPROblackhawkcounty.com/water-damage-restoration     

Black Hawk County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home. SERVPRO using protective suit, mask and equipment to remove mold.

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

What to Do:

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

What Not to Do:

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

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Black Hawk County 319-268-1521.

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home!

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

An upstairs fire that burned and smoldered within the roof destroyed this home. Materials like wet insulation add another layer of cleanup and odor.

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 Black Hawk County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 319-268-1521

Its The Water You Don't See That Causes The Most Damage! SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is available 24/7 for your water damage issues.

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Standing water in the kitchen and flowing into the living area after a broken pipe flooded this home.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Black Hawk County 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 Black Hawk County 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 – SERVPRO OF Black Hawk County

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 Black Hawk County

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

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your home!

3/15/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Black Hawk County is Trained and Certified in Water, Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, and Carpet Cleaning.

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

IICRC Certified Firms must

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


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


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


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


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

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

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

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

About SERVPRO of Black Hawk County

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