Recent Posts
Navigating the Spark: What to Do If You Experience Electrical Fires in Your Home
4/25/2024 (Permalink)
Electrical fires can strike unexpectedly, making it crucial for homeowners to know how to respond swiftly and effectively. In this blog, we'll explore the steps to take if you experience an electrical fire in your home, emphasizing safety, quick thinking, and the importance of preparedness.
Prioritize Safety
Your safety and the safety of your household members should always be the top priority. If the fire is small and you feel confident doing so, use a fire extinguisher specifically designed for electrical fires. However, if the fire is spreading rapidly or you're unsure, focus on evacuating everyone from the premises immediately.
In the event of a significant electrical fire, don't hesitate to evacuate the building. Ensure everyone is out safely and call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to combat a large or spreading fire on your own.
Avoid Water
Water conducts electricity, and attempting to douse an electrical fire with water can lead to electrocution. Refrain from using water to extinguish the flames. Instead, rely on a Class C fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires.
If it's safe to do so, cut off the electrical power to the affected area. Locate the circuit breaker panel and turn off the relevant circuit. This step can help prevent the fire from escalating and reduce the risk of further electrical hazards.
Don't Use Improvised Solutions
Avoid using homemade or improvised methods to extinguish electrical fires. Stick to safety protocols and approved equipment to prevent the situation from worsening.
If there is smoke, stay low to the ground where the air is clearer. This is especially important when evacuating to minimize smoke inhalation.
Close Doors Behind You
As you exit the building, close doors behind you to slow down the spread of the fire. This can buy valuable time for emergency responders to arrive. Once you've evacuated the premises and called for help, wait for professional firefighters to handle the situation. Do not re-enter the building until authorities declare it safe to do so.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your household members. Ensure everyone knows the evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contact numbers. Regular drills can enhance preparedness.
Post-Fire Assessment
After the fire has been extinguished and the situation is under control, assess the damage. Consult with electricians and professionals to identify the cause of the electrical fire and address any safety concerns before restoring power.
Experiencing an electrical fire can be a harrowing experience, but a swift and safe response is crucial. Prioritize the safety of everyone in your home, evacuate promptly, and rely on professional firefighters to handle the situation. By following safety protocols, having a fire escape plan in place, and staying calm under pressure, you can navigate the challenges of an electrical fire with greater confidence and protect what matters most—your loved ones and your home. When in need of professional fire restoration emergency services, give SERVPRO® a call for your electrical fire emergency services.
The Power of Master Service Agreements: Fast Response and Strong Relationships
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Do you have a super hero on speed dial?In the fast-paced world of business, rapid response is essential, especially during emergencies. Picture this: a national heatwave causes an abrupt A/C outage, with the potential to turn a hospital into an oven of stress and panic. In times like these, having a Master Service Agreement (MSA) in place can be the lifeline that transforms panic into a strategic, well-managed solution.
A Race Against Time
SERVPRO® Team Nicholson's Scott Askew and his crew proved the power of an MSA recently. Within hours of receiving the call, our team was on-site, ready to help. Seven hours later, cooling equipment was up and running - thanks to our subcontractor, Coastal Mechanical. We even had a team of welders fabricating quick hose connections in the hospital parking lot in order to connect the mobile chillers to the hospital's existing cooling system.
By the evening, the hospital was cooling to a comfortable temperature, all without displacing patients or disrupting critical operations. The team avoided an evacuation and multiple diversions, where a hospital has to transfer patients to another hospital. In the end, all this was possible without having to tell an MSA client, "no," — the word doesn't exist in our vocabulary anyways.
Building a Bridge to Swift Solutions
The MSA is more than just a contract - we become your logistics team, your trusted solutions provider. The last thing a business owner wants is to face a double emergency – the primary situation and its repercussions. Like the scramble to evacuate patients, and to secure specialized equipment, like chillers, at odd hours in order to prevent high temperatures from spoiling medication. An MSA eliminates the chaos, minimizing the complexity and severity of interruptions to business.
The Value of Strong Relationships
In the realm of crisis management, strong relationships are worth their weight in gold. Our connections with clients, subcontractor partnerships, and a network of SERVPRO teams across the nation, our bonds serve as the cornerstone of effective and efficient solutions. When challenges arise, leveraging our network's capabilities means clients have access to additional equipment and resources quickly.
In a world of emergencies, a Master Service Agreement isn't just a contract – it's a promise - to provide rapid response, leverage strong relationships, and transform potential chaos into smoothly managed solutions. It's the assurance that when a crisis arises, our team of professionals is ready to shift the perspective - becoming your total solutions provider for whatever happens.
Protecting What Matters: The Emergency Plan Every Parent Needs Before School Starts
8/8/2023 (Permalink)
Protect what matters most. Have a back-to-school emergency plan.
Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?
No one likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disaster can happen anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared—just in case. Having a detailed plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind, and—in the event of an emergency—could save lives. Emergency Contacts
- List 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school if you are unable to do so.
- Confirm their availability and willingness to be emergency contacts.
- Teach your child how to contact each person by phone.
- Familiarize your child with each contact's appearance and vehicle.
Communicate with the School
- Keep school up-to-date with who is allowed to pick your child up.
- Provide correct contact information and identification for their records.
- Inquire about the school's policies for emergency situations and designated pick-up areas.
Alternative Drop-Off Locations
- Establish an alternative drop-off location in case emergency contacts cannot be reached promptly.
- This location could be a trusted friend or family member's house, or another secure spot.
- Familiarize your child with the alternate location's address and phone number to accurately guide authorities there.
Re-Evaluate Each YearAs your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan annually. Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO® is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here. Your family's safety and preparedness are paramount, and having a well-structured emergency plan is a crucial step in ensuring their protection.
Sprinkler Water Damage
7/21/2023 (Permalink)
A fire in a commercial business or a property-managed real estate complex can be devastating. Still, when you add in the additional damages from the sprinkler systems kicking on, the commercial damages are enormous. Businesses and apartment complexes cannot afford to close for a day; it affects many different individuals' lives. SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park offers 24/7 commercial damage services to get commercial businesses back on their feet in as little time as possible.
Using SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park commercial services is like a one-stop shop. Continuing with the example, if a fire burns through a commercial business and the sprinkler system turns on, there will be both fire and water damages. SERVPRO's commercial services are an umbrella term that extends our normal services into a commercial setting. SERVPRO can simultaneously treat fire and water damages. Our commercial services reduce the cost that businesses pay because they do not need to look for multiple companies. The other additional benefit to SERVPRO is that they are essentially a liaison between insurance companies and clients.
Unfortunately, disasters are not preventable, but companies like SERVPRO are there to make it "Like it never even happened," with their residential and commercial services. For questions regarding SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park commercial services, contact the office at (727)521-2562 or message us on Facebook!
Tips Professional Water Damage Restoration
7/20/2023 (Permalink)
Plumbing defaults, floods, and sewerage systems defaults can cause much water damage to any commercial building or residential premises. Water damage affects the structure of a house and affects the contents of that building. Whether the damage is from a pipe break, supply line break, or flooding, it is recommended to work with water restoration professionals who help restore the building to its normal condition. In flood damage mitigation, several things must be taken into account because the process can be complex.
Water Damage Mitigation Approach
The primary consideration is assessing the entire pipe break or supply line break systems and understanding the work requirements. Water; therefore, the cleanup experts must, therefore, conduct a comprehensive inspection process regarding the water in the home or water in business premises. This helps the restoration company understand the cost caused by the flood damages, the time frame of the mitigation process, and the materials and machines required in the process.
During the inspection, the professionals evaluate the cause of the pipe break or supply line break and try to stop excess water from entering the building. Some components inspected by a restoration company include the pipes supplying water on business premises, the water source, and supply lines. If the flood damages contain some sewerage components in the supply line, the professionals will proceed with the necessary precautions.
After a restoration company has inspected the entire project, they'll proceed to the water cleanup process to evacuate water in business or residential areas. This is where the water is extracted from the inside and outside the premises, including moisture removal. With good technology and efficient water extraction machines, thousands of water in a home can be removed from the affected premises quickly.
After water extraction, the restoration company uses dehumidifiers and air movers to ensure that space is completely dried. During the drying process, windows are opened to allow air circulation. During drying, the restoration companies must monitor the affected areas and make adjustments to their water cleanup equipment if necessary.
The primary objective is to provide the most effective services, save the client money, time and restore the building to its normal conditions within the agreed period.
This is the final step in any water damage removal process. The process entails re-tilling the house, painting, reconstruction of the walls and the floor, or even renovating the roof. Every remodeling process in each premise is done differently. This mostly depends on the extensiveness of the damage and the desires of the homeowner.
The remodeling process reflects the kind of design a homeowner shall have after the entire damage renovation process. The homeowner should define and declare the kind of designs they want to be restored to their flooded homes before the actual work is done. This helps in ensuring that the remodeling fits the desires and anticipations of the homeowner. It also helps the expert know the materials in restoring the flooded home, pipe breaks, and necessary supply line breaks.
Things to Consider
In case you experience floods in your home or a business premises, it is essential to start the water cleanup process as early as possible. Removing some things from the flooded home, such as the furniture, fittings, electrical fixtures, and other belongings, is necessary even before you call the experts. These are things that can absorb water and cause more flood damages and thus more losses. You can also ask reputable water removal companies to do such work for you to avoid more losses during the mitigation of the flooded home.
SERVPRO Conducts Routine HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning
7/19/2023 (Permalink)
Inspecting Your HVAC Unit Can Save You Time and Money
HVAC repair is costly and if the damage is severe enough, it can prevent you from doing business. SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park recommends that business owners schedule professional HVAC inspections each fall and spring. Routine inspections will help you stay abreast of potential problems with your unit, minimize expenses on repairs, and keep your business up and running.
We have identified some simple maintenance chores that you can do to prolong your system's life and increase its efficiency between professional inspections and maintenance.
Routine HVAC Maintenance
- Get a high-efficiency, pleated air filter for your system.
- Keep your heating units and AC free of pollen, leaves, and grass.
- Keep two feet of space clear of your outdoor AC and heating units.
- Inspect refrigerant lines every month.
- Replace air filters at least every 90 days.
- In the summer, turn off the water running to the furnace humidifier.
- In the fall, replace the humidifier filter and turn the water back on.
Annual HVAC Maintenance
- Replace the carbon monoxide detector battery.
- Make sure your outdoor AC unit is on firm and level ground.
- Clean AC condensation with a bleach and water mixture.
Caring for your HVAC throughout the year will keep your work environment air quality and atmosphere pleasant, which keeps your staff happy and content. It will save you money by improving and maintaining your energy efficiency throughout your building.
SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park is always ready to inspect and maintain your HVAC system. We're here to answer any questions you might have. Call us today at (727) 521-2562.
Water Damage 101: What Are the Categories of Water Cleanup?
7/17/2023 (Permalink)
Unexpected water in your home—where it shouldn’t be—isn’t something that should be overlooked. Whether the water damage appears to be minimal or overbearing, understanding the type of water and accompanying damage is important to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Types of Water
Any kind of flooding needs to be immediately addressed to ensure further damage doesn’t occur. Before grabbing the mop and bucket or wet vacuum, it is vital to understand the type of water that is being dealt with because there are three categories of water. These three categories vary by what type of contaminants makes up the water. The categories of water damage that restoration companies like SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park use are:
Clean Water: As its name suggests, this type poses little threat. This damage occurs when a water supply line leaks, a sink or bathtub without contaminants overflows, melting snow, or rainwater infiltrates the home.
Gray Water: Once water mixes with chemicals or minimal biological contaminants, it moves to this category. Sources may include a leaking dishwasher, urine-only toilet overflow, or water condensation.
Black Water: This is unsanitary water full of bacteria and microorganisms which bring potential harm to humans and animals. If there was a recent flood, it could mean those rising water included sewage and other debris. Flood water from storms is usually in this category.
Types of Damage
When assessing water damage to determine repairs, understanding the types is important.
Class 1: The least harmful kind, it typically means that a minimal amount was absorbed in the affected areas. It is usually easy to clean.
Class 2: Known for quick evaporation rates, it can quickly absorb into carpeting and other porous materials. This damage typically requires more extensive repairs.
Class 3: If a sprinkler or pipe bursts, it can rapidly drench floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings. The rapid rate of evaporation requires quick action and water remediation measures to ensure the damage doesn’t spread or promote microbial growth.
Class 4: Excessive flooding means massive saturation of integral home components. Consulting a water damage and remediation expert is the best bet containing the situation and ensuring further damage doesn’t happen.
I Have Extensive Water Damage—What Should I Do?
While there are many levels of water damage, quick action in all situations is key to getting your home back to normal. If you are unsure which cleaning method to take after any type of flooding, call us. We are available 24 hours. Our number is (727) 521-2562. We'll assess the level of contamination quickly to advise you on the safest course of action.
By hiring a cleaning contractor like SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park, you:
- Reduce your likelihood of exposure to pathogens.
- Mitigate long-term problems like microbial growth.
- No longer have to worry about either cleanup or reconstruction—we do both!
- Salvage flooring, furniture and important personal belongings.
- Don’t have to hassle with insurance—we do that for you!
4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage
7/4/2023 (Permalink)
With the school year coming to an end, this means kids will be “flooding” into homes this summer. Check out these suggestions from SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park for preventing water damage while your kids are home:
1. Be Careful Where You Plant.
Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.
2. Clean Out Your Roof Gutters.
On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.
3. Use a Drain Snake Instead of Unclogging Chemicals.
Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.
4. Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink.
It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. Grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease in an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Call SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park at (727) 521-2562.
July 4th Fireworks Safety!
7/4/2023 (Permalink)
Happy Independence Day!
July 4th Safety!
The summer holiday brings an assortment of fun, outdoor activities, but the last thing you want to experience this 4th of July is a fire at or on your home due the use of fireworks! Please read the following for some firework safety tips, provided by the National Council on Firework Safety.
Recommended Firework Safety Tips
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. You should stay at least 500 feet away from the show.
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
- Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!
- Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
- If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
- Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
- Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.
- For more information on pet safety, visit our blog and get a free Pet Passport download.
SERVPRO’s Fire and Water Restoration
If you are dealing with fire damage from a house fire, our experienced team is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are prepared for damage to your home or business, and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response can limit damage, prevent further damage and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs. We are proud to be an active member of the community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. Call (727) 521-2562 for 24 hour emergency service.
Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?
8/4/2022 (Permalink)
No one ever likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.
Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared just in case. Having a solid plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, could save lives.
Emergency Contacts
Make a list of 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school in the event that you are unable. Be sure to notify these people and get their permission. Review the list with your child to ensure they're comfortable with these people, know how to contact them by phone, and know what their vehicle looks like. Including an emergency card in your child’s backpack could prove useful for ensuring your child has the correct, pertinent information.
Communicate with the School
Ensure your child's school is kept up to date about who is allowed to pick them up. They'll need correct contact information and sometimes require a form of identification for their records. Many schools have materials they distribute to indicate designated pick up areas and other important information.
Drop Off Location
It’s scary, but it could happen. If none of the emergency contacts can be reached by phone or they're unable to pick your child up in a timely manner, alternative transportation may have to be arranged. Be sure to have a designated alternative drop-off spot. This could be a friend or relative's house, or another trusted location. Be sure your child knows the location, their current address, and phone number so that they can accurately tell authorities how to get there safely.
Reevaluate Each Year
As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan.
Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here.
24/7 Emergency Service