Oak Cliff Business Water Damage

10/21/2024 (Permalink)

Extracting water damaged carpet.

The Oak Cliff Community has a vibrant business landscape, and unfortunately sometimes business have burst pipes or water backups necessitating a call to SERVPRO.  When a local business needed their carpeted ballroom extracted, our team was on the scene in short order.  When done correctly and dried quickly, the carpet does not need replaced and can be salvaged.  

Tips to Help Prepare Your Dallas Home for Winter

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

Dallas Home with Christmas Decorations

Winter is here, and it’s time to prepare your home for the cold weather. Dallas winters can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be ready for anything. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Find your water shutoff valve: In case of an emergency, it’s important to know where your water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off. According to AAA, the valve is usually located near your water heater tank if your home is built on a slab. If your home has a basement, it will likely be there, in the same places as your outdoor hose bib, just on the other side of the wall. If you have a crawl space, it will likely be there, usually along the front wall of the home. Worst case scenario, if you can’t find your shutoff, and your home is rapidly filling with water, you can turn it off from the main water line, usually located in the front of the house in a covered box ¹.  If you don't turn it off in time, make sure to find a professional water damage mitigation company.

2. Keep cold air out of the house: Repair or replace any problem spots on the exterior of your home that could allow for cold air to leak. This includes weather stripping around windows and doors, vents and fans, plumbing, air conditioners, and electrical gas lines. Also, use caulk or insulation to seal any holes, cracks, or small openings. You should also remove all hoses from exterior faucets, and clean gutters and trim any tree branches that could fall on your home ¹.

3. Protect indoor pipes: The air inside your home’s walls, where pipes are located, can be colder than the interior rooms. AAA recommends setting the thermostat at a “reasonable temperature,” to keep the temperature regulated. Also, keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate pipes. If you think your pipes might freeze, let cold water drip from one faucet, which should be as far away from the water source as possible to allow water to flow the entire length of the system ¹.

4. Supplies to have on-hand: It’s always a good idea to have supplies on-hand in case of an emergency. These include flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. Make sure you have enough supplies to last at least three days ¹

What are some Fall Home Safety Tips

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

House with Halloween Decorations

Fall is a beautiful season, but it can also be a dangerous one. With the leaves changing colors and the weather getting cooler, it’s important to take some precautions to keep your home safe. Here are some tips to help you stay safe this fall:

1. Check Your Smoke Detectors: Fall is a great time to check your smoke detectors and replace the batteries if necessary. Smoke detectors can save lives, so make sure they are working properly.

2. Clean Your Gutters: Falling leaves can clog your gutters and cause water damage to your home. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly to prevent this from happening.

3. Inspect Your Roof: Check your roof for any damage or leaks before the winter months arrive. Repairing any damage now can save you from costly repairs later.

4. Seal Windows and Doors: Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home. This will help keep your home warm and save you money on heating bills.

5. Check Your Heating System: Have your heating system inspected by a professional before the cold weather arrives. This will ensure that it is working properly and efficiently.

6. Prepare for Power Outages: Fall storms can cause power outages, so it’s important to be prepared. Have a backup generator or alternative heat source ready in case of an emergency.

7. Be Careful with Fireplaces: If you have a fireplace, make sure it is clean and free of debris before using it. Always use a screen to prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace.

8. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Make sure you have an emergency kit ready in case of an emergency. This should include items such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food.

9. Be Careful with Candles: Candles are a popular fall decoration, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Always keep candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

10. Be Careful with Space Heaters: Space heaters are a great way to stay warm during the fall months, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended, it is never fun to have to call a fire damage restoration company.

    By following these tips, you can help keep your home safe this fall season!

Emergency Readiness Plan for Your Business

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

A sprinkler head accidentally was knocked off during routine maintenance causing water to flow into the floor or a large warehouse.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has an ever growing population currently standing at around 7.8 million people as of mid 2021.  A lot of those people have followed as their companies moved to the region especially during the last 2 years.  All types of businesses have moved from standard commercial office buildings to strip centers to warehouses.  While remote work has become an option for a lot of businesses there is still a brick and mortar location for almost every company. 

Whether a building is big or tall, emergencies like pipes bursting, fire damage and sewage backups will occur.  During an event like this, chaos can reign allowing unnecessary damage to occur whether through degradation of the structure or ongoing business stoppage.

One of the best ways to alleviate the pain of an unexpected emergency is to have a plan together ahead of time.  Make sure management and maintenance teams have escape plans in place, also know where water shut-offs are as well as circuit breakers.  This additionally includes knowing where first aid kits and PPE are located. It is also a good idea to have at least one onsite employee to be certified in CPR. A list of important contacts is another essential item to have as part of the plan.  These would include a plumbing company, electric company, HVAC company and mitigation company as a start.  Depending on the type of business, other contacts may be needed. 

SERVPRO of Dallas Central is the emergency readiness plan mitigation contact for many companies.  We would love to be part of your plan....214-664-9522!