Cleaning Up Water Damage

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Pipes Burst, Drywall Rots, and Mold Breaks In!

These are all facts you have to deal with when confronted with a water damage. Water can save your life in the desert but can be a real pain when it is gushing into your living room.

Once the source of the water damage is located and fixed you are not out of the woods yet. Actually, most consider this when the real work starts. You have to make sure the water is completely gone as soon as possible before mold sets in (which can be as quick as 48-72 hours).

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa specializes in water damage clean up. We have the right equipment to handle any size job quickly and efficiently. Our trained and certified technicians are here to help you out 24/7/365 for when you might be in over your head!

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Tackling Toilet Overflow While Running Water

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage Cleaning

If your toilet begins to overfill or spill while you’re taking a shower, this indicates a blockage issue between your toilet drain and the sewer system. Assuming that you’ve taken care of any obvious problems that a simple plunger can handle, the next step involves more specialized pieces of sewage cleaning equipment.

1. Using a Pipe Snake

A pipe snake is a flexible, reinforced steel coil, typically around an inch in diameter. They are used to break up and move drain clogs that cause toilet overflow and other sewage backup issues. Many clogs are not deep enough to require professional intervention and can be removed simply by snaking from the toilet bowl. If the U-bend or other feature of the toilet proves to be an obstacle to snaking, then the entire toilet can be moved to expose the drain. In either case, be prepared to absorb any excess water that may leak out as a result of the snaking process.

2. Deeper Clogs

Sometimes the toilet backup is the result of a clogged pipe closer to the sewer and will require venturing out of the bathroom and into the crawlspace or basement. Removing the main drain and inserting the snake will likely require additional tools such as a pipe wrench. Depending on the design of your home, the required direction and distance for proper snaking may vary. If the backup is severe or has persisted for a long time, additional sewage cleaning may be necessary beneath the home.

3. Plumbers

Sometimes the nature of the clog can require professional intervention. If the apparent distance of the clog is too far for a homeowner-grade snake or if you believe the cause is related to damage or root-blocked pipes closer to the sewer, call a local plumber.

The above strategies ensure proper maintenance and function of your sewer system. If water backup becomes extreme and sewage cleaning becomes necessary in your living space, contact a certified cleanup professional.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

How To Decide When To Call In The Pros

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

How To Decide When To Call In The Pros To Clean Up Water Damage

Water damage in your home can occur from a number of different sources ranging from outdoor flood damage, roof damage that lets in precipitation to interior causes such as a burst pipe or overflowing washer causing flood damage. Obviously, the longer water sits, the more water damage it is likely to cause. In addition, damage mitigation of water that comes from a clean interior source such as a pipe or washing machine is also easier than damage mitigation from flooding or a sewer issue. In some cases, whether it is water in your home or water in your business, you absolutely want to call in professionals to deal with the issue. However, there are some types of water damage restoration - particularly if it is water in your home - you might want to tackle on your own. For water in your business, there is the additional issue of valuable electronics, which are more susceptible to water damage and require different restoration and mitigation techniques. For water in your home, however, here is brief overview of how drying and water cleanup should occur.

1. Lift furniture

Once you have cleaned and evacuated the majority of the water, your best friends in the final stages of water cleanup, restoration and drying are air and heat. For restoration and damage mitigation in floors in particular, getting the best airflow possible means getting furniture up above the surface of the floor so as not to block the airflow. In addition, you will also want to protect the legs and lower surfaces of furniture from wicking up the water and leaving stains once it dries. Drying out carpeting and flooring is also important and lifting furniture will aid in the drying process.

2. Remove baseboards and drill large holes in the bottom of drywall

Drywall is not only dry, it also acts like a sponge, which means it will wick water high up into the walls where you can't see it because it's covered by paint. The paint also acts as a protective barrier that will keep air from being able to dry out the drywall. Drilling holes in the bottom of the drywall allows air to get inside the walls and dry out the drywall from the side that is not covered by paint. Drilling the holes in the bottom of the drywall also means they will be covered up once you replace the baseboards.

3. Spray a strong disinfectant on the walls

Mold, mildew and bacteria thrive in moist environments. To make sure that you do not have long-term mildew damage, be sure and spray any carpets and walls with a strong disinfectant or anti-bacterial spray. Also keep in mind that many insurance companies will cover flood recovery, but they will not cover mold and mildew damage, since that should have been taken care of in the initial recovery. This is something to consider when deciding whether or not to call in pros to recover from flood damage.

4. Set up industrial fans, an industrial dehumidifier and crank up the heat

While regular household fans might be enough to create a cool breeze, they are not powerful enough to create a strong enough wind current to climb up high into your walls. Heat will help water evaporate, and dry air will absorb the water as it evaporates, but you have to then remove the water from the saturated air so it will absorb more moisture, which you do with the dehumidifier. You want to keep doors and windows tightly sealed during this process, so you may want to leave the house while the heat and fans do their work.

Water in your home will create damage if left standing long enough but water in your business has the potential to create even more damage due to the presence of more electronics. For water in your business, you will most likely want to call in the pros to do the water cleanup. Even in your home, however, water cleanup from flood damage can be pricey even if you do all the work yourself.

The cost of renting industrial fans and an industrial dehumidifier might be comparable to hiring professionals to do it for you and you can be sure if you hire professionals that it is done properly and does not result in even costlier mold damage.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Ensuring Security: Steps To Take After a Fire

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Ensure Your Building Is Secure After a Fire

A fire in your commercial building will likely leave you with a long task list. One of the first things on that list should be security. Fire damage can make your property vulnerable to inclement weather, vandalism and theft. There are three main steps to ensure your building is secure after a blaze.

1. Make Necessary Calls

One of the first contacts you should make after you call your insurance agent is to a fire restoration company. Not only does this get the fire cleanup process started quickly before secondary damage can occur, it also enlists experts who can advise you on how to best secure your building. While you may have thought to lock the doors and board up the windows, you may not be thinking about the damage a rainstorm could cause through the new hole in the roof. Certified specialists are trained to identify every step needed to protect your property well.

2. Enact Protection Plan

The safety plan for your building should include securing it after fire damage occurs. Know who is in charge of completing the walkthrough with emergency personnel and preparing the subsequent report. Delegate a specific person to make sure the structure is boarded up. It’s also a good idea to have a watch team that acts as a guard against would-be intruders until experts can secure the area properly.

3. Remove Valuables

Some people look at buildings in vulnerable states as targets for their next crime. Looting is a real possibility after a fire. Fortunately, there is an easy way to prevent this problem. The best way to protect your valuables is simply to remove them from the compromised structure. Thieves can’t steal something that isn’t there.

Fire damage is enough of a problem itself. You don’t need to add to your worries by leaving your building open to other issues. Securing your property while it is being restored may protect it from further risk.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa does boards up.  Give us a call 918-248-1440

Flood Insurance Basics

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding of your home or business can be a major headache. However, preparing with flood insurance coverage may help pay for repairs to the building and replacement equipment.

What Is Considered Flooding?

For insurance purposes, the definition of flooding differs from the general meaning. To be classified as a flood, the water must affect at least two acres of land or two separate properties. Additionally, the water must come from one of the following sources:

• Mudflow
• Overflowing rivers, lakes or other bodies of water
• Accelerated accumulation of surface waters, such as excessive rainfall
  
  

If your property is damaged by flooding, you will need separate flood insurance to cover the damage. Typical commercial insurance won’t cover it.

What Does a Flood Policy Cover?

Every policy is unique, but a flood policy will generally cover damage to both the structure and its contents. Make sure the limits of your policy are high enough to replace your items. Most flood policies will not cover other expenses such as loss of use and income interruption. You can purchase excess flood coverage to insure your business beyond the limits of a standard policy. This will increase your limits and may include income interruption, temporary relocation expenses and other costs related to the flood damage.

How Do I File a Claim?

The procedure for filing a claim varies with each company. In general, these are the steps to get the process underway:

Before any damage occurs, make an inventory that lists all contents and the purchase prices.
After a flood, document the damage. Make sure to take detailed photographic or video evidence.
Contact your agent and let them know about the damage. They will arrange for an adjuster to come out.
You may wish to begin cleaning up the water before the adjuster arrives. Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours.

Dealing with a flood event at your business can cause a great deal of stress and tension. Adequate flood insurance and qualified restoration services can decrease anxiety and help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Getting Rid of Mold After a Flood

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Keep Your Home Safe From Mold

When a storm hits flooding in your home could cause some serious issues. While the water alone is a problem, mold growth can create further difficulties that may remain or return if not properly handled. Untreated water damage can be a growing source for the fungus, and musty smells can be an indication of mold already growing inside your house. Here are some steps you can take to keep your home safe from mold.

1. Act quickly. Within just a couple of days, mold growth can spread across your house. Mold is present nearly everywhere. It is distributed as small spores too tiny to be seen by the naked eye, so it can grow even where you may not see it. It’s important to work as quickly as you can to ensure the cleanup of water damage to prevent this.

2. If you find mold, avoid direct contact with it. Disturbing the mold yourself may cause further problems if you do not have the proper equipment and training. Touching it and attempting to dry it can cause it to release more spores into the air.

3. Get rid of all of the mold. What mold you may be able to find is likely only a small amount of the entire infestation, so trying to handle it all by yourself can make matters worse. Professionals with proper training and equipment should be able to safely locate all of the mold, even if it’s deep beneath layers of drywall.

4. Make sure it doesn’t come back. Mold removal is only half of the job, as this involves getting rid of the mold that has already grown. However, mold spores are almost everywhere and cannot be seen. This is when mold remediation is important. This ensures that mold doesn’t grow again from other sources of water or high humidity.

While flooding can be a harmful problem there are ways to ensure that mold growth doesn’t persist after the flood. If you are careful in handling the problem, you can ensure that you continue living in a mold-free home for many years to come.

Give us a call, we are HERE TO HELP SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Cleaning Up Your Contents After a Flood

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning After Water Damage

The water inside your property can be a headache, and cleaning up can be an even bigger one. Where do you start? Whether you haven’t found the right water remediation company or prefer to handle content cleaning yourself, here are some key ways to effectively clean after water damage.

Gather Supplies

There are a few items you will want to gather and keep handy as soon as you get started. These include:

• Rubber gloves
• Mops
• Sponges and cleaner
• Buckets
  
  

Get Rid of the Water

Whether your property has had an inch of water or several feet, it can be a breeding ground for mold, which can ruin personal items as well as property. This makes early water removal and content cleaning vital.

Flood water is considered black water, so it’s best to have professionals remove this. If you can’t wait, the old-fashioned way of water removal works. Once you’ve turned off all electricity to the area, use buckets, mops, and towels to soak up as much water as possible.

Dry Things Out

Once you’ve gotten everything initially dry, use a dehumidifier and fan to remove whatever moisture remains. Opening windows can also help you dry the area out quickly before mold or insects take hold.

Disinfect Your Items

When everything’s dried, use a disinfectant to remove any bacteria that the water may have carried inside. Wipe down walls, wood and non-upholstered furniture. Prevent mold growth by applying antimicrobials.

Dispose of Damaged Goods

Non-porous materials can be saved but porous materials may have to be thrown away. These can include electronics, paper and other delicate items. Organize those items into piles and take them to recycling centers when possible.

Flood content cleaning can be hard work, but it’s necessary. Use these tips to get your space back to normal, or better yet, call a remediation company to make things like new.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Understanding Mold Growth in Commercial Property

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Growth in Commercial Properties: What You Need to Know

Upon noticing the smell or sight of black mold in your business, you probably wonder what caused it to appear. Despite so many different varieties, molds have a single process of growing and spreading. Knowledge of how and why these fungi infest businesses teaches how to prevent them from taking over yours.

Knowing the Water Where Mold Often Grows

Mold needs time, temperature, food, and moisture to thrive. A moisture problem is often the cause of mold growth. Water that gets into building materials, utilities or flooring comes from plenty of sources:

• Burst or leaking pipe
• Flooding from nearby overflowing bodies of water
• Humid weather
• Broken supply line
• Defective sprinkler systems
• Clogged gutter drainage systems
• Defective HVAC systems accumulating condensation
  
  

Once identified, any broken utility or component should be fixed by an appropriate professional. This prevents additional water damage and the mold that comes with it.

Preventing Spores From Finding Ideal Conditions

Microscopic spores float through the air looking for a suitable place to settle. Even if the spores are floating in the air of a room, no mold species will grow without a place to settle that has food and water. The parasitic nature of black mold and other organisms means that they can be stopped from being a problem by denying the environments they desire.

Treating the Mold That Grows

Proactive water cleanup can prevent the need for mold cleanup. Fixing any existing water damage stops the airborne mold from ever finding a place to survive inside your property.

Contacting a professional water cleanup crew with mold expertise is advised to make sure any water is completely removed with the power of their industrial-grade tools. Additionally, experts can find mold and water hiding in unnoticeable locations that most people miss. This prevents mold from quickly recolonizing.

Getting a Hold on Mold

Black mold may seem daunting at first, but prevention can make it seem like a nonissue. Even if mold does take advantage of a water accident at your property, there are ways to remove it without much hassle.

How to Protect Your Business in a Power Outage

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Suddenly, the room goes dark. When you are at home during a power outage, you light some candles. When the electricity goes out and impacts your business, your concern level rises far above looking for light. Depending on your type of industry, you could lose a significant amount of inventory or machinery may malfunction. Investing in a generator is a smart way to protect your commercial property.

How To Choose the Best Generator

There are a variety of choices to keep your business running in the event of a power outage. The most common commercial options have the following features:

• There are portable and standby generators. Commonly, stationary businesses use the standby variety as it is always on site when needed. If you run a mobile business, the portable type is more relevant for you.
• For standby, use a single-phase for small operations, such as a retail location or office. For larger spaces that are multi-level or occupy a large building, a three-phase is a good fit.
• Generators can be turned on manually or have an automatic transfer switch. If your property is unsupervised for a period of time, such as overnight, a switch that recognizes when the power supply is interrupted is a helpful feature.

How To Prevent Generator Problems

With proper maintenance, you can reduce generator problems. Generators can last up to 30 years, depending on the amount of usage. Help it run smoothly with the following tips:

• Run the device weekly, and visually inspect for any leaks or other problems.
• Monthly, check all relevant fluid levels.
• Twice a year, have a qualified technician conduct an inspection.
• Annually, have a qualified technician change the necessary parts and test the device.

When inclement weather hits having a generator at your commercial property is one way to plan ahead and protect your business. Unfortunately, regardless of planning, sometimes storm damage occurs. In that case, contact a storm restoration specialist as soon as possible.

Water Damage Is One of the Most Common Reasons for Business Loss

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

3 Common Reasons for Commercial Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for insurance claims made by businesses. Take just a few minutes to learn more about damaged pipes and other sources for water trouble, as well as some steps you can take to reduce risk for your building in the greater Muskogee, OK area.

Commercial building water damage usually comes down to one of three main reasons:

1. Winter Troubles. Frozen temperatures can be a disaster to pipes indoors and out. Ice can also build up on roofs and block drainage channels.

2. Sewage and Drainage. Sewer systems are the unseen heroes of a commercial building, but if they aren’t getting routine attention they can cause big problems. Blockages, wear and foundation settling can all cause trouble with this important system.

3. Poor Pipe Maintenance. Many damaged pipes start as small leaks that are best addressed early to prevent large-scale floods. Routine inspections of pipes for symptoms like drips, excessive moisture and mold can be useful to catch problems before they get big.

Knowing where the most common problems are can help you take steps now to reduce the risk of damaged pipes in your building.

Simple Steps to Reduce Water Damage Risk

If you could make just five changes to help reduce your risk of flooding, these are the ones to give you make the biggest impact:

1. Keep heat on throughout the winter, at a minimum of 55°F.
2. Insulate exposed pipes.
3. Keep gutters and roof drainage clear of debris.
4. Know how to shut-off the main water supply.
5. Regularly inspect pipes appliances, and don’t ignore small leaks.

Knowledge is Power

It really doesn’t take long to learn a little about the most likely areas for leaking pipes and ways to reduce your risk for damage. Sometimes damage is sudden and unexpected, so if you need water cleanup in your building you can count on a commercial building restoration expert to help you recover.

Call SERVPRO of Tulsa Hill, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Broken Pipes and Water Cleanup: Cleaning Your Business After Water Damage

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Broken pipes often lead to extensive water damage, and the water cleanup process can be all-encompassing, especially for a business that has to remain shut until all is restored. Luckily, the cleanup process is pretty straightforward, and, while only suggestions, the steps below can help to make an overwhelming process a manageable one.

1. Ready the Pumps

You are likely aware of this first step, as it is common knowledge that the longer water stays in a building, the more damage it inflicts; therefore, you should get rid of any excess water as soon as possible. Many home improvement stores will allow you to rent large water pumps and wet vacs, which can help in reducing water levels quickly.

2. Clear Out the Waste

After removing the water, there will be items and materials that may need to be discarded. For instance, if sewage contaminated the excess water, you will likely want to throw away any porous items. Additionally, it may be necessary to remove drywall up to the level that the water rose, because insulation can lead to mold and mildew growth.

3. Dry and Dehumidify

Once all of the water and damaged items have been removed, preventing further water damage, you can begin the process of drying the space. You can take another trip to the home improvement store of your choice and rent air movers, dehumidifiers, and possibly industrial fans. These tools can help speed up the drying process, which can take a couple of days.

4. Call In the Experts

If you find that this process may be too overwhelming, you can check with emergency management offices to see about a list of potential restoration specialists that specialize in flood damage.

Water damage, especially from burst pipes, can be stress-inducing. However, when you break the cleanup process into manageable pieces and maybe decide to call somebody in, it becomes a little easier to deal with. This process can help you cope with the temporary loss of business.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Actions Homeowners Should Take After A Fire

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Many homeowners can easily relay tips to prevent fires. Most can communicate the actions to take when a house in on fire. But, how many know what to do after a fire? How do you file a fire insurance claim? What does fire restoration involve? What are you, the homeowner, expected to do? Take the following actions after a fire to begin the recovery process for your home and personal effects.

How Do I File a Fire Insurance Claim?

• Coverage and procedure depend on your specific policy, so call your insurance agent as soon as possible to discuss the details.
• The agent and adjuster walk you through the necessary steps and paperwork.

What Is Fire Restoration?

• Immediately contact a reputable fire and smoke cleaning company. The professionals communicate with you and your insurance adjustor throughout the process.
• The course to restore your home and belongings starts with inspection and assessment of the damage.
• For your safety and to reduce the risk of further damage, do not touch or attempt to clean your home yourself. If the area is exposed, the restoration experts may cover your home with a roof tarp or board up windows.
• Firefighters use a lot of water to put out the flames. The professionals will remove the excess water and use specialized equipment to dry your space.
• After your home is dry, professional soot and smoke cleaning commences. The area is then cleaned and sanitized.
• Finally, the process of restoration begins. Depending on the amount of damage, this may include minor touchups such as painting or major construction such as replacing walls. The goal is to return your home to its pre-fire condition.

Do everything you can to prevent fires in your home. If your home catches fire in call the fire department to put out the blaze. After the initial shock of your house fire wears off, call your insurance agent and SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa to help you put your home and life back together again.

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

Yuck! There's Mold in the Washing Machine

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can creep up in unlikely places in your house. Sometimes it shows up on shower walls, under sinks, around AC units, underneath flooring or in the washing machine. If your clothes washer gets moldy, you don't want to put your laundry inside and regret the fact that it comes out smelly. Instead, you need to clean it. Thankfully, you can get help from residential mold cleaners who know exactly how to tackle this issue.

How To Clean the Washer

Your mold experts will come in to help you remove the fungus from your washer. The main steps for removing the mold smell include the following:

• Wipe away the surface mold, mildew and grime.
• Use odor-removing mixtures to kill the smell.
• Make sure the fungus is killed by using a commercial-grade cleaner.
  
  

After the team has cleaned your machine, you will be able to resume washing your dirty laundry without the fear of it coming out smelling musty.

How To Keep the Washer Mold Free

Even though the mold is gone, it could come back. After all, you still have to wash clothes, so what can you do to make sure the moisture doesn't build up in your washing machine? You need to do a little preventative work. Most front-load washers use a rubber gasket to seal the door. This seal does exactly what it was designed to do; it traps in water. You can help air out the machine by leaving the door open when you're not using it. You may also want to wipe the drum and behind the gasket with a clean, dry towel when you're done with laundry for the day. Switching to a high-efficiency detergent could also help stave off mold buildup.

Your washing machine creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Giving the appliance a thorough cleaning can help get rid of fungus, but you need to change a few habits if you want to keep mold growth away.

Still need help cleaning it, give us a call.. SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

How to Clean a Gas Range

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

A gas range may seem more difficult to clean than a glass top electric stove. In fact, these ranges typically require less scraping or specialized tools. Follow these seven range cleaning steps to safely clean your stove and eliminate any smoke smell.

1. Clean As You Go

Remove spatters and stains with a damp paper towel or washable cloth during and after cooking. This is the easiest way to prevent a range from becoming grimy and more difficult to deep clean.

2. Remove and Soak Grates

Take the grates off of the gas range and soak them in a sink filled with hot, soapy water. Wait several minutes before using a cleaning brush or old toothbrush to scrub off debris.

3. Spray and Wipe

Wipe off any crumbs or debris and then spray the surface with a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part water. Wait several minutes before wiping. Use soap or a specialized cleaning product for severe stains.

4. Scrub Stains

Make circular motions with the small cleaning brush. Wipe up debris with a damp paper towel or cleaning cloth.

5. Remove and Soak Burner Caps

Once the rest of the stove is clean and dry, remove the burner caps. Soak and scrub stains off of these components.

6. Lift and Clean Burner Heads

Lift straight up on burner heads and clean underneath. Use a needle or pin to clear out notches.

7. Lift and Vacuum the Range

Release the spring hinges or pins to lift the range. Use a vacuum attachment to remove crumbs from the inside of the range.

These seven range cleaning methods can help to keep your gas range clean and reduce the risk and severity of grease fires. If a fire does start in the kitchen of your home, seek the equipment and expertise of mitigation and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa!

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

What To Do When You Smell Natural Gas

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

A gas fire or gas explosion runs the risk of destroying property and poses a threat of serious injury. If you smell natural gas, there are five steps that you should take to promote your own safety and that of other people or pets in your home and the surrounding area.

1. Check stoves and gas appliances. If you smell gas, you should make sure that all of the burners on a gas stove and the oven are turned off. Listen for hissing noises around other gas appliances.

2. Keep the lights off. If a large amount of gas is present in your home, turning on a light or powering on an electrical appliance may cause a spark that starts a gas fire or explosion. You may use a battery-operated flashlight when inspecting appliances and potential sources for a leak.

3. Shut off the gas meter. If you cannot stop the source of a gas leak in your home, you can shut off your gas meter by turning the main valve from on to off.

4. Ventilate the interior. Open all of the doors and windows of your home and use fans, if you have them, to remove gases from the interior. This will reduce the risk of explosion, fire, or prolonged exposure.

5. Evacuate and call emergency numbers. Leave your home and call 911 and your gas company to report a leak from a safe distance away, at least across the street.

A leak can cause a gas explosion if a spark is created by electrical equipment in your residence. For this reason, you should have a plan for what to do in the event of a leak and proceed as cautiously as possible. If you do experience a gas fire, you should have residential damage restoration experts assess the damage and develop a remediation plan. 

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

How a Tornado Forms

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

There’s no denying that tornadoes are a destructive force; but how does something that destructive form? The UCAR Center for Science Education has a good explanation for what causes tornadoes to occur. We hope that knowing how these funnels of terror form might help in some way.

The first thing to note is that a tornado won’t form unless the circumstances are just right. As noted in the post on the UCAR site, “Air rising in thunderstorms can begin to spin when it's affected by winds blowing it in different directions. It starts to rise and is pushed to the side by wind. It rises a bit more and is jostled again by wind moving in another direction. Winds moving in different speeds and directions at different altitudes cause the rising air to start spinning.” They go on to say that this is most likely to happen in massive storms called supercells. However, it is important to note that not every instance of spinning air like this will result in a tornado. It is just that if there is a tornado, these are the factors that most likely will be the cause.

It is also important to note that spinning air near the ground is also necessary for a tornado to form. What that means is that Gusts of warmer and cooler air rise and fall as they blow. The right amount of air like this is what causes air near the ground to spin. If this continues the air will pick up speed as it is drawn inward. This is the air that will begin to move across the area it is in and can be tilted vertically. When that happens, that is when the gusts can be considered a tornado.

While this is a lot of information and some of it may seem scary, it’s important to know that not all thunderstorms will produce tornadoes. If a tornado does occur, just remember to follow any safety plan you have in place and stay calm!

SERVPRO of Tulsa Hills, Sapulpa 918-248-1440

3 Tips for Preventing a Cigarette Fire

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Steps To Prevent A Cigarette Fire

Did you know that, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, a cigarette fire is still in the top five leading causes of home fires? There are several ways to reduce the chance of this happening in your home. If you have suffered a home fire already, it's best to contact a fire cleanup and restoration specialist.

1. Smoke Outdoors
The easiest way to prevent an ashtray fire is to smoke outdoors. Not only does this prevent smoke odor from soaking into your furniture and carpets, but it also ensures that a fire is much less likely. Ideally, if you're smoking outside, your surroundings are either concrete or gravel, not grass or brush. If a fire does start, it's easy to quickly stomp it out if the surroundings are fire-resistant. In the colder months, instead of moving back indoors, consider buying a small portable heater that plugs into a wall outlet or extension cord. This way, you stay warm and continue to keep your risk low.

2. Keep Flammable Objects Away
The main goal of fire prevention is to make sure that a fire has nothing to burn. Besides ensuring that you're not wearing extremely loose-fitting clothing, you should also not smoke near any rugs or other cloth. Additionally, when you extinguish your cigarette, be sure to do so either in an ashtray or thoroughly stop it out on the concrete. If you use an ashtray, be sure that it, too, is not around any flammable objects on the chance that your smoke wasn't put out all the way. This is one of the leading causes of a cigarette fire.

3. Ashtray Safety
In addition to ensuring that your ashtray is in an appropriate area, also be careful when you empty it. Check that it is cool and that all cigarettes are completely extinguished. Waste bin fires are extremely common, and you'd be surprised by how easily they start. There is a surprising amount of easily flammable or explosive materials in the trash: paper, leaves, batteries, and aerosol cans.
Be prepared. Take steps to prevent a cigarette fire.

7 Steps To Take After a Pipe Breaks

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

When a Pipe Breaks, Follow These 7 Steps

Whether water freezes and breaks a pipe or the pipe gets old and ruptures, bursting pipes are one of most homeowners’ worst nightmares. Not only can the water quickly destroy the items inside the house, but it can also lead to other problems such as mold, mildew and pests. To slow the impact of the pooling water, take these seven steps.

1. Close the water valve.

Prevent further water from entering your home by turning off the water valve. If you can’t find a valve, turn off the water main in the street.

2. Call in the pros.

Contacting a water mitigation specialty team can speed your home’s recovery process. Not only are they knowledgeable, but they have the tools to fix a broken pipe and quickly renew your home.

3. Open a water faucet.

By opening a faucet on the same line as the leaking pipe after the water is off, any residual pressure can be alleviated.

4. Remove standing water.

Getting the water off the floor as quickly as possible can keep it from soaking down into flooring and up into walls. Stopping the water damage can save you not only money but also weeks of home repairs.

5. Sort through items.

Damaged items should be sorted as soon as possible into discard and salvageable piles. All wet items should then be removed from the area, with discarded items going to into the trash.

6. Ventilate the area.

Bursting pipes can leave the damaged area wet and muggy. To remove the humidity and help dry the area more thoroughly, ventilate the room. Open windows and set up fans to aid in the humidity transfer.

7. Call your insurance company.

Not all water problems need to be reviewed by an insurance adjuster, but if your damage is severe, call your insurance company and request they open a file.

Bursting pipes do not need to be a life-changer when you take these seven steps. You can be in control of keeping the water damage to a minimum, and that feels good.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mold Growth

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you’ve discovered mold growth in your home, you may have a lot of questions you want answers to, such as where did it come from, is it dangerous and how can you get rid of it? Mold is frustrating, but it is not uncommon. If you want to know more about the fungi that has invaded your home, this post contains answers to some of the most common FAQs regarding mold.

• What is mold?
• Is mold dangerous?
• Where does mold come from?
• How can you decrease and prevent mold?

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in both indoor and outdoor areas. Mold is one of those organisms that can thrive in typically uninhabitable environments, such as in dark places with high humidity or, in more rare instances, in extremely dry environments.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold growth is dangerous in that it can eat away at your home’s foundation and structure and, over time, render it uninhabitable. If you do not deal with water damage and resulting mold in a timely fashion, your floorboards may become week, your ceiling may start to sag and your drywall may begin to crumble. These are all hazards that could pose a threat to your safety and well-being.

Where Does Mold Grow?

Mold typically thrives in dark, damp environments, but it has been known to flourish in dry environments as well. If you suspect that there is mold in your home, begin by checking in areas in which there is high humidity, little ventilation and little natural light.

How Can You Prevent Mold?

You can prevent mold by fixing moisture problems as soon as you notice them and by working with a mold remediation team. The best thing you can do to prevent fungus growth is to keep water damage at bay.

If you discover mold growth in your home, you may be feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. If the problem is new, however, don’t panic, as damage is probably minimal. Do call your local remediation team for cleanup and prevention assistance.

Should Your Business Invest in a Commercial Generator?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Making money in a busy economy depends on a few factors. One thing is certain, though: if your business does not have a steady supply of electricity, it may not be able to meet the demands of your customers. Nonetheless, storms, faulty power grids and other culprits can cause your company to lose power. Before you purchase a commercial generator for your business, you should know a bit about this piece of heavy equipment.

Generators Use Fuel To Create Electricity

When the power fails, a backup generator uses fuel to generate usable electricity to supply your business. Generators run on different types of fuel, including the following:

• Diesel
• Natural gas
• Liquid propane
• Gaseous propane
• Combination fuel

When your organization needs an emergency supply of electricity, you simply engage the machine’s engine. Some generators automatically start running when the power fails. As you may suspect, generators come in a variety of sizes and styles. Small ones use little fuel while delivering low amounts of electricity. Large generators can power entire factories. Which size is right for your organization likely depends on your company’s electricity requirements.

Generators Convert Energy
To create electricity, generators function as reverse motors. That is, they don’t pull electricity out of thin air. Instead, they convert either mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy. This energy is forced into a circuit to create an electrical current.

Generators Have a Lifespan
Like any machine, a generator has a useful lifespan. How long your machine is apt to last depends on its design, construction, maintenance and other factors. Most commercial generators, though, can operate for more than 20 years. You must watch for signs of generator problems to know when to replace yours. If your machine fails, you may need to rely on a professional cleanup crew to repair damage to your company. You may also run into a work stoppage.

Need to rent a Commercial Generator, give us a call 918-248-1440