Stay Safe This Winter: Check Your Smoke Detectors and Replace Batteries!

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

A quick check on your smoke detectors can keep your family safe all winter long.

As we head into colder months in Saunders Co., it’s a perfect time for a quick safety check around the house. One simple yet crucial task? Check your smoke detectors and replace those batteries!

Smoke detectors are essential year-round, but especially during winter when heaters, fireplaces, and holiday cooking all come into play. Here’s how to keep things safe:

• Test Each Detector: Press the test button on each detector to ensure it’s working. If it doesn’t respond, replace the batteries immediately.
• Replace Batteries Regularly: Even if they’re working fine, swapping in fresh batteries every six months is a good rule of thumb. This way, you know they’re ready when needed.
• Keep Detectors Clean: Dust can interfere with sensors, so give them a gentle wipe to keep them clear.

A few minutes now can make all the difference in keeping your home and family safe. And if you ever need help after a fire or smoke event, SERVPRO Team Toft is just a call away at 402-408-0134. Stay safe this winter!

Keeping Your Saunders Co. Commercial Property Safe and Dry This Thanksgiving

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Thankful for Dry Spaces: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly This Thanksgiving!

Grateful for Restoration: Bringing Saunders Co. Business Spaces Back to Life

Thanksgiving is here, and while most businesses are gearing up for holiday shoppers, family gatherings, and festive meals, water damage can sneak in and throw a wrench in the holiday cheer! Whether it’s an overflowing sink, a busted pipe, or unexpected flooding, SERVPRO Team Toft is ready to keep your business safe, dry, and open for customers.

When water damage hits a commercial property, it’s not just an inconvenience – it can disrupt business, damage valuable assets, and impact the people who rely on that space every day. Each situation is unique and sometimes complicated, requiring fast action, expertise, and flexibility. But don’t worry, our team knows how to jump in and tackle the challenge, so you can keep things running smoothly during the busy holiday season.

Why Commercial Water Damage Calls for a Thanksgiving-Sized Response

Our SERVPRO team understands that keeping your business safe and accessible during the holiday season is a priority! A water damage emergency can disrupt your flow, so we work quickly to isolate the affected area while helping you maintain operations—because “Closed for Cleanup” is the last sign you want up for Thanksgiving.

Restoring commercial properties is a unique challenge, especially when business needs to keep running smoothly. Our team knows what it takes to work swiftly and efficiently to minimize downtime and get you back to business as usual. This Thanksgiving, let us handle the tough stuff so you can focus on what matters most, giving thanks, gathering with loved ones, and keeping your business moving forward through the holiday season.

Why Call SERVPRO Team Toft? Because We’re Thankful for You!

At SERVPRO of Team Toft, we’re not just here for cleanup, we’re here to be part of your community and help you stay open, safe, and successful. Our pros are trained in the latest restoration techniques, backed by years of experience, and certified through IICRC industry training. From small spills to full-scale floods, we’ve got you covered.

Link to Our Site
https://www.SERVPRO.com/locations/ne/SERVPRO-of-omaha-west-saunders-county?utm_medium=yext&utm_source=gmb West/Saunders

Don’t Let Water Damage Dampen Your Thanksgiving Spirit – Call Us!

This holiday season, make sure your business is ready for anything. If you’re dealing with water damage, give SERVPRO Team Toft a call at 402-408-0134. We’ll handle the mess so you can focus on what matters—serving customers, celebrating Thanksgiving, and ringing in a successful holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving from the whole SERVPRO Team Toft family!

Saunders Co. 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Heroes – Team Toft to the Rescue This Thanksgiving!

11/7/2024 (Permalink)

Your 24/7 Water Damage Lifeline in Saunders Co.– Gobble Up Help Anytime!

The holiday season is here, and while we’re all looking forward to family, feasts, and festivities, water damage can quickly rain on your Thanksgiving parade. Whether it's a leak from the kitchen sink as you prepare the turkey or a sudden flood that comes calling, SERVPRO Team Toft is ready to jump into action at any hour – even during the holiday feast!

We’re Always Open – Even During Turkey Time!

Emergency Help – Call Us Anytime: 402-408-0134

We understand that calling us may mean you’re dealing with a Thanksgiving disaster. Maybe there’s water where there should be pie, or a plumbing mishap has you feeling more stressed than stuffed. No matter what, Team Toft’s water damage experts have the training, experience, and heart to help get things back to normal in time to enjoy that pumpkin pie.

What Happens When You Call Us This Thanksgiving?

When water damage strikes during the holidays, don’t let it ruin your plans. When you call, we’ll ask a few quick questions so we can bring the right equipment and team members to handle your situation effectively – even if it’s during the big game.

Questions We’ll Ask:

• Your name and contact information
• Insurance details (if applicable)
• The address where water damage occurred
• When the water damage happened
• What caused the damage (if known)
• If electricity is available on-site

Why Choose Team Toft This Holiday Season?

Team Toft doesn’t just restore water damage – we bring you peace of mind, especially during the holiday season. Our experts in Saunders Co. are SERVPRO certified, with ongoing training that ensures we’re equipped for any disaster, big or small. From the unexpected kitchen leaks to full-scale floods, we’re here to bring you relief and restore your space with care.

Don’t Let Water Damage Be the Main Course! Call Team Toft Anytime!

Water damage isn’t on anyone’s Thanksgiving menu, but if it shows up, we’re here to help! Team Toft is ready 24/7, holiday or not. Just call 402-408-0134, and we’ll take care of the rest, so you can focus on what matters most – family, food, and fun.

Happy Thanksgiving from Team Toft!

Electrical Safety

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Consumer electronic products are more prevalent than ever. Research indicates that the average household owns more than twenty-five consumer electronic products. With all of today's technology, it can prove challenging to safely maintain power to all of our electronic devices. Electrical outlets are easy to overload and as a result, may become hazardous. While adding a power strip or extension cord seems like an easy solution to a lack of electrical outlets, the wiring in some buildings often isn't capable of supporting too many high-powered electronic appliances.   

Older office buildings and homes, in particular, often suffer from lack of electrical outlets. The temptation is to simply add a power strip or plug in an extension cord from across the room. Even in newer office buildings and homes, it can be all too easy to overload a single outlet with power hungry machines such as computers, printers, scanners, and monitors.  

When an employee or resident overloads an electrical outlet, that means more current is running through the outlet than it can handle. This causes the outlet to overheat, which may lead to an electrical fire. According to a 2008 National Fire Protection Association study, electrical distribution and lighting equipment are involved in more than 24,000 home structure fires per year. These fires resulted in an average of 320 deaths per year and an estimated $700 million in property damage per year. 

If an electrical fire should occur, get safely away from the fire and call your fire department. If you choose to use an extinguisher on the fire, never let the fire get between you and a safe exit, and never let use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Class C fire extinguishers use a non-conductive extinguishing agent and should not cause electrical shock. 

To help prevent  this and other electrical hazards, refer to the list below (provided by Electrical Safety Foundation International).

• If you must use a power strip, use a name brand product from a reputable retailer. Low-quality or counterfeit power strips may contain wiring that isn't adequate to carry the load. 
• Place power strips where there is plenty of air circulation to disperse the heat. 
• Never attempt to plug grounded (three-pronged) cords into an ungrounded (two-pronged) outlet. 
• Do not blind, kink or know electrical cords. 

What To Do Until Help Arrives

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can cause serious health issues. Some common biohazards are sewer backups and flood water. SERVPRO® of Omaha West/Saunders County has the proper equipment necessary to safely make any biohazard situation "Like it never even happened".

Examples of Biohazards:

Mold 

COVID and other viral pathogens

Crime Scenes

Bodily Fluids

Hoarding

Animal Infestation

Flood Waters

Sewage Backups

Call (402)835-5985 for your biohazard cleanup needs!

After a biohazard has been found, make sure you clear the area if deemed unsafe. Call the appropriate emergency personnel if life-threatening. Call a professional restoration company to safely mitigate the hazardous situation. Flood water and sewage backups should be considered dangerous. Flood water can contain harmful contaminates. Biohazard situations don't wait for regular business hours, neither do we. SERVPRO® of Omaha West/Saunders County has trained professionals ready to help 24/7/365- including All major holidays. 

Tornadoes...what to do

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know 1,200 tornadoes hit the US each year? Omaha, NE is a tornado-prone zone. It is essential to be prepared for natural disasters. Do you know the difference in tornado watch and tornado warning? 

A Watch means conditions are favorable for development. A watch can be issued up to 8 hours in advance of severe weather. It also usually covers a large area. Take necessary precautions in case bad weather strikes. Keep up to date with changing weather status. Have a plan to take shelter in case WARNING status is issued. 

A Warning means severe weather is occurring or imminent. It covers a small area. When a warning is issued, take action immediately to protect your  life! Seek shelter immediately. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado. 

What to do During a Tornado

Stay Updated on weather alerts. Continue to listen to local news sources or weather services for tornado watches and warnings. 

At home: Go to the lowest level interior room. Stay away from windows and doors.

At workplace or school: Proceed to your tornado shelter. Do not gather in big open areas, and stay away from windows and doors. 

Outside: Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately. If no safe shelter is available, lay flat in a ditch or ravine. Cover your head. 

If disaster strikes, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/Saunders County to make your storm damage, "Like it never even happened."

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

There are many steps that homeowners need to take in the maintenance of their property, but air duct cleaning is one of the most essential. What is it about this service that makes it so vital for people in the Omaha, NE area? Check out some of the reasons that you should have your air ducts cleaned:

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

1. More Effective Cooling

When air ducts aren't properly cleaned, dirt and other debris can build up and prevent air from circulating. This leads to less effective results and a less comfortable home. Beat the heat more efficiently by having your air ducts cleaned regularly so no obstructions prevent them from circulating the air in your home. 

2. Fight Against Mold

Damp, dirty conditions in an air duct that is overdue for cleaning can create one of the biggest headaches that homeowners face: mold. Not only is this substance unsightly and foul-smelling, but it can also be a health risk to certain people who are vulnerable to its effects. Keep your property mold-free by having regular cleanings to prevent it from forming. 

3. Extend the Lifespan of the System

As with many other things, getting your HVAC until serviced regularly will help it last longer than it would without preventative maintenance. By getting regular cleanings for your air ducts, you'll prevent more extensive problems form happening, allowing you to get the most value form the unit as possible. 

4. Reduce Odors and Allergens

If you don't clean your air ducts regularly, you may smell odd, unpleasant odors coming from them. Anyone on the property with sensitivity to airborne allergens may also notice worsening symptoms if the air ducts aren't cleaned. Scheduling regular cleanings can help to alleviate both of these problems. 

5. Prevent Pest Infestations

The environment that unclean air ducts create is home to the conditions that common household pests such as insects or rodents thrive in. You're at a greater risk of a pest infestation occurring if you don't regularly clean your air ducts. Have service performed regularly to avoid this unpleasant issue. 

6. Breathe Healtheir Air

We spend a lot of time in our homes, so the air present inside has a big impact on our overall health and well-being. Scheduling regular cleanings for your air ducts will help to improve the air quality in your home, allowing you and everyone else on the premises to be as healthy as can be. 

Air Duct Cleaning in Omaha, NE

For all these reasons and more, we see that cleaning your air ducts regularly is essential. Do you need to have this service performed at your home? You can trust the professionals on our team to give your air ducts the thorough air quality in your home. 

Don't delay in getting this necessary service any longer. Contact SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest today and let us help you with your home's maintenance!

Can You Repair a Fire-Damaged House?

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to the roof of a home. The fire burned a large hole in the roof.

If your home has been harmed by smoke or fire, you are likely wondering if fire damage restoration is viable. It is in fact possible to return your home to pre-damage conditions. The key is to find the right restoration and cleaning service. If you live in Saunders County, NE, keep reading to find out how the effects of a fire can be reversed.

Repairing Your Home or Business After a Fire

Fire can have a devastating impact on any structure. The intense heat, smoke, and subsequent water damage caused by emergency crews and sprinkler systems can be highly destructive. However, unless a structure has been burned beyond repair, there is usually a way to clean and revive damaged surfaces so that they can be fully restored to their original condition.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

The sooner your restoration crew gets to the site of the fire, the better. Responding right away with the appropriate resources and equipment will help to ensure that no further damage occurs. Your restoration technicians will immediately board up any windows that have been damaged and add a tarp to the roof if your roofing has been compromised. This will protect your home from further damage until these structures can be repaired.  

After a thorough inspection of the fire, smoke, and water damage, the process of removing black soot and drying out damp surfaces begins. It is important to initiate the drying and disinfecting process as soon as possible before mold begins to form. The right tools used by a qualified restoration professional can ensure that affected surfaces are restored before any permanent damage sets in.

How Does Soot Removal Work?

Soot is a particularly difficult substance to remove from any surface and requires specialized techniques to ensure its complete removal. There are custom vacuums, sponges, and cleaning products that are specifically designed to remove this sticky substance. Using the wrong product or equipment to remove soot can actually spread it around and make the stain even worse.

What Can Be Done About Water Damage?

If industrial-grade dehumidifiers and fans are brought in right away, the drying process should be complete before any permanent damage takes place. The key is to not allow moisture to sit on surfaces (particularly wood or drywall) for a significant length of time. This can lead to warping and mold formation.  
 

Finding a Reputable Restoration Professional in Saunders County

Restoring your home or business after a fire is not a do-it-yourself project. It requires the right equipment and expertise. A professional restoration company will not only clean, dry out, and disinfect any damaged surfaces, but it will also ensure that the right repairs take place. This may include painting, drywall, and flooring replacement, or in severe cases, a complete renovation of some rooms.

If your home or business has been damaged by fire or smoke, contact us today at SERVPRO. We will make sure that the right steps take place to return your structure to its previous condition.

4 Steps to Take Immediately After Water Damage

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water was left unattended on the kitchen floor.

In the US, around 14,000 homes and businesses experience water damage every day. While this problem is common, it can be extremely disruptive and cause significant problems. In the worst-case scenario, families have to vacate their home for several days or weeks while it is being restored by a water damage restoration company. Today, we'll have a closer look at what to do immediately after a flood or leak in Saunders County.

4 Steps to Take Immediately After Water Damage 

1. Stop the Cause of the Damage 

The first thing you should do is to make sure your family is safe. If necessary, get everyone out of the building and alert the neighbors to the problem. Then, you will have to identify the source of the leak and stop the water from flowing. If the damage was caused by a faulty household device, you should unplug it or switch it off immediately.

In some cases, the water supply to your property might have to be turned off. If the house is safe to enter at this point, you could try to save some of your possessions. However, you should always make sure there is no risk involved when reentering the property. Wear rubber gloves, boots, and protective clothing. Try to rescue the most important items, such as documents and electronic equipment, first.

2. Call a Saunders County Water Damage Restoration Company

Most types of water damage can't be addressed by the residents on their own. Instead, they should call a professional restoration company that has the necessary drying tools and techniques to extract water efficiently and detect hidden moisture. The faster you act, the less likely your building will suffer from long-term water damage.

To make sure you get a good result, you should always call a highly reputable company. Check the reviews to check that other people have had a good experience. You should also look for someone who offers a 24-hour service, only employs highly trained water damage specialists, and is able to respond quickly to your request.

3. Help the Restoration Company Assess and Remove the Damage

A good restoration company will help you assess the situation and then follow a standard process, which might include extracting all the water, drying and dehumidifying the rooms, cleaning up the damage, repairing your structures, and restoring the property to its former condition. To facilitate the work, you should follow all instructions and provide as much information about the property and the incident as possible.

4. Call Your Insurance Company  

Depending on the cause of the leak and the type of damage, your homeowners' insurance policy might cover the cost of getting your property restored and your valuable items replaced. Once you and your family are safe and the water restoration company has started drying out your property, you should get in touch with your insurance company to find out how you can make a claim.

After a flood or a leak, residents should first make sure that everyone is safe and, if necessary, stop the water from flowing. Then, they should get in touch with a damage restoration company. Restoration professionals can help identify the issue, remove the water, and repair the damaged structures, so the home is once again inhabitable. Often, their services are covered by insurance. Call SERVPRO of Omaha West to find out more.

SERVPRO Comes to the RESCUE

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

Thanks SERVPRO for your help!

Kudos to the SERVPRO Omaha Southwest group that came to my home 9/17. This is the emergency crew that came to Milwaukee to help remove water from many flooded basements and buildings. Their timely help saved my lower level from being destroyed. I am so grateful for their service!! SERVPRO is the BEST!! Thank you Lathe for your team and your kind help getting things done. Miracles do happen!! 

Sincerely, Gretchen Burt

Milwaukee, Wisconsin