Recent Posts

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)

Can You Repair a Fire Damaged House 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)

4 Steps to Take Immediately After Water Damage 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)

Damage from a severe storm 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

Helpful tips to prevent a house fire

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

House fires kill and injure many every year, while leaving many without their home, and valuable memories and possessions. Fire prevention is more important than many realize. 

Ways to Prevent House Fires

-Establish an emergency plan with fire routes. 

-Test all smoke alarms in your home.

-Teach your children fire safety. 

-Perform home maintenance consistently.

- Use candles with caution.

-Don't leave food cooking unattended.

- Store flammables safely.

- Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. 

- Check all electrical cords in your home. If wires are frayed, throw it away.

Fire preparation is an important part of safeguarding your home and your family. Knowing not only how to prevent a fire but also how to escape it and get quick fire cleanup is essential.

Tips to get your business ready for the weather ahead

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

A frozen pipe with icicles hanging from it. Summer is over, fall is here, and winter is right around the corner!

Summer is over, Fall is here, and Winter is right around the corner! While not every storm will cripple a business, it is still necessary to be prepared. Along with frigid temperatures and snow, winter can create problems with plumbing and operations. Therefore, it is essential to make a plan for the worst-case scenario.

  1. Prepare Your Building-Make sure you check your plumbing and electricity regularly, but even more so when a winter storm is heading your way. Outside plumbing should be shut off and cleared to prevent freezing and possible burst pipes. Additionally, it may be a good idea to secure a generator if your business does not already have one. If your company does have a generator, it is a good investment to have it serviced before the winter weather sets in.
  2. Plan for Ice and Snow-Any winter storm is going to bring issues of snow and ice. Being prepared for this situation means having a plow service on contract and ensuring that all walkways and driveways are cleared and salted. It is vital to do everything in your power to ensure that customers do not get hurt on the way into your business.
  3. Focus on Inventory-Also, as storms have the potential to cause significant business interruption as well as property damage, it is vital to take an accurate inventory of all your assets. This inventory will be used for insurance claims if property damage results in an inventory loss. You should move stock to a secure and climate-controlled area, photographing and documenting everything. This will help streamline the process if a claim is made.
  4. Make a List of Contacts-While taking inventory is necessary, it is also crucial to make a list of emergency contacts. This list should include all personnel who are essential to your operations. Additionally, you should include a disaster restoration specialists in the Omaha area in case of an emergency.

    Winter storm season can produce significant threats to business operations. Massive snowfalls and ice storms can wreak havoc on you Omaha business, so it is essential to have a plan. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County today at (402)835-5985 and schedule one of our marketers to come to your business to help you with an Emergency Readiness Plan at no cost to you!

Faster to your Omaha/Saunders County disaster

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Three lime green vans parked side by side Flooding and water disasters don't wait for regular business hours,and neither do we!

Faster to your Omaha/Saunders County water disaster!

Flooding and water disasters don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all emergency cleaning and restoration, including all holidays. 

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (402)835-5985

About SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County

SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.