SERVPRO New Hire Expectations vs Reality

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Our new hire Chelsea posing with her dog Bauer

I’m Chelsea and I was recently hired as the Administrative Assistant at SERVPRO. Previously, I had no experience in this type of industry or emergency services. I knew it would occasionally be fast paced, but that’s the only expectations I had. Since I have been here 3 months, I’ve learned a lot and realized that there is something new to do every day, and every job is different. I’ve also gained appreciation for our technicians! To run or assist on a project in this industry requires talent, to not only know how we can help in almost any type of situation, but also to do the work.

  Since being here we have done not only water, fire, mold, biohazard, and cleaning jobs, but also assisted and completed work I never knew SERVPRO could help with. We have worked on cleaning and reconstruction in RV’s, houses damaged from lightning strikes, and even removing mold and odor from cars. There are things that truly make SERVPRO one of a kind and truly “Ready for Whatever Happens”.

Storm Season 2022

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Technician taking a break next to a SERVPRO truck at a storm job site

Here in Florida, we have had quite the storm season! When we saw Hurricane Ian was going to make a direct hit, our team jumped into action and was ready for whatever happened. We didn’t get directly hit here in the Tampa Bay Area, however, that didn’t stop us from helping our fellow Floridians. Shortly thereafter, Hurricane Nicole passed through the Sunshine Sate as well.

Here’s a breakdown of what storm season looked like for Team George:

• We responded to one of the sites most heavily impacted within 24 hours of landfall.
• We had over 10 commercial large loss jobs running at one time, including the Braves Training Facility, multiple Publix’s, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, while also assisting local residents as well.
• Many of our Project Managers and technicians worked around the clock, most putting in 15-hour days.
• We are still actively working on jobs there, that’s 10 weeks and counting that our team has been putting effort into restoring the lives and homes of the people that need it most right now.

While our hearts are saddened that so many people’s lives have been affected by this, we are beyond grateful that so many people have trusted SERVPRO to help restore their community, and that we have the opportunity to help.

Water Damage? What you can expect when you call SERVPRO.

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Our snack manager, Loki, managing a loaded trailer ready to dispatch to a water damage.

One of the most common calls we get is for Water Restoration Services. It can be very stressful when there is water damage in your home, and you might not know what to expect, especially if this has never happened before.

Here’s what you can expect when you call:

• Our receptionist will take your information and try to help walk you through the process. Once we get all the required information from you, we will dispatch a team to respond to your home.
• When the technician arrives, they will be thorough and quite literally walk you through the process, explaining what they see, what they’re doing and why. Our technicians are experts in this industry and will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and guide you through the process.
• Once the equipment is placed, our technicians will continue to monitor and make sure affected areas are drying properly.
• We work with almost every insurance company in the country, if a claim is filed, the office staff will speak to your adjuster and work directly with your insurance to make the process as streamlined as possible.

We understand the process and want to help you understand it as well. Even though these situations can be overwhelming, we are here to help you.

Tarpon Businesses Face Water Damage After a Fire

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Hotel fires are more common than you might think. Firefighters in the U.S. respond to an estimated average of 3,520 structure fires in hotels and motels each year. In addition to the fire damage there is the issue of water damage throughout the hotel.

It is very important to address any hotel water damage in a timely manner. There are serious consequences when water damage is ignored. These issues can cause visitors to leave the hotels and not come back. It is important to hire professionals to take care of the cleanup. It is a bad idea to rely entirely on your abilities to clean up all of the water damage. This can result in some of the water left in inaccessible areas which can give way to mold and other issues on the property.

Knowing who to call is an important decision that will have an impact on your business. Call SERVPRO of Tarpon (727) 934-5555. Any moisture needs to be cleaned up and taken care of to avoid hazards. You want to avoid mold getting into the airways. SERVPRO of Tarpon has well trained experts that know how to take care of water issues.

SERVPRO of Tarpon is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

Before mold or other issues cost you more contact SERVPRO of Tarpon (727) 934-5555.

The longer water is left standing, the more likely mold growth will become a problem. Mold can begin to grow in a flooded commercial site in 24 to 72 hours. Contact SERVPRO of Tarpon to eliminate standing water.

We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

One thing you can do to help out is to make sure all of the items that are damaged by the water are dried out quickly so that there is no growth of mold. Call SERVPRO of Tarpon (727) 934-5555.

Commercial Disaster Response in Tarpon

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Quick to Help

After a disaster, Tarpon home and business owners often do not know where to begin when it comes to cleaning up and making repairs. It can be a frustrating task without a professional cleanup and restoration company to help.

 
SERVPRO offers an extensive list of building services for Tarpon commercial and residential customers. Many of them are apparent, like boarding up broken windows, but we also take care of tasks that many people do not realize they need until after the fire or flood has already been through their structure, damaging their property.

 
Temporary fencing, warehouse space, and moving out are three of the immediate "I never thought of that" problems we can help take care of after a disaster, from fire or flood. When a structure is declared unsafe to operate out of, our crews can install a temporary fence in less than a day, usually. If it is a business, and it is safe to enter and remove property, we can help proprietors move their inventory to storage on our facility or assist in finding temporary storage elsewhere. There, we can salvage inventory and other valuables.

 
Portable power is another example. Even after a major disaster, most residents in our area expect the power back on by the time it gets dark; this rarely happens. For private homes, this is not usually a problem for a day or two unless one of the residents has a medical need requiring uninterrupted power. We can trailer in a generator that handles all power requirements to include medical support, refrigeration, and to run our equipment. Depending on the incident, portable generators always available on our Green Fleet may fill the bill.

 
For businesses, power means lights, security, and being able to operate basic equipment. SERVPRO technicians can set-up larger generators for medium-sized businesses like a corner market so the owner can support his neighborhood to include fresh milk, eggs, and other foodstuffs. We use these same generators to help city offices to help residents with finding temporary housing and other services.

 
We can also support larger structures like shelters and clinics with generator trucks. These large-scale generators can provide power for up to 24 hours without service. Thanks to their design, our support teams can safely refuel them without shutting down the power. From small remodeling and reconstruction to large-loss natural disasters, SERVPRO of Tarpon technicians and mechanics can help.

Reliable Professional Services

 
Those are just a few of the building services that SERVPRO of Tarpon offers to help start the recovery and restoration process. If you need us or have questions about what else we can do for you, call today at (727) 934-5555. We are here for you.

Severe Storms on The Way to Tarpon

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

As water travels it picks up residue from materials, it comes into contact with along the way.

SERVPRO of Tarpon Is the Right Call

Flood water can devastate an entire town or city in a matter of hours. Storms are a serious risk to your safety and have the power to flip SUV's or uproot trees with as little as a foot of rushing water. This year, flash floods have accounted for billions of dollars of personal property damage. The restoration process begins with a quick call to a professional service to arrange an emergency call-out.

Properties need an expert restoration provider after flood damage in Tarpon Springs to ensure no further damages are caused and that it is safe to return to the property. SERVPRO of Tarpon has a wealth of experience dealing with flooding and has sent large loss teams all over the country to help residents get their homes back to pre-flood conditions, “Like it never even happened.”

Many of our technicians are IICRC certificate holders in applied structural drying, odor control, and other essential restoration areas. SERVPRO can promise to arrange a service within one hour of receiving notification of loss; we can arrive onsite within four. Our technicians have the necessary training to restore power, the expertise to mitigate loss and the experience to relocate your possessions for deep cleaning processes.

Extreme Weather

In extreme weather conditions, a service you can trust is your first call. SERVPRO has access to national scale equipment that can help to dry your property faster. Truck-mounted extraction units can be brought with us in severe property damages alongside submersible gas-powered pumps. Quickly removing standing water is crucial when it comes to guarding against permanent damages. SERVPRO of Tarpon uses the finest equipment in the industry to ensure properties can be restored to their preloss conditions.

As water travels it picks up residue from materials, it comes into contact with along the way. These can be harmful and include raw sewage, animal carcasses, pesticides, herbicides or other dangerous pathogens. We can both assess and remediate damages that Black Water causes using our industry-leading training and resources.

Trained, Trusted Professionals in Tarpon

Equipment is essential to proper flood remediation. Contact SERVPRO of Tarpon at (727) 934-5555 for professional restoration.

Mold Could Be Costing Your Tarpon Business Time and Money

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tarpon has the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Tarpon Water Damage Could Result in Mold in Your Business

When your business or commercial site has water damage, please consider calling in SERVPRO of Tarpon restoration experts right away.

SERVPRO of Tarpon has the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.
Microbes can grow out of control in even the cleanest environments. A tipped-over mop bucket, a tiny leak in a water line or drain, or anything else that introduced water into a hotel's interior can lead to problems.

Timely remediation and preventative measures provide long-lasting protection from additional damage.

Trained Technicians

SERVPRO of Tarpon technicians receive extensive and thorough training, earning them certifications from the IICRC. We know that the hotels in our area provide crucial services for our local economy, and we want to ensure that remediation leaves your hotel "Like it never even happened."

Remediation and restoration can rid your commercial site of any excessive mold and any related damage but also the often-pervasive odors that accompany microbial infestations.

To accomplish this, SERVPRO of Tarpon technicians begin with an assessment that includes locating the source or sources of intrusive water. These may include past mishaps, such as a sink that overflowed, or more recent or ongoing situations like seeping water lines. Moisture readers help us detect any sources of water, stagnant moisture, or abnormal humidity.

Resolving the issue that allowed the water to enter, drying out any leftover moisture, and restoring dry conditions paves the way for our expert remediators to begin their work.

To keep remediation and restoration costs low, we test materials exhibiting mold colonization to ensure we perform the least costly method. When cleaning alone proves sufficient, we know this method provides the useful results desired but at a fraction of the costs involved in replacement options.

When mold grows deep into materials, cleaning can no longer do the job required, and replacing damaged materials becomes part of the restoration process. We remove the damaged materials in a safe, clean manner, so microbial-laden dust never finds its way into uncontaminated areas of your hotel.

We implement the use of containment structures and equipment to prevent the spread of microbial activity. Temporary negative pressure structures keep microbes from settling elsewhere while HEPA-filtered air scrubbers remove any unwanted particles present in the air. Both maintain your hotel's air quality at a safe and healthy level.

SERVPRO of Tarpon's 24-hour service line, (727) 934-5555 is answered 365 days a year. If mold damage affects your business, our professional technicians can remediate the situation quickly. We also serve the business communities surrounding Innisbrook and Trinity.

Storms Bring Flood Waters to Tarpon

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

When storms bring heavy flood waters a sponge won't be enough.

Severe Storm Damage in Tarpon Springs

Heavy rains are a given in this part of Florida and flash flooding is a valid concern for homeowners in Tarpon Springs. The flood water removal process needs to begin as quickly as possible to mitigate damage when it enters your home. That is why you can rely on us to schedule service and get to your home quickly.

Flood water in Tarpon Springs is never handled as a clean water situation, it is grey water at best and often black water due to contaminants such as sewage or chemicals and debris picked up along the way. SERVPRO of Tarpon IICRC-certified technicians are experts in applied structural drying, odor control and restoration techniques to keep losses from water damage to a minimum.

We utilize powerful truck mounted pumps and gas-powered submersible extractors to pull the water out of the home as quickly as possible. In-place drying is not applicable for carpeting and padding that has been submerged by gray or black water. In some cases, in-plant drying can be done, but often the carpet and padding require replacement due to contaminants. If the flood water was not deep in the home, furniture could dry on raised blocks.

SERVPRO of Tarpon technicians set up powerful air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the subflooring and to speed drying of walls, weep holes can be drilled to allow the air flow to reach behind the drywall and effectively dry the building materials. Along with drying the structure, the technicians want to eliminate conditions that are conducive to mold growth. We use powerful antifungal cleaners to thoroughly wipe down areas affected by water to inhibit mold growth and stop the problem before it starts.

When you call SERVPRO of Tarpon at (727) 934-5555, our certified technicians can begin the process of flood water removal by asking questions about your unique situation to determine what type of equipment we need to bring to neutralize the water damage in your home. We are available 24/7 to quickly and efficiently make your loss “Like it never even happened."

Reliable Storm Damage Restoration Specialists in Tarpon

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. Trained, certified technicians are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable. With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

Water gushing into your home from various areas can leave anyone helpless. At first, you might be surprised, followed by panic, a bit of scrambling, and then desperation. It is impossible in this state of mind to come up with the right solution unless you already have a plan in place.

For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO of Tarpon can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. They like working with us because we always try to find a way to stay within budget while supplying homeowners with what they need. A happy customer makes the experience much more efficient, allowing us an opportunity to provide you with the services you deserve.

It's also important to be prepared for storm damage because flood damage is not usually covered by most home insurance policies.

For Tarpon homeowners, water removal in situations like this make planning crucial. You want to save as many of your contents, as fast as possible, with limited losses. What you need is access to someone who has the experience, equipment, and personnel available to get the job done quickly. Searching through your phone does not tell you who has done reliable work in the past. Your insurance company can point you in the right direction, even if you have not had an incident yet.

At SERVPRO of Tarpon, we have a variety of water removal equipment at our disposal. Infrared moisture detectors make locating hidden pockets of moisture easier while hygrometers and physical detection methods make adjusting moisture levels in your home a cinch. Our air movers, dehumidifiers, and water extractors come with many attachments that allow us to remove any moisture, anywhere in your home. SERVPRO of Tarpon provides every service that turns your house back into a home after an incident causes problems.

When you want IICRC certified technicians to respond to your household needs quickly, give us a call. Our 24-hour emergency services guarantee someone is there when you need us, our dedication to excellence ensures that you receive the results you deserve.

Remember to Call Us First, Call SERVPRO of Tarpon to schedule your initial appointment, or to get started on your water removal without delay (727) 934-5555.

SERVPRO of Tarpon Can Help You with Restoration and Rebuilding

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring a home after fire damage is also a perfect opportunity to schedule a kitchen renovation.

The Team That Can Help You Rebuild in Tarpon

Restoring a home after fire damage is also a perfect opportunity to schedule a kitchen renovation. SERVPRO of Tarpon restoration teams can work with homeowners to replace damaged appliances with the latest model or help rebuild and redesign a kitchen from the floor up.

In addition to handling water, storm and fire damage, our technicians are trained to replace walls, paint, install tile, and much more.

SERVPRO technicians can move and reset a kitchen island to a new position in the kitchen. They can also replace a damaged countertop with a new one and reface kitchen cabinets just as easily. Once the new cabinets and countertops are in place, the team leader then installs the new tile around them to match the color and design of the new appliances.

If there are no load-bearing walls involved, our restoration teams can enlarge a kitchen. They start the process by tearing the drywall off the frame and dispose of it. Even if the panels are not fire damaged, they are fragile, and it is cheaper to replace them than to spend the extra labor hours attempting to remove them for reuse.

Next, the teams detach the wall framing from the floor and ceiling. If there are load-bearing walls, or other support beams and structures involved, our team leader recommends the homeowner bring in a general contractor. Once our specialists install the new framing, they hang drywall on it and then either paint or attach paneling to meet the owner’s demands.

Finally, our teams install the new floors to finish off the look of the renovated kitchen. Each of our technicians on this task is thoroughly trained to lay on the new floor to prevent air pockets and lumps in the adhesive we use to attach it to the concrete floor.

A fire can leave any homeowner at a loss for direction. The goal of SERVPRO of Tarpon is to help every homeowner return to a safe, clean home that is hopefully better than it was before the disaster. Call us today at (727) 934-5555 to find out what we can do for you.