Don't Let a Fire Ruin Your Holiday Season

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

Don't Let a Fire Ruin Your Holiday Season: Follow these steps to prepare your home for Winter and prevent fires 

Preparing your home for winter is key to maintaining a safe, warm, and efficient environment all season long. Here’s a quick guide to ensure you’re covered:

1. Inspect Heating Systems

• Furnace: Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning to remove any debris and ensure your furnace is in top shape.
• Fireplaces: Creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires, so have your chimney cleaned and inspected.
• Space Heaters: Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable, and always turn them off when unattended.

2. Check Your Water Heater

• With use, water heaters can develop wear in their heating element and thermostat, which increases fire risks. Regular inspections can help you avoid these hazards.

3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• These devices save lives, so replace batteries if needed and test them regularly.

4. Clean Dryer Ducts

• Lint buildup is a major fire hazard, so clear dryer ducts to prevent blockages and reduce risks.

5. Check Fire Extinguishers

• Make sure they are up-to-date, easily accessible, and in working condition.

6. Only Burn Dry Firewood

• Avoid painted or treated wood, which can release harmful chemicals, and use only dry wood to minimize sparks, steam, and smoke.

7. Holiday Decorations

• Keep trees and decorations away from heat sources, and always unplug lights when unattended. Never leave candles burning unattended, and keep them clear of anything flammable.

Fire Restoration Services

If the unexpected occurs, SERVPRO of Monroe/West Monroe offers 24/7 emergency fire and smoke damage restoration. From water removal after firefighting efforts to soot and odor cleanup, their trained team is equipped to help restore your home or business.

By following these steps, you’ll help ensure a cozy, safe winter season for you and your loved ones.

How long does it take for water damage to set in?

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

How long does it take for water damage to set in? 

When you discover you have had a water intrusion in your home, you will have a lot of questions. How long has this water been sitting here? What do we do? Who do we call? How much time do we have to get this cleaned up? 

With any type of water damage, time is of the essence. A quick response is crucial to prevent water from causing its peak potential damage. It does not take very long for water to cause problems, but the longer it sits, the worse it will get. That also means that repairs will take longer and become more expensive. 

We have compiled this timeline to demonstrate just how quickly water damage sets in and what can happen if left for too long.   

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water absorbs into walls, floors, upholstery, and other belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces start to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of South Shreveport 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a water damage event. Our team understands the importance of responding to water damage quickly, that is why we offer 24/7 emergency services so that our professional crews can get to work quickly, minimizing the potential damage to your property and returning it to “preloss” condition as soon as possible.  

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications.

How to Prepare your Shreveport Business for a Disaster

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage caused the ceiling in this office space to cave in.

Flooding in your South Shreveport business can be time-consuming, expensive, and overwhelming. If you do not recover quickly, you could potentially lose customers or even go out of business. Working with an established and reputable restoration company to remediate damage can make a crucial difference in returning your business to normal operations.

Preparedness is another important key to getting back to business. SERVPRO® has created tools to help prepare you for a catastrophic event such as a flood. With our Emergency Ready Plan® (ERP) we will assess your property in person, look for potential vulnerabilities, and make recommendations that can minimize damage. Our team will also locate all of your emergency shut-offs and other key locations and compile this information into our ERP app for your use.  

You can then personalize your profile to appoint team members to make decisions if you are unavailable during a crisis. The ERP will also include a blueprint of your business, names of important contacts and phone numbers, utility shut-off locations, and any other important information you want to include. You also can indicate that you want SERVPRO® to respond in the event of an emergency, which can help speed up the mitigation process. 

The SERVPRO® ERP allows a business owner to indicate priorities regarding areas of the business to restore first or documents or records to inventory and pack out. Take the opportunity to work with our IICRC certified technicians on ideas that can keep at least a portion of your business open during the recovery so that your clientele does not lose confidence in your products or services during the restoration process.

SERVPRO® of South Shreveport is ready to work with you to recover from a flooding event. Take our service to another level by developing an Emergency Ready Plan and Profile. Call (318) 865-4655 to get the process started

DIY Mold Mitigation?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

It only takes 24-48 hours of dampness to create a mold outbreak.

The humidity in Shreveport puts residents at risk for mold growth and damage to their homes. If excess moisture is able to collect or saturate structural components, it can lead to serious problems for the homeowner. Even those who regularly clean and are proactive about preventing mold can still miss a microbial threat. 

It only takes 24 to 48 hours of dampness to create a mold outbreak. If a water event moistens areas of your home and you do not remove the moisture, expect mold. A weekend away is enough time for spores to spread if an open window lets in rain or if a pet knocks over a water bowl.

While removing water and drying out surfaces quickly can help prevent a mold outbreak, water damage can be tricky for a homeowner to manage if it reaches behind walls or occurs in low traffic areas of your home. When a mold outbreak does occur, trying to clean it up yourself can lead to even more problems. When bleach is used to attempt to remediate an infestation, it will not kill the mold but will only lighten the staining. Common household bleach is primarily water and will soak into the affected area and feed the mold rather than killing it. 

Professional mold remediators have the training and job experience to meet the challenges mold damage brings. SERVPRO® mold remediation crews rely on a range of techniques and products to remove mold colonies. Some of these include EPA registered antimicrobial agents, scrubbing and scraping techniques, and soda blasting to restore porous surfaces.

Trying to remove or mitigate mold on your own generally only makes the problem worse. Making mold a problem best left to the experts. If you suspect or are experiencing a mold problem, SERVPRO® of South Shreveport is poised to remediate any size mold damage outbreak in your home. Contact our experts at (318) 865-4655 for a mold abatement plan that clears away the current mold with an eye on eliminating the moisture mold must have to reproduce and multiply.

How to Stay Safe During a Flood

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding from a 2010 storm. Photo: FEMA

Homeowners in Louisiana face an especially high risk of flooding. These are especially common during hurricane season, but can also be caused by unusual or severe weather patterns. 

If you have experienced flooding in your home, it is important to conduct a list of safety checks before reentering your home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has produced an in-depth document outlining these safety steps. Some important steps from this list include: 

• Checking the roof for dips or weak spots

• Checking external walls to determine if they are no longer plumb 

• Conducting an external inspection of the foundation to determine if there is any damage

• Ensuring that electricity and gas have been completely shut off

Inside of the house, some additional hazards may be present, some of these may include:

• Contaminated flood water may have left dangerous contaminants behind or dangerous debris. 

• Mold may have developed in your home, crawl spaces, or attics. Certain species of mold may cause serious health risks to you and your family. 

• Older homes also run the risk of lead or asbestos contamination.  

The desire to check on your home and get back to normal after a flood or major water damage disaster is completely natural, but even a few minutes inside could lead to serious risks to your health. At SERVPRO® of South Shreveport, we provide emergency water disaster services for Shreveport, Bossier City, Northwest Louisiana and Northeast Texas.  Our mitigation specialists have extensive training for safely entering these types of dangerous environments and for getting the remediation process started.  It is our hope you never have to experience a water damage disaster, but if you do, we are a phone call away at (318) 865-4655 and are always here to help.

Fire Restoration Assistance for Shreveport Homes 

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport when your home has soot and fire damage. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fire Damage at Your Shreveport Home Is Not the End

You may have your life organized in an apple pie order, but a fire at your home can ruin everything. Apart from messing with your daily schedules, it can limit your home's utility until the fire restoration is complete. SERVPRO can help fast-track restoration tasks such as cleaning, repairing, and deodorizing your Shreveport property.

Life has to go on as the professional team tackles fire restoration at your Shreveport home. However, your home may not be in shape to host many of your regular activities, whether preparing your meals, personal grooming, or entertainment. However, if you are open to venturing out, there are unlimited offers within Shreveport to serve you. 

As the SERVPRO team removes soot and tears down burnt drywall, you can give yourself a makeover at any of the local spas and beauty parlors dotting Shreveport, including:

• Spa Concepts Salon & Spa on Ashley Ridge Boulevard offers haircuts, massages, facials, and more
• Nails Palace on Jewella Avenue specializes in nail grooming through acrylic nails, manicures, and pedicures
• Planet Beach on Youree Drive offers facials, spray tanning, and teeth whitening
• The Woodhouse Day Spa on Line Avenue provides body treatments, massage therapy, and facials. 

In the same way, your house requires work from the inside and outside; you may want to revamp the body from the inside. You can try different eateries and entertainment joints within Shreveport to enjoy memorable meals or other activities.

Eateries and Entertainment Facilities

• Superior's Steakhouse on Pierremont Road is a fine dining restaurant where you can enjoy seafood or steak.
• Ki' Mexico on Gilbert Drive is a casual restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Mexican dishes.
• If you appreciate independent, foreign, and classic films, you can try The Robinson Film Center on Texas Street.
• Shreveport Aquarium on Clyde Fant Parkway features marine life exhibits and interactive experiences that you can try.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport handles all fire restoration-related issues - call (318) 865-4655 for assistance.  

Water Damage Restoration for the Greater Shreveport Area

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Regardless of the water damage incident at your Shreveport property, know that SERVPRO of South Shreveport is only a call away.

Reach Out to SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup

Shreveport is a bustling metropolitan area ranking third in terms of the highest population in Louisiana. Initially founded in 1836 by Shreve Town Company, this area has thriving businesses, unique restaurants, and exciting sightseeing opportunities. There is something in the city to see and do for everyone, which is why many people relocate here for work or raising a family. SERVPRO wants all property owners to know that we are the number one choice in the area for all your water damage remediation and restoration needs.

Along with being a trusted name for water damage restoration in Shreveport, SERVPRO is known for its prompt response and disaster recovery. Whether you have flooding from a tropical storm or a burst pipe in your home, you can count on us to be at your door ready to work within hours. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Must-see attractions and eateries in the Shreveport area:

• The Shreveport Aquarium – This popular attraction is home to thousands of animals, and you will find it nestled along the downtown riverfront. You can explore the touch tanks, check out shipwreck replicas, and learn all about the ocean, sea life, and conservation efforts.
• Herby K’s – When it is time to grab a bite, Herby K’s is a must. This historic and oldest restaurant in the city has become a popular rite of passage for locals and visitors alike. Sample popular items on the menu, such as the Shrimp Buster po’boy, piled high with butterflied fried shrimp and the famous Shrimp Buster sauce.
• Shreveport Festivals – Depending on the time of year in the city, you will find a host of unique festivals and immersive gatherings. The CORK Wine Festival is perfect for sampling dozens of wines from across the globe, or the Mudbug Madness Festival is all about the love of crawfish – a Louisiana staple.

Regardless of the water damage incident at your Shreveport property, know that SERVPRO of South Shreveport is only a call away. Reach us at (318) 865-4655; we can send restoration technicians as soon as possible.

Why Shreveport Properties Need Skilled Mold Removal

4/30/2023 (Permalink)

Once mold damage is noticed, there is no going back. With one call to SERVPRO, you can get an assessment and remediation services.

SERVPRO Features Mold Remediation Experts for Results

Homeowners often make a series of mistakes when they notice mold development or musty odors in their Shreveport property. Not only is it detrimental to hold off on cleanup, but it is also harmful to dive in using over-the-counter products and DIY methods. Whether you suspect mold under your kitchen cabinets, in your bathroom, or in another area of your home, you must have professionals to tackle safe, efficient mold remediation. SERVPRO features IICRC-certified technicians to help you ensure you get the results you need to avoid hazards and costly secondary damage.

Why is SERVPRO the answer when you need professional mold cleanup in Shreveport? Because we use proven methods, follow enhanced safety protocols, and bring all the best equipment to each project. Our inspection and cleanup efforts are all about generating results. We also work to correct the cause of the mold problem to help prevent it from returning.

The SERVPRO mold remediation advantage

• Mold Testing – Several factors may lead to microbial growth from your HVAC system, improper ventilation, or a hidden pipe leak. The source must get addressed so all colonization areas can be thoroughly sanitized and deodorized. We can facilitate mold testing to have samples further evaluated at a lab. 
• Mold Cleanup – Our technicians have access to a broad range of technology, including air scrubbers with HEPA filtration and vacuums to pull up surface spores. Everything is done with containment barriers and negative pressure systems to keep spores from becoming airborne and moving into unaffected areas. 
• Thorough Cleaning – Your home deserves to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, so we do so with powerful cleaning agents and proven odor control methods. Our crew removes bacteria, sanitizes all surfaces, and eliminates musty odors. 

No Shreveport homeowner should leave mold remediation to chance. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport by requesting help online or by calling (318) 865-4655. We will send a crew out to begin inspection and cleanup services as soon as possible to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Deal with Water Damage Fast for Best Results in Shreveport

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO utilizes advanced equipment to ensure your water damaged Shreveport home has been thoroughly dried.

Shreveport Properties Recovery Faster with SERVPRO’s Water Damage Help!

Nobody wants to encounter water emergencies, including both homeowners and businesses alike. However, they can develop at any time and usually without warning. Preparation is critical if you want to get your Shreveport property back to normal as quickly as possible. This is why you should always have the name of a trusted water restoration team handy to have the help you need in a pinch. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster, available 24/7, and we feature skilled IICRC-certified technicians to handle your water removal services and damage restoration needs!

Hiring professional cleanup and water damage restoration in Shreveport gets you results faster than any DIY methods ever can provide. Our team is up-to-date on all the latest industry technology and techniques in the restorations field. You will also see us pulling up with our Green Fleet of vehicles stocked with everything necessary to help you make your property “Like it never even happened."

Let Us Get Started on Water Removal Services

We have the capability and scalability to ensure small and large water extractions get done in a timely manner. You can count on us to come in and handle saturated carpeting, standing water left from floodwaters, or take care of moisture left after a major appliance malfunction. We begin water mitigation as soon as we can upon arrival to keep water from migrating into unaffected areas of your property. We do this with the help of equipment like:

• Wet vacuums
• Submersible pumps
• Gas-powered pumps
• Truck-mounted extractors
• Portable extraction units
• Carpet wands
• Rovers

We Handle Drying and Dehumidification in Tandem with Water Removal

Drying and dehumidification are critical elements in any water-related restoration project we perform here at SERVPRO. Proper drying efforts matched with dehumidification bring relative humidity (RH) back to normal. We have powerful air movers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers that remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, flooring, walls, and even harder-to-reach areas. We bring:

• Axial fans
• Air movers
• Drying mats
• Desiccant dehumidifiers

What About Odor Control?

We have a well-rounded team of industry professionals to handle each aspect of your water damage project. This includes Odor Control Technicians (OCT) to ensure no lingering odors get left after water extraction and drying wraps up. Water and fire-related incidents are known for pungent or musty odors that must be handled, so there is no reminder of the emergency. Our equipment and proven methods ensure your interior gets left smelling clean so you and your family can breathe easy again, including:

• Air scrubbers with powerful HEPA filters
• Thermal foggers
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers
• Odor counteractant granules or beads
• EPA-registered cleaning and deodorizing agents

Why is Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorizing Necessary?

Whenever standing water or moisture has been festering, there is the potential for contamination and bacterial growth. SERVPRO features a variety of cleaning agents and antimicrobial products in our arsenal that allow us to clean as we go, ensuring surfaces are free of contaminants. Everything gets a detailed cleaning, so all impacted areas of your home or business are safe once again for all that enter. This is our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval!

No matter the incident, whether you have a dishwasher that breaks and sends water under your cabinetry, flooring, etc., or something else, you will have to deal with an insurance claim. Rather than dealing with all the paperwork, we can help! SERVPRO is your insurance liaison to ensure all documentation is in order.

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport whenever you require assistance with water damage. Reach us 24/7 by dialing (318) 865-4655!

Trusted Fire Damage Cleanup for Shreveport Homes and Businesses

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

You can depend on our SERVPRO teams to cleanup and restore your Shreveport property and personal belongings after fire damage.

SERVPRO is Fast to Help Shreveport Residents Dealing with Fire Damage

Fire tragedies strike every few minutes across the United States, so it is no wonder that many Shreveport residents worry it will happen to them. In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences a fire, you need to work on rebuilding as soon as possible. The sense of loss and confusion you may feel amplifies when you realize that the damage can worsen the longer you wait to address the charred debris, soot, and water left behind. SERVPRO wants residents and business owners in the area to know we are the team to call for all fire emergency restorations so that you can get back on your feet again!

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Regardless of the time of day, if the fire occurs during a holiday or weekend, we can have a team at your door within hours to help with fire damage in Shreveport. We consider the need for smoke remediation with the types of soot deposits and residue present. It is also imperative to go over the level of charring, the condition of contents, and the safety of all structural elements. All efforts help us to restore everything to preloss condition so that you can enjoy your daily life without lingering reminders of the emergency.

What Does Controlled Demolition Mean with House Fire Cleanup?

Something to know about SERVPRO is that we always act fast and work on a restore versus replace level whenever possible. In many situations, we can use our industrial cleaning equipment, specialized methods, and cleaning protocols to return smoke-damaged and soiled materials and items to a like-new condition once again.

With many fire events, building materials like drywall, paneling, flooring, subfloor, carpets, and other materials will call for total replacement. Controlled demolition allows us to pinpoint areas for restoration so that we can salvage as much as possible to save money overall. Using trusted contractors in the area, we ensure all areas get reconstructed and finished off to look “Like it never even happened.” Some of the steps our crew may take include:

• Sealant application and painting
• Tile, hardwood, linoleum, and marble floor repair
• Carpet cleaning or replacement
• Drywall removal and replacement
• HVAC cleaning and sealant application
• Furniture restoration and more!

We Streamline All Processes to Get You the Results You Need Fast!

Once you have a fire in your home or business, give us a call to talk with our customer care team. We go over the details of the fire and your property and gather other information to begin your project. A team gets dispatched to your door, where our crew chief assesses and inspects all areas to determine the level of charring, structural integrity, and all equipment necessary to execute fire restoration. If needed, we also have staging equipment and alternative power available should electricity be an issue after the fire.

• To protect the interior from the elements, board up, and tarping help cover windows, doors, damaged roofing, and other holes in the building.
• Our water removal services address any standing water or chemicals from fire-fighting efforts.
• Our fire and smoke restoration technicians determine the salvageability of contents and personal belongings. Everything gets separated for cleaning or disposal, with some items getting inventoried and packed up for safe storage until restoration is complete.

Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport by dialing (318) 865-4655 or request help 24-hours a day online. We are here for emergency water and fire damage restoration to get the results you deserve!