HOT HOT HEAT

7/12/2024 (Permalink)

The Show Must Go On !

SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati not only provides property damage restoration and construction we also have a fleet of portable HVAC units. With rising temperatures this summer we have been engaged with community suppling temporary air conditioning to a variety of spaces. From nursing homes and hospitals to retail and events we years of experience delivering emergency heat or air conditioning to those in need. The following picture is a an outdoors music event where the temperatures were reaching triple digits. The five ton trailer mounted air conditioner was suppling the stage crew as well as the band a cool place to get some relief. We undoubtedly all have heard the saying "the show must go on" thanks to SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati the show did just that. For all of your emergency needs call us at 513-737-8776 the name and the number are the same.

Cincinnati Heavy Rains

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Norwood Floods

Recently Greater Cincinnati has seen a significant amount of rain fall leading to flash flooding as well as water intrusions. Many of the homes across both Butler and Hamilton Counties have basements. A good number of these basements have either sump pumps or floor drains to help remove unwanted water that has found its way into what once was a dry space. We at SERVPRO recommend checking the operation of your sump pump on a regular basis for proper functionality. Experts also suggest keeping floor drains free of debris and flowing as designed. These few steps could save you from costly repairs. The following picture of the home in Norwood is an example of work that may be required to keep your property in a safe, sanitary and healthy state.

Tracking Down a Moldy Situation | SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Has mold infiltrated your home? SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati is Here to Help®? restore your home. Call us today!

Mold—one little word with a big impact. No one wants it in their home or business, but it happens all the time! 

One minute you are working on clearing out a section of your basement and the next you are hit with an overwhelming smell that is unmistakably mold. 

Since mold tends to flourish in places that aren’t often checked on a regular basis, you could very well come upon a mold infestation that has been growing for months. Knowing what mold looks like, where it grows and what to do if you discover an infestation can help you take action quickly to prevent a serious situation. 

The Basics on Mold 

Mold spores are constantly floating through the air and can be found both inside and outside your home. They are microscopic and can easily get into your home through open windows or doors or through your vent system. While that in and of itself isn’t an issue, the trouble starts when it settles into an area in your home and starts to grow into a colony.

Mold can be any color of the rainbow, and it can be many different textures. Some mold is white and chalky while other kinds are black and slimy. In any case, mold loves to grow in areas that are dark and continually damp. This makes places like your attic, basement and crawl space ideal locations for a mold colony. 

Can Mold Be Prevented? 

Since mold is everywhere, you cannot say with 100% certainty that your home is mold-free. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of a mold infestation from taking hold by controlling the amount of moisture in your home and air. Open windows in high-humidity areas, and keep your fans running to promote air circulation. 

If moisture starts to collect in these common locations, a mold infestation can take hold in as little as 24 hours. You should also address any humidity issues in your home. All homes are a little humid, but you should aim to keep your levels between 30 and 50% humidity for ideal conditions. 

What to Do About Mold Growth

If you are going about your day and smell a musty or earthy smell that you can’t quite place, it’s time to do some investigating. Mold often produces this earthy smell, and following your nose can help you track it down. 

Once you locate the colony, be careful not to disturb it. Some mold types can be dangerous to inhale and should only be handled by trained professionals. 

That’s us! Give us a call so we can come out and identify the mold and contain the area. We will work on filtering the air to clean up the spores floating around and then we will get to work cleaning and sanitizing the entire affected surface. 

If the mold has been growing for some time and has damaged the structural components of your home, we can handle those repairs at this time as well. Mold can be stubborn, but not when our mold remediation team is up to the task! 

Do you suspect a mold problem at your home? Contact SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati today.

When Life Happens, We Are Here to Help | SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

When an accidental biohazard invades your space, SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati is Here to Help®. Call us today!

The possibility of experiencing a disaster or suffering an accident are around us all the time, whether we want to admit it or not. No one plans for dangerous or unfortunate situations to happen to them, but that’s life sometimes. 

When the unexpected happens and you are left to deal with a traumatic situation as well as a potential hazard at your home or business, that is where it can get even more unfortunate. 

Thankfully, that’s where we come into play! Certain substances and situations require a trained hand and the proper safety gear when it comes to the cleanup process. Our biohazard team is here to handle your entire cleanup and restoration process so you can focus on recovering however you need to. 

What Is a Biohazard? 

A biohazard is any substance that poses a threat or risk to human health. It could be anything from a virus to a toxin that has the potential to make people really sick. 

Oftentimes, these substances should not be touched without wearing the proper PPE and having the right training. Our biohazard cleanup crew is highly trained in many different cleanup situations, and we have helped our community overcome harmful chemical leaks, hoarding scenes, sewage leaks and even things like animal waste or animal remains removal. 

Our team understands that time is of the essence in these situations for more reasons than one. For starters, the longer the substance is on your property, the more dangerous it can become. Additional bacteria can start to grow or the substance can leak or seep into more areas of your property and can be harder to remove. 

In addition, most homeowners simply don’t want the hazard in their home longer than it needs to be! We are quick, yet thorough, and we will work hard to remove the hazard and sanitize your space accordingly. 

Our Crime Scene Assistance

Being the victim of a crime is always a traumatic experience, but it can be even more traumatic when it happens at your home or business. The sheer emotional stress is enough to overwhelm anyone. 

Unfortunately, this situation can be made even worse when all of the crime scene processing happens and the authorities comb over your property to gather evidence. When they are done and walk out the doors, you could be left with a huge mess to clean up on your own. 

Did you know that many crime scene cleanups are left to the property owners to handle? You have enough to worry about, so give us a call. 

We can help set your home back together while cleaning up things like fingerprint powder, pepper spray or tear gas residue, and even bloodborne pathogens or other bodily fluids. We will make the recovery process as simple as possible so you can focus on your own personal recovery. 

We are proud to be here for you in your time of need, so we truly hope you call us when you suffer a disaster or discover a potentially hazardous substance on your property.

SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati can swiftly clean up any hazardous situation. Call us today. 

Reduce the Risk of Fire Around Your Property | SERVPRO® of East Central Cincinnati

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Make sure your home is ready if disaster strikes. Call SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati if you experience a house fire.

Spring is in full swing around the Cincinnati area, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the blooming trees and warmer weather.

As we jump into spring-cleaning projects around the home to freshen things up and welcome in a new season, it is important to take necessary steps to prevent or reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire during this time of year.

Get Your Equipment Ready

In the winter months, we certainly abandon certain outdoor equipment like our hedge trimmers and lawn mowers, and even our gas grills if we don’t like standing outside in the cold. As our equipment sits without much maintenance for a while, it can become vulnerable to leaks or malfunctions that increase your fire risk.

Before that first summer BBQ, check your gas lines and connections for leaks or dents to ensure you don’t have a gas leak anywhere near your grill. A gas leak is a huge fire risk!

Your lawn mowers and other power equipment outside should also be inspected. Dented gas tanks or missing gas caps should be fixed quickly to help reduce your risk of a malfunction or accident.

Get The Inside of Your Home Ready

Most house fires that start inside the home are preventable as long as you keep a clean space and are responsible with any flame. The first thing you should do this season is ensure that the vents leading to and from the house are not blocked or clogged with lint. This includes your HVAC vents and your dryer vents. If your air can’t safely escape, it could lead to malfunctions or even start a fire.

When it comes to house fires, the most common location for their origin is in the kitchen. When you are cooking, never leave the kitchen, even if only for a minute. All it takes is for a cotton towel to shift on the counter or a wooden spoon to fall onto the heat and you could be dealing with an out-of-control fire situation.

Remove Debris Buildup

Spring is one of the most important seasons when it comes to reducing your risk of a house or property fire. After a long winter, leaves and yard debris are often left to pile up under snow piles or frozen ground.

When everything has melted, you are typically left with big piles of leaves and other extremely combustible materials. A single spark from a large bonfire can ignite a pile of debris quickly.

As you clean up around your yard, be mindful about where you rake and dump your piles. Try to keep them far away from your structures and from any dry wood piles, and consider removing the debris completely and taking it to a local composting site.

Preventing a house fire is always the most reliable way to avoid fire damage, but if you do end up experiencing a house or property fire, SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati is here for you. Call us as soon as the fire is out, and we will be there to help.

House fires can cause widespread damage. If you experience a fire this year, call us at SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati.

Reasons You Should Hire a Mold Remediation Professionals

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a serious problem that can cause serious damage to your home.

Mold remediation is a specialized field. It requires the expertise of not only a trained professional but also the right type of equipment and chemicals. The wrong type of mold remediator can make matters worse, so it's important to choose someone with the right skill set, experience, and certifications. Here are some reasons why you should hire a professional mold remediation company if you suspect mold in your home or business: 

Locate Hidden Mold Easier

Although you can't see them, mold spores are everywhere, and they're microscopic. The moisture in your home can provide ideal conditions for this growth process to take place. If you suspect you have mold growing in your home and aren't sure how to remove it yourself, contact an expert who will be able to inspect your home for signs of mold growth and provide solutions for treating the underlying cause of condensation before it becomes a bigger problem.

Mold can be hidden in more places than you might expect. Mold can be found behind wall coverings, under carpets, within HVAC systems and ducts, in crawl spaces and attics—even high on the walls of your home.

Mold remediation professionals are trained to identify mold growth patterns inside buildings. They use tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to pinpoint problem areas that may otherwise go unnoticed by homeowners who don't have those specialized skills or training.

Clean, Dry, and Prevent Better

A professional mold remediation company is generally better equipped and trained to handle the task of cleaning and drying after a mold infestation. Some of the reasons why a professional company may be better at cleaning and drying include:

1. Equipment: Professional companies have specialized equipment, such as HEPA air filtration systems, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters, that can be used to effectively remove mold and dry the affected area.
2. Safety: Mold can be harmful to your property if not handled properly. Professional companies follow proper safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear, to ensure the safety of their employees and the occupants of the home.
3. Thoroughness: Professional companies are thorough in their cleaning and drying process, ensuring that all mold is removed and the affected area is completely dry to prevent future mold growth.
4. Warranty: Many professional mold remediation companies offer a warranty on their work, giving you added peace of mind that the problem has been properly addressed. 

Mold Remediation Experts in Cincinnati

A mold remediation job is best left to the professionals because they do this all the time and they know what needs to be done! They are effective with proven methods for sealing homes.

Mold is a serious problem that can cause serious damage to your home. Even worse, untreated mold can spread quickly in your home or business. Mold remediation professionals have the equipment and knowledge necessary to tackle this problem head-on. If you have mold in your Cincinnati home, give SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati a call! We are Here to Help!

What Is Your Emergency Disaster Plan?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to create an Emergency Disaster Plan

What Emergency Disaster Plan Do You Have?

Every business has a responsibility to its employees and customers to have an emergency plan in place. This can be as simple as having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the office or as complicated as a detailed plan that covers everything from evacuation routes, employee communication, and more. The reason for this is simple: the more prepared you are for emergencies, the less likely they are to happen in the first place!

Identify Hazards

The first step to creating your Emergency Disaster Plan is to identify all possible hazards that can occur on your property. These include, but are not limited to:

• Fire, smoke and/or soot damage
• Storm events
• Water leaks or flooding
• Bacteria or mold growth (from floodwaters, sewage backup or other water sources)
• Wet or damp items that can attract insects and pests.

Plan for Business Continuity

When you are planning for business continuity, it's important to identify key functions that must operate during and after an emergency. Determine the critical assets that will be needed to support these key functions.

Identify multiple alternate business sites where your company can relocate if a facility becomes inaccessible or unusable due to damage or other disruption. Identify primary, secondary and tertiary locations based on their proximity to your customers and suppliers as well as their ability to provide the necessary services and products.

Identify alternate communications networks so you can continue communicating with customers during an emergency. Also consider using alternative modes of communication such as email, text messaging systems or social media postings in lieu of telephone calls if possible.

Document Your Plan

Keep a copy of your emergency disaster plan in a safe place, such as a locked filing cabinet, safe, or in the cloud online. You should also make sure that all employees have read and understand the plan. If you have an employee handbook, include information about the plan in it.

For each employee on your staff, include their name and contact information on a list of people to call in case of an emergency. This will ensure that you can reach anyone who needs help quickly during an emergency.

Make sure to update this list whenever someone is added or removed from the company’s roster; this includes when new employees start working at your business and when others leave.

Implement Your Plan

• Have a backup plan in place.

• Be prepared to communicate with employees, customers, vendors and the media.

Employees should be well-informed about potential disasters

It’s important that all employees know about the emergency plan, both in order to follow it, and in order for them to be prepared for any situation. Before a disaster strikes, your employees should be familiar with where they are supposed to go in an emergency, what steps they need to take, and who they should contact if there is no one else available by phone. They should also rehearse their role in the plan so that when an actual emergency occurs, there won’t be any confusion about what needs to happen next. If there is no time for training or rehearsal during an actual emergency (or if some people miss key training sessions), remember that most people will instinctively do whatever they can while waiting for instructions from those with higher authority.

In addition to knowing the general procedures of your company's response plan (e.g., evacuating), employees should know how best way contact 9-1-1 or other emergency services if necessary.

An emergency disaster plan is a valuable asset for any business. It can help ensure that your company stays afloat in times of trouble, and it will give you a clear picture of what needs to be done in case disaster strikes. Having such a plan in place is also key to keeping employees safe and well-informed about potential dangers.

Things You Should Know About Water Damage

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

When water seeps into your home it can quickly cause mold to grow.

Everything You Need to Know About Water Damage

Water damage is not always easily visible. It often starts with a tiny leak in the roof or a pipe that bursts. This can lead to water getting under your home’s foundation, which can cause major structural damage. When water seeps into your home it can quickly cause mold and other expensive repairs. The best way to protect your investment is to call SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati as soon as possible.

Your Plumbing System

The plumbing system of your home is a complex network of pipes, valves and fixtures. The pipes themselves are usually made from copper or steel. They're buried in the ground to prevent freezing and breakage; if one does break, it can cause significant damage to your home by way of flooding or mold growth. Even though most water lines today are made from plastic, rubber or other materials that reduce these risks, you should still be familiar with where they're located so that you can avoid damaging them yourself when working on projects around your property.

When Damage Is Discovered

Here are some steps to take when you suspect that your home has experienced water damage:

• Turn off all power sources and unplug all electronics that might have gotten wet. This includes TV sets, computers, and other devices with electrical components as well as any appliances that may have been damaged by water (such as refrigerators).
• Remove any items from your home that may be affected by high levels of moisture (such as carpets or wood floors) until they've been cleaned or dried out properly.
• Open windows and doors for ventilation if possible; this will help dry out damp areas quicker than simply leaving them alone without air circulation.
• Check all circuit breakers in case one flipped during flooding events; if so then reset them before turning anything back on again!

Water Damage Cleanup Technique

The first step in cleaning up water damage is to stop the spread of the water. It's easier said than done; once the water has seeped into your walls, it's tough to keep it from going further.

The best way to stop the spread of moisture is by using a fan(s) with high-powered output and directing them at where you want the airflow directed. The idea here is that if we direct enough air at one area, we'll be able to dry out that spot faster than if we leave it alone—but don't overdo it! Too much airflow could cause additional problems by blowing off insulation in your walls or knocking down some ceiling tiles.

Now that we've stopped any further damage from occurring (hopefully), let's talk about what tools you should use for cleanup purposes:

The Science of Drying

One thing that you should know about water damage is that it can be a long process. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though; in fact, it actually works to your advantage when you hire the right restoration company.

Your local restoration contractor will start by conducting an extensive inspection of your property to determine its overall condition and any potential risks involved with drying out. Once they have assessed the situation and determined what needs to be done, they can begin removing excess water through extraction methods like pumps or vacuums (or both). In addition to these methods of removing water from your home's structure, professional contractors may also use special drying equipment such as dehumidifiers or air movers. These devices allow them to more precisely control how much moisture remains in the air while simultaneously speeding up the process of extracting water from walls and floors throughout your house so that it doesn't continue damaging any other areas as well as helping prevent mold growth later on down there!

However long this process takes depends on many factors: how much damage has been done? How quickly did someone notice something was wrong? Was there too much standing water for long enough periods at certain spots? For example: if one room had two feet-high standing waves for two days straight before anyone noticed then chances are good there may still be some residual moisture left over so don't expect miracles overnight even if everything seems dry now.

Insurance Coverages

It's important to know that homeowners insurance generally covers water damage caused by a leaking pipe, appliance, or toilet overflow. If your home is damaged in this way, you should contact your insurer immediately. The company will send out a water restoration company to assess the damage and provide you with an estimate of what it will cost to make repairs. If you agree with their assessment, they'll move forward with making needed repairs—and then invoice your insurance company for reimbursement.

The reason this process works so well is because most homeowners policies have special exclusions for intentional acts (like someone breaking into your home) or natural disasters like fire and windstorms.

Why Pipes Break

There are many reasons why water damage occurs. The pipes in your home are made of materials that can corrode, so they can experience pinholes that may not be visible. Water can also get into the walls of your home when there is a leak outside or if it is too close to an edge of a wall. Water damage can occur from a variety of sources including dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, and showers: all appliances that use water will cause moisture build-up over time unless they are regularly cleaned out and maintained properly by an expert plumber.

A Professional Can Help

Now that you know about the proper steps to take in order to get it back into shape, you don't have to face this problem alone. SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati is here for all your water damage needs!

SERVPRO is a professional cleaning company that specializes in restoring homes and businesses after they've experienced any type of disasters such as fire or flood damage. The highly trained technicians at SERVPRO will make sure that every last piece of debris is removed from your home so no trace remains after they're done working on it—that way there's no need for worry or concern when it comes time for resale value. You can rest assured knowing our experts will handle everything!

How Do I Keep My Building Secure After a Fire?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Board up services in a commercial building.

How Can I Maintain Building Security Following a Fire?

A fire can be a disaster for your East Central Cincinnati business, but the possibility of looting or vandalism after the fire only makes matters worse. Having someone break into your building and steal property while you're dealing with insurance and fire damage is not only frustrating, but it can also cost you time and money.

A fire can be a disaster for your business, but the possibility of looting or vandalism after the fire only makes matters worse. Looting and vandalism can cause additional damage to your property and cost you money. Here are some tips on how to keep looters out of your building, so you can focus on what matters most: rebuilding your business.

How To Board Up After a Disaster

Boarding up openings in the building after a fire keeps looters out. To board up windows and doors, use plywood or other materials that are strong enough to keep out any looters but still let air circulate in and out of the building.

• Board up any openings in the exterior walls of your building.
• Make sure to secure the boards so that they cannot be removed by someone who may want to get into your building—so don't leave them open!
• Don't leave them like this until you are ready to begin repairs on the building; if they are left up too long, bugs and rodents can make nests inside of them and break down structural integrity (which is bad).

Who Can Secure My Business or Home?

If you are looking to secure your building as soon as possible, there are a few different options for doing so:

• Hire a company. This is probably the most expensive option, but it's also one of the easiest ways to make sure that you keep your building secure. Many fire restoration companies offer boarding services as part of their packages and will send someone out immediately after the fire to board up windows, doors, and other openings in your building so that there is less risk of theft or vandalism. The downside is that this can be quite expensive—but if you need help immediately after losing everything in a fire and want some peace of mind when leaving town for a while, this could be an excellent option worth considering!
• Plywood or metal panels. If you want something more economical than hiring someone else do board up all your openings after your home has been damaged by smoke damage or water damage due to a burst pipe (which happens often), then using plywood or metal panels might suit your needs better than hiring an outside contractor to come out every day until everything gets fixed up again!

In conclusion, it is important to keep your building secure after a fire. Board up any openings in the walls of your property and make sure that no one can easily get inside. This will help prevent looting and vandalism while you work on getting everything fixed up again.

Important Steps You Should Take if Your Basement Floods

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Terrace Park, OH.

Wise homeowners do everything possible to keep their homes safe from disasters such as flooding. However, there may be times when, despite your best efforts, water still finds its way into your basement. There are many causes of house floods, but there are also some effective ways you can get rid of water once it infiltrates your Terrace Park, OH, property.

How can a Flood Occur in Your Home?

No one wants to think about a basement flood. Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality for many people. Flooding can happen in a number of different ways.

• Broken sump pump in the basement
• Poor drainage around the house, including insufficient rain gutters
• Pipe leak, pipe break or other plumbing issues
• Heavy rain

Get Someone on the Job

A flood in your house calls for immediate action. As soon as you notice water getting into your home, contact a professional restoration company without delay. When you enlist the help of an experienced team, you can have peace of mind and confidence that these experts will bring the right skills and equipment to not only get rid of the water but clean up in a timely and effective manner.

Remove the Water

The pros will start by removing the water from your home. They will use extraction machines to suck up standing water from your floor. During this process, it’s also important to speak to a qualified professional about pipe repair or about fixing any issues that caused the flooding.

Tear-Out

A team will also tear out carpet, hardwood, drywall or other materials that you can no longer use. This may also include furniture and personal items.

Clean-Up

The pros will also use heavy-duty cleaning agents to sanitize the affected area. This will help reduce the risk of mold growth.

If you’ve had flooding in your home, call a qualified professional right away. The faster you do this, the faster you’ll be safe and sound at home.