Natural Disaster Tips

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

After a natural disaster like a hurricane or a tornado, your first priority will be to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. When the storm passes there will likely be challenges to face, but there are a few things you can do to help make sure you stay protected when it comes to your home and finances.

Before Making Repairs, Document the Natural Disaster Damage

It’s normal to want to start making repairs as soon as you can, but it’s recommended that you document any natural disaster damage first. This will likely help in discussions with your insurance company. Once you’ve protected your home from further damage, take photographs of debris and other natural disaster damages before removing or repairing anything.

If You Have Been Temporarily Relocated, Save Your Receipts

Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover living expenses if your home has natural disaster damage and you need to leave it temporarily. It’s best to keep a record of all of your expenses during this time so that you have a record of what you spend, and so that you can submit them to your adjuster and insurance company for reimbursement consideration. If you have to leave your home and your address will change temporarily, it is important to update your contact information with your mortgage company. If you’re a Mr. Cooper customer, you can call 888-480-2432 or make updates through your online account.

Beware of Fraud After Natural Disasters — From Home Repair Scams to Price Gouging

Home repair scams and price gouging efforts increase after natural disasters. Consider finding a contractor through a recommendation from someone who can vouch for their work. Be wary of contractors who ask for large amounts of money upfront or provide very low bids. Get multiple bids, set an agreement in writing, and make sure your contractor is insured. Keep these “red flags” in mind, too:

• Unsolicited phone calls or visits
• Fake officials or people impersonating government officials
• Credentials that cannot be easily checked, such as a contractor address that can’t be verified
• Price-busting promises, or people who promise a hefty discount without telling you the total cost of the job
• Scare tactics or high-pressure sales tactics

How to Properly Wear a Mask

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Proper use of PPE

Below are tips on when to wear a mask:
-Wear a mask if you are in public or in close contact with others.
-Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
-Masks are effective only when used along with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water.

How to properly wear a mask:
-Before putting on a mask, clean hands with soap and water.
-Cover your mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps.
-Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with soap and water.
-Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp. Do not re-use single-use masks.
-To remove the mask, remove it from behind your ears (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately and clean your hands with soap and water.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of W. Littleton/Sheridan is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas

• Bathrooms

• Schools/Classrooms

• Offices

• Retail Spaces

• Water Fountains

• Shelving/Racks

• Sales Counters

• Carpets and Rugs

• Stair Handrails

• Elevator Cars

• Playground Equipment

• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan, 303-576-6868

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F %2F

www.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Note to Customers

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Your wellbeing is our number one concern. We are proud of the community we serve, and we want you to know we are committed to doing everything within our power to help limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and its resulting disease, coronavirus (COVID-19), and any other widely spread illnesses including the flu and cold.

Over the past few weeks, it has become clear the world is facing an unprecedented challenge. Like you, we are deeply concerned and want to do what we can to help keep our teammates, customers and community safe and healthy. 

Our hearts and thoughts go out to all who have been affected by this unprecedented event. We appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities and governments around the world who are on the front line working to contain this coronavirus. From the onset of this situation, we have been listening to the Center for Disease Control and other appropriate sources for accurate and up to date information so we can adapt quickly to provide the level of service you expect from SERVPRO. 

We are prepared, trained and equipped to proactively clean and minimize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 as well as provide cleaning and disinfectant services to those who have experienced confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

What we are doing:

• Introducing additional rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures while taking sensible steps to protect our team. This means frequent and routine disinfecting of our equipment, vehicles, touch points (bathrooms, handles, common areas) at our facility.
• Strictly enforcing our employee illness policy. Teammates showing any signs of cold, flu or respiratory illness are prohibited from working. 
• Focusing on teammate health and safety. We are sharing the latest information with everyone on our team and ensuring they are aware of the frequent need to wash their hands and avoid touching their face.
• Monitoring new developments so we can quickly adapt to continue to provide the level of service you need and the best possible experience. 

We recognize this is a challenging time for all, and we remain deeply committed to the safety of our teammates, customers and community. Our customers, subcontractors and teammates are the heart of our company and we look forward to continuing our service to you.

Please take care of yourselves and each other. We are all in this together.

SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan

Coronavirus Pathogen Disinfecting

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Coronavirus Pathogen Disinfecting

SERVPRO stands ready to assist those in need of Coronavirus (COVID19) pathogen disinfecting. SERVPRO has the cleaning products, personal protective equipment, protocol, and trained personnel to provide emergency and scheduled service. If you are a property manager, building owner, school district, airport, medical facility, retail business, or homeowner give our office a call now at 303-576-6868.

SERVPRO is sensitive to our customers uniques needs and circumstances, no matter the job. Let us know what we can do to work around your schedule to meet your needs.

We can provide you with professional guidance and service. For more information and the latest news, visit the World Health Organization website at the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Does Liability Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Structure fires can lay waste to homes or commercial buildings in mere minutes, and the resulting damage can be astronomical. 

Regardless of how a fire starts—be it a result of neglect, natural disasters, arson, or a ‘perfect storm’ scenario—recovering from a fire is often a long and arduous process. Considering this, it’s no surprise so many home and business owners look to insurance coverage that specifically includes protection against losses due to fires. 

With all of the different kinds of insurance you could buy to protect your property from fire damage losses, you might find yourself wondering, “If I buy basic liability insurance, will fire damage be covered?”

SERVPRO of Littleton/Sheridan specializes in fire damage remediation. We know how catastrophic a fire can be, and we understand the disruption they can cause to the normal operation of business or home life. We also know how insurance policies often operate when the time comes to make a claim for fire damage losses. So, in this blog post, we’re going to be answering the question as to whether or not basic liability insurance covers fire damage. 

Liability Insurance, Defined

According to Investopedia, liability insurance:

“...provides the insured party with protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property.”

Here’s an example of how liability insurance might work in the case of a fire: 

1. A kitchen fire breaks out in a restaurant. The fire causes damage to the physical structure, and there are no injuries.
   
   
2. The property adjacent to the restaurant incurs fire-related damages. This could be due to smoke exposure or fire propagation.
   
   
3. The restaurant owner had an existing liability insurance policy. The liability policy included specific provisions for liability coverage in the event of a fire.
   
   
4. The restaurant owner did not have insurance coverage against fire-related losses for themselves. Whether this insurance wasn’t purchased because of budgetary reasons or some other reason, the restaurant owner has no recourse to recoup the losses to their own property as a result of the fire. 

However, because the liability insurance carried by the restaurant protected the business owner from third-party legal action resulting from fire damage, the fire’s impact on the adjacent building would be covered by the liability insurance policy. 

When You Think Liability, Think ‘Third-Party’

It’s important to note the distinction between property insurance and liability insurance. When a homeowner buys insurance coverage for their home, that coverage typically includes fire damage that impacts the property in question. However, without liability insurance that specifically protects the homeowner from claims made by a third party, a fire that spreads to a neighboring property might not be covered. 

It’s important to dive deep into the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you may be considering for your home or business. Because fire damages can be so costly, it’s worth the extra time to make sure you have a full understanding of what is and what isn’t covered by the policy. 

Arson

In some cases, fires are intentionally started by those engaging in a criminal activity. As long as the arsonist was not listed as a beneficiary of the policy that protected the home or business, the fire damage would be covered by the property insurance policy. 

Motor Vehicles

Just about every US state has a law that requires drivers to carry Public Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) insurance. This insurance kicks in whenever damage is done to persons or property as a result of an accident caused by the driver. 

However, this kind of coverage is restricted to third parties, not to the driver him/herself or the vehicle itself.

So, if a motor vehicle operator who was only covered by basic PLPD insurance strikes a utility pole and starts a fire that totals her car, the PLPD insurance would cover the damage done to the utility pole and any damage to any person or property aside from the insured and her vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance would be required in order for damage done to the vehicle itself to be covered. 

Have Fire Remediation Questions? Contact Us

Fire damage doesn’t have to mean ‘the end’ for a home or commercial building. In many cases, smaller fires can leave things looking worse than they may actually be. SERVPRO of Littleton/Sheridan has the tools, techniques, and trained staff needed to restore fire-damaged interiors safely, effectively, and quickly.

If your home or business has been damaged by a fire, contact us to schedule an on-site visit with one of our fire damage experts.

How to Discover Mold

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Like it or not, mold is an everyday part of our lives. It’s all around us. 

Mold spores propagate very easily, and wherever there is a source of moisture in a house or commercial building, there is the potential for mold to grow. If left untreated, significant mold infestations can become serious health hazards, and the damage caused by mold can be astronomically expensive to repair.

SERVPRO of Littleton/Sheridan is your local resident expert in all things mold remediation, so we’re here to help with a few steps you can take to discover mold in your own home or office building. 

Mold Identification

By identifying mold early, you can take the steps necessary to eliminate it before the problem gets out of hand. 

The earliest signs of mold are small, black spots that appear in areas of higher-than-normal amounts of moisture. This early stage of mold growth is also referred to as mildew, and without prompt cleaning, mildew will continue to colonize as long as there is a source of moisture and as long as temperatures are within a 40-100° F. 

On its own, mildew doesn’t present a serious health risk except for those who have sensitive allergies or a compromised respiratory system. It does, however, have a distinct odor that can often be detected before visual signs present themselves. This musky, pungent odor is often a sign that mold has taken root and it’s time to identify the source. 

Distinguishing Mold from Dirt

Dirt accumulation can often be mistaken for mold. To determine if you’re dealing with a mold issue or if a surface is simply dirty, all you need is a little household bleach. 

Using a cotton swab or liquid dropper, apply a small amount of bleach to the surface, and then wait a minute or two. Do not scrub or debride the area during this time. 

If the area turns bright white very quickly, it’s likely that mold is there. If, however, there is no change in the coloration of the surface, it could simply be dirty. The reason this test works is because bleach kills mold spores on contact, whereas dirt is unaffected. 

If you’re still uncertain whether you have mold or not, mold test kits are available at your local hardware store. While these kits can help you determine if you’re dealing with mold, they’re not going to identify the source; nor are they going to fix the underlying problem. 

Surface Mildew vs. Mold-Induced Rot

Most mildewed surfaces can be scrubbed clean with a detergent that is specifically effective against mold (diluted bleach works well for this on surfaces that can handle it). However, when mold infiltrates subsurfaces and makes its way into drywall, studs, or other structural areas, rot is the inevitable outcome. 

If mold-induced rot has advanced to the point of affecting these areas, the symptoms are immediately apparent once the exterior surface is penetrated. 

To check for mold-induced rot, use a screwdriver to probe the area. Soft, crumbling wood is a telltale sign that the mold fungus has established itself and that the rotting process is well underway. 

Locating the Root Cause of Rot

Modern plumbing makes homes liveable. We often take for granted the seemingly unending water supply that is at our fingertips through the spigots and faucets located throughout our homes. 

However, leaks in the pipes that carry our water are often the culprits for mold-induced rot. This is why it’s important to check for plumbing leaks if you think you might have a mold issue. 

To do this, check the inlets and outlets of all water-using appliances in your home or commercial building. Be sure to include inspections of your washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, evaporative cooler, and any other appliance that uses water to perform its function. 

Even a small leak that only produces a few drops of water every day can be all that is needed for a serious mold problem to materialize. 

If you are able to locate plumbing leaks, fix them sooner than later. 

Remember that the second most significant source of moisture in a building comes from outside. So, after inspecting all of your plumbing for leaks, check vents, deck flashing, window wells, and any other interior area that butts up against an exterior area. 

Is Your Mold Problem out of Hand? Contact SERVPRO

Most cases of mildew can be easily addressed using household cleaners. However, when mold growth affects structural areas of the home, more extensive work is needed to restore the area.

To schedule an on-site inspection with a qualified SERVPRO mold remediation expert, contact us today.

5 Things to Do to Prevent Further Damage During a Power Outage

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Power outages are not only an inconvenience; they can also end up causing costly damages. At SERVPRO, we’ve seen first-hand the kind of property damage that can come as a result of a power outage. Even though it may seem counterintuitive to think that a power outage itself can cause damage, the truth is that it can start a chain of events that becomes gradually more destructive. 

To help protect yourself against the compounding damage that can come in the wake of a power outage, take these five steps. 

#1: Exercise extreme caution when using candles, stoves, and generators. 

It’s not uncommon to have a stash of long-burning candles tucked away for just such an emergency as a power outage. The use of candles isn’t itself necessarily dangerous; however, unattended, lit candles can quickly start a structure fire, potentially causing thousands in damage. 

A good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind during a power outage is never to use a gas stove to stay warm. As tempting as it may be, gas stove emissions contain carbon monoxide, which can accumulate in the air and cause serious personal harm—even death. 

When it comes to the use of gas-powered generators, always be sure that they’re operated in a well-ventilated area, ideally near a window or exhaust fan. For the same reason using a gas stove to keep warm is a bad idea, generator emissions can also be very harmful. 

Also, never use a charcoal grill as a means of producing warmth indoors. The smoke from burning charcoal can be incredibly dangerous to inhale.

#2: Defend against food spoilage by using ice coolers to preserve existing food.

If the power is going to be out for an extended period of time, then you’re going to need a strategy for preserving your refrigerated food.

While a typical freezer can be expected to stay cool for about 48 hours, the rest of the fridge is going to succumb to higher temperatures by about the 4-hour mark. For this reason, it might make sense to fill a cooler full of ice and preserve whatever refrigerated foods you can. 

Also, try not to open freezer or refrigerator doors more than is absolutely necessary, to conserve the cool. 

#3: Deactivate and unplug appliances. 

This especially applies to older appliances that may not have modern surge protection built into them. 

When the power comes back on after a power outage, it’s possible that the sudden surge of electricity could cause damage to whatever is plugged in. After a power outage has taken place, walk through each room and check to ensure that appliances are in the ‘off’ position and/or unplugged from the wall. 

[Tip: If you live in an area where power outages are especially common, it might be worth investing in a 12-volt battery and inverter combination. Most auto parts stores carry power inverters that can turn 12-volt DC power into 120-volt AC power for supplemental use by critical appliances.]

#4: Stay tuned in to local news outlets or radio transmissions for updates.  

During a prolonged power outage, staying current on developments is critical to mitigating damage. Keep yourself apprised of the power outage status by opting into SMS text alerts from your local utility provider. 

While it is possible for power outages to affect cellular transmission towers, this is very rare, which means you’re likely to still have a cell phone connection during an outage. Use your phone to stay abreast of what’s going on around you. 

#5: Get ahead of water damage.

One of the more common sources of water damage caused by a power outage is thawed ice in the freezer. If you have no use for the ice as a way to keep your perishable food cool during the outage, dispose of it in some other way, so that it doesn’t melt and seep into the floor and walls. 

If the power outage is accompanied by below-freezing weather, don’t forget to allow your faucets to slowly drip until the power is restored. 

What to Do after an Outage

When power is restored, take stock of the condition of the area. Have there been any water leaks? Are all the appliances functioning normally again? Are there any lit candles that need to be extinguished? 

And remember, if there is any damage that results from a power outage, know that your Littleton/Sheridan SERVPRO is here to help with the restoration. 

Contact us today for an on-site evaluation and a no-obligation quote.

Winter Storm Preparation

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

When the mercury drops in Colorado, it’s often a mad dash to batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst.

Winter storms in our state can be brutal. Between the high winds, freezing rain, hailstorms, and big-time snowfall, both home and business owners do themselves a favor by taking steps to prevent damage to their property. 

What can be done to help stem the damage caused by inclement winter weather in Colorado? Quite a bit, actually. The team at SERVPRO—the fire and water cleanup professionals serving Littleton and the surrounding area—is here to help with some tips. 

Actions to Take Before

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To prepare for the worst that Colorado weather has to offer, do these five things now: 

• Sign up for alerts from local news or weather agencies. The National Weather Service or your favorite news outlet are great places to start. Make sure you are a part of whatever email or text-based alert programs they have available. This way, you’ll be made aware of potentially damaging weather before it gets here.
  

• Insulate pipes in your home or business. This can be tricky, as many of the pipes that serve water throughout a building can run behind walls and along difficult-to-reach crawl spaces. Locate whatever sections of pipe you can, and use things like old newspapers or insulation material to help protect them from freezing.
  
  Another great preventative measure is to allow taps to slowly drip the day before an expected freeze.

• Cover windows with plastic sheeting. Large, plastic sheets with enough surface area to cover windows are available at your local hardware store. This measure can help to insulate the home or business, as windows are often the ‘Achilles heel’ for most buildings encountering freezing weather.

• Ensure that your property insurance coverage is up-to-date. Check with your insurance provider to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage in the event that winter weather does cause damage this season.

• Stock up on supplies that might be necessary in the event of a power outage. Things like batteries, lanterns, blankets, and ready-to-eat food will make periods of power interruption much more bearable. Try to avoid using things like generators or propane heaters as these can be causes for fires.

Even though the public utility companies in Colorado do a fantastic job of getting to work after a winter storm has hit, taking the above-listed actions will go a long way in preempting property damage caused by such a storm. 

Actions to Take After

Even though you might have done all you can to prepare for a bad winter storm, sometimes, the brunt of it can be too much for your property to stand.

Do these things after the storm has hit:

• Conduct a safety check of your building and land. In the aftermath of a strong winter storm, it’s not uncommon for there to be large accumulations of ice, snow, and slush. These hazards can post a significant post-storm danger. Walk your property and look for any potential safety risks.
  

• Document any damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The best time to begin taking account of damage done by a storm is immediately after it has passed. Get your camera out, start taking pictures, and begin the claim process sooner than later.

• Monitor news sources for emergency information and/or alerts about more weather coming your way. Often, bad weather in Colorado is followed up with—you guessed it—more bad weather. Make sure you’re kept informed about whatever might be coming your way even after the worst of it seems to have passed.

• Contact SERVPRO to get a jumpstart on fixing damages. Remember that your SERVPRO team is standing by to help restore your property to pre-storm condition. We are experts at working with insurance companies, too, making the entire process much less of a headache than it has to be. 

Whatever winter weather Mother Nature decides to send our way this season, it will pay to be prepared for the worst. Implement the advice contained in this article, and you’ll be doing your part to ensure that you ‘weather the storm’ the best you can. 

Stay safe this winter season, and don’t hesitate to contact your local SERVPRO office to schedule an on-site evaluation of damage caused by inclement weather.

Remember that, when harsh weather strikes, you always have a restoration resource available to you, no matter the damage and no matter the cause.

Cleaning up After a Fire: 5 Things to Throw Away

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

We all have a place we call home, where we retire at the end of a hard day's work. Having our home taken away from us devastates us beyond measure. However, the dangers of fires, natural catastrophes and theft remain closer than we may think. When a fire breaks out, the cleaning up process forms a key factor to recovery and healing from the traumatic experience. A hard pill to swallow comes when we realize that certain cherished items may have to go away!

Medication

When a fire razes your home, any medicine present may absorb the high temperature and change the chemical components. The medicine also absorbs the soot and the contents of the fire extinguisher. Ingesting smoke and the contents of the fire extinguisher may expose you and your family to health complications. There are no buts on medications when it comes to choosing what to throw away after a fire.

Food and Other Consumables

The smoke from the fire and fire extinguisher chemicals contaminate any food products. Food products include perishable and non-perishable food products. Exposure to heat also alters the chemical elements of the food items, including the containers used for storing the food. Cloth packaging, metal tins, cardboard and plastics all change their chemical composition after exposure to high heat levels. Therefore, do not compromise on health at any standard. Food stored in the freezer may have a slight chance of non-contamination, but it is better to be safe, discard the food. The trauma after a fire coupled with health complications from ingesting contaminated food may weigh down on your recovery process.

Cosmetic Products

The standard while deciding what to throw away after a fire should focus on any products of a chemical nature. Cosmetic products such as make-up, oil products, perfumes and hair extensions have a chemical component. The high-temperature exposure during the fire may alter their chemical composition. Warped casings show that the fire contaminated the products. Fire extinguisher chemicals and soot add another chemical component into the products. Applying any of these contaminated products to your skin may result in an allergic reaction that may add to your woes.

Clothing Material

Any clothes and bedding in the house catch fire. Thus, sort out all the burnt garments and throw them away. Some clothes may have escaped the wrath of the fire but may have soot and fire extinguisher chemicals on their surface. If the clothes belong to children, precaution dictates that you discard them too. However, the use of the appropriate detergents may help to rehabilitate burnt clothes and bedding.

Burnt Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment within the house has power cords and wiring that may burn during a fire. Electrical equipment that show signs of damage qualifies in the things to throw away after a fire. Compromised electrical equipment could result in another fire due to short circuits. Equipment includes computers, coffee makers, laundry machine, iron box and television sets.

Recovering from the trauma after a fire occurs over some time. The healing process may take time and patience from your side. At SERVPRO, we understand your pain at this trying time and wish to walk you through the healing process. Let us help you rebuild your new home. We help in the clean-up process and follow up on the tiring process of the insurance claim. Visit our homepage for more information on your road to recovery.