The Hidden Risks of Water Damage

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water leaking from pipes

Water damage in your home can be more than just a surface issue. Beyond the visible mess, there are hidden dangers that, if left unaddressed, can lead to long-term problems and significant repair costs. Here's what homeowners need to be vigilant about:

Structural Integrity: Water seeping into the foundation can weaken the very structure of your home. Over time, joists and beams may begin to rot, which compromises the building's stability and safety.

Mold and Health: Damp environments are breeding grounds for mold. Often growing unseen behind walls or under floors, mold can cause health issues ranging from allergies to serious respiratory problems.

Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Moisture in your home's electrical system can lead to short circuits and, in severe cases, fire hazards.

Early detection and intervention are key. Regular inspections, especially after incidents of water intrusion, can save your home from these hidden risks. If you suspect water damage, don't wait. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Wood River Valley. Our trained technicians will ensure that your home is not only dry but safe and secure for the future, "Like it never even happened."

Essential Steps to Include When Building A Business Disaster Response Plan

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Business with severe flooding after storm

Disasters strike without warning, and the difference between a minor setback and a catastrophic blow to your business often hinges on the robustness of your disaster response plan. Here’s a quick guide to creating a plan that stands up to the unexpected:

1. Risk Assessment: Identify potential emergencies and their impact on your operations.
2. Critical Processes: Pinpoint essential business functions and the resources they require.
3. Communication Plan: Establish clear lines of communication for staff and emergency services.
4. Evacuation Procedures: Map out safe and accessible evacuation routes.
5. Data Protection: Secure your digital infrastructure with backups and recovery plans.
6. Employee Training: Regularly train your team on emergency protocols.
7. Restoration Partnership: Align with restoration experts like SERVPRO of Wood River Valley to ensure quick recovery.

Remember, a well-crafted plan is your business's best defense. Don't wait for disaster to strike—prepare today and stand resilient tomorrow.

Mold Prevention: Your Checklist for a Healtheir Home

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Wall with mold growing after water damage

Mold: a four-letter word that spells big trouble for homeowners. It lurks in damp corners, silently spreading and potentially causing health issues. Here’s how you can preemptively strike against mold:

1. Monitor Humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 60%.
2. Ventilate: Ensure bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are well-ventilated.
3. Inspect for Leaks: Regularly check pipes and fixtures for leaks and repair promptly.
4. Dry Wet Areas: Wipe up spills and dry out wet areas within 24-48 hours.
5. Proper Sealing: Seal windows and doors to prevent moisture seepage.
6. Routine Inspections: Have a professional inspect your home annually, especially if you’ve had water damage in the past.

By following these steps, you can maintain a mold-resistant home. If you suspect mold growth, contact SERVPRO of Wood River Valley for expert remediation services. Let’s keep your home safe and sound, together.

Blizzards In Idaho

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

Winter storms and blizzards can wreak havoc on homes, particularly in regions prone to severe weather like Idaho. These events often bring strong winds exceeding 35mph and substantial snowfall, making it crucial for homeowners to implement preventative measures before the storm hits. Despite the best preparations, winter weather can still lead to destruction. In such times, you'll find comfort in knowing that SERVPRO of Wood River Valley is at your service. Our team is prepared around the clock, ready to respond at a moment's notice. We're committed to restoring your home swiftly and efficiently, with our promise to make it "Like it never even happened." Our expertise and dedication mean that when the storm passes, we'll be there to help pick up the pieces and mend your space back to its pre-storm condition.

The 7 Steps for Water Damage Restoration

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today!

When water damage affects your home or business, it's important to get in touch with professionals as quickly as possible. This blog explains the steps that should be taken after you’ve gotten in touch with a water damage restoration team.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

In the first step, your team should visit your space, assess the damage, figure out the hazards, decide what can be salvaged, and work to stop the cause of the damage.

Water Removal

Once the initial assessment comes the first step in recovery - pumping however many gallons of water out of your home thoroughly.

Damaged Material Removal 

The next step in cleaning water damage is removing any damaged materials, be it furniture, or parts of your home’s structure.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorization

Once the damaged materials have been removed, the team should work to clean, sanitize, and deodorize whatever’s left, to make sure it’s still liveable in the future.

Drying

Just because the bulk of the water is gone, that doesn’t mean dampness isn’t still a problem, which is when industrial drying equipment comes in.

Monitoring

Throughout the process, professionals should visit your property daily, to see how the drying is coming along.

Repairs & Construction

After the property has been neutralized and any items have been removed or restored, your home may need real structural attention, which should come only at the end of the process.

If your home suffers severe water damage, call us today and we’ll follow these steps to make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Recover from Commercial Water Damage (or any other damage)

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today!

Water damage to your commercial space can massively impact your income, public awareness, and even staffing numbers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide offering two simple tips for recovering from commercial water damage, fire damage, or any other massive incidents.

Commercial Damage Restoration

The cost of this one might sting a little bit, but it’s the most important thing to do when it comes to getting things back up and running. If you choose the right team, you can have things back in motion in no time, and the quick investment could ultimately save you thousands.

Promotions!

After you’ve rebuilt the venue for your business, it’s time to drum up some of the momentum and goodwill that you lost in the time spent getting the repairs done. While promotions cost money and often take the form of things like discounts, it’s important to make a statement on your return to remind people who you are and what you’re about. Draw them in quickly, and they’ll stay for the quality of your product/service.

If you’ve suffered commercial damage, call us today and we’ll work tirelessly to make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Prepare for Severe Weather - 3 Simple Steps

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today!

If you live in an area like Idaho known for severe weather, there’s a good chance your home could be affected this upcoming winter. In this short guide, we've put together three simple things you can do to prepare for severe weather this winter.

Secure Extremities

One thing that you should make sure to do if there’s a storm warning coming in is securing the extremities of your home. This means packing your trashcans into the garage, boarding up windows, and battening down your shutters. It’s all about damage control.

Move Your Car

If you drive, make sure to get your car into a more secure space. If you’re parked under trees, electrical lines, or anything else that strong winds could knock over, get your car out of there and into the safety of shelter.

Prepare a Pack

You don’t know when the storm’s going to finish, so you should be prepared with plenty of stuff to ride out the danger. Food, water, and a first aid kit are all essential things that your emergency pack should have ready.

If your home suffers in severe weather and you need storm damage restoration, get in touch with SERVPRO of Wood River Valley – "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO?

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to any disaster!

If you’re looking for damage restoration services after a disaster has hit your home or business, SERVPRO is the best in the business. Here are few reasons why.

24/7 Responses

One of the best things about working with SERVPRO is that you can expect responses to your calls all around the clock. A fire, storm, or flood won’t wait until it’s convenient for you, which is why our Customer Care Center is there 24/7 to answer your calls and provide you with immediate assistance.

Wherever You Need Us

We pride ourselves on having two locations covering almost all of Southern Idaho. With our services available within two hours, that means wherever you are in the area, we can come to your assistance.

So if you’re asking “why SERVPRO?” our only response is why not? SERVPRO is on call 24/7 with our damage restoration services that will make any disaster "Like it never even happened."

The Costs of Commercial Damage to Your Business

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

We hope you never need us, but we are here when you do.

As a business owner, you invest considerable time, effort, and resources in building your enterprise. However, unforeseen events like commercial damage can pose significant threats to your business's continuity and success. In this article, we'll explore the costs of commercial damage.

1. Property Damage: Natural disasters and accidents can lead to property damage, resulting in structural issues, destroyed inventory, and equipment breakdowns. The costs of repairing or replacing these assets can be staggering, potentially crippling your business if you are unprepared.
2. Operational Disruption: Commercial damage can disrupt business operations, leading to downtime and lost productivity. This not only affects your revenue stream but may also tarnish your reputation if customers experience delays or inconvenience.
3. Inventory Loss: For businesses with physical inventories, damage to stock due to fire, water, or other disasters can be financially crippling. It may take a considerable amount of time and investment to restock and replenish the lost inventory.
4. Employee Displacement: If your business premises suffer damage, your employees might be displaced and unable to work until the situation is resolved. This can lead to additional costs such as paid leave, temporary workspace arrangements, and decreased morale.
5. Business Interruption: In some cases, commercial damage may lead to business interruption insurance claims, which can be complicated and time-consuming to navigate. This can further exacerbate the financial strain on your business.

Commercial damage can wreak havoc on your business and its financial health. Being aware of the potential costs and investing in a reliable restoration service can save you from overwhelming losses and ensure the swift recovery of your business.

In the event of fire damage to your commercial property, having a trusted restoration service like SERVPRO of Wood River Valley by your side can make a world of difference. Our experienced team specializes in fire damage restoration for businesses, ensuring that the process is handled efficiently and effectively.

At SERVPRO of Wood River Valley, we are equipped to handle it all, providing you with comprehensive solutions for your business's unique needs. Reach out to our experts today!

Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at the first sign of water damage!

Flooding in your house can cause all sorts of damage to your belongings, electronics, and even the structural integrity of your home. We know the risks water damage can bring, but it’s important to know what causes that damage in homes, so you can best prepare for it.

Common Causes of Water Damage

• Damaged Pipes: This is especially common in older homes where plumbing systems can become rusted and worn down over time. Watch out for cracks and bulges in the floors and ceilings to stay one step ahead of pipe failure.
• Kitchen Appliances: After being used for a long time, or used improperly, your white goods can start to flood the floors. Common culprits are overfilled fridges, clogged up dishwashers, and leaky washing machines.
• Natural Disasters: Maybe there has been a hurricane, a nearby dam has broken, or your home has been caught in a major snowstorm. There are a number of possibly harmful natural occurrences that mean floodproofing your home against these eventualities is always a smart move.

If you can’t get ahead of water damage and find yourself having to deal with the fallout, don’t take it on yourself, call SERVPRO of Wood River Valley, and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”