National Wildlife Day

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

National Wildlife Day is observed annually on September 4th.  

This National Day is an opportunity to learn more about endangered species, preservation and conservation efforts around the world.  Zoos, aviaries, and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.  From participating in presentations and volunteering to fund-raise for rehabilitation services, these facilities have something for everyone to learn.  

Mold in the home

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

mold types

Quite often our office receives calls from customers concerned about "black Mold". Unfortunately, due to media attention years ago many people still believe that all mold is "black mold" or "toxic black bold". The terms  "black mold" and "toxic black Mold" are not scientific terms. These terms were used by the Media , typicality to refer to Stachybotrys molds. The first thing that people need to understand is that Mold is everywhere. There are over 100,000 types of mold. All homes and building in general contain mold. Mold is everywhere, it is in the air outside, the trees and even the ground we walk on. With that being said, you may find yourself asking what should you do if you find an overgrowth of mold in a concentrated area in your home? That is where we here at SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County can come in and help you figure that out. Our trained professionals will do a complete visual inspection and come up with a remediation plan that best suits your particular situation. Call us today!

Extinguisher Classes

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher can be a life-saving tool when used correctly. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends individuals are properly trained in order to use and maintain an extinguisher.

USFA says an extinguisher should only be used if:
• You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department.
• The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket.
• You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire.
• You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the fire escape route.
• Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.

Classes of Fire Extinguishers:

• Class A: Use on ordinary combustible materials, such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.
• Class B: Use on flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil.
• Class C: Use on appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.
• Class D: Use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.
• Class K: Use on vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are suitable for the residential market.

If you experience fire damage or smoke damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County at 419-353-2300. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

The Facts About Lead

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County's main concern is safety of the residents of Ohio's Western Lucas Counties. Here are some things about lead paint we feel you should know. 

What you need to know

• Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
• Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
• Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
• Lead is also harmful to adults and the elderly.
• Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible.
• Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family.
• In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

According to EPA requirements (40 CFR Part 745) contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:

• Contain the work area.  
• Minimize dust.  
• Clean up thoroughly.

Does Your Property Contain Lead?

Older homes, older child care facilities, schools and other buildings are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Homes may be private, government-assisted or public housing. Schools are preschools and kindergarten classrooms. They may be urban, suburban or rural.

Percentage of homes likely to contain lead:

• Built between 1960-1978 = 24%  
• Built between 1940-1960 = 69%  
• Built before 1940 = 87%

What You Can Do To Protect Your Family From Lead in Pre-1978 Homes

• If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
• Clean up paint chips immediately.
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
• Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
• Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
• Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
• Make sure children eat a healthy, nutritious diet consistent with the USDA’s dietary guidelines, which helps protect children from the effects of lead.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

Preventative Maintenance

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

The most commonly seen disasters are brought up by extreme conditions. Always check out daily weather reports if you want to aid yourself in avoiding disasters. Storms can generate a lot of wind, hail, or rain that can spell out trouble for your roof or crawlspace. During these times it helps to inspect areas in your home for leaks or signs of damage.

Crumbling drywall, buckling panels, or warped walls are all signs of an impending accident or an ongoing one. If any of these become apparent to you in your inspection, then these are things SERVPRO of Bowling Green and W. Lucas County can remediate for you. Continuous problems may seem bearable by themselves, but they can quickly compound and cause a much bigger issue.

To elaborate, and to connect the weather bit, take a look at what can happen in the winter. Snow packing up, and freezing conditions, can put stress on yourpluming and roof. If you notice that the temperature is quickly plummeting, then take care of two issues with one move. That is, turn the temperature of your thermostat up. It may raise the heating bill but that will be nothing compared to the financial burden it could cause if left unchecked. 

Snow on a roof can melt due to the insulation. It will thaw out and then seep into the corner edges where it can refreeze creating an ice dam. Once this occurs it can lead to sagging and other problems. Avoiding this is as simple as keeping your home warm, so that the water on top does not become ice again. The entire disaster can be avoided by clearing your roof too.

Now back to the pipes. A house that has a high enough ambient temperature will not lead to a pipe freezing over. Sometimes heating a home can be too expensive, so it helps if you just provide warmth to any exposed water lines. A little heat lamp can go a long way for keeping water running smoothly.

Maintenance and prevention will always trump restoration when it comes to keeping your peace of mind intact. We know accidents happen, so when they do, trust us to be there for you.

Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green and W. Lucas County for damage repair big or small.

Disaster Remediation

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Bowling Green and W. Lucas County team is IICRC certified, this is how we show customers that we are capable of solving the most daunting problems. Remediation services is all about knowledge and skill. The art and science of providing you a fresh start has been studied extensively by our technicians.

Whether it is sewage removal from your ceramic floor, or flood clean up for your wood-floor kitchen, we can do it. See, disaster restoration is about taking the remains of the old and utilizing restoration technology to make things more beautiful than they once were.

The certifications we hold means that every move we make is calculated. This maximizes the use of our time in order to provide you fast and effective service. When the job is done quickly and correctly, it means big savings for a homeowner. The best part is that things like fire remediation and mold decontamination also falls under our repertoire as a result.

You get expert help by a group that will do it all. Your peace of mind depends on it. We want you to be more than alright, as the fresh start is about making things better.

Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green and W. Lucas County for disaster repair you can count on.

Prevention: Easier than Home Restoration

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bowling Green and W. Lucas County cares about all the residents of W. Lucas County, which is why we are here to help you keep costs down, and we are giving away trade secrets, making your life easier.

First thing, mold does not have to be a mystery. Understand that mold is everywhere.

Thus, homeowners should be looking out for mold infestations. As a high concentration of spores, from species like Aspergillus, making allergies worse.

Furthermore, if mold takes over keystone structures like wooden panels, it compromises the structural integrity of the home.

Stopping mold is simple with these steps:

• Anywhere that homeowners can find water is where they might require mold
  removal services. This is why we recommend checking water-connected appliances.
• Hoses should be replaced every ten years, unless it is clear they have suffered damage.
• Hidden pipes, in kitchens and under cabinets, need checking for leaks and pipe sweating.
• Areas that are high in humidity, like laundry rooms and bathrooms, need ventilation. Mold thrives in environments that have 70% humidity or more. Adding a small fan can reduce the likelihood of mold.
• Ventilation is key, the last thing you want is moisture sitting on your ceiling and walls after a nice hot shower without proper ventilation.

If at all during your inspection, you discover a fungal infestation, then call the mold removal team at SERVPRO of Bowling Green and W. Lucas County for fast and affordableservices. We will make it like it never even happened.