Helpful Safety Tips for the Holidays!

11/27/2024 (Permalink)

Safety Tips for the upcoming Holiday Season!

Having a Christmas tree and decorations can come with some risks for a fire possibly happening in your home. We wanted to offer some tips for you and your family to stay safe this holiday season!

The following are a few helpful tips for individuals to consider when putting up and maintaining their holiday decorations this December:

• Do not overload power outlets with holiday lights. Pay close attention to the 
manufacturer's instructions on the number of lights you can string together. 
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. 
• Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle. 
• Use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting. 
• Do not purchase a Christmas tree that is dry or dropping needles excessively. 
Be sure to water your Christmas tree regularly. 
• Do not use strings of lights that are worn, frayed, manually spliced, or broken. 
• If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-retardant. 
• Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe. 
Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Be sure to periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch. 

If a fire disaster does strike your home, SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County offers services to help people quickly recover and restore any damaged property. We are here to help @ 419-867-8678!

Bio-Hazard Clean-Up

11/27/2024 (Permalink)

Our crew beginning a Biohazard Clean-up

SERVPRO of Bowling Green offers bio-hazard clean-up after a death and other hazardous clean-ups like crime scenes. It is not easy dealing with a situation involving these types of clean-ups. It can be very emotional and difficult to think about having to handle these certain situations but we here at SERVPRO® are trained in the proper removal and care needed to properly help you during this difficult time.

There is no need to put yourself through trying to clean-up something traumatic. SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County can take care of any blood borne pathogens safely. We know how difficult it can be to manage issues like this. Let us be the ones to take care of these situations for you.

We are always Here to Help®. We are here for you for the good and the bad. Call us today for more information on these services. We hope you never have to deal with something like this, but we are here for you if you need us.

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County.

PREVENTATIVE TIPS FOR SPRING WEATHER

4/4/2024 (Permalink)

Extracting water from a pipe break at a warehouse in Perrysburg, OH

Spring can be a time of mixed types of weather and SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County knows all too well how it can affect your home or business when the weather changes drastically in a short amount of time. Pipes break, basement floods from drain back ups or sump pumps fail due to excess water coming into the residence or business. Preventative maintenance is the key to making sure you are prepared for this type of catastrophe happening to you!

Inspect your walls and ceilings

Walls tend to hide leaks rather well, but if you look closely at your drywall, you can often find evidence that they are there. Small things like discolored areas, paint that is peeling or soft spots might be indicative of a hidden leak that you should have a professional check out ASAP.

Don’t forget to look down

 If water damage is present, it can gradually work its way down and get into the floor of your home, soaking into the subfloor and causing problems. If you notice any soft spots or buckling of your floor, it might be a sign that the subfloor has become saturated with moisture.

Inspect your roof

Your roof is your home’s best defense against water damage, so it is wise to check on it often. You can inspect it easily from the ground with binoculars to look for loose shingles or other signs of wear. You can also go out during the next rain shower to make sure your gutters are properly functioning and keeping water away from your foundation.

Pay close attention to the basement

 Basements are not supposed to be the damp and musty places they have been given the reputation of being—in fact, they should not be. Check your basement often for signs of moisture and mold, and if you do notice any issues, be sure to have a professional check it out right away.

If you see any potential problems, please give our office a call to set up an inspection with our Restoration Specialists who are certified in our field here at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County 419-867-8678.

Flooded Basement and Restoration in Bowling Green and West Lucas County

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Basement Flood in our Local Area

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are normally built below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Bowling Green or West Lucas County basements could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today -419.867.8678

If flood water is not handled properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your business or home’s structure. 

Make a call to SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals in our area.

We are The Flooding Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use SR500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County is Ready To Help 419.867.8678

Fire Damage in West Lucas County

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in our Local Area

When a fire hit a local home in West Lucas County and was extinguished, there was extensive fire, and smoke damage throughout the home. This before picture shows the extent of the damage that was caused.

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County was called in to clean up and dry out the structure. This was a massive undertaking that required a full team effort. But our services go far beyond just the clean up process. We strive to provide friendly and compassionate service to help our customers through a very difficult time. We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

If you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate position of cleaning up your home or business after a fire, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County at 419.867.8678. Our team is reading to help.

PLUMBING MAINTENTANCE TIPS

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you! Pipe break in ceiling of a business in our area.

Maintenance Tips for Plumbing Issues

1. Find a Good Plumber Before Issues Arise
   Do you wait to call a plumber until you face an issue such as a broken pipe or a clogged water main pipe that leads to a problem? In an emergency, time is of the essence. Waiting to call professionals until an emergency needs immediate attention doesn't give you time to find a plumber who you know will do a good job.
   Before problems arise, do some research by reading online reviews and asking other people for referrals. Hiring plumbers and seeing how they work can give you an idea of whether they're someone you can rely on. Taking the time to do your due diligence ensures that you'll find a reliable plumber you can trust when problems arise.
2. Avoid Plumbing Problems by Scheduling Maintenance Appointments
   Just like getting regular checkups with your doctor is good for your physical health, scheduling routine maintenance appointments with your plumber can detect plumbing issues before they grow into even more significant problems that are costly to resolve.
   How often you should maintain your plumbing system depends on the number of people visiting your business or home daily. A building with hundreds of visitors per day will require more frequent upkeep than a small office or a residential home. Consult with your plumber to determine how often you should schedule maintenance appointments.
3. Pay Attention to Small Plumbing Issues
   Doing your own checks for plumbing problems can go a long way toward preventing issues from escalating. A leaky faucet can indicate damaged or eroded fixtures or issues with water pressure. Slow drains can signify clogs and fluctuating hot water temperatures (too hot or not hot enough) can indicate problems with your water heater.
   By following these preventative measures, you can avoid plumbing issues and keep your home safe from these problems.

Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County if a plumbing problem arises in your home or business at 419-876-8678. We are here to Help!

What should I do if I have an electrical fire in my home?

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

This electrical fire started in a wall and engulfed the entire house in a matter of minutes.

Electricity is an essential part of life. From lights to heating systems to TV’s, it provides the energy for most powered objects in a house. Electricity is important to have in every home, but it can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fire in the United States. Electrical failures and malfunctions also account for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage. 

If an electrical fire were to break out in your home, here are actions that you should do immediately: 

• Cut off the Electricity – If the device that is causing the fire is found and you can safely reach the cord, unplug it. 
• Add Sodium Bicarbonate – If the fire is small, you may put it out by pouring baking soda on it. 
• Don’t Use Water – Using water to put out an electrical fire can put you at risk of being shocked or electrocuted because water is a natural conductor of electricity. Water also may cause the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials. 
• Remove the Oxygen Source – An electrical fire may also be put out by removing the oxygen source with a heavy blanket or clothing if the fire is small. 
• Check Your Fire Extinguisher – Electrical fires are considered a Class C Fire, which means that you will need to have an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Residential fire extinguishers are often multi-purpose and labeled as ABC, but it is very important to make sure that it is before using it on an electrical fire. 

ALWAYS call 911 in the case of any fire (big or small) in your home to have the fire department inspect the damage to make sure the fire does not reignite and cause more damage to your home.

Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County to help with the clean up services and get your home back to normal again! We are always here to help you in your time of need. 

There are 3 things that come with a fire

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen house fire caused by pot of water getting over cooked and igniting grease sitting on counter nearby.

First, there is the Fire Damage

 It can cause structural damage to your home or business. It can be small or large. It can melt materials causing toxins to be released into the air. It can also ignite other items and cause it to spread faster or even cause it to explode. Fires can cause lots of damage.

Second, comes the Water Damage

When you have a fire, you could have water damage with it because it must be extinguished somehow. This can either be done by the fire department or a sprinkler system. The water damage can sometimes be more significant than the fire itself.

Third, Smoke Damage always comes along with a Fire

This is called soot. Soot must be properly cleaned, or it can destroy your items if the item is even salvageable. Smoke damage can happen to all items such as clothing in drawers; books; furniture; paintings; and more in every room, even those not destroyed by the fire. A lot of the times people feel embarrassed by what looks to be cobwebs after a fire. However, this is actually something caused by the fire itself. We call these smoke or soot webs. The reason it is important to get a fire professionally cleaned up is because what you are breathing in contains carcinogens. We here at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County have professional cleaning products and equipment that can clean your structure and take the smell out of the air. 

Unseen Leaks in Your Home or Business

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Structural damage to a home from a gushing leak into a crawlspace from improper installation of an appliance.

Where Water Damage Can Come From

Water damage can happen over time. Sometimes it may be a slow leak from an appliance, plumbing, or pipe behind the wall. It can also be a gushing leak going into a crawl space from an appliance or plumbing. This is why it is always important to check hidden areas for any possible water signs.

How to Prevent Major Water Damage

If a water leak is left untreated it can cause major structural damage to your home or business. So, if you buy a new appliance and have it hooked up even by a professional you should always double check to make sure it was installed properly. As time goes by connections may come loose. Make sure to check all your connections periodically.

What to do if You Have a Water Damage

Call us here at SERVPRO of Blowing Green/W. Lucas County at 419-867-8678. We have trained crews to help you in your time of need. We have the equipment and knowledge needed to get your home or business back to the way it was before the damage. We are Here to Help®

Mold: What Types Are There And Which One Is Hazardous

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

When we hear the word mold it can make us squeamish. However, most of us have dealt with it at some point in our lives. Whether it be on our loaf of bread, surface of our wall, or penetrated into our walls. There is no shame if you are dealing with this type of situation. It can be very helpful in understanding household molds and how to prevent or treat them to ensure a clean and safe environment for you and your family.

Let’s start with the most common mold that almost every one of us have dealt with. The bread mold, one day when you open your bread you see green and/or black blotches on it. This is known as the food mold. This type of mold is natural and more than likely does not mean there is any cause for concern in your home.

The second type of mold we are going to talk about is called the surface mold. This type is strictly on the surfaces of items or walls. It can be easily cleaned using certain over-the-counter cleaners. It also does not cause any harm. However, you want to make sure that it truly is only limited to the surface. If you see surface mold you can reach out to us here at SERVPRO Of Bowling Green/West Lucas County where we specialize in detecting what type of mold you may have.

Lastly, we now want to talk about the most hazardous one called mold infestation. This type will typically show up in areas where significant water damage has occurred, or where there is high humidity. A mold infestation requires deep cleaning of the structure to ensure complete clearing of the infestation and restoration of the structure affected. This mold can be very invasive and dangerous. Please do not try to clean this yourself! The cleaning of a mold infestation needs to be done by a specialist in this area that knows how to remove it correctly. We here at SERVPRO Of Bowling Green /West Lucas County are trained and certified to make sure this is done safely for you and your family. So if you only suspect a problem or have had a water damage where you know for sure that there is a problem, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here for you 24/7.