Recent Posts

Staying Alert: Preparing Your Spring Weather Alert Systems | SERVPRO of Allen

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of Allen help you get from April showers to May flowers.

We can all appreciate the arrival of the spring season! Warmer days, stronger sunlight and blooming flowers can turn around any mood that is stuck in the winter blues.

One part of the spring season that we all need to be aware of and prepared for is the arrival of spring storms. Storms can be mild or severe at this time of year, and tornadoes become more common the farther into the season we get.

This is why having your weather alerts ready to use is so important! Our team explains some easy ways to stay connected and informed as we make our way into the spring season with confidence.

Phones and the News

How close is your phone to you right now? Is it next to your computer or is it in your hand? We are surrounded by technology all of the time, so it should be no surprise that the majority of us get our weather information from our phones.

The Wireless Emergency Alert system is a nationwide program that can send out weather alerts automatically if the weather turns severe, so be sure that your notifications for the program are turned on. In addition, having a reliable weather app can help you stay on top of the weather as it changes throughout the week.

Just be sure the weather apps that you are choosing are coming from a reputable source. Certain apps and organizations are prone to over exaggerating forecasts for engagement, so stick with nationally recognized organizations or local sources to be on the safe side. You can also sign up for emergency notifications through the city for hyperlocal information.

Using the news is also a great way to stay informed in real-time! If a weather watch is issued, tune into one of our local news stations to watch the storm progress. This live radar can help encourage you to make quick decisions about travel plans or sheltering.

Staying Connected When the Power Goes Out

Life can get a lot more complicated if the power goes out. The time clock for our phones, computers and tablets starts ticking, and your TV will immediately become useless. This is why every household should have at least one other way of staying informed that doesn’t require power to work.

If you aren’t sure if you are able to hear the community weather sirens from your home, make it a point to listen carefully during the next siren test to see if you can hear it clearly from every room.

In addition, you should have easy access to an NOAA weather radio at all times. These radios can be a great backup because they are often hand-powered or solar-powered, which means you can stay connected no matter how long we are without power. Just be sure to carry it with you wherever you go so you can stay informed as you move throughout your house or around your property.

Take the time to get prepared and to update your alert systems so you are ready for when the first major spring storm comes to town. If your home suffers damage, remember that we are here 247 and we will be there to help you recover no matter what!

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 247 for immediate restoration assistance.

What’s That Smell? Dealing With Sewage Leaks, Safely | SERVPRO of Allen

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

Hydrophobic and dry soil barely absorb water and standing sewage. Let SERVPRO of Allen help you recover from sewage leaks around your property.

If you had to rank the most unpleasant home disasters or situations, we would bet experiencing a sewage leak would be at the top of your list. While they might not cause the most physical destruction, they are simply one of the grossest things you could encounter in your home or business!

Unfortunately, sewage leaks happen all the time and anyone can experience one without much warning. Tackling them quickly can help you avoid lingering issues, so we explain some easy steps to follow if this unfortunate situation befalls you.

Addressing the Situation

When your sewer lines back up, it usually is because wastewater is being forced backwards due to a clog or blockage in the pipe somewhere. These lines can backup into your sinks, toilets or even into your tub. A sewage leak can happen if a pipe or water line leaks or bursts, leaving the toxic water to spill out onto your floor or behind your walls (yuck).

No matter how the sewage ended up where it shouldn’t, you should be prioritizing your safety no matter what. There are three different types of water: white water, gray water and black water. Sewage falls into the black water category because it can contain toxic or hazardous substances like dangerous bacteria or microbes.

Steer clear of the water and avoid walking through it however you can, and find the water shutoff valve that controls the specific pipe to shut it off. Once the water has stopped flowing, you can start opening up windows and turning on fans to let the fumes and stink escape. After giving us a call, block off the area to keep family or customers out of the affected space.

Where SERVPRO®’s Cleaning Team Comes In

In addition to our highly rated restoration services, we also have a top-notch cleaning team that can safely handle any biohazard situation. Our team will be able to assess the situation quickly and gather the right tools and safety gear that we need before heading out your way.

While you are waiting for us to arrive, take some pictures of the situation. While these pictures will most likely not end up in any scrapbook, they are really important for your insurance company! They will want fresh images of the situation, so the earlier you can snap them, the better.

Once we arrive, we will work on identifying the source of the leak and our cleaning team will start removing the sewage and standing water. Since sewage is a biohazard, our crew will be decked out in the latest and safest protective gear and we will make sure we are following all of the necessary safety protocol so the situation stays under control.

We will deep-clean your space and sanitize the entire area once the sewage has been removed and we will also employ our deodorizers at this point to remove any lingering stinky smells. If the standing water caused residual structural damage, our restoration team will tackle these repairs as well.

Leave the mess to us! Our team will take care of your sewage leak with confidence.

Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO and we will take care of you.

Steps for a Full Recovery After Disaster at Work | SERVPRO of Allen

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

business man in office talking to female SERVPRO rep SERVPRO of Allen is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

When disaster strikes at your business, it can be really impactful. Not only does the situation affect your team, but it also affects the entire community and your customer base.

That’s why having a reliable restoration company to help you recover is essential. SERVPRO of Allen is proud to offer our restoration services to all of the amazing businesses in the Allen community.

Preparing Before the Disaster

The best way to avoid serious damage during a disaster is to be ready for anything. Creating a recovery plan now will help ensure your staff know where to go and what to do during a fire, flood or storm emergency.

Start with creating a reliable communication strategy so everyone can stay informed throughout the entire event. Develop a chain of command, and ensure everyone knows who is in charge of what.

Take a tour of your building and show everyone where your water shut-off valves are located, along with emergency items like fire extinguishers and exits. Even if you have a custodial staff that would normally be in charge of your building, it is important that everyone has this basic knowledge just in case.

You should also take the time to make sure your employees know where to go in the aftermath. If you have the ability to go remote, set everyone up with what they need. If you have to be together in person, have a backup location that you can use while the repairs are taking place.

Recovering Confidently With SERVPRO®

If you have a plan in place, you can rest assured that we will take over from there and get started on your restoration. Just give us a call, and we will get right to work.

While we work on rebuilding your physical location, make sure to keep your customers informed along the way. They care about you as well and deserve to know when you will be back open for business.

In certain situations, you might even be able to work in your space while we are working alongside you! We will work around whatever we can to help minimize your disruption while we restore and rebuild your damaged building.

Take the time now to create a recovery plan and always be ready to use it at a moment’s notice. If disaster does strike your business, call SERVPRO of Allen for a quicker and more accurate recovery.

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

The Solution to All Home Damage Scenarios | SERVPRO of Allen

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of Allen is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

When it rains, it pours, especially when it comes to home damage situations. Oftentimes we are surprised by home disasters, especially when Mother Nature is involved, and that can mean more damage than we expected.

Serious storms can cause damage all across our community, or a single appliance failure at your home can lead to widespread damage on multiple levels of your house.

Recovery is always top of mind in these situations, which is why SERVPRO of Allen should be your first phone call when disaster strikes! We can handle your entire recovery with precision and confidence.

The Impact of Home Disasters

Disaster situations can take a serious toll on your home as well as the community as a whole. Even if you are expecting an incoming storm or know that a water leak is happening, it can still be overwhelming to deal with in the moment.

Heavy rain can cause serious flooding concerns and that can eventually lead to structural issues and mold growth. House fires can cause destruction all over the place and soot, smoke and debris can be left behind in their wake.

No matter the situation you are dealing with, a quick recovery is always recommended to avoid compounding damages from setting in. The longer damage sits around, the worse your situation can become.

That’s why a quick call to us is the best way to avoid further issues! We will work hard on your recovery so you can get back to normal faster.

A Single Team for Everything

One huge benefit about working with a local restoration company is that we can be at your home faster. We are available 247 and will get started on your recovery plan as soon as you call us.

Our highly certified experts are highly trained in handling your disaster no matter how large or widespread it became. We will pack up the right tools and the right technicians for the job to ensure we can help you completely.

When your roof is damaged in a storm, we will prioritize your project by securing tarps over the exposed parts and we will also work on saving your possessions from further damage. If your home suffers from a flood, drying out your space and tackling repairs becomes the top priority.

We can even tear down and rebuild sections of your home if the damage is too great to take on. We are a full-service restoration company, which means that you won’t have to work with multiple different people and contractors during your restoration. We will handle everything and anything you need to make a full recovery.

Our highly trained staff, industry-leading equipment and 247 availability makes our team the choice for you when disaster strikes. Give us a call and enjoy sunnier days on the horizon!

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Staying Fire-Safe During the Chilly Winter Season | SERVPRO of Allen

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

brick chimney with lit fire logs Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Allen this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

The winter season in the Allen community offers a brief reprieve from the scorching heat of the rest of the year, and it can be really refreshing at times! Chilly nights can be much more cozy with a warm blanket or a softly flickering fire.

However, any time you use a heat source like a fireplace or a space heater to stay warm, your risk of suffering a house fire goes up. SERVPRO of Allen is here to make sure you are staying warm while also staying safe. Read on to learn some fire safety tips for this winter season.

Preparing the Fireplace

We can all appreciate the warmth and ambiance that a fire can bring, but they can be downright dangerous if your fireplace is not cleaned or prepared properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it is crucial that you clean out ash buildup from previous fires before lighting your own, and give your chimney walls a good scrub every year to remove creosote buildup.

Keep flammable materials off of the mantle and away from the hearth, and check on your smoke detector batteries to make sure they are fresh. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, check the lines before you turn it on. A single loose gas line or fraying electrical cord can be a serious fire hazard.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are an easy way to warm up quickly, but they are also dangerous in their own right. Did you know that space heater accidents account for around 1,700 house fires every year?

Set yourself up for success by setting up your space heater carefully. Choose a hard and level surface for the heater, and make sure the cord is laying flat on the ground to avoid creating a tripping hazard.

You should also create a three-foot barrier around your space heater to keep out curious kids and reckless pets. Be sure it is also far away from the wall or anything that could get pushed up against it, like curtains or couch cushions. Get in the habit of turning off your heater whenever you leave the room, especially if you are going to bed.

Safety Features to Consider

It is important to do your research if you are in the market for a new space heater as not all of them are created equally. Just because there are ones that are cheaper or claim to be quick-heating, it doesn’t mean they are safe choices for your house.

Make sure the company you choose has passed the necessary safety certifications and they have reliable reviews on their website and on general search engines. Many heaters nowadays have emergency shutoff switches that will turn off the heater on its own after a certain period of use, which can add another layer of protection from accidental fires.

Finally, check the cord that is connected to the heater. It should be made well and be securely connected to the back of the heater. Choose the heater with the longer cord, ideally six feet or more, so you can set it up in a safe location.

We hope you have a safe and toasty warm winter season! Call SERVPRO of Allen if you suffer from any sort of fire damage so we can handle your recovery from start to finish.

A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.

Checking for Water Leaks With Confidence | SERVPRO of Allen

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Allen to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

How many times a week do you run your dishwasher? How often do you run a warm bath for your kids? We use water every day in our households, and we are incredibly grateful for the easy access to water whenever we need it.

Unfortunately, since water is easily accessible and is constantly flowing in and out of our homes, that means that water leaks are also a common occurrence. Knowing where to start looking for leaks is crucial toward catching an issue at the start and preventing serious damage.

Under Cupboards and Sinks

Water flows down drains every day in your house, and that water has to go somewhere! Water lines coming out of your sinks and dishwashers can easily malfunction and cause leaks, and oftentimes these leaks go unnoticed if they start inside a cupboard or kitchen cabinet.

Once the water has started to leak, it can soak into your cupboards, get behind your walls and leak under your floors. Try to get in the habit of checking your water lines often, and run your hands along the pipes to check for residual moisture. If you do discover water, tighten up loose connections or recaulk old seals after cleaning up the mess.

Beneath Certain Appliances

Not all of the appliances in our homes rely on water to function, but the ones that do are used often, if not every day. Water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers all play vital roles in our days, which means they can also malfunction and cause leaks without much warning.

If a leak does start, it will most likely be coming from under or behind the machine, making it harder to notice right away. Pull your machines away from the wall whenever you are deep-cleaning a space to check for water spots, mold growth or new puddles.

Behind the Walls

If a leak starts out in the open, that water will eventually get to a place where it can be hard to dry out in your home. Behind walls and under floors are often tricky places to access without the proper tools or equipment. Once it starts to leak, it can cause some serious structural damage and spark mold infestations.

If you start to smell what could be mold or mildew or a spot on your wall is suspiciously becoming darker than the rest of the area, it’s time to do some investigating.

Around Exterior Windows

As temperatures rise and fall throughout the season, it can be common to have condensation appear on your windows. If it lingers too long or there is too much of it, it can drip down onto your windowsills and warp the wood and surrounding area.

Moisture can also get into your home via any tiny gaps or cracks around your windows and doors. Even the smallest air leak can quickly lead to moisture troubles, so check your exterior walls and doors often for signs of wear and tear.

SERVPRO of Allen is here for you if you do discover water damage! Our team will get right to work drying out your home and addressing repairs. Call us day or night for quick assistance.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.

The Benefits of Using Your Hometown Restoration Team | SERVPRO of Allen

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

group of 3 SERVPRO reps standing near a green semi truck at a work site No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Allen!

The sheer thought of suffering through a disaster can be overwhelming, not to mention experiencing one firsthand. No matter how frustrating it is or how much you don’t want to deal with it, taking action quickly can help you avoid more serious damage down the road.

Choosing a reliable restoration company is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to recovering the right way. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Allen is here to help.

We are locally owned and operated, which means that our team is always ready and willing to help our community get put back together after disaster strikes.

Choosing the Right Restoration Company

Experiencing home damage is one thing, but having to choose who should restore your home is entirely another. It might feel incredibly challenging to figure out what company to go with, but doing your research and taking the time to get it right can make all the difference.

You deserve a quick recovery, but don’t rush into picking a restoration company without ensuring you are making the right choice. The company you choose should be experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and very reliable. They should also be available 247 in case of emergencies!

SERVPRO of Allen proudly offers all that and more when it comes to what our community needs. Because we are locally owned and operated, the crew that comes to your door will be made up of your friends and community members from the Allen area. This unique connection to our community sets us apart because it helps us truly understand the area and each restoration project that we take on.

History in the Making

Having a friendly team that knows the area is one thing, but you also want to make sure that your restoration team knows what they are doing! SERVPRO® comes with the added benefit of having the resources of a national brand with the personal touch of a local business. We will always have the access we need to large teams and professional resources when we need them.

We all want to be on the right side of history, and SERVPRO has done just that. The national brand has been in business since 1967 and has grown to over 2,000 locations around the country, including ours here in the Allen area.

We ensure our team members are trained and certified to handle your recovery from start to finish. We are the total package when it comes to restoration and cleaning for your home and business.

We can also handle every part of your recovery from the initial tarping and boarding up of your damaged home to the final repairs of your ceiling, walls and floors. We are always honing our skills and working hard to make sure you make the quickest recovery possible.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

Jumping Into Action When Your Business Floods | SERVPRO of Allen

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Allen a call to get that resolved!

It’s just another day at the office, or so you think. You get to work, unlock the doors, turn on the lights and are all of a sudden hit with a musty odor and your socks are now soaked through. Oh no, your floors are covered in water and it is currently raining down from the ceiling! What do you do?

Water leaks can happen at any point, but they can be especially troublesome when they occur and no one is around to help immediately. Over time, this simple leak could turn into a flood that impacts multiple levels of your business.

No matter how the leak started, getting it under control as quickly as possible is always recommended to prevent serious damage from occurring as well as to prevent mold growth. Following these steps below can help you navigate this uncertain and frustrating time.

Following Step by Step

When you discover water damage or even a flood, it can take you by surprise and can be a very unnerving experience. Try to stay calm and focus on what you can control in the moment.

Taking action quickly can help you avoid serious issues that could plague your business for years.

1. Stay safe. We always want you to stay safe! First, make sure your employees stay out of the area and stay out of the water. Assess the damage from dry location and then get us on the phone. Our team will discuss the situation and start working on a recovery plan right away. You should also take some photos at this time as well to help jumpstart your insurance claim.

2. Control the disaster. Fast action is the best way to prevent serious or long-term damage, so focus on identifying the source and shutting off the flow of water as quickly as possible. Closing off the specific water valve or simply shutting off the main water valve to your entire building for the time being can stop the problem from getting worse.

3. Start the drying process. While you wait for us to arrive, you can certainly start the drying process! Just be sure to stay out of the water as floodwater can contain chemicals, storm runoff and even sewage. Open windows, set up fans and keep the area closed off to employees and customers.

Working With Our Water Damage Restoration Team

Once we arrive, we will get to work right away to remove the excess water, and we will also perform a visual assessment at this time. Our project manager will be with you every step of the way to ensure you know what is going on and what is coming next. We will even make contact with your insurance agency at this time.

While we work on your building, we want you to focus on your staff and your business. Oftentimes, we are able to secure the area where the flood occurred so you can still operate, even in a reduced capacity. We will do whatever we can to help!

You shouldn’t have to stand for standing water at your business. Contact SERVPRO of Allen for immediate assistance, and we will help you dry out and rebuild right away.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

The Impact of Different Types of Home Damage | SERVPRO of Allen

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Allen right away.

Disasters and unexpected situations can happen at any point. Severe weather, house fires or broken windows from a fly ball that flew a little too high while your children were playing can all leave your home damaged without much warning.

Even though we know that we cannot prevent every situation from occurring, we can take steps to be prepared for as much as we can.

Understanding the different types of home damage and what to expect can help you prepare more thoroughly. If you do suffer damage, SERVPRO® of Allen can handle every aspect of your recovery.

The Biggest Risks in the Allen Area

In our particular area, we are at risk of heavy rain, flash flooding and tornadoes. We can also be at risk of suffering from wildfire damage if a season gets particularly dry and the conditions become volatile. Of course, the general risk for water damage, roof damage or fire is always present.

Water damage can happen due to rain or flooding, but it can also happen in an instant if your dishwasher malfunctions and leaks or a pipe in your wall bursts and leaks everywhere. Fire can also start in a variety of ways, but they most commonly start due to human error or negligence.

What Are Compounding Damages?

Suffering through one disaster situation is often stressful enough, but that single situation can lead to further issues, called compounding damages. For example, a flood will leave your home soaked and damaged, but that lingering water can also lead to structural issues or even mold growth.

A house fire will certainly damage the walls and floors where the flames were present, but the soot and smoke can travel to parts of your home that the fire never reached. When the fire is extinguished, water damage and chemical residue will all need to be addressed as well.

No matter how your home was damaged, a proper recovery is required so you can avoid lingering issues or further damage. SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle your recovery process from start to finish. We are trained in water, storm and fire damage repair as well as mold remediation and home remodeling.

If your home suffers water damage from a storm or a household accident, we will get to work drying out the excess moisture and tackle any repairs quickly. We will also make sure any lingering odors are taken care of and your entire space is sanitized.

If your home suffers a fire disaster, we will get right to work removing burned debris and cleaning out any soot and smoke damage. We will go room to room to make sure every bit of lingering damage is repaired. We can handle the smallest repairs all the way up to entire reconstructions of levels or sections of your home.

We are a full-service restoration company, so we come with everything we need to tackle your project from start to finish. Our team is trained in the latest restoration techniques, and we have years of experience helping homeowners like you overcome home damage challenges.

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.

Why an Emergency Plan Matters for Your Business | SERVPRO of Allen

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

clip board with a disaster preparedness checklist and emergency supplies in the background Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Allen is here for you when disaster strikes!

It should be no surprise that the number of natural disasters has steadily been increasing over the last five years. All of the hurricanes, fires and floods in the news can be overwhelming at times.

Natural disasters can happen without much warning, leaving you with serious damage and a lot of uncertainty about the future of your business. By planning ahead, you can reduce your risk of extensive damage and weather through the disaster more smoothly.

Taking the time to create a reliable emergency plan can help you respond faster during a true emergency.

Why a Plan Is Important

Since natural disasters are happening more frequently and are becoming stronger, the possibility of suffering through one yourself is increased. Taking action against the possibility of dangerous fires, floods and storms can help you and your staff stay safe.

Disaster situations can cause extensive damage to your business, but they can also cause a trickledown effect on your staff. Lost wages, reduced revenue and the uncertainty of what comes next is something no business owner should have to deal with.

If you have a plan in place to recover, you can ensure your staff that you will be back open for business in no time at all. We don’t want you to have to shut your doors forever, so we are here to help.

The Creation of an Emergency Ready Plan

SERVPRO® has the perfect solution for helping your business prepare for disaster situations. Our Emergency Ready Plan service helps outline the various threats to your business and gives you step-by-step directions on how to respond to them.

Different businesses have different levels of risk depending on the service or product they offer. For example, a small storefront that sells local goods will have a different plan than a huge warehouse that works with dangerous chemicals on a daily basis.

We will go through each scenario and explain what to do before, during and after a particular disaster. This may include keeping important documents in an easily accessible area or having emergency bags ready for your staff to grab quickly on your way out the door.

Staying in communication with one another during emergencies is also crucial, so we will create a section in your Emergency Ready Plan that explains the chain of command and who is responsible for what. Having specific people designated to call 911 or to grab your fire extinguisher helps keep everyone calm and in control.

The Emergency Ready Plan is everything you need and more when it comes to disaster situations. We will ensure you have the information you need to respond smoothly to any emergency situation that comes your way.

Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.