Prep Your Home For Fall!

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Clean out those gutters!

It's back to school time, and you could feel the crisp morning air today.  Don’t wait for the rain or snow to come before you start your preparations. It’s not winter just yet, but with cooler weather upon us, you may want to make sure your home is sealed up tight and ready.  

1. Check your home for leaks in your window seals or roof. If your home’s eaves have stains, that can indicate a leak. If you find any stains, call a roof contractor to make any repairs before winter.

2. Ensure the water drains away from the home and clean out those gutters. If your area experiences snow, any back-up of gutters may result in ice damming and lead to water damage.

3. Before winter arrives, shut off all outside water faucets or garden hose connections, then drain hoses and store them in the garage.

4. Clean overgrown vegetation and trim dead branches from trees that are close to your home. Also give your lawn one last cut before cleaning and storing your lawn mower. Apply a fertilizer and pre-emergent to your lawn to prevent winter damage and from weeds germinating underground.

5. Clean out your grill and firepit and make sure to keep propane outside. Cover up or store any outdoor furniture, so it’s out of the elements safe from wind-storms, and stays nice for next year.

6. If you have a HVAC service contract, have them stop by. Otherwise, replace filters and install covers on the AC condensing units on the outside of the home.

7. Call a professional to check your fireplace and chimney – especially if you plan to use it during the winter. Nothing is worse than smoking up your home when the weather is cold because your fireplace flue wasn’t cleaned. If you use a wood burning fireplace, be sure to dispose of the ashes properly using a fireproof metal bucket. 

8. Make sure everything you’ll need before winter is in good working order. If your area gets snow, test your snowblower and have it serviced. Ensure your outdoor activated night lights or security system components are all operating correctly. Stock up on Ice Melt and make sure you know where your shovel is. 

9. Repair cracks in driveways, walkways, and steps. Fixing these issues prevents water from getting into the cracks, freezing, and expanding which can turn the small cracks into big cracks. 

10. While you’re making fall preparations, we encourage you to plan ahead for winter too.  We'll get to that soon!

Preventing Water Damage While On Vacation

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

It's not a pretty sight to return to.

It's a nightmare scenario... coming home from vacation to discover your house is flooded from water damage. This scenario is all too common for homeowners, in fact, the Insurance Institute reports that water damage claims are the second most common claim. It's a disastrous problem. Can anything be done to prevent such a disaster? Here are 3 steps to prevent water damage while on vacation.

1. Check Your Home | Before you leave, go and inspect areas where leaks could occur. Pipes in the kitchen and bathroom are especially important. Make sure there are no cracks or small leaks in the pipes. Check to make sure all pipes are secure.
2. Clear Gutters & Downspouts | Clear away any blockages that could allow water to rest. Resting water in your gutter near your roof could cause water to leak through the roof.
3. Shut Off Water Valve | When in doubt, turn your water valve off. This will prevent water from circulating in your pipes. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, clear the pipes after you turn the water off to prevent the pipes from bursting.

A little preparation goes a long way in preventing a big expensive disaster. Nobody wants to return home from vacation to deal with a water damage. 

Why You Need A SERVPRO ERP

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

ERP Tags that help you know what to do

A no-cost assessment of your facility.

This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. 

A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

It takes just a short time to complete the profile but could save long hours of time and effort if ever needed. 

A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

Having an immediate plan of action can help minimize the downtime to your business in an emergency. 

Establishes your local SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.

You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by.

Why Water Damage Needs To Be Cleaned Immediately

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning it up doesn't have to be difficult.

When flooding and other water disasters affect your home and family, you don't want to wait several hours for regular business hours. You need solutions immediately. SERVPRO water damage mitigation professionals offer 24-hour emergency response services. This means that if a pipe bursts on a holiday, technicians are available to respond. If heavy storm damages leave your home exposed to flooding, a fast response could prevent further harm.

You Can't Wait a Single Day

The first hours after your home is affected by water damage, many things begin to happen.

• Furniture swells and breaks down.
• Metal items tarnish and rust.
• Fabric and paper items become stained.
• Mold or mildew takes hold.
• Drywall weakens and swells.

An immediate response puts the progression of damage on hold while a corrective course of action is put into place.

It's Expensive To Delay

Many situations requiring cleaning and restoration must be addressed immediately. This is because water damage takes place within minutes. Within a short 60-second period, walls, floors, and upholstery absorb water. Finishes on tables and chairs begin to bleed. Cherished photographs start to warp and discolor. If you have to wait more than a 24-hour period for professionals to arrive, the damage becomes much harder to address.

If you have to wait just two days for services, mold may begin to spread. Important framing may warp. Metal fixtures begin to corrode. Paint blisters and wood flooring swells. As damage increases, the efforts and cost of restoring your home increase rapidly. In some cases, the structural safety of your home could be affected.

What a Quick Response Looks Like

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is always open, so technicians are ready to respond within a single hour. Before four hours pass, professionals will be at your home. Within eight hours, a plan of action will be in place, and you will be well on your way to getting back on track. A fast response to flooding is crucial; take advantage of 24-hour availability for the protection of your home.  Call us today (208) 242-3819

Where does your stuff go after a fire?

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our Contents Storage and documenting.

One of the best things about SERVPRO Blackfoot/Pocatello is that we were able to move into a facility that now has room to store your contents.

Instead of having a large conex box in front of your house, or trying to fit all of your belongings in other rooms while work is being done, our experienced Contents crew will show up and get your items and bring them back to our location on South 5th Ave. 

From there, a technician will work on documenting all of the items, take photos, and make note of any that need cleaning or if there are any that are permanently damaged during your fire or flood.  Then we do the cleaning right here in our shop.

 If there are any items that are damaged, we will notify your insurance and make sure that you're covered.

Making sure that not only your home, but your belongings are protected is our top priority! 

Come see us!

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Lauren at the Chamber Golf Tournament

For the past few years, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello has made a point to attend as many golf tournaments as possible.  SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the PGA, and we want to make sure that we're a local sponsor of all things golf too!

This year we've already attended the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, and the 18th Annual John McCarthy Memorial Golf Tournament.  It was hot, but we had a great time!  

You can still catch us this year at the First Tee Tournament on August 12th, and the Greater Pocatello Association of REALTORS Golf Scramble on August 15th.  

In the future, if you have a golf tournament and need a sponsor or even just some volunteers, we'd be happy to help!  Just give us a call. (208) 530-3022

Clean Workspace makes Effective Employees

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

We can clean anything

A business owner probably doesn’t think that having a clean and organized work space is a top priority but having a clean and healthy work space is a major factor to running a successful business. However, when a business owner finally realizes that his office environment has become filthy and his employees being distracted or out sick then getting a cleaning company becomes important.

It is significant to make sure that your offices are regularly cleaned, maintained and disinfected to ensure that your employees are happy, healthy and productive. It will also provide a great first impression to new customers, clients and new employees. A clean and tidy work environment will appeal to these clients and instill confidence and trust that your company has a strong attention to detail.  When potential customers see dirty floors or smudgy conference room tables or disheveled desks it may show the lack of professionalism and that you are unable to take care of your surroundings and employees, let alone a new client.

A clean work environment implies superior, quality products and services. A potential customer will most certainly be judging your products and your services on how your office space looks and feels. Don’t let a messy work environment result in a potential customer walking away before you even have the chance to speak with them.

Most people will work 8 hours a day and may consider their place of work a second home. By keeping your employee’s area clean and tidy it will provide a more productive, efficient and happier environment.  Productivity may drop significantly when they’re working in a messy and unclean workplace. Have your employees keep their desk area tidy and clean, but its important not to task them with heavy cleaning such as vacuuming, cleaning toilets or washing walls. This is where you want to hire an outside professional cleaning company.

Each office has its own detailed scope of cleaning work that needs to be done. At SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, we customize cleaning to your needs, offer DEEP cleanings and only use safe cleaning products. We'll make sure the cleaning is done right every time, Call us today at (208) 242-3819

Have you met the crew?

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Working together matters

Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot & Pocatello, we've been going through some pretty big changes.  Most people know we've moved to a much larger facility on the south end of Pocatello, but our staff has had some major growth too.

When you call the office, be ready to talk to Teresa, our Job File Coordinator and all around guru of restoration.  Teresa came to us with YEARS of knowledge and stepped into her role perfectly.  She knows how to make sure your insurance company gets everything they need to make your claim go faster!

If Teresa doesn't answer, it's probably Jade, our new Office Manager.  Jade really knows how to get things done, and she has no problem with pushing the teams to do better than ever!  She has come in and made some amazing changes to the structure of the company, and it's been phenomenal to see it happen.

Mitigation has had some big growth this year too!  We've got a total of 6 new crew members this year, and we're not stopping there!  We want to make sure that there is always someone who can get to you at any hour of the day or night. 

Our rebuild team has also seen some amazing growth, and it's all credited toward their rebuild manager Austin.  He makes sure that our customers are not only satisfied, but impressed at the hard work that's put into their homes and businesses.

Lasty, we've added a new department, Contents.  When a fire or flood wreck's havoc on your home or office, we don't forget your belongings.  Getting them clean and restored is one of our top priorities.  We now have a streamlined process for cataloging, cleaning, and storing your belongings in a secured location so you don't have to worry about them.  

No matter what you're faced with, be it fire, flood, sewage, or any other disaster, SERVPRO of Blackfoot & Pocatello is going to make sure you're taken care of.  Give us a call at (208) 242-3819 any time, 24/7/365

Steps to Take After Smoke Damage from a Wildfire

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires caused by lightning are all too common in Southeast Idaho, and smoke and ash damage cause devastating damage to a home if not addressed properly. Contact SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello, as well as your insurance company, and provide information about the damage that has occurred. Most of our work starts off by first contacting your insurance with you or on your behalf and scheduling an inspection of the property. We will go through the difficult process of returning your business or home to its preloss condition. Since smoke damage can be invisible to the naked eye, it is important for qualified experts like SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello to conduct the inspection.

While the inspection takes place it will benefit you to do the following:

• Take note of any damage you observe. Make sure to photograph any noticeable damage due to smoke and ash. The more you can document from the damage, the more it will assist you for insurance claims purposes.
• Move children, pets and anybody else away from the home and to a smoke-free area. Stay away from the residence until restoration is complete.

Smoke released in the air contains an array of toxins, and these toxins may persist if not treated correctly.  Let us work with your insurance company to help with your home’s wildfire recovery. Call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819, we are 24/7/365.

What is My First Step After a Business Fire?

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can make a big different

Call The Insurance Company

Your insurance company will need to know the full details of what occurred. Prepare yourself for the first call by collecting as much information as possible. Give the adjuster the extent of the water and fire damages. The following are important point to cover.

• Insurer’s damage documentation requirements
• Scheduling inspection of property with adjuster
• Proof of loss statement deadlines
• Request possibility of extensions and approvals

Don’t Throw Away Your Things

Items can be saved, and you will want to review the list of items damaged to determine what can be salvaged. Leave everything in its place so when the adjuster / inspector arrives onsite they can see the full extent of the damages incurred.

Our experienced franchise professionals frequently save business items after a fire. Special techniques developed in the field can salvage nearly any item from paper records to electronics. When speaking with your designated claims manager and project manager, the entire process is discussed and documented from start to finish.

Call a Remediation and Restoration Professional

We regularly work directly with your insurance and keep you in the know on the details. Call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819, we are 24/7/365.

Save Your Stuff When Water Attacks

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

This house had two feet of water in the basement.

No one wants to walk into a room full of water, but it happens.  What doesn't normally happen is an immediate reaction to save your belongings.  Many customers feel so overwhelmed that they don't think of what to do first.  We want to give you a list of things to do, so you can save as many belongings as possible.

1.  STOP THE WATER!  If you can't figure out where the water is coming from, then shut off the main water valve.  Make sure that there is no more water coming into the room

2. SHUT OFF ANY AFFECTED UTILITIES.  If water is coming through electrical outlets, make sure to turn the power to them off.

3.  If you air conditioner and ducts weren't affected by the water damage, TURN IT ON for at least the first 24 hours to decrease the humidity. 

4. Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello.  We'll get a crew together to get out and help you start the next part of the process.

5.  Get out the water.  Using an extractor, water pump, and even buckets, get as much water out as you can.

6. Get all documents and photos that are water damaged, put them in a ziplock bag, and FREEZE THEM.  It will help them be restored later.

7.  Start washing all clothes, bedding, towels, and other linens that might grow mold.  Getting them clean ASAP is going to save them later.

8.  Remove everything that you can, but if you can't remove furniture, at least wrap the legs in foil to prevent more water damage or stains.

9. Leave the carpet alone.  A restoration company will handle the carpet so that it can be saved or replaced, but insurance will want to see the carpet in place first.

10.  Make sure you wipe all of the excess water from furniture and belongings.  Get it off quickly to prevent damage.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello will help you with all of this, and then they will place fans and dehumidifiers throughout the room in a scientifically proven manner that will help dry your home out fast.  Our experienced technicians know how to utilize the space and the air movement to take care of you.  Then they will begin the process of removing all affected materials that might further get damaged.

We know having a flood is difficult, but we're here for you.  Call us today at (208) 242-3819

Congratulations Idaho Prime!

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Tristan presented Lauren and Emily with a team picture and a signed ball!

We wanted to give a big shout out to our favorite baseball team, and our buddy Tristan!  These kids did so well this year, and we were super honored to sponsor their team.

These boys we're recruited.  This was a team made up of a bunch of kids that didn't have a lot of experience, and they came in SECOND in their tournament.  We couldn't be more proud of them.

If you have a team that needs a sponsor, reach out to SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello and let us know!  We might just sponsor your team next time!

Keeping your business clean the SERVPRO way

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Proper mold remediation

A Janitor's duties and responsibilities can include general cleaning of a building and keeping it maintained and in good condition. This can include vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing restrooms, taking out trash and recycling and washing and cleaning windows and mirrors.

Maintenance workers, also known as repair workers, fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs and heating and air conditioning system maintenance.

So where does SERVPRO come into play?  We're the crew that comes in when your janitorial service or maintenance service can't perform the duties necessary to clean or repair a problem due to lack of equipment, skill, or hazards.  SERVPRO of Blackfoot & Pocatello is capable of cleaning carpets, upholstery, drapes, biohazards, floods, fires, ducts, mold, vandalism, crime scenes, water damage, and odors.  

We know that your business means a lot to you, and we want to be there for you so that any disaster doesn't keep you out of business.  Give us a call and we'll set up a time to come by with our information!  We'll do anything from janitorial weekly services, to major accidents and disasters.  We also travel all throughout Southeastern Idaho.  We're Here to Help®

Don't clean up water damage alone

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Call us if you ever find yourself holding a bucket to catch water in your home.

So you've had a flood in your house.  Maybe the dishwasher backed up and your kitchen is flooded and running into your living room.  Or your upstairs bathroom toilet clogged up and now you have water pouring through the ceiling into your basement.  Most people don't think water is that big of a deal and as long as they can dry it out, things will be fine.  Sometimes though, they're wrong.  Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't try and clean your flooded home by yourself.

1. Mold.  We all know that mold is the number 1 enemy after water damage, but most people don't really understand why or how mold affects our home.  If you don't properly mitigate the situation, you're almost guaranteed to have mold growing in the porous materials of your floor, walls, and belongings.  The walls may look and feel dry, but you can't see the other side, where the mold is growing, until it gets so bad that it comes through the wall.

2. Home Depreciation & Insurance Issues.  Homeowners insurance is purchased for a reason.  In the event of damage to your home, they will help you cover the costs.  If you choose to clean up the damage yourself, you're going to understand why a restoration company matters.  If by chance you've cleaned up a flood on your own without calling insurance, you aren't going to be able to file a claim later one.  Any issue that might arise due to improper cleaning is no longer covered by insurance.  That's a huge risk, if the damage is bad enough, and then the value of your home is going to decrease unless you pay to replace everything that could have been restored.

3. Warped floors and walls.  This is the big one that usually makes people think twice after they've cleaned their own flood.  It's not very noticeable at first, but after time your floors may start twisting and warping.  Wood floors can be permanently damaged, drywall will deteriorate, and carpets can delaminate.  If you try to dry out a flood without the proper equipment, it's going to take a lot longer and the humidity will do more damage than you realize.

4. Biohazards from contaminated water.  I had a woman approach me yesterday to tell me that her laundry room was backing up.  What caught me off guard was that she said "It's clean water, just from the washing machine, so it's not too bad."  There is a big difference between clean water and contaminated water.  If the water in your home is from a supply line, in most circumstances, it can be considered clean water, and there is a bigger likelihood of being able to restore almost all of the contents in the home if dried properly.  Water that comes from the Drain-Waste-Vent System, in other words the water going OUT of your house, is absolutely not clean and it contains things like chemicals and biohazard waste in it.  It might not look like sewage, but you're not going to want that to get on your skin or breathe it in, no matter what.

5. Risk of electric shock.  If you don't have experience with working with electricity, let me tell you, getting shocked is not fun.  When water is introduced to your electrical system, it can be deadly.  If the water is in your walls, it's best to call in the professionals so you don't risk harming yourself.

If you need help, give us a call at (208) 242-3819 and SERVPRO of Blackfoot & Pocatello can be there in an hour.

You can put out a fire, but the smoke will linger.

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

You can handle the fire, but can you handle the smoke?

"It wasn't very big, and we got the fire out ourselves, but it still smells."

We get this call a lot.  Someone has a fire in their home, but it was handled before anyone had to call the fire department, but two days later your house still smells like burnt ramen and campfire.

No matter how small the fire, smoke and soot will still penetrate in your home and leave a residue that is likely to cause lingering smells that won’t disappear.  No amount of Febreze or candles will help.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is here to help!  We have the experience and the products that will clean your walls and furniture and help you get your home smelling fresh and clean again.  Our mitigation experts know exactly where those smells are lingering and how to get them out.

No matter if it was a grease fire, wood fire, chemical fire, or your kid burnt his top ramen on the stove, we can help!

Call us today, and we'll be there in an hour! (208) 242-3819

It's an EMERGENCY!

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Don't be a statistic.

Did you know that 50% of business that suffer a disaster never reopen?  

Preparing your business for a disaster is imperative for a long and strong running company.  It's not just having fire extinguishers and an emergency escape plan, but having a real emergency response plan that will help you not be one of the negative statistics. 

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello offers all business a FREE Emergency Response Profile (ERP) for their business (and even a home if you want it!).  With no obligations or signatures required, we can come into your business and create a plan that will help your employees know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

In your personalized profile, there will be pictures and explanations on where each emergency shut off valve or box is in your facility, and local phone numbers for emergency response and utility work.  It gives you employees a sense of control and knowing exactly what's expected of them in the event of a disaster.  It doesn't matter if its fire damage, water or flood damage, sewage, or even vandalism, this profile can help them know what to do.

In addition to the profile, there is an APP for any smart phone that with one click of a button will signal SERVPRO to dispatch their emergency crew directly to your business.

It's one of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself and your employees from being without a place to work tomorrow.

You should TRUST your Restoration Company.

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Every emergency deserves a trusted company.

Lets face it, the restoration industry has developed a reputation of its own for being less than professional.  In the past few years, they seem to be popping up as quickly as car washes and coffee shops, all chasing that easy insurance money. The truth is, insurance claims are never easy money, and if you have a company that doesn't know what they're doing, it's going to end up costing YOU more in the long run, because everything the insurance denies can come back onto the homeowner if you're not careful.  If you have an emergency in your home, the last thing you need is an untrained group with less than honest backgrounds going through your personal belongings and a huge bill that can end up as a lien on your home.

So WHY would you choose SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello over the other companies?  

1. We're an IICRC certified firm, with IICRC certified technicians.  From fire, flood, to biohazard, we make sure our technicians are up to date on all of the regulations of the restoration industry, and we make sure to confront every job with the leading standards.  Make sure that you're hiring a company that is always up to date on their certifications, and make sure they can explain to you WHY they are taking the actions to mitigate the way they are.  They should be able to explain the process, and why at each step.

2.  We do extensive background checks and drug tests.  We know that you're going through a terrible situation, and we want you to feel comfortable and safe with us.  We make sure that our crews have a clean background and no history of theft or violence.  We want you to know that we care about you and your home, and we only hire the best.  Not every company here can say the same.

3.  We're available 24/7/365.  Never hire a restoration company that tells you they can't be there within two hours.  Every moment counts after a fire or flood.  If you have a biohazard situation, we want to make sure that it's taken care of quickly so you can get back into your home without having to see the mess that was left behind.

4. We're really a cleaning company.  We're not just a fire/flood/mold company.  We emphasize our ability to take care of ANY cleaning job that goes above and beyond what someone would want to take care of themselves.  We use our own special blends of chemicals put together by an entire chemistry team to make sure you have the top of the line quality used on your home, and you can trust that it's truly clean.

5. We will guarantee our work.  You deserve to have a home that you're happy to be in, and we promise to make sure that the quality of work is top notch, and if it's not, we'll correct it with not cost to you.

6.  No hidden fees!  This one is what sets us aside from the other companies in town.  We know that you have homeowners insurance for a reason.  We always make sure to stay in the parameters of what the insurance adjusters have laid out for us.  If we ever come across something that we've done that isn't approved by you or your insurance, it won't become your problem.  If you WANT to remodel your home beyond what insurance is paying, we can do that too, but every decision over what your claim is paying will be approved by you before it's completed.

We know that "Restoration" isn't fun.  Seeing your home in pieces is one of the hardest moments you'll have, but we promise at the end of the day that your home will look "Like It Never Even Happened®"

How To Clean Smoke Stains

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too big for SERVPRO

Smoke stains can be caused by several different mishaps around the home.  A fireplace, candle, BBQ, heater, or even a small fire can create an ugly smoke stain.  The worst being nicotine stains from cigarette smoke.  Most people don't realize that smoke stains are oil based, and require a lot more than just a good scrubbing to clean up.

Smoke particles themselves are called soot, and that is the grey or black stains that can be powdery or oily that also coat the surfaces of a home exposed to a fire or smoke.   They don't just look bad, but they're really bad for your health too.  They can get into your lungs and bloodstream and make people really sick.  That's why is so important to make sure that all smoke stains are cleaned properly.

Directions for Removing Smoke Stains from Walls

1. Remove the soot.  Do this with a HEPA vacuum and don't scrub.
2. Spray it with water to prevent it from going airborne.
3. Apply Cleaner. Spray cleaner on all affected areas on brick, stone, metal or plastic. For painted surfaces, used a sponge.
4. Scrub. Agitate the stained area with your brush or scrubbing pad.
5. Rinse with water. Spray clean, warm water onto the cleaned area or wipe down with a damp towel.
6. Dry. Allow to air dry, or wipe with dry towel.

Heavy soils may require repeated application.

If that process seems overwhelming, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello are leading experts on smoke and soot removal, and we have the products to get the job done right, and quickly.  Give us a call today and we can be there in an hour.

Prepare for Spring Weather

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

We can fix anything the storm brings your way.

Mark Twain once said, “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

You never know what spring is going to bring.  It can be 80° one day then frigid rain for the next week.  In Idaho, we have seen everything from heat, snow, rain, floods, and even tornadoes.  The biggest storm phenomenon is thunderstorms.  The risk of lightning and flash floods are dangerous for almost anyone who lives in southeastern Idaho.  We want all of our neighbors to know that we can help you no matter what a storm brings to your home.  

We can help pump out water, clean up sewage, take care of damage from lighting, or board up a window that can get broken during a tornado.  We can even assist if a tree falls on your home.

If you face any kind of extreme weather this spring that damages your home or office building, please feel free to reach out, and we will be there to help.  We are available 24/7 and someone can be there within an hour*

Apartment Mold

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Mold usually comes from moisture within the wall.

When I was young and my friends and I had just started moving out into our own apartments, we didn't really know anything about what to look for when it came to water damage.  When the mold appeared on the bathroom wall three months later, we didn't know what to do, so we called maintenance.  He came in and inspected it, and we talked for a while and we just assumed the mold was likely from condensation, and that we needed to take less showers.  He cleaned it up with bleach, and that was that.  Every few months that mold would reappear on the wall, and we'd just spray it with bleach and make it go away.

Fast forward 20 years, now working at a restoration company, I sure know better.  I know that the mold wasn't from our showers, but likely from a water leak in the wall next to the toilet.  I know now that spraying the bleach only changed the appearance, but didn't treat the mold.  And I also know now that the maintenance guy (who was actually pretty helpful) didn't really know what he was looking at either, or how to properly treat it.

I have to say that was my favorite apartment, but I do wish I could go back in time and ask if we could look a little further into the wall.

Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, that's what we do!  We know that most maintenance teams with apartments and property management companies know what they're doing, but there will always be times that they need a hand.  That's the best time to call us.  If you ever need assistance in an apartment, give us a call. 208-242-3819 

Brown Spots On Ceiling Tiles

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Those brown spots are more than just ugly, they're a sign of something uglier.

Businesses with dropped ceilings know how distracting and unprofessional water stains can be on ceiling tiles.  Having a leak in your roof or fire suppression system can cause all sorts of damage.  Sometimes it feels like niagra falls is coming down on your desk, but sometimes you don't recognize the leak until you get those ugly brown water spots.

There are plenty of websites that will teach you how to paint and bleach the expensive tiles, but they don't mention what's above them that can be more than just an eyesore.

If your business has those telltale brown spots, there could also be mold in the insulation above it, or even on the top of the tile it's self.  So before you head to the hardware store for paint, make sure you have a professional come in and investigate your water damage to make sure you're not putting a bandaid on a water disaster.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot//Pocatello does free local estimates for any home or business that may have water damage.  Give us a call and we will let you know what's hiding above the wet ceiling tiles.

Call Today  (208) 242-3819

*Mileage will apply to any business more than 30 miles from Pocatello*

Ice Dams Are Coming

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Ice Dams are more than just pretty icicles.

We're starting to warm up which is really a great feeling for those of us here in Idaho, but we're not out of the woods year when it comes to winter storms.  Looking at the weather, we might actually be getting some early morning snow mid week, but the temperature during the day will be above freezing.  That means a potential for Ice Dams.  

An Ice Dam is when the snow on your roof melts into the cold gutter and refreezes causing a back up.  The problems begin when the water starts to penetrate into your roof causing significant roof and water damage to your home.

There are several ways to prepare for ice dams, but usually they're difficult or costly.  SERVPRO will be happy to help you clean up the storm damage until you can get a new system on your roof. 

Covid Cleanings

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your employees

The recent global health crisis has changed a lot – most prominently, how we think about cleaning and disinfection. While every site presents unique challenges, exposure scenarios and operational complexities, SERVPRO’s treatments are designed to address each business’ characteristics and minimize the impact to occupants and operations. Implementing a scheduled routine disinfection program designed around your unique goals and challenges will help to protect your staff, your customers, and other visitors to your space. Programs can be structured quarterly, annually, or customized as needed.

With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO has the training, expertise, and equipment to quickly address biohazard cleanup and disinfection. Their methods go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. All of their cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities, which generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

Call us today for a quote 208-242-3819

Plowing to YOU!

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

We'll make it to you, no matter what.

Did you guys know we have a snow plow?

Back when SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello first started, we actually offered plowing services to local businesses.  Now that we're bigger and busier, we don't offer plowing as a service, but we DO have it as an option for our customers in winter time.

Not too long ago, we got a call for a job that was quite a ways out of any major towns, and it was in the middle of a "blizzard" or what us Idahoans called "a bit of snow."  It wasn't just a little call either, it was a pretty big flood that needed some attention and couldn't wait.

That's when the bossman fired up the old dodge, attached the plow and headed out.  We made sure that our customer wasn't left without support.

We will go above and beyond to make sure you're taken care of the right way.  Give us a call, rain or shine, and we'll be there.  (208) 242-3819

Smoke Detector Safety

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure your smoke detectors are working.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, and inside of every bedroom, and outside of every sleeping area.  

Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, plus one in the kitchen and one in the garage.

Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

Talk with your family about an emergency fire escape plan, and practice it with them so they know how to get out of the house.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello to clean up the mess. (208) 242-3819

Baseboard Heater Fires

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

This apartment caught fire due to a mattress being placed too close to a baseboard heater.

There are many things that can cause a house fire, but in the winter months, there are several high risk factors that need to be addressed to keep your home and your family safe during these cold winter months.

Baseboard heaters have been used for many decades now to heat homes, and aside from the cost of electricity, they're pretty good at what they do.  The newer models have been designed well, and their heating elements are encased well, so that they don't post a high risk of fire.  However, all heating elements, and the older baseboard heaters can do some real damage to a home if improperly used.

So why is it important to keep a clearing?  Baseboard heaters that work with an electric coil get very hot.  A hanging curtain, stuffed animal, or sock that might carelessly be left against one is a quick fire hazard.  Then some heaters are installed UNDER electrical sockets, and that poses a risk of those electrical wires melting and starting an electrical fire of their own.

So when you stay warm this month, make sure you keep a nice distance between anything and your baseboard heaters.  Pretend they're an open flame, and treat them as such.

And if you do happen to have a fire, don't hesitate to call us at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, and we can assist you in cleaning it up. 208.242.3819

Ranked #1 by Entrepreneur Magazine

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

2022's #1 ranked Restoration Franchise!

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is proud to be part of an international franchise group ranked the #1 Restoration company by Entrepreneur Magazine again for the 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR, and 8th overall.

So why does this matter to you?  Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, we're proud to be locally owned and operated.  Our owner Tyler is an East Idaho native who you can find here at the office working alongside his employees every day, and the money you spend on our company goes right back into our community.  Supporting us is supporting your own community, but as a franchise we have more to offer.

We understand that you have several options in the area for restoration services, so we do our best to have more to offer than basic services.  We are blessed with corporate support and equipment that can beat out our competition any day.  Our product line of chemicals and SERVPRO specific equipment means that our customers will never have to wonder if we can handle their job.  We also have on call support so that if we DO have questions, there's a professional on call to handle it.

There is NO JOB that is too big for SERVPRO.  Even if a major natural disaster hit our community, with ONE phone call, SERVPRO's disaster relief team will show up with the semi trucks of crews and equipment to make sure that there is no home left without support.

Thanks to being part of the #1 Restoration Franchise, we have the support to offer our customers so much more than any other local company.

Give us a chance to show you, and give us a call today at 208.242.3819

Failed Wax Rings

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

There is a silent destroyer in many bathrooms that often goes unnoticed.  A failed toilet ring can lead to some pretty messy issues, and their not just gross, but they're hazardous.  Homeowners insurance often recognizes the damage from a failed wax ring when filing claims, so don't be afraid to get help if you see these red flags.

1. Look out for water pooling around the bottom of your toilet.  That's the first sign that you have a leaky ring or broken flange.

2. The smell of sewer isn't normal in a bathroom, and typically that means that the airtight seal that should be at the bottom of your toilet is broken.

3. Water damage.  If you're moving a toilet for any reason, there is a chance of contamination of the surrounding structure.  If that toxic sewage water comes into contact with any other part of your bathroom, you need to have it cleaned properly.  Not properly treating a bathroom with a sewage leak can cause mold and bacteria to grow at extremely fast rates, and it's dangerous for everyone in your home.

If you think you have w failed wax ring, give us a call at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello and we'll see what we can do to help.

It's Snowing!

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever watched the movie Hook with Robin Williams?  There is a scene in that movie where Peter and his family knock on Wendy's door and Tootles answers.  He opens the door and yells "IT'S SNOWING!" before slamming the door in Peter's face.

That's the exact way that I feel about snow.  I want to slam the door and pretend it's not happening.  It doesn't help to live in the northern part of the country where we get quite a bit of snow.

That's why one of the most important thing's I've learned is that I need to prepare myself for the SNOW and that means preparing my house.  Now that it's winter time, it's time to prep my home.

This weekend we will start with making sure the gutters are cleaned out, the water lines outside of my house are capped, and we insulate any area that might freeze and cause a pipe to burst.

So here's SERVPRO's annual reminder PREP THE HOUSE!  ITS SNOWING!

Smoke in the Attic

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

We have specialized tools to remove any insulation.

When you think about fire damage to a home, you think about the smoke, soot, and burned belongings that will need to be replace.  There is also a very necessary step in almost any fire to restore your home like new, and that's removing the insulation. 

When a fire spreads through a room, even if the location of the flames is small, that smoke rises into your attic, and will permeate your insulation.  That's one of the few parts of your home that can not be cleaned, and the smell of smoke will stay in the home as long as the insulation isn't removed.  No one wants a house that permanently smells like campfire, so the insulation will require replacement.

We at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello do everything we can to make sure that your home feels like yours again.  We know that a house fire can be devastating, and we want to make sure that you can walk back into your home without smelling a reminder of smoke every day.

So if you have a fire, keep in mind that insulation removal isn't just an option, it should be the standard.

We Understand Discretion

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is always willing and ready to help any business or homeowner in their time of need.  We strive to do our best in making sure that every customer is met with satisfaction.  We will handle any type of biohazard cleanup, crime scene cleanup, suicide cleaning, fire cleanup, flood damage, or natural disaster you need help with.

We know that in some circumstances, it's imperative that the crisis remains confidential.  That's why we have a strict privacy policy in place that restricts our employees from sharing any information about you or your claim with anyone other than your insurance companies or people you've delegated. 

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is happy to help you address your situation as discreetly as possible.  We will do our best to not bring unnecessary attention to your business or residence, we can park away from the building or behind it.  We will use the back door whenever possible. Anything you need to feel confident that your situation is addressed as smoothly as possible.

If you have a situation in which you need assistance, please give us a call and we can help you decide what the best option is.

"Do you REALLY need to remove the drywall?"

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Room with water damage that wasn't removed.

There are times when a pipe bursts under a sink, or the line to the ice maker gets a hole and you have a flood in your home of clean water.  In those cases, if the water coming into your house is clean, and possibly even filtered.  If you catch the flood soon enough before is soaks into things, you might get lucky.  It may be possible to just dry your home as it is, but most often that isn't the case, because a lot of times the water that is flooding your home isn't clean water.

We get it, seeing your walls and floors removed is overwhelming and stressful, especially when you're concerned about your home and belongings.  Homeowners often ask us why we recommend that drywall, carpet and padding, and other porous surfaces be replaced after a category 2 or 3 flood.  After all, we're a "restoration" company so why don't we restore it as is?  The reason is lying in the water.

When water seeps into your home, it often comes in contact with different contaminants that make the water unsafe and can make you sick.  It spreads bacteria, fungus, chemicals and other possible gross things.  That doesn't count where the water came from to begin with.  Water that comes out of the dishwasher is full of soaps that can harm your skin or pets, and eventually can cause all sorts of things to grow in your floors, walls, cabinets, or furniture.  The water itself may be able to just dry, but we have to think about what's in the water.

Let's not even talk about water that backs up into your home from the sewer... You REALLY don't want anything in that water lingering in your home or walls.  Think about what's in your sewer, and then having that soak into drywall?  :::SHUDDER:::

We almost always recommend that carpet, padding, and drywall be removed and replaced.  We're thinking about what could grow in the future if it isn't removed.  As for carpet padding, its very difficult to dry completely and the risk of mold is significant.  Our experienced technicians will help you decide.

As a homeowner, it's always ultimately up to you how you'd like to proceed and how much you would like removed, but our IICRC technicians are highly trained for these kind of decisions.

Tis The Season.... For Fire

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Not cleaning a chimney can cause devastation to a home.

Whether it's chestnuts roasting, or a turkey deep frying, or a Christmas tree light popping, this is the time of the year when house fires become more prevalent.  One of the most dangerous, is the fire that you don't always notice.

We get it, you want to embrace the holiday season and maybe have a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.  We do too!  But when was the last time that you had that chimney cleaned?  Typically you should have it cleaned once a year, or when the soot or creosote is over 1/8th of an inch thick.

So how do you identify a chimney fire?  Often times you wont notice, but there are some telltale signs that you can look out for.

First of all, if you experience any of the following, immediately leave the home and call 911.

• A loud, crackling or popping noise from the chimney flue (imagine the sound of a large bonfire)
• A lot of dense, thick smoke coming into the fireplace or out of the top of the chimney
• Flames or things that are on fire (pieces of flaming creosote) coming from the top of the chimney
• A strong, intensely hot smell
• A roaring sound, often described as being like a freight train or airplane

Signs that you may have had a fire, and need to get it inspected

These signs may indicate that your chimney has experienced a slow-burning chimney fire:

• Fluffy, gray, “ashy”, or “honeycombed” creosote (normally, creosote is a flat, black, often shiny substance)
• Warped or discolored (“annealed”) metal components — this indicates the metal structures have been damaged by intense heat
• Cracked or damaged flue tiles, or chunks missing from flue tiles (this can also be caused by water damage)
• Heat-damaged roof structures (such as television antennas, shingles, or vents) near the chimney
• Creosote chunks or pieces found outside the chimney, on the roof or ground, or in the fireplace (intense heat can drive these from the chimney)
• Cracks in the exterior masonry of the chimney (caused by intense heat from inside)
• Evidence of smoke escaping through the sides of the chimney (indicates cracks inside the chimney flue, possibly caused by heat)

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello can assist you with cleaning up after a chimney fire, from the soot on the wall, stone, or rocks, to bringing in equipment to clean the air so it doesn't smell like a campfire.  Give us a call at (208) 242-3819 and we will help you stay cozy all winter long.

Knowing Your Flood Risk

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

An abandoned flooded hotel.

One of the ways that an insurance company dictates your coverage is the location of your home and the likeliness that a flooded waterway or wildfire will put your property in danger.

There is a FEMA website dedicated to letting you know if your home is in a flood zone.  For example, our office is located in an area of minimal flood hazard.

PROPERTY LOCATED AT: 7057 S 5th, Pocatello, ID 83204FEMA FLOOD ZONE: X, AREA OF MINIMAL FLOOD HAZARD You can check your homes flood zone here- https://floodmap.floodsimple.com/ It's important to remember that a flood can happen anywhere.  A rain storm can produce flash floods in almost any location, but a flood from a local waterway can be just as devastating.  Making sure you understand the risk will allow you to make sure you have the right coverage for your home.  Check out your address on the website and call your local agent to make sure you have the correct coverage for what your risk is.

If A Tree Falls...

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

If a tree falls on your property, it can be a HUGE mess. If a tree on your property falls on your home, it can be a disaster.

Calling your insurance agent is the most important step, as they can help you determine if your policy will cover the damage to your home or structure. Most often, insurance will pay for a tree that has fallen due to a storm. If a tree falls on the property, but doesn't hit a structure, tree removal will likely not be covered. If the tree fell due to rot, you'll have to talk to your agent.

Once you know if your insurance will assist, then you can give us a call to SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819 and we will help you plan the next steps.

We will arrange everything from tree removal to roof repair, making sure that any damage is cleaned up and repaired and your home looks "Like it never even happened."®

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is Here To Help you no matter what.

Steps To Take After A House Fire

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Detail images from a home that was abandoned after a large housefire. Your home doesn't have to end up like this.

So you've had a fire.  It happens, more often than most people realize.  Some fires are small and just need some walls scrubbed and the air purified.  If the fire department was contacted, there may be water damage along with the smoke and soot.

So what do you do now?

First, immediately contact the Red Cross if you are in need of any items to get by in the next few days, including clothes, food, or housing.
1-800-733-2767

If you have insurance, contact your insurance company.  Let them know the extent of the damage you can see, and ask if you should file a claim.  Very small fires may not cost as much as your deductible, so make sure to contact your agent right away.  Once you're contacted your agent, it's time to reach out to the professionals.

 Contact SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello to set up a time to assess the damage and start the mitigation process.  Soot and smoke need to be cleared out of the air as quickly as possible, and water needs to be removed and stopped from spreading and causing more damage.  

If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance. 

Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.  Do not bring pets into the home until the air is breathable. 

Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire.

Try to find valuable documents and records. 

If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know the site will be vacant. 

Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to the fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.

Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss

You can also contact the Salvation Army for assistance. 1-800-728-7825

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is happy to assist you in any way we can in these difficult times.  Please reach out to us at 208-242-3819 as soon as possible, and we will be there to help.

Preparing Your Home to Survive a Wildfire

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Los Angeles, California / Los Angeles County - August 31 2009: Station Fire was the largest wildfire of the 2009 California wildfire season.

Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. By working together, residents can make their own property - and their neighborhood - much safer from wildfire.

Wildfire risk reduction safety tips

Before a wildfire threatens your area…

In and around your home

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. 
• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

You can't predict a wildfire, but you can do your part to keep your home safe.  SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is here to help you prepare for any disaster by creating an EMERGENCY READY PROFILE for your home or business.  Call now (208) 242-3819 to schedule your free profile.

Prepare For Winter

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Window wells need to be cleared to make sure they drain properly.

Summer is coming to an end, which for some people in the Southeast Idaho region is a great thing.  For some homeowners, it may not be that thrilling.  Fall and winter storms have a way of causing damage that we don’t always see right away, but once we do notice, it’s a big mess.  From ice dams to flooded window wells, there is always something that needs to be maintenance to keep your home dry during the wet months.

This fall make sure to check on the following areas of your home to prepare for the coming wet months.

1. Make sure your window wells are draining properly and not full of debris. Clear the drain or make sure that the ground can absorb the moisture.
2. Clear out your rain gutters to prevent water back up, which can lead to ice dams and cause water to run down the side of your home.
3. Have your chimney cleaned to prevent a fire.
4. Make sure windows are properly sealed.
5. Have your sprinklers blown out and cover outside faucets to prevent frozen and broken pipes.

If you need help with any of these things, feel free to give SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello a call at (208) 242-3819 and we would be happy to help winterize your home.

Growing and Moving

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Our new office at 7057 S. 5th Ave in Pocatello.

It's been a few months now since we've moved into our new office, and we have finally settled in.  While we absolutely loved our office in Chubbuck, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello had grown too big for our britches.  

In April of this past year, we packed up and headed south of Pocatello into our new location at 7057 S. 5th Ave.  It's more than three times bigger, which makes us three times better!  We now have an office big enough for our staff, but we're still growing.

Last year at this time, we had six employees total.  That doesn't seem like much, but we were a small and mighty powerhouse.  Since then we've reached 16 employees and counting.  That means that no matter what, we always have someone who can be there during your flood or fire emergency.

It's Probably Not Black Mold

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage causing mold growth on the interior walls of a property.

We get calls frequently from customers that claim to have black mold growing in their homes, asking us what it takes to treat it.  While we are always happy to mitigate any mold issue in your home, the truth is, it's probably not Stachybotrys chartarum, which is the scientific name of black mold.  There has also been significant amounts of debate on the toxicity of mold in general.

Logic can tell us that breathing in fungus is probably not good for our lungs, but it's not something that has to scare you.  Studies have shown that most mold is irritating but not as dangerous as the media wants you to believe.  So what does that mean for your home?  It's still very important to clean up fungus in your home, because irritation and allergies can be harmful, but let's break down what you're looking at.

It’s important to figure out if you’re dealing with mold or mildew, and it's pretty easy to differentiate between the two. Mildew usually looks white or gray and dry or powdery. It always appears flat. Mold, on the other hand, usually looks slimy or fuzzy and is raised and can be green, red, blue, or black, typically the more colorful the more health effects. Mold also stains walls and furniture where mildew can be wiped off.

The major difference is that mildew can typically be cleaned with household products, but mold burrows deep into your structure and needs to be removed and properly cleaned so that it doesn't return.  That's where SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello can step in.  We will help you determine if you're dealing with mold or mildew, and have the testing to see what type it is.  We can mitigate the problem and remove the moisture causing the growth, and we have products that not only clean and sanitize, but they also prevent it from growing back.

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819 to schedule an estimate to figure out exactly what you're dealing with.

What is Lurking in that Water Damage?

8/8/2021 (Permalink)

A refrigerator leak can cause significant damage if not treated quickly.

If you’ve ever had a flood in your home, you may have heard the term “category” followed by a number. For most homeowners, that doesn’t really mean a whole lot, but from a mitigation perspective, it means a whole lot.

Categories of water determine the process necessary to clean up and how careful you should be in dealing with the mess.

Three Types of Contamination

Category 1

There are three categories of water that can infiltrate your home or business. The first, Category 1, is sanitary water that typically comes from a broken pipe and doesn’t come in contact with any contaminants that could mix into it. It doesn’t pose a risk to your safety if you’re exposed to it, but can still easily cause mold if not treated immediately.  

Category 2

This water contains significant amounts of contaminants that may cause harm to a person should they come in contact. Flooding from your washing machine into your home, or aquariums, or punctured waterbeds. This water could already harbor bacteria and shouldn't touch your skin and should quickly be taken care of to prevent further issues.  After just two days, Cat 2 water damage can easily become a Category 3.

Category 3

This water is heavily contaminated by sewage. If water comes in from a sewer drain in any way, or back flows from the drains in your home, it requires extreme levels of caution. Toxins and pathogens are extremely harmful to humans and pets, and should be treated with the utmost care.  Professionals should be wearing protective gear to clean up those messes.

Our expert team takes these situations very seriously. We have a response time of 1 hour or less to start the water damage repair process to keep it from spreading and worsening. We’re available 24/7 to protect your home, you, and your family.

Water Loss Tips

Water damages happen quite frequently, some of the most common causes that we see are from: failed supply lines from a toilet or fridge, water coming from outside the home, or leaks in the home bathroom.

When experiencing a water damage in your Pocatello home you should first:

-Shut off the water

-Call your insurance agent

-Call SERVPRO to begin emergency services

When dealing with a water loss from a clean water source which is considered to be a Category 1 loss. Most of your building materials that are wet can be salvaged and restored to preloss conditions. We have the ability to dry and salvage important documents due to water loss.

Helpful Tip

When shopping for a Home Owners Insurance policy a thing to consider is looking into a Flood policy. There have been many times that the cause of loss has been water from an outside water source. In result the insurance policy didn’t cover the loss and the owner was responsible for the cost.

Our team understands how stressful any type of loss can be. We pride ourselves on customer service and quick response times. All our technicians are background checked, drug tested, and are certified through the IICRC.

Their certifications range from Water Restoration Technician, Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying Specialist, and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician. Click the IICRC link to learn more about these certifications.

Cigarette Smells In New Home

8/1/2021 (Permalink)

A recent nicotine cleaning to show how visible the stains can be.

With the housing market turning over homes quickly, we’re seeing many buyers close on homes sight unseen.  Idaho is in the top five states people are moving to, which has shown to limit the number of houses available for sale and pushed out of state buyers to make offers and close based on pictures, realtors, and home inspections.

Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello that means we’ve seen a major increase in inquiries on general cleanings.  Even moreso, nicotine cleaning and removal.  Cigarettes don’t just leave behind a smell, they leave a sticky film on all surfaces that holds in the smell for YEARS if not cleaned properly.  It also makes painting a home extremely difficult, because even if you paint all walls and ceilings, paint is porous and will still allow the smell to permeate through the home.

So how do you get rid of the smell?  That’s where SERVPRO comes in.  We have a process for nicotine removal that not only cleans surfaces, but removes the smell.  Using a thermal fogger, specialty chemicals, and a little elbow grease, SERVPRO employees work on removing the sticky film so you don’t have to worry about the extra step while moving in.  After removal, it’s also recommended that you use a primer to seal the walls prior to painting, so any smells that are deep within the walls are sealed in.

It’s a lot of work to get rid of the odors that cigarettes leave behind, but SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is more than happy to help you through the process

Why Work With SERVPRO When Worried About Secondary Damage

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Blackfoot, ID.

You are likely to hear a phrase as a business owner after a disaster, such as a flood: secondary damage. The term refers to the damage resulting from the initial problem. For example, while a flood can cause initial water damage, that initial problem can then cause black mold. The way to minimize the risks of secondary issues is by rectifying the initial problem as quickly as possible, often by calling in the experts at SERVPRO in Blackfoot, ID; there are at least three reasons to trust them over other remediation services.

3 Reasons to Work With SERVPRO

1. Certification

The teams with the SERVPRO logo are certified through the IICRC — the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC certification is and should be the industry standard for remediation services. When a company has this specific certification, you can rest assured its technicians are well-trained and capable.

2. One-Stop-Shop

Whether you are dealing with flooding and the threat of high humidity — a cocktail for black mold — or trying to patch your building up after a storm or fire, you want a remediation service that can do it all: mitigation, remediation, and restoration. The professionals in the green van are capable of it all.

3. Local

With more than 1,500 franchises nationwide, you can also count on SERVPRO for the fastest response. The company has franchises in all major metropolitan locations and can promise 24/7 emergency response.
If you are concerned about response times or scheduling conflicts, SERVPRO is your remediation service. You, the customer, are the top priority.

Secondary damage, like black mold, can occur quickly after a flood. To reduce the risk of such damage, it is crucial to call a remediation service that can respond fast. SERVPRO is known for being fast to disasters and for restoring your property "Like it never even happened." If your business is recovering from a disaster, do not hesitate to call on the professionals at SERVPRO.

3 Steps To Take After a Toilet Overflow

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

A toilet overflow can leave additional damage.

A toilet overflow can be a messy and unpleasant experience, but it is also something that happens to almost everyone at some point. Whether the problem was caused by a clog or sewer damage, knowing what to do afterward is the key to avoiding additional damage.

3 Steps to Deal With a Toilet Overflow

1. Stop the Overflow

Before you can do anything else, you must stop your flooded toilet from continuing to overflow. If there is another person who can help you, have that person take off the lid to the toilet tank, push down on the rubber valve at the bottom of the tank and pull up on the float. This should stop the toilet from running. You can then shut off the water to the toilet using the shut-off valve that should be located next to it. If you're alone, use the valve to shut the water off as quickly as possible.

2. Dry Out the Flooded Area

If the water from your toilet is clean, you can proceed to remove it with a mop and bucket or a wet/dry vacuum. Remove any soaked mats or rugs and put them in the dryer or hang them outside. If the water has urine or feces in it, wear protective gear and consider contacting a water remediation company in Blackfoot, ID, to clean and disinfect the area.

3. Remove the Clog

Once you have the water cleaned up, you need to make sure the problem doesn't occur again. You can attempt to remove the clog by using a plunger or toilet snake. If that doesn't work, you may need a sewage company to check for sewer damage. When you think you have the clog cleared, flush the toilet, but be prepared to shut the water off again if needed.

Clogged toilets are a common problem that can usually be fixed yourself. However, if your toilet is clogging frequently, this could be a sign of sewer damage.

We are Cleaning Experts

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

We are Here to Help®!

SERVPRO® is Here to Help® during this time of need

During this unprecedented time, caused by the global pandemic of corona-virus. This is a reminder to our customers, that we are specialists in cleaning services, with our Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned advantage and adherence to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards in the industry.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business of Blackfoot, ID, 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 performs on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages the 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 the 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 –

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

4 Things You Should NOT Do After a Flood

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded home in Pocatello, ID, can be dangerous.

It isn't uncommon to feel a bit panicked when you see flood water gathering in your basement or around your yard. Unfortunately, that heightened sense of fear can lead to some steps that may put you in danger or cause damage to your Pocatello, ID, home. Protect your home and family with this list of Do Nots:

1. Do Not Go in the Water

Whether you're driving down the street or walking through your flood home, there could be danger in the water, including raw sewage, animals, insects, chemicals, and live electricity. Water on the roads or walkways can be deceptively deep and may have swift currents that put you and any potential rescuers at risk.

2. Do Not Use Any Electricity in Your Home

It only takes a tiny amount of water to carry enough electricity to give you a pretty good shock. Electrocution is a very real danger as water damage affects your home. Avoid this type of injury by staying away from the water and turning off the power at your main breaker box. Shutting off the power also decreases the risk of fire after you've been evacuated.

3. Do Not Attempt Cleanup or Repairs Without Proper Gear

Before you begin hauling out your belongings, gather together waterproof boots and gloves and consider using a mask. Remember that floodwater carries a lot of contaminants, so protective clothing helps you avoid exposure to germs.

4. Do Not Enter Your Home Without an Official Okay

There are many professionals trained to respond to disasters. When you listen to emergency responders, home inspectors, and even home cleanup and repair professionals, you're more likely to avoid injuries and further damage to the home.

It's natural to want to start cleaning up as soon as possible after floodwater damages your flooded home. However, these common mistakes lead to further harm, either by leading to injuries or secondary damage.

6 Steps to our Restoration Process

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

You can trust our process.

When you experience a flood, be sure the team you call in knows their stuff! We are highly trained and follow strict industry guidelines and we go through this 6 step process to make your water loss, "Like it never even happened."

Steps of Our Restoration Process

STEP 1- Emergency contact: Call us immediately

The restoration process begins when you call us. SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is available 24/7/365 for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

 When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained water damage Professionals may be needed.

STEP 2- Inspection & Water Damage Assessment

When responding to a water damage emergency, we begin with a detailed inspection of your home or property, including a damage assessment. At this stage, our professionals are trying to determine the scope of the damage, so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action.

STEP 3- Water Removal/ Water Extraction

After the inspection and damage assessment step, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

STEP 4- Drying & Dehumidification 

Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

STEP 5- Cleaning & Sanitizing

Your walls, flooring, and ceiling will most likely require professional cleaning services. In addition to cleaning your property’s structure, we will clean your furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable belongings damaged by the water. Most flooding and water damage also require odor removal and deodorization since wet materials have a very distinct smell.

STEP 6- Restoration

The final step is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Tips for a Mold-Free Bathroom

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Keep the bathroom clean and dry to avoid mold growth.

Mold is almost always unwelcome when it shows up in the bathroom. Unfortunately, the warm, humid environment of bathrooms makes them particularly inviting to mold spores. If you don't respond quickly to shower mold, the spores can spread easily to other parts of the room and throughout your home. The good news is that getting rid of black mold in the bathroom is possible.

Mold-Free Bathroom

Understand Mold's Ability To Survive

You may not see them, but mold spores surround you everywhere you go. They exist in nature and thrive in even extreme situations as long as they have access to moisture and food. Anything that contains organic material can feed mold:

• Paper
• Wood
• Drywall
• Carpet
• Fabrics
• Shower caulk

The caulk (and other porous) building materials absorb and hold water and soap residue. These provide plenty of food for black mold to survive.

Keep the Bathroom Dry

Reduce humidity in the bathroom with plenty of ventilation, dehumidifiers, and fans. Remove wet clothes and towels from the room and completely dry the walls of the shower and other surfaces in the room. Removing sources of food and moisture is an effective way to avoid moldy spots in the room.

Discourage New Growth

There are some cleaning products you can use to discourage mold growth. Before using ammonia or other chemicals, open windows to provide ventilation and wear a respirator to protect yourself from fumes. (Never combine ammonia and other chemicals.) Spray the product on visible mold and let it sit for several minutes. After about ten minutes, use a brush to scrub the problem areas. You should notice improvement. If shower mold remains in spite of your efforts, it's time to call mold remediation professionals to take care of the problem.

Mold problems, including shower mold, often go much deeper than you can see. The best way to be sure you've treated mold thoroughly is to hire professionals with the right training and supplies.

4 Essential Features of a Large Loss Response

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

A home suffered loss.

Typically, after a loss, such as a home fire or flood, you can count on your local Blackfoot, ID, restoration company to handle all your needs post-disaster needs. What happens during a catastrophic loss, though? Sometimes a large-scale tragedy, such as a wildfire or a hurricane, will affect a vast area and its many residents. When there's damage and destruction on a considerable scale, a large loss response team is essential. An LLRT is a restoration organization equipped to handle all aspects of a sizable disaster. This company must possess the appropriate expertise, labor and equipment. Victims of these types of disasters have great concerns already. An LLRT's mission is to seamlessly mitigate and restore the damage to minimize victims' worry.
 

LLRT Handles Large-Scale Losses

An LLRT handles large-scale losses by:

1. Creating a Custom Recovery Plan

Various clients, such as municipalities, government offices, commercial buildings, apartment buildings, and universities rely on an LLRT post-disaster. An LLRT will create a custom recovery plan based on the specific circumstances of the client and the unique details of the loss. For example, a large apartment complex that has suffered severe storm damage will be handled differently than a town that's sustained damage from flooding.

2. Providing Sufficient Manpower and Equipment

The LLRT is a team that is capable of handling all the different requirements associated with a catastrophic loss, such as the number of skilled workers and the necessary amount and type of equipment. The team also can work either by themselves or with a local franchise. SERVPRO is one such restoration franchise company that currently includes over 1,700 different franchises nationwide that can work independently or in association with others.

3. Equipping Victims With Necessary Services

They ensure that all necessary services are provided during disruptions. These services include power, water and sanitation.

4. Assigning a Liaison

The LLRT assigns a commercial operations manager to act as a liaison. This individual ensures everyone stays aware of the details throughout the restoration process.

A catastrophic loss has some unique needs that a smaller-scale disaster doesn't. An LLRT is always equipped to handle any type of emergency restoration on any scale.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

We can help with your water emergencies.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Commercial Property Restoration after Water Damage

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Blackfoot, ID.

Flooding and water events can be very damaging to your commercial property having numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small water cleanup or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about Biohazard Commercial Water Damage issues? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today.

Why SERVPRO for your Commercial Services

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property.

Being a commercial business owner, you don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. With grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, give SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello a call. We will work to remove odor problems or deep cleaning your flooring or carpets, you can look to our company to make your work space look, smell, and feel it’s very best.

We also offer these specialized services:

• Biohazard and Sewage

• Trauma and Crime Scene

• Carpet and Upholstery

• Drapes and Blinds

• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors

• Odor Removal and Deodorization

• Vandalism

We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

 Have Questions about Why choose SERVPRO? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today.

How To Prepare for a Storm

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare for a storm to avoid severe damage to your building.

Some storms are unpredictable, but there are some things that you can do to mitigate the damage they can do. By preparing before flood water rises and storms get bad, you can save your business a lot of time and money after the storm passes.

Prepare Your Business For a Storm

Gather Your Information

When you are dealing with a flooded building, the last thing that you want to be doing is searching for much-needed phone numbers and documents. Keep these documents out of danger and in a separate location.

Insurance information

• The number to a remediation company in Blackfoot, ID
  
• Your insurance agent's number
  
• Your landlord's number, lease or building information
  
• A call list for your employees
  

Each of these things is great to have around after the storm has subsided.

Purchase Supplies

No matter if you are at your home or your business, you need to keep a stock of supplies for storm season. Floods can happen quickly, so if you find the flood water rising, you should have some basics on hand. One of the most important things you can have on hand in case of a flood is sandbags. Many municipalities offer free filling when a storm is coming.

Have a Plan

Planning for a storm is always a good idea. Not only does it help you know what you should do, it can help employees as well. If you have a plan that includes what needs to be done before, during and after a flood, you can mitigate the water damage and keep everyone safe.
Once you have a plan, make sure that you go over it with your employees. They can be valuable when you are dealing with a disaster. Make sure all of your employees know what to do and what you plan to do to help them through a difficult time as well.

Storm damage can be devastating to your business, but it doesn't have to be that destructive with a bit of preparation. Flood water and storm damage can both be mitigated and cleaned. You can get your business back on track as long as you have a plan.

3 Storm Preparation Tips

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Severe storms can leave severe damage

Severe storms, such as hurricanes, often come with a risk of hail, lightning, high winds and flood water. These three storm preparation tips can help you minimize the amount of storm damage that occurs to your home.

3 Ways to Prepare for a Storm

1. Make an Evacuation Plan

Whether it is a large hurricane or flash flooding, rising waters may prompt authorities to order evacuations. You need to have a plan in place in case you need to escape a flooded building or leave your home on short notice. Select a meeting place in Pocatello, ID, so that if members of your household are separated you can reconnect. If you have pets, research pet-friendly storm shelters in your area or make alternative plans for them.

2. Secure Property Outside Your home

If you are expecting high winds or flood water, secure property outside your home to avoid damage from items that could get blown around or may wash away. Trim any large trees and shrubs to reduce the chance of damage from falling limbs. Bring property such as potted plants, patio furniture, toys and bikes inside. Consider protecting outdoor property that can not be moved with burlap or blankets secured with rope.

3. Store Important Documents Off-Site

A restoration company may be able to save some documents that have water damage, but it is best to avoid the damage in the first place by storing documents, such as financial papers, insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage licenses and legal papers, in a safe location off-site, such as a safety deposit box. Consider also moving high-value items, such as jewelry, to a safety deposit box or another secure storage area.

Once flood water arrives, you may not have much time to safely evacuate your home. Having a plan in place ahead of time can help your family stay safe and reduce the amount of damage that occurs to your property.

Should You DIY Water Pipe Repair?

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water pipe repair requires experience

Any type of water damage can be frustrating, but some types of damage are more serious than others. For example, the risks, damage, and cost of repairs for a leaky dishwasher are not the same as those related to major flooding. Water pipe repair may require the work of an afternoon or a professional response over several weeks.

Contact a Professional for Water Pipe Repair

What Are the Water Categories?

Water is often categorized to indicate levels of contamination and safety or risk. Water from any of the categories can damage your property, and categories 2 and 3 pose additional problems:

• Category 1 water is often known as "clean water" and doesn't pose a risk to people and animals. It may come from an overflowing sink or a faucet that doesn't stop dripping.
• Category 2 water starts out clean but picks up contaminants as it passes through other materials or sits too long. For example, if clean water leaks through the floor and drips into the basement, it may not carry dirt, chemicals, and other debris.
• Category 3 water, or black water, is not safe and may carry hazardous chemicals, refuse, and biological contaminants. Only trained water cleanup professionals should handle damage from black water.

Water pipe repair can be a category 1, 2, or 3 issue, so it's important to assess the risk before diving into the cleanup and repair situation.

Can You Afford Further Damage?

When you first discover a broken pipe and after you've shut off the water supply, you must make several quick decisions. Deciding whether to hire a professional to handle the flooded space and the pipe repairs is one of the most important. It is possible to do further damage if cleanup and repairs aren't handled correctly. Contamination from categories 2 and 3 can affect air quality and lead to secondary damage.

Water pipe repair requires experience and an understanding of the risks involved. Put your Blackfoot, ID, commercial property in the hands of professionals when dealing with water damage.

3 Tips for Safer Cooking at Home

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Cooking fires can be dangerous.

People often refer to the kitchen as the heart of the home because it is where you tend to gather, cook, and share meals. Unfortunately, the kitchen is often the location of many residential fires. While you can call the local fire department or a fire restoration service in Blackfoot, ID, there are a few essential tips you can follow to reduce your risk of a house fire due to cooking.

Reduce Cooking Fire

1. Stay In the Kitchen

One of the leading causes of fire damage from a kitchen fire is neglect. People tend to walk away from ovens and stovetops. You should not leave the kitchen unattended when cooking anything. There is no telling what can happen when you are away. If you know you will not be able to stay and watch the stove, turn it off. You can always return to cooking later. You might also choose to postpone your meal plans until the cooking process can have your full attention.

2. Maintain a Clean Area

Outside of the numerous other tips people might suggest, maintaining a clean area is among the most important. It is too easy to place boxes or containers on a stove while you are cooking. You do not want flammable items near the heating surface. Instead, focus on preparing for recipes before beginning to cook. Measure out all substances beforehand and place them in heat-resistant cookware or containers.

3. Install Fire Extinguishers

Stove and oven fires often result in a grease fire. You cannot use just anything to put out a grease fire. To ensure your safety, install a class B fire extinguisher in your kitchen near the cooktop. Class B extinguishers are designed to combat oil and grease fires.

While these tips are not extensive, they do provide a decent overview of fundamental safety precautions to take while cooking. For more information, you can speak to a local fire department representative.

Toilet Overflow and Cleanup

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

Sewer damage can lead to toilet overflow.

The sanitation system of your home is crucial to your daily routine and hygiene. Unfortunately, sometimes sewer damage can lead to backups and toilet overflows, leading to the need for a water mitigation service in Pocatello, ID. Because of the potential contamination level of the water, there are three rules to dealing with toilet overflow and cleanup.

3 Rules to Dealing With a Toilet Overflow And Cleanup

1. Maintain a Safe Distance

Unless you have worked for a sewage company and understand the regulations of sewage cleanup and removal, you should maintain a safe distance from the backup. Sewage is category three or black water. It is highly contaminated and poses a significant risk to your health. Do not walk through it or attempt to clean it up without adequate protection and knowledge.

2. Contact a Professional

When a backup occurs, it is likely the result of sewer damage and clogs. While many homeowners do have augers and plungers, the typical household tools are not strong enough to clear or dislodge a sewer blockage. It is also worth noting that the backup might be caused by a collapse in the waste line. To ensure that your bathroom problems are resolved correctly, contact a water damage specialist or plumbing professional for help.

3. Block Affected Area

Because of the potential health and safety risks of a backup or flooded toilet, it is necessary to keep people out or away from the affected area. If the problem area is in a bathroom on the main floor, close the door. If it is in a basement, prevent access. The best way to keep everyone safe is to stay away from the contaminated water and its source.

Sewer damage or blockages are the most likely causes of a toilet backup. While a backup might not seem that problematic at first, remember the water is category three and not safe for human contact or consumption.

Grill Fires

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Grill fires can be avoided.

Grill fires can happen when your grill hasn’t been cleaned properly or frequently enough. All fires need three types of sources: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Just removing one of those elements a fire cannot exist.

6 Ways to avoid Grill Fires:

1. Clean the fire box area around the burners
2. Keep a distance from covered places, porch, patio, or balcony.
3. Keep the grill outside the house.
4. Always watch your grill and don’t abandon it.
5. Inspect the propane tank for tiny holes or loosened hoses that might cause a gas leak.
6. Delay cleaning up and give the grill time to cool down.

Steps in case of a grease fire:

1. Turn off gas
2. Leave lid open
3. NEVER use water
4. Use a fire extinguisher
5. Call 911 if fire is still not out

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

4 Steps to Protecting Your Home After Water Damage

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Contact professionals for water damage in your home.

There are many possible causes for water in home, including flooding from outside and water damage from a broken pipe or other damage along your pipes. Whatever the original cause, as water spreads through your home, some of your most precious belongings can suffer damage. The steps you take right after the water recedes could mean either successful recovery or lasting damage:

4 Steps To Follow After Water Damage

1. Contact Professionals

The sooner cleaning and restoration professionals get to your Blackfoot, ID, home, the better your reconstruction efforts. It doesn't take long for water damage to spread; within just a day or two, mold may begin to set in. Additionally, floodwater isn't clean, and without the right cleaning techniques, your home may suffer from insect infestations, other pests, and lasting odors. In addition to cleaning pros, you should reach out to your insurance provider.

2. Remove Water and Dry Your Home

Once you've pumped or mopped out as much water as possible, begin drying off your furniture and other belongings. You may need to move some furnishings to a dry spot outside. Delicate fabrics and clothing may require dry cleaning or other professional efforts. Be aware that hardwoods, subflooring, and other parts of your home don't dry quickly. It may take days of effort before all water in home has been removed.

3. Separate Items for Cleaning and Disposal

Before you throw out cherished memorabilia, ask professionals about cleaning and repair steps. There are many techniques that can be used to save rugs, documents, artwork, and other valuable belongings.

4. Disinfect Your Home

After your home has been dried and your possessions fully cleaned, everything must be disinfected to prevent bacteria from infecting your belongings and the structure of the home. Trust professionals to appropriately apply disinfectants, so you can avoid damaging wood, fabric, and other textiles.

You can't always prevent water in home from spreading to your belongings, but you can take quick action to correct the situation. Remember that even a minor delay could lead to further, lasting damage.

4 Types of Hail Damage

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

A hail storm can cause severe roof damage.

Hail, which is caused when ice forms in storm clouds, is one of the most damaging elements of severe storms. Large hail can cause roof damage in addition to damage to other structures and types of property. These are four of the most common types of hail damage.

Common Types of Hail Damage

1. Windows and Siding

Hail can sometimes fall at angles or be blown by wind causing damage to windows and siding. Hail that is large or blown by high winds can crack or break windows. It may also cause holes, chips or cracks in siding.

2. Roofs

Roof damage is the most common type of damage because the location of the roof makes it the first part of a building most hail will come in contact with. Some hail damage is difficult to see, which can lead to leaks that may result in water damage inside your building that requires remediation. For this reason, it is a good idea to contact a roofing professional in Pocatello, ID, to check your roof for damage after a hail storm. Have any damage to the roof of your building repaired promptly to avoid future problems.

3. Skylights

Skylights are also vulnerable to damage because of their location and because the material is not as durable as most roofing materials. If your building has a skylight, check for cracks in the glass and damage to the seals after storms.

4. Vehicles

Commercial vehicles are often parked in uncovered lots which makes them susceptible to cracked or broken glass, dents and chipped paint from hail. Cosmetic damage to the body of the vehicle may not need to be repaired, but damage to windshields, mirrors and windows can be a safety hazard.

Because hail can cause roof damage and other types of damage that can lead to additional damage if not repaired, it is important to inspect your property after a hail storm. Pay particular attention to these four common types of hail damage.

All About Sewage Damage and Cleanup

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Call professionals to help with sewage remediation.

Sewer cleanup can be a daunting process. Dealing with the smell, water damage and various piping issues alone can make many homeowners run for cover. Fortunately, you are not alone, and you can prevent a large cleanup project by knowing what causes sewer damage and how it is corrected.

Facts About Sewer Damage and Cleanup

Causes of Sewer Damage

There are a few main things that cause damage to your sewer system. Some of these are:

• Flushing solid objects such as garbage, diapers, wet wipes and toys down the toilet
  
• Roots growing into the sewer lines
  
• Age cracking and breaking
  
• Defects such as collapsing lines and misaligned piping
  
• Septic or city sewer backup
  

These apply to both septic systems and city systems, so watch out no matter where you are. Most of these things are preventable with regular sewer maintenance and a bit of knowledge. Snaking your sewer lines, not planting trees over pipes and not putting anything but toilet paper in your lines are tasks you can do independently.

Sewer Cleaning

When things go wrong with your sewer lines, proper sewer cleanup is important. Raw sewage is extremely dangerous. It has bacteria in it that can hurt you if you attempt to clean the sewage yourself without proper precautions. This means using the proper suits, gloves and masks and disposing of the contaminated materials properly.
Sewage cleaning is more than simply dealing with a blocked sink or flooded toilet. You need to wear a protective suit, gloves, masks and eye protection. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. You also have to check the laws to make sure you are following the proper guidelines for disposal.

Calling in Help

With any major sewer issue, you are much better off calling in sewage remediation specialists in Blackfoot, ID. They will know the local laws, what to do and how to clean up the sewage properly.

Sewer cleanup is a long and difficult process if you don't know what you are doing. It is better to prevent damage than have to deal with the aftermath of a sewer line break.

How To Get Rid of Mold Odors

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

You might have to call in a professional to get rid of old quickly and completely.

When mold grows, it creates a compound known as mycotoxin. This toxin can produce some pretty strange odors. Fortunately, you can get rid of it using the proper methods.

Steps to Get Rid of Mold Odors

Find the Odor

To find the odor, you first have to recognize the odors. Unfortunately, there are many types of odors associated with mold and mildew. Sometimes it smells like cat urine, and other times it is just a musty odor or like something rotten. Since mold is designed to breakdown substances, people tend to associate the smells with rot.
Walk around your home and sniff, yes, it sounds strange, but if you can locate the odor's source, you can locate the mold. Be sure to check from floor to ceiling.

Check for Damp Spots

Once you've located where the odor is coming from, you need to look for damp spots. Sometimes they appear as brown or grey spots. Other times they don't appear at all. When you can't see anything, you can use a dampness meter to see if there is a damp area.
If you don't find anything and there is still an odor, you might have a leak behind your wall. In this case, you might have to call in a professional to cut a hole to check. Mycotoxin can be dangerous, so it is important to determine if the source of the odor is mold.

Fix Any Leaks and Dry the Area

If you do find a leak or moist spot from condensation, fix it as soon as possible. Leaks are a major source of mold and mildew and can cause high dollar damage very quickly.

Call in a Professional

A professional mold remediation company in Pocatello, ID, is your best bet for getting rid of mold quickly and completely. Some molds are very toxic and can be hard to remove. Mold is a very adaptive form of fungi, so over-the-counter cleaners might not be effective.

Once the mold is gone, your smell should disappear. Mycotoxin can cause various smells, so any odd or rotting smell should be investigated and dealt with promptly.

Do's and Don'ts when you find Mold.

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Do not disturb visible mold.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. By disturbing mold, you can easily spread the mold spores throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, it can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

1. Stay out of affected areas.
2. Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
3. Contact SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

1. Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
2. Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
3. Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
4. Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

How To Protect Your Business After a Fire

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your property after a business fire.

You use a security fence to protect your company before a fire, but did you know you should put one up after a fire as well. Even after extensive fire damage, you must protect your property from:

• Thieves and vandals
  
• Accidental entry
  
• The elements
  
• Curious onlookers
  

Although not everyone has nefarious purposes when they enter a burned-out property, people can injure themselves and hold you accountable.

Ways to Protect Your Business After a Fire

Call a Cleanup Company

One of the first things you want to do is call a cleanup company in Blackfoot, ID. Not only do they usually work with insurance companies, but they can also help you inventory what needs to be done. Some companies will even secure your property for you. This way you don't have to worry about it.

Put Up a Fence

Make sure you can keep your property safe when you are not there with a solid security fence. Fire damage can be dangerous, and you don't want to be liable if someone gets hurt. It can also keep vandals and looters from stealing your remaining inventory or office equipment.

Board Windows and Doors

Boarding windows and doors can help keep both people and the elements out. It is crucial to keep your building or office secure from those that do not belong and don't know fire safety rules. In some cases, your insurance may not pay for damages if you do not take the proper precautions.

Cover Holes With Sheeting

You need to keep any undamaged areas safe from water and storms even after a fire. If water enters through holes in the roof, it could cause mold or mildew to grow in areas not damaged by fire. This will result in costly mold damage remediation.

Even if you don't have a security fence before the fire, you need one afterward. Simple precautions such as fencing, boarding and tarping can help save your property from further damage and save you money in the long run.

How To Clean After a Bathtub Sewage Backup

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Bathtub sewage backup is terribly unsanitary.

Finding that there's been a sewer backup in your bathtub is never makes for a good day. Unfortunately, though, it can happen. In addition to being terribly unsanitary, sewage cleanup isn't for the faint of heart. If your Blackfoot, ID, home endures a bathtub backup containing contaminated water, keep the kids and pets out of the room and follow these suggestions.

4 Tips to Clean After a Bathtub Sewage Backup

1. Wear the Proper PPE

When you're dealing with raw sewage, you must wear the proper personal protective equipment. This will protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses and will help prevent cross-contamination into unaffected areas of the house. Your PPE should include safety goggles, a face mask, rubber gloves, coveralls and rubber boots. Be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all of your reusable PPE when you complete the project.

2. Extract the Sewage

Standing water and sewage must then be extracted from the area. The safest approach to dealing with flooding resulting from a sewer backup is hiring water damage remediation professionals. A wet/dry vacuum is the safest and most efficient method if you decide to tackle the cleaning yourself. You should contact authorities to determine where to safely dispose of the sewage.

3. Remove Debris and Wash All Affected Surfaces

Once you remove all of the sewage, the leftover debris must be cleaned away from all affected surfaces. This cleaning should include the walls and floor on which sewage could've splashed. Clean, hot water and detergent that produces low suds is typically the most effective way to clean these surfaces.

4. Sanitize All Affected Surfaces

Next, it's vital that all affected surfaces are thoroughly sanitized. Remember to get anywhere the contaminated water may have splashed, including tiny crevices.

When you have a bathtub backup that includes sewage and other contaminants, you must immediately begin the cleaning process. Swift action will ensure that as little damage as possible results from the sewer backup and flooding.

Steps for Flood Prevention

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can damage your property or home.

When a flood hits that damage that it leaves can be overwhelming and daunting. A few things and steps to consider when preparing your company property or home are against flooding.

6 Steps to Prepare Against Flooding

1. Landscaping

Landscaping choices may be the start of flood defense. Slope landscaping away from the building's foundation, and choose local or deep-rooted plants to soak up extra moisture.

2. Retaining Walls

If business or home is in an area known for high water during storms, you may want to consider the installation of a retaining wall. A wall or similar installation can help prevent water from flowing into areas where it could pool or cause flooding.

3. Drainage Covers

Ensure that all your drainage areas are properly covered. This can help keep debris out of the chute which can lead to clogs and other water backup problems.

4. Regular Maintenance

Check areas such as your roof or basement, and ensure that any drainage systems are clear of debris. If you do find an issue it's important to take care of any necessary repairs as quickly as possible. 

5. Stay Informed

Stay informed of the weather patterns in your area. This way you will know ahead of time when a storm is approaching, and be able to take the necessary prevention measures.

6. Flood Coverage Insurance

Know your insurance policy, if you live in a high flood zone make sure you have flood coverage in your insurance policy.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

Why Replace Working Batteries in Your Smoke Alarms

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Replace the batteries of your smoke detector.

Every smoke alarm that you have installed in your home is there to keep you, your family, and your home safe from fire damage. Sadly, a lot of alarms are installed and then mostly forgotten about. Even the very best alarms won't do any good unless the batteries inside are replaced regularly. In fact, there are a few specific steps you should take to keep your home safe:

• Test each alarm in your home at least once a month.
• Change the batteries in all of your alarms twice a year. One good rule of thumb is to change them when you change your time for Daylight Savings.
• Improve your fire evacuation plan, making adjustments for family changes.
• Place fire extinguishers and other safety products in your home as necessary.

These steps can go a long way toward keeping your family safe in the event of a fire.

Why Replace Old Batteries?

Most experts, including the National Fire Protection Association recommend changing your batteries twice a year or every six months. Today, there are many batteries that last longer far longer than six months. Do you still need to replace those batteries? The main thing to remember is that you've installed the smoke detector to protect your family from a house fire. Rather than trying to make your batteries last as long as possible, swap them out every six months and put the older batteries to use in something that you use for fun rather than for safety.

What Good Is the Alarm?

Home fires sometimes happen where you don't see them right away. In the event that a fire breaks out in your home, a working smoke detector may provide the valuable seconds necessary to safely evacuate your family. Under the right circumstances, the alarm may give you time to put the flames out before major damage happens.

When it comes to home and family safety, the smoke alarm may be one of the most important devices in your home. Once you've taken steps to keep your family safely out of harm's way, water and fire damage cleanup and repair professionals can help you get back into your Pocatello, ID, home.

How To Prevent Plumbing Disasters

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Perform regular plumbing maintenance to avoid severe water damage.

Plumbing problems in your commercial building in Blackfoot, ID, can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. The best way to ensure to save both time and money is to have a solid preventative maintenance plan. By avoiding plumbing disasters from the start, you can safeguard the structural integrity of your building.

3 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Disasters

1. Find a Qualified Plumber

You don't want to wait until you have a broken pipe to find a plumber you can trust. It's important to establish a relationship with a qualified local professional. There are several ways you can narrow your search:

• Ask other business owners for recommendations
  
• Look at online reviews
  
• Interview top choices to gauge availability and estimated response time
  
• Verify licensing and insurance
  

2. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Once you find a plumbing company, schedule a maintenance consultation. The technicians can do a walkthrough of your building to inspect for any existing plumbing problems and propose solutions. They can also help you create a checklist of things to watch for when you do your own monthly inspections, such as an unusually high water bill (indicating a leak somewhere) or dark spots on ceiling tiles.

3. Fix Problems Quickly

If you see warning signs of water damage, don't wait to call for repairs. Turn off the water main and call the plumber to repair the leak and water restoration specialists to clean up the damage. By catching problems early, you protect your building from the additional damage that standing water often causes and keep the issue from spreading to other areas.

A regular maintenance schedule with a reliable plumber you can trust is an essential part of caring for your commercial property. You can't fix plumbing problems you don't know about, and you probably won't find issues if you don't know what to look out for. Best of all, maintenance can help you keep water leaks and floods from occurring in the first place.

The Multitude of Safety Issues and Problems Stemming From Storm Damage

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Big storms can lead to severe damage.

When people think of the word “storm,” it often creates images of minor thunderstorms, but it does not invoke panic and fear for many. However, flooding and storm damage professionals in Blackfoot, ID, explain that storm damage leads to significant expenses and can result in many problems, including five significant concerns.

5 Storm Damage Concerns

1. Flooding

Water damage often springs to mind when thinking of tropical storms, but few homeowners consider flooding hazards when thinking of pleasant spring rain. A downpour can often overrun city sewers leading to backups and interior floods. Homeowners might want to install preventive systems like sump pumps to minimize their risks.

2. Electrical Damage

Flooding can also lead to electrical damage if it reaches a certain depth. If you are in a flooded home, do not attempt to walk through floodwater to switch your main power off. You are better off calling for emergency assistance and cutting the main power supply. Even when your electricity appears to be off, a current may still be flowing through the system.

3. Fire Hazard

While flood damage might not result in a fire, lightning strikes can cause house fires. Also, water can lead to electrical fires as systems malfunction.

4. Mold Development

Mold growth can occur within the first 48 hours of a flood or water damage. If you cannot get to your home or have a remediation company assess your home until after that 48-hour window, it is best to assume you have an issue and include a mold inspection with the property assessment.

5. Structural Damage

The possibility of flooding, fire, mold, and electrical damage can contribute to possible structural issues. A storm remediation company likely has connections with structural engineers and can provide an accurate assessment of your property and loss.

Flooding is not your only concern from storm damage. Storms provide a culmination of many disasters into one event. If your home recently suffered damage from a severe storm, a professional can help inspect the property and determine the extent of the damage.

What Can I Expect During the Mold Remediation Process?

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Hire mold remediation professionals for mold cleanup

When you discover mold growth in your home in Pocatello, ID, it's essential to begin the mold removal process immediately. Mold can quickly take control of your home. The longer you wait to start remediation, the more costly it could be. It's also crucial that you hire mold remediation professionals to do the job, as it could be much more extensive than you think. First, you'll need to hire a mold inspector to evaluate the size of the infestation.

5 Steps of The Mold Remediation Process

If you decide to hire professionals, here's what you can expect:

1. Isolate

It's essential during mold remediation to isolate the affected area to prevent cross-contamination. In severe cases, especially in black mold removal, polyurethane sheeting may be used to seal windows and doorways. If it's less severe, it could only require putting down plastic sheeting and closing all windows and doors.

2. Wear PPE

The team will have to wear head-to-toe personal protective equipment throughout the process (e.g., hair coverings, goggles, respirator masks, coveralls, gloves and shoe coverings). This PPE protects the workers and helps prevent cross-contamination.

3. Discard Materials

All contaminated materials must be removed from the area (e.g., flooring, drywall, insulation). Before they begin the mold removal process, you may see them misting the area with water. This is to suppress dust to limit mold spores in the air. They'll double-bag affected materials in thick plastic bags and seal them. Then, the bags will be sprayed with a disinfecting mist to kill any remaining mold spores.

4. Clean

Next, the workers will clean the remaining surfaces that can't be removed. Vigorous scrubbing will release the mold from the surfaces. Then, the surfaces will be wiped down with single-use cloths. Once everything is clean, the workers will apply biocide, which they typically leave overnight, still keeping the area sealed off.

5. Dry

The area must then be dried thoroughly. This typically involves industrial fans, dehumidifiers and heaters.

Mold spores are tiny yet hardy organisms that can quickly and quietly invade your home. It's crucial that mold removal experts promptly start working to return your home to its pre-mold condition.

How to prevent house fires

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid residential fire damage.

Avoiding a home fire in Pocatello, ID,  is always at the top of the list. Keep your home safe from fire damage by being aware of the top to fire hazards in your home.

Top 10 Fire Hazards

1. Cooking equipment: Over heated pots and pans can splatter grease when cooking. When cooking stay in the kitchen while cooking to insure this doesn’t happen.
2. Heating: Have a furnace inspection annually by a technician and keep items away from heating sources.
3. Smoking in bedrooms: Make your home or bedrooms off limits for smoking. If you become drowsy while smoking it is easy to fall asleep.
4. Electrical Equipment: Check electrical cords for fraying, don’t overload your outlets, don’t run wires under rugs, and don’t over use extension cords.
5. Candles: Keep candles on a level surface and out of reach of children and pets. Don’t leave candles lit when leaving a room or house.
6. Curious Children: Keep matches away from children.
7. Faulty Wiring: older homes and apartments had different building codes when they were built. Have your wiring inspected to see if needs to be updated.
8. Barbecues: clean regularly by removing parts and clean with soap and water. Also check for propane leaks.
9. Flammable Liquids: Make sure that these types of liquid are kept in a place away from heat sources.
10. Lighting: This is a major issue around Christmas time, keep tree stand full of water and keep tree away from heat source.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

Protect Your Commercial Property From Fire

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Know how to use a fire extinguisher quickly and effectively.

When a fire breaks out in your commercial property, you want to know that your renters and anyone else using your property can operate a fire extinguisher in case of a fire. Although many people are aware of the P.A.S.S. acronym, remembering the steps and remaining calm enough to use it requires some practice. As a property owner in Blackfoot, ID, you can take steps to prevent fire damage in your buildings:

• Clearly post safety signs
  
• Hold regular fire safety training sessions
  
• Maintain fire safety equipment
  

Sometimes, these steps are skipped because property owners assume that the presence of extinguishers and other safety equipment is sufficient.

3 Steps to Prevent Fire Damage in Your Commercial Property

1. Post Signs That Encourage Safety

Throughout your building, you should have signs posted that clearly point out where extinguishers are, the designated routes for evacuation, and specific hazard areas. For example, a kitchen fire may occur when a microwave is used inappropriately. Avoid this situation by posting a sign that outlines the right way to use the microwave and warnings about using it incorrectly.

2. Train Tenants To Use Extinguishers

If you want your tenants to use a fire extinguisher quickly and effectively when a fire breaks out, you need to provide consistent trainings. Give renters a hands-on experience and opportunities to practice, so they don't freeze up under pressure when flames break out. Make sure that your renters understand the differences between fires and extinguishers for proper use.

3. Maintain Your Property and Safety Systems

Finally, you need to provide routine maintenance for fire safety equipment. This includes a sprinkler system and extinguishers. If you find signs of damage, consider reaching out to fire damage remediation experts for structural repairs and advice about additional clean up steps that may be required.

Protect Tenants and Your Property

As a property owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your buildings are safe, clean, and habitable. This often includes maintaining a certain standard of fire safety. This includes posting fire safety signs, training tenants to use safety equipment, and properly caring for that equipment.

3 Tips for Cleaning Your Gas Range

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to clean up your gas range.

If you've ever had a pot boil over, you know that stovetop messes can be a real hassle to clean. Liquids and debris can seep into the areas below the surface and spills can quickly become baked on by the heat from the burners. These three tips can make cleaning your gas range easier.

3 Tips That Can Make Cleaning Your Gas Range Easier. 

1. Use Baking Soda to Clean Your Grates

Spills and other debris from cooking tends to build up on your stove grates. Over time, this debris can form a thick layer of gunk that is difficult to remove. However, you can make your range cleaning easier by soaking the grates in hot soapy water and then applying a baking soda paste.
To make the paste, mix baking soda with a small amount of water. Spread a layer of the paste onto your grates and leave it on for about 20 minutes. When the 20 minutes is up, use a sponge to clean the grates.

2. Unclog Your Fuel Ports

Remove the grates and burner caps from your gas range. The fuel ports are small holes under the burner caps where the gas comes out when you light your stove. Food debris can fall into the ports and clog them, causing uneven heating or making it difficult to light the stove. Use a small object, such as an unbent paperclip, to clear debris from the ports.

3. Clean as You Go

The best way to avoid the smoke smell and tough to clean messes is to clean as you go. If you wipe up messes right away, they are less likely to get baked onto the stove or smoke up your kitchen. However, if your kitchen already has a smoke smell that just won't go away, consider contacting a professional cleaning service in Pocatello, ID, to remove the odor.

A messy gas range can be a real chore to clean. These three tips will make the process easier.

5 Ways SERVPRO Helps Adjusters and Their Clients

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help adjusters and their clients.

As a preferred vendor of many major insurance companies, SERVPRO understands the unique needs of an insurance adjuster. These are five of the ways they help adjusters provide better service to clients.

5 Ways SERVPRO Can Help Adjusters 

1. Fast Response Times

SERVPRO franchises make property restoration their top priority. Your clients will get faster service because of the immediate response and you will have peace of mind, knowing everything possible is being done to mitigate the damage.

2. Lower Claims Expenses

As an insurance adjuster, you know that restoring property is usually less expensive than replacing it. Professional technicians in Blackfoot, ID, pretest every loss to determine which items can be restored.

3. Better Decision Making

The insurance claim information center quickly and accurately produces valuable data for decision-makers. This data includes an itemized loss inventory, photos of important items, a complete electronic job file, job cost data and a performance comparison to industry standard.
You will have online access to all files, including new assignments and pending and completed jobs. Additionally, all of the information you need can be delivered by email and hard copy.

4. Expertise You Can Count On

All franchises are trained to IICRC standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Additionally, an IICRC approved training facility provides continuing education to franchise professionals and insurance clients.

5. Problem Free Service

Franchise professionals know that adjusters and clients want to focus on processing the claim and restoring the property to preloss condition, not on problems with vendors. With 24-hour emergency response and access to electronic files available to you within hours, you retain complete control, without having to micromanage the restoration process.

Your SERVPRO emergency response team is focused on customer satisfaction and industry-leading mitigation results. This focus allows an insurance adjuster to concentrate on processing the insurance claim while maintaining confidence that clients will receive fast, professional and friendly service.

When Pipes Burst, Share the Cleanup With Professionals

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes can cause severe water damage

Water damage is a problem that bothers many property owners across the United States. With this in mind, you need to know how to respond before you're facing a broken pipe and the resulting flooding. One of the most important things to understand is that most of the burst pipe cleanup and repairs should be handled by professionals.

What Can You Do?

There are some steps you can take to reduce further damage while you're waiting for water damage cleanup and repair professionals.

4 Steps To Reduce Further Damage After Bursting Pipes 

1. Turn off the water, probably at the building's main water shutoff
2. Shut off the electricity. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
3. Remove as much water as you can with mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum.
4. Open windows and doors to create airflow that removes humidity from the air.

Quick action is one of the most effective ways to prevent lasting and/or secondary damage. After completing these assignments, the rest of the work should be left to professionals.

What Should Professionals Do?

Why is it so important to let Blackfoot, ID, water restoration companies handle pipe burst cleanup and repairs? If you have a tight budget, this may be a more cost-effective approach. However, there are several reasons not to take this route:

• Floodwater, from a pipe or other source, could carry sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. A trained sewer cleanup company has the equipment and training to deal with black water.
• Moisture often makes its way into the walls, under the carpets, and into other unseen areas. Professionals know the signs that indicate potential mold growth and are prepared to prevent it.
• A burst pipe can quickly shut down your business, and you'll have plenty to do trying to get your daily operations up and running again.
  

Ultimately, trying to clean up flooding could end up causing further damage and increasing the recovery costs.

When Should You Call a Restoration Company?

In addition to burst pipe cleanup services, contact professionals when you see that water has caused wall or floor damage. If you suspect mildew, and if you want to prevent mold growth, give a restoration company a call for thorough, effective results.

How To Flush a Water Heater

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Flushing a water heater can resolve many minor issues

While every homeowner knows a water heater is essential to daily routines, few understand how resilient these appliances are. Too many people assume when hot water is no longer coming from the system that the heater is done, but that is not the case. Many minor issues can be resolved by flushing the system. To flush the system, you will need to follow a simple process and gather the necessary tools.

• Screwdriver
  
• Hose
  
• Drainage area
  

3 Steps to Flush a Water Heater

1. Turn of the Appliance

Before starting the water heater flush process, you will need to turn off the appliance. Do you have a gas or electric heater? If you have a gas system, you need to shut the gas valve and ensure the pilot is off before continuing. With an electric system, go to the circuit breaker box and flip the appropriate switch.

2. Drain the Tank

With the power off, you can connect the hose to the water heater. Before opening any valves, uncoil the hose and place the drainage end into your designated area outside. Then, to help empty the tank faster, turn on a nearby sink faucet, only the hot water supply. When ready, turn the flushing valve and the supply valve, allowing the water within the tank to flow out through the connected garden hose without refilling.

3. Resupply Water and Power

Once the tank is empty, which you will know from the lack of flow through the hose and the spatter of water from the sink, you can close the flushing valve and remove the garden hose. When ready, close the flushing valve and reopen the supply. With the tank full, go ahead and turn the power or gas back on.

If you run into any issues, do not hesitate to ask for help. There are several mitigation services in Blackfoot, ID, who can help fix your system.
A water heater is more resilient than many homeowners think. Do not assume the worst when the appliance acts up. Instead, try flushing the system.

Mold Damage and Recovering Your Belongings

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Save your closet and clothes from mold growth.

When mold damage leads to the deterioration of structural elements of your home, it's only natural for your focus to be on completing any related mold cleaning. However, many homeowners overlook damage to their belongings during this process. Unfortunately, if spores are allowed to remain on furnishings, clothing, books, and other belongings, new growth could occur.

Methods for Saving Belongings From Mold

The good news is that there are several methods available to mold remediation professionals as they address mold cleaning and repair in your home:

• Wet and dry cleaning
  
• Spray and wipe for surfaces that can't stand up to wet cleaning
  
• Foam cleaning for upholstery
  
• Immersion cleaning that gets cleaning products into all the nooks and crannies
  
• Abrasive cleaning for surfaces that require a more aggressive approach
  

For many of your belongings, such as pillows, the best option is to throw them out and replace them. However, these cleaning methods can be used to save your sentimental and hard to replace items.

Items To Save and Items To Throw Away

How can you decide whether an item is worth saving or should be thrown out? For many of your possessions, you can probably make a quick decision to throw them away because they'll be relatively easy to replace. However, when you get to items such as baby phots, wedding certificates, and childhood mementos, the decision becomes harder. For each of these belongings, consider the following:

• Do professionals have a treatment method appropriate for the belonging?
  
• How expensive will it be to clean it?
  
• Is the item important enough to you that you don't mind paying for the cleanup?
  
• Will the insurance company pay for cleaning?
  

If you have a family genealogy record that has been passed down through the generations, you probably won't mind paying to have it freeze-dried and restored. A crocheted baby blanket from a loving family member may be a different matter.

Mold remediation is crucial to protecting your Blackfoot, ID, home from further damage. Happily, there are methods of mold cleaning available to save many of the items you don't want to lose.

How To Prevent Wind Damage to Your Commercial Property

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Regular roof maintenance can keep your building safe from wind damage.

When high winds hit Blackfoot, ID, is your commercial property ready to handle them? From preventing a busted window to stopping a roof leak before it can start, regular roof maintenance and inspections can keep your building and grounds safe from wind damage.

3 Places to Perform Regular Maintenance to Avoid Wind Damage

1. Roof

Wind damage prevention starts from the top down. In order to avoid a damaged roof:

• Ensure the sheathing and all shingles are nailed down tight.
  
• Look for any gaps or missing shingles and fill them.
  
• Check that any rooftop elements are secure, such as pipes, skylights and chimneys.
  
• Confirm that the roof and walls are firmly fastened to one another, which can prevent an updraft from dislodging the roof.
  
  

2. Window, Doors and Exterior Walls

While wind damage may be synonymous with “roof leak” in many people’s minds, it’s just as important to protect the rest of your building’s exterior if you want to avoid making a call to your local wind damage restoration company. Here’s what you need to do:

• Make sure siding is attached firmly.
  
• Ensure that windows are connected tightly, too.
  
• Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
  
• Inspect walls for cracks that might let in water or debris.
  
  

3. Outdoor Property

When high winds are on the horizon, it can be easy to forget about your building’s outdoor elements, such as sheds and dumpsters, as well as the potential for damage from nature. Before you finish battening down the hatches, take the following steps to secure your surroundings:

• Move any inventory, supplies and equipment that you can inside.
  
• Be sure all outbuildings are anchored to the ground.
  
• Ensure all signage is adequately anchored to the ground or the building.
  
• Keep nearby trees trimmed and remove dead branches promptly.
  
• Inspect any other outdoor elements, such as fencing, lights or dumpsters, to ensure that they’re secure.
  

Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing a roof leak or ruined equipment during a storm. Taking a few minutes every month to check in with your commercial property’s defenses is well worth the effort in the long run.

Steps for Dealing With Sewer Backup

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer backup can affect more than just your plumbing.

Storms are notorious for overtaxing municipal waste systems, and this can lead to sewer backup in your home in Blackfoot, ID. Here is a step-by-step overview of the cleanup process.

4 Steps To Deal With Sewer Backup

1. Assess Damage

Obviously, if you have extensive damage to your home after the sewer backs up, you need professional assistance. If the sewer damage is contained in your toilet, sink or bathtub, however, you may not think you need someone else to help clean it up. However, bathtub backup isn't a normal occurrence. It doesn't happen if there's not an underlying problem that causes it. Calling your plumber and sewer damage restoration experts for an assessment is the first step toward full resolution of the issue.

2. Fix Problem

Once the professionals have identified the source of the flooding, they can better determine the procedure for fixing it. Sometimes, it's a matter of taking care of a clog in your pipes that prompted the sewer backup. They may have to replace worn-out valves or install upgrades to help prevent future backups. When the problem itself has been fixed, the cleanup crew can begin decontamination.

3. Clean Area

The cleaning process starts with removal of ruined materials. If your bathtub overflowed onto the floor, for example, technicians will likely need to tear out tiles, floor pads and drywall that are saturated by the contaminated water. Then they thoroughly disinfect any remaining surfaces to ensure that all bacteria are eliminated.

4. Repair Home

The restoration process is not complete until your bathroom looks the way it did before the flood. Builders begin by replacing the materials they had to discard during cleanup. Then they make sure that the replacement parts match the unaffected area around it to restore its former aesthetic.

Sewer backup can affect more than just your plumbing. If your home is damaged during a storm, hiring the right professionals helps you return it to normal.

How To Prepare Your Hotel for a Fire

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid grease fire damage

A hotel fire probably isn’t on the day’s itinerary, but if you’re a hotel manager, you need to know to handle the unexpected. That includes a fire in a guest room or other location on your Pocatello, ID, property. Follow these three fire prevention tips to make sure you and your staff are ready in the event of a fire.

3 Tips To Prevent Fire Damage

1. Identify High-Risk Areas

Perform a walk-through of the property and look for hazards such as damaged appliances in kitchen areas or break rooms, faulty wiring and damaged outlets. As you perform your assessment, pay special attention to how guests with different mobility needs would exit in the event of a fire.

2. Evaluate Existing Fire Safety Measures

In addition to assessing high-risk areas of your hotel, you should also inspect the fire safety elements that are already in place, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Exit routes should be clearly labeled and posted around your entire hotel, including in each guest room, and these paths should be bolstered with functioning lighting and signage. These fire safety implements should be tested regularly to ensure that they work correctly in the event of a hotel fire. All exit routes should be kept free from debris and other obstacles as well.

3. Create a Fire Prevention Task Force

Appointing fire wardens makes it easy to delegate tasks, communicate and ensure that all bases are covered if a blaze breaks out. Assign duties and train staff members to carry out essential fire safety tasks such as operating fire extinguishers, leading guests to safety and contacting a fire restoration company.

Part of being a hotel manager is anticipating every scenario that guests and staff can throw your way. Preparing your property for a hotel fire is just one way to continue providing guest service excellence while maintaining a safe, secure workplace for your team.

Protect Your Hardwood Floor From a Burst Pipe

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Mopping up water.

After investing in a wood floor, a pipe burst can be a very frustrating and expensive experience. In addition to worrying about structural damage and wet belongings, but your wet floor could become warped and stained. Water is one of the worst causes of damage to hardwood, especially.

How can you avoid this type damage to your Blackfoot, ID, property?

3 Ways To Protect Your Hardwood Floor From Water Damage

1. Routine Maintenance

Naturally, preventing water damage begins with the way you care for your floors on a daily basis. You can do several easy things to avoid damage from daily mishaps:

• Pick up wet rags, damp carpeting, and any other source of moisture as soon as possible. Better yet, provide a place for those items to go instead of on your wood floor. Make sure that any spills are wiped up right away.
  
• Monitor the humidity levels in your building and adjust them as necessary. Summer temperatures usually bringing higher humidity levels, and winters tend to be dryer. Neither situation is great for your hardwoods.
  
• Use appropriate cleaning products for your floor; there are many specifically intended to care for hardwoods. As you clean, avoid leaving puddles or wet spots behind.
  
  

Unfortunately, you can't prevent all damage, so you need to know what steps to take following a pipe burst.

2. A Quick Response

The key to preventing serious harm is understanding that a quick and immediate response is crucial. Start by shutting off the water at the main shutoff valve to the building. Next, provide ventilation, so the water and moisture can begin to evaporate. Contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals and your insurance provider for some general tips and warnings.

3. Mops and Towels

After taking these steps, it's time to start carrying out and mopping up any water. Be very careful when handling water-logged possessions. These can be very heavy, and you could cause further damage if possessions aren't handled correctly. A pipe burst can cause a lot of trouble for your floors, but your quick response can prevent lasting damage.

4 Things Not To Do After a Flood

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello when unwanted water from a flood or broken pipe invades your home.

When unwanted water from a flood or broken pipe invades your Blackfoot, ID, home, one of the first things you should do is call your local water damage restoration company. While you wait for help to arrive, remain calm, stop the water source if it’s safe to do so, and avoid making a potentially dangerous mistake.

Avoid Making This 4 Dangerous Mistakes After a Flood

1. Don’t Enter Areas With Structural Damage

Water and building materials are like oil and water: They don’t mix. If you notice signs of structural destruction or decay, such as cracked, warped or sagging drywall or wood, leave that area alone until it can be surveyed by professionals.

2. Don’t Enter Areas With Electrical Damage

If you spot visible damage to wires or evidence of water in home electronics, steer clear not just of those items but the entire room. Instead, go shut off the power to the house.
While drywall and water don’t mix, electricity and standing flood water do. Because H20 is an outstanding conductor of electricity you should avoid operating any electronics or appliances while standing on wet carpets or other types of flooring as well.

3. Leave Sewage Water Alone

Sometimes, a toilet or a broken pipe in or near the bathroom is to blame for flooding. When this happens, leave any displaced dirty water alone. Water involved in this area of your home is likely filled with bacteria and other contaminants.

4. Don’t Try To Remove the Water With Your Vacuum

You should never try to suck up water with your regular vacuum. Doing so carries the risk of not only electrocution but also destroying the vacuum cleaner itself. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, however, that is typically safe to operate.

The next time your home suffers from a broken pipe or surprise spring flood, don’t panic. Enlist the help of a Blackfoot, ID, water damage mitigation company in order to restore normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.

3 Basic Steps To Avoid Storm Damage

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid storm damage in your home.

Whether it's a warm season or one with low temperatures, there's still the possibility of heavy storms and harsh weather conditions, such as powerful winds, a lot of precipitation, and rising flood water. While you probably don't have a lot of control over the weather, there are several things you can do to control the amount of damage your Blackfoot, ID, home and property experience:

3 Steps to Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

Trim Your Trees and Shrubs

Heavy branches and dead limbs can break away during a severe storm. As they are blown about by the wind, these branches can cause a lot of damage to the windows and exterior of your home. A mix of heavy rainfall and strong winds may cause trees with shallow root systems to fall over. Prune and trim your trees and shrubs consistently to avoid this type of damage.

Clean Out the Gutters Around Your Roof

It's easy to forget about the possibility of debris and damage in the gutters, but this situation can lead to a lot of water damage. When the gutters get clogged, water doesn't flow away from the home as it should. This is one common cause of a flooded building. Clean the gutters as each season passes, and if there's been a lot of heavy winds and rain, clean them out more frequently.

Store Your Belongings in Waterproof Containers

Many homeowners pack family mementos, off-season clothes, camping supplies, tools and machinery, and seasonal items in cardboard boxes in their basements and garages. Unfortunately, strong winds and a lot of rain can send flood water into those areas of the home. Protect your belongings by storing them in waterproof containers and keep them off the floor when possible.

What else have you done to prepare for an emergency? Do you have phone numbers for emergency responders, your insurance company, and local water damage cleanup professionals? Do you know how you'll respond if flood water fills your basement? Take time today to come up with a plan.

The 4 Step Fire Remediation Process

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage can be devastating.

Dealing with fire damage to your commercial property is devastating, and without business interruption insurance, it is even more challenging. However, that does not mean that all hope is lost. A fire remediation company in Pocatello, ID, can help you recover and move on from the damage. Before reopening your business, you will need to address the issue of smoke damage and soot damage through the restoration and remediation process. Most mitigation companies follow a necessary four-step process.

• Water Removal
  
• Debris removal
  
• Structural Analysis
  
• Restoration
  

4 Steps  Most Mitigation Companies Follow For Fire Remediation

1. Water Removal

Many people fail to acknowledge the level of water damage that can occur during a fire. Whether suppression from sprinkler systems or flooding caused by the use of fire hoses, your building will likely have extensive pooling. A restoration service will address the issue by using pumps, shop vacs and other tools to move the excess water. They will also use dehumidifiers to remove moisture in the air and building materials.

2. Debris Removal

When the facility is dry, the company will get to work removing any debris. Some examples of waste may include equipment, furniture, carpeting, drywall and ceiling tiles. The restoration crew will also perform fire and smoke cleaning as they prepare for the restoration phase.

3. Structural Analysis

Before the team moves onto the restoration phase of the project, they will need to make sure that the facility can handle the repair. Sometimes, A fire affects the structural integrity of the building, and the only thing left to do is remove sections of the structure. Depending on the level of fire, water and smoke damage to your building, a team may need to restructure some elements.

4. Restoration

Finally, the crew will rebuild your facility. The objective is to return the property to pre-disaster conditions. The final stage may take only a few days or multiple weeks.

If your company experienced a fire, then consider reaching out to a restoration company for assistance. Regardless of your insurance coverage, you will need help returning to normal after the fire and smoke damage.

Prepare for Winter Storms

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Winter storm

When winter brings freezing temperatures, you may feel relieved to get back to your warm, comfortable home each day. Unfortunately, that cold weather that feels so uncomfortable to you can also cause considerable damage to your home. As you prepare your wardrobe for an upcoming winter storm, think about protecting your house as well.

Prepare Your Family for Emergencies

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that homeowners keep the following items available before storms arrive:

• Multiple snow shovels
  
• De-icers (choose those that are safe for pets)
  
• Fuel for your electricity and source of heat, such as firewood or a generator
  
• Extra blankets and warm clothing in case you can't run your appliances
  
• Shelf-stable food and water
  
• A battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  

It's a lot easier to focus on home maintenance when you know that you're prepared to keep your family safe during a winter storm.

Winterize Your Home

There are many ways that a blizzard can cause home and roof damage. As you prepare to winterize your home, start with these five steps:

• Make sure that siding, exterior shutters, and roof elements are secure. Look for damage to any of your home's exterior materials.
  
• Clean the gutters and make sure they are free of debris and in good working condition. Ice jams can cause a lot of water damage to the inside and outside of your home.
  
• Look for air leaks and repair them. This will keep moisture outside, keep your home warmer, and keep your utility costs lower.
  
• Insulate exposed plumbing. Consider insulating interior pipes that are located near outside walls.
  
• Trim trees and shrubs that are located near your home. Falling branches can cause damage to the roof, siding, windows, and other elements of the house.
  
  

Once you have these five steps completed, it's time to turn to other tasks such as insulating windows, cleaning out the fireplace, and stocking up on hot chocolate. You may want to check in with home damage cleanup and repair professionals for more suggestions.

Stay Safe This Winter

A winter storm can bring a lot of unpleasantness. Make sure you, your family, and your Blackfoot, ID, home are prepared and protected, so you are ready to survive the worst that blizzards, snow, and heavy winds bring your way.

Fundamentals of Furnace Maintenance

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Furnace maintenance is important

Any remediation company in Blackfoot, ID, will explain that many fire cleaning and mitigation projects stem from a faulty or poorly maintained home furnace. While no professional expects homeowners to handle the maintenance of these essential appliances alone, it is crucial that upkeep remains a priority. There are at least four tasks when performing routine maintenance.

• Change filters
  
• Clean flame sensor
  
• Remove and clean the blower
  
• Inspect the drive belt
  

4 Steps To Follow When Performing A Routine Furnace Maintenance.

1. Change Filters

Most smoke cleaning professionals will explain the value of correct filter maintenance. Air filters ensure that your family is breathing healthy air. A typical filter will only last between one and three months, depending on system use. The filter not only prevents contaminants from recirculating through your home, but it also prevents those same particles from damaging your furnace's motor and blower.

2. Clean Flame Sensor

You may also want to check the thermocouple to ensure that it is clean and free of debris. The thermocouple or flame sensor is the device that tells the furnace the pilot is or is not working. If the sensor is covered in dust, it may produce a false negative, which can lead to damage. Us a drinking straw to gently blow dust free of the sensor.

3. Remove and Clean the Blower

A dirty blower can cause all sorts of problems, including fire. To prevent the need for fire cleaning, remove the blower, and clean it thoroughly.

4. Inspect the Drive Belt

The drive belt is responsible for the function of the motor. You want to check the belt regularly to ensure it is free of cracks and frayed areas. If the belt fails, it can lead to overheating.

Any fire cleaning specialist will tell you that furnace maintenance is necessary. While it is possible to perform the tasks alone, you are often better served by contacting a local remediation company or HVAC repair service for help.

3 Things You Should Expect From a Mitigation Company

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

24 hour access to SERVPRO.

A burst pipe in your client's building doesn't politely wait until business hours to occur. When this happens, the business owner needs a water restoration company in Pocatello, ID, that can address the problem at any hour of the day. A 24 hour call center and technicians who are available around the clock are two of the things that ensure SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Here are three things you should be able to expect from the company handling the damage to your client's building.

3 Things To Expect From The Company Handling Water Damage

1. Quick Response

No matter how good the remediation services a company offers, it doesn't help building owners if they don't answer the phone. Even if damage happens in the middle of the night, they need to be able to expect a fast response within one hour of reporting it. Waiting until the next morning can lead to more problems.

2. Speedy Arrival

After the initial call, technicians should spring into action. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, it may take a little while to collect all the equipment and assemble the team needed to tackle it. With 24 hour access, however, it is reasonable to expect an arrival within four hours of the initial call. A speedy arrival is possible when a mitigation company is always open.

3. Timely Debriefing

The first thing technicians do when they arrive on the scene is survey the damage. This assessment often involves listing all problems directly caused by the event as well as related fallout in adjacent areas. Everything that needs to be restored must be documented. No matter how vast the damage, however, within eight hours, the building owner should be able to sit down with the project lead and discuss the work needed to repair the building.

When commercial property sustains water or fire damage, time is of the essence. Your clients need 24 hour access to a mitigation company that can handle it in a hurry.

Understanding Water Classifications

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding due to leaking pipes.

Dealing with a flood, whether caused by internal or external forces, is not easy for any homeowner, which is why calling a water restoration company in Pocatello, ID, is almost always advised. The primary reason for calling an expert is to determine the category of the water and the class of the damage. Clean water or category one is fine for a little DIY repair, but Category three or black water should be handled by a professional.

3 Facts You Need To Know About Water Classification

1. Water Categories

There are three water categories: clean, grey and black. Clean water or category one usually stems from a water supply line leak or break. With category one floods, there is little to worry about. Category two or grey water is when clean water has been standing or has seeped through building materials, allowing the water to become contaminated with bacteria and chemicals. Black water is the worst level of contamination and usually includes sewage or waste water, which may require professional sewage cleanup. You should always call a professional to handle category 3 water damage.

2. Water Classes

As with categories, the higher the classification, the greater the problem you are dealing with. For example, class one water damage refers to minimal flooding and recent damage, meaning that minimum items are affected, and the restoration process is often quick. Class four damage means that the water has had time to soak into porous materials and affect structural elements of the home.

3. Profesional Assistance

Regardless of the level of water damage or loss, calling a professional is almost always advisable, especially when water is higher than an inch deep and has been sitting for a long time. If the damage occurred while you were away, make sure to contact a specialist because there is no way of knowing exactly how long the water was left standing.

No homeowner wants to experience a flood of black water. However, if you must deal with such a disaster, contact a water mitigation company for help.

4 Ways To Protect Your Business From a Flood

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be prevented.

Are you worried about the next flood season? Do you often wonder how you can protect your commercial building from storm damage and business interruptions? Contact a water remediation company in Blackfoot, ID, to discuss possible strategies for your company. However, in the meantime, consider the basic strategies recommended by FEMA and other protective agencies to prevent flood damage.

4 Strategies To Prevent Flood Damage

1. Elevate Essentials

If you know that a storm is coming or that a flood is imminent, move high-priority items to higher ground. Computers, appliances, electronics and files can and should be moved to a second story, or at the very least placed in the most elevated position you have available.

2. Build Barriers

You can use sandbags to create temporary barricades around your property. Make sure to place the bags around vulnerable spaces, like doors and windows. The goal of makeshift barricades is to divert the water away from these sensitive areas.
You can also use landscape design to create natural barriers around your building. Consider speaking with a landscaper to determine the best ways to implement natural borders for the prevention of flood damage.

3. Flood Proof

There are many methods to flood-proof your building, but the most cost-effective is to install pumps and seals. You can also use diversion valves in your plumbing to help prevent backups during heavy rains.

4. Move

While not the most cost-effective option, if you find that your commercial property is continuously combatting floods, consider moving to higher ground. FEMA produces flood maps to show the most vulnerable areas to flooding, if possible, try to find a dryer area to move your business.

Flood damage can be detrimental to your business. It often results in business interruptions and recovery expenses. If you would like to avoid as much damage as possible, then contact a local water remediation company to discuss strategies you can implement that are specific to your facility.

What to do with Hail Storm Damage.

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Hail Storm

Hail Storm Damage

The pounding sound of hail hitting you home or office letting you know that storm is here. So, you look out the window to see rain, trees blowing, and hail coming down from the sky like someone just dumbed out a box of marbles. And then the thunder and lightning the storm is in full force. When you experience a hailstorm, it can cause extensive storm damage to your commercial property. And we are here to help, by hiring professionals to take care of the damage so that you avoid bigger problems in the future. Here are some other problems to check for after hail storms big or small.

1. Cracked or Missing Shingles. Hail damage to the roof can break your shingles.

Some shingles may even come loose or detach completely. A roofing company is generally required to fix the roof, but luckily most building insurance packages have provisions to cover at least part of the cost. At SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello we can take some of the pressure by working with your insurance and adjuster.

1. Leaks. Roof damage can lead to leaks, which in turn can lead to a whole slew of other problems.

A wet attic that goes unnoticed can began to grow mold, turning a water problem into a mold problem. It can also cause insulation to get wet, which renders it ineffective which will in turn need to be replaced. Our mitigation specialists can test areas with water damage to make sure they are remediated properly.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

5 Factors That Contribute to a Fire Remediation Estimate

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your commercial property in Blackfoot, ID, can be devastating.

When you call a commercial fire restoration company out to your property, you likely only have one thing in mind: how much is this going to cost? Unfortunately, there is no straight answer for a quick estimate with fire damage. The extent of the damage plays a significant role in the price, but there are at least five other factors to consider.

Factors That Contribute To An Estimate For Fire Reemediation

1. Board Up and Tarp Services

Mitigation is one of the earliest expenses to a fire restoration effort. The mitigation company from Blackfoot, ID, will come out immediately to your site and help you determine what is necessary. Plywood is used to cover most vertical holes in your structure, and tarps are used to cover large holes in your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, minimal mitigation work may be required.

2. Security and Fencing

Another aspect of the mitigation process is the protection of your property from potential vagrants or wildlife. In many fire remediations, property owners feel better if a fence is at least put around their facility. However, for added security, the remediation company you hire may provide surveillance or in-person security for a price.

3. Waste and Damage Removal

The next expense to consider in the estimate is the removal of waste and damage. Crews will get to work pulling out water-damaged carpeting, smoke damaged walls and insulation. Beyond the removal, an extensive cleaning effort will commence after the debris is removed.

4. Reconstruction

Rebuilding your property is the final expense. The company you hire will inspect and assess the structure and integrity of the building. Everything will be reinforced, and the crew will replace all that needs to be. When complete, your property will look as it did before the fire.

5. Insurance

Your insurance policy will inevitably help to reduce the expense of the fire restoration, but there are too many variables to consider to specify how much the insurer will cover. The best thing is to contact your insurance agent.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire, contact a remediation crew as soon as possible. They will provide a real-time estimate.

Do you have an Emergency Plan for your Pet during a Disaster?

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your pets safe during an emergency.

If you are a pet owner and lover like we are at SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello the thought a big storm has just rolled through or your area has just survived a natural disaster.  Just like having a plan for your family you need to have a disaster plan for your pets.  Here in Bannock County we may not experience a hurricane or tornado but we do have harsh wildfire seasons, flooding, and earthquakes. Be prepared and have a plan because planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your pets safe when a disaster strike!

6 Tips To Creat An Emergency Plan For Your Pet.

1. Microchip your pets: Microchipping your pet is the best way to ensure you are reunited with your pet if you are separated.  We are always hearing on the news how lost animal travel an uncreditable distance to find their owner. More often than not this isn’t the case. Please make sure you keep the microchip info updated: address or phone number changes are commonly overlooked.  If you don’t update the information it is useless.  You could also list an emergency number of a friend or family member who resides outside of your area.
2. Keep A Collar and Tag on ALL Dogs & Cats: Make sure you have the pets name and at least your current phone number (and address if possible) on the tag.  ID on indoor cats is especially important, if there is a disaster they could easily escape.
3. Identify Local Animal Shelters: Know where the local animal shelters are located in case your pet does get lost.  Have a current picture as well to help identify them.
4. Locate a Local Veterinary Clinic: Know where the local veterinarian or animal hospital is in case your pet needs medical care.
5. Plan a Pet Friendly-Place to Stay: If a disaster hits and you are not able to stay in your home a good tip is to search in advance of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities or somewhere you can stay.  Many emergency shelters are not pet friendly.
6. Prepare and Emergency Kit for EACH Animal: Some basic items to be in an emergency kit for your pets during a disaster are: one-week food supply, one-week fresh water, medication you pet may need, copies of vaccination records, current picture of you with your pets to identity them and claim ownership, temporary ID tags with the contact info of someone in an unaffected area, carrier and/or leash for each animal. Store these items in an easy to grab container.

The last thing you want after and emergency or disaster is to have something happen to your furry family members.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Smoke and Fire Damage Services

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating. We can help!

Fire damages could be the most devastating incident you can ever experience. Being a stressful time for you, we believe that all you need is a professional restoration company to help you along the way. 

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello has trained team members  to meet any of your needs. We have the state of the art equipment to rebuild your home or business.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello's restoration process.

Includes:

• Emergency Contact
• Inspection of the related incident
• Fire Damage Assessment
• Board and Roof tarp services (if any)
• In cases where water damage has been experienced, we provide water removal and drying services
• Cleaning off smoke and soot off all affected surfaces
• Overall cleaning and repair services
• We are IICRC Certified

Why you should pick us:

• We've always cared for our client's property like our own.
• We are open 24/7
• We act quick to any disaster and are to your property within one hour receiving the call.
• We are equipped to deal with any size of fire damage
• We are specialized in fire and water-related damages; hence we assure you the most reliable and quality services
• Our team member technicians are qualified to answer your questions and put your concerns to rest.

The most Common types of Smoke Damage.

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Severe smoke and soot damage.

When you are at work and get a phone call that the fire department is at your home. When you decide to fry some chicken for dinner and it quickly turns into a grease fire. Or you wake up in the middle of the night and see that your room is filled with smoke. These are all situations that are not only tariffing but also life changing. This is something sadly that at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello we see frequently. One of the most invasive aspects of a fire are smoke and soot. Which can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a plan of action.  

2 Types of Smoke Damage

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. To determine which type of smoke has occurred a soot test will be performed. This will identify the correct cleaning procedure that our experienced team will follow.

Some facts regarding smoke and soot:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

1. Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

2. Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

The Steps of Storm Damage Repair.

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to severe water damage.

If your home or building has suffered serious water damage after a particularly trying snow or rainstorm, call in the help of a professional remediation team. You should not attempt to tear out and restore your building and its contents on your own, as you do not know what risks the water or the building itself poses. To ensure a safe and speedy recovery, hire a water remediation team that knows how to safely and effectively handle the situation.  A professional remediation company has set procedures and measures in place for dealing with any type of storm damage. You can expect the team to inspect the building and use the following methods for bringing your property back to good health. 

4 Steps Professionals Will Follow For Storm Damage Repairs. 

1. Extract the Water. This is the first and most important step. The team may use submersible pumps and wet/dry vacuums. The water extraction process helps reduce drying time and prevent additional damage caused by sitting water. 
2. Tear Out Wet Materials. Once all of the water has been removed from the building, the company will start to remove all wet materials. This can include furniture, equipment and documents, but it may also include wet carpet, rotted floor boards and any other easily removable structural components. 
3. Dry All Structures. Once all of the wet materials have been removed, the drying process will begin. They will use dehumidifiers to evaporate any moisture that remains in the floorboards, carpet, walls and cement. There will be a drying goal set and the expert team at SERVPRO™ Blackfoot/ Pocatello will do daily moisture reading to return the affected area to a dry state.
4. Restore the Building. Finally, once your building is dry and free from water, our professional team will then make whatever repairs are necessary to bring your building back to pre-storm condition. If your building was severely damaged in a storm, let SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/ Pocatello take over. We can help tear out all the wet materials and bring your property back to like-new condition in a safe and swift manner. With our resources no job is to big or to small.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What to do when you find Mold in your Home or Business.

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage on wall.

When you notice an odor or mold it’s an unsettling feeling. Mold is the result of a moisture problem, such as leaks, floods or humidity. Before you can properly clean up mold in your home and prevent it from returning, you need to find the source. Check walls and your roof, bathrooms, or basements which can be a common place for mold. 

Call an Expert

Mold can be a worry for many homeowners. At times home owners might think that it is easy to clean but this can cause a worse issue if not experienced. By not following proper techniques, mold spores can become airborne and attach to other services. Mold can come in many forms, and each type requires a different cleanup method. Black mold, for example, is perhaps the worst form. When you spot mold, the best option is to call a professional who is experienced with mold. They will know the right plan of action.

Have a Professional Remove It

Getting rid of mold is more difficult than you may think. Mold can spread quickly and can be quite pesky. Also, you don't want to spend a lot of time around it if you don't have to. SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/ Pocatello has procedures set in place to remove and clean mold.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What you need to know about Storm Damage?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help cleanup and restore after suffering storm damage.

No matter where you leave you might experience smaller storms with minimal damage to your building. Whenever there is a storm it’s always good to have a professional on your side to asses and rebuild what was damaged.

Different Types of Storm Damage

Wind Damage- When a storm hits your home and/or commercial building most likely wind will be involved. Winds can cause roof damages, fallen trees, and broken windows. A professional should be in a place to offer solutions to any wind damages sustained to your home.

Ground Water- During a storm the ground loose, its ability to drain all the water.  When this happens dirt and soil become soft and start to float along with the water. When storm water sits, it starts carry debris and become a health concern due to the diseases it can carry. For faster drainage, call a professional. Professionals can use a pump to remove flood water from your house and/or commercial building. Also, it is important to consider a company that specializes in clean water restoration.

Hail Damage-  Whenever there is a rainy disaster it can also be in the back our minds that hail will be present.  Hail can cause serve damage to roofs, siding, stucco, windows, and screens for windows and sliding doors. With these types of damages, you will need to go through your insurance company to see what will be covered.

SERVPRO Can Help You With Storm Damage 

When it comes to any storm damage keep SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello in your mind.  Our crew and office staff our here to help you walk through your damages and it will be “Like it never even happened.”

Pros of Having Renters Insurance

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Buy renters insurance and enjoys it's benefits.

Over 90% of homeowners have an insurance policy on their home however, less than 40% of renters have renters insurance. When a landlord owns the building or home you are living in, they most likely will only have insurance just for the structure but not what is inside.

Unfortunately, your landlord’s property insurance will not help you if a disaster were to strike.

Renters Insurance And The Benefits.  

Below are a few pros to having renters insurance:

• If your personal belonging have been damaged or stolen, a basic insurance plan will reimburse you for those items.
• Damage caused by a fire or flood will be covered by a renter’s policy. Also, if your apartment or home was severely damaged and was not livable, insurance will pay or help you pay for other living arrangements.

Although you may not be a homeowner, renters insurance provides you with many protections that may be beneficial in the future or in the event of an emergency.  Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, we work with your insurance and here to help! We love happy customers!  

Follow Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello if you suspect mold in your home or business.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Did you know there are different kinds of smoke?

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

This room suffered severe smoke and soot damage.

Once we know what caused the fire we can start to decide on what equipment and cleaning materials to use in the effective areas.

3 Different Types of Smoke

The different types of smoke are below:

1. Wet Smoke: happens when rubber and/or plastic burn. These types of fires burn at a lower temperature than other types of fires. Since the plastic/rubber burned it will leave behind an overpowering odor and will leave behind a pasty residue.
2. Dry Smoke: occurs when papers and wood are burning. Paper and wood burn very quickly and at a high temperature. These types of fire will cause a lot of damage to the ceilings and even into attics.
3. Soot smoke: this type is when there is a malfunction with the furnace and HVAC system. When this happens, it will put smoke throughout the home through vents. Before cleaning and repairs can happen, the furnace will need to be replaced or repaired. Then the vents in your home can be cleaned so that left over smoke does not continue to go through your home.

When you have fire and/or smoke damage in your home don’t worry about what kind of smoke is in your home, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/pocatello can do that for you and repair the damages. We understand how stressful any type of disaster is.  Let us help you repair it.

Faster to your Water Damage Event

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes can lead to severe water damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Emergency Readiness Program for Commercial Business

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Program

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello believes every business should have an Emergency Readiness Program, also known as an ERP. 

Emergency Readiness Program

ERP’s allow SERVPRO to help both commercial and residential properties in case of any time of emergency. An ERP allows you to minimize business interruptions by having an action plan ready to go.

Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello we have been trained to help you with the first few steps. Such as, turning off the main water and gas lines and turning off the electrical panels.

Benefits of having an ERP

Having an ERP doesn’t cost your business a time, it is there to get your business back on track. This approach is a great investment of your time and is designed specifically with the owner and customer in mind. If you or someone you know would like to have an ERP done, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello.

Preventing Frozen Pipes during the Winter

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen faucet outside of home.

We believe that no one can be too prepared. Being prepared can help you avoid expensive issues of frozen pipes.

Follow these steps to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
• Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
• For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

Restoring Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes can lead to severe water damage.

Flooding and water damage events at can lead to commercial properties numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Emergency Kits for Natural Disasters

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency first aid kits are important to have in a place of business or your home.

First aid kits, or emergency kits, are too important.  We shouldn’t wait till the last minute to put them together. Every business and personal home should have one ready to go always. Natural disasters can happen suddenly, and you might have to pick up and go at the drop of a hat.  Below are examples of what to include in your emergency kit.

What To Include In Your Emergency Kit 

What to Include in a kit for a group of 2 to 3 people -- Medical items to keep in a first aid kit include the following:

• Gloves
• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads: small & large
• Roll of gauze bandages
• Equipment for resuscitation
• Splint
• Towelettes to clean wounds
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket: minimum of one
• At least two elastic wraps
• Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small groups of people, for larger families and groups be sure to adjust the number of supplies needed. To be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to have more than one kit in a place of business or personal home in Blackfoot, ID. Also make sure the kits are in a location that are easily assessable.

Be wary of frozen pipes

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those that are the homes outdoor lines.

This winter has varied back and forth from being super cold to feeling like spring is just around the corner. With the interesting winter it came with a few joys of children playing in the snow and other outdoor activities.  However, there are still plenty of dangers to look out for. Among these dangers are frozen pipes. Running water in your home can easily be taken for granted.  When the water doesn’t seem to want to run through your faucets, it can leave a bigger impact on your personal home and place of business.

Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those that are the homes outdoor lines.  These lines can be for something as simple as your sprinkler system pipes. 

How to avoid frozen pipes? 

To avoid pipes from freezing or bursting here are a few tips:

• Drain water from outdoor pipes before the cold weather arrives in your area
• Monitor your pipes in your kitchen and bathrooms but leaving cabinet doors open to let warmer air circulate.
• Add additional insulation, if needed.

Why you want an IICRC Certified Restoration Company

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an IICRC-certified restoration company.

When water damages your commercial property, you want professionals to help get your business back on its feet. SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello works closely with insurance companies to get you back on your feet as fast as possible.  As business owners know, contacting a professional restoration company is usually the first step to restoring your building. With so many other restoration companies out there, it can be hard to pick the one that will be perfect for you and your business. It is important to know that hiring an IICRC-certified company will have advantageous. Before is more information about being an IICRC company:

• What does IICRC stand for and what is it?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification organization within the restoration, cleaning, and inspection industries.

• How does a company receive an IICRC certification?

To receive an IICRC certification, restoration companies have to follow specific criteria. Some of the criteria include:

1. Provide consumers with accurate data
2. Conduct business processes with integrity and honesty
3. Ensure that a trained technician is present for all work assignments
4. Ensure that a continuing education program is in place
5. Maintain policies for written complaints
6. Hold liability insurance

Why it is important to choose an IICRC-Certified company?

There is a wide variety of forms water damage can take. Some of them include flooding, a burst pipe, and sewage backup. No matter the cause, water can leave a lot of damage to your building. In fact, standing water can lead to severe property damage as well as mold issues.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello offers service 24/7 for all of our customers.

Have A Plan When A Storm Hits

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for Storm Damage?

When your business is in danger from a storm you can’t afford to risk your investment to water damage and a flooded building. There are many ways you can prepare your commercial property for an oncoming storm and minimize the damage as much as possible.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Commercial Building For Storm Damage

1. Have a Plan

Your first priority should be to have a plan set for when a disaster hit. This plan needs to have clear steps to outline what to do in an emergency. It will also need to allow you to respond as quickly as possible as soon as you learn what threats the disaster will cause. The plan should include how to protect your building’s structure, how to safeguard your equipment, and the first steps of how to recover.

2. Protect Your Investment

Be ready to minimize damage with weatherproofing. This can include sandbagging the exterior of your building, installing weather stripping, moving your equipment and inventory to higher ground, and sealing any leaks. Minimize as much damage as possible by preventing storm water from intruding on the building.

3. Make Backups

One of the most important things you can do is back up your business data. You always want to have a few different ways to back up your office information.

4. Know Your Evacuation Routes

When the storm comes, your first instinct may be to stay as long as possible to ensure your building is appropriately protected. Instead, you should be focusing on safety. Lost inventory, equipment, and data can be recovered. Restoration professionals can repair your building. Your safety should be the greatest priority. 

Commercial Property Water Damage

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Broken pipes are a common reason for flooding in a commercial building.

Business owners usually think their commercial property will be damaged by a major storm coming through their area.  However, many forget that there are other risks out there.  List below are common reason for flooding in a commercial property.

4 Common Reason for Flooding in Commercial Buildings.  

1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 

Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 

3. Broken pipes and plumbing 

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 

4. Backed up sewer lines 

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 

Do's and Do Not's of a grease fire.

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Grease fire can be devastating if not taken care of quickly.

Sometimes cooking won’t goes as planned and you can accidentally start a grease fire in your kitchen. Here are a few things you can do if one starts in your home.

3 Things to Do When a Grease Fire Starts

1. Turn off the source of heat, meaning turn off the burner as soon as possible.
2. Cover the fire with another pot, metal lid, or cookie sheet. If you do not have another pot or lid, try putting baking soda or salt on top.  Doing this will suffocate the fire because it will not have as much oxygen reaching it.
3. If you feel unsafe, go outside to a safe location and call 911 or help.

Below are a few DO NOT’s while attending to a grease fire:

1. Use water or any fabrics to put out a grease fire. 
2. Use baking powder.  Might look the same as baking soda but the chemical make up is very different.
3. Moving the pot that’s on fire.

We know your home will be an instinct to save.  However, you and your family’s safety are the number one priority.

We do Smoke and Soot Clean Up

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

This was a bedroom that had fire and soot damage after the home had caught on fire from a candle.

Smoke and soot are both very aggressive and can seep into various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke travels to cooler areas and upper levels of a home or building.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may significantly affect your plan of action.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello will need to test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Please see below for some additional information regarding smoke and residue:

• Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
• Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire. Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

As you now know each fire and smoke damage disaster are unique. With this being said, each will require a unique solution to tailor the situation. Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello we have the equipment, experience, and knowledge to restore your home or building. We will always treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

For Immediate Service in Blackfoot/Pocatello, Call SERVPRO

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Blackfoot/Pocatello Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

For immediate service give SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello a call.  SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to any type and size of disaster in Blackfoot and Pocatello (and surrounding areas). We will respond immediately to your emergency and we have the knowledge and the highly trained staff to handle your restoration or cleaning needs no matter the size.  

We are known for our:

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Blackfoot
• Aberdeen
• Chubbuck
• Pocatello
• Shelley
• Downey
• Virginia
• Swan Lake

Damaged Documents and Papers

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damaged books caused by a flood.

Devastated over your water damaged Family pictures or important papers?

SERVPRO Can Help With Damaged Documents and Papers

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello can help! We can vacuum freeze-dry your special documents. You may want your damaged documents restored for sentimental or legal reasons. Often these documents are one-of-a-kind or are irreplaceable.

These important papers include:

• Family bibles
• Personal/Medical documents
• Government/business records
• Personnel files and blue prints.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatelloo Document Restoration Service uses the process of sublimation. This process takes frozen documents through temperatures and pressures that turn moisture into vapor. The result is a dry document that can be restored or reused.

Water damage may occur when a basement floods, water damage from about or water from extinguishing a fire.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello will help you decide which documents to save and which ones to discard. We will box up, freeze and ship your damages papers with the care and security they deserve.

Fire Safety

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Parts of a roof being replaced after a home fire.

Many of us know our fire safety 101 in our homes. We know not to leave an open flame such as, a candle or gas stove stop unattended. Even though we may feel comfortable with our knowledge of fire safety, here are a few tips and reminders to follow in your Pocatello, ID, home.

Tips And Reminders For Fire Safety

• Have a fire extinguisher in your home. Fire extinguishers play a crucial role in protecting your home during the very early stages of fire.
• Avoid overloading your outlets or outlet extenders. They can easily over heat if they are being over used.  Check on your outlets as often as you can.  Make sure to replace any that may be getting worn out or old.
• When doing laundry, remember to empty lint tray from dryer on every use. When the lint is not cleaned it can cause the dryer to heat to a higher temperature. Therefore, the machine will have to work harder and also work at a lower efficiently.
• Check on space heaters. Make sure space heaters are at least 2-3 feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs, and other combustibles. These items can cause a risk of fire if they come in contact with the unit.
• Check on smoke alarms. Check to see if smoke alarms are working every month and replace batteries twice a year. 

Did you know that cooler weather can cause fires?

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

This home caught on fire and here is the aftermath of one room.

Even though we are in the middle of summer you never know what kind of weather Idaho has in store for us. As we approach the end of summer and begin the cooler months, fires increase in inside the homes.  SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello recently helped a homeowner who left a bulbed Christmas candle in the window which caught a curtain on fire. Almost the entire house was damaged as result.

How to prevent fires at home

Most people know the basics of fire safety at home, such as not leaving burning candles unattended and keeping a fire extinguisher on hand. Here are a few more things you can do to prevent fires at home.

• Have your heating system serviced regularly by a professional, including chimneys from wood-burning fireplaces. Clean around heat sources and keep dust and other flammable items away from ignition sources.
• Remove the lint from your dryer filter after every use. A clogged filter and lint trap makes your dryer less efficient, reduces the airflow needed to keep heat from building up in the vents, and forces lint onto the heating coils. Also, never let your dryer run when you are out of the house or when you’re asleep.
• Keep firewood, piles of leaves and trash away from the home. If a grass fire starts nearby, these items next to your home could easily become kindling. Never dump hot ashes inside or near your home; keep them in a metal container well away from your house and garage.
• Avoid using outlet extenders or plug-in power bars: they can quickly overload an electrical circuit. Replace old, damaged or frayed appliance cords, and never force a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Store containers of cooking oil well away from the stove. When cooking with oil, never leave the stove unattended. To stop a grease fire, turn off the burner and place a lid on the pan to suffocate the flames, or pour on lots of baking soda. Never pour water on a grease fire or try to carry the pan outside; water splatters the grease and makes the fire bigger, and the pan will be much too hot to carry.
• Consider using borrowed heat to keep outdoor pets warm.  During winter months, avoid using heat lamps, solar lamps, trouble lights, heated watering bowls or other such heated devices, which could lead to a potential fire. Borrowed heat involves providing warmth from a heating system located in a separate building. If this isn’t possible, consider bringing your pets inside.
• Be sure to properly extinguish smoking materials. Smoking materials that are not properly extinguished can smolder undetected for days before igniting a fire. Never discard smoking materials on the ground or in plant pots.

We are an IICRC Franchise

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello today.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

At SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, our technicians and office members are certified and trained according to SERVPRO corporate and IICRC guidelines and regulations. We are happy to work at whatever time 24/7 to start the restoration process and to create happy customers. We as a company are involved in the community and do all we can to spread awareness of the cause of these losses that can happen. Specializing in mold, fire/smoke, and water restoration and mitigation we will go into residential and commercial properties and do what it takes to complete the job and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Be prepared for water damage!

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

We are Here to Help® 24/7 in Blackfoot, ID

Disasters never wait for the right time to strike. Are you prepared if you experience a loss due to water?

Water Damages happen quite frequently, the most common causes we see are from, failed supply lines, water heaters, leaking toilets, fridges & dishwashers or water coming from outside the home, or storm damages. 

What can you do to be prepared?

* Know where all your main shut off's are for your utilities!

1. Be sure that your Home Owners Insurance policy covers floods.

Many policies do not cover outside water source damages, from storms, irrigation systems, or city utilities lines. Call your Insurance agent, before you have a loss. 

2. Have regular inspections done, on your homes systems.

Keep up on necessary maintenance on your water heaters, softeners, fridge/freezers, wash machines, and dishwashers. Clean/replace filters regularly and check for any leaks or seepage on hoses, change hoses regularly. 

3. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris, that can cause overflowing or a back up of water.

4. Maintain trees & vegetation surrounding your home, so no unnecessary damages occur to foundations, gutters, window wells, water or power lines. 

5. Regularly check your water pressure and keep a close eye on your water bill, for fluctuation in water usage. 

We understands how stressful any type of loss can be. We pride ourselves customer service and quick response times. All our technicians are background checked, drug tested, and are certified through the IICRC. Their certifications range from Water Restoration Technician, Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying Specialist, and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician. Click the IICRC link to learn more about these certifications.

Have Questions about Water Damage?
Call us today!

Emergency Ready Profile

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Disasters do not wait for the right time!

Did you know that as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster?

The companies that do survive most of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can save you from losing your company after a disaster and also give you a peace of mind.

By having an Emergency Ready Profile (also known as a ERP) you will have an immediate plan of action, that will help you have less interruption in your companies day to day business.

Being prepare is the key component for making it through any size of disaster, whether it’s a small water leak or a flood. No one ever wants or plans for a disaster to happen, but when it happens your first question to yourself is usually “what do I do now"? With this preparation you will know what to do and who to call.

An ERP is a startup approach, that provides the information needed to being the recovery services. It is there to serve as a quick reference of building information and who to contact. By working with our Marketing Team, your business will benefit from years of experience in reducing the impact of the disaster, that struck your property. SERVPRO® is a leader in Water Damage and Fire Damage response and we will help you quickly return your property back in working order in no time.

Listed below are the advantages of having an Emergency Ready Profile:

• No cost assessment of your facility
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of a disaster
  • It will only take a few minutes to complete and save you a lot of time if ever needed in the future.
• A guide to help you get back into your property following a disaster
  • This will minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action
• Establishes us as your professional disaster mitigation and restoration provider
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

You can be ruined or you can be ready! Call today for your free ERP!

Understanding the type of Water Damage in your Commercial Property

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with water damage in your business in Blackfoot/Pocatello can be very time-consuming. Whether it be replacing a water pipe, having issues with a toilet, or outside water coming in you will find it helpful to understand what type of water damage has occurred.

1. The Source of Water - Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello use one of the primary ways to classify water damage. If water comes from an appliance and is clean, it is considering category 1 damage.  Water that comes from broken pipe and has contaminants is considered to be category 2. Water that contains sewage and has biohazards is labeled as category 3.
2. How long has the water sat? - Category 1 water can turn into category 2 if not quickly removed. The best rule of thumb is to take care of the water leak as soon as possible!
3. Dirtiness of the Water - How clean the water is, is another major contributor that determines the category we put the water damage into. For instance, category 2 water is water that has some amount of hazardous material.  Even if the water lose started out as clean water and it seeps through the floor or wall it will then count as category 2 due to contaminants  **Fun fact: if the water damage is large enough the categories of the water can change from one section to another in a commercial building.

How to prepare for a Thunderstorm

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

When a Thunder and Lightning storm roles into town, some of us run inside to the safety of your home or sit on the front porch to watch the storm clouds role in over the mountains. Thunder and lightning can quickly set a wildfire for example what happened at the Idaho National Laboratory facility on July 25^th, 2019 in Southwest Idaho, which burnt 177 square miles. When lightning strikes it can pass through the wiring. This can cause damage to any electrical appliances that are plugged into outlets.

How to Prepare for a Thunderstorm

• Identify all close sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, and spend time.
• Keep trees clear of derby and dead branches that might fall on your home during a storm.
• Purchase surge protectors, lighting rods, or lighting protection system.

What to do in a Thunderstorm

• Move from outdoors into a building or car

• Pay attention to alerts and warning

• Unplug appliances

• Do not use landline phones

After a sever thunderstorm please make sure to watch for fallen power lines and trees.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about storm? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

Do you need to Ozone your Commercial Property?

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial deodorizers may help fight some airborne pungent odors, but to eliminate other foul odors, it may be necessary to do an ozone treatment. Ozone is used to destroy undesirable smells just about anywhere, in full-time and vacation homes, apartments, basements, nursing homes, cars, trucks, buses, boats, classrooms, locker rooms, offices, and gymnasiums. Ozone is also approved by the FDA to be used in food processing plants to scrub yeast and mold spores from the air because of its great deodorizing and disinfecting abilities.

SERVPRO'S ozone generators are extremely effective because they produce O3 which attacks odors at their source, even if they are clinging to walls, fabrics and ductwork. SERVPRO ozone generators intentionally produce the toxic gas, ozone, that is used for commercial and residential applications. When contaminates such as odors, bacteria or viruses contact ozone, their chemical structure is changed to a less odorous compounds. As more ozone attacks the remaining compounds, they are eventually destroyed. This process is called oxidation. Ozone essentially reverts to harmless oxygen after it is used.

So, if you are dealing with smoke odors, pet odors, musty odors, tobacco odors, or food and cooking odors? Give SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello a call at 208-242-3819.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about Ozone treament? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

Why Trust your Choice of SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Locally Owned Company with Big Resources

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello is locally owned and operated by Tyler and Emily Hargis, and located right in the heart of The Gate City, which makes it easy to respond immediately when you need us. We’re also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which makes no job too big for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios. Emergencies do not happen when you are prepared for them, when you are needing emergency services you are able to reach us 24 hour of day 7 days of week and we will be there to begin the process of restoring your property.

Our technicians are highly trained and use advanced equipment and techniques to clean and restore your home. Our focus on training and documentation help our technicians make your house feel like home again.

In a service business, trained employees make the difference between success and failure. Trained employees perform better, are more competent, and decrease customer complaints.

Our focus on training and documentation help our technicians make your house feel like home again.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about Why choose SERVPRO? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

The Best of the Best.

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello carries a variety of cleaning agents that are not available in stores. You will NEVER see us use the same cleaners that you can purchase at a store. SERVPRO® has specific product formulas that are designed exclusively for our franchises.

Our products are used to decontaminate, deodorize, clean leather & wood, general cleaning and so much more. As our customers, for your knowledge and comfort our technicians carry and follow the Safety Data Sheets per product.

There are times that we do come across stains that are a little harder to get out. One of the advantages of being apart of the SERVPRO® community is having a SERVPRO® chemist just a phone-call away to help us identify the most effective way to get rid of these stains.

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello is available 24/7 to serve our customers and community. If you have

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about Why choose SERVPRO? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

What to do after a Storm

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

With living in a colder climate there are extreme snowfall, ice damming, etc. Ice damage can come in many forms but one of the most common ice related issues are from frozen pipes bursting. An ice dam can cause major damage by blocking water from running off of the roof. Wind damage sometimes accompanies a severe blizzard. Trees topple over, vinyl siding is blown off and telephone lines are blown down.

Everything and anything can go wrong during a storm and leave so much damage and repairs to be done. From: frozen pipes, flood water, roof damage, and more. Where and how do you start the clean-up process start? By calling the professionals at SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello. DIY home is futile after a disaster. A professional will be able to assess roof damage and structural problems with expert knowledge.

SERVPRO® professionals address the following:

Flooding, river flooding, storm damage, wind damage, roof repair, or temporary tarping roof leaks

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about storm needs? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

Bio Hazard Cleaning Services

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

One service that we offer at SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello is Bio Hazard cleanup. That includes: Crime Scene clean up, Natural death/Decomposition scenes, suicide, accident events, animal related damage along with a variety of other damages that are a result of BIO contamination.

     Dealing with Bio Hazards is not only scary and a major health risk. Let our knowledgeable and trained staff be the ones to take care of you through this circumstance.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about Biohazard cleanup? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

How to prepare for your Insurance Adjuster.

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Any type of water damage to your home or business can be overwhelming, the road to recovery and restoration can be difficult. However, knowing how prepare for a visit from your insurance company’s adjuster can make filing a claim simpler and get you the money needed to cover the cost of repairs without frustrating delays. See the following tips when to make this visit with your adjuster flow a little bit smother.

• Leave Items Where They Are: While you might be tempting to retrieve or dispose of damaged items from the water damage. It is a good idea to leave them where they are until the adjuster arrives. This will allow him or her to see everything in the existing damage state. If it is safe to do so take photos beforehand or take a video tour of the affected area. It may be difficult to face the damage; however, leaving your home untouched after a water damage can result in a more accurate repair estimate. 
  
• Create an Inventory: Once the adjuster has stated that it is ok to begin the mitigation portion of the water damage and begin creating an inventory of damaged items and their worth. Include electronics, furniture or collections that have been appraised previously, such as sports memorabilia. Include prices if you can, but if any receipts have been destroyed by the flood, you can list amounts from memory or by pricing similar items. This is also something that we do at SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/ Pocatello to relieve some of the hassle for you. 
• Get Contractor’s Estimates: When filling your claim with your adjuster reach out to a few building contractors and get estimates for repair costs. Make copies of their findings and submit one to the adjuster so he or she can include it in the detailed report. When choosing to work with SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/ Pocatello this is a step that we handle for you.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about insurance process concerns? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

Common Causes of Water Losses

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water damages happen quite frequently, some of the most common causes that we see are from: failed supply lines from a toilet or fridge, water coming from outside the home, or leaks in the home bathroom.

When experiencing a water loss in your home you should first:

-Shut off the water

-Call your insurance agent

-Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello to begin emergency services

When dealing with a water loss from a clean water source, which is considered to be a Category 1 loss. Most of your building materials, that are wet can be salvaged and restored to preloss conditions. One thing that makes SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello your premier restoration company, is that we have the ability to dry and salvage important documents due to water loss.

**Helpful tip**

When shopping for a Home Owners Insurance policy a thing to consider is looking into a Flood policy. There have been many times that the cause of loss has been water from an outside water source.  In result the insurance policy didn’t cover the loss and the owner was responsible for the cost.

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello understands how stressful any type of loss can be. We pride ourselves customer service and quick response times. All our technicians are background checked, drug tested, and are certified through the IICRC. Their certifications range from Water Restoration Technician, Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying Specialist, and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician. Click the IICRC link to learn more about these certifications.

Have Questions about Water Damage?
Call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

Detect a Water Leak Before it gets to Big.

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have a water leak? If water has been leaking in your home without you knowing once you notice the damage is usually extensive. Water leaks are not always easy to detect, sometimes the signs of water damage are hidden outside, behind a wall, under the floorboards, in a crawl space or attic, and behind appliances. No matter when it happened there are ways to detect the situation.

If you notice any of the below signs you might want to call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello (208)242-3819 to come and take a look:

• Water Accumulation- the most obvious sign is standing water
• Discoloration- watch for yellow-brownish water spots and stains on walls. You may also notice bubbling and cracking in the paint.
• Texture Changes- warping, buckling, sagging, sinking, and/or expansion in flooring
• Mold and/or Mildew- dark spots growing in corner and edges of walls and flooring
• Odor- moisture, humidity, and low circulation in the air cause mold and mildew to grow causing a musty odor.

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello is well-versed in dealing with water damages.  We have worked with commercial properties, as well as residents in removing water. Quick response times prevent the risk of secondary damages, like mold or mildew buildup. Using state-of-the-art moisture detectors, and thermal imaging technologies, along with our commitment to providing the very best service. We are here to ensure your water damage issue, is dealt with effectively and efficiently.

About SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property, #likeitneverevebhappened. 

  Have Questions about Commercial/Residential Water Damage? Call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today! (208)-242-3819

What the advantage of hiring a restoration company with IICRC certification.

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

When damages accrue to your commercial property, you want professionals to help get your business back on its feet as fast as possible. SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello works closely with your insurance companies to get you back on your feet as fast as possible.  As business owners know, contacting a professional restoration company is usually the first step to restoring your building. With so many other restoration companies out there, how do you choose one over the other? It is important to know that hiring an IICRC-certified company will have advantageous. Before is more information about being an IICRC company:

• What does IICRC stand for and what is it?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification organization within the restoration, cleaning, and inspection industries.

• How does a company receive an IICRC certification?

To receive an IICRC certification, restoration companies have to follow specific criteria. Some of the criteria include:

1. Provide consumers with accurate data
2. Conduct business processes with integrity and honesty
3. Ensure that a trained technician is present for all work assignments
4. Ensure that a continuing education program is in place
5. Maintain policies for written complaints
6. Hold liability insurance

• Why it is important to choose an IICRC-Certified company?

There is a wide variety of forms water damage can take. Some of them include flooding, a burst pipe, and sewage backup. No matter the cause, water can leave a lot of damage to your building. In fact, standing water can lead to severe property damage as well as mold issues.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

  Have Questions about Commercial Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

We offer many Services

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello encompasses a large area that includes the areas of Bingham and Bannock counties the surrounding communities. We offer so many different services to handle any issues that might happen on your home or business.

• Water Damage: Water damage is probably the number one most common problem in homes and businesses. From a dishwasher leaking to a water line failing, here at SERVPRO we have since almost everything. We have a fast response time to help prevent further damage happening inside your home or business. We have state of the art equipment to help remove all the water and dry out the effective areas.
• Fire Damage: Fires often leave nothing behind besides soot and smoke damage when they strict your home or a business. We understand how stressful dealing with this can be after you have lost so much of your personal property. Our professional stuff can and will guide you through every step along the way to rebuild your property.
• Mold Remediation: Mold can be dangerous to those living in the area. If its left untreated it can continue to become more and more hazardous to you and those around the area. We understand how mold works and know that it can be hard at times to get rid of it. Our team members have been trained to get rid of the mold and keep it from returning to your property.
• Biohazard Cleanup: Biohazard cleanup usually involves anything from the body. Such as: urine, bile, blood, etc. Here at SERVPRO Blackfoot/Pocatello we have been trained on how to properly remove these fluids safe and dispose of them to keep you and our environment safe as well.

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello today (208) 242-3819.

Your Blackfoot/Pocatello Home

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape. A fire in your home can be devastating and weeks after are not easy.  Below are a few tips on how to prevent fires in your home:

Electrical Outlets

• Don’t overload your circuits
• Only surge protectors will help prevent and protect your electronics from a power surge.
• If you feel your home is older, have it checked out by a professional and make sure your home is up to the new standard.

Kitchen Fires

• Never leave your kitchen unattended when you are cooking or when there are pots/pans on the stove.
• Keep flammable items away from stove top
• Its important to have a fire extinguisher on hand or near your kitchen.

Dryers

• Clean out the dryer vent regularly
• Clean underneath and behind your dryer to eliminate any lint that collects
• Clean out lint filter after each load!

Smoking Fires can be prevented in your home.

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

When we are home we feel SAFE. If you smoke in your home here are some safety tips to avoid having a smoking fire in your safe place. 

Smoking Safety

• If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes.
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms and dens or in bedrooms.
• ALWAYS keep cigarettes, lighters, matches,  out of the reach of children

Make Sure

• Make sure your ash tray is sturdy and wont tip over. 
• Make sure your ash tray is away from flammable items. 
• Never drop or put out a cigarette on dry grass, mulch or bark.  These items will catch on fire easily. 

Your nose can detect MOLD!

2/23/2019 (Permalink)

Here is one of our team members in full gear while removing and cleaning mold.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello has held a Continuing Education Class for Realtors on Mold.  SERVPRO offers these Continuing Ed classes to both Insurance and Realtor Professionals Free of Charge.  Realtors from Shelley, Blackfoot, Pocatello and surrounding areas gain valuable knowledge on the factors, dangers and remedies for mold.  SERVPRO stresses that first it is important to remove the moisture source, make sure the area is entirely dry and afterwards a in-depth cleaning is in order.  SERVPRO also warns of the importance of wearing a mask that can filter the fine particles and gas as well as other proper protective equipment.  We here at SERVPRO explain the biggest indicator of mold is your nose since mold can grow anywhere there is moisture and leaves a bad smell.

Here are some suggestions homeowners can do to prevent mold from getting out of hand included keeping crawlspace/attics, and storage areas vents open year-round and making sure attics have proper ventilation. Since airflow is extremely important, we also suggest making sure dryer vents are properly attached and that the air flows to the outside of the house, not under it.

Does your Blackfoot/Pocatello home have a Mold Problem?

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Example of mold found in a personal home.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a false statement. Think about the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our training, equipment, and knowledge to remediate your mold issue.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –(208)242-3819

When a Storm or Flood hits, SERVPRO is ready!

7/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Eastern North Carolina, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 208.242.3819

Tips on Mold Growth

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

When spring has arrived so has the rainy season.  Rain can bring the opportunity for mold growth to present itself in your home. Due to this, we suggest that you call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello at the first sight of any moisture or growth. If you feel that you have discovered mold in your home or office, we are here to help.

Mold and fungal spores occur naturally outdoors, where fungi are the earth’s recyclers.  Indoor, mold needs moisture to grow.  With this being said it can cause many problems when water damage, or humidity, or dampness is present.

Common ways for excessive moisture that can lead to mold can include:

• Damp crawl spaces
• Flooding from surface water (storms, flooded streets, etc.)
• Roof leaks
• Leaking pipes
• Sewer back ups

How to prevent mold growth:

• Control excessive moisture and condensation
• Keeping susceptible areas in your home clean and dry

 In the case of leaking pipes or a flood, standing water needs to be taken care of immediately. When materials are wet they should be clean, removed, replaced or dried out.  Items that have been wet for 48 hours or more have a bigger chance to grow mold and need to be thrown away. In any instance where you may have mold called SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello at 208.242.3819  

New Marketing Car!

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

New wrap!

We added a fresh new wrap to our marketing car!  Covered in water droplets and fire flames we are ready to take it out and show the community. 

As we are driving around south-east Idaho we want others to know here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello we are continually investing in equipment, training our team members to be the best they can be, and, vehicles that will help us to deliver superior, emergency services to the citizens in our Shelley & Blackfoot (Bingham County), Chubbuck & Pocatello (Bannock County) citizens. We have a love for these communities and hope to show you by providing some of the best possible service you can ask for. 

Feel free to wave at us when you see us on the road! 

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

After math of an apartment fire in Pocatello, Idaho.

A recent report from the U.S. Fire Administration stated that home electrical fires claim the lives of around 280 Americans each year and can injure over 1,000.

Electrical fires occur most during the winter months due to the increased time spent indoors.  With increased time inside the circuits and electrical cords can become overloaded and also increases the use of lighting, heating and appliances.

Many electrical fires can be avoided if basic safety precautions are taken.  Please read the following safety tips:

• Routinely check your electrical appliance.
• Replace old wires.
• Replace electrical tools or appliance if it overheats, shorts out, causes even small electric shocks, or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets. 

Don't forget about your Insurance Agent

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello today!

If you suffer from a  property loss, your agent will be your ally. 

Your agent is the person who is trained and will help you return your home or business back to normal if you suffer a disaster, like a fire, flood, burst pipe or mold.  

While you may not give your agent much thought over time, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello interacts with them on a regular basis. 

Insurance agents understand your policies. This alone provides reassurance during a disaster and the mitigation process.  Consider:  your condominium (floors, walls, & ceiling) are soaked by water from a flood in a neighboring unit.  In this case, there likely are more than one policy in effect (Yours, neighbors, and possible the land lords).

During this time all you want is your life to return back to normal.  Your agent will know what is covered and will help get the process of drying, cleaning, and remediation started.

Our team here are SERVPRO Blackfoot/Pocatello lives in the disaster world and we know what to do and who to speak with to minimize the disruption to you. That is why we are such fans of engaged agents. 

Satisfied customers of SERVPRO Blackfoot/Pocatello

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

Our customers are our main priorty here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

We strive every day to ensure that our quality of work is up to the highest standard and we are always so happy to get positive feedback from our customers.

Here are some recent quotes from real customers:

“We have had them come a few times to help us with fixing water damage and mold in our house. Tyler and his team were able to answer any questions I had and exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t be happier with the finished product!”

“We recently had an upstairs bathroom flood. Within a few hours of finding the damage, Tyler and his crew were here to start getting it fixed. And that’s pretty impressive since he came from an hour and a half away. He came back each day to check on things and gave me regular updates. He did a great job in communicating where we were every step of the way. They were AMAZING to work with!!!! Kind, courteous and professional!!! I highly recommend them!!!!”

“We had a leak from our refrigerator water hose. It went unnoticed until we saw water downstairs. Water was also under our hardwood floor in the kitchen. Tyler at SERVPRO worked well with us to correct the issues we had with fast and efficient service. We would use Tyler's service if needed again. Highly Recommend!!”

"I do not have to say many words cuz these guys are honest and AWESOME!!!"

If you have water damage from something minor such as a toilet leaking or something major to a pipe bursting and flooding your entire home give us a call at (208)242.3819  We are a family owned business and know that each job is not simply a job but is someone allowing us to come into their homes during a very stressful time.  One of our main goals is to help make it a little less stressful on you. 

Restoring Hardwood Floors

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Before and after of the hardwood floors.

Water damage to a home or business can be devastating. The quicker we can get in to take care of the issue, the better and less likely we’ll have to come in and demo. That isn’t always the most ideal option for business and home owners and can draw out the repair process. The photos of the hardwood floors attached to this blog are a perfect example of that. The home owner had a kitchen appliance leak all over their kitchen. Beautiful hardwoods floors in the kitchen were affected. The first photo shows the floors beginning to cup from the standing water. Once we came in and extracted the water and dried the floors, tenting the floor with plastic became a focus to dry the hardwoods in order to salvage them. They then used a desiccant dehumidifier and wood floor drying units to slowly dry the floors. Slow drying prevents us from over drying the hardwoods or drying too fast. Once drying is complete, the hardwoods need to acclimate at least 30 days before they can be refinished to bring the back to their original state. The second photo is after the drying process. The hardwoods are already looking excellent and on the way back to it original state.

Smoke Damage in Ducting System

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is here to help in any emergency.

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello has worked on commercial buildings and personal homes when it comes to fire damage.

Getting the smell of smoke out of any building regardless of the cause (for example grease fire or electrical) can be extremely challenging. It can require wide remediation to parts of the building that doesn’t seem to have any damage from the fire itself.  However, in many causes a fire can cause smoke damage in the ducting of the building.

Once smoke permeates certain materials, getting the smell out permanently is impossible.  Knowing the difference between what can be cleaned and what cannot be cleaned comes with training and experience and will save our clients thousands of dollars.  SERVPRO invests a lot of time and money to ensure you have the best of both.  If you had smoke damage to your commercial building or personal home, SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is here to help. Call us today at 208.242.3819

Odor Eaters

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Here is an example of what an ozone generator looks like.

Are you dealing with smoke odors, pet odors, state-musty odors, tobacco odors, or food and cooking odors? Commercial deodorizers may help fight some airborne pungent odors, but to eliminate other foul odors, it may be necessary to do an ozone treatment. Ozone is used to destroy undesirable smells just about anywhere, in full-time and vacation homes, apartments, basements, nursing homes, cars, trucks, buses, boats, classrooms, locker rooms, and gymnasiums. Ozone is also approved by the FDA to be used in food processing plants to scrub yeast and mold spores from the air because of its great deodorizing and disinfecting abilities.

SERVPRO'S ozone generators are extremely effective because they produces O3 which attacks odors at their source, even if they are clinging to walls, fabrics and ductwork. SERVPRO ozone generators intentionally produce the toxic gas, ozone, that is used for commercial and residential applications. When contaminates such as odors, bacteria or viruses contact ozone, their chemical structure is changed to a less odorous compounds. As more ozone attacks the remaining compounds, they are eventually destroyed. This process is called oxidation. Ozone essentially reverts to harmless oxygen after it is used.

If you or someone you know is living with unwanted odors, call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello! We are on call to help at 208.242.3819

New truck!

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Our son Porter checking out the new wrap.

We are currently adding new additions to our fleet of service trucks.  Our trucks and marketing vehicles are either wrapped in flames and water or painted that perfect SERVPRO green everyone loves to see. As we are driving around south-east Idaho we want others to know that we are continually investing in equipment, training, and, vehicles that will help us to deliver superior, emergency services to the citizens in our community. One of our main goals here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello to create happy customers. We are here to make your life easier in any ways we can. 

Feel free to wave at us when you see us on the road! 

Give SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello a call today! You can call us at: (208) 242-3819

When is mold really mold?

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Unseen mold behind a wall in our customers home

We often get calls from clients that think they have mold in their homes, asking us for an estimate to remediate or clean the area. In some cases, it may not necessary, because, what the home owner is actually seeing is either, remains of insects from getting in your home or wear and tear stains.

It looks just like mold but it's not. How can you tell?

Try rubbing the surface with your finger to determine if the spot is hard and/or soft and dusty. If it's hard, it's probably not mold.... If you are still not certain, give us call for some advice on what to do.

There's no sense spending money if you do not have to...

We are here to help you! Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819

Tips for Heating your Garage

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Heater inside our owner's garage.

During the cold months here in Idaho, no one likes to walk out of the comfort of their warm home and into a cold garage. Last winter, our owner Tyler installed a mounted gas heater in his personal home (many other home owners and/or business owners have used space heaters as another option).  The heather has made the space much more enjoyable to be in while working or just simply getting into your car. Even though heaters have many pros, there are a few cons; At times you can become anxious thinking the heater could catch fire.

Here are a few tips when having a space heater in your space:

• Do not leave space heaters unattended. If you are not going to be home or going to bed turn off the heater.
• Make sure the heater is in a proper area. Area that is staple and no chance of falling over.
• Be sure to check it surrounding areas, check for water or other close items that could cause a problem.