Rely on SERVPRO® of South Tulsa County to Mitigate Water Damages to Your Business

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

Water supply line break flooded this Tulsa commercial building. SERVPRO of South Tulsa County was called in to clean up the water

Damage to your business doesn't require hundreds of gallons of water rushing in all at once. Many problems can result from just an inch or two that soaks into carpets, walls, and furniture. Even this small amount of water can cost a huge amount loss regarding cleaning and replacing property.

Handling commercial water damage in Tulsa is more time consuming and difficult than just removing water from a private home. Commercial buildings are much larger and use a wider number of different building materials. Fortunately, SERVPRO® has the training, equipment, and experience to handle these structures as well.

Take a showroom floor in a furniture store for example. Hundreds of square feet of floor space that needs to be pumped out if there is standing water. This task would take an hour or two in most homes, but it's an all-day job in this situation.

When most of the water has been removed, technicians need to draw out excess moisture from the surrounding air. In a home, this task can be accomplished with a few exhaust fans. For a large structure, commercial air movers must be put in place throughout the area to maintain a steady airflow with fans set up to blow the moist air out of the facility. In large commercial loss jobs SERVPRO of South Tulsa County can bring in desiccant and refrigerated dehumidifiers. If the air is exceptionally humid, then they will also deploy large dehumidifiers capable of drawing out over 30 gallons of water daily to assist.

As this happens, other technicians examine the carpets and other flooring for remaining water. In a home, a single wet vacuum can draw out the water from most carpets and the pad underneath in an afternoon if they haven't been overly saturated. Large, commercial, water extractors are needed for rooms with extensive square feet. This process can take all day and require several SERVPRO team members working in tandem to complete the job.

The size of most commercial structures means that a rapid response is needed even more than with a private home. This is why SERVPRO of South Tulsa County maintains a 24-hour response team trained to help you get your doors opened and taking care of your customers as fast as we can. To get everything started, call us at (918) 437-2095.

After a storm, No Job Is Too Big or Small for SERVPRO of South Tulsa County

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

This 52 foot dry van trailer holds additional equipment for our teams to use during storm events

Whether a flood or torrential rainstorm, SERVPRO of South Tulsa County can help.  When water damage affects your home or business, you need it to be restored ASAP!  Our trained professionals have decades of experience in restoring residential and commercial properties.  SERVPRO of South Tulsa County is the trusted choice of insurance companies because of our knowledge and experience.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the home or business?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

The first 24 hours are the most important after flooding to prevent secondary damage.  Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO professional will be on-site to ensure the water damage is handled properly.

Step 1:

Our trained technician will inspect the water damage to determine the extent of damage and review the inspection with you.  This is the best time to ask questions and communicate expectations.

Step 2:

Our team of professionals will extract the excess water and prepare the affected areas for drying.  We take all the necessary steps to help protect your home or business, as well as your personal belongings and contents.

Step 3:

Our professional team members will monitor your home or business to ensure the affected areas and belongings are dried to industry standards. 

Restoration Services:

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County will repair your home or commercial property.  The repairing of structural materials, reinstall floor coverings, and clean affected areas is an important component of our full-service restoration process.

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County should be your first choice for any residential or commercial water damage.  Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage, identify potential threats, and respond quickly to restore your property to preloss condition.  SERVPRO of South Tulsa County is available 24/7 by calling 918-437-2095.

Mold Growth in Your Commercial Storage Facility

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician with protective equipment is cleaning and removing the mold in this commercial building

Businesses utilize self-storage facilities to secure inventory till it is ready to be sold.  This plan is a great business opportunity for the owner of the storage company until mildew or mold infiltrates one or more units. SERVPRO of South Tulsa County has the experience to respond when microbial growth gets out of control and threatens your business.
 
Problems arise when water leaks inside or moisture raises the humidity level high enough to support microbial growth in your Fayetteville self-storage business. Your tenants often put their stored property out of their mind and rarely visit to inspect their inventory. Mold needs no light to grow, so hidden pockets proliferate. Your offer to protect customers’ belongings is at risk if microbes grow unabated. When you discover mold in the storage common areas or rented rooms, your first step must include lining up a reliable remediation company.
 
SERVPRO of South Tulsa County trains its staff to follow proper protocols when molds are an issue. When an inspection of your facility reveals mold contamination, quick but sure action is the only answer. Our qualified restoration staff contain and remove mold, and then sanitize the area where mold grew. The interconnected storage units pose a challenge if a common HVAC system heats, cools, and circulates the air. Our trained technicians choose to use air scrubbers with negative air pressure to keep the mold outbreak confined.
 
Mold remediation is incomplete if the source of water is ignored. Mold spores are always present in our environment. They mature into mold colonies when moisture feeds them. The mold experts from SERVPRO of South Tulsa County take advanced classes to help find the water causing the problem. Flat roofs with clogged drains, cracked cinder block walls, high humidity, and flooding are just some of the things leading to mold growth. 

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County should be your first choice for any residential or commercial water damage.  Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage, identify potential threats, and respond quickly to restore your property to preloss condition.  SERVPRO of South Tulsa County is available 24/7 by calling 918-437-2095.

SERVPRO® of South Tulsa County answers the Phone Ready to Help

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

A water line break caused this office in Tulsa to flood. Air movers and dehumidifers are removing moisture from the affected flooring and cabinets

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County is available 24 hours a day for commercial or residential water emergencies.  Immediate action is crucial when you are dealing with water damage. A delay of only a few hours greatly increases the severity of the water damage.

Call SERVPRO of South Tulsa County Today (918) 437-2095

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

What You Can Expect

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 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)?

About SERVPRO of South Tulsa County

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County 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 commercial or residential property.

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County should be your first choice for any residential or commercial water damage.  Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage, identify potential threats, and respond quickly to restore your property to preloss condition.  SERVPRO of South Tulsa County is available 24/7 by calling 918-437-2095.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes in Oklahoma City

Preventing Frozen Pipes

You live in Oklahoma City where the temperature drops well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you know that your water pipes may freeze. Unfreezing them is a chore that requires patience, so it's better if they don't freeze in the first place, which requires diligence and preparation.

In Oklahoma City, temperatures can drop to the teens or low 20s just about any time between November and March. Usually, there is plenty of warning on the local Edmond news. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes and the resulting water damage.

• When you hear those warnings, make sure you open the faucets in your Edmond house, and let them drip throughout the dangerous weather. That will keep them from freezing and causing a lot of water damage. However, before you get to that point, prepare your pipes. Wrap any exposed areas in fiberglass insulation or foam rubber.
  
  
• If you have exposed piping in your crawl space or attic, insulate it to ward off the extreme cold.
  
  
• Open all your cabinet doors so that warm air can circulate around the pipes.
  
  
• You can also install powered heat tape, which requires little maintenance and provides maximum protection. It costs pennies per day to keep your Edmond pipes safe an prevent water damage.
  
  
• If you have a conglomeration of pipes in one area, put a high-wattage lamp near them to keep them warm.
  
  
• Stop all drafts from getting to the pipes by caulking the nearby windows and any openings in the foundation.
  
  
• Slow and steady wins the race. A professional plumber knows how to slowly thaw your pipes safely, so they won't suffer more water damage.

If your pipes do freeze, remain calm. Don't try to thaw them in 30 minutes. If you overheat your frozen pipes, you could cause internal steam that will burst your pipes, and then you'll have frozen pipes and a big mess of water damage to repair and clean. A hair dryer set on low will do the job quite nicely if you have the patience to let it work.

If you're unlucky enough to have your pipes burst and cause water damage, you should contact SERVPRO of South Tulsa County immediately to fix your pipes and remove any trace of the problem. We're standing by to perform emergency service if you need us. Call (918) 437-2095 if you need help 24/7/365.

An unexpected cold snap can snarl your pipes. Be prepared against any such event. Thoroughly insulate your Oklahoma City home, and pay attention to the weather reports. A measure of prevention will eliminate any need for a cure. But if your pipes do burst, we're ready to fix the water damage and make sure it does not recur.

Prepare To Keep Pets Safe in a Home Fire

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

In the event of a fire, have a plan for your family and pets

Pets are more than just animals.  Your pets are an important member of your family.  They need to be included in your family’s fire emergency plan.  Most likely you have put a lot of planning in taking care of your family during a fire.  Make sure you plan to protect your pets also.  To prepare for fire emergencies follow these steps with your pet in mind.

1. Make a plan

While building your plan use these four steps to lower the stress and worry when you must make a decision during a disaster.

- Make an evacuation plan for your pet.  Know a safe place to take your pets before disasters happen.  Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets.

- Have a buddy system in place.  Plan with your family, friends, and neighbors.  Each person in your household needs to be assigned one other person or pet to help get out of the house during an emergency.

- Microchip your pet.  By microchipping your pet with your address, phone number, and contact information for a person outside of your immediate area.

- Utilize your local animal shelter for additional advice and information.

2. Build an emergency kit

These are items to consider for your pet’s emergency kit.

- Food and water. Several days’ supply in a waterproof container

- Medicine. Extra supply of your pet’s medicine stored in an airtight/waterproof container.  Grooming items like shampoo and brush can be included.

- Collar with ID tag. Include copies of your pet’s registration information and other important documents, including a picture of your pet, in a waterproof container.

- Crate or carrier. Include your pet’s favorite toy, treats, and bedding.

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County should be your first choice for any residential or commercial water damage.  Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage, identify potential threats, and respond quickly to restore your property to preloss condition.  SERVPRO of South Tulsa County is available 24/7 by calling 918-437-2095.

How To Deal With Kitchen Leaks

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Prevent any dishwasher mishaps, keep the kitchen sink unclogged.

Water is used every day in your Bixby, OK, home, but it can be nerve-wracking when the water leaks. Any unwanted flooding may lead to ruined appliances, water damage, and mold. To prevent this from happening, learn about two common kitchen leaks and what you can do to fix them.

1. The Kitchen Sink

Plumbing fixtures don’t last forever. Sometimes the pipes get old or they malfunction. If you detect a puddle of water underneath the sink, act quickly. Remove all the items in the exposed cabinet and wipe up the water with a towel. Don’t forget to dry the underside of the sink.

Once you have soaked up all the water, leave the cabinet doors open to dry. Leave a towel and test for an actual leak by turning on the faucet and running the garbage disposal. If the sink continues to leak, call a professional.

2. The Dishwasher

Dishwashers can leak and lead to serious flooding. This is a problem most people want to avoid, especially because the water can seep into the floor and cause water damage problems below. To prevent any dishwasher mishaps, keep the kitchen sink unclogged. If kitchen repair is needed, it’s best to dry out the area and call a professional.

The Solution

There are a few common ways to discover water problems in the home. If you are concerned about kitchen leaks or water damage in your home, look out for the following signs:

• Dripping water
• Stained ceilings or floors
• Swollen or wet walls
• Mold

If you discover any these, contact a professional for help. Water damage should be taken care of quickly to avoid further problems.

Keep an eye out for leaks and potential issues that can lead to flooding. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are often the most vulnerable to leaks. By being aware and acting quickly, you can prevent unwanted water in home appliances and surrounding areas.

3 Steps for a Pipe Break Cleanup

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

A first aid kit is an essential item for your commercial property in Tulsa, OK

A first aid kit is an essential item for your commercial property in Tulsa, OK. Sadly, it's all too common for an emergency kit to be missing from offices and supply closets. If you haven't put together a safety kit or if you haven't made sure an existing kit is up to date, now is the time to make sure you're fully prepared for an emergency.

OSHA's First Aid List

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a complete list of items you need to create a basic kit as well as a complete kit. For example, a very basic first aid kit should contain

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads multiple shapes and sizes
• Gauze rolls in various widths
• Triangular bandages
• Supplies for cleaning wounds, such as disinfectants and swabs
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Medical tape
• Medical gloves
• Resuscitation equipment
• Splints
• Blanket
• Directions for contacting emergency personnel
  
  
  

Remember that these are the very minimum of a complete kit. If you work with chemicals or specialized equipment, you may need to have other items to address the potential for risks associated with those.

Kit Installation and Training

If your property consists of multiple buildings or a lot of renters, clients, and staff, you need to install additional safety kits, so anyone exposed to danger can quickly access the supplies. You may also find that you're responsible for training employees in the use of kits. Check with OSHA for more details regarding your business responsibilities.

Protection for the Safety of Employees, Clients, and Renters

When disaster strikes Tulsa, OK, property damage remediation professionals can put your buildings back into working condition. Inventory can be replaced, and landscaping can be renewed. When it comes to the people living and working on your property, however, access to a first aid kit may be the most important way to stay safe. When is the last time you checked your kits?

4 Ways To Protect Employees During Mold Removal

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial mold clean up in Jenks, OK

4 Ways To Protect Employees During Mold Removal

Employees in a commercial structure that is undergoing mold removal should still be able to get work done. Learn about four ways to protect building occupants during the removal process. 

1. Turn Off the HVAC System

The cooling and heating system can spread mold spores throughout a structure. It is a good idea to turn this system off as soon as you suspect that mold is developing. The problem may intensify if spores spread to other areas in the structure where conditions are conducive to mold growth. Provide fans or space heaters if necessary. Employees can also work out of a temporary location until containment is complete.

2. Seal Off Affected Areas

Sometimes, remediation professionals will recommend a limited or full containment strategy to prevent cross-contamination during mold removal. Specialists may use a single layer of polyethylene sheeting to seal off 10 to 100 square feet of a structure. If more than 100 square feet are impacted or the problem involves black mold or another toxigenic fungus, cleanup experts can create a negative air chamber out of plastic barriers and double layers of sheeting. A decontamination chamber should also prevent spores from spreading.

3. Relocate Employees to Another Area

Depending on how much of a structure is touched by mold, it may be advisable to relocate employees to a less affected part of the building. Employees often benefit from the opportunity to work out of another location until remediation is underway or complete.

4. Inform Employees About Remediation

Employees are likely to be concerned about the presence of mold in a workplace. Keep building occupants apprised of the remediation schedule and the measures being taken to promote their safety.

If you take these steps, employees should be able to work during mold removal. Remain as productive as possible by working with a commercial mold remediation and restoration company in Jenks, OK.

Tips for Cleaning Out Your Dryer

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Clean out regularly the hose of your dryer

Ways To A Prevent A Lint Fire In Your Home

Not many people enjoy doing their laundry. Between the time it takes to wash, dry, and put away your clothes, it may seem like hours before it is all done. This is especially true if it takes a long time for your clothes to dry in the dryer. If it takes more than one cycle, then it's likely time to clean out your dryer and hose. This can help prevent a lint fire in your home in Glenpool, OK.

Clean the Lint Screen

You should clean the lint screen after every load, but sometimes, the lint screen can stop trapping the lint. This can happen because of buildup from several sources:

• Dryer sheets
• Fabric softeners
• Laundry detergent
  
  

To find out if your lint screen is clogged, run some water over it. If the water collects on the screen instead of running through, then it needs to be cleaned. You should also vacuum underneath and around the lint screen.

Clean Out the Hose

The hose that connects the back of your dryer to the outside of your home can get clogged with lint too. To prevent a lint fire, clean it out regularly as well. You should be able to easily detach the hose from the back of the dryer and from the hole in the wall. You might be able to stick your arm through, or you can take a broom handle or something similar to push the lint through.

Inside of the Dryer

Every once in a while, you should have a professional come and vacuum out the inside of your dryer. The lint can build up around the drum and at the bottom. This leads to a high risk of a dryer fire. If you notice longer drying times and you have already cleaned out the hose and lint screen, then it may be time to have the dryer itself vacuumed out.
These things can help prevent a lint fire. If you do experience a dryer fire, you can count on your fire repair specialists to help repair the fire damage and get your home back to normal.