Archived Blog Posts
Home Damage Possibilities in the Winter | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/8/2023 (Permalink)
Don't let winter weather destroy your home! Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to mitigate water damage faster.
The winter weather has arrived in the Pewaukee area, and unfortunately, it is here to stay for a while. As proud midwesterners, we know how to handle the freezing cold and the snowy days, but severe weather will always have us running to the safety and comfort of our homes.
We are at risk of suffering through severe weather no matter what time of year it is, but the strong wind, heavy snow and icy conditions can make it hard to get anywhere and it can be hard on our homes.
Knowing the different ways that your home can be damaged can help you avoid serious damage and it can help you stay safer when Old Man Winter comes to town.
The Biggest Risks to Watch For
The risks to your home from outside sources can vary accordingly, but we are uniquely vulnerable to the winter weather any time from October to April. Talk about a lot of potential for severe weather!
If snow falls hard and fast enough, it can pile up on your roof and prevent your gutters from working properly, it can block vents so your home can’t ventilate properly, and water leaks can infiltrate your home from your roof all the way down to your basement if water gets into any cracks in your foundation.
Wind also has the potential to wreak havoc on your home during the winter. Winter wind can blow snow and other debris against your house or ice over important parts of your home.
When the Damage Leads to More Damage
As if suffering through winter weather damage isn’t enough, it can quickly become a worsening situation the longer it is left unaddressed. Water in your basement or in your attic can quickly create structural issues and it can even spark mold infestations if the water lingers for too long.
Blocked vents due to snow or ice cover can become dangerous or even deadly in mere minutes. If your vents cannot eliminate carbon monoxide, it can back up into your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wind can tear up shingles and damage your roof, which can lead to structural integrity problems, ice dams and frustrating water leaks all over your home. If you suffer any sort of water or storm damage during the course of the winter season, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here to help.
Our team is trained to respond quickly to your call for help, and we will get right to the point of clearing out damaged debris, drying up water and addressing necessary repairs. We will ensure that the source of the problem is repaired as well as the resulting damage from the water or wind. We will even work with your insurance company to make your recovery process that much easier.
Stay warm out there, folks! If you suffer winter home damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex for a quick restoration.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
The Danger of Compounding Home Damage | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away.
Our homes experience the threat of damage every day. The potential for volatile weather, fires and even unsuspected structural aging can lead to significant damage that needs to be addressed quickly.
While it can be scary to think about what could happen on any given day, knowing what to expect and how to react when something does happen can minimize your situation.
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is always here to help you recover from disaster, so call us as soon as you discover damage. We explain more about the different damage situations that our community could suffer below.
The Biggest Threats to the Pewaukee AreaWe are lucky to experience all four seasons throughout the year, but that also means we are vulnerable to the different threats that come with each season. Storms and tornadoes can occur in the summer, heavy rain can make a big impact in the fall, blizzards and heavy snow can collapse roofs and cause other troubles in winter, and spring flooding can leave our basements soaked. In addition to weather events, regular home accidents like leaky pipes or house fires are also always a possibility.
Water damage can occur from storms or flooding, but it can also happen when appliances leak or if a seal around a water line gets worn down. Fire can also be caused by natural sources like lightning strikes, but house fires are much more likely to occur due to human error or negligence.
The Threat of Lingering DamageEach home damage situation can be frustrating to deal with, but unfortunately, your problem may only be just getting started. Lingering damage can lead to all kinds of issues. For example, a flooded basement will result in extensive water damage, but any sort of residual moisture will cause mold to grow that can affect your foundation or the structural integrity of your home.
The same is true for house fires. A single fire can lead to extensive damage that leaves your walls, floors and possessions burned, but lingering soot and smoke can make it to parts of your home that never were touched by the flames. On top of that, water damage is also a common issue with house fires due to the water or chemical agents used to extinguish the flames.
No matter what happens in your home, recovery is crucial. Our team is able to help you overcome damage faster, and we will work hard for you from start to finish.
If your home suffers a water disaster, our water damage restoration process will be thorough and efficient. We will remove the excess water, clean and sanitize your space, and tackle repairs quickly. We will also ensure any lingering odors are removed as well.
We will do the same for house fires. We will repair the burned areas of your home while tackling soot and smoke removal. Once your space is clean, we will address any water damage issues and start your reconstruction process. We can handle every aspect of your construction even if it involves tearing down a part of your house and rebuilding it.
We are a full-service restoration company, so you can relax and rest easy knowing that you only have to work with us in order to overcome your damage. There will be no need to coordinate repairs with multiple different contractors because we can handle it all for you in no time at all.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
Tips For a Fire-Free Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
The holiday season is upon us! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has your back with these helpful fire safety tips this winter.
Happy holidays, everyone! However you celebrate and whatever holidays you observe with your family, you are most likely gearing up for parties, gatherings and celebrations with your loved ones. That also means you are probably planning to spend some time in the kitchen making food to bring with you!
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of house fires in our community, especially during the winter season. Taking steps to reduce your risk can help you stay in control and avoid serious fire damage during one of the best times of the year.
Preparing a Safe Work Area
Having a safe work station is always crucial, especially when you are using heat to cook. Start by removing as many flammable items away from your burners and oven and clear any clutter from your floor.
Put away pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and kitchen towels if you are not actively using them and try to limit who is allowed to be in the kitchen while you work. A single accident from a curious child or a clumsy pet can have serious consequences.
In addition, you should be dressing responsibly in the kitchen as well. Loose apron strings, long sleeves and holiday attire can quickly catch on fire if they get too close, so avoid loose-fitting clothing and be sure to roll up your sleeves.
Watch Your Pans
Don’t leave the kitchen for any reason while you have food on the stove or in your oven. Grilling, frying, boiling and baking all carry fire risk, and even stepping away for a moment can be enough for a spark to catch and spread.
If your holiday traditions include deep-frying a turkey or other meat, do so with extreme caution. Partially frozen turkeys can react poorly with the oil or an overfilled fryer drum can quickly become a massive fire issue. Set up your fryer on a level surface and have one person be responsible for the entire cooking process.
Get Ready For the Unexpected
We all know that fires aren’t always preventable, but you can still take some preventive steps to help reduce your risk. Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and checking the batteries often will ensure you are alerted to any developing situation. Make sure the one near your kitchen is working before you get started.
You should also have a lid or cookie sheet nearby that you can quickly toss over the top of a pan that catches fire. Smothering kitchen fires is always recommended. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, now is the time to go out and get one. Store it in an easily accessible area so everyone can get to it quickly.
Happy holidays from our team to you! We hope you have a wonderful season, and remember that we are always here for you if you do suffer from fire damage. We will help you recover faster so you can get back to your festivities ahead.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
Is Your Staff Prepared for the Weather? | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to get you back in action.
We know how busy you are as a business or commercial property owner in the Pewaukee area. Your days are full of daily operations, team meetings and managerial duties. Your thoughts are also always consumed with planning for the unexpected!
Severe weather is a very real threat to our area, so having a plan in place for a variety of scenarios can ensure everyone on your staff stays safe by reacting appropriately.
Our team explains some easy ways below to ensure your employees are prepared for the possibility of severe weather, so read on to learn more.
Understanding the Storm RisksWe love all four seasons, and that’s why many of us live here! However, each season can bring severe weather with it and can result in widespread damages. Summer and early fall storms can produce high winds and tornadoes, and winter storms can knock out power lines or make travel impossible. In any case, your staff need to be prepared!
It is also important to understand your building’s flood risk. Flood zones can look different across the area, and it can help you determine whether purchasing flood insurance is necessary. It can also prompt you to react quicker if a flood warning is issued for our counties.
Communicating EffectivelyCommunicating with your staff is easier than ever before. We are all constantly connected, so being able to talk to each other during an emergency is a huge benefit of our current technology.
If severe weather is forecast or is on the horizon, you can fire off a quick text or email to your staff to explain evacuation routes, safe shelter locations or any other directions that you need to address. This can ensure a smooth transition from a regular work day to an emergency response situation.
To Stay In or Go Out?Every weather emergency is different, so it is your responsibility to understand what is coming your way and take appropriate action. If you need to evacuate quickly, your staff need to know where your emergency exits are and need to be able to find them quickly. Take a building tour to show them and be sure to label these exits clearly.
If a severe weather situation warrants staying put, you need to have your safe shelter location ready to use. This includes having food, water and any other emergency supplies that will keep your team safe and comfortable while the storm passes.
In order to ensure everyone reacts calmly and smoothly, you need to practice this plan. Run these various scenarios throughout the year, and your team will be much more confident if and when the real situation arises.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Storm Preparation Tips for the Pewaukee Area | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
Summer in the midwest is certainly one of the best seasons across the country, in our opinion. The sun is out, the temperatures are (finally) warmer, and we are enjoying our cabins and cottages as often as possible.
Even though the summer season can be great, it is also a time of potentially dangerous weather. The heat and humidity can quickly bring wind, hail, heavy rain and tornadoes to the area without much forewarning.
In order to be prepared, you have to prepare! Storms can cause widespread damage if you are not taking the steps you need to in order to get your property ready now.
Preparing the outside of your home is an easy way to reduce the risk of suffering storm damage, so check out our tips below to learn more.
Seasonal Storm PreparationIf you are a homeowner, you already have a list of routine yard maintenance that you need to stay up on. The good news is that a lot of what you are already doing is helping prepare your home for storms.
Trimming your trees and removing yard debris like dead branches helps reduce your risk of suffering impact damage when the wind picks up. Cleaning out your gutters helps minimize the risk of suffering water damage, because the rainwater will be able to flow down and away from your home.
Once these tasks are done, focus on the entry points into your home. Check the seals around your doors and windows for signs of rot or deterioration, and do an inspection of your roof after every storm to check for broken or missing shingles.
Home Improvement PurchasesThankfully, most storm preparations can be done cost-free. However, there are some great products and equipment on the market that can help secure your home even more if you desire.
Storm shutters can be installed over your windows to protect them from breaking and leading to water and wind damage inside your house. If you live on a property with a lot of trees, gutter guards are good investments to help keep leaf debris from clogging up your gutter system.
Pole sheds and other outbuildings are also at risk of suffering storm damage. You can buy bracing or ties to secure the roof to protect it from damage, and depending on the size, you can invest in a gutter system for it as well.
Once your home is prepped and ready, stay current on the local forecast and always listen to warnings and alerts. If you do still end up suffering damage, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here to help guide you through a fast recovery.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Firing Up Your Barbecue Grill, Safely | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to get your space back in shape.
It’s sweet summertime, and we are right with you enjoying the sunny days and time spent outside with family and friends. The summer season is the perfect time of year to dust off your backyard grill and grill up your favorite burgers and hot dogs, but before you tie on your grillmaster apron, be sure your grill and equipment are ready to use.
Improper use of a grill, whether it is charcoal or propane, can quickly lead to dangerous conditions and a potential fire situation. Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team wants you to enjoy your backyard BBQs without the risk of a fire, so read on to learn more.
The SetupThe first rule that all Sussex homeowners need to follow is that your grill needs to stay outside. That might sound obvious, but that also includes keeping it out of your garage and out from underneath a roof overhang. Your grill needs to be able to properly vent, and anything combustible above the heat and smoke can easily catch on fire.
Now that it is outside, keep it far away from your house and siding. A good rule of thumb is to set it up 10 feet away from the side of your house or wooden railing along your deck. This barrier should also be a kid-free and pet-free zone in order to keep everyone safe.
If you have a charcoal grill, clean out any ash buildup and check the grill for dents or cracks. Propane grills also need a thorough inspection. Check the gas lines for leaks and make sure the connections are secure. A leaky line or propane tank is a huge fire hazard and a potentially really dangerous situation.
Manning the FlamesStay close by your grill while you are cooking and keep a water source nearby just in case. A spray bottle can help tame any flame flare-ups, and you should have your hose or fire extinguisher ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Once your food is done, hand off the steaming plate to someone else to bring inside because your job is not done yet! Turn off the gas and shut off the burners, or close the vents for your charcoal grill to remove the oxygen supply. You should also get in the habit of disposing of ash and embers in a metal can, as they can lead to a fire long after the grill flames are out. Before you head in for the night, check your grill once more to ensure everything is cool.
We hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe summer making memories with your loved ones, but remember that SERVPRO® is here for you if a BBQ turns south at your Pewaukee area home and you wind up with frustrating fire damage to your home or property.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex for a fast restoration.
The Discovery of a Water Leak in Your Home | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away.
Take a moment to think about how often you use water in your daily life. The frequency of how often you turn on a faucet or run an appliance might surprise you! We certainly rely on water to help us get through our days and provide for our families, but that also means the possibility of experiencing water damage is always present.
If water finds itself in a place where it shouldn’t be, like on your floor or behind your walls, it can cause widespread issues and costly damages. In addition to household accidents like appliance malfunctions or busted pipes, Mother Nature can impact your home as well. Heavy rain during those classic Milwaukee-area summer thunderstorms can leak through your roof or flood your basement.
Preventing water damage takes some preparation, but unfortunately it’s not always possible to completely prevent a situation from occurring. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you to make sure your home is dried and restored quickly.
Controlling the SituationIf you come upon a leak or an active flooding situation in your home, stay calm but act quickly. Water has the potential to leak down your walls, into your floorboards and into your ceilings in a matter of minutes after the problem begins, so the faster you move, the better.
Once you have discovered the source of the leak, you should focus on stopping or slowing the flow of water. If the situation was caused by a broken pipe or appliance problem, shut off the controlling water valve and turn off the power in that room. If your roof or walls have been damaged in a storm and the water is leaking in that way, you may just have to catch the dripping while you wait for the storm to pass in order to investigate safely.
It’s important to remember that flooding situations can be a bit more dangerous as there could be live electrical wires or sharp objects lurking beneath the surface. Avoid walking through the water if possible.
Now that you have initially controlled the situation, it’s time to pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex! Our team will be there right away to help dry out your space and handle your restoration with ease.
Our Reliable Drying ProcessIt is our goal to get started on your restoration as quickly as possible, so we will ask you a bunch of questions during our first phone call so that we have a good idea of the situation. We will also ask you to take some photos of the damage. Fresh images of the damage will help make the insurance claims process smoother, and we can use these images to communicate directly with them on your behalf.
We get started on your restoration from the moment we step into your home. We know that time is of the essence when it comes to water damage, so our team will turn on our blowers and air movers right away to dry up the excess water. We also focus on saving your possessions and drying out your soft materials because we want to restore whatever we can!
When the water is gone, we will clean, sanitize and deodorize the entire space before starting on any repairs. Water has the innate ability to warp and ruin many different areas of your home, but we are fully trained to handle anything from laying fresh carpet to drywall repair. When we are through, you would never know a water disaster occurred in your home.
Even just an inch of water where it shouldn’t be can cause significant issues for your home, so count on us to help you! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you 24⁄7, and we will make sure you and your home are well taken care of.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Tips for Post-Storm Recovery in the Summertime | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to restore your space in no time!
The summer season is great here in the Pewaukee area for many reasons, but severe storms sometimes aren’t one of them. While we may be grateful for the rain if our lawns and gardens are suffering, strong winds and hail can really do a number on our homes.
Strong thunderstorms can easily develop and roll across the state during those hot and humid days during the summer. When the sun shines in the morning, it increases our chances of experiencing a severe storm with high wind, heavy rain and damaging hail. Even the occasional tornado is known to happen from time to time around the Pewaukee area.
Your family’s safety should always be your top priority during these types of situations, so keep an eye on the sky and head inside as soon as the weather starts to turn.
Once the storm has blown through, it’s time to inspect your property for damages. Check out our helpful tips for recovering after a storm below to help you stay on track and stay safe.
Immediately Following the ThunderstormDon’t run outside quite yet! Another storm could be on the horizon, so stay sky-aware and stay close to home until you are certain the threat has passed. Keep your weather radio or phone handy to listen for updates or another storm alert.
If there was anyone in your family or household that was not home when the storm hit, take this time to connect with them to make sure they are safe. Sending off a quick text can bring everyone some peace of mind.
You should also check on your neighbors when you have a chance. The path of storms can be very unpredictable and cause varying degrees of damage in a single neighborhood. Just be cautious moving around any homes or buildings with visible damage.
Once everyone is safe and accounted for, it’s time to start some damage control. Take photos of whatever damage you find and call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away for immediate assistance.
The Minutes and Hours Post-StormIf your home has been damaged in any way, be extremely cautious walking around your home and property. Some damage can be severe enough to affect your home’s structural integrity, while loose boards and shattered glass can be hazards all on their own. Keep your cell phone close by and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
If it is still raining or is really windy, you might need to start securing your home before we even get there. Laying tarps and covering broken windows can help protect your possessions from further damage. We will do this step as well when we arrive but the more you do right away, the better it will be for everyone involved.
We are proud to be able to work directly with your insurance company while simultaneously working on drying and restoring your home. This ensures that your claim is being processed correctly, and you are getting the most accurate damage reports in real time.
We know that suffering home damage during a storm can be scary and overwhelming, but we are here to make sure that your space is returned to exactly the way it was before the storm and we will keep working until you are 100% satisfied with the final product.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
Preparing for Heavy Rain in Our Community | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex on the case!
Rain is definitely a hot topic at this time of year. Some days we are so grateful for a good soaking because our lawns and gardens really need it, and other days we are all glued to the weather forecast hoping that the severe storm skips us over.
Severe weather can be scary any time of the year, but the summer season is a bit different. Rain can wash over our area in intense waves, bringing strong wind and the occasional hail along with it. Sometimes the rain can fall fast enough to overwhelm our homes and leak down our walls.
Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team understands the dangers of intense rain, so we explain some easy ways to prepare your home for any incoming storms we have yet this year.
The Power of RainOur community certainly sees our fair share of thunderstorms from early spring to mid fall. Each storm can bring wind, hail, rain and even the occasional tornado that can cause widespread damage in a short amount of time. If it rains hard enough, Pewaukee Lake can start to rise and low-lying areas or drainage ditches can become dangerous to be around.
Even though we can’t control what the weather does, we can do our part to be prepared for the different scenarios. Stay connected to local authorities and take action quickly when a watch or warning is issued.
How to Stay SafeYour family’s top priority should always be safety, so head for home as soon as intense rain is expected. Avoid roads that flood often and drainage areas as you make your way home. Once you are home safe, start preparing your home. Tie down your lawn furniture and propane tanks, and move your car into the garage just in case the flash flood makes its way to your street.
If your basement often gets wet when it rains, start collecting your fragile or soft possessions and move them to a safe location and shut off electricity to these spaces just to be on the safe side. Once the storm begins, stay calm if the rain starts flooding in. Just stay above the water line and don’t walk through any standing water. All you need to do is ensure your safety and then give us a call for a complete restoration.
Steps to Take to Stay Dry in the FutureWe all know that we can’t completely control the outcome of severe weather and the impact it has on our homes, but we can still learn from every situation. For example, if your basement always falls victim to heavy rain, it may be due to your yard. Getting it professionally graded can help naturally encourage water to flow away from your home instead of backward into your foundation.
You can also invest in a sump pump! These handy pieces of equipment help pull water away from your basement and pump it back up to the surface, where it flows away from your house.
Even if you do everything right, water damage does still happen from time to time. Call our restoration specialists for a complete recovery! We will dry up the water, repair whatever the water warped and even sanitize your space to prevent mold growth.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Top Tips for Safe Fall Bonfires | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
The sweet temperatures of the fall season are finally starting to arrive, and we can’t believe it! This year has gone by fast, but we are not complaining about the fall decorations, pumpkin spice and cooler air that this time of year brings. This season is also the perfect time to enjoy a bonfire out back with your family and friends.
Bonfires during a cool fall evening can be so cozy and relaxing, but you can’t let your guard down when it comes to fire safety.
Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team explains some easy steps to follow when building your fire so everyone can relax safely and enjoy the crackling flames.
What to DoDo ensure your location is a safe distance away from your home or any outbuildings. Most permanent fire pits are already in the ground, but be sure any wood piles or flammable materials are far away from the pit.
Do keep a source of water ready to use. A full bucket or a hose that is turned on and ready to use can quickly snuff out a growing blaze. If you are camping or don’t have access to water right away, keep a shovel nearby so you can pile sand and dirt on top of the flames if you need to extinguish it quickly.
Do watch the forecast and listen to all burn bans. Windy days or dry conditions can make it really dangerous to light a fire outside, so watch the weather and choose another day if the conditions aren’t ideal. Keep in mind that bans can change in a single day, so check with our local authorities before starting your fire is crucial.
What Not to DoDon’t use any sort of flammable accelerant to get your fire started. Aerosol cans, lighter fluid and gas all light on fire easily, but they are not easily controlled. They have different flash points and can start an out-of-control fire in seconds.
Don’t let your children or pets play near the flames. Fire is unpredictable and so are your kids! Keep them back a safe distance to avoid serious injury or a dangerous situation.
Don’t let your fire get too big. It can be easy to overlook large fires as you are having fun adding sticks, twigs and leaves, but a large fire can easily start things around it ablaze.
Don’t go inside until you have extinguished your fire. Pour water over the fire until the logs and embers are cold to the touch and you are completely sure the fire is out.
Wildfire Prevention TipsKeep in mind that the majority of wildfires are started by humans. Always stay in close attendance to an open flame and keep your fires small.
We are always here for you if your home or property suffers fire damage. Call us right away for a complete fire damage restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Teaching Fire Safety to Your Children | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
Having small children in your home is such a blessing, but it is hard work! Helping them grow and find independence while also keeping them safe feels like a full-time job at times. While it is your job to foster curiosity in your children, it is also important to teach them about the things that are a danger to them, like fire.
Fire safety is an important topic no matter how old you are. Knowing what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out in your home is crucial whether you are 5 or 55.
Introducing fire-safe concepts in an encouraging and light-hearted environment can help prepare your children for the possibility while also preventing unnecessary fear or anxieties.
Explaining the Concept of Fire
Children often learn through experiences or by witnessing cause and effect, which can make it harder to explain fire to a child. You certainly don’t want to just start lighting things on fire in your home! However, you can start by walking through your house to discuss each place that fire can start, like your stove, bonfire pit, grills and even candles.
Discuss how fire can spread and what can catch on fire, and show them the matches and lighters that you use. Your children should know what these are and what they are for to avoid an accident. Without this knowledge, a child might pick up a match and play with it out of curiosity, which can lead to a disastrous situation.
Trusting Firefighters and Authority
Seeing anyone in uniform can be overwhelming for little kids, but especially firefighters and police officers. All the gear and safety equipment can make even the friendliest people look intimidating! You want to ensure your children will trust and respond to a firefighter in an emergency situation, so try to expose your kids to your local fire crew as often as possible.
Attend local meet-and-greet events, take a tour of the firehouse or even just show your kids pictures or books of firefighters in uniform. You should also practice calling out for help with your kids. Have them go to their rooms and hold a contest to see how loud they can shout their names while army crawling through the house.
Planning the Escape Route
Your family should have an emergency exit plan that is easy to access and understood by everyone. If you don’t, now is the time to create one!
Let your kids lead the way, have them find the fastest way out of every room and have them point to all exit points on each level of your home. Take this information and put it into a diagram of your house.
Don’t forget to include your windows in your escape routes! While teaching your children how to open your windows may seem reckless, it is crucial information to have during a true emergency. Show them how they work, but ensure they also know that they are not toys and should never be played with.
Finally, choose an outdoor meeting location like your mailbox or a neighbor’s driveway. Put it all together and do a full run-through of your plan at least twice a year, and ensure that your children know how to call 911 once you are safely outside.
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
Protect Your Home From the Strong Summer Wind | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
6/9/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex your first call.
We all enjoy a soft breeze on a warm summer’s day, but we would bet that not many of us enjoy the wind that accompanies a severe thunderstorm or tornado. Those situations can often be scary and even dangerous when they occur.
Wind can impact our homes in a variety of ways, and it can lead to disastrous effects if we are not careful. While we associate wind damage most often with storms, it can even happen on a sunny day if it is blowing hard enough.
Get to know more about the different types of strong winds below so you can keep your family safe and property free of damage.
Varying Wind StrengthsThe majority of damaging winds come when thunderstorms are in the area, and even more so when a tornado touches down nearby.
Thunderstorms can produce a variety of different weather threats, and they can easily kick up winds up to 60 miles per hour. At that speed, yard debris can be blown about and tossed against your home.
Straight-line winds are also problematic! This type of wind has no rotation to it, which means it can occur in powerful bursts and cause widespread damage with a single gust. Straight-line winds can blow up to 100 miles per hour.
Tornadoes are one step above that and can contain downdrafts, straight-line winds and bursts of wind called micro- or macro-bursts. All of these different types can lead to a dangerous and even deadly situation.
We certainly see our fair share of dangerous weather in the summer and early fall. Severe thunderstorms with strong winds can quickly appear on the radar, even when the entire day was previously sunny! This is why it is crucial to understand the forecast whenever you are going outside.
Tips to Avoid Wind DamageWhen the wind blows strongly enough, it can take out trees, toss around heavy yard debris and damage power lines. It can even upend mobile homes and cars if it blows over 80 miles per hour!
In order to have as much advance notice about a developing weather situation, you need to have a way to be alerted to changing conditions. Once the wind advisory or warning is issued, it is time to get ready. Move loose objects inside your home or garage, and tie down the things that are permanently outside, like your grill and propane tanks.
Try to keep your trees trimmed throughout the year, and certainly remove any hanging branches or broken limbs before the wind picks up. A branch can easily become a dangerous projectile at the right speed.
Head to an interior room to ride out the storm and stay away from windows and only leave your sheltering location once you are sure the threat has passed.
Take a walk around your property to look for damage, paying special attention to your roof. If you do discover any sort of storm damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away! We can get your home back together quickly and efficiently.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
Put a Stop to Pesky Water Leaks | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to find the source.
Water damage can be really troublesome for homeowners. Even just an inch of water can cause large-scale disasters and can be costly to recover from. Whether it be a small leak that goes unnoticed for a long time or a singular incident like a flood, water damage is a constant threat.
Because water damage can occur in a variety of ways, it is important to familiarize yourself with where it is most likely to occur.
Learn more about where water damage can occur in your Pewaukee area home below.
Your rooftop. Your roof works hard day in and day out to keep you safe and dry. But sometimes, a gap or missing shingle is all it takes to cause a water leak.
Since we don’t often get up on our roofs on a daily basis, these issues could be missed and not noticed until it is already too late.
A leak that is left to, well, leak, will keep causing damage until it is stopped. The water will seep down into your ceiling, walls and floors and will continue to cause water damage behind your walls. If that happens, mildew and mold growth are not far away.
In your bathroom. In addition to your roof, your bathrooms are also another common place for water damage to occur. The frustrating thing about our bathrooms is that there are many places that could produce water damage here. Sinks, toilets, showers and tubs constantly have water flowing through them.
Be proactive about investigating new puddles or a spot on your floor that always seems to be wet. Even a hole the size of a pinhead along a water line can cause widespread issues eventually. It is also important to ensure that you dry out your bathroom by running your fan or opening a window to reduce lingering moisture.
It’s better to be too thorough than not thorough enough! Don’t overlook the importance of regular routine maintenance and checking your water lines often.
Your water-reliant appliances. We love having access to appliances like dishwashers and washing machines only a few steps away in our homes. It definitely makes daily tasks and chores easier. However, they can also make your daily life miserable if you come home to a flooded utility room or water all over your kitchen floor.
Preventing water damage due to your appliances takes a bit more investigative work. Since we don’t often (or ever) pull our bulky or heavy appliances away from the wall, a water leak can easily go unnoticed behind or beneath your appliances.
Do your best to check under and behind them often for signs of water, and certainly dig deeper if you discover a puddle of water on your floor for no apparent reason. In addition, replace your dated appliances regularly to ensure you are providing your home with the most reliable equipment. If you do still end up suffering water damage in your home, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex can help you with a speedy cleanup.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
We Train So You Can Rest Easy | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is ready to help you recover around the clock.
Owning a home can sometimes take a lot of work! In addition to daily tasks like cleaning and routine maintenance, you can also be overwhelmed by accidents or disasters at a moment’s notice. When this happens, choosing who to help you recover from the damage is important.
In these situations, choosing a professional restoration team can help take the pressure off of your shoulders. But you need to make the right choice! Choosing a provider with less overall experience and training can leave you with more problems than what you started with.
Thankfully, the choice can be easy with SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex in your neighborhood. We are proud to offer our community the latest and most advanced restoration techniques. Our training and certification process will be your answer to any home damage situation that you face!
We Take Training Seriously
We want to be the best in the business, and that takes work! That’s why we align our trainings to follow the IICRC standards. These standards help us learn the latest and greatest restoration and cleaning processes through courses like:
- water damage restoration
- fire damage restoration
- mold remediation
- carpet and upholstery and cleaning
Additionally, we train through certifications that each of our employees can take to further their skill sets. These certification trainings are self-paced and tailored to each of our staff members to help encourage them to retain the information better.
We Are Always in the Pursuit of Knowledge
We don’t stop learning and training after we are onboarded onto the SERVPRO team! The initial training is certainly important, but we continue to take education classes and e-learning courses to sharpen our skills and learn something new. Any updates or changes to current best practices can further our ability to help you, and that’s always a priority.
When it comes to home damage, we know that no two situations are the same, so we train as much as we can to respond in the right way for your specific situation.
Since technology is always evolving, it’s important that we evolve along with it. If we learn about new equipment or processes, we can incorporate them into our restoration plans just for you.
Our Community Benefits From This Training
Having a reliable restoration company in town is such a benefit for you! It can make it really easy to recover from storm, water or fire damage because we are just down the road and we have the skill set to handle your damage.
Avoid the worry of an incomplete restoration from another company—just call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex today.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
Preventing Water Damage Caused by Your Appliances | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
4/11/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home from an appliance? SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is always on call ready to help.
Water is critical for our day-to-day tasks. Cooking dinner, running a load of laundry, washing our hands and even grabbing ice out of your ice maker to chill your drink all require water! Because of that, there is always the risk of experiencing water damage in your home.
Commonly, water damage is caused by an appliance malfunction or issue that goes unnoticed. If it is left to linger, it can spread and cause all kinds of issues in your home.
Thankfully, many water damage scenarios can be prevented with a little attention to detail and dedication to your maintenance routine.
Investigate Right AwayThe best way to prevent widespread water damage is to stop it from occurring in the first place! Every time you walk by an appliance that uses water, check the floor around it for puddles or water spots.
While some water issues are obviously noticeable, others can be harder to spot if they originate under your appliances. Don’t overlook the importance of regularly pulling your appliances away from the wall to clean and to check for water damage. Mold or water spots are good indicators of a water problem.
Another area that needs attention is your HVAC system! Ideally, it should be serviced by a professional every year to ensure it is in good working condition. In addition, you should check the vents often for signs of lingering moisture or for puddles on the floor.
Your water heater is also an appliance that is used every day in your home, so you need to stay on top of any maintenance and address emerging problems quickly.
Keep Your Appliances Running SmoothlyPreventing extensive damage is all about your attention to detail. The faster you notice a leak or a drip, the better chance you have at avoiding long-term issues!
Have your appliances maintained according to the manufacturer recommendations and replace parts as needed. Replacing parts like your hoses and tubes can be an easy and cost-effective way to prevent full appliance malfunctions. Any kinks or holes in your water lines can lead to a huge water disaster.
When choosing parts, go with the brands you trust and pick the highest quality parts. If it is within your budget, consider replacing your appliances every 10 to 15 years to ensure you have the most reliable technology in your house.
Stay on top of your appliance maintenance routine and be proactive against any issues you discover! These simple tips can help keep your home comfortable and dry.
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.
Prioritizing Fire Safety With Your Employees | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
3/27/2023 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is your local restoration expert.
Disasters can occur at any point, and if you aren’t prepared to react quickly, it can be disastrous to you and your business. When it comes to fires, this is especially true!
If you and your employees are not trained properly on how to react to fire, it can leave you with widespread damages and can be dangerous to your staff.
It doesn’t matter if your business is right off of Pewaukee Lake or near Corporate Circle in Sussex! Fire can break out in any place at any time, so teaching your employees about fire safety and the importance of fire extinguishers is crucial.
Check out our tips on how to introduce fire safety below so you can create and implement your own plan with your crew.
Start FreshAccording to OSHA guidelines, all businesses that have a fire extinguisher on property are required to provide training on it to their employees. This includes training on how to use it, when to use it and how to tell the difference between types of extinguishers.
One of the best ways to do this is to encourage hands-on learning. Get out your fire extinguisher and let your employees practice putting out a fake fire. Teach how to aim, pull the pin and how to sweep over the flames. It is also important to enforce a six to eight foot distance between your employees and the fire.
A helpful way to get your employees to remember the steps is to introduce the acronym PASS. This can help your employees remember the steps can help stop a fire in its tracks, which in turn reduces the risk of widespread damage.
Introducing these concepts as you hire new employees is crucial, but don’t forget about your veteran employees! This training should be done annually for all members of your staff.
In addition, it is important to have a few trusted team members hold responsibilities for when a fire starts. Someone should be chosen to call 911, someone to fight the fire and someone to help usher out anyone in the building.
Prioritizing SafetyNo matter what kind of business you run, the risk of fire is always present. Teach your employees the different kinds of fire situations they could be exposed to, ranging from a simple kitchen fire to a chemical fire. Ensure that your employees understand when to stop and seek safety as well.
Their safety should always be your top priority, so encourage your employees to make the right safety decisions during an emergency situation. Fires can get out of hand quickly, so it is OK to back away and head for the exit whenever your employees are not comfortable or don’t feel safe.
Protect your employees by giving them the knowledge they need to react appropriately in the face of a fire emergency. Check your fire extinguishers’ expiration dates, review training accordingly and be ready for anything that comes your way!
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.
The Importance of Spring Weather Preparation | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
3/10/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
As spring weather is just within our grasp, it is important to start making the changes and preparations needed in order to keep your home dry and free of storm damage when the first spring thunderstorms come rolling in.
Storm damage can cause widespread issues really quickly throughout your home, so now is the time to address any issues that appeared over the winter season and get your home ready for the rain!
Keep It FlowingOver the course of the winter season, any thaws we had may have felt nice, but they could have been contributing to ice buildup along your roof line and in your gutters. If your gutters can’t flow, water will back up onto your roof. Remove debris and clear the ice when you are able so your gutters can work properly for you.
If you haven’t been checking on your vents continually this winter, do it now! The vents leading outside from your furnace, dryer and even in your attic can become blocked or glazed over with ice or snow. Make sure you clear any blockages so the vents can do their job and simultaneously keep your family safe from danger.
It is also really important to do a thorough check of your outdoor water lines and faucets. Any exposed piping has the potential to freeze and expand if water was caught inside. If the expansion becomes too much, the pipe can burst and can be a massive water issue when the temperatures warm up.
Quickly Fix the IssuesIf you do find any sort of damage around your home, now is the time to fix the problem! The longer you wait, the higher the risk of suffering severe damage. This includes inspecting your roof and doing any necessary repairs right away.
Look for missing shingles, broken gutters or visible damage due to a fallen tree or debris. It doesn’t take much for water to get into your attic and cause havoc throughout your house.
Get Ready for Impending WeatherWith spring showers comes more rain, right? However the saying goes, we all know that springtime can be wet and rainy. If you have a sump pump in your home, make sure it is ready to work ahead of the first spring rainstorm. This can help keep your basement dry throughout the entire season and beyond.
In addition to preparing your home, make sure your family is prepared as well. Go over your storm safety plan and discuss where your safe shelter location is. If any boxes or storage items were put in this location for the winter, find a new home for them during this season. Finally, update and edit your emergency kit to reflect any changes to your family’s needs.
Remember, we are always here for you no matter what season it is! Just call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex if you experience water or storm damage, and we will work hard to return your home to its preloss state as fast and efficiently as we can.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Common Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
2/28/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex can help you get dried out quickly.
Water is often the culprit when it comes to building damage. Since water is all around us and we use it every day, it is a constant threat to our businesses.
When you are a business owner or have a commercial property, it is important to catch any sort of leak or minor problem right away to avoid a large-scale disaster. The more proactive you can be when it comes to water issues, the better off your entire business will be.
Common Places for Water IssuesYou never want to have your business shut down for any reason! It can affect your daily revenue and it can cost you thousands of dollars when it comes to the needed repairs.
It is important that you are proactive in checking these locations around your business or have your maintenance team do this from time to time to stop minor issues from causing widespread damage:
1. The roof. Roof leaks can occur at any point, but they are most common after a major storm. Rain and snow can get under your shingles and can leak down your walls. It is important to keep your gutters clear and try to keep snow off your roof to prevent ice issues from forming.
2. Bathrooms. Our bathrooms are one of the most used parts of our buildings! It is important to check the toilets and sink pipes often, as even a hole the size of a pinhead can account for nearly 15% of water loss in commercial buildings. Designate someone on your staff to check the pipe systems once a month or more to catch these issues.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Water lines leading to and from any of your appliances are also locations for water troubles to begin. Water puddles are a good indication that something needs to be investigated, and any change in water pressure should have you figuring out the reason why.
Take Preventive StepsThe good news is that besides a natural disaster or major storm, most water damage can be prevented. Just take the preventive steps now to avoid the extensive damages later.
Coming up with a maintenance plan is a great first step. Having a plan in place to keep up with the required maintenance can stop an issue from even occurring in the first place. Our team can also help you create an Emergency Ready Plan for your commercial space so that if you do suffer a water disaster, you have a thorough plan for how to react to the damages.
In addition to being prepared, check on the spaces that use water throughout your building and make sure several other managers or staff members in charge understand how to turn off the water valves in your space. Remember that the faster you call us after discovering water damage, the quicker our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team can help you recover.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
Trust in SERVPRO to Handle Your Fire Disaster | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
2/9/2023 (Permalink)
For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.
Home disasters can happen during any season and at any point in time. While any type of home damage can be frustrating to deal with, house fires are particularly troublesome. Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly and get out of hand in minutes.
Recovering after a house fire can feel overwhelming for everyone in your household, but you can rest assured knowing that your SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team is ready to handle your recovery process from start to finish.
Check out our latest blog post below about our thorough response to house fire damage!
Making ContactKeeping yourself and your family safe from danger should always be your first priority! When everyone is safe and accounted for, your first phone call should be to our team. We are ready and waiting 24⁄7 to respond to your call for help.
In our initial conversation, we will ask many questions to ensure we understand your unique situation as thoroughly as possible. This allows us to pack up our trucks with the equipment and tools necessary to help you fully recover!
Once we arrive in your driveway, we perform a full inspection of your home and the area that the fire affected to assess the severity and make sure the area is safe to be in.
Starting the ProcessWe work rapidly to make sure the damage doesn’t get any worse while we are working on your home. This can include boarding up windows, patching walls or laying tarps over exposed areas to keep out the elements and prevent more damage.
Our cutting-edge equipment helps us remove all the smoke and soot from every affected area, and we clean out any fire-damaged debris at this time as well. Once the surface area has been cleaned, we can get to work on removing odors and we can sanitize your entire space.
Don’t Forget the RestorationNow it’s time for your home to return to its former glory! After your home is cleaned and sanitized, we can rebuild the parts that were damaged by the fire. We can replace drywall, paint walls and lay new carpet or flooring.
We can also rebuild entire sections of your house if your project requires it. Whatever you need in order to make the fire a distant memory, our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex can handle it.
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
Avoid House Fires While Heating Your Home | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
1/25/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
There is no doubt about it! Winter is here.
Now that our furnaces have been working for a while and our fireplaces are becoming a staple in the evenings, it is important to be responsible with any source of heat in your home to prevent house fires. If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to address any issues with your furnace or other methods of heat. Since we have already experienced a variety of winter storm watches and warnings this season, having a reliable source of heat is crucial.
If you ignore any issues or don’t maintain your equipment, you could be vulnerable to a house fire! No one wants to deal with that in the dead of winter, so check out our tips below and make these adjustments in your home.
Maintain Your FurnaceMost homes in the Midwest are equipped with a furnace and HVAC system that moves heat throughout the house. This major appliance needs to be maintained regularly.
It is important that you inspect your furnace seasonally to detect any issues or potential malfunctions, and you should give it a good cleaning to avoid excess dust or debris buildup.
You should also make it a priority to replace the air filter in your HVAC system at this time. Most homes can benefit from a new air filter every 90 days, and even more often if you have a large family or pets. Try to get into the habit of changing the filter at the beginning of every new season.
If you haven’t changed your air filter in a while, you may be shocked at how dirty it is! Your air filter works hard every day to keep dust, debris and allergens out of the air you breathe.
Keep Your Fireplace CleanBoth wood-burning and artificial fireplaces are a staple for many Wisconsin homeowners. They can provide an efficient way to heat your home while creating a cozy home environment.
However, fireplaces are a common cause of house fires! They need to be cleaned and maintained often to prevent a fire from occurring.
If your fireplace is wood-burning, clear out excess ash and regularly inspect your chimney to make sure it is free of blockages. It is also important to wipe off any soot and smoke stains on the bricks. If your fireplace is artificial, you need to get behind the glass and provide the logs and surrounding space a good cleaning to remove dust buildup.
The Convenience of Space HeatersSpace heaters are a great way to heat your home or small space quickly. However, they can heat up really quickly and can be fire hazards as well.
If you utilize a space heater in your home, make sure it is three feet away from any flammable materials in your home and always unplug it before going to bed. It is also important to note that space heaters need to be on a level surface when in use and should never be plugged into an extension cord.
Lastly, if you have small children or pets in your home, discuss the dangers of fire and always be present in the room with them if there is a fire or heat source in use.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
Protect Your Home From Water Damage in the New Year | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
1/10/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex for quick and professional restoration.
A new year means a whole new season of possibilities! It is the perfect time to plan for new projects and new goals. This year, we want to make sure you are prepared to prevent water damage to save you money and certainly a headache.
Water is one of the most common culprits for home damage. Since we use water in our everyday lives, the threat is almost constant.
<h3does-water-damage-start">Where Does Water Damage Start?
In order to fully understand how to prevent water damage, you have to know what could cause it. Outside the home, blocked gutters and a damaged roof can cause water issues, while large appliances like your dishwasher could cause water damage inside.
Old or rusty pipes or deteriorating caulking can also cause issues over time. It is important to address these troubles quickly to avoid leaks, mold growth or rotten walls.
As soon as you catch an emerging issue, take care of it right away! The longer you leave it unaddressed, the worse your problem could become.
<h3prevention-steps">Easy Prevention Steps
A lot of water damage is preventable, as long as you investigate issues early and take care of the problem thoroughly.
It just takes a little more in-depth work while you are going about your day! Get used to checking your bathrooms and kitchen for water stains or signs of mold. Give your air a sniff from time to time to check for the classic musty odor accompanying a mold problem.
You also need to set aside time to investigate around the exterior of your home and on your roof. Roof damage is an easy way for water to get into your home and leak down your attic and walls.
In the winter, our homes are vulnerable to the effects of snow and ice. Keep the air circulating through your home, keep snow and ice buildup off of your roof, and close up any drafty areas or gaps around your windows and doors.
Once the snow thaws, consider grading your yard! Moving the soil around your property can help slope your yard away from your foundation and can help you avoid a flooded basement. These simple steps can help you keep a dry home all year.
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
Addressing Odor Problems in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
1/3/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex day or night.
No job is too big for our highly trained restoration technicians, and that includes tackling any odor problems that you have in your home. Recovering from damages after a disaster can be frustrating enough without having to worry about any lingering issues like odor. That’s where we come in!
Every kind of home damage has the ability to cause lingering odors, from water damage to soot left behind from a fire.
Thankfully, we know how to successfully remove any odor from any surface! Check out our odor removal process below to learn more.
Odor Removal MethodsEach odor is different and comes with different cleanup challenges, so we follow our step-by-step procedure to ensure that we fully understand your specific situation. We can tackle airborne chemicals, gasses or tiny particles in the air.
Some of our removal agents are:
Masking agents. This is a method we can use to help make your home more pleasant to live in while we work on preparing a more in-depth method. Masking agents can be a good first step!
Filtration agents. Our absorption agents work on pulling the odor out of the carpet, floors and furniture. They can also suck the odor right out of the tiny particles in the air.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. A simple cleaning won’t always be effective, so we make sure to completely sanitize the area to prevent any fungus or bacteria from growing back.
Our Four Step Removal ProcessWhen you call us to remove an odor in your home, here’s how it will go:
1. Remove the source. We jump into action to remove the source of the smell. If the cause is unknown, we work hard to identify it right away and remove it, along with anything else that was compromised near it.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. A thorough cleaning comes next! This ensures that every odor particle has been removed and every surface has been sanitized.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. This is a special step that gives us the reassurance that we got everything out. A deodorizer is employed to recreate the environment where the odor originally occurred. For example, if smoke was your issue, we will use “deodorizing smoke.”
4. Seal exposed surfaces. If the odor is proving to be troublesome or isn’t responding to our initial efforts, we can seal off the affected area while we reassess and work on implementing other odor removal methods.
No matter what is causing your odor, we can get rid of it! Your SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team is here for you and your family day or night.
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
The Facts on Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/9/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.
Water is essential in our homes and in our lives, but we want it to stay off of our floors and out of our basements. Water damage is a constant threat and can happen in an obvious manner or it can slowly creep up on us without much forewarning.
The key to controlling water leaks in your home is to be proactive. Spotting a water leak early can save you time and money when it comes to necessary repairs.
Keeping Your Bathroom DryWe use water in our bathrooms perhaps the most out of any other room in our home. Sinks, bathtubs, toilets and showers all utilize water daily in order to function. That also means that the threat of water issues are present every day, too.
Check the seals around these fixtures and inspect their water supply lines every time you clean your bathroom. This can help you catch any cracks or leaks right away.
The Threat of Your AppliancesWe are grateful for the inventions of the water heater, dishwasher and washing machine. They can make our lives much easier and more comfortable, but only when they work how they are supposed to.
Faulty appliances are one of the common reasons we get calls about water damage. Routinely cleaning them and checking for water damage can help stop a small problem from becoming a large and costly issue. If you notice any staining, peeling paint or mold behind these appliances, call us immediately so we can investigate.
Water Damage and the WeatherWe are constantly battling different weather here in eastern Wisconsin. If we aren’t experiencing heavy rain from summer thunderstorms, we are hunkering down during a strong winter storm.
Even just this fall, we experienced record rainfall from that single storm that came through, leading to roads flooding and overflowing rivers. All it takes is one strong storm for us to wake up to standing water in our homes.
At each change of the season, check your windows and doors to make sure they are waterproof. Controlling moisture in your home prevents water damage as well as potential mold growth.
It is also important to focus on keeping your yard and roof ready for the change in season! Clean out your gutters, clear off your roof and set up your downspouts so that you are ready for anything the winter brings our way.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.
Winter is coming | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
11/22/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.
Even though it seems like we just emerged from last year’s cold temperatures, the winter season is upon us once more. That means the arrival of snow, ice and brutal wind.
We are fully accustomed to winter weather here in eastern Wisconsin, and we all know that the weather can range from gently falling snow to major blizzards and dangerous conditions. When those dangerous conditions are present, that also means the risk of home damage is present as well.
Is your home well-prepared to weather through the first winter storm?
Winter All Around UsWe can expect a classic Wisconsin winter with lots of snow and frigid temperatures this year, while other parts of the United States experience a milder season.
However, the winter season takes shape here in eastern Wisconsin, we can all prepare our homes to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws at us!
Winter Around Pewaukee and SussexWe all know how tough Midwesterners are. We can handle icy cold wind, heavy snowstorms, blizzards and whiteout conditions any time from October to April.
Even just last year, we had our first brush with winter in the middle of October. Knowing that we could experience winter weather so early in the season, it is important to prepare your home as soon as you are able to.
Protecting Your Home From DamageOne of the interesting things about winter is that there are so many different ways that weather can affect us. While some situations call for being cautious on the roads while driving, others can create hazardous conditions and make travel impossible.
In those instances, it is crucial to make sure you have a reliable way to receive weather alerts and have an emergency kit stocked and ready to use at any time. It can also be helpful to keep a pantry stocked with some canned foods in case travel is not advised for a while.
Is your house drafty? That may mean that your windows and doors are not weatherproof. This can leave your home vulnerable to cold temperatures and unwanted moisture.
Outside your home, take the time to clean out your gutters and turn off the water access to your outdoor water spigots. If you leave your spigots on or attempt to run them in the winter, water can get into the pipes, freeze and then burst. That can create a costly and really extensive problem in the springtime.
We can handle the winter weather, fellow Wisconsinites! If you do find yourself suffering some type of home damage or water damage this winter, we are here. Your SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team will step in to ensure you are back into your newly restored home in no time.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
Avoid a House Fire This Holiday Season | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Susse
11/7/2022 (Permalink)
Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex will be on call ready to assist.
Believe it or not, the holiday season is here again already! It is time to start planning out your family traditions, pulling out your cookie cutters and surrounding yourself with twinkly lights.
While this time of year may be one of your favorites, it is also the time that you need to be extra cautious to avoid a house fire.
Protecting Your DecorationsDecorating your home can be a great way to celebrate the season! It also just so happens that many holiday decorations are flammable. In fact, about 790 structural fires happen every year due to decorations catching fire.
If you love to hang stockings over the fireplace or mantel, don’t hang them too low or in the path of any fire or heat source. Even just a single spark could send your precious memories up in flames.
If real trees are a must in your family, the tree you choose needs to be freshly cut! It is also important to inspect it to ensure there aren’t too many dead needles falling off of it, which could indicate that it is dehydrated. Once it is all decorated, only keep it plugged in when you are home and awake.
Other Holiday Fire HazardsCandles are a cozy way to celebrate the season with some ambiance and delicious smells. But they are also a fire hazard!
During this time of year, candles are responsible for 20 new home fires every day in the United States. If you do light candles, it is important that you only keep them lit when you are near them and never leave them within the reach of children or pets.
Decorating the exterior of your home with lights can make your home seem so welcoming. Just be sure that the lights you choose to hang are rated for outdoor use, and never pierce the wiring with staples or nails in order to hang them up.
You deserve to relax and enjoy all that there is to do in the area this holiday season! Make sure you check out the light display at the Ingleside Hotel. With over 30,000 lights inside the trail and other fun seasonal activities, it is one of the best ways to celebrate.
Our staff at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is always here and ready to jump into action for you. Our goal is to restore your home as quickly as we can so you can go back to enjoying the holiday season.
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
Responding to a Water Disaster at Your Business | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
10/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex are your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help and get you back in business.
Whenever water is involved in a disaster, it can be costly and extensive to repair. That is especially true if the disaster happens at your business!
In addition to the sheer cost of a commercial restoration, you also would have to take into account any closures while the repairs are taking place. This alone should make every business owner start to prep ahead of time.
Water damage can come in the form of burst pipes, sprinkler system issues and of course, Mother Nature. We experience all kinds of water-related weather events here, from thunderstorms to ice storms. Even just recently we were affected by flooding and road closures on I-94. Whenever water is involved, there is a risk for damages.
Understand Your Utility RoomIf your business is in a storefront or building, chances are that it has some type of utility space where all of your valves are. Fully understand what all of your water shutoff valves do and what they are responsible for.
Once you understand it, communicate this to your management team or whoever you entrust your business to while you are not there. Someone should always be able and ready to respond to an emergency situation!
Different Water TypesWater is constantly flowing around us providing many different daily services, so it’s no wonder that there are different levels of water safety.
White water: This kind of water is the water within your pipes. It is typically considered safe to handle in small amounts.
Gray water: Gray water is all of the water that flows into your sink, shower and kitchen drains. While it is considered contaminated, handling it carefully is considered OK.
Black water: Black water should always warrant a professional cleanup. This water can contain sewage or runoff from a storm drain and is considered toxic.
Taking Appropriate ActionOnce you discover the problem, turn off the appropriate shutoff valve immediately. Then start to address your situation.
If you have the ability to open windows and start circulating the air, do so now and turn on some fans. Then make sure you close off the area to customers, bystanders and your staff to keep everyone safe.
After all that is done, start documenting any damages with pictures. Insurance agents will want clear pictures of what happened, so the sooner you can get them, the better.
We Can Handle the JobWhile drying out your space is the first priority, checking for any hidden water damage should happen next. Your wall studs, beams and floorboards may still be soaked and if they are not dried quickly, mold could set in.
Call us to do the job right! Our team at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you no matter what kind of water damage problem you face. We have the proper equipment to get the job done thoroughly, and we will work our hardest to repair your business for you.
When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!
We Are Your Neighborhood Restoration Team | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
10/13/2022 (Permalink)
No job is too big or small. Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex today to schedule your estimate.
When you need help with a restoration project in your home, having a quality team on your side makes all the difference. We are strong leaders in storm, fire and water damage cleanup, and we are the best at what we do!
We can also tackle projects other than disaster assistance. We handle mold remediation and other cleanup issues like graffiti. Whatever cleanup job you have, we don’t back down from the challenge.
But we stand out above the competition because we are members of this community, just like you are.
Why Is Being Local Helpful to the Community?1. We Can Get to You QuicklyCertain damages require a quick response, like water or mold. When we are only a street or two away, our response time can be minimal!
When you call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex, we are ready to tackle your job at any time of day. It doesn’t matter if it is 2 a.m. when you discover your water disaster, someone will always be there to pick up the phone.
2. We See the Same StormsWe live and work here with you, so we are also tuned in to Fox6 or CBS58 to get the latest weather forecast. When a storm system is coming our way, we get to work preparing our teams so that we can mobilize quickly if need be.
We have seen what tornadoes can do to our community and have experienced the struggles that a huge winter storm can bring, so we are fully invested in our local weather like you are.
3. We Know Southeastern WisconsinOther restoration companies typically send out trucks from farther away when you call for help, and sometimes, they even come from out of state! It can be hard to navigate our area if you aren’t from here, so they might struggle with street directions or other parts of our cities.
That doesn’t apply to us! We know to avoid I-94 and Highway 45 during rush hour and where to get some of the best food and have a great game of bowling. (Hint, it’s Sussex Bowl). Our area is home to us, just like it is to you.
We also are up-to-date on local ordinances and government regulations, so obtaining that information won’t slow us down one bit.
Local and National BenefitsWe are ready to tackle whatever project you have for us. While our specialty is working alongside local technicians and partnering with small businesses to best serve you, sometimes large-scale disasters require a larger pool of resources. That’s where our neighbors come in!
We have relationships with other SERVPRO locations around us, and we can connect with them if we need to borrow staff or equipment. Our goal is to serve you however we can in the best way we know how!
When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex your first call.
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
Storm damage is a very real concern for all homeowners. When a storm is in the area, it can make everyone anxious. Unfortunately, experiencing some sort of storm damage is likely at some point during your lifetime.
That being said, just because a storm is coming our way doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to suffer damages! It all depends on the category of the storm, the location of your home in town and how well-built your home is.
In eastern Wisconsin, we are at risk of severe warm-weather events like tornadoes and severe thunderstorms as well as cold-weather threats like winter storms and freezing rain. We love the Midwest!
When one of these weather events comes to town, we are at risk of three major damages occurring:
Wind
Wind accompanies summer and winter weather. If it blows fast enough, it can cause widespread damage.
While it is true that tornadoes produce some of the highest wind speeds, wind from thunderstorms can be just as devastating. In fact, wind from storms can be over 100 mph.
Strong-enough winds can uproot trees and throw around debris in your yard. Stay inside and avoid windows until the storm has passed and the wind has died down.
Taking the time ahead of the arrival of any storm to clean up your yard and remove any trees or untethered furniture can help reduce your risk of suffering damage due to the wind.
Water
Water can be a great resource from thunderstorms if we are in need of rain for our lawns and gardens, but a lot of it can do incredible damage to your home.
It can leak through windows and down into our basements. And if your basement continually gets wet after storms, it can degrade your foundation and cause mold growth.
Grade your property, and if you do any landscaping, make sure your yard slopes away from your home to prevent water from pooling near your foundation. You can also research building a rain garden! Rain gardens are a great place for all of that unwanted water to flow to.
Your gutters need special attention as well! Blocked gutters can’t function properly and can let water pool on your roof that will eventually leak down your walls.
Impact
When it comes to impact damages, they can be costly and devastating. “Impact damage” come in the form of a fallen tree or some other type of object being thrown into the side of your home.
To prevent this kind of damage, do your best to keep your property free of any external hazards like dead trees or large hanging limbs. Tie down or otherwise secure furniture and other objects left outdoors during a storm to keep them from becoming projectiles.
Overcoming weather-related disasters of any kind is expensive. In fact, in 2021, it was reported that Americans suffered $145 billion in damages to their homes.
If you do discover damage to your home or property after a storm, call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away. Our dedication to your restoration will be unmatched, and we will get you back into your home right away.
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today at (262) 696-6336 to get your storm damage restoration started faster.
Making a Plan/Kit For You & Your Pets for an Emergency
6/29/2021 (Permalink)
Examples of kit items
Make a Plan, Be Prepared.
Being prepared for an emergency event is a very responsible task you can do for you, your family, and your pets.
Make a Plan
-Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
-How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
-What is my shelter plan?
-What is my evacuation route?
-What is my family/household communication plan?
-Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
-Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.
If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.
Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.
If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:
-Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
-Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter.
-Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
-Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
-Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
-Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
-If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
-Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
-If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger.
BUILDING A KIT:
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
-Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
-Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
-Flashlight
-First aid kit
-Extra batteries
-Whistle (to signal for help)
-Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
-Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
-Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
-Manual can opener (for food)
-Local maps
-Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be Ready.
Your pet kit should include:
-Food (at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container)
-Water (at least three days of water specifically for your pets)
-Medicines
-Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping)
-First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution and a pet first aid reference book)
-Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash
-Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down)
-Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
-A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics)
-Familiar items (treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet)
Being safe and prepared is not only a good idea, but a safe one.
*Source: ready.gov
Fire Safety at your Campsite
6/23/2021 (Permalink)
Fire
With summer upon us and loads of people wanting to get out of their houses amid the coronavirus, camping and the good ole outdoors has taken famously with the public. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex would like to remind you of some basics when it comes to maintaining and extinguishing your campfire at your campsite. It is your responsibility to maintain and extinguish it to prevent wildfires.
- Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials won’t burn and dead standing trees are often homes for birds and other wildlife.
- Once you have a strong fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily.
- Don’t burn dangerous things like aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode, shatter and/or create harmful fumes or dust.
- Keep your fire to a manageable size.
- Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Allow the wood to burn completely to ash.
- Pour lots of water on the fire. Drown ALL embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sound stops.
- If you do not have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.
- With your shovel, scrape any remaining sticks and logs to remove any embers. Make sure that no embers are exposed and still smoldering.
- Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool.
If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave
Keeping these steps and reminders in mind will not only keep you safe, but keep the campground or nature area you are visiting safe as well!
*Source: smokeybear.com
What equipment is used to extract water from my Pewaukee, Wisconsin home after a Water Damage?
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
Carpet Wand extracting water caused by a flood in a Pewaukee residence
Water Damage Caused by Flooding
Once your home or commercial property gets water damage due to flooding, our crew will come out to access the damage. We will need to extract the water from your property because extraction is a critical step to removing moisture from a structure. The more excess water restorers remove with extraction equipment, the less time they will spend to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture with drying equipment. Various types of extraction tools are used to remove water from flooring. These are:
- extraction units
- light wands
- deep extraction tools
- submersible pumps
Extraction Units
Extractors can be portable units or large truck-mounted units.
A portable extractor is extremely flexible since it can be taken into almost any area of the structure. They do require electricity to operate, so power will have to be provided from the facility or a generator.
Truck-mounted extractors offer a more powerful vacuum compared to portables. They run off the work vehicle’s fuel, so no on-site power is needed
Light Wands
Light wands or “carpet wands” are used for water extraction. The light wand is appropriate for the initial water removal and extracting water from glue-down carpet. It is also effective in removing residual water on the surface of carpets after a stationary tool has been used. When the pad is being removed, the light wand is appropriate since you are not trying to remove all the water from the pad.
Deep Extraction Tools
There are various types of deep extraction tools that can be attached to an extractor.
Self-propelled extraction tools are powered by an independent motor that moves the unit over carpet at a consistent rate. These devices compress carpet and pad, squeeze out water, and remove water through the vacuum system of an extractor.
Stationary tools are able to extract water from carpet and pad using only the weight of the water damage restoration professional standing upon the device. A vacuum system is attached to the device, pulling water through a series of tiny holes in the base of the unit. Stationary tools are available in various sizes.
If you have water damage due to a flood in your Pewaukee or Sussex home, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.
262.696.6336.
What type of equipment is used to detect moisture in my Waukesha, Wisconsin home?
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
Moisture meter
Once a water damage hits your home or commercial property, our crew will come out to evaluate the damage. Water damage restoration requires the use of certain equipment. This may include detection devices, extraction equipment, air moving and dehumidification equipment, as well as safety equipment. Simply having access to the right equipment is only part of the process.
Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure into which water has intruded and defining the extent to which structure and contents have absorbed moisture beyond normal moisture levels. Various devices allow a water damage restoration professional to track moisture within a structure. These devices include the following:
- Moisture sensors
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Moisture meters
- Thermo-hygrometers
Moisture Sensors
The moisture sensor is used to detect moisture in carpets and padding. The moisture sensor has sharp probes that penetrate through carpets and pad to determine if water has migrated on the subfloor underneath.
Thermal Imaging Camera
Thermal imaging cameras (also called infrared cameras) are utilized for inspecting and monitoring moisture in building materials. They can show how water traveled throughout a structure, and many times they can indicate moisture that otherwise may have never been discovered. At the end of the project, they provide excellent documentation or proof that drying was successfully completed. Technically, thermal cameras do not display moisture images, but rather infrared images.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are utilized to measure the actual moisture content or level of various materials. Some meters are calibrated to measure specific materials; for example, a moisture meter calibrated for drywall will not accurately read moisture content in wood materials. Some meters are adjustable for different types of materials, such as a meter that can be adjusted for both wood and drywall. There are penetrating and non- penetrating moisture meters.
Thermo-Hygrometers
A thermo-hygrometer (sometimes referred to as hygrometers) measures the relative humidity and temperature of air masses. Some thermo-hygrometers also give the restorer the humidity ratio, vapor pressure, and dew point.
If you have a water damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex. We are always open and always ready to help!
262.696.6336
We are an IICRC Certified Firm
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
IICRC Certified
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex 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 Pewaukee & Sussex
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
Fire Damage Process Overview
6/9/2021 (Permalink)
Soot Cleaning
Emergency Fire Damage Process Overview
ONE HOUR:
Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex will contact you to arrange for service. You'll know help is on the way.
FOUR HOURS:
Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly.
DETAILED EXPLAINATION:
We will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
PRETESTING:
We then pretest for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
EIGHT HOURS:
Within eight hours of on-site arrival, a verbal or written briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.
CLEANING, RESTORATION, and DEODORIZATION:
We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control on your property when a damaging event has occurred. We ONLY use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of the first time.
FINAL WALK-THROUGH:
After all work has been completed and equipment removed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.
If your property has suffered a fire damage or has soot damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex at 262.696.6336. We are always Here to Help!
Defense Against Mold Growth in your Waukesha or Oconomowac Home
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Mold Growth
Defense Against Mold Growth
Having prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions. That's why SERVPRO is Here to Help when mold does occur.
Here are some tips and best practices to reduce mold growth in your home:
- Keep the humidity between 30 and 60 percent
- Provide proper drainage away from buildings, especially the foundation
- Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks and defects
- Keep gutters and drains clear of debris
- Inspect the roof, windows, and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance
- Respond to all water intrusions immediately
- Contact SERVPRO of Southern Washington County after a water damage or if you discover mold.
- Call your insurance agent if you plan on filing a claim
If you suspect mold in your home or commercial property, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex at 262.696.6336
Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services for your Pewaukee and Sussex Property
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services
Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services
Structural Cleaning:
After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. A pretest will occur to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the surfaces of your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, we may be able to reduce the cost of recovery.
Contents Cleaning:
All the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. Careful inspection and testing of all fabrics will occur to ensure proper cleaning methods. All other restorable contents such as electronics, wood furniture, kitchen items, bedding clothing and more will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition.
Deodorization
We provide specialized services that rid your structure of odors left by fire or smoke damage. We don't simply cover the lingering odor with fragrance, we seek out the source of the odor and remove it. There is Air scrubbing, thermal fogging and ozone generation.
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex today if you need fire restoration services at 262.696.6336
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
5/20/2021 (Permalink)
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned:
A DEFENSIVE CLEANING PROGRAM
Let us help you get back to business
If your business is still struggling with customer traffic or remaining open due to Covid, we can help. Since we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal, the expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the ongoing COVID-19 situation. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures 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 hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex today at 262.696.6336 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
Hurricane Prep Week Day 5
5/14/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane Prep Week Day 5
Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready.
Day 5 of Hurricane Prep Week is about getting your home ready. If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand the winds. Trim your trees to prevent damage from snapped branches and board up your windows to protect them from flying debris. To learn about more ways to strengthen your home visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-strengthen-home
Hurricane Prep Week Day 4
5/13/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane Prep Week Day 4
Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready.
Day 4 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an evacuation plan. You should plan your route and have an alternate route in case the first one is not accessible. You may have to evacuate quickly, so you should practice with your household and your pets. You should also remember that you may not have to drive hundreds of miles to evacuate, only far enough away from the evacuation area.
Hurricane Prep Week Day 3
5/12/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane Prep Week Day 3
Day 3 of Hurricane Prep Week.
Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready.
Day 3 of Hurricane Prep Week is about reviewing your insurance. Look at your policies ahead of time to see what's covered and if flood insurance is available to you since it's the leading cause of damage from tropical systems. The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins on June 1. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. For more insurance tips visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan
Drying out your Pewaukee and Sussex Commercial Property
5/12/2021 (Permalink)
Specialty drying equipment used at commercial property
At some point every commercial property has not had a water damage whether it is a busted pipe, a toilet overflowing, etc. Once you get the main source of water shut off, you have to have experts come and dry the affected area and fast!
You are definitely going to want professionals to handle this type of job. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has the staff, equipment and knowledge you need to help solve your problem and fast. Drying out your commercial property and the contents within and doing so quickly is essential.
Every water damage situation is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment
Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Step 5: Cleaning and Repair
Step 6: Restoration
If you have had a water damage at your commercial property, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336. We have a highly trained staff that are ready to go 24/7/365!
We Dan Dry Out Your Commercial Sussex Property
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Intricate Drying System
We Can Dry It
A sprinkler head in a local gym had busted due to cold weather in Sussex, Wisconsin. Due to the nature of the water damage and the facility that it occurred in, intricate specialty drying was set up and used in order to dry the affected materials in a timely manner to minimize any additional disruption to business. The photo shows the tubing drying system SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex used to dry the affected areas under & around a custom-built raised floor. It doesn't matter what it is that needs to be dried, SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex can dry it. In this case, drying was much more cost effective and saved them time as well as money versus having to replace the affected materials.
If you have a water damage at your commercial or residential property, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336.
Hurricane Prep Week Day 2
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane Prep Week Day 2
Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready.
Day 2 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an emergency kit ready at work, in your car, and at home. This could include a backpack, water, non-perishable food, a blanket, etc. The best place to store the kit is somewhere that you will go to take shelter. Having all your materials in one place and storing them in your shelter location means that you don’t have to worry about getting prepared when a warning is issued. You’re already prepared and can just focus on getting yourself to your shelter. To learn more about what to put in your kit visit https://www.weather.gov/owlie/emergencysupplieskit
Sump Pump Failures in Waukesha County
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Sump pump located in homeowner's basement
Sump Pump Basics
A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.
Sump pumps are used where basement flooding happens regularly and to solve dampness where the water table is above the foundation of a home. Sump pumps send water away from a house to any place where it is no longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.
Why do Sump Pumps fail?
- Sump Pump is having to constantly run
- You have an overworked Sump Pump
- Sump Pump loses power
- Clogged Sump Pump
- Clogged discharge lines
- Your Sump Pump is Defective
- It was installed incorrectly
- Lack of Maintenance
What happens if my Sump Pump fails and causes damage?
If you your sump pump does fail and floods your basement causing water damage, then give us a call! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. 262.696.6336.
Hurricane Prep Week
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane Prep Week
Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready.
First things First:
Start by creating an emergency ready plan for your family that includes emergency meeting places in your home, neighborhood and outside your neighborhood. You should make copies of your Family Emergency Ready Plan for each member of the household to carry in his or her wallet, backpack or purse. You should also post a copy in a central place at home.
You can create your own emergency ready plan at https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf
Flood basements in the Pewaukee and Waukesha Area
5/7/2021 (Permalink)
This Pewaukee's basement flooded due to heavy rains
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Pewaukee or Sussex basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 262.696.6336.
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 262.696.6336
Mold Remediation in the Pewaukee Area
5/2/2021 (Permalink)
Mold present in attic
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.This is why you should call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.
Consider 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 specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 262.696.6336
Water Damage Statistics
5/2/2021 (Permalink)
Example of Water Damage
Water problems are a nightmare for homeowners, especially when those problems then lead to significant flooding. Flooding, plumbing leaks, and water damage can happen at any time. Due to this, your valuables, textiles, and furnishings can be be damaged. Basements and lower levels of a home are especially susceptible to this type of damage.
Numerical Water Damage Statistics
98% of basements in the US will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans.
37% of US homeowners have suffered loses from water damage
14,000 Americans have some type of water damage emergency at home or work EACH DAY.
2.5 Billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the US.
6,965 is the average cost of a residential water damage insurance claim
Have a Water Damage?
As water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and training to help get your property dried quickly and thoroughly.
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex at 262.696.6336.
Volunteer Week 2020
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
One of our crew applying disinfectant to a firetruck
Coming Together
We love Volunteer week. It is all about showing appreciation for volunteerism. Given the uncertain times we are currently facing, volunteering could not be more important to our community. It's such a sight to behold seeing how all of America has come together.
Here at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex, we really wanted to volunteer last year by giving back to some of our local first responders. The country is so grateful for everything they are doing and have been doing during the Covid-19 Pandemic. We got the opportunity to do this by being able to disinfect three of our local fire stations, a police station and their emergency vehicles. What better way to show your appreciation by helping to keep them safe.
We are proud to be able to give back to those who give most! Thanks for all you do Pewaukee & Sussex first responders!
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is always #HeretoHelp
Water Damaged Home in Hartland, Wisconsin
1/29/2021 (Permalink)
Drying Chamber for Wood Paneling
As you can see in the photo, a property had flooded due to a recent storm event. SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex set up a drying chamber around the wood paneling and the drywall that was behind it. When you need to isolate a certain area for drying treatment, then this is where drying chambers come into play. They allow you to manipulate the humidity, airflow, and temperature. The affected area becomes limited to external, environmental factors due to the polyethylene barrier that surrounds it. By reducing the volume of the drying area by creating your chamber, it can speed up drying time as well as save you from pulling out additional materials if not needed.
If your property has suffered a water damage, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336.
Decent Snowfall Expected in Waukesha County
1/25/2021 (Permalink)
Snow Falling
Waukesha county and south eastern Wisconsin is expected to get a decent accumulation of snow. The winter weather advisory will go into effect at 6 PM on Monday, January 25. The snow will start to accumulate from early Monday evening and continue until Tuesday evening. Expected snowfall is anywhere from three to six inches. This snowfall could impact travel- making it difficult. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute so drive with precaution. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511. If you do succumb to nasty weather conditions, just remember to pull over, put your hazards on, call for help and stay in your car until help arrives.
Understanding Mold Growth Due to a Water Damage
1/20/2021 (Permalink)
Mold Proliferation
Understanding Molds
Molds are everywhere in our environment and are a vital part of the ecological system. Molds have existed a long time. Mold is a fungus, a multicellular plant-like organism, that does not produce chlorophyll as plants do.
The life of a typical mold begins as a tiny spore. The spore functions like a seed, but is smaller and simpler. Molds have a spore mass much smaller than the size of a pinhead, but this tiny structure contains thousands of spores. When something causes the spore mass to break, thousands of mold spores are set free. Airflow carries the spores off, and they remain airborne until gravity finally causes them to settle.
Eventually, the airborne spores land and settle on a surface. Spores may or may not germinate immediately, since they are built for survival. The spores may lie dormant, waiting for the right conditions for growth. Those conditions include food, temperature, and moisture.
Molds can germinate where these conditions are present. How fast growth occurs depends on the combination of conditions. Spores can germinate after only 12 hours in some conditions and some grow in 24 to 48 hours. Houses offer an ample food supply—drywall, wood, insulation, paper. When these materials become damp or wet, settled spores can become growing molds.
Growth Begins with Hyphae- Moisture causes spores to swell and begin to grow by sending out a network of structures. These networking growths are called hyphae. Many types of molds grow and expand through three kinds of hyphae:
- Root-like hyphae grow like roots beneath the surface of the material on which the spores settled.
- Surface hyphae-spread out across the surface of a material.
- Upright hyphae- grow upright and have a spore mass on top. Eventually the spore mass breaks sending out more spores, and the life cycle starts over. Molds are designed to survive and multiply!
If your property undergoes a water damage and the water isn't remediated quickly, you can seriously inhibit mold growth.
If your property has had a water damage and you suspect mold growth, for a free inspection don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex. 262.696.6336.
*Source: Understanding Mold In The Property Restoration Industry
Preparing for a Winter Storm Event
1/15/2021 (Permalink)
Snow and Ice formed on trees
Living in Pewaukee, Wisconsin you and your family have to be prepared for the wild weather that we experience- especially in our winter months! Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.
Things to consider:
- Check your tires and check tire pressure.
- Get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up.
- Keep your fuel tank full.
- Program your radio for traffic reports and emergency messages.
- Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle: flashlight, batteries, phone charging bank, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, first-aid kit.
- Load your car with winter travel gear: tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, road flares.
If you do end up stranded be sure to engage your flashers, call for help and wait in your car until the help arrives.
*Source: wsdot.com
What is a Biohazard Cleanup?
1/14/2021 (Permalink)
Biohazard
Biohazard cleanup, put simply, is the cleaning, sanitation, and deodorizing of areas where a traumatic events such as an accident, injury or death has occurred. Usually this means dealing with blood, human or animal remains, chemical spills, and more. This also includes cleaning up after a crime scene, since it is up to the property owner to find biohazard cleaning services. Keep in mind that a professional cleanup team can only begin after the police have gathered enough evidence related to the incident.
Does Biohazard Cleanup Require Certification?
There is no “Biohazard Technician” certification, however, OSHA does require technicians to properly wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with bloodborne pathogens. PPE helps ensure the safety of our workers. This equipment helps prevent hazardous material from contacting the body through the skin, eyes, mouth, nose or any other area. Although PPE varies from job to job, it should always include gloves, a hazardous material body-suit, and a respirator.
Our Biohazard Cleanup Process
- First, our remediation crew identifies the affected areas and determines the scope of the work. Once the plan is agreed upon, the remediation begins as quickly as possible.
- Technicians always put the focus on both their safety and that of other individuals at the cleanup site.
- Next, they remove all potentially infectious materials from the site.
- Hazardous medical waste, such as: bodily fluids, or items that contain potential health hazards, are handled following OSHA regulations. We then send them to a licensed Medical Incinerator.
- We remove porous materials like fabric and carpeting following both industry and state regulations.
- Non-hazardous materials are decontaminated if they are salvageable.
- After the cleanup and sanitization, we thoroughly deodorize the affected areas.
- Removing contaminated materials, then cleaning and sanitizing is usually enough to control odors.However, in rare cases, the crew will use hydroxyls or ozone to ensure the odor is eliminated.
Industry Leading Professional Products
1/13/2021 (Permalink)
Professional Products
We use only the Industry Leading Professional Products to ensure that the services we are providing are second to none. Why does this matter?
Health Concerns
Human health may be threatened when microbes amplify and grow in indoor environments. When water is present in an environment due to a water damage incident, microbes will grow given enough time and the proper conditions. If a Category 1 sanitary water situation is unmitigated for two to three days, microbes will likely amplify, increasing contamination of the structure and turning the Category 1 situation into a Category 2 or 3 situation. Building owners, occupants, and insurers should act quickly to prevent microbial contamination from becoming worse with passing time. When contamination exists, professional water damage restoration products may be helpful in returning the loss environment to a preloss condition.
If your property has suffered a water damage, don't delay in contacting.
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex at 262.696.6336
5 Tips to Stop Frozen Pipes
1/13/2021 (Permalink)
Frozen Pipes
The cold weather is about to begin and it is not all fun and games as our kids like us to believe.Your houseful of pipes are definitely not looking forward to the winter season. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex have handled a countless number of broken and busted pipes from the freezing weather every year. Trust us, you are not alone, every year, over 250,000 properties suffer water damage from frozen pipes that burst (Federal Emergency Management Association). SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex are sharing these tips to prevent frozen pipes that may lead to water damage.
Preventing Pipes from Freezing in Wisconsin (Easier Than You Think):
- Take a peak in the attic and basement especially near exterior walls and see if the pipes are insulated.
- Wrap uninsulated pipes with pipe insulation, you can pick this up at every hardware store
- If your Attic and Basement are poorly insulated, take a gander to the hardware store and get some insulation to keep the inside of your house a bit warmer. This tip also saves you money on your energy bill.
- Every few days turn on those faucets, even if you do not use them just to keep the water moving through the pipes
- Probably one of the big culprits is the outside hose. Make sure to turn off the water to the outside as this will always be the most likely to freeze.
Check your Smoke Detector
1/13/2021 (Permalink)
Importance of checking smoke detector
Everyone hears how important a working smoke detector is, but few take the time to make sure theirs is working properly. Me personally I grew up a firefighter's granddaughter and a firefighter's sister so you bet we had our smoke alarms regularly checked and we even had fire drills in our house so we know where to go and meet if something unfortunate did occur.
You like the majority of people out there who take this small white circle on their ceiling for granted, but it has saved countless numbers of lives. I remember when I was a tween and eating breakfast one morning that I smelled something funny coming from the basement and as I turned the corner I saw a huge amount of smoke. Simultaneously as I saw this smoke our smoke detector went off and we all went outside. Luckily for us, the fire was contained inside our heater. Since this day I have never taken for granted this small circle on my ceiling, as I will always remember the fright I felt as I saw the smoke and how this beeping perhaps saved our family.
Fire Damage Cleanability
1/12/2021 (Permalink)
Fire with Soot
Factors Affecting Cleanability in a Fire Damage
Fire damages create many different cleaning challenges. A burning building is actually many complicated reactions between various elements, including the following:
- the type of material burning
- the amount of heat, oxygen and moisture content
- air flow patterns in the building
- types of smoke residues present
- the types of surfaces impacted by smoke and heat
Depending on how these elements interact as a fire progresses, fire damages can present extremely different cleaning and restoration situations depending on how these elements interact as the fire progresses. Here are factors you should consider to determine how difficult it will be to remove smoke residues.
- Type of surface
- Age of surface
- Amount of heat
- Amount of moisture
- Type of material burned
- Air pressure
- Impingement
- Temperature change
This information is important to SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex in order to determine appropriate cleaning methods in a variety of situations and helps us to improve their inspection, scoping, pretesting, and restorability evaluation on fire projects.
If your property has a fire damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex. 262.696.6336.
Remediation Procedures for Contaminated Water
1/12/2021 (Permalink)
Wet flooring
Whenever your property has a water damage, it can be a little overwhelming. It can be good to have a better understanding of what exactly is going on and why they are happening. The list below will hopefully give you a better understanding of how work on a water damage will progress. A water damage will potentially involve the following remediation activities:
- Ensure Protection of Occupants and Workers
- Establish Engineering Controls
- Extract water and remove bulk material
- Provide humidity control
- Demo unsalvageable materials
- Demo to expose hidden materials
- Clean and decontaminate salvageable materials
- Dispose of waste
- Decontaminate Equipment and Workers
- Remediation Verification
- Protect Contents
- Extract excess water
- Provide humidity control
- Demo to accelerate drying or removal of damaged materials
- Deodorize
- Complete Final Extraction
- Establish Drying Zones
- Position Drying Equipment
If your property has experienced a water damage, please call SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex today at 262.696.6336.
We are always Here to Help.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
FLIR E54 Advanced Thermal Imaging Camera
Thermal imaging cameras (also called infrared cameras) are utilized for inspecting and monitoring moisture in building materials. At the beginning of a water project, they provide a fast evaluation of the extent of moisture. They can show how water traveled throughout a structure, and many times they can indicate moisture that otherwise may have never been discovered. At the end of the project, they provide excellent documentation or proof that drying was successfully completed. Technically, thermal cameras do not display moisture images, but rather infrared images.
1. Thermography does not detect moisture. The infrared camera does not detect moisture, but does detect temperature differences on the surface of a material. The camera’s display shows all of the variations in temperatures across a surface as different colors in the display. In the situation where moisture in a material causes a temperature difference on the surface of the material, the infrared camera will display the wet surface areas in a distinct color from the dry surface areas.
2. Thermography does not see behind or inside materials. The infrared camera also does not display anything that is inside a wall, in the middle of a material, or beneath a surface. The camera shows infrared images, and infrared images are not X-ray images. The camera only shows what is happening with heat on a surface. Of course, what happens on a surface may suggest what is happening inside or underneath. Some of the temperature differences on the surface may possibly result from moisture behind, under, or inside a material.
Let SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex find hidden water with the FLIR E54 Advanced Thermal Imaging Camera!
If you have a water damage at your property, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex at 262.696.6336.
Cleaning Hacks
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
cleaning supplies
Cleaning does not have always have to be a chore. Actually it can be incredibly fun and enjoyable with these cleaning hacks.
Re-Use Those Old Toilet Paper Rolls
Don’t throw away those empty cardboard toilet paper rolls. These can be used a reliable vacuum ‘accessory’. Just tape on the empty roll to the end. Now you have a DIY hack that can help you get dust off of the tops of blinds, around picture frames and up into the light fixtures of your ceiling fans.
These empty rolls also work wonders when you are getting down spider webs. Instead of trying to clean the webs from the end of your hose, simply tear off the empty roll.
Use Vinegar
The common household vinegar is an incredible all-purpose cleaner. Don’t believe us? Grab yourself a spray bottle and spray some vinegar on some limescale and watch it wash right away. Of course it should be said the white normal table vinegar is best to clean not any of the others.
Don’t Forget the Dishwasher
Your dishwasher takes away a lot of the hassle of washing dishes by hand away. However, a lot of people neglect this beautiful machine. Cleaning your dishwasher doesn’t sound like a hack but you would be amazed how much cleaner your dishes will come out.
The easiest way to clean your dishwasher is put a ready made dishwasher cleaner inside, but if you want something a little more DIY try some baking soda inside and run as normal.
Man the Sink Stinks
Do you ever walk by the sink or maybe bathtub and wonder why it stinks? Well this is much more common than you would think. Bacteria loves wet areas and all the organic material is a non-stop buffet for them. The best thing to do is pour some vinegar down the drain. Another more organic way would be use those leftover lemon peels. Place a few down the drain and turn the garbage disposal on. Your sink will be smelling like fresh lemons.
Dish Soap Hacks
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
Hands and Soap
Trust us when we say we have plenty of experience cleaning and using soaps, but did you know you can use dish soap for more than washing dishes?
Kill Fruit Flies
Do you have a fruit fly problem? Well, I think we all do it from time to time. The simplest solution we have found is to fill a jar or bowl ¼ full of apple cider vinegar or old wine. Next, pour a bit of dish soap, maybe a spoonful or so in. Wrap the top with a bit of cling wrap and poke holes through it with a toothpick. The flies are attracted to the sweet smell of vinegar or wine, but the soap coats them and they cannot get back out.
Get Out Wine Stains
Everyone has a secret red wine stain remover. We have found that the best household cures are salt or dish soap. Yup, the simple dish soap with some cold water and get scrubbing. The stain comes out rather well as long as you get to it fast. As for the salt, you can pour salt directly over the stain and the salt will soak up all the excess wine. Afterward, there is a surprisingly small stain.
Keeping Weeds at Bay
There are few things worse than weeds creeping around your perfect garden. Well, a bottle of dish soap mixed with water can take care of a lot of common weeds. It is by no way as effective as a normal weed killer, but it also doesn’t have all the harmful chemicals.
Oil Stains
Like before with the wine, soap does wonders on oil stains. Think about what the dish soaps advertise, “Effective against grease and grime.” Well, grease is oil, so take some dish soap on those oil stains and watch them disappear.
Bubbles
Well, not everything should be serious. Grab some dish soap, water, and your kids and have fun in the backyard blowing some bubbles in the summer sun.
Christmas Fire Hazards
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
Cozy near a fire
Yup, it is almost that time of year and we all cannot wait. Spending time with the family around a nice warm fire with a glass of eggnog. The holidays are a beautiful time of year, but they can also be one of the most dangerous. All the cooking, candles, and Christmas lights can all cause quite a bit of damage if misused. So here are few ways to limit a chance of fire this Christmas season.
Cooking
When cooking your wonderful meal please double check to see if something is already in the oven before turning it on. This may sound like common sense but every year we see this as a common cause of kitchen fires.
Another common fire hazard while cooking is simply leaving to do something else. We all know time is crunched on Christmas, but leaving a stove with 4 pots and a full oven on while getting ready may not be the best idea.
Decorations
We (me especially) love the smell of Christmas candles. I normally have a few lit any chance I can. However one must make sure that they are not near curtains. Candles can cause a very large fire rather quickly and curtains tend to be the main culprit, at least in my experience.
Christmas lights are beautiful and thanks to LED technology they burn much less hot. Yay for technology, but they can still be a fire hazard if misused. Please always read the directions to see how many strands you can plug-in together safely.
Best Vacuuming Hacks
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
Re-Use Those Old Toilet Paper Rolls
Don’t throw away those empty cardboard toilet paper rolls. These can be used as a reliable vacuum ‘accessory’. Just tape on the empty roll to the end. Now you have a DIY hack that can help you get the dust off of the tops of blinds, around picture frames and up into the light fixtures of your ceiling fans.
These empty rolls also work wonders when you are getting down spider webs. Instead of trying to clean the webs from the end of your hose, simply tear off the empty roll.
Use Panty-Hose
Yup, you read that right! Sometimes we lose small earrings or jewelry in hard to reach places. Stick the panty-hose over the end of the vacuum tube and start sucking. The panty-hose will trap any small objects so they don’t fly into the vacuum chamber.
Add Some Smell
This one is genius. Grab yourself some laundry scent pellets, car scent tree, or even a stick of cinnamon. Place them in the vacuum filter and every time your vacuum your house will smell fresh and clean.
Clever Vinegar Uses
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
Vinegar
Yup the household white table vinegar is one of the best household cleaners in your kitchen. Here are 5 uses for that vinegar other than for food.
Cleaning Shower Heads
Showerheads are notoriously hard to clean and some houses have to be cleaned often due to hard water. Well, the easiest is taking the shower head off and dunk it in a bath of vinegar for 30 minutes. After that timer goes off you will have a like-new shower head.
Mirrors
Washing a mirror with water always leaves streaks. That is why we always grab that blue bottle of window wash. Well, next time try a bit of vinegar instead. It will leave a streak-free clean mirror without problem
Toilet
Yup that piece of bathroom furniture that may get the most use. I know when I pour chemicals into the toilet that they go directly into the lake eventually, so I tried a bit of vinegar instead. I was amazed at the results.
Washing Machine
Cleaning your washing machine more often will lead to cleaner and better-smelling clothes. The easiest way is pour some vinegar in the wash soap area, and turn the machine on the hottest setting. This will do wonders for your machine.
Suede
Take a stiff brush and buff the discolored area. Then, take a dry cloth and pat the area with distilled cleaning vinegar. Don’t mix with water; use straight vinegar! You may have to scrub hard to get rid of older stains.
Commercial Containment in Pewaukee, Wisconsin
11/24/2020 (Permalink)
Containment
Building containments is a crucial part of our restoration, remediation, and abatements projects. We often create containments to create control.
- Control over the drying time, especially in reducing it.
- Control over the air quality if mold or other pathogens are present.
- Control demolition dust and particles and prevent their spread throughout the property.
They are constructed from poly-sheeting, professional tape, and zippers. All material is CDC approved and highly durable.
Having containment present- if needed- is a critical step in drying your water damage or keeping you and the persons at the property safe!
If you have a water damage or suspect mold in your home, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336.
Estimates are always free and we are always here to help!
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
11/24/2020 (Permalink)
Thanksgiving Turkey
For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.
So keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.
Top 10 safety tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
*Source: nfpa.org
Carpet Cleaning
11/24/2020 (Permalink)
We have some customers who are religious about cleaning their carpets every year, but is there a sign of when to get your carpets cleaned? Well, we think so!
The most obvious sign of needing a professional clean is when you have stains. Stubborn stains are just that, stubborn, and sometimes they need professional attention.
A second sign is when looking at your carpet and think to yourself “It used to look better.” Well, it probably did and with a quick professional clean it can look new again.
The third sign is when your room smells a little “off.” This smell is often coming from the carpet and a good steam cleaning can freshen up the room in no time. While we are at it we can even embed a fresh scent into the carpet for extra freshness.
The last common sign is when you realize the vacuum cleaner just isn’t cutting it anymore. Hey, we have all been there. Dragging the vacuum over the carpet and seeing no difference.
Curious about carpet cleaning, give us a call for a free quote!
Commercial Carpet Clean
11/24/2020 (Permalink)
Before and after of a carpet clean
Why should your business have its carpeting cleaned often and professionally?
Carpeting and rugs are well known for hiding mold, dust, particle pollution and dirt. All of which can be terrible for your health! Cleaning the carpet will promote better indoor air quality, and will leave your carpeting or rugs clean and fresh.
Having the carpets professionally cleaned will improve the overall aesthetic of the property and maintain its appearance. Having dirty and not well- maintained carpeting can really give off a bad vibe and make the overall look of the property seem dirty. You want your business to give the best impression possible.
Regular cleaning of carpeting will also ensure that you are taking care of your initial investment. Proper care for carpeting will ensure that they stay fresh, clean and will look amazing throughout their lifetime.
If your business or home needs a carpet clean, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336!
Safe Practices for Deep Frying Turkey
11/11/2020 (Permalink)
Deep Frying a Turkey
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we would like to remind everyone to stay safe when it comes to their cooking! Whether you decide to bake the turkey or fry it, we hope that you will be mindful and do it safely.
Frying a turkey is a bit more challenging, especially if you have never done it. Thousands of fires as well as many deaths and injuries happen each year due to turkey fryer fires. Before you set up your turkey fryer this Thanksgiving, remember these safety tips.
Stay Away from The House – Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended.
Find Flat Ground – The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
Use a Thawed and Dry Turkey – Make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is completely thawed and dry. Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.
Monitor the Temp – Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil's temperature as many fryers do not have their own thermostats.
Be Prepared – Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.
*Source: pbs.org
Making a Plan/Kit For You & Your Pets for an Emergency
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Examples of kit items
Being prepared for an emergency event is a very responsible task you can do for you, your family, and your pets.
Make a Plan
Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.
If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.
Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.
If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:
- Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
- Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
- Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
- Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter.
- Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
- Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
- Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
- Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
- If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
- Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
- If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger.
Build a Kit
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list or download Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners-Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit List (PDF) to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be Ready.
Your pet kit should include:
- Food (at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container)
- Water (at least three days of water specifically for your pets)
- Medicines
- Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping)
- First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution and a pet first aid reference book)
- Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash
- Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down)
- Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
- A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics)
- Familiar items (treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet)
Being safe and prepared is not only a good idea, but a safe one.
*Source: ready.gov
Fire Safety at Your Campsite
6/23/2020 (Permalink)
Learn and practice proper campfire safety
With summer upon us and loads of people wanting to get out of their houses amid the coronavirus, camping and the good ole outdoors has taken famously with the public. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex would like to remind you of some basics when it comes to maintaining and extinguishing your campfire at your campsite. It is your responsibility to maintain and extinguish it to prevent wildfires.
- Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials won’t burn and dead standing trees are often homes for birds and other wildlife.
- Once you have a strong fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily.
- Don’t burn dangerous things like aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode, shatter and/or create harmful fumes or dust.
- Keep your fire to a manageable size.
- Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Allow the wood to burn completely to ash.
- Pour lots of water on the fire. Drown ALL embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sound stops.
- If you do not have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.
- With your shovel, scrape any remaining sticks and logs to remove any embers. Make sure that no embers are exposed and still smoldering.
- Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool.
If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave
Keeping these steps and reminders in mind will not only keep you safe, but keep the campground or nature area you are visiting safe as well!
*Source: smokeybear.com
IICRC Certified Firm
6/16/2020 (Permalink)
We are IICRC Certified
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex 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 Pewaukee & Sussex
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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 Type of Equipment is Used to Detect Moisture in my Pewaukee Home
6/16/2020 (Permalink)
Moisture Meter
Once a water damage hits your home or commercial property, our crew will come out to evaluate the damage. Water damage restoration requires the use of certain equipment. This may include detection devices, extraction equipment, air moving and dehumidification equipment, as well as safety equipment. Simply having access to the right equipment is only part of the process.
Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure into which water has intruded and defining the extent to which structure and contents have absorbed moisture beyond normal moisture levels. Various devices allow a water damage restoration professional to track moisture within a structure. These devices include the following:
- Moisture sensors
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Moisture meters
- Thermo-hygrometers
Moisture Sensors
The moisture sensor is used to detect moisture in carpets and padding. The moisture sensor has sharp probes that penetrate through carpets and pad to determine if water has migrated on the subfloor underneath.
Thermal Imaging Camera
Thermal imaging cameras (also called infrared cameras) are utilized for inspecting and monitoring moisture in building materials. They can show how water traveled throughout a structure, and many times they can indicate moisture that otherwise may have never been discovered. At the end of the project, they provide excellent documentation or proof that drying was successfully completed. Technically, thermal cameras do not display moisture images, but rather infrared images.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are utilized to measure the actual moisture content or level of various materials. Some meters are calibrated to measure specific materials; for example, a moisture meter calibrated for drywall will not accurately read moisture content in wood materials. Some meters are adjustable for different types of materials, such as a meter that can be adjusted for both wood and drywall. There are penetrating and non- penetrating moisture meters.
Thermo-Hygrometers
A thermo-hygrometer (sometimes referred to as hygrometers) measures the relative humidity and temperature of air masses. Some thermo-hygrometers also give the restorer the humidity ratio, vapor pressure, and dew point.
If you have a water damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex. We are always open and always ready to help!
262.696.6336
What Equipment is used to Extract Water from my Pewaukee or Sussex Home After a Flood?
6/16/2020 (Permalink)
Carpet Wand extracting water cause by a flood in a Pewaukee residence.
Water Damage Caused by Flooding
Once your home or commercial property gets water damage due to flooding, our crew will come out to access the damage. We will need to extract the water from your property because extraction is a critical step to removing moisture from a structure. The more excess water restorers remove with extraction equipment, the less time they will spend to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture with drying equipment. Various types of extraction tools are used to remove water from flooring. These are:
- extraction units
- light wands
- deep extraction tools
- submersible pumps
Extraction Units
Extractors can be portable units or large truck-mounted units.
A portable extractor is extremely flexible since it can be taken into almost any area of the structure. They do require electricity to operate, so power will have to be provided from the facility or a generator.
Truck-mounted extractors offer a more powerful vacuum compared to portables. They run off the work vehicle’s fuel, so no on-site power is needed
Light Wands
Light wands or “carpet wands” are used for water extraction. The light wand is appropriate for the initial water removal and extracting water from glue-down carpet. It is also effective in removing residual water on the surface of carpets after a stationary tool has been used. When the pad is being removed, the light wand is appropriate since you are not trying to remove all the water from the pad.
Deep Extraction Tools
There are various types of deep extraction tools that can be attached to an extractor.
Self-propelled extraction tools are powered by an independent motor that moves the unit over carpet at a consistent rate. These devices compress carpet and pad, squeeze out water, and remove water through the vacuum system of an extractor.
Stationary tools are able to extract water from carpet and pad using only the weight of the water damage restoration professional standing upon the device. A vacuum system is attached to the device, pulling water through a series of tiny holes in the base of the unit. Stationary tools are available in various sizes.
If you have water damage due to a flood in your Pewaukee or Sussex home, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.
262.696.6336.
Storm Damage at your Pewaukee or Sussex Property
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
Projected landfall path for Hurricane Cristobal
Tropical Storm Cristobal
Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to track into Wisconsin on Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and gusting winds. Only three tropical systems are known to have found their way into Wisconsin, so this is a very unique event. The expected path appears to have Cristobal tracking into the state from southwest to northeast. That could mean areas could get 1 to 2 inches of rain with the possibility of localized flooding. There's also the potential of severe weather on Wednesday, which could mean tornadoes in the area.
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has years of experience in mitigating water damages. If your Pewaukee, Wisconsin and surrounding area's home encounters a water damage due to the upcoming storm, please do not hesitate to call us.
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex 262.696.6336.
Drying out your Sussex or Pewaukee Commercial Property
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
Specialty drying equipment used at commercial property.
At some point every commercial property has not had a water damage whether it is a busted pipe, a toilet overflowing, etc. Once you get the main source of water shut off, you have to have experts come and dry the affected area and fast!
You are definitely going to want professionals to handle this type of job. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has the staff, equipment and knowledge you need to help solve your problem and fast. Drying out your commercial property and the contents within and doing so quickly is essential.
Every water damage situation is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment
Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Step 5: Cleaning and Repair
Step 6: Restoration
If you have had a water damage at your commercial property, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336. We have a highly trained staff that are ready to go 24/7/365!
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures 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 hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex today at 262.696.6336 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
Water Damage? We Can Dry It.
5/27/2020 (Permalink)
Intricate Specialty Drying
We Can Dry It
A sprinkler head in a local gym had busted due to cold weather in Sussex, Wisconsin. Due to the nature of the water damage and the facility that it occurred in, intricate specialty drying was set up and used in order to dry the affected materials in a timely manner to minimize any additional disruption to business. The photo shows the tubing drying system SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex used to dry the affected areas under & around a custom-built raised floor. It doesn't matter what it is that needs to be dried, SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex can dry it. In this case, drying was much more cost effective and saved them time as well as money versus having to replace the affected materials.
If you have a water damage at your commercial or residential property, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336.
As Businesses Reopen, Protect Yourself.
5/27/2020 (Permalink)
Protect yourself against Covid- 19.
We are all well aware of Covid-19 and all the devastation it has caused. Recently, states are beginning to open up, and in the Pewaukee, Wisconsin area, that news holds true. So what if you aren't comfortable yet to go back to work? What if you are still a little scared? You can ease some of this worry by making sure to protect yourself.
CDC Recommendations
The CDC Recommends several precautions you can do for yourself:
- Social Distance. Try and maintain at least 6 feet apart from everyone. Will this may be hard at work, try to adhere to it.
- Wash your hands! And regularly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean high touch/ traffic areas and surfaces regularly.
Here at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex, we hope you remain healthy and safe.
Sump Pump Failures in Pewaukee
5/22/2020 (Permalink)
Sump Pump located in a homeowner's basement
Sump Pump Basics
A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.
Sump pumps are used where basement flooding happens regularly and to solve dampness where the water table is above the foundation of a home. Sump pumps send water away from a house to any place where it is no longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.
Why do Sump Pumps fail?
- Sump Pump is having to constantly run
- You have an overworked Sump Pump
- Sump Pump loses power
- Clogged Sump Pump
- Clogged discharge lines
- Your Sump Pump is Defective
- It was installed incorrectly
- Lack of Maintenance
What happens if my Sump Pump fails and causes damage?
If you your sump pump does fail and floods your basement causing water damage, then give us a call! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. 262.696.6336.
Flooded Basements in Pewaukee/ Waukesha/ Sussex Area
5/22/2020 (Permalink)
This Pewaukee home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Pewaukee or Sussex basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 262.696.6336.
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 262.696.6336
Water Damage Statistics
5/20/2020 (Permalink)
Here is an example of Water Damage
Water problems are a nightmare for homeowners, especially when those problems then lead to significant flooding. Flooding, plumbing leaks, and water damage can happen at any time. Due to this, your valuables, textiles, and furnishings can be be damaged. Basements and lower levels of a home are especially susceptible to this type of damage.
Numerical Water Damage Statistics
98% of basements in the US will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans.
37% of US homeowners have suffered loses from water damage
14,000 Americans have some type of water damage emergency at home or work EACH DAY.
2.5 Billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the US.
6,965 is the average cost of a residential water damage insurance claim
Have a Water Damage?
As water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and training to help get your property dried quickly and thoroughly.
Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex at 262.696.6336.
Mold Remediation
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
Mold Present in Attic
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.This is why you should call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.
Consider 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 specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 262.696.6336
Volunteer Week 2020
5/1/2020 (Permalink)
One of our crew disinfecting the firetruck.
Coming Together
We love Volunteer week. It is all about showing appreciation for volunteerism. Given the uncertain times we are currently facing, volunteering could not be more important to our community. It's such a sight to behold seeing how all of America has come together.
Here at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex, we really wanted to volunteer last year by giving back to some of our local first responders. The country is so grateful for everything they are doing and have been doing during the Covid-19 Pandemic. We got the opportunity to do this by being able to disinfect three of our local fire stations, a police station and their emergency vehicles. What better way to show your appreciation by helping to keep them safe.
We are proud to be able to give back to those who give most! Thanks for all you do Pewaukee & Sussex first responders!
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is always #HeretoHelp
We are Cleaning Experts
4/20/2020 (Permalink)
We are always Here to Help. We remain OPEN as our employees and services are essential!
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, 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 perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages 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 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 SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex. 262.696.6336.
What is Biohazard Cleanup?
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazard cleanup, put simply, is the cleaning, sanitation, and deodorizing of areas where a traumatic events such as an accident, injury or death has occurred. Usually this means dealing with blood, human or animal remains, chemical spills, and more. This also includes cleaning up after a crime scene, since it is up to the property owner to find biohazard cleaning services. Keep in mind that a professional cleanup team can only begin after the police have gathered enough evidence related to the incident.
Does Biohazard Cleanup Require Certification?
There is no “Biohazard Technician” certification, however, OSHA does require technicians to properly wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with bloodborne pathogens. PPE helps ensure the safety of our workers. This equipment helps prevent hazardous material from contacting the body through the skin, eyes, mouth, nose or any other area. Although PPE varies from job to job, it should always include gloves, a hazardous material body-suit, and a respirator.
Our Biohazard Cleanup Process
- First, our remediation crew identifies the affected areas and determines the scope of the work. Once the plan is agreed upon, the remediation begins as quickly as possible.
- Technicians always put the focus on both their safety and that of other individuals at the cleanup site.
- Next, they remove all potentially infectious materials from the site.
- Hazardous medical waste, such as: bodily fluids, or items that contain potential health hazards, are handled following OSHA regulations. We then send them to a licensed Medical Incinerator.
- We remove porous materials like fabric and carpeting following both industry and state regulations.
- Non-hazardous materials are decontaminated if they are salvageable.
- After the cleanup and sanitization, we thoroughly deodorize the affected areas.
- Removing contaminated materials, then cleaning and sanitizing is usually enough to control odors.However, in rare cases, the crew will use hydroxyls or ozone to ensure the odor is eliminated.
Check Your Smoke Detector
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
The importance of checking your smoke detector
Everyone hears how important a working smoke detector is, but few take the time to make sure theirs is working properly. Me personally I grew up a firefighter's son so you betcha we had our smoke alarms regularly checked and we even had fire drills in our house so we know where to go and meet if something unfortunate did occur.
You like the majority of people out there who take this small white circle on their ceiling for granted, but it has saved countless numbers of lives. I remember when I was a tween and eating breakfast one morning that I smelled something funny coming from the basement and as I turned the corner I saw a huge amount of smoke. Simultaneously as I saw this smoke our smoke detector went off and we all went outside. Luckily for us, the fire was contained inside our heater. Since this day I have never taken for granted this small circle on my ceiling, as I will always remember the fright I felt as I saw the smoke and how this beeping perhaps saved our family.
5 Tips to Stop Frozen Pipes
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Don't Let Your Pipes Freeze On You This Winter
The cold weather is about to begin and it is not all fun and games as our kids like us to believe.Your houseful of pipes are definitely not looking forward to the winter season. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex have handled a countless number of broken and busted pipes from the freezing weather every year. Trust us, you are not alone, every year, over 250,000 properties suffer water damage from frozen pipes that burst (Federal Emergency Management Association). SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex are sharing these tips to prevent frozen pipes that may lead to water damage.
Preventing Pipes from Freezing in Wisconsin (Easier Than You Think):
- Take a peak in the attic and basement especially near exterior walls and see if the pipes are insulated.
- Wrap uninsulated pipes with pipe insulation, you can pick this up at every hardware store
- If your Attic and Basement are poorly insulated, take a gander to the hardware store and get some insulation to keep the inside of your house a bit warmer. This tip also saves you money on your energy bill.
- Every few days turn on those faucets, even if you do not use them just to keep the water moving through the pipes
- Probably one of the big culprits is the outside hose. Make sure to turn off the water to the outside as this will always be the most likely to freeze.
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