Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Making Insurance Claims Simple, Thanks to SERVPRO® | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
Facing down the reality of a disaster can be really scary, especially if your friends and family are involved and their safety is at risk. While you focus on getting everyone to a safe location, it is a grim reality to watch your home or property suffer serious damage.
Even though it is true that your safety and the safety of those around you is always the most important thing, that doesn’t change the fact that at some point you will have to turn your focus to recovering from the disaster situation.
That’s where our team comes in! We are proud to be here for all of your restoration needs as well as the other, more complicated parts of recovery, like navigating insurance claims.
The Road Toward RecoveryAll home disasters are different, but they are all impactful and come with their own considerations. Your first priority should always be keeping your family safe, and then you should make sure to check on your neighbors if the disaster spread further than just your own home.
Once everyone has been communicated with and no one needs emergency services, now is the time to turn your attention to recovery. The longer you wait, the worse your home damage can become. This can lead to more expensive repairs or even situations that become permanent in your home.
Get us on the phone right away and then take some photos of the damage that you can see. While we work on getting together a restoration team and your recovery plan, you can help this process along by documenting the damage for your insurance company. You should also take any minor steps to prevent more damage, like shutting off water valves or turning off electricity to the affected area.
Recovery and DocumentationOur team is proud to be a one-stop-shop when it comes to your restoration needs. We will focus first on securing the damaged part of your home by boarding windows, laying down tarps and protecting your belongings. Our highly trained team can help you recover from whatever disaster situation you are involved in, plus we come with the added benefit of helping you navigate the confusing world of insurance claims.
Our team will prioritize cataloging your possessions and be sure to list any losses, and we will also take our own professional photos at this time. All of this, combined with the images that you took, will give your insurance company a great place to start when it comes to your claim. We will also be sure to work according to the insurance inspection standards to help lower your potential costs overall.
Your home or business matters to us, and we want to be there to help you recover. Contact us day or night for immediate restoration assistance, and we will help you take care of every aspect of your recovery.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Why Having a Local Restoration Team Is Everything | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/15/2023 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex!
No one wants to think about disaster striking unexpectedly. Homes can be damaged, businesses can be destroyed and lives can be flipped upside down.
Even when we are prepared and know what is coming, it can still be frustrating to see the damage all around you knowing that you can’t do anything to stop it.
No matter what happens in your home, recovering faster always becomes the top priority. That’s where we come in! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex will be there faster to help you recover.
Making the Right Restoration ChoiceExperiencing a home disaster is often an overwhelming experience and can lead to all kinds of emotions and frustrating feelings. This is why having a reliable and friendly restoration team matters! We can make your recovery process much easier.
You want to get back to your normal life as fast as possible, which makes choosing the right restoration team so important. The company you choose should have extensive experience, training and good reviews from previous customers.
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex does all of this and more! We are also locally owned and operated, which means that we can be there faster no matter what time of day it is. We will respond at 2 a.m. to a serious water disaster or head across town during rush hour to get to you after a house fire.
Our crew will be dedicated to your entire recovery from start to finish. We have a lot of training under our belts that will help us navigate your restoration with ease.
Experience You Can TrustWhile having a local crew come to your home is important, it is also important to have the resources you need in order to completely recover. SERVPRO® proudly comes with the added benefit of being backed by a national leading brand. That means that the size of your disaster won’t matter! We will have the resources and team we need to handle your recovery.
SERVPRO has been in business since 1967 and quickly became an industry leader in the restoration business. Today, there are more than 2,000 locations all around the nation, including ours locally owned and operated right here in the Pewaukee and Sussex area.
Our team is the total package when it comes to restoration and cleaning up after disasters. We have the training you deserve and the experience you can rely on to ensure your reconstruction goes smoothly. Every one of our employees is trained on how to tackle every aspect of your disaster, and we only use the top-of-the-line equipment on your project.
With our rich history and reliable team that loves the Pewaukee and Sussex area just like you do, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands with us.
Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.
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.
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!
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 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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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