Why SERVPRO?? You have a smell...What could it be?

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Girl experiencing an odor

You only have one chance to make a first impression with visitors to your home or business.  If you have a moist basement or even if you had water come through a door or window and it wasn't thoroughly and properly dried out, you could have mold.  One indicator can be the smell, some people describe as "musty".

While molds are found naturally in the environment, an overabundance inside buildings is undesirable; some people can become ill.   People most at risk are infants, children, pregnant women, elderly and people with compromised respiratory systems or weakened immune system.

 Although experts disagree about the more controversial details of mold, they all agree that if you have excessive mold, it needs to be removed.

SERVPRO of  Southeast Milwaukee County has the proper equipment and experience to take care of your mold problem - big or small.  Just give us a call!

5 Ways to Protect Your Property from Storm Damage

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

house with down tree from a storm

Springtime in Wisconsin marks the start of storm season. You never know how severe the storms will be from year to year, but damaged property can be a costly consequence.

Luckily a little bit of planning  goes a long way when it comes to minimizing the damage to your home or business. Here are five ways you can keep your property as safe as possible when a storm hits:

1. Check for Dead, Decaying, or Untrimmed Trees

Any trees in your yard that are dead, hollowed, or decaying from disease are easy targets for strong winds and rains during a storm.­ Falling trees can cause significant damage to your property. If you have several trees in your yard, it may be best to hire a tree expert to inspect them.

2. Inspect Your Foundation and Roof

Check your home or building’s foundation for any cracks or areas where storm water could seep in. It’s also wise to inspect your roof each year to make sure you catch any minor damage before it can get serious. Do it yourself if you have a proper ladder and safety equipment, or hire  a professional. Check for any damaged or missing shingles; if you have siding, it’s good to check and replace any loose pieces, too.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Dirty or clogged gutters are a main culprit of water leaks into your basement or home. Make sure they are free from debris so the storm water can safely flow away from your home or building’s foundation.

4. Check You Water Flow, Sump Pump, and Shut-Off Situation

Make sure your property is graded to allow water to flow away from your home or building during a storm. It’s good to check that your sump pump is in working order; if it backs up it can cause basement flooding. Know ahead of time how to shut off utilities like your water or power to ensure you’re ready and safer during a severe storm.

5. Seal Your Doors and Windows

Keep your doors and windows sealed, as they can be a gateway to major damage in the event of a storm. Severe winds from a tornado can cause a tiny opening in your windows or doors to enlarge and let enough wind inside to cause damage to your walls and roof.

After a Storm Hits, SERVPRO is Here for You

If your property incurs any damage or flooding after a severe thunderstorm or tornado, SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County is here to help. Our team is dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies—this helps lessen the damage, limits further damage, and reduces your costs. Trust our 24/7 service whenever you need us at (414) 421-3500.

Emergency Supply Kit

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Supplies for an emergency

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Hygiene items
• Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information.
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

We hope you never need this list, but it's important to be prepared and make sure everyone in your family knows where to find your emergency kit as well as where your family is going to meet in the event of an emergency.

For Homeowners, putting out a fire can be worse than the fire itself

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Residential Home Fire

A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over the homeowners after a fire ravages a home.  fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.

So after the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County help you restore it.  With the industry-approved training to employ rapid response, the utmost professionalism, cutting-edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home, but the customer's peach of mind, as well.

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  Our professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration.  these service help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible,

Clean Homes Sell Faster

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Person that just bought a home

It is a fact:  A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster.  Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way.  Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show.

Your sellers may have trouble spots to address before you list or schedule a home inspection.  The clients may choose to handle these issues themselves to avoid filing an insurance claim for the damage because it may not be covered by their policy and can affect the home's CLUE report.  CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database which records reported loss and damage information, and it is utilized by more that 80% of insurance companies.  Unfavorable CLUE reports can lead to increased premiums and policy renewal issues to property owners.

Whether the problem is a water stain on a hardwood floor or a mildew smell in the basement, reassure your clients that SERVPRO can get their home in top show condition and ready to sell.

Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

• Increased market value
• Shortened list to sale conversion times
• Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales.

SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County offers a variety of services to help revive your listings to op show condition:

• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapery and Blind Cleaning
• Ceiling, Wall and Hard Floor Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation.

Call us today!

Why Choose Us

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

lady concerned after a water loss

If you’re in need of disaster repair SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County team is here to help. Each and every one of our professionals are highly trained in property restoration to better serve our community. From initial and ongoing corporate training to regular e-training and continuing education classes, you can trust that your SERVPRO Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle your disaster, no matter the size. 

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the governing body that sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. All members of the SERVPRO team study IICRC standards and best practices to know how to restore damaged properties correctly. The certifications include: 

Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): This course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform the proper procedures in the field to keep all workers and occupants safe.

Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD): Through this training, technicians learn how to dry water-damaged structures safely and efficiently.

Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT): This course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT): Through this training, technicians learn about smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, odor concepts, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings.

Odor Control Technician (OCT): This course covers odor control, odor causes, and deodorization techniques.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT): Throughout this training, technicians go over fiber identifications and upholstery cleaning methods.

Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT): During this course, trainees learn about the concepts of water damage, its effects in different settings, and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination.

At SERVPRO, we understand that having the knowledge and training to handle an array of damages and disasters is crucial to meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers when the restoration is required. Our extensive SERVPRO training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training: This voluntary, self-paced program allows our professionals to learn more about crew training, fire restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and mold mitigation.
• Initial Franchise Training: This 15-day hands-on course at our training facility allows new franchise owners to master topics such as fire restoration and mold mitigation.
• e-Learnings: Through this web-based training, team members can stay up-to-date on industry standards and professional quality.
• Continuing Education Classes: These programs are designed for insurance agents, adjusters, real estate professionals, and franchise staff to learn more about emergency mitigation.

As your Milwaukee County disaster repair professionals, you can trust that we have the equipment and personnel to handle your cleanup and restoration needs. Often people will try to tackle their flood, mold, or fire issues without realizing that they will most likely do more harm than good without the appropriate technology and safety procedures. When you work with SERVPRO, you can trust that our services will restore your damaged property, while also keeping you, your family, and your belongings safe. Regardless of the cause or source, our team can handle any sized disaster.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been changing the restoration and mitigation industry. To better serve our customers, SERVPRO created the National Training Center in 1992 to teach restoration and mitigation skills to franchise owners and insurance industry employees. Through professional training, our team is uniquely positioned and qualified to help when disaster strikes. Not only is our team trained in the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry, but we're also the ones who created them.

As a homeowner, having a certified team completing your damage restoration ensures that your home is safe and sound for you and your family. From your carpet to your ceiling and everywhere in between, our team has the expertise and tools so that you don’t have to worry about safety when playing with the kids on your living room carpet or preparing dinner on your kitchen counters. Whether it’s mold or fire that affects your home, our team will restore each and every piece to its pre-damage glory.

To learn more about our services, training, certifications, or processes, contact your Southeastern Milwaukee County disaster restoration professionals today!

Restaurant Cleanliness and Operational Success During COVID

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

restaurant owner

Because of these challenging and ongoing COVID times, cleanliness standards for your restaurant, bar, or café are higher than ever. Along with that, it’s also important to stay abreast of changing rules and regulations so you can adapt quickly to keep your business open and thriving. These tips will help you examine where you’re at and build off of what you’re doing to stay successful until that unforeseen yet glorious time when the pandemic is behind us.

Communicating to Staff and Customers

If your restaurant is still in business, you’ve successfully been communicating with your customers and employees. From schedule changes to new roles and responsibilities, continue to keep your staff informed of any changes so your business can stay nimble and successful. Leveraging your online presence is the best way to keep everyone informed. You’ve likely been keeping customers in the loop through your online efforts. But beyond just having your website and any social media platforms up and running, you need to update them regularly to reflect any changes in your hours, menu offerings, or delivery options. Make sure customers know exactly how to place an online order and how they can receive their food (die-in, carryout or curbside delivery). The good news is that this pandemic to-date has likely boosted your online presence as customers rely on it more than ever.

Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing All Surfaces in Your Restaurant

From the CDC and OSHA to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are several resources available where you can get specific guidance on how to keep your restaurant, bar, or café clean and safe. For example, the CDC recommends you wipe down “high-touch” surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, and counters with disinfectants that effectively kill the virus that causes COVID. The WHO recommends that you keep all food between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit to kill most viruses, so proper dishwashing and cooking practices are enough to eliminate most risks. You’ve already had to create a new cleaning strategy for COVID, so now is a good time to evaluate what you’re doing and see where you can make improvements.

Practicing Good Handwashing and Hand Hygiene

Just like in non-COVID times, good handwashing and hand hygiene are critical to keeping everyone safe in your food service business. Proper handwashing—frequently and properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—and wearing gloves  to prevent cross-contamination is so important. Your employees’ health and safety should be your main priority. When they stay safe and healthy, you can stay open and keep your customers safe, too.

Staying Organized

In addition to the critical task of cleaning your business, it’s also important to stay organized. From staffing changes to offerings, you’ve already had to rethink your internal processes throughout the course of this pandemic. But as our situation with COVID continues to remain fluid, it’s important to review your processes regularly and always be open to change. The faster you can adapt; the smoother your operations will be as you navigate the future. 

COVID and Next-Level Cleaning is Our Specialty  

Cleaning is what you do daily to keep your restaurant, bar, or café open, but there are times when your operation needs that next level of clean. That’s when you can rely on SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County. Our expertise , equipment, and offerings like ultrasonic cleaning, provide that protection against the risk of COVID and other diseases spreading in your facility. Call  (414) 421-3500 to schedule your no-obligation cleaning consultation today.

Watch vs. Warning

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

storm clouds

Based on information provided by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), please be aware of the following distinctions.

A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder.  Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning.

A thunderstorm is classified as "severe" when it contains one or more of the following:  Hail (one inch or greater), Winds in excess of 58 mph, Structural wind damage or a tornado.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds.  A watch is issued by the SPC (Storm Prediction Center).

A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent based on Doppler radar information or a reliable spotter report.  A warning is issued by the local National Weather Service.

After the Storm

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

after the storm graphic

Be careful to take certain precautions after the store has passed.  Damage to your home can have a dramatic, emotional impact, and it's best to have a plan before the store strikes on how to proceed when it's over.  Having a plan, and being aware of certain risks, will minimize the threat to you or your family.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Have a portable radio with fresh batteries on hand, and stay tuned to local news organizations for important announcements, bulletins and instructions.
• Remember that you may not have immediate access to your home.  Roads could be blocked and power lines could be down.
• Make sure you have current identification.
• Avoid driving as roads may be blocked.
• Avoid sight-seeing or entering a storm affected area
• Avoid downed power lines
• Avoid metal fences and other metal objects
• Do NOT use matches in a store affected area until all gas lines are checked for leaks - keep flashlights and plenty of batteries on hand.
• Use a camera to record thoroughly any damage done to you home before any repairs are attempted.
• In certain areas, the flooding rains that accompany a store can create pest problems.  Be aware of potential pest problems in your area., such as mice, rats, insects or snakes that may have "come with the storm".
• Use your phone only for emergencies.
• Assume the water is not safe and use properly store water.

These are just a few ideas to be thinking about before and after a server storm hits.  

Government Facilities have to stay open

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

city hall sign

When disaster strikes a government facility, SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County  answers the call quickly to access the damage and start mitigation procedures, helping ensure minimum service interruption and lower recovery costs.  We understand that when a government facility needs to be cleaned or restored, it needs to stay open and we work with you to ensure you can do just that!

SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County responds to disaster situations with the right personnel and equipment to provide timely mitigation - the key to controlling damage, lowering recovery costs and minimizing interruption to the public and employees.  From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility's janitorial service, SERVPRO is committed to a timely response and total customer satisfaction.

SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County specialize in:

• Fire, Smoke & Soot Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation & Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move Outs & Contents Restoration
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blind Cleaning
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floor cleaning
• Deodorization

You can trust the team at SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County!