6 Risks Associated with DIY Sewage and Water Damage Restoration

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Water or Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331 Proudly serving Dane County, Madison, WI 24/7, IICRC Certified Firm

Dealing with sewage and water damage in your Madison, WI area home or property can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. While it may be tempting to tackle the cleanup process yourself, it's important to understand the potential hazards involved. Sewage and water damage restoration require specialized knowledge, equipment, and training to ensure the safety of both you and your property. In this blog post, we will explore the risks associated with cleaning sewage and water damage without professional assistance.

1. Contamination and Health Risks: Sewage water contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can pose serious health risks. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to diseases such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and respiratory infections. Without proper protective gear and disinfection techniques, you risk coming into direct contact with hazardous substances, potentially compromising your health and well-being.
2. Structural Damage Assessment: Water damage can weaken the structural integrity of your property. It's crucial to assess the extent of the damage accurately and identify any hidden structural issues. SERVPRO of Dane County West professionals are trained in water damage restoration have the expertise to identify structural damage, detect potential hazards, and develop appropriate restoration plans. Without this knowledge, you may overlook critical damage, leading to further deterioration and costly repairs down the line.
3. Mold Growth and Air Quality: Water damage, if not addressed promptly and correctly, can create an ideal environment for mold growth. Mold can spread quickly and release spores into the air, leading to respiratory issues and allergies. SERVPRO of Dane County West has the necessary equipment to detect and mitigate mold growth effectively. They can also ensure proper drying and dehumidification, minimizing the risk of mold infestation and maintaining good indoor air quality.
4. Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity do not mix well, and attempting to clean up water damage without professional guidance can put you at risk of electrical hazards. If water has come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, it can lead to electrical shocks and fires. Professionals understand the necessary safety protocols and can ensure that all electrical systems are safely managed during the restoration process.
5. Proper Equipment and Techniques: Restoring water damage involves using specialized equipment and techniques that are not readily available to the average homeowner. SERVPRO of Dane County West has industrial-grade pumps, dehumidifiers, moisture meters, and other tools necessary for effective water extraction, drying, and restoration. Their expertise in using this equipment ensures a thorough and efficient restoration process.
6. Insurance Coverage: SERVPRO of Dane County West will document the damage accurately, provide detailed reports, and work directly with your insurance provider. Their experience in navigating the claims process can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for the damage sustained.

When faced with sewage or water damage, it is vital to prioritize safety and enlist the help of a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Dane County West. Attempting to clean up sewage and water damage without the necessary expertise and equipment can lead to health risks, structural damage, mold growth, electrical hazards, and inadequate restoration. By relying on SERVPRO of Dane County West professionals, you can rest assured that the cleanup and restoration process will be conducted safely, effectively, and with minimal risk to your health and property.

9 Grilling Safety Tips

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, Soot, or Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

It's barbecue season! Before you fire up the grill and enjoy some tasty treats, let's talk about grilling safety. Here are some essential tips to ensure a sizzling and safe grilling experience:

1. Location Matters: Set up your grill in an open, well-ventilated area, away from structures, trees, and combustible materials. Keep a safe distance to prevent fire hazards.
2. Proper Maintenance: Regularly clean your grill to prevent grease buildup, which can lead to flare-ups and potential fires. Check gas connections for leaks and ensure all parts are in good working condition.
3. Stay Attentive: Never leave your grill unattended while it's in use. A moment's distraction can lead to accidents. Keep an eye on the flames and stay focused on the task at hand.
4. Keep a Safe Zone: Create a safe zone around the grill, free from children, pets, and foot traffic. Establish boundaries to prevent accidental contact and burns.
5. Safe Ignition: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting your grill. Avoid using excessive lighter fluid, and never add it to an already lit fire. Opt for long-handled lighters or ignition systems for added safety.
6. Tools and Utensils: Use long-handled grilling tools to keep a safe distance from the heat. Avoid using flammable materials or loose clothing that could catch fire.
7. Fire Extinguisher Ready: Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Water may not be effective for grease fires, so a fire extinguisher specifically designed for cooking fires is recommended.
8. Proper Extinguishing: When you're done grilling, make sure to properly extinguish the flames. For charcoal grills, close the vents and let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. For gas grills, turn off the burners and close the gas valve.
9. Grill Cleaning Safety: Wait for the grill to cool down before cleaning it. Use appropriate cleaning tools and wear protective gloves to avoid burns or injuries.

Remember, safety should always be the main ingredient in your grilling adventures. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious grilled food while keeping your loved ones and property protected. Happy grilling! 

Plan for a Fire-Free Spring in Dane County, WI

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

Have Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

Keep Madison, Wisconsin Fire-Free this Spring!

The Spring season brings warmer temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.

By following these steps, you can help prevent wildfires and ensure a fire-free spring.

• Clear debris and flammable materials around your home: Remove dry leaves, twigs, and other debris from around your home and yard. Trim trees and shrubs that are near your home to reduce the risk of fire.
• Check your smoke detectors: Ensure that your smoke detectors are in working condition and have fresh batteries. This is a crucial step to alert you in case of fire.
• Don't burn debris: Burning yard waste is a common cause of wildfires. Avoid burning yard waste, especially on windy days, and instead dispose of it safely.
• Be careful with outdoor fires: If you plan on having an outdoor fire, use a fire pit or designated area. Keep a water source nearby to put out the fire and don't leave it unattended.
• Follow local fire safety regulations: Check with your local fire department for any restrictions or regulations on burning or outdoor fires.
• Be cautious with cigarette butts: Don't toss cigarette butts out of your car window or on the ground. Ensure that they are fully extinguished before discarding them in a proper ashtray.
• Prepare a fire safety plan: Create a fire safety plan for your home and discuss it with your family. This should include an escape route, meeting spot, and contact information for emergency services.

We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to pre-fire condition.

• SERVPRO of Dane County West is an IICRC Certified Firm including technicians certified in the following:
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Odor Control
• Water Damage Restoration
• Applied Structural Drying
• Biohazard
• Mold remediation

• In addition to IICRC Certifications, we have licensed General Contractors specializing in rebuilding water or fire-damaged homes back to their preloss condition. General Contractor License #1317784

Should you experience fire, water, smoke, or soot damage, we’re fire and water damage specialists in the Dane County, Madison, WI area.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Process

How Do I Remove Soot Residues from a Fire in My Dane County, WI Property?

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

#SootRemoval, #SootCleanup, #FireMitigation, #SmokeDamage, #SmokeCleanup, #FireDamageRestoration

A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over the property owner after a fire ravages your home or office. SERVPRO of Dane County West can bring Your Dane County, WI Property back to its preloss condition.

The first 48 hours after fire damage can differentiate between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. As fire makes its way through a home, it consumes building materials and contents, leaving chemicals and compounds floating in the air and adhering to many surfaces.

Due to the unique behavior of smoke, fire damage restoration can be an intricate process. When smoke settles on a surface, it is soot. Not all soot is the same nor can it be cleaned the same way.

Types of Soot

Soot has three main types--dry, wet, and protein-based, the latter from cooking fires.

Dry Soot Mitigation

Dry soot is powdery and easily removable. It is typically caused by burning natural materials like wood or paper and responds well to cleaning by brushing, dry chemical sponging, vacuuming, and feather or cloth dusting.

Wet Soot Mitigation

Wet soot, on the other hand, is sticky and smears when wiped. It is typically caused by burning synthetic materials like plastics or rubber and is more difficult to clean. Wet soot can also be more damaging than dry soot, as it can penetrate deep into porous surfaces and cause discoloration or staining.

If your home or business suffers a fire, soot, or smoke damage, call (608) 497-3331 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

The post-fire mitigation process

Do You Have Flooding from Storm Damage in Madison, WI?

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Have A Storm or Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West (608) 497-3331

SERVPRO® of Dane County West is Here To Help® (608) 497-3331!  

The SERVPRO Storm Response Team, with thousands of crews throughout the US, wants the public to know the first several days after the disaster are critical to preventing unnecessary secondary damages.

Consider the following steps you can take now to help minimise additional damage to your home, business, and possessions:

If the water is considered “clean” water – if it is not groundwater or sewage backup – follow these steps:

• Once the authorities have said it is safe to enter your home or business, ensure your electricity is turned off before entering the flooded structure.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove any valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.

If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be contaminated, Category 3 black water, and could be hazardous to your health.

For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible. Take the greatest caution while entering your home, wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas, through away all foods – even canned goods – that have come into contact with floodwaters.

“The first 24 hours after a water damage or flood are just so crucial to keeping final costs of the damage down,” said Don Turner, SERVPRO Storm Response Team Manager. “A lot of flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, but we want homeowners to know the steps they can take to help minimise damage until the professionals arrive.”

Whether it be a flood, tornado, hurricane, or blizzard, SERVPRO® Disaster Recovery Team is Here To Help®. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Have A Storm or Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West (608) 497-3331

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• IICRC Certified Firm
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• Angie's List certified with an A-rated reputation
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Is Water Damage Covered by Insurance in Dane County WI?

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Have A Water Damage Emergency in the Dane County, Madison, WI area? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West today (608) 497-3331

Sudden and accidental water damage caused by an inside source, such as a busted pipe, is covered under most standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Busted water pipes, appliance malfunctions, sink or tub overflows, toilet overflows and sewage backup are common causes of water damage claims.

As a preferred vendor for most insurance carriers, SERVPRO of Dane County West works with your insurance for a stress-free claims process by managing the insurance paperwork and process. We understand that working through insurance claims can seem like an overwhelming task after a family or business has experienced water or fire damage and we are Here to Help®.

SERVPRO® has gained a unique standing with the insurance industry by:

• Adhering to the most extensive performance guidelines in the restoration industry.
• Undergoing rigorous training programs that meets the stringent certification standards of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
• Providing end-to-end insurance claim assistance through the national Claims Information Center (CIC). Clients have online access to the claim process and can monitor their claims from start to completion.

If water or fire damage strikes your property, let us help strike back! Equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate water or fire damage and restore your home or business, SERVPRO of Dane County West will help make it "Like it never even happened."®

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• IICRC Certified Firm
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• Angie's List recommended with an A-rated reputation
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Have A Water Damage Emergency in Madison, WI? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West today (608) 497-3331

What our Customers say...Testimonials

10 Tips to prevent water & fire damage to my Dane County, WI property while on Spring Break.

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

#waterrestoration #watermitigation #floodedbasement #waterextraction #24houremergencyservice #restoration #FirePrevention #SootRemoval #SmokeDamage

Protecting your property from fire and water damage while you're away on spring break is important to avoid any potential disasters. Here are some tips to help protect your property:

1. Test your sump pump. Install a backup sump battery if needed.
2. Turn off the main water valve.
3. Check gutters to make sure they are draining properly. Clean or amend as needed.
4. Make sure exterior water faucets and sprinkler systems are turned off.
5. Install a water sensor and/or leak detector, which can contact your phone when a water problem presents itself in your home.
6. Unplug all electronics and appliances that won’t be in use while away.
7. Avoid your home from looking vacant by putting lights on a timer and canceling mail delivery to deter your home from becoming an arson target.
8. Trim back trees and overhanging branches from your roof and home’s exterior in case of a lightning storm.
9. Ensure that all flammable liquids, including gasoline, paints, and cleaning agents, are stored in a cool, safe place.
10. Don’t run appliances, such as your washer, dryer, or dishwasher, when not at home.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your property from fire and water damage while you're away on spring break. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you take the time to properly safeguard your home before you leave.

Should you come home to fire or water damage call SERVPRO of Dane County West #(608) 497-3331

Video - The Fire Damage Process - SERVPRO of Dane County West

The SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Process

How does SERVPRO of Dane County West decide which air purification and odor elimination device is best for your job in Dane County, WI.

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

#indoorairpurifiers #electrostaticairpurifiers #ozonegenerators #smokeodoreliminator

Air purification and odor elimination are critical parts of every restoration and remediation job. While some deodorizing products work by covering up or masking odors, hydroxyl machines, and ozone generators are two powerful tools that actually destroy unwanted odors to truly clean the air.

Hydroxyl machines and ozone generators are both used for air purification and odor elimination, but they work in different ways and have different pros and cons.

Hydroxyl machines work by producing hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can break down and neutralize many types of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and bacteria. Hydroxyl machines are safe to use around people and animals, as hydroxyl radicals are a natural component of the Earth's atmosphere.

Ozone generators when used in a drying chamber are an effective way to clean indoor air pollution and odors. Ozone generators can successfully sanitize both air and surfaces. SERVPRO of Dane County West secures a fire-rated polyethylene barrier material around the affected area and the ozone generator placed within the chamber destroys bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew while eliminating spores, fungus, oil, and other contaminants.

Have Water Damage, Flood Damage, or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today at (608) 497-3331

How Can Technology Make it Easier to Inventory My Dane County, WI Home?

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

#inventory #homeinventory #inventorymanagement #diyinventory

In the event of a fire or other disaster, would you be able to remember all your possessions? An up-to-date home inventory will help you settle your insurance claim faster. Here's how to create one.

A simple pencil and paper will suffice, but technology can make it easier to inventory your home by using the following tools:

• Create a photo record of your belongings capturing important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets, or drawers.
• Walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents.
• Smartphone apps for home inventory management.
• Cloud-based storage services (such as Google Drive, Dropbox).
• Barcode scanners or QR code readers to quickly input item information.
• Smart home devices (such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home) to automatically track items.
• Home security cameras to capture video footage of the interior.
• Automated inventory management software.

Insurance Information Institute guide to home inventory

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at (608) 497-3331

How Can a January Thaw in February Affect My Dane County, WI Property?

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

#watermitigationwaterdamage #waterdamagerestoration #flooddamage #waterrestoration #stormdamage #waterdamagerepair #waterloss

A “January Thaw”, defined as two or more consecutive days with maximum temperatures above 32 degrees F., can cause sudden flooding in your home or office. Our recent sub-zero temperatures here in Dane County, WI, will be replaced by temps in the thirties and forties. Anytime there is a warm-up or thaw, you get an expansion of water pipes, so the next 24 hours after that pipes start to break. The resulting water damage can be extensive.

SERVPRO of Dane County West has the experience, expertise, and resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

The SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Process

Have Water Damage, Flood Damage, or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today at (608) 497-3331