Does Your Business have an Emergency Ready Plan when disaster strikes?

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Emergnecy Ready Plan app

With the click of a button, you can have access to critical information that will help your South Tampa Business overcome disasters!

Many businesses fail to reopen after suffering a major disaster.  Our goal is to help you ensure continuity and viability even in the most challenging of circumstances. Across the nation, and free of charge, SERVPRO franchises have provided literally thousands of "Emergency Ready Plans" (ERP) to help commercial customers respond quickly and precisely to a disaster.  The tool helps ensure that your business will suffer minimal downtime and workplace continuity.

Call us, SERVPRO of South Tampa, and we will be happy to provide a complimentary, no-obligation ERP for your Commercial Properties.

SERVPRO of South Tampa (813) 839-6633

We are here to HELP and make it “Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO ® of South Tampa Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Electrical Fire

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or commercial property, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of South Tampa will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 813-839-6633

When Storms or Floods hit Tampa, SERVPRO is ready!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded Commercial Courtyard

SERVPRO ® of South Tampa specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response:

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms:

When storms hit Tampa or when high water from the bay come on shore, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,900 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams http://www.SERVPROsouthtampafl.com/commercial-storm-cleanup  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (813) 839-6633

What To Do When You Have Water Intrusion

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in South Tampa

A flooded home is a devastating event for any homeowner. It has the ability to ruin many of your possessions in addition to your property itself. Due to the fact that water damage can quickly become permanent if not addressed as soon as possible, if you do suffer flood damage to your home, it is important that you call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Tampa to help restore the home. However, there are some things that you can do before they arrive. Here are some things you can do immediately after a flood to start the restoration process.
 
Call Your Insurance Agent
Regardless of how bad a flood has hit your home; it has likely done some significant damage to some of your possessions and to the structure of your home. Soon after you recognize the damage, you should call your insurance agent. Most water damage in the home is covered by homeowner’s insurance policies but you’ll want to contact them to make sure as there could be exclusions.
 
Check Before Entering Home
Before you re-enter your home after flood damage, check for any structural damage that may have occurred. Severe flooding or water damage has the ability to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you enter the home without closely inspecting what you’re walking into, the building could potentially collapse, trapping you inside. Once you’ve entered the home, you should be very careful about where you’re walking, especially if you’re moving from carpeting onto a hard surface.
 
Document Evidence
Once you have entered the home, document the evidence of that damage that has been done by taking photos of it. If there are any questions, particularly by your insurance company about the validity of your claim, you’ll have evidence to show them. While you document the damage, save any items that you can. Some items, such as porous materials, may have been damaged beyond repair. When the SERVPRO crew arrives to restore the home, they’ll save as many items as possible. But if there are items that have not been damaged, you can take them out to avoid any further potential damage.
 
Take Inventory
While you’re examining the damage that has occurred in your home, make a list of the damage or lost items in the home. Make sure to include the date they were purchased and their value with any receipts you may have. Store that list with any inventory of your possessions that you may have taken before the flood. If any of your possessions must be disposed of, which some may, make sure you have photographs of the items.
 
Turn Off Power
After the flood damage occurs, turn off all power, especially to the affected rooms. Also refrain from using any electrical appliances as you could electrocute yourself if you’re standing in water. Keep the power to the home off until an electrician can come and thoroughly inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to turn back on again.
 
Prevent Mold
Mold thrives in environments where moisture is present which makes flooded parts of a house ideal for mold growth. The existence of mold in a home can be hazardous so it’s important to prevent the mold from growing if at all possible. Removing any wet contents from the home as soon as possible will help to prevent such mold growth around the home.
 
Proper Protection
Regardless of how well you think you can clean up after a flood, you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Tampa to ensure that as much of your property is salvaged as possible. But if you do decide to start the cleanup process before they arrive, it’s important that you are properly attired. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots when dealing with flood water to ensure your safety.
 
If you suffer flood damage in your home, you should contact the professionals at SERVPRO of South Tampa to clean up. But if you want to get the process started prior to their arrival, these tips will help you remain safe.

Call SERVPRO of South Tampa at 813-839-6633

Why SERVPRO of South Tampa?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Tampa is ready to go!

SERVPRO of South Tampa understands how stressful it is when you have water damage in your business or home. That is why we are available 24/7 to help! Our team is fast and quick to any job at any size. 

Our IICRC Certified Technicians will mitigate the damage to prevent mold, mildew or bacteria. Using EPA disinfectants, we will make your business or home safe to reenter and occupy. We make sure our team is trained and up to date with all of their credentials. 

SERVPRO of South Tampa has been trusted by local businesses and insurance companies to assist with their water damage projects. We are there when your family needs help the most. Any type of damage in your home can be a devastating time and can cause a lot of stress in the household. Working with true professionals can definitely help the process and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. 

If you have emergency water damage or fire damage needs, please call us now SERVPRO of South Tampa 813-839-6633

Why Trusting a Restoration Professional After a Fire Is So Important

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in a Garage

Because of the convection pattern that flames typically form during ignition, smoky residue saturates every opening. The soot constructs up in layers that may end up being solidified and tough to eliminate which is another reason to leave the cleaning to a specialist. When the cleaning teams do arrive, they promptly different salvageable items from charred debris, taking the things creating the strongest odors out for cleaning.

Following a fire, wall surface areas can be harmed by soot. Non-water-based cleaners need to be used to remove soot from walls. These kinds of chemicals should be handled by a specialist due to the fumes and toxicity. Water-based cleaning items can cause spots to bleed into plaster walls which is why a trained specialist should be left to deal with these chemicals.  

Most importantly, a restoration effort reduces the after-effects a blaze can have on the health of those who return in. If a homeowner does not have the property restored by a professional, the results can be found later on down the line. To an untrained eye they might believe the issue has been fixed, they experience the remaining impacts of indoor air pollution for numerous months later on in the form of increased respiratory discomfort.  

Companies like SERVPRO of South Tampa are leading experts in fire restoration. They are trained to help remove your belongings as well as cleaning and storing them until your property has been restored to its original condition.

Call SERVPRO of South Tampa (813) 839-6633

SERVPRO of South Tampa Has the Answer for Property Owners Faced with Water Damage.

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the risks a homeowners face when they buy a home. Indoor plumbing will likely fail at some point, and when it does, it makes for a wet mess. The experienced professionals at SERVPRO of South Tampa can help you identify the source of the problem, correct it, and restore your home to a clean, dry condition. Rapid water extraction, after the source has been eliminated, and then moisture removal to reach standard household levels, will mitigate the dangers of contaminated water and mold growth.

One of the first things that need to be determined when you have flooding caused by a plumbing failure is whether the water is clean, gray or black. These classifications indicate where the water is coming from and what sort of contaminants it may contain. Water damage occurs in many forms.

Clean Water refers to water that is piped into your home. It has not yet been used for any household purpose, so it is clear and free of any hazardous substances.  Drinking water. This water may be leaking from a burst pipe in the walls; it can also be the result of a failed pressure valve on your water heater tank, which allows the water to flood out. There is a large list of possible reasons for an unwanted water intrusion. Gray Water is more damaging. This is water that has flowed in sinks, showers, washing machines and all other plumbing including toilets tanks.

Gray water does not contain harmful pathogens, but it does hold food waste, chemical products, and absorbed particulates from the surroundings that can harbor bacteria. Some soaps and other personal care products also contain ingredients that can be toxic if ingested.

Black water is the most dangerous. It includes overflow water from a toilet, backed up septic tanks or sewer lines, and degraded gray water. This water contains hazardous bacteria that are linked with raw sewage. If you detect black water flooding, keep yourself and your family out of contact with the water. If you must enter the flooded area, you should wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and protect your feet with rubber boots or plastic bags.

Call the professionals from SERVPRO of South Tampa. Whenever your household plumbing fails, no matter what the source of the water is, we can help. Rapid and safe water removal from your property will mitigate health concerns, water damage to personal possessions, furnishings, and building materials. We can also save you money by repairing and restoring rather than replacing salvageable property. Our IICRC-certified and corporately trained technicians have the skills to return your Tampa water damaged home to preloss condition "Like it never even happened.”

We Use Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques.  As leaders in the water damage industry, SERVPRO of South Tampa has advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. With pride, we service the Tampa Bay area for all residential and commercial water damage.

Call us 24/7 for help. SERVPRO of South Tampa (813) 839-6633

Why Trust SERVPRO of South Tampa with Safe Biohazard Removal?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

biohazard Symbol

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of South Tampa for biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks?

Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma, or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO of South Tampa that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions?

As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. There are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety?

At SERVPRO of South Tampa, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the smallest trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of South Tampa for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact us now to discover more about our Services and secure our help.

Call SERVPRO of South Tampa (813) 839-6633 We are ready to help!

Quick Tips from SERVPRO of South Tampa on Preventing Mold Growth

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on wet ceiling after Storm Damage

The rainy season is upon us, and with that, the opportunity for mold growth presents itself. Due to this, we recommend that you call SERVPRO of South Tampa at the first signs of any moisture or growth.  If you have discovered mold in your Tampa area home or office, we are here to help.

How mold gets into a house or building:

Mold and fungal spores occur naturally outdoors, where fungi are the earth’s most important recyclers. Indoors, mold needs moisture to grow; it becomes a problem only where there is water damage, elevated and prolonged humidity, or dampness. Common sources in the Tampa area of excessive indoor moisture that can lead to mold problems include:
* flooding from surface waters (i.e., overflowing streets) or from severe storms;
* roof leaks from damaged or missing roofing materials, blocked gutters;
* storm-driven rain through window frames, exterior walls or door assemblies;
* leaking pipes, sewer back-ups or overflows;
* damp crawl spaces due to a high water table or poorly managed rainwater drainage; and
* condensation on cold surfaces.

How to prevent mold growth:

The key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth is to control excessive moisture and condensation. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is critical. In general, mold will not grow indoors without water, dampness, or excessive moisture.

Three main factors contribute to condensation of water on building surfaces:
* Relative Humidity: Condensation occurs when the air is saturated with water and it cannot hold any more moisture. For example, steam generated from bathroom showers or from cooking can fill up the air with moisture, which will then condense into drops of water on cooler surfaces, such as mirrors and windows. Where possible, localized sources of humidity, such as clothes dryers, should be directly vented to the outdoors. To lower indoor humidity during warm, humid weather, air conditioners should be used.
* Temperature: Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes into contact with a cold surface and the moisture condenses into water. This can often be seen on single-pane windows, where water condenses and then runs down, causing the wood frames and sills to rot and the wall under the windows to blister.
* Poor Ventilation: Indoor humidity can build up if there is not enough ventilation and exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Where there is little or no air movement, such as behind dressers and cabinets, surfaces can remain cooler than surrounding areas, which can lead to increased condensation and mold growth. It is recommended that the area is ventilated and the occupants use exhaust fans (vented to the outdoors) to remove moisture from high-humidity areas, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Furniture should be moved slightly away from walls so that air can freely pass behind it. Air should be allowed to circulate between rooms and regularly ventilate to remove humid air. Fans should be used as needed.

Other things that can be done are to clean and repair gutters regularly, make sure the ground slopes down and away from the home’s foundation and keep air conditioner drip pans and drain lines clean. In addition, in air-conditioned buildings in hot and humid climates, vinyl wall coverings on the interior sides of exterior walls should not be used, as these materials can trap moisture, resulting in mold growth underneath them.

In the case of floods or leaking pipes, any standing water should be promptly removed and water-damaged materials should either be dried out and cleaned, or removed and replaced. Porous materials that are wet for more than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth and should be discarded. In instances where the water damage is extensive, it is recommended that you call SERVPRO of South Tampa at (813) 839-6633, so that we may assist you in preventing growth after water damage, or to remove the mold if it is already an issue.

Here To Help Keep Your South Tampa Business SERVPRO Clean

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

As our communities re-open, we are 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 have 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 are 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 have 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 have 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.

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 South Tampa today at 813-839-6633 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.