What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your House During a Storm?

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

A tree fell on a home after a storm

It's a situation no one wants to be in, but sometimes, storm damage cleanup involves getting a tree off a house. If you're in Saunders County, SERVPRO of Omaha West is faster to any size of disaster. Here's what to do if the worst happens.

What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your House During a Storm?

Immediate Steps

If a tree falls on your house during a storm, the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone in the house is safe and accounted for. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If the damage is severe, evacuate the house and call for help from a safe location.

If it is safe to do so, turn off any gas, electricity, and water main valves to prevent further damage or injury. It is important to turn off the gas and electricity after a tree falls on your house to prevent further damage or injury. If the tree has damaged gas lines or electrical wires, turning off the gas and electricity will prevent the risk of fire or explosion.

Turning Off Gas

To turn off the gas, locate the main gas valve, which is usually found near the gas meter. It is usually a round valve that is turned with a wrench. Turn the valve to the "off" position.

Turning Off Electric

To turn off the electricity, locate the main breaker box, which is usually found in a utility room or basement. The main breaker is a large switch that controls the flow of electricity to the entire house. Flip the main breaker to the "off" position.

It is important only to turn off the gas and electricity if it is safe to do so. If you are unsure how to turn off the gas or electricity, or if you are unable to access the main valves or breaker box, do not try to turn them off. Call your gas and electricity providers for assistance.

Call for Storm Damage Cleanup Help

It is generally not recommended to remove a fallen tree yourself, especially if it has fallen on your house. Removing a tree can be dangerous and requires specialized equipment and training. It is important to have a professional tree removal service remove the tree and clean up the debris. They have the experience and equipment to safely remove the tree and minimize further damage to your property.

Document

It is important to document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos of the fallen tree, any damage to the house, and any injuries sustained. Contact your insurance company to report the damage. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the extent of coverage.

In the meantime, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the house, such as covering holes in the roof with tarps to keep out the rain.

Get Fast Help in Saunders County

If a falling tree has damaged your home, call us at SERVPRO of Omaha West / Saunders County right away at (402) 835-5985. We're the premier restoration company in area, and we can get you back in your house fast.

4 Steps Involved in Water Remediation

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage from a leaking pipe

After a flood or extensive leak, quick water damage cleanup is essential because it minimizes long-term damage and eliminates health and safety issues. At SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest in Omaha, NE, we start by inspecting and characterizing the damage. Then, we remove the water, decontaminate the space, dry the affected rooms, and carry out the necessary repairs.

4 Steps Involved in Water Damage Cleanup in Omaha, NE

1. Inspection and Characterization

The first step is to accurately characterize the nature of the water damage to figure out what measures are necessary. We begin by determining whether there are any contaminants and if so, how they interact with each other. This helps us to understand the extent of your property damage and whether your health is at risk.

To characterize the contamination, we take samples of the water at locations where we believe the concentration of chemicals is highest. If there is a serious contamination issue, we work with emergency response partners. We might ask you to take certain precautions such as avoiding contaminated areas to prevent health and safety issues.

2. Water Removal and Decontamination 

Once we fully understand the risks related to the flood or leak, we can start the decontamination process. If there is still a large amount of water in your space, we use a sump pump to remove it. Then, we select treatment methods that disinfect your space, remove harmful chemicals, and allow you to use your space safely. Sometimes, infrastructure such as piping has to be dismantled and cleaned or replaced to avoid future issues.

In addition to decontaminating your space, we also handle the removal of wastewater and harmful objects. If some of your belongings are no longer safe to use, we'll dispose of them properly.

3. Drying 

After we've made sure that your space is no longer contaminated by pathogens or harmful chemicals, we can remove any remaining water and dry your space. The techniques we use depend on the extent and type of water damage and the location of the affected rooms. If there are a lot of windows and it is dry outside, we might start by airing the place out.

Additionally, we use fans, dehumidifiers, and desiccants to get rid of any remaining moisture. Some vacs can remove moisture from carpets and other soft surfaces. To minimize the damage, we'll help you to store wet items properly. Paper objects should be frozen because this prevents mold and mildew.

4. Cleaning and Restoration 

Finally, your space is ready to be deep cleaned and renovated. Again, the extent of the work we need to complete depends on the location of your room, its intended purpose, and the materials it is made of. Using the most advanced devices and products on the market, we'll remove any remaining odors and repair or replace all your structures, including the floors, walls, and ceilings.

Cleaning up water damage is a challenging and time-consuming process. To ensure your safety, it's important to work with professionals who can assess the situation, decontaminate your space, and carry out the necessary repairs. Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest to find out about our services and schedule your cleanup.

Helpful tips to prevent a house fire

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

House fires kill and injure many every year, while leaving many without their home, and valuable memories and possessions. Fire prevention is more important than many realize. 

Ways to Prevent House Fires

-Establish an emergency plan with fire routes. 

-Test all smoke alarms in your home.

-Teach your children fire safety. 

-Perform home maintenance consistently.

- Use candles with caution.

-Don't leave food cooking unattended.

- Store flammables safely.

- Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. 

- Check all electrical cords in your home. If wires are frayed, throw it away.

Fire preparation is an important part of safeguarding your home and your family. Knowing not only how to prevent a fire but also how to escape it and get quick fire cleanup is essential.

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

Professional inspecting an air duct in a residential home.

There are many steps that homeowners need to take in the maintenance of their property, but air duct cleaning is one of the most essential. What is it about this service that makes it so vital for people in the Omaha, NE area? Check out some of the reasons that you should have your air ducts cleaned:

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

1. More Effective Cooling

When air ducts aren't properly cleaned, dirt and other debris can build up and prevent air from circulating. This leads to less effective results and a less comfortable home. Beat the heat more efficiently by having your air ducts cleaned regularly so no obstructions prevent them from circulating the air in your home.

2. Fight Against Mold

Damp, dirty conditions in an air duct that is overdue for cleaning can create one of the biggest headaches that homeowners face: mold. Not only is this substance unsightly and foul-smelling, but it can also be a health risk to certain people who are vulnerable to its effects. Keep your property mold-free by having regular cleanings to prevent it from forming.

3. Extend the Lifespan of the System

As with many other things, getting your HVAC unit serviced regularly will help it last longer than it would without preventative maintenance. By getting regular cleanings for your air ducts, you'll prevent more extensive problems from happening, allowing you to get the most value from the unit as possible.

4. Reduce Odors and Allergens

If you don't clean your air ducts regularly, you may smell odd, unpleasant odors coming from them. Anyone on the property with sensitivity to airborne allergens may also notice worsening symptoms if the air ducts aren't cleaned. Scheduling regular cleanings can help to alleviate both of these problems.

5. Prevent Pest Infestations

The environment that unclean air ducts create is home to the conditions that common household pests such as insects or rodents thrive in. You're at a greater risk of a pest infestation occurring if you don't regularly clean your air ducts. Have service performed regularly to avoid this unpleasant issue.

6. Breathe Healtheir Air

We spend a lot of time in our homes, so the air present inside has a big impact on our overall health and well-being. Scheduling regular cleanings for your air ducts will help to improve the air quality in your home, allowing you and everyone else on the premises to be as healthy as can be.

Air Duct Cleaning in Omaha, NE

For all these reasons and more, we see that cleaning your air ducts regularly is essential. Do you need to have this service performed at your home? You can trust the professionals on our team to give your air ducts the thorough cleaning they need so that you can enjoy better air quality in your home.

Don't delay in getting this necessary service any longer. Contact SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest today and let us help you with your home's maintenance!

What Are the Risks of Ignoring Water Damage?

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage for a period of time to an interior ceiling.

As vital as water is, it can also be incredibly dangerous to your home. If you notice any signs of water damage, it's a good idea to contact a local water damage restoration company in Omaha, NE so you can avoid expensive repairs in the future.

What Are the Risks of Ignoring Water Damage?

There are several risks to ignoring water damage. For example, while it may seem harmless to ignore a small leak under the sink or a leak that goes away when it's no longer raining, small leaks can turn into big problems in the future. All it takes is a little bit of water for a long period of time to cause structural and electrical damage to your home.

Structural and electrical damage to your home will involve costly repairs. If the wooden beams in your home need to be replaced or if your electrical system is so damaged by water that it's no longer safe to run electricity in your house, you can be looking at several thousand dollars in repair costs. In addition to potentially expensive repairs associated with structural damage and electrical damage, other risks of ignoring water damage can include:

Health Concerns

Untreated water damage can also be a cause of health concerns. For example, the bacteria associated with mold and mildew can trigger skin allergies, eczema, and asthma. Black mold in the walls has been known to make people very sick.

Mold and Mildew

Mold is bad for your health and mildew is bad for your senses. If your home smells like mildew, this is usually because there has been sustained water damage that is going untreated. It can be difficult to remove the scent of water damage. If you want to get rid of a mildew smell in your home, you may need to replace drywall and carpeting.

Signs of Water Damage in Omaha, NE

Most people will recognize the most obvious sign of water damage in the home, which is visible water stains on the walls or ceiling. However, water damage can also present as bubbling drywall, streaking paint, and warping of your interior walls. You may also notice higher water bills when you have untreated water damage.

What Is Water Damage Restoration?

Restoration for water damage is a series of services that address the underlying cause of your water damage to prevent major problems down the road. For example, emergency building services after water damage can include placing a roof tarp, boarding up damaged parts of the home, and temporarily moving items out of the home until repairs are made.

As for repairs for the building itself, a local company may use techniques that can remove initial water damage, use dehumidifiers and fans to evaporate water that may be hidden, and repair drywall, tile, hardwood, carpet, and paint.

Ignoring the signs of water damage in your home is a major mistake, particularly because water can cause major damage to your home that is costly to repair. Need to restore your home after water damage? Contact SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest/Omaha West to get a quote on your restoration project today.

SERVPRO Omaha Southwest Comes to the rescue.

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

Thanks SERVPRO Omaha Southwest

Kudos to the SERVPRO Omaha Southwest group that came to my home 9/17. This is the emergency crew that came to Milwaukee to help remove water from many flooded basements and buildings. Their timely help saved my lower level from being destroyed. I am so grateful for their service!! SERVPRO is the BEST!! Thank you Lathe for your team and your kind help getting things done. Miracles do happen!! 

Sincerely, Gretchen Burt

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Aftermath of a Storm

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Calling a professional restoration company can prevent secondary damage and help to restore any damage to your property.

The storm tore through the area, and now the aftermath remains. After a storm moves through, you may be left with wind damage, flood damage, and more. Storms can cause significant damage to your residence or business. Calling a professional restoration company can prevent secondary damage and help to restore any damage to your property. 

SERVPRO of Council Bluffs has the expertise and skilled professionals with years of experience restoring homes and businesses. SERVPRO has state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to handle any storm damage that may happen. 

With flooding, can come significant water damage. Removing the water quickly is important, as mold can develop in 24 hours. 

Why SERVPRO of Council Bluffs? 

1. Faster to any disaster. Our highly trained techs are available and ready 24/7/365. Our crews can respond immediately, as we understand timing is essential with any storm damage.

2. State-of-art-equipment. We have invested in specialized drying and cleaning equipment. This allows our crews to help restore instead of replace your property. Our equipment allows us to dry your property quickly and effectively, preventing secondary damage. This equipment saves you time and money when it matters most. 

3. Highly trained professionals. Our technicians are all WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician) certified through the IICRC. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) sets the standards in cleaning and restoration. 

When the storm strikes, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Council Bluffs to properly and quickly restore your home or business. 

Preparing your business for the weather ahead

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is over, Fall is here, and Winter is right around the corner!

Summer is over, Fall is here, and Winter is right around the corner! While not every storm will cripple a business, it is still necessary to be prepared. Along with frigid temperatures and snow, winter can create problems with plumbing and operations. Therefore, it is essential to make a plan for the worst-case scenario.

1. Prepare Your Building-Make sure you check your plumbing and electricity regularly, but even more so when a winter storm is heading your way. Outside plumbing should be shut off and cleared to prevent freezing and possible burst pipes. Additionally, it may be a good idea to secure a generator if your business does not already have one. If your company does have a generator, it is a good investment to have it serviced before the winter weather sets in.
2. Plan for Ice and Snow-Any winter storm is going to bring issues of snow and ice. Being prepared for this situation means having a plow service on contract and ensuring that all walkways and driveways are cleared and salted. It is vital to do everything in your power to ensure that customers do not get hurt on the way into your business.
3. Focus on Inventory-Also, as storms have the potential to cause significant business interruption as well as property damage, it is vital to take an accurate inventory of all your assets. This inventory will be used for insurance claims if property damage results in an inventory loss. You should move stock to a secure and climate-controlled area, photographing and documenting everything. This will help streamline the process if a claim is made.
4. Make a List of Contacts-While taking inventory is necessary, it is also crucial to make a list of emergency contacts. This list should include all personnel who are essential to your operations. Additionally, you should include a disaster restoration specialists in the Omaha area in case of an emergency.
   
   Winter storm season can produce significant threats to business operations. Massive snowfalls and ice storms can wreak havoc on you Omaha business, so it is essential to have a plan. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest today at (402)408-0134 and schedule one of our marketers to come to your business to help you with an Emergency Readiness Plan at no cost to you!

Faster to your Omaha disaster

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water disasters don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we.

Faster to your Omaha water disaster!

Flooding and water disasters don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all emergency cleaning and restoration, including all holidays. 

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (402)408-0134

About SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest

SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest 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. 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.

National Readiness Month

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Call SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest at (402)408-0134 to discuss your ERP today!

Did you know September is National Readiness Month? Disasters can strike businesses big or small. Disasters can devastate a community in just a matter of moments.

Disasters caused by wind, fire, water, or weather can strike at anytime without warning. Business owners need to establish an Emergency Plan and practice it with all employees. 

Companies can find vital information regarding emergency plans at ready.gov/business. 

-Update all emergency contact information and give to all employees.

-Implement Emergency Policies and Procedures.

-Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area.

-Conduct Emergency drills with employees.

SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest offers a NO COST Emergency Readiness Profile (ERP) to help with your emergency planning. 

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Call SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest at (402)408-0134 to discuss your ERP today!