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Navigating Insurance Claims After Disaster Strikes | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
Disasters can happen in the blink of an eye and they can cause chaos just as fast. As you react to the situation and focus on getting your family to safety, your home can suffer serious damage in the process.
While keeping your family safe should always be your top priority, that doesn’t mean that dealing with your recovery after the emergency is over isn’t also important.
That’s where we come in! We are trained to help you recover from a fire, flood, storm or any other type of disaster. We will work hard to handle your entire restoration and we will also take care of other aspects of your recovery, including your insurance claim.
Responding Right AwayRegardless of the type of disaster you are faced with, your safety should always remain your top priority. Stay out of floodwaters, stay indoors during severe weather or get your family out of your home if it is on fire.
After you have determined everyone is safe and no emergency medical services are needed, it is truly important that you start the recovery process as quickly as possible. The longer your home damage goes unaddressed, the higher the risk that compounding damage will start to set in, making your situation even worse.
Give us a call as soon as you are able so we can start creating your restoration plan and gathering the team that will soon be at your doorstep. While you wait for us to arrive, take some photos of the damage that you can easily see.
Getting fresh images is crucial as your insurance company is going to want proof of the situation. You should also do some simple tasks like turning off water valves or opening windows to let your air ventilate as needed.
Leaving the Restoration to UsOnce our crew arrives, we will focus our efforts first on securing your home. It is our goal to stop the damage from continuing to get worse, so we will board up windows, secure your roof and pull possessions out of any damaged parts of your home. Our highly trained crew will focus on helping you recover in every way! In addition to our restoration services, we will also work on submitting your insurance claim.
We will walk around your home and put together a complete list of your losses, and we will take some of our own photos with our professional equipment. We will combine these with the images you took and then submit it all to your insurance company to start your claim. We will also make sure we are following all insurance inspection standards to keep your potential costs as low as possible.
When you leave your recovery to us, good things will happen. Our crew will help you navigate the unknown with confidence, and we will take care of your insurance needs with ease.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Staying Dry During the Rainy Season | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Alamo is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
Preventing home damage during a storm can sometimes seem overwhelming, but the good news is that many damage prevention strategies are actually really easy and don’t take that much time at all. All you have to do is start with the basics and work your way forward from there.
Preparing for floods now can help your home stay dry when a flash flood warning is issued, even if the situation is unexpected.
Is your home ready for spring flooding? Check out our helpful tips below so you can prepare your home now.
Preparing Based on Flood ZonesFlooding situations can certainly happen when Mother Nature brings heavy rain to our community, but that is not the only way for floods to be impactful. Busted water lines, faulty appliances and even dam or levee emergencies can cause chaos in your home without much warning. However, flash flooding concerns are more significant in our community than in other parts of Texas.
Did you know that the San Antonio community is considered part of Flash Flood Alley? This narrow alleyway runs north to south in central Texas and experiences intense rain but also has inefficient drainage, which can lead to dangerous flooding. This is why it is so important to prepare your home whether you live in a designated flood zone or not.
Simple things like making sure your downspouts are on and pointed toward the edges of your property can go a long way to keeping your home dry. In addition, you should address any drainage issues that you have or consider adding a rain garden to your yard to help the water move more efficiently.
If your property has any tree coverage, check your gutters regularly so you can address clogs or blockages promptly. You can (and should) even invest in gutter covers to keep yard debris and leaves out of your system.
Additional Flood Preparation TipsWhile no one wants to wind up with water in their homes, but having it happen to you can actually teach you a lot about your home so you can make some meaningful changes to prevent it from happening again.
For example, if your basement tends to get wet when it rains, have your yard professionally graded to help fix any backward sloping issues. If your yard can use gravity to help move water away from your home, your chances of staying dry when it rains increases drastically.
Other simple fixes like addressing leaky windows and doors can be easily remedied with new seals or fresh caulk. If you have a sump pump, prioritize having it inspected every year to catch any issues before you discover that it is not working during a downpour.
When you take your preparation tips back to the basics, you can rest easy knowing that you have prepared your home as best as possible.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
Dealing With Sewage Leaks the Safe Way | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
When it comes to smells, sewage leaks are at the top of the list of the most unpleasant odors to have in your home or business. In addition to the gross factor, having sewage where it shouldn’t be can also be incredibly dangerous to your health.
Unfortunately, sewage leaks can happen unexpectedly, which means your home or property is always vulnerable to situations like these. Tackle your sewage leaks with confidence by following these tips that will help keep you safe and in control.
The Discovery
Sewage is meant to flow down and away from our home in secure pipe systems. If this process happens the way it should, you would never have to even think about it on a daily basis! However, if your pipe lines get clogged or blocked in any way, wastewater cannot flow in the direction it should, which can cause it to back up into your sinks, tubs and toilets. Sewage leaks can also happen if you have a compromised or loose pipe somewhere.
No matter how the leak or backup starts, it is crucial that you stay out of the water. There are three different types of water, and they are categorized by how dangerous they are to handle without the proper protection. Not surprisingly, sewage is considered the most dangerous kind of water, which is called black water. It can harbor viruses, bacteria and microbes that can be deadly.
If you can access the water shutoff valve for the pipe, do so right away to stop the water from continuing to flow onto your floors. After the situation has been stopped, open up windows and turn on fans to help the fumes escape. Block off the area and keep your family or customers out of the way while you work on getting in touch with us.
Where SERVPRO's Restoration Team Comes In
We are proud to help our community recover from disaster, but we are also here for the slinkier or more dangerous situations like biohazard leaks or spills. Sewage is certainly a biohazard, so we want you to call us as soon as you discover the leak. We will start gathering our supplies and team right away and then be on our way to you.
While you wait for us to show up at your house, snap a few photos of the current situation. While these images will probably not become the home screen for your phone anytime soon, it is important to have them so you can show your insurance company once your claim process has begun.
We will focus first on identifying the source of the leak and then we will work on removing the standing water from your floor. We will be sure to wear the proper PPE so everyone in the area can stay safe while we work.
Our cleaning crew will focus on removing the dangerous water, and we will also sanitize the entire space so that it is safe for you to return to normal operations when we are finished. We can also deodorize your entire space to remove even the most stubborn lingering odors. Finally, we can address any structural issues if the water caused any damage to your floors, walls or structural components.
Sewage leaks are no joke, so don’t hesitate to call us so we can take care of your entire situation quickly.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.
Raise the Alarm! Getting Ready for Spring Weather | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Alamo Heights help you get from April showers to May flowers.
The sun is out longer, the flowers are ready to bloom and the days are warmer. It’s springtime in the Alamo Heights community! While we can appreciate the change in season, it also means that we have to be ready for the arrival of spring storms.
Loud, rumbling thunderstorms, gentle rainfall and severe weather are all possible at this time of year, so it is important to make sure you are informed of the forecast at all times.
Our team explains some easy ways to stay connected when severe weather is in the area, so read on to learn how you can arm yourself with the alerts you need to stay safe.
Utilizing the InternetThe world is at our fingertips every day, which can be extremely helpful when it comes to staying connected with what is going on around us. Our phones are equipped with a Wireless Emergency Alert system that can automatically be issued if there is severe weather in our area. In addition, you should have at least one reliable weather app that you can reference every day.
Apps can be a great way of receiving the daily forecast, but be warned! Not all apps are created equally and there are definitely some out there that tend to exaggerate forecasts for engagement, so stick with the apps that are run by nationally recognized organizations or local sources.
The news and the television are also great ways to stay connected. When severe weather is predicted or a watch is issued, tune into our local news stations to watch the system develop and move across the area. Watching the storm in real-time can help you make travel or sheltering decisions exactly when you need to.
When the Power Goes OutIf we lose power, it can create more trouble for you if you aren’t prepared. Your TV will stop working, and your phone and computer will only be reliable until the battery runs out. This is why we recommend every household to have another way of receiving alerts that doesn’t require power to function.
If you live near a weather siren, take the time to walk around your house during the next test to see if you can hear the siren from every room in your home. You should also consider purchasing an NOAA weather radio.
Weather radios are a popular choice because they are often hand crank-powered or have solar power capabilities, which means you can stay connected no matter how long the power is out. You can also take the radio with you as you head to shelter or walk around your property after the storm passes.
We hope you take the time to prepare your home and family for the upcoming spring weather season, but remember that we are always here to help you if your home suffers any sort of damage. Call us for a quick and complete recovery!
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
Tackling Disaster Recovery for Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
2/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
It can be really overwhelming to think about the potential of suffering from a disaster situation at your business. You do so much on a daily basis to ensure everything is running smoothly that it can keep you up at night to think of how destructive a simple fire, flood or a storm can be to your property.
While we can’t prevent natural disasters or true accidents from happening, we can help you recover from them! SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is here 24⁄7 to handle your entire restoration from start to finish, no matter how extensive the damage is.
Easy Preparation TipsThe best way to ensure a quick recovery after disaster strikes is to have a plan already in place and to ensure your employees to know what to expect. If your team knows what to do, everyone can respond appropriately and that can help with a smooth transition from disaster to recovery.
One important aspect of your plan should center around communication. Have a reliable way of spreading information quickly, via either an email chain, group text or announcement, and make sure everyone who has specific jobs understands what is expected of them.
This should also include taking a tour of your building to point out important things like fire extinguishers, emergency exits and water shut-off valves. Even if you have a custodial or maintenance staff that would normally handle emergencies, it can add another layer of protection if your team can respond just as fast.
Finally, your communication plan should include steps on what to do and where to go following a disaster situation. Set up remote work policies or have a backup location in mind that your team can travel to if in-person work is necessary for your business.
Tips for RecoveryIf you have a plan, you can rest assured that your business will be on the path to recovery faster than if you simply reacted to the situation at hand. We will work off of that recovery plan and help restore and rebuild your home quickly.
We will focus on rebuilding your physical location so you can focus on your customers and employees. Communicate with them throughout the process and keep the information flowing so everyone knows what is going on and when you expect to be open again.
While you might have to immediately be displaced from your building, chances are that we will be able to get you back into your space quickly, even if it is in a limited capacity for a time. We will work with you so you can minimize your downtime while we still are able to work how we need to.
Always have a plan in place for various disaster situations, but remember that we are here to help you overcome any damage your business suffers. We are trained in large-loss recovery, and we will take great care of you.
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
Tackling Any Damage at Any Time | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!
When disasters occur at home, they pretty much always take us by surprise. After all, who expects a fire or a flood to impact their daily life?
Unfortunately, disasters can come in all shapes and sizes and can be really overwhelming to deal with. Mother Nature, home accidents or manmade disasters can have a huge impact on your home.
Thankfully, recovery is just a single phone call away. SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is here to make sure your home is restored and repaired quickly and efficiently.
The Impact of a Single DisasterThe toll that a disaster can take can range from a minor inconvenience to a completely overwhelming experience. Even if you were prepared for the situation, it can still cause more damage than you could have anticipated.
A single heavy rain can lead to serious flooding, which can lead to structural damage and mold infestations. A high wind can knock out power for hours but can also rip off shingle or damage your siding. A house fire can cause widespread damage but can also lead to lingering soot or smoke throughout your entire house.
No matter your situation, responding quickly is essential. Damage situations tend to get worse the longer you wait to address them, so that’s why we encourage you to call us the moment you discover the situation at hand.
A Single Team for the Entire RepairTiming matters, which is why we are here 24⁄7, 365 days a year to respond to your call for help. Our team will prioritize your situation as soon as we make contact with you and we will focus on gathering the right team for the job as soon as possible.
Our highly trained technicians have the experience and knowledge to handle whatever your disaster situation requires. We are locally owned and operated, which means that we not only can be at your home quicker, but we have firsthand experience of restoring homes in our community and your neighborhood.
If your roof is damaged in a storm, we can handle laying tarps over the exposed part of your home while also removing your possessions to protect them from further damage. If you experience a flood, our team will work quickly to remove the excess water while also saving your soft materials and personal keepsakes.
We can also even handle tearing down and rebuilding entire sections of your home if the damage is too extensive. We have you covered from basement to attic.
Another benefit of working with us is that we get the privilege of being your crew from start to finish. Since we can handle every single aspect of your restoration, there is no need to be working with multiple contracts and agreements with other contractors!
Our team will take care of you no matter your situation. When the rain comes pouring in or a house fire leaves you stressed, call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights and we will make sure sunnier days are right around the corner.
Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.
Feeling Chilly? Stay Fire-Safe and Warm This Season | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Texas weather can be really unpredictable in the winter time and bring serious ice storms and snow or remain mild and sunny. In any case, the nights do get cold and many of us run to our fireplaces and spaces heaters to cuddle up.
While it is important to stay warm throughout the winter, it is also important to do your part in reducing your risk of suffering a house fire! SERVPRO of Alamo Heights explains below some reliable ways to stay warm while also staying safe around your fireplace and space heaters.
Fireplace Preparation TipsWhat could be better than a softly crackling fire on a cold winter’s night? Unfortunately, fireplaces can be downright dangerous if they are not prepared or maintained properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, prioritize cleaning it out regularly to remove ash buildup and creosote residue from the walls. Your chimney should also be professionally inspected every season to make sure it is not cracking or experiencing any issues.
Remove flammable materials from your mantle, and clear a path in front of the hearth that is free of rugs or other possessions. If your fireplace is run by gas or electricity, install a carbon monoxide detector nearby and check the gas or electric lines often for signs of leaks or loose connections.
Space Heater 101Did you know that space heater accidents account for over 1,700 house fires every year? That’s a lot of preventable fires! The key to keeping a fire-free home when you use space heaters is to set them up in a safe location.
The spot you choose should be a hard and level surface and certainly nonflammable. Check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring and then lay it flat or tape it down to avoid creating a tripping hazard.
At this time, you should also create a three-foot barrier around the heater to keep out kids and pets and keep flammable materials like couch cushions and low-hanging curtains far out of the way. Designate one person to be in charge of turning off your space heater before going to bed!
Additional Safety Measures to IncorporateIt is important to remember that there are many different space heaters on the market and not all of them are created equally. Cheaper doesn’t always mean a good value, and lofty claims like fire-resistant don’t always hold true. This is why it is crucial to do your research!
Research different companies to ensure they have passed their necessary safety certifications and are verified by the Better Business Bureau. You should also read reviews of their products, including for the heater in question.
Different safety features can also be helpful, like an emergency shutoff feature. This switch will immediately turn off your heater after a certain period of time and can be a great back up if you have a hard time remembering to do tasks. Finally, inspect the cord of the heater you are researching to make sure it is well-made and is securely attached to the heater.
We hope you have a safe and warm winter season! If you wind up suffering from any sort of fire damage, call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights right away for a quick restoration. We will expertly remove damaged debris, save your possessions and rebuild your home from the ground up.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.
Locating Water Leaks With Confidence | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.
Water is a huge part of our lives, and we use it in so many different ways in our homes. We use it to run the dishwasher, warm up baths for the kids and pets and even to wash our cars on a nice summer day. While we are grateful for this easy access to water, it also means that the potential of suffering a water leak is possible.
Water leaks can be really frustrating and can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. Knowing where to look for leaks can help you stay in control and prevent the situation from getting worse while you wait for us to arrive.
Checking the SinkFaucets, taps and your dishwasher all have important roles in your home, and they all need to use water in order to function. This means that there are water lines running to and from your home all over the place.
If a leak starts under your sink, it will seep into your cupboards, run behind your walls and get under your floorboards. Once it’s there, it can cause further structural damage and compromise your home. Try to get in the habit of checking the water lines under your sinks whenever you are deep-cleaning a space to check for drips or puddles.
Beneath Appliances and FixturesWe all have at least one appliance in our homes that relies on water to function, and your risk for suffering a water leak spikes every time you turn it on. Dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines and ice makers are all prone to water leaks that can lead to frustrating and widespread damage.
In order to catch these kinds of leaks, pull your appliances away from the wall regularly to check for signs of moisture like puddles, mold growth or water stains. Do this every time you are deep-cleaning your house so you can take action right away if you notice an emerging problem.
Behind Your Walls or Under FloorsIf a leak starts somewhere in your home, you definitely would prefer for it to happen in a place that is easily accessible and easy to see. Unfortunately, since your water lines are mostly behind finished walls and under floors, leaks could happen there at any time and could go unnoticed. That means you could be dealing with some serious issues if you don’t catch it for a while!
If you notice that your wall is starting to show a dark spot or you smell a musty odor when you walk by your bathroom, it’s time to do a little investigating.
Around Doors and WindowsCondensation can build up quickly around window panes when the temperature rises and falls drastically. While that is a natural process, it can cause excess moisture to linger on your windowsills that can warp your wood and soak into your drywall.
Moisture can also get into your home through any gaps, cracks or sagging around your windowpanes and doorframes. Check these areas seasonally and fix any gaps with fresh caulk.
Unfortunately, water has a mind of its own and can cause damage to your home at any time. Thankfully, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights for a quicker and more reliable restoration. Our team will remove standing water and hidden moisture with ease and tackle your repairs right away to help you make a full recovery.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.
Your Hometown Restoration Team | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
12/15/2023 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights!
Just the sheer thought of suffering a home or business disaster can keep a lot of us up at night with worry. The potential for damage, the threat of a dangerous situation and simply the cost of recovery is enough to stress out any property owner.
When you are faced with recovery after a disaster, you deserve to have a team that will help you every step along the way.
That’s where SERVPRO of Alamo Heights steps in to help out. Our local restoration team is here 24⁄7 to respond to your emergency, and we will be here for you always.
Making an Informed ChoiceSuffering from a home disaster can elicit all kinds of emotions. Frustration, anger and feeling overwhelmed can force anyone to make quick or unresearched decisions, especially when the clock is ticking. However, slowing down and doing your research before choosing a restoration company can make all the difference when it comes to your recovery.
You deserve to get back to your normal life as fast as possible, and the right restoration service can help you do that. They should have plenty of experience, the right certifications and training and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you. They should also be available 24⁄7!
SERVPRO of Alamo Heights proudly checks all of those boxes, but also offers the helpful benefit of being locally owned and operated. We are your reliable restoration team, yes, but we are also your friends and neighbors who love this community just like you do.
We have first-hand experience of what it takes to clean up from area-specific disasters like floods and severe weather, and we will make sure you are taken care of every step of the way.
The Experience You DeserveWhile having a friendly and familiar face arrive at your door is comforting after a disaster, SERVPRO® also comes with the additional benefit of having the resources of a national brand. Our neighboring branches will always be there for us to ensure we have the team, the resources and the equipment to help you recover.
SERVPRO has been in business since 1967 and has grown exponentially over the last few decades. Today, there are over 2,000 locations, including ours here in the Alamo Heights neighborhood.
We only hire the best, so when our team arrives at your door, you can rest easy knowing that our team is trained specifically for your particular disaster situation. Our team offers the total package when it comes to restoration!
We will take care of everything from the initial boarding up and tarping of your home to prevent further damage all the way to the final repairs on your walls, floors and ceilings. We also only use the top-of-the-line equipment and are always training to provide you with the best service possible.
Don’t let home damage stand in your way when your neighborhood restoration team is here to help! Call us today.
Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.
Tackling Water Damage at Work | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Alamo Heights a call to get that resolved!
You head into work for the day and start your process of flipping on lights and unlocking doors, only to be surprised by a musty odor and standing water all over your storefront floor.
No one expects to walk into a water disaster at work, but dealing with the situation quickly is always necessary to prevent serious and lasting damage.
Whether the flood occurred due to a plumbing failure or a natural disaster, recovering fast can help you avoid long-term closures and experience less damage to your business overall. Follow these tips to help get things cleaned up in no time at all.
The First Important StepsFinding your business flooded in any capacity can be frustrating, even if it was predicted. Stay calm and try to focus on what needs to happen first.
1. Stay safe. Safety is always your priority no matter the situation, so keep your employees out of the area and avoid walking through the water yourself as you assess the situation. SERVPRO of Alamo Heights immediately, and we will start gathering the necessary information and organizing a team to get out to your business. You should also take some photos right away while the damage is still fresh.
2. Control the disaster. Acting quickly can help you avoid those really frustrating and impactful damages. Identify the source of the leak, and stop the flow of water as quickly as you are able to. Find the appropriate water valve and turn it off, and if you can’t, shut off the main water valve to your entire building for the time being.
3. Start the drying process. Floodwater can be carrying toxic materials, so try to stay out of the water while you walk around the area to open windows and remove fragile items from harm’s way.
Work With SERVPRO on Your RestorationOur team will get right to work removing water from every surface. We will also do a total assessment of your space to ensure we are getting the hidden water behind your walls or under your floors. We will work directly with your insurance company as well so you don’t have to worry about anything other than your well-being and the well-being of your staff.
We often find ways to contain the area so you can still operate in a reduced capacity. We know that extended closures have a massive impact on your business, so we work with you to find solutions that end in success for everyone involved.
Once your building is dry, we can address any necessary repairs like fixing warped floors, replacing ruined carpet and even rebuilding sections of your space. We will make sure your property is dried and repaired to your satisfaction.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
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