Reasons Your Refrigerator is Leaking Water

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact us right away to dry out the area and help to prevent any mold growth.

Source: ER Plumbing Online

Which Sandbags to Use for Flooding and Why

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Which Sandbags to Use for Flooding and Why

When the threat of a flood is close to your home, sandbags for flooding become as valuable as gold, yet they’re dirt cheap. There have been advancements with sandbags, which is great, thanks to water-activated sandbag which mimic the ability of real sand bags. Yes, they cost more, but are much quicker to implement in the case of a flood so the cost is negligible.

Sandbags for flooding are essential tools if you live in an area prone to flooding.  It is not advised to use other bags that are not intended for use as sandbags as they may not be as effective. Sandbags are constructed for the use of containing sand or soil to prevent or reduce the impact of water damage in the event of a flood. They are typically made with woven polypropylene or burlap sacks. Plastic garbage bags are slick and will not create a sturdy structure when stacked. Feed sacks, although made of similar materials to sandbags, are usually large and are also not practical for handling.

If your home or business has experienced a flood, please call the professionals of SERVPRO of The Hill Country right away – open 24 hours for emergency services and here to help!

Source: Chainshaw Journal. Jan 2020.

Three Types of Contaminated Water

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country also cleans up sewage backups?

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. Our professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. Our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Two Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Have fire protection equipment

If you have an automatic sprinkler system in place, this will provide primary fire protection for your business.

Standard fire safety practices call for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor. Your best bet is multipurpose extinguishers, which will douse most small fires with ease, without shorting out your electronics.

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plan : Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan : In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid : In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Save the phone number for SERVPRO of The Hill Country in your phone. Give us a call today to get a plan in place. (830) 995-4102

Dryer Lint Fires

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries, and $238 million in property damage.

Facts and figures

• Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 5%.
• The leading factor contributing to the ignition of home fires involving clothes dryers was failure to clean, accounting for one-third (33%) of dryer fires.
• A mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines.
• Fires involving clothes dryers usually started with the ignition of something that was being dried or was a byproduct (such as lint) of drying, while washing machine fires usually involved the ignition of some part of the appliance.  

Source: Report: NFPA's "Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines"
Author: Richard Campbell
Issued: March 2017

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Restoration

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of The Hill Country is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country is even certified to remove biohazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO of The Hill Country is available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door.  Please call today for a quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

Did you know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country also cleans up sewage backups?

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. Our professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. Our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians at SERVPRO of The Hill Country are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency situations that arise. We have been a trusted name in safely and properly restoring homes and businesses for almost 15 years! We are here to help!

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call our office today (210) 361-3235

Slow, Undetected Water Leaks in Homes in The Hill Country

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a water leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from a homeowner who has recently found mold behind their dishwasher or behind their sink due to a slow leak in a pipe in their walls. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to the water damage.  To learn more about water damage restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click here.

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Maybe you had a water leak from a plumbing problem or from a leaky refrigerator. Maybe we had a major storm, hurricane, or tornado sweep through the San Antonio area. Either way, now your home has water damage. Depending on how severe the water damage, you are probably asking yourself, “Should I clean up the water damage myself or hire a professional?”.  The following are a couple things to consider. First, hopefully, the water damage will be covered by your insurance company. SERVPRO of The Hill Country works with all insurance companies in the area and knows what each company is looking for (this will make things easier on you). Second, if the area is not properly and completely dried out, even in the areas you cannot see, the structure will more than likely suffer secondary damage. What is secondary damage? Mold growing in your home is known as secondary damage after a water damage event. Mold needs moister to grown and it can grow within 24-48 hours.  Time is a factor after a water damage. If mold is already growing in your home after a water damage, SERVPRO of The Hill Country can remediate that as well. We are here to help. Give us a call today!

What Secondary Damage can occur after Storm Damage?

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

After roof leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate storm or water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If storm damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

The Hill Country Water Removal Experts

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever came home to standing water?
Perhaps you just enjoyed a long 3 day weekend out of town only to come home to find water on your tile, carpet, or hardwood?

Unfortunately, these things happen, and often times can arrive at the most inopportune times.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help.  We like to assure people that even if you aren't prepared for a water event to happen SERVPRO always is!

We have the knowledge and experience to help with whatever your situation is, so, even if your kitchen is flooded don't be afraid, give us a call and we'll take care of it all!

Let us take care of the work and hardships so you don't have to.  We'll be happy to make it "Like it never even happened."

Learning how to use your fire extinguisher

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

How do I use my new fire extinguisher?

Once you've made your purchases, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

• Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. 
• Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent. 
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. 
• If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

 To learn more about fire damage restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click HERE.

Source: Nationwide

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.

Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.

Safety tips:

• Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended.
• Don’t throw water on a grease fire, put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.

• Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.
• Have working smoke detectors in the house and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Sources: National Fire Prevention Association

Different Types of Fires

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

There are five different types of fires, each designated by a letter.

Type A: The most common type of fire, Class A fires have combustibles that include paper, wood, cloth, plastic, trash and other ordinary materials that may be found in any home or business.

Type B: Fires caused by flammable liquids are considered Class B fires. These flammable liquids include gasoline, paint and oil. A Class B fire may also include combustibles such as propane or butane, which are flammable gases.

Type C: Electrical fires are Class C fires and include fires that originate from outlets, wires and other electrical components.

Type D: Any fire caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum and potassium, also known as chemical fires, are Class D.

Type K: Combustibles such as cooking oils, grease and fats are Class K fires.

Whatever type of fire your home or business has suffered, SERVPRO of The Hill Country can help! Please call today to get the process started with certified professionals who work with your insurance.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of The Hill Country Employees are Well-Trained

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Back in 1992, SERVPRO Corporate developed a National Training Center to teach restoration and mitigation skills to Franchise Owners, employees, and insurance industry professionals.

The National Training Center offers employee training as a self paced program designed specifically for the franchise employee. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

SERVPRO is an approved IICRC (Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning) Training School that offers year-around classes in the following categories:

• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet Cleaning
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Applied Structural Drying

In addition, SERVPRO of The Hill Country is bio hazard and mold certified as well. Click HERE to view our full list of certifications and affiliations. Here to Help

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of The Hill Country is at the Forefront of Continuing Education for the Insurance Industry for Damage Restoration

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

CE Credit Courses for P&C Insurance and Real Estate License

SERVPRO of The Hill Country offers complementary continuing education credits for insurance and real estate industry professionals.  Call today to find out when and where the next class is.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country offers both credit and noncredit courses for: insurance agents, real estate professionals, insurance adjusters, and franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve familiarity of emergency mitigation. Class topics include:

• Fire Damage Restoration
• Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Restoration and Remediation
• Restorative Drying for Loss Control
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)

When we all work together for our clients, everyone wins. Striving for the most efficient and cost-effective restoration process is always the goal. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is happy to offer Continuing Education credits in our specialty lines of business.

Why SERVPRO – SERVPRO of The Hill Country Has Been Locally Owned and Operated in San Antonio for Years

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Locally Owned Restoration Company Near Me

The owner of SERVPRO of The Hill Country is a resident of San Antonio himself and has been helping home and business owners in the San Antonio area for over a decade. We have worked with all the insurance companies and know many of the agents. We are here to help not only you and your home/business, but The Hill Country as well. When The Hill Country is successful, we are all successful. We service the surrounding areas of: Kerrville, Boerne, Bandera, Blanco, and Fredericksburg as well. Each franchise of SERVPRO of individually owned and operated. Click HERE to view our team and HERE to learn more about us. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is Here to Help.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of The Hill Country Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of The Hill Country Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is HAZMAT and Bio Hazard removal certified. The industrial grade chemicals that SERVPRO of The Hill Country uses to clean, disinfect, and sanitize are high-grade and effective. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized, please give us a call today. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized after COVID-19 has infected your office, business, or commercial space, please give us a call today. Because we are HAZMAT certified, we are able to clean areas with known COVID-19 contaminations. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is available and here to help. We would also like to thank our community’s medical personnel and essential workers for helping us all to get through this time together.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of The Hill Country Understands That When It Comes to Business, Time is Money

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Restoration for Businesses

When SERVPRO of The Hill Country restores commercial spaces from water damage, mold, fire damage, and other damage, we understand that the longer a business cannot operate, the longer it cannot generate revenue. SERVPRO of The Hill Country will work emergency hours and around the clock to get your business back up and running as fast as possible while working with your insurance company the entire way. No commercial job is too big or too involved for SERVPRO of The Hill Country. We are faster to any size disaster and are here to help. To learn more about SERVPRO of The Hill Country commercial restoration click HERE or call today to learn more: (210) 361-3235. We are here to help.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of The Hill Country Can Help Get Rid of Odors in Your Home or Business

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

How to Get Rid of Odor

Did you have a water damage that has left your home with a bad smell? Do you have smoke damage in your home from a fire or from cigarettes? SERVPRO of The Hill Country can take care of that musty, smoky, or foul smell in your home or business.  Are you smelling a musty smell that may point to hidden mold in the walls or behind the sink? Whatever odor is in your home, SERVPRO of The Hill Country of The Hill Country can help you identify it and get rid of it. SERVPRO uses air movers, ionizers, and industrial grade cleaning solutions to clean, sanitize, and remove odors from your home or business. SERVPRO will help to make it "Like it never even happened." Call today to get the process started: (210) 361-3235

Ways Mold Forms in Your Business' Building

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. The main requirements for outdoor mold growth are moisture and shade. Mold does not like the sun and/or ultra violet rays. The main requirement for inside mold growth is simply moisture, and it can occur in: ceilings, attics, floors, insulation, wood, drywall, clothing, carpeting, bathrooms, and more. Some causes of excessive moisture are: condensation, humidity, cooking, washing, or water from a flood, leak or spill. Mold also grows in environments with warm temperatures. Mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours of excessive moisture.

What you can do as a business owner to prevent mold growth from forming in your place of business:

• Fix water leaks. Any known water leaks should be fixed quickly. Have a contractor and/or plumber inspect for unknown leaks.
• Limit condensation. Keep room temperatures warm and well insulated.
• Reduce humidity. Open windows, install exhaust fans or use a dehumidifier.
• Clean and dry wet/damp areas. Any wet or damp area, materials or affected equipment should be cleaned within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

If your business has experienced water damage or mold growth, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today!

Entering Your Home After a Storm, Hurricane, or Tornado

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

How to enter my home after a storm

Entering your home or business after severe storm damage can be risky… roofs can collapse, glass from shattered windows will be on surfaces and floors.  Cleaning up after major storm damage can mean facing: contaminated water, animals and insects, splintered wood and sagging ceilings. It is best to let the professionals who are trained and certified to work in these storm damage environments handle the damage restoration. However, according to the American Red Cross, if you absolutely must enter your home or business, be sure to wear:

• Long pants

• Long sleeved shirt

• Sturdy shoes or boots (no tennis shoes or flip flops)

• Work gloves

• Eye protection

• Disposable masks

• Hard hats

Whether it’s for your home or for your business, for more information on storm damage restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click HERE.

We are here to help, San Antonio.

 Source: Red Cross Online

Recent Storms Required Damage Restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Recent storms that passed through The Hill Country caused storm damage in many residential homes requiring damage restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country. A homeowner in Boerne suffered storm damage to his living room when a window broke from debris causing water to come through his living room window, flooding the wood flooring. Flooring can be saved if SERVPRO of The Hill Country is called right away to extract the water from the wood. We worked side by side with his insurance company to dry out the window, the wall around the window, and the flooring. The area was also treated to prevent mold from forming after it was completely dried out. 

To learn more about storm damage restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click HERE.

Be sure to call us right away - the longer you wait, the worse the damage becomes. (830) 995-4102

Christmas Tree Fires

12/19/2021 (Permalink)

Like candle fires, Christmas tree fires are more common during the holidays, with 43% occurring in December and 39% in January. The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights, and an abundant fuel supply (gifts) under the tree. Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million in property damage each year.

The most common causes are electrical failures (32%), having the tree too close to a heat source like a fireplace or wood stove (17%) or being too close to candles (7%).

Safety tips:

• Keep live trees well watered and dispose of them before they become dry.
• Turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Check lights for any shorts or other electrical issues before putting them on the tree.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Top 3 Causes of Fires in Commercial Buildings and Tips on How to Help Prevent Them

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

1. Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

Cooking remains at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires at 25% to 30%. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning.

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure full protection and prevention. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

2. Arson/Intentional

Arson, or an intentional fire, is the next common cause of a non-residential fire, with roughly 10% of fires occurring from arson.  Intentional fires are most likely to occur after working hours, between 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.  An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots.

While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

• Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
• If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsonists can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
• Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
• Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

3. Human Error

Human error, or unintentional fires, are also responsible for about 10% of fires. Because there are a vast number of reasons why a fire might occur accidentally, employee fire safety training is extremely important.

Some examples of an unintentional fire include cigarettes being improperly discarded, employees leaving heating equipment too close to walls or flammable surfaces, candles, and improper use of electrical cords.

Source: Smoke Guard Online. 2017-2016 Data

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Which remediation companies work with my business' insurance in The Hill Country? 

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will work with your company's insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate.  Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 14 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will work hard to make any damage, "Like it never even happened."

Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety - Fire Prevention Week 2021

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2021 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 3^rd and end on Saturday, October 9^th. This year’s Fire Protection Week theme is: “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”. The National Fire Protection Agency is working to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

What do the fire alarm beeps mean?

• A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are special smoke alarms and alert devices that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarms sound. Products like pillow or bed shakers that are designed to work with smoke alarms are also available.

Source: NFPA.org

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected by the water.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster and Here to Help.

The Water Damage Timeline

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

How long do I have before mold forms after a flood?

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Be sure to call SERVPRO of The Hill Country right away if you encounter a water damage to your home or business. Here to Help.

Tree Limb Through Window

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

How to avoid tree limbs through windows:

When trees are not properly trimmed, dead limbs are very susceptible to breaking off during a storm, causing storm damage to our homes or places of business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country has received multiple calls this storm season from homeowners who have suffered storm damage due to a tree limb through their window or roof. When this happens, it is important to safely board the roof or window as quickly as possible after the storms have passed and to call a SERVPRO of The Hill Country remediation crew right away: (830) 995-4102.  The longer you wait, the more rain enters your home or business, and the more potential for mold growth. To learn more about how SERVPRO of The Hill Country can help you or your business during and after a storm, click here. 

Mold on Air Ducts and in the Ventilation System

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

How to prevent mold and bacterial growth in a building’s ventilation system: 

Ventilation systems should be checked regularly, particularly for damp filters and overall cleanliness. A preventive maintenance plan should be put into place for each major component of the building’s ventilation system. Contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and operations and maintenance manuals. Components that are exposed to water (e.g., drainage pans, coils, cooling towers, and humidifiers) require scrupulous maintenance to prevent microbial 10 growth and the entry of undesired microorganisms or chemicals into the indoor air stream.

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the ductwork or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today and get the job done right.

Source: Osha Jan 2019

The Importance of Having Multiple Fire Extinguishers

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Not only is it smart to keep fire extinguishers in your home, it’s also the law in many states.

It's important to make sure you have the right types of fire extinguishers on hand to put out common household fires. Read our fire extinguisher safety tips to learn how to stay safe and don't forget to make sure you have the right coverage if your home sustains fire damage.

Getting started with fire extinguishers...

The first thing to do when choosing a fire extinguisher is to decide which rooms in your house need one. You should keep at least one on each level of your house. Make sure you keep fire extinguishers handy where fires are more likely to start, like in the kitchen and garage.

To learn more about fire damage restoration from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click HERE.

Source: Nationwide

Mold Growth in a Restaurant in San Antonio

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Upon moving appliances, a restaurant in the San Antonio area found mold in their commercial kitchen. After receiving a protocol, the professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country were called in to remediate the mold. If a kitchen is not properly ventilated, steam from cooking can cause moisture that can produce mold after prolonged exposure. SERVPRO of The Hill Country strongly encourages any place with a commercial kitchen: church, hotel, restaurant, etc. to have their commercial kitchens deep cleaned at least twice a year. When SERVPRO of The Hill Country deep cleans, we sanitize as well as remove any dirt and/or food particles. We will move the fixtures to the best of our abilities and clean in and around those as well - something that is not typically, frequently done. To schedule a deep cleaning of your commercial kitchen, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country: (830) 995-4102

Outside Chores to do in order to Prevent Water Damage

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

Water Damage to Wood Flooring

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

It doesn’t require a disaster of the scope of a spring flood or hurricane to damage a wood floor. Plumbing leaks, fire hoses and the upstairs neighbor’s overflowing tub might pose problems for porous wood floors and substructures. Whatever the cause, water causes warping, and can trigger mold and mildew growth that can ruin wood. Major flooding creates problems in foundations and walls that must be addressed, but the first step in mitigating the damage done by water to a building -- including its wood floors -- is to gently but quickly ventilate and dry materials.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country uses commercial-grade machines that extract the water from the wood flooring with a powerful force.  If we are called immediately following a water damage event, there is a good possibility we can save your wood floors from buckling using the high-powered water extractors.  Don't hesitate to call right away.

Source: Homeguides Online

Local Storm Causes Water Damage to a Home in The Hill Country

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country got a call from a homeowner in the middle of the night stating broken windows from a storm were letting in water and causing water damage to her second floor bedroom. There was water on the carpeting and water seeping in through the walls through the window sill. The homeowner was very upset and needed us to come right away. We are open 24 hours for emergency service, so the professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country were there for her within an hour. We helped to board the window and to begin to remove the water. Later, air movers and industrial grade dehumidifiers were placed in the room to completely dry out the area. The affected area was also treated for mold prevention. To learn more about storm damage restoration, please click here or call today!

Hot Water Heater Leak Causes Damage in San Antonio Kitchen

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country responded to an emergency water damage call in this San Antonio home. Summer had just begun, and mom along with her two children were enjoying the slower pace of life. The three had spent the morning in their pool and worked up quite the appetite. Mom decided to step inside to get food started for lunch while the kids stayed outside and dried off. Mom opened the backdoor and there in front of her was a flood in her kitchen and a hole in her ceiling. She shut off the water, called her children in to help, and then called us -- SERVPRO of The Hill Country to mitigate the rest of the water damage. The woman had discovered that her hot water heater was to blame for this disaster. The hot water heater, which was located in the attic above the kitchen, had sprung a leak. As more and more water was absorbed by the drywall, water began to pool and the kitchen ceiling started to bow. Eventually the ceiling couldn’t hold the weight of the water any longer and the water flooded the kitchen. Our technicians cleaned up the ceiling debris and extracted the standing water. They also cut and removed additional drywall that had been affected by water damage. It is important to get rid of drywall that has gotten wet as soon as possible because when it gets wet, it loses its structural integrity, and it will help minimize the potential of mold growth. After several days of drying, the moisture levels had met our dryness goal. Another home back to normal after experiencing a water damage emergency. With the help of our team at SERVPRO of The Hill Country, the disaster was "Like it never even happened."

The Hill Country - Are you Storm Aware?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

As we continue to see storms throughout The Hill Country area cities, we at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of The Hill Country experts. "Like it never even happened." 

Faster to Any Disaster: 830-995-4102

Fire Damage Restoration by SERVPRO of The Hill Country

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs in your Hill Country home, it is not only the fire that can leave damage. Smoke and soot can cause damage to your property. Soot and smoke is very invasive. They can penetrate various cavities within your home thus causing hidden damage and odor. At SERVPRO of The Hill Country, we have a team of highly-trained professionals whose smoke damage expertise and experience allows them 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. Because of this, there are also different types of soot residue. Before restoration can begin, SERVPRO of The Hill Country will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred in your home. Based on the information identified during pretesting, the proper cleaning procedures will be executed.

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.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore any fire and smoke damage that has affected your home.

Need a professional to restore your home after a fire? Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country Today – (830) 995-4102

We service most areas of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, including Boerne, Junction, Kerrville, and Fredericksburg.

Fire Types or Classes

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

There are five different classes of fires, each designated by a letter.

Class A: The most common type of fire, Class A fires have combustibles that include paper, wood, cloth, plastic, trash and other ordinary materials that may be found in any home or business.

Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids are considered Class B fires. These flammable liquids include gasoline, paint and oil. A Class B fire may also include combustibles such as propane or butane, which are flammable gases.

Class C: Electrical fires are Class C fires and include fires that originate from outlets, wires and other electrical components.

Class D: Any fire caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum and potassium, also known as chemical fires, are Class D.

Class K: Combustibles such as cooking oils, grease and fats are Class K fires.

If your home or business has experienced fire or smoke damage, please give us a call today. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is Here to Help. Click here to learn more about fire damage restoration with SERVPRO of The Hill Country.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you or your business has suffered a water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or bio hazard damage, odds are it has affected some sort of fabric or textile in your home.  The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your home or business performed by a company that is llrc certified?  SERVPRO of The Hill Country cleans upholstery for general cleaning, pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more. Yet another smart reason to choose SERVPRO of The Hill Country.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Insurance

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

In the unfortunate event your home or business suffers: water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or bio-hazard clean up needs,  SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will work seamlessly with your insurance company.  This means less hassle and less worry for you. Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with the insurance company and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for years and years, whatever property and casualty insurance you or your company uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  If you need the job done right and less hassle for you, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO® of The Hill Country. (830) 995-4102 "Smart Choice"

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Hazmat and Bio Hazard Removal Trained

3/21/2021 (Permalink)

Bio hazard clean up is considered: blood clean up, urine clean up, human feces clean up, animal feces clean up, vomit clean up, trauma scene clean up, and other human fluids.  General maid and janitorial services will not remove these items due to their potentially hazardous nature.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country technicians are trained and properly uniformed to safely remove bio hazardous materials. This is why you can rely on SERVPRO of The Hill Country to get the job done quickly, safely, and to sanitation standards.  Many homes and buildings that have been left unattended and/or improperly cared for will generally require this type of service. SERVPRO of The Hill Country will remove all hazardous items and properly dispose of them. If you or your business is in need of bio hazard removal, please do not hesitate to call today.

Why SERVPRO - SERVPRO's Mold Technicians are Mold Certified

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Are you smelling mildew or a musty odor in your home or business?  Can you visually see mold growth? SERVPRO of The Hill Country can perform your mold remediation / removal using a Mold Certified Technician so you know it's done right. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants. Additionally, in the state of Texas, a company can either perform mold testing or perform mold remediation - a company cannot perform both services. SERVPRO of The Hill Country performs mold remediation.

Don't hesitate to give SERVPRO of The Hill Country a call today to set up a time to start the mold remediation process.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Faster to Disaster

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country offers a 24 hour emergency service.  Our office is open Monday through Friday, however there will always be someone to answer your call after hours and on the weekends.  If the event is classified as an emergency, SERVPRO of The Hill Country will be out right away regardless of time or day.  When hurricanes, floods, wild fires, and other disasters strike all around the country, SERVPRO franchises band together and travel sometimes thousands of miles to come to the disaster area to help restore homes and businesses affected. If there is a catastrophic event in your area, SERVPRO will call in "extreme teams" that will arrive in your city or town to help cover more ground and to help more home and business owners. If your home or business has suffered a water damage or other emergency event, please do not hesitate to call.  

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO Uses Industrial Grade Equipment and Cleaning Products on your Home or Business

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business has suffered a water damage event, simply cleaning up the water and opening up the windows will not completely dry the space, leaving your home or business vulnerable to future mold growth (known as secondary damage).  SERVPRO of The Hill Country uses industrial grade dehumidifiers and fans to completely dry your home or business.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country uses moister testing devices to make sure your walls, closets, and floors are dry before we leave your home and close out the job.  In addition to drying, commercial grade anti-fungal treatments are applied in order to prevent mold from forming.

If your home or business has suffered a fire damage event, air scrubbers are brought in to the area to "scrub" the air clean and remove the chemical and smoke odor. In addition to air scrubbers, special cleaning agents are used to save as many smoke-affected items as possible in your home or business.

If your home or business has suffered a water damage, fire damage, or mold growth event, please do not hesitate to call us today.

The Importance of Proper Smoke Remediation after Smoke or Fire Damage to your Home

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire in a home it's very possible that contaminating smoke has touched every item and area in your home. In smoke, there are residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products due to burning plastics and other chemical-based items in your home that may have burned in the fire.  Those residual chemicals have been transferred by the smoke and is now left on your walls, furniture, floors, personal items, and other contents in your home.  Even things like your light bulbs in your lamps must be decontaminated or disposed of properly.

It's important to remove and remediate the items in the home that were exposed to the fire and smoke so that they do not further contaminate your home.  The residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products can irritate: eyes, lungs, skin, and other parts of the body.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country uses special equipment, techniques, and cleaning products to remove the smoke and soot from your home and salvageable contents. SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will also remove the odors using our industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. In most cases, air ducts will need to be cleaned as well along with new HVAC filters installed.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country will help to make it "Like it never even happened."

Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Commercial Space

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

1. Train all employees on the location of the water shut off valves and make sure the valves are easily accessible.
2. Find out if your business is located on a flood plain and if your area offers programs for business owners.
3. Conduct regular inspections of your HVAC units, roof, water heaters, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, and any other area you have that may have a water leak.
4. Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and you are insured.
5. Keep any documents, inventory, or anything critical to your business' survival at least a few feet off the ground.
6. Be prepared for a water damage event. The faster the water is removed and dried out, the better off you are going to be. Time is an important factor. Please save our number to your phone so you know who to call. SERVPRO® of The Hill Country, (210) 361-3235.

What is the SERVPRO Ready Plan Tool

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® Franchise Professionals have restoration experts available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold mitigation and removal. Our Large Loss Division has the expertise to manage the cost and operations of large commercial disaster recovery projects.

Fire Prevention Week 2020 is Themed for Kitchen Fire Safety

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2020 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 4^th and end on Saturday, October 10^th. This year’s theme is all about fire safety in the kitchen. Since we are all home more in 2020, we are home cooking more. In order to reduce the amount of kitchen fires in 2020, the National Fire Protection Association has named this year’s fire prevention week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!^TM”

Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

3 Safety tips from the NFPA regarding kitchen fires:

1. Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, or cooking food.
2. Never leave kitchen towels, oven mitts, or flammable items on top of or near the stove.
3. Kitchen fires spread quickly. If you do have a cooking fire in the kitchen, get out immediately.

If your home or business in The Hill Country has suffered fire damage, please call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country today to get started with the fire damage restoration. We will work with your insurance the whole way.

Source: NFPA.org

Cigarette Smoke Smell in Your Home?

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

It's obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes.  The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces in your home as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor?  The short answer is that it's very difficult.  ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, knick-knacks, and clothing. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process.  It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country have done it many times and are more than willing to help you.  Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air! Here to Help

SERVPRO Certified Clean

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. It is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. 

SERVPRO of The Hill Country has been cleaning, sanitizing, and removing Bio Hazard in both homes and businesses for over a decade. Deep cleaning is not new to us. 

Below are the Three "C's" of SERVPRO Certified Cleaned: 

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you are walking around The Hill Country, when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield sticker in the window, you know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

How to Set Up Weather Emergency Alerts on Your Phone

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

How to Set Up Weather Emergency Alerts on Your Phone

Search for "CMAS" or "WEA" in your phone's messaging settings. You can also dial "##2627##" (minus the quotes) on your phone to turn them on.

If neither of these do the trick, you might not have a phone that is WEA enabled. That's OK, though. You can still get emergency weather alerts with weather apps like the Weather Channel app or WeatherUSA.

WeatherUSA sends out real-time alerts to you every time there’s any weather-related warning in your area. They send these alerts out whenever they are released by any federal agency, including the National Weather Service. These alerts are sent across to the subscribers via SMS or email. You can choose to add your county or state for the local weather warnings.

For Android users, To meet the FCC standards, Android introduced “Emergency Broadcasts” features in all its mobiles. Through this service, you can get severe weather alerts instantly. Apart from these alerts, this feature also sends out an alert whenever there’s any emergency in your area.

Source: USA Today Online

Fire Safety in Manufactured Homes

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Safety tips

To increase fire safety in manufactured homes, NFPA offers the following guidelines:

• Choose a HUD-certified manufactured home
  If you are in the market to purchase or rent a manufactured home, select a home built after 1976 that bears the HUD label certifying compliance with safety standards.
• Keep smoke alarms working
  Never remove or disable a smoke alarm. If you experience frequent nuisance alarms, consider relocating the alarm further away from kitchen cooking fumes or bathroom steam. Selecting a photoelectric smoke alarm for the areas nearest kitchens and baths may reduce the number of nuisance alarms experienced. As an alternative, NFPA 501 permits a smoke alarm with a silencing means to be installed if it is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the "test" button. It is not necessary to use smoke or a real flame to test the smoke alarm's operability, and it is risky to do so. Replace batteries at least once a year, and when the alarm "chirps," signaling low battery power. Occasionally dust or lightly vacuum smoke alarms.
• Make sure you have enough smoke alarms
  If your older manufactured home does not have smoke alarms in or near every sleeping room and in or near the family/living area(s), immediately install new alarms and fresh batteries to protect these rooms.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Plan your escape
  Know ahead of time how you will get out if you have a fire. Develop an escape plan which includes having an alternate exit out of every room. Make sure you can open and get out of windows and doors. All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to provide windows designed for use as secondary escape routes for the bedroom. Familiarize yourself with their operation and don't block access to them.  Immediately fix any windows that have been painted or nailed shut, doors that are stubborn or "stuck," and locks that are difficult to operate. Security bars or grates over windows or doors should have quick-release devices installed inside, which allow you to open them in an emergency. Hold a fire drill twice a year to rehearse how you will react if the smoke alarm sounds.

• Electrical
  Hire a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights, frequent blown circuits, or a "hot" smell when using electricity. Use extension cords for temporary convenience, not as a permanent solution. Avoid overloading electrical receptacles (outlets). Electrical cords should not be run under carpets or rugs, as the wires can be damaged by foot traffic, then overheat and ignite the carpet or rug over them. Ground-fault circuit interrupters reduce the risk of electrical shock and should be installed by electricians in kitchens and baths. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters monitor electric circuits for arcing and should be installed by electricians on bedroom circuits.
• Cooking
  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires in U.S. homes. Supervise older children who cook and stay in the kitchen when heating anything on the stove. Keep cooking surfaces clean and place anything that can burn well away from the range. Heat oil slowly and know how to slide a lid over a pan if you experience a grease fire. Read more cooking safety tips.
• Heating
  Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. When purchasing new space heaters, select appliances with automatic shut-off switches. Kerosene heaters are illegal for home use in some jurisdictions. Check with your local fire department before purchasing a kerosene heater. Turn off portable space heaters before falling asleep or when leaving the room. Refill kerosene heaters outdoors, after the heater has cooled down. Supervise children and pets when space heaters are operating. Read more heating safety tips.
• Walls
  All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to have wall linings that do not promote rapid flame spread, with special protection around primary heating and cooking equipment, such as the furnace and cooking range. Presently, gypsum wallboard has replaced plywood wall paneling and wood based ceiling panels in the fabrication of manufactured housing walls and ceilings. This action has dramatically reduced the impact of fires in manufactured homes. Do not mount anything on the walls – such as paneling, drapery, or wall hangings – that would reduce this protection, especially near major heat sources.
• Smoking
  If you have smokers in your home, ask them to smoke outside. Wherever people smoke, set out large, non-tip ashtrays on level surfaces and empty them frequently. Thoroughly douse butts with water before discarding. Check around and under cushions for smoldering butts. Read more smoking safety tips. 

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/

Storm Emergency Alerts on Your Phone

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency alerts on your smartphone are a proven lifesaver.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) can save your life. Here's how it works: when the National Weather Service issues an urgent alert for a storm in your location, the system looks to see which cell phone towers are included in the storm’s area. All cell phone towers within the warning area send out an instant emergency alert to WEA-enabled devices. The alert plays the classic emergency alert tone and pushes a notification to your screen.

The great benefit to these alerts is that they only go off if you're in the area affected by hazardous weather. This helps remedy the problem of receiving false alarms for storms dozens of miles away on the other side of your county. If you receive an emergency alert on your smartphone, you know you need to take immediate action to keep yourself and your family safe. Wireless Emergency Alerts are pushed out for tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, hurricane warnings, dust storm warnings, extreme wind warnings, and local dangers such as AMBER Alerts and evacuation orders.

Source: Forbes November 2018

Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage to Ceiling

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

The homeowner of a house in San Antonio, Texas noticed round, yellowish, water spots had appeared on the ceiling of his master bedroom. Realizing that the cause of the water damage was likely the air conditioner located in the attic above the room, he climbed up to take a look. Sure enough, that was the culprit of the damage. He called out an HVAC repair company to fix the problem with the air conditioner, and then he called us at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country to mitigate the water damage done to the floor of the attic and the ceiling of the bedroom. Our technicians removed all affected drywall, and set up several of our air movers to dry out the wet areas. After a few days of drying and daily moisture checks, the moisture levels were low and back to normal, so our crew pulled the equipment and packed up. The floor of the attic and ceiling of the bedroom were repaired, and it was like this water disaster never even happened! If you feel your AC unit has leaked and caused water damage to your home, call us today.

Office Disinfecting for COVID-19

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Office Disinfecting for COVID-19

During these difficult times, please know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help your business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country will disinfect your business, office, restaurant, school, commercial building, and more! Was your commercial space contaminated with the virus? We can clean and disinfect for that! Would you like to assure your customers and employees that your commercial space has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected? We can help you with that! Deep cleanings and bio hazard removals have been services SERVPRO of The Hill Country has been offering for over a decade. We know how to do it safely and effectively. To learn more about Commercial Cleaning from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click HERE. Or, call today for more information – we are here to help: (830) 995-4102.

Filling and Stacking Sandbags to Reduce Flooding

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Filling Your Sandbags

It is recommended that you use sand to fill your bags with, however if it is not readily available soil will work too. When filling your bags, you want to fill them just slightly more than half-full so they lay flatter, are easier to stack, and are lighter to move.  Bags are much easier to handle if they are no more than 40 pounds when filled, although this may vary depending on the size of the bag (typical bags for sand-filling are 24-26 inches long by 14 inches wide).

Stacking Sandbags

One factor to keep in mind when protecting your home and property in the event of a flood is that sandbags are simply meant to divert water and debris away from the home, but do not create a water-tight seal. Proper placement will, however, significantly reduce the amount of water that seeps in.

First, you will need to prepare the site where the bags will be placed.  You should clear the area where they’ll be placed by removing debris such as large sticks, ice, and snow etc. These may cause gaps in your structure. Your barrier won’t serve you any good if the ground is too slippery and your sandbags all slide away when the water flows so you need to be sure there is enough friction to keep them in place.

If your home has experienced flooding, please call SERVPRO of The Hill Country right away, as time is a factor. The professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country offer emergency services 24/7. Here to Help.

Source: Chainsaw Journal Jan 2020.

HVAC and Electrical Fires in Commercial Buildings

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

HVAC and Electrical Fires in Commercial Buildings

HVAC System Malfunction

Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources. Areas where the main HVAC system is housed, as well as any water heaters or storage rooms, should be outfitted with smoke alarms.

Electrical Malfunction

About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring. Make sure your building is regularly inspected.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is October 6th through the 12th

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is October 6^th through the 12^th

Plan and Practice Your Escape
In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have,giving everyone enough time to get out.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

When it comes to fire safety, maybe you’re already a hero in your household or community. If not, maybe you’re feeling inspired to become one. It's easy to take that first step - make your home escape plan! 

Source: NFPA Online

Keeping Gutters Clear to Prevent Water Damage

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Keeping Gutters Clear to Prevent Water Damage

Ideally, gutters clear the water from your roof and move it safely away from your home. Healthy gutters help prevent leaky roofs, water damage to the attic, and water coming in through your home’s foundation.

Twice a year, it is very important to clear your home’s gutters. Leaves, twigs, mud, nests, and other debris can clog the gutters and restrict the water flow.  When water has nowhere to go, it pools and can seep into areas it should not, which can cause water damage to your home. If you do not feel you can safely perform the job yourself, please hire out the job to a professional.

If your home has suffered water damage, please call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today to remove the water and dry out the area in order to prevent further damage.

What to Do When your Toilet Overflows

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Overflowing Toilet – What to Do

An overflowing toilet is a problem everyone will likely deal with at some point. When water overflows from the bowl, chances are the culprit is a clogged toilet drain—usually an easy fix with some basic tools.

First, turn off the toilet’s water supply, on the wall behind the toilet. If you can’t find the water supply to stop the toilet overflowing, take the top off the tank and lift the float ball or cup high enough to stop the water from running. If that does not work, the shut off valve for the water supply to the house is generally located near the water heater.

Should overflow continue once the main water supply is off, you’re dealing with sewage backup, a serious situation due to the hazardous nature of the sewage water. If you are on a municipal septic system, you may need to call the city. If you have a septic tank, you’ll need a plumbing company that can flush out your system.

 Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today if you've suffered water damage due to an overflowed toilet. (830) 995-4102

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because if one of two reasons.

Reason #1 your fridge is leaking

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that is clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Reason #2 your fridge is leaking

From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

Source: CNET online

Kitchen Fire Smoke Damage

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage After a Kitchen Fire

Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the home; specifically, fires that originate from the stove.  Even when the fire is caught early and put out, the smoke damage that the fire caused can be devastating to a home and it's furnishings.  The smoke odor gets trapped in the curtains, mattresses, sofas, on the walls, and other places in the home.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country is IICR Certified to clean, deodorize, and sanitize upholstery. In addition, SERVPRO of The Hill Country has a tried and true process of eliminating the strong odor of smoke from the air using deodorizers and ionizing machines. Additionally, we will work with your insurance company.

To learn more about smoke damage remediation, click here.

Please call today to get the process started, (210) 361-3235

What Color is Mold?

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

What Color is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. Mold can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.

In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.

If you are concerned your home or business may be experiencing a problem with mold, please do not hesitate to call the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country.

Source: WebMD Online

Avoiding Water and Pipes in your Home During a Storm

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Avoiding Water and Pipes in your Home During a Storm

WATER & PIPES

People on or in or near water are among those most at risk for lighting strikes during thunderstorms, both inside and outside the home. Water is a good conductor of electricity, and many homes have metal pipes (themselves perfect conductors ). Not only can lightning striking your home travel through your pipes but lightning can travel stealthily into your home through shared pipelines that have sustained strikes some distance away from your home. Do not take a bath or shower, wash your hands, do laundry, or otherwise use running water when there is lightning danger in the area.

If your home or business has encountered storm damage, please call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country today to assess the damage and begin restoring your property. Faster to Any Disaster. To learn more about storm and floor damage restoration, click here.

Source: Homeguide

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

In the laundry room:

• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
• Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.

In bathrooms:

• Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
• Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary.
• Open a window when showering.
• Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

Source: WebMD Online. Jan 2019

Top Tips Reducing Mold Growth in the Kitchen

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Top Tips Reducing Mold Growth in the Kitchen

In the kitchen:

• Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside (not into the attic) whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
• Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
• Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
• Be sure crawl spaces are well ventilated by using fans and having vents installed in outside walls if necessary.
• Consider painting concrete floors and using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet in basements. If you plan to install carpet over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Have your basement floor checked for leaks and have them repaired if necessary. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors or walls.
• Make sure gutters are working properly and that outdoor landscaping causes water to run away from -- not toward -- the house.
• Do not finish basement walls with insulation and wall board unless your basement is very dry.

Source: WebMD Online. Jan 2019

Never pour grease down your sink

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

Pipe leaks from clogged pipes can cause water damage to your home as well as mold damage if the water damage is not soon addressed.

Source: Farmers Insurance

Storm damage prevention and treatment

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage prevention and treatment: reducing damage from storms with preventive action using horticulture

Damage to trees from storms can be minimized by designing and implementing a tree management plan. Designing and executing a plan can help prevent problems.  There is no doubt trees can cause damage and be damaged in storms. However, appropriately placed and well-maintained trees can help to reduce storm damage to structures by deflecting wind, as well as reduce damage to the tree itself. Appropriate actions include: proper placement and planting, structural pruning prior to the storm, and proper species selection. Actions in the weeks and years following a strong storm can help bring damaged trees back to health.

If your home or business is affected by a storm, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of The Hill Country. 

Source: University of Florida

HUD Standards Regarding Fire safety in manufactured homes

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

HUD Standards Regarding Fire safety in manufactured homes

Manufactured homes (sometimes called "mobile" homes) are transportable structures that are fixed to a chassis and specifically designed to be towed to a residential site. They are not the same as modular or prefabricated homes, which are factory-built and then towed in sections to be installed at a permanent location.

The federal government regulates the construction of manufactured housing. Since 1976, manufactured homes have been required to comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manufactured housing construction and safety standards, which cover a wide range of safety requirements, including fire safety. Post-1976 manufactured homes bear a label certifying compliance with these standards.

The HUD standard has been enhanced over the years and the HUD "Final Rule" for smoke alarms in manufactured homes is largely based upon NFPA 501. Today, new construction of manufactured housing is required to contain, among other provisions:

• factory installed hard wired or 10 year battery source, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up (including alarms inside or immediately adjacent to all rooms designated as sleeping areas, top of the stairs and on the basement ceiling near the stairs)
• provisions for special devices for hearing and visually impaired persons.

NFPA's national fire data indicate that manufactured homes built to HUD standards (post-1976 construction) have a much lower risk of death if fire occurs compared to pre-standard manufactured homes. The latest data (2007-2011) also shows that the overall fire death rate per 100,000 housing units is roughly the same for manufactured homes and for other one- or two-family homes.

Despite the federal requirements for factory-installed smoke alarms and the fact that eight out of ten manufactured homes now are and seven out of ten manufactured home fires now involve post-HUD-Standard units (based on 2007-2011 data), 51 percent of fires in manufactured homes were reported as having no smoke alarms present. This suggests a problem with detection devices being removed by occupants.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

Things to Do to Be Prepared in the Event Your Home is Affected by a Hurricane

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Things to Do to Be Prepared in the Event Your Home is Affected by a Hurricane

Take inventory. “The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve been affected by a hurricane is to try to remember everything you had in the house. Having an inventory will make the process of getting through the claim and getting back to normal so much easier.” Keep the inventory list in a safe place away from your home like a safe deposit box.

Update your insurance. Make sure you have the right amount of insurance, and fill in a few key gaps in coverage.  Call your Insurance Agent for more information.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will work with your insurance and try to make things go as smoothly as we can for you. Faster to Any Disaster

Source: https://www.kiplinger.com

Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane

Protect your roof. Consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is bolted to the rest of your house. And inspect your roof tiles or shingles to make sure they are secure. Use roofing cement to fix any loose tiles to prevent them from becoming lethal projectiles during a storm and damaging the underlying roofing material. Seal any areas where wires enter the home, minimizing the chance of water damage during heavy wind and rain.

Trim your trees. Broken limbs could land on your (or your neighbor’s) roof/house or become missiles that can break windows during a storm. If your tree damages your house or a neighbor’s house, your insurance cover the damages, but it may pay only a portion.

If your home is damaged during a San Antonio area storm, call the professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country.  Faster to Any Disaster

Source: https://www.kiplinger.com

Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in the State of Texas

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in the State of Texas

Mold assessment activities include an inspection, investigation, or survey of a dwelling or other structure to provide the owner or occupant with information regarding the presence, identification, or evaluation of mold, the development of a mold management plan or remediation protocol, and the collection or analysis of a mold sample. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services in Texas are properly trained and licensed. For Mold Remediation, please contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country and we will be very happy to help!

Source: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/mld.htm

"Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your business?  SERVPRO of The Hill Country cleans upholstery for general cleaning , pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more. 

The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

The IICRC works with other organizations to increase awareness of certified firms – from companies like Shaw, which requires warranty work be done by an IICRC Certified Firm, to associations, to government officials. Additionally, the IICRC also partners with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to include a suggestion for use of IICRC Certified Firms that specialize in upholstery cleaning in its Furniture Care Codes.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018

During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. See what programs your local fire station offers.

Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere!” That’s the theme for Fire Prevention Week.

LOOK
Look for places fires could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

If Your Pipes Clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

If your pipes clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes.

Source: www.farmers.com

One Year After Hurricane Harvey

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

One Year After Hurricane Harvey

August 25th marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the category 4 hurricane that deeply affected the great state of Texas one year ago.  Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain in parts of the Houston area, flooding thousands of homes and killing more than 80 people. The devastation was swift, and the recovery is far from over.  SERVPRO® of The Hill Country was proud to come to the aid of the people whose homes were damaged by the hurricane.  The water damage was catastrophic. The professionals at SERVPRO® of of The Hill Country worked especially hard during that hurricane and will always be here for you during any Texas storm...faster to any disaster to help you through any type home flood.

An Ounce of Mold Prevention Can Help Protect You

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

An Ounce of Mold Prevention Can Help Protect You

The most important step you can take is to identify humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold growth or structural damage.

§  Periodically inspect your building or home inside and out

§  Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, call SERVPRO® of The Hill Country to identify the extent of the damage.  Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen.  This provides perfect conditions for mold growth. 

§  Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator of growing molds.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.  Remember, the key to protecting your home or business is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.

§  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking, and effective cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product will keep problems away.

§  Business: make sure your Emergency Response Plan includes vendors that have the proper personnel and reserves and guarantees response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  This especially includes plumbers and restoration vendors like SERVPRO® of The Hill Country. 

§  Regularly have your HVAC system and air conditioner inspected to identify moisture problems or drain clogs.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

You’ve heard all of the preventative steps, you’ve prepped your employees, and your building is up to code. However, the easiest prevention methods are usually the most overlooked. Inspect these things today and be sure to set reminders accordingly:

• Smoke Detectors. Safety experts say that you should check these at least once a month and replace the batteries once a year, or as needed.
• Fire Extinguishers. See the directions on your fire extinguisher to see when it expires and who you can call to replace your extinguishers. Extinguishers can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Also, depending on your fire marshal’s standards, you may have to have your extinguisher certified.
• Fire Exits and Exit Signs. Can guests clearly see exit signs? Can they easily get to them? Consider having a fire drill to ensure guests and employees can easily get out of the building in the event of an emergency. Practice regularly.
• See any State or Local Guidelines. There are some local and state guidelines that businesses have to follow to stay up to code. Take a minute to read up on these laws or talk to your local fire marshal to learn about the guidelines.

Keeping your business, employees, and guests safe is important. Just by taking the time to make sure the basics of fire safety are taken care of, you can protect your investment.

Source: DKI Service Fire Services

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building? 

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call (210) 348-2911

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of the Hill Country. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect

mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from

plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the

contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores

from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of

surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to

eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing

of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate

heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using

fogging equipment. SERVPRO of the Hill Country Park Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration After Storms

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration After Storms

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your  basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (830) 995-4102

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of The Hill Country and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (830) 995-4102

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives.  Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful.

Mold can grow on areas with the following:

·        Water, moisture or high humidity

·        Food (any organic substance)

·        The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)

·        Lack of ventilation

·        Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.

·        Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

If you suspect you have mold, please contact the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country at: (830) 995-4102. 

San Antonio Business Affected by Memorial Day Storms

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

San Antonio Business Affected by Memorial Day Storms

The crew of SERVPRO® of The Hill Country was called out to this commercial building located near San Antonio, Texas when a terrible storm blew in over Memorial Day Weekend. The rain was heavy and the wind was strong. So strong, in fact, that it managed to blow in a window, sending shards of glass throughout a  lawyer's office causing damage to a couple pieces of furniture that were in the room. Not only did this office experience damage due to the glass breaking, but the rain caused an extensive amount of water damage as well. Since the storm hit over a holiday weekend, it went unnoticed until Tuesday morning. By the time we were called, the water damage had spread throughout the entire fifth-floor office. Additionally, water had dripped to several floors below it. There was a lot to clean up, but no job is too big for our awesome team of technicians who made this disaster "Like it never even happened."

Candles and House Fires

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Candles and House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association.

Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. There are more candle fires in December and January; the top three days for fires are: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

About one-third of these fires started in bedrooms, causing 39% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. More than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items.

Other causes of candle fires include leaving them unattended in a room or someone playing with the candles. Even something as simple as knocking a candle over when someone bumps a table they're sitting on or a pet brushing against one is enough to light a fire.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

 Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

Dryers were involved in 92% of the Washer/Dryer fires; the risk of fire was basically the same for both gas and electric-powered dryers.

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

Unlike other types of house fires, which occur more frequently in the winter months, fires in the home caused by lightning are more likely to happen in June, July and August in the late afternoon or early evening. From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes.  Lightning is responsible for a number of wildfires as well.

Lightning during storms poses the greatest risk outdoors and frequently strikes the highest point on a structure.

Safety tips During Lightning Storms: 

• When possible, stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.
• Do not use corded phones, computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.
• Unplug major electronics – TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.
• Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm as metal plumbing is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Source: http://www.propertycasualty360.com and National Fire Protection Association

Does Your Business Have an Emergency Ready Plan?

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has an easy to download app now available for Emergency Ready Plans for businesses. 

50% of businesses never reopen after a catastrophic loss!

As a business owner are you and your staff prepared and ready for whatever happens?  Disaster can strike at any time and knowing what to do and who to call is key to potentially minimizing damage to your property. Our Emergency Ready Profile is a great resource to have in place to educate staff on shut off locations and who to call during an emergency. Preparing your staff is key to timely mitigation. Does your staff know where the water shut off is in your building should a pipe burst occur? Does your staff know where to shut the electrical main off should an emergency occur in the building?  

The Emergency Ready Plan can be used on your smartphone or desktop. Hard copies can also be provided to help assist staff. 

Contact our office to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile for your business and be ready for whatever happens!

(830) 995-4102

SERVPRO is Great for Businesses!

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every professional at SERVPRO® of the Hill Country is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered–whatever the case, with SERVPRO® our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

References

From large commercial environments to small residential losses, SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Professionals understand your loss is the job that matters most! We will be happy to provide references so you can feel confident that SERVPRO® is the best system to service your needs.

You Can Trust SERVPRO® of the Hill Country.

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Put Property Owners Back in Control. 

The SERVPRO Difference

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

What is the SERVPRO difference?

Serving America Since 1967

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have been helping business owners recover from water and fire damages across the United States.

Over 1,500 Franchises Nationwide

More locations means faster response. A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can usually be on-site within four hours to help protect the structure, business and personal property.

SERVPRO® National Call Center Served Over 300 Insurance and Property Management

Companies and Their Clients Nationwide in the Last Year Alone.

We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year. That helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service

In our business, you need us fast! The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money. Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Trained, Uniformed Franchise Professionals

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Professional will walk you through the job process and then work quickly to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible.

The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association

The cold weather often means that people are spending more time at home and all of this time indoors increases the risks of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 360,000 home structure fires each year, resulting in about $6-8 billion dollars in damage.

The causes of these fires range from food left unattended on the stove to candles left burning. From the moment a fire starts to the point where the structure is fully engulfed is usually less than two minutes, which is why it is so important for occupants to get out of the home as quickly as possible and not try to put out a large fire themselves.

Here are the eight most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Cooking
2. Electrical and Lighting
3. Lightning Strikes
4. Smoking
5. Dryers and Washing Machines
6. Candles
7. Children Playing with Fire
8. Christmas Trees

SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Comes to the Aid of Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Comes to the Aid of Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Fortunately, the Hill Country area received only a handful of inches of rain due to Hurricane Harvey. 

Unfortunately, Corpus Christi was hit hard by Harvey's strong winds and high rain totals.  Immediately, Austin Tonroy, owner of SERVPRO® of the Hill Country responded to the owners of the homes in Corpus Christi.  Windows were shattered, roofs were torn off, and water had flooded in from every direction in some cases.  Our SERVPRO team was able to bring in generators to power the: pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers that helped us to remove the water and dry the homes. As in most cases with water damage, many homes were in need of mold prevention applications as well. There were many, many long work days and meals on the go.

 In the end, we at SERVPRO® were immensely proud to have helped our fellow Texans during one of their most desperate times of need.

If you are ever found in the same situation with terrible storm damage, please know we are Faster to Any Disaster and are always happy to help.

What are Molds?

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

What are molds?

One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold.  What kind of mold do I have?  How do I keep it from spreading?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home.  In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming.  In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.

In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated.  Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Would Your Business Be Prepared in the Event of a Disaster?

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Would your business be prepared in the event of a disaster?

What would you do if your business suffered: Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Mold, or a Bio-Hazard contamination? Do you have a plan in place? SERPVRO® offers at no charge a business "Ready Plan" app for your phone that will walk you through a preparedness  plan that could save your business $1,000's. 

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. In general, the faster the response time to a disaster, the less secondary damage can occur. SERVPRO is "faster to any disaster" and works with you and your employees every step of the way.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan app will guide you through a: Water Damage event, Fire Damage event, Mold, Bio-Hazard contamination, and more.  Pre-planning and having this app on the ready can help to give you tremendous peace of mind.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can — no higher than 50% – all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages
• Lake Houses

Source: cdc.gov

November is Child Safety and Protection Month

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

November is Child Safety and Protection Month

Below are tips for helping to keep children safe at home.

1. Use safety gates. Even before your baby crawls, install safety gates to match your home and protect curious children from harm. Hardware mounted gates should be installed at the top and bottom of the stairs.
2. Prepare for bedtime: Remove all soft, fluffy and loose bedding from the baby’s sleep area. This includes pillows, blankets, quilts, bumper pads, sleep positioners, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft products.
3. Be mindful of plants. Choose decorative plants that are nontoxic. Common household plants can often cause serious sickness.
4. Use Doormats. Place a welcome mat outside your home or apartment. Pesticides and other toxins may be carried inside on the soles of people's shoes.
5. Be cautious of choking hazards. Be vigilant about coins, marbles, keys, jewelry, paper clips, water bottle tops, safety pins, removable rubber tips on doorstops, jeweled decorations on children's clothing, crayons, and hard and round foods.
6. Check out your furniture. Use angle braces or anchors to secure large furniture to the wall.
7. Hot water: Set hot water heaters no higher than 120 degrees F. A lower water temperature reduces the chance of scald burns.
8. Fingerprint your children. Contact your local police department to ask if the department provides home fingerprinting kits. Some departments will fingerprint your child for you. If your local police department does neither, you can easily find fingerprint kits for sale online. http://www.yoursafechild.com/
9.  Be Mindful of Windows. Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not prevent children from falling.  Never put furniture or cribs near windows where children can easily fall through.
10. Dishwasher Hazards. Point knives, forks, and other sharp items downward in the utensil basket. Don't fill the dispenser with detergent until you're ready to run the load, and wipe out any that's left over after each cycle. Always replace the cap on the bottle tightly, and store it in a locked cabinet. Keep the dishwasher closed and latched when it's not in use.
11. Stoves and Kitchen Ranges. Make sure free-standing or slide-in ranges are installed with anti-tip brackets that secure the rear legs to the floor. Manufacturers are required to provide these brackets on ranges made after 1991, but you can contact the company for the parts, or order them from an appliance-parts store. Keep the oven door closed when not using the oven, and never allow your child to lean on or climb on the range or oven door. Install child safety locks on knobs. Install stove guards.
12. Fire Safety. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Teach kids never to play with matches and lighters. Make a habit of placing these items up and away from young children. Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room in case of a fire.

Sources: http://www.parentguidenews.com, www.hg.org, http://www.parents.com, and safekids.org

National Fire Prevention Week

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

National Fire Prevention Week

October 8th - 14th is National Fire Prevention Week.

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Source: National Fire Protection Association,  http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week-2

Damaged Window Seal Results in Water Damage After Rain Storm

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

In June, the Texas Hill Country received several rain storms. Storms are not common in our parts in the summer time. When we do get summer rain, it is the occasional five minute sprinkle and then the weather returns to being sunny and hot. So these Boerne homeowners were shocked to find out that they had experienced storm damage while they were gone at work for the day. 

The couple had returned home from work after a long day and noticed a rather large puddle in their living room. At that point, they were confused about what happened and where the water had come from since there was no obvious cause of loss. That's when the couple realized how wet the area around one of the windows was. Upon further inspection, they noticed that the window seal was cracked. The homeowners fixed the damaged window seal, and then they called SERVPRO of The Hill Country. Our professionals came in and extracted any excess water they could out of the carpet. They were able to save the carpet, but needed to remove part of the pad. Our team set up several air movers and dehumidifiers and before the couple knew it, it was like this disaster had never even happened!

Toilet Leak Causes Secondary Damage

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

A mold colony growing inside of the closet, which shares a wall with the once flooded powder bathroom

When you experience water damage of any kind, it is important that mitigation begins as soon as possible. The longer the water is allowed to sit, the greater the extent of the damage that is done to your home and belongings. If it sits for long enough, you may no longer be looking at just water damage to clean up, but you could also have secondary damage. Secondary damage, also known as mold, can begin to occur in as little as 48 hours if water damage isn't tended to in a timely manner or isn't taken care of properly. That is what happened in this house in Comfort. The water damage occurred when a supply line to the toilet had disconnected. The homeowners discovered the leak not too long after it had started, and since the water was mostly contained to the four walls of their powder bathroom, the homeowners figured that they would mitigate the water damage themselves. They put in a couple fans and as soon as the baseboards felt dry, the fans were turned off and put away. Fast forward a few weeks later, the homeowner started to notice black spots inside the bathroom and along adjacent walls. Fearing that it was mold, they called SERVPRO of The Hill Country. Our "Mold Guru" came out and confirmed that it was in fact mold growing. Our team of highly-trained professionals completed the remediation that was needed and made this mold infestation "Like it never even happened."

Leaky Dishwasher Wrecked Havoc on Wood Floors

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

The homeowner of this Bandera home was at home doing housework. Her last task was to load up the dishwasher and run it. So she did just that. She made herself a quick lunch and went into the living room to enjoy it and a little well-earned time in front of the TV and a quick nap.

When she woke up, she went to return her dishes to the kitchen and she saw a massive puddle taking over her kitchen floor. Her precious wood floor. By this time, the dishwasher had already run its full cycle. She set up towels to help retain the water and prevent it from damaging neighboring rooms. Then she called us, SERVPRO of The Hill Country, to handle the existing damage. By the time our technicians arrived on scene, the wood floors had already started warping and, unfortunately, we were unable to save them. Time is of the essence when it comes to mitigating water damage!

If you experience any type of water damage, SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help! We have been proudly helping the community since 2002!

Talk To Your Kids About Fire Safety

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

A home fire is a devastating event. No one ever thinks that it could happen to them, but it is important that you have a plan, just in case. Get all members of your household, especially any children, involved in discussing what to do if a house fire should ever start. Check all smoke detectors to see that they are in good, working condition. Come up with how to escape your home if it starts on fire and practice it, along with how to feel for fire through closed doors, how to low crawl, how to stop, drop, & roll, and how to call 9-1-1. Familiarize children with the sound of the smoke alarm. It would also be a good time to inform children about the dangers of playing with fire.

Tragically, many house fires are started by children playing with lighters, matches, and other dangerous household items. As a result, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that every year, $280 million in property is destroyed and 300 people are killed. Look under beds, in closets, and any other “hiding” spot your child may have for evidence that he or she has been playing with fire such as burnt clothing, burnt or melted toys, or charred matchsticks.  

By taking sensible precautions and informing your family about what to do if a fire starts in your Texas Hill Country home, we can help reduce the chances of experiencing a devastating loss.

Water Damage at Kerrville, TX Retail Store

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Another pleased customer for SERVPRO of The Hill Country!

Back in April, the Texas Hill Country definitely experienced those "April Showers". Most storms are short lived, but when they roll in, one can expect bouts of heavy rain and strong winds. 

When SERVPRO of The Hill Country was called out to this cell phone retail store in Kerrville, Texas, it had recently stormed. The rain was hitting the front door and began seeping through the bottom seal of the door. SERVPRO was called immediately and our highly-trained team of technicians were able to get on the scene fast to reduce the amount of water damage done to this commercial building. Our professionals set up air movers and in a few short days, the carpet around the door was dry and equipment was ready to be removed. 

Establishing an ERP for Your Business

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

You can’t plan when an emergency will arise, but you can prepare for it before it does. This is especially important if you are a business owner. When a disaster occurs in your business, everything screeches to a halt. You are no longer able to help your customers and clients. You are no longer able to offer your services. You are no longer bringing in an income. Business has been interrupted and depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at a long road to recovery – not just for remediation, but also to get your business back to where it was before the disaster happened. So, what can you do to prevent an emergency situation from shutting down your business? While you can’t necessarily prevent disaster from occurring (it happens to the best of us), you can prepare for what to do when it does. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how fire and water affect your business.

That is where SERVPRO of The Hill Country comes in. We can establish a plan for your business using our ERP, or Emergency READY Profile.

• A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A Profile Document containing only the crucial information you will need in case of an emergency. It doesn’t take very long to complete, but it will save you a lot of time (and from one more headache) if you ever need it.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can help minimize downtime.
• Establishes SERVPRO of The Hill Country as your emergency mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is located right here in The Hill Country.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so that we can begin the work of mitigating the damage immediately, which can save you both time and money.
• Provides important facility details such as priority contact information, priority areas, and shut-off valves. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

Ready to set up an Emergency READY Profile for your business? Give SERVPRO of The Hill Country a call today! (830) 995-4102

Mold Remediation Should Not Be A DIY Project

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Do-it-yourself projects can be a great way to save money while fixing things up around your home or business. However, certain DIY projects shouldn’t be done yourself; some require the attention of a certified professional. One DIY project that many try to tackle by themselves is removing mold. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some mold that you can take care of with everyday cleaning products, such as mold that is growing inside of your shower. However, when it comes to large infestations, you need to step back and hire a trusted remediation company that is trained and experienced in removing mold from your home. That is where SERVPRO of The Hill Country comes in!

When you find a mold colony growing along the outside of a wall, it is usually just the tip of the iceberg. It isn’t until you start removing the drywall and/or insulation that you can see the full extent of the affected areas. Attempting to remove mold yourself can actually make the situation worse. Agitating the mold causes the spores to be released into the air. These spores can float throughout your duct system and home, and if they land in a spot where the conditions are right, these spores will reproduce and mold will begin to grow in a different area of your home. This is why it is important to hire a certified mold remediation company like SERVPRO of The Hill Country. Our highly-trained technicians treat your home as if it were their own. They don’t cut corners to get the job done fast; they take the extra precautionary measures to ensure that the job is done properly. If you discover mold in your home or commercial building and aren’t really sure what the next step is, calling SERVPRO of The Hill Country is a great place to start. Our friendly office staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and set up an appointment for our “Mold Guru” to come out and give you an estimate.

Understanding Mold

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold was discovered in the kitchen of this Boerne home.

Mold is a problem that homeowners have been dealing with for centuries. In fact, every house and environment has mold spores; they are a normal part of the air we breathe. When there is a greater concentration of mold spores is when mold becomes a problem. 

Mold needs three things in order to thrive: a source of food, an ideal temperature, and moisture. Mold will feed on dirt and dust which is present in every home. And most houses are kept at temperatures that are almost always ideal for mold growth. As for moisture? Moisture can come in more than one form. Most people believe that you need to have experienced some kind of water damage (i.e. flooding, burst pipe, malfunctioning appliance) to encourage mold growth. While that can be true, especially if remediation isn't done within 24-48 hours, this is not always the case. If your home has a relative humidity of 60% or greater, mold can grow in your home, regardless of if you experienced water damage or not. A musty smell is usually the first sign that you have a mold problem in your Hill Country home. 

Finding mold in your home or business can be panic-inducing, but that is what we are here for. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help, just as we have been for the past 14 years. We have a great, professional team of highly-trained technicians that will make your mold problem "Like it never even happened."

830-995-4102

Mold Growths Found in Fredericksburg Home

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Green mold and black mold growing on the inside of the wall.

When conditions are ideal for mold, it will grow. And if it is not addressed at the first signs, mold can slowly begin to infest your entire house. That was the situation when SERVPRO of The Hill Country was called out to this house in Fredericksburg. The homeowner initially called us when he noticed a mold colony behind his oven. Upon further investigating, our crew realized that the colony behind the oven was just the beginning of it. They found that most of this home had been affected by mold. As you can see in the picture, there are both green and black molds growing on the wall. Much of the room looked like the small section you see here. 

If you find mold colonies in your Hill Country home, call us at SERVPRO of The Hill Country. We have been serving our community for almost 15 years.

830-995-4102

Kerrville Church Experiences Water Damage

6/11/2017 (Permalink)

A damaged section of ceiling in this Kerrville church when the building experienced water damage after a recent storm.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country was recently called out one night when a severe storm rolled through Kerrville, Texas. The strong winds and torrential rains proved to be too much for the roof on this Kerrville church. Water began leaking from the ceiling and, soon, there was flooding throughout the building. An employee took steps to minimize additional damage by mopping up most of the standing water and putting garbage cans below where it was dripping from the ceiling. Then they called us, the trusted team at SERVPRO of The Hill Country, to handle the rest! Our technicians tarped the roof to keep any additional rain from getting in, removed standing water, and set up air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the building to ensure that the affected areas would be thoroughly dried out and make it "Like it never even happened."

If you experience a flood, or any kind of water damage, in your Hill Country office or commercial building, call us right away. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help 24/7!

830-995-4102

Collapsed Ceiling in Kerrville

6/11/2017 (Permalink)

Due to a roof leak, this ceiling collapsed after becoming saturated with rain water.

We're no stranger to severe weather here in Texas. In the past few months alone, our area has been impacted by floods, tornadoes, and hail, just to name a few. While we do our best to be prepared for disaster, sometimes the extent of the damage is far worse than we could ever imagine. What would you do if one night you're sound asleep in your warm, cozy bed when all of a sudden the ceiling collapses because it has become extremely saturated with water? That was the reality for this Kerrville homeowner after a recent storm. An incident like this is absolutely devastating but SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to see you through to the other side; SERVPRO is here to help!

No matter when disaster hits, SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day of the year.  Rain or shine, big or small -- we are here to help make your loss "Like it never even happened." We have been serving our community for almost 15 years.

830-995-4102

Four Steps To Successful Mold Remediation

6/9/2017 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your Hill Country home, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country.

All it takes is a small water leak or excess humidity for mold to form in your home or business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is committed to helping you make it “Like it never even happened.”

1. Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country at 830-995-4102

SERVPRO of The Hill Country has been serving our community for almost 15 years. We have extensive experience in successfully mitigating mold in homes, offices, and large warehouses.

2. Set up an appointment

It is important to set containment and air filtration. It will limit the spread of mold spores and improve air quality.

3. Mitigation

It is important to remove mold and mold-infested materials to insure that the source of the problem has been taken care of.

4. Post-Testing

We recommend testing from an Industrial Hygienist to verify that mitigation was completed correctly and thoroughly.

Flooding in The Hill Country

6/3/2017 (Permalink)

Has your Texas home been affected by flood waters?

Did you know that flooding is the most common natural disaster? Here in Texas, we are no stranger to floods. The sky grows dark; the ominous clouds roll in. You see the wind tousle the branches in the trees. The lightning flashes, thunder rumbles, and the next thing you know you hear the rain hit the roof of the house. You listen to the rain get heavier and heavier. You watch the water accumulate across your property and then, what seems like a split second, the water in now intruding into your home. Take the measures to prevent additional damage to your home or office, then call SERVPRO of The Hill Country to properly take care of the damage that has already been done. We have a team of highly-trained professionals who have been helping us serve our community for almost 15 years! Let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

If your Hill Country home or commercial building is affected by a flood, give us a call day or night! SERVPRO of The Hill Country is always "Here To Help"! (830) 995-4102

Storm Damage in Kerrville, TX

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage was observed around a ceiling fan after storms caused roof damage to this Kerrville home.

That May weather has arrived here in Texas. This past week, we have been experiencing strong storms wiping through the Hill Country area. Heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning, and flooding is the norm when these storms roll in. This is when our phones at SERVPRO of The Hill Country start ringing; calls from people who are in need of help with various degrees of storm damage, from roofs that are leaking to flood waters that rose too high and intruded into the house. We are here to help 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year, and no job is too big or too small.

Over the Memorial Day Weekend, SERVPRO of The Hill Country was called out to a home in Kerrville, Texas. The homeowner noticed wet spots developing on her ceiling after a bout of heavy rain and strong winds. Upon arriving at the residence, our team noticed that a number of shingles on the roof had been blown off because of the storm. Our professionals tarped the roof to prevent further water from entering and damaging the home. Then they took to cleaning up any standing water before setting up air movers to properly dry out the damp areas.

If you experience storm damage, water damage, or flooding, don't hesitate! Call us immediately - we are here to help! 

SERVPRO of The Hill Country -- (830) 995-4102

Rely on SERVPRO of The Hill Country To Properly Clean Your Home After A Fire

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly-trained team at SERVPRO can clean and restore most of your treasured possessions after they have been affected by fire or smoke damage.

Your home contains most of your valuable possessions.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country in Comfort, Texas understands the trauma that follows when a fire occurs in your home.  When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back. We work quickly to restore your home and belongings back to their original condition.
We provide many fire restoration services including:

• Contents Services. One of the primary priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all of your belongings.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents including digital photographs, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time consuming process.
• Move Outs. If your home has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating your belongings for cleaning, deodorization, and storage while structural repairs are being completed.  A supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your Hill Country home.
• Contents Cleaning. All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country begins by carefully inspecting and testing all materials to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. Our highly-trained staff can provide both wet and dry cleaning.  Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to as near as preloss condition as possible. 
• Structural Cleaning services including ceiling, wall and flooring cleaning based on pretesting to determine the best method of cleaning.
• Deodorization. SERVPRO of The Hill Country provides specialized services that rid your home of offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage.  

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning damage to its preloss conditions, doing all we can to make it "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business is affected by fire or smoke damage, give us a call at SERVPRO of The Hill Country. We service almost all areas of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, including Boerne, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Junction.

(830) 995-4102

The Dos and Don'ts After Your Home Is Affected By Fire

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Leave the fire cleanup to our trained professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country

SERVPRO of the Hill Country knows that a fire can be a traumatic event and we are here to help.  If a fire happens to your home or office, here are a few tips to help minimize the damage.

After a fire or smoke damage DO:

• Limit movement of people in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until checked by a trained professional.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely, and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country!

DON’T:

• Attempt to wash or clean anything (walls, furniture, carpet, etc) without first contacting the professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country. Give us a call at (830) 995-4102. With years of experience, they can determine what the best method of cleaning is.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to the fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service person.
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. They may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner.  Improper cleaning may set in the smoke odor.

If your home or business was affected by a fire, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today and our highly-trained professionals will make it “Like it never even happened.”

We service almost all areas of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, including Junction, Kerrville, Bandera, and Boerne.

(830) 995-4102

Flooding Can Occur In Your Hill Country Home When You Least Expect It

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

If this is your reality, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country! We are here to help mitigate flooding and water damage! (830) 995-4102

Although it is something that none of us ever want to deal with, flooding will happen at one point or another in your home. Flooding can occur many different ways in your Hill Country home -- a malfunctioning appliance, a pipe that burst, a family member who walked away from a filling bath tub for a little too long. When your Hill Country home experiences water damage, immediate action is crucial in minimizing the extent of the damage done to your property. SERVPRO of The Hill Country responds quickly; we make it a priority to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Our highly-trained professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to remove water efficiently. SERVPRO of The Hill Country will make it "Like it never even happened!"

If your home experiences flooding or water damage, don't delay - Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country! We service most areas of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, including Boerne, Frederickburg, Kerrville, and Bandera.

(830) 995-4102

Restoring Your Hill Country Home After A Storm

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

We're here to help when you need us the most! Call us today if your home is in need of our remediation or restoration services. (830) 995-4102

Restoring properties affected by storms is the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is experienced in the remediation of storm damage and flood damage that can occur to your Hill Country home or business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country has a great team of highly-trained professionals who use specialized equipment and their extensive knowledge to quickly and properly restore your property to the pre-storm or pre-flood condition. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is dedicated to responding promptly, which can help minimize secondary damage done to your home. 

If your Hill Country home or business experiences storm or flood damage and is need of remediation, give SERVPRO of The Hill Country a call! We service all areas of the Texas Hill Country, including Kerrville, Boerne, Bandera, and Fredericksburg.

(830) 995-4102

Summer Fire Safety Tips

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

Summer means it's grilling season. Stay safe by keeping these tips in mind!

Summer is right around the corner, and summer means grilling out and lighting up a fire to sit around once the sun goes down. Here in The Hill Country, we like to keep our homes cool during the hot Texas summers. We also love BBQ, so we move from cooking inside to outside on the grill. While we look forward to this time of year, it is important to keep these fire safety tips in mind.

Grilling:

• Keep at least a three foot clearance around the entire grill. Keep kids and pets clear of this area too!
• Move the grill away from the house and fence, and move it out from underneath any overhangs. Do not use the grill under trees or near shrubbery.
• Regularly clean out the grease traps on your grill to prevent grease fires.
• Never leave your grill unattended!
• If using charcoal, make sure the coals have cooled completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
• Keeping a fire extinguisher or a big box of baking soda in the vicinity is good idea in case a fire does breakout.

Bonfires:

• When a burn ban is in effect, use a fire pit, preferably with a lid that can cover the fire in case of an emergency.
• When a burn ban is not in effect, you can burn on the ground where the grass is low and green. Never burn on grass that is long or dry! Take a hose and saturate the area around the fire with water to help prevent it from spreading.
• Drag a hose over to where you’re burning. If you have a sprayer on your hose, turn the water on and keep it on until you’re through with your fire in case of an emergency.
• Never have a fire under trees or overhangs, near shrubbery, or close to the house.
• Keep flammable materials away from fires.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Never have a fire on a windy day!

If your Boerne, Kerrville, or Fredericksburg home experiences fire damage and is in need of remediation, call our team in green at SERVPRO of The Hill Country! We are here to help when you need us the most!

(830) 995-4102

Preparing For Disaster: Flood Warnings & Watches

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

An intersection under flood waters in Boerne, Texas during a flood Memorial Day Weekend 2014.

Over the past couple years, flooding has been a major problem in and around San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Storms can roll through bringing strong winds, thunder and lightning, and torrential rain. The large amount of rain is not absorbed by the ground quick enough, so the water runs off and accumulates in low-lying areas. Water will also run into creeks, rivers, and ponds causing them to swell, which means that the water levels to rise. Both bodies of water and low-lying areas can quickly accumulate water and the water can rise very fast.

If the forecast is calling for heavy rain, it is a good idea to stay up-to-date on the threat level. A flood or flash flood warning means that flooding is possible and you should be prepared to possibly carry out your emergency plan. A flood or flash flood watch means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If your Kerrville home or business is prone to flooding, you will be told to evacuate the area.

When planning for an emergency, the first step is getting basic supplies together. Some of these items include water, canned food, first aid supplies, and batteries for radios and flashlights. These items should be kept together in a separate area from where they would usually be stored, and everyone in your home or office should know where it is located in the event that an emergency were to occur. It is also a good idea to keep important documents – birth certificates, medical records, insurance cards - in this box/area. If a flood warning is issued, fill your gas tank and move your emergency items into your car. If you do not own a car, make arrangements with family, friends, or neighbors for transportation. Gather family and pets, if possible. If your pets will not fit in a car with you, or if you own livestock and are unable take them, find a safe area to move them to. You should also adjust refrigerator thermostats to the coolest possible temperature in case the power goes out.

If you are told that you need to evacuate your home or business, you should leave as soon as possible; never ignore this order! It is advised to turn off your water, electricity, and gas and to unplug appliances, if you have time, to reduce the possibility of additional damage occurring to your Kerrville home. Those of us who have grown up in the area, have heard the saying a thousand times – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. Don’t ever attempt to walk or drive through flood waters. You cannot be sure of how deep the water actually is, nor can you properly gauge the strength of the moving water.

Flooding is common in our area and being prepared is essential to avoid making a bad situation worse. If your Kerrville home or business experiences flood or water damage, call our team in green! SERVPRO of The Hill Country will be there to make it “Like It Never Even Happened”.

Set Up An Emergency Ready Plan For Your Hill Country Business

3/5/2017 (Permalink)

50% of businesses never reopen after a catastrophic loss. As a business owner are you and your staff prepared and ready for whatever happens?  Disaster can strike at any time and knowing what to do and who to call is key to potentially minimizing damage to your property. Our Emergency Ready Profile is a great resource to have in place to educate staff on shut off locations and who to call during an emergency. Preparing your staff is key to timely mitigation. Does your staff know where the water shut off is in your building should a pipe burst occur? Does your staff know where to shut the electrical main off should an emergency occur in the building?  

The Emergency Ready Plan can be used on your smartphone or desktop. Hard copies can also be provided to help assist staff. 

Contact our office to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile for your business and be ready for whatever happens!

(830) 995-4102

Remediation and Restoration Services To Help You Get Back To Business FAST

3/5/2017 (Permalink)

When your Hill Country business has been affected by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, boarding up to secure the building, and removing debris and standing water.

After protecting and securing the structure, our highly-trained remediation specialists at SERVPRO of The Hill Country can begin the restoration process. Your business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

Our professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time, keeps costs low, and can save you from one more headache.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• HVAC Services
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration standards.

Call us today at (830) 995-4102

Preparing For Disaster: Emergency Supply Kit

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

It is wise to plan for disaster and to have an emergency supply kit in your Kerrville home

It is important to have basic emergency kit supplies gathered in the event of a disaster. These items should be kept separate from where you normally store them in your Hill Country home. The last thing you need in an emergency is to find out that your child used your emergency batteries to replace the dead ones in their video game controller a month ago. If you keep them separated, you will reduce the likelihood of something like this happening. While you can’t plan when a disaster happens, you can plan for a disaster. The following items are recommended to have in your emergency kit:

• Water – You should have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This water will be used for not only drinking, but also sanitation (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc). If you have pets, you should have water on hand for them as well.
• Food – You should have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. These items can include canned fruits and vegetables, soups, crackers, nuts and seeds, and canned tuna. Don’t forget to put a can opener in your emergency kit. Again, if you have pets, you should also pack away at least three days worth of pet food for them.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a weather radio with a tone alert. Be sure to have extra batteries on hand for both, if they require batteries.
• Flashlights and extra batteries for them. Not everyone will need one, necessarily, but it is a good idea to have more than just one on hand.
• First aid kit – alcohol wipes, band aids, gauze, bandage tape, disposable latex gloves, thermometer, tweezers, saline solution, aspirin, just to name a few. You can purchase pre-made first aid kits or make your own with extra supplies sitting around your Boerne home. If making your own, put them in a separate bag to prevent them from getting lost amongst your other emergency kit items and to help keep them as sterile as possible.
• A Whistle, to signal for help. Again, while you don’t need one for each person, necessarily, it might be a good idea in the event that you and your family members get separated.
• Dust masks – These will help filter the air in case it becomes contaminated. Plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off an area in your home is also suggested.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off your utilities with
• Cell phones with chargers, inverter or solar charger. No need to purchase an emergency cell phone; you can use the one you use everyday. But keep in mind that cell phones should be used for emergency reasons only during a disaster. This would not be the time to drain your cell phone battery playing games or scrolling through Facebook.

A couple additional emergency supplies you might want to consider keeping on hand:

• Prescription medications
• Eyeglasses and/or an extra set of contacts
• Important documents such as identification, birth certificates, bank account records, and copies of insurance policies. These should be kept in a waterproof, portable container.
• Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. Bleach can used to treat water and it can also be used as a disinfectant. Do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Bleach as a disinfected: nine parts water to one part bleach
  • Bleach to treat water: 16 drops of bleach per gallon of waterSleeping bag or warm blankets for each person. If it going to be cold, you might want to consider having extras on hand.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items
• Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic eating utensils. If you are packing mess kits, be sure to also pack a small bottle of dishwashing liquid soap and a sponge.
• Paper and pencils
• Activities to keep you and your family occupied, such as books, games, puzzles, and coloring books
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes. Clothing should include at least a long sleeved shirt and long pants. Extra, thicker clothing may be required if cold weather is in the forecast.

Smoke Damage: The Lingering Hazard After A Fire

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke can linger in your home after a fire and can damage your belongings.

After a fire, smoke lingers in your home and can further damage your belongings. The problem is that many Hill Country homeowners are unprepared for a house fire because they don’t think it could ever happen to them; they believe that they are being cautious and avoiding all possible risks of a fire happening in their home. In reality, house fires of all sizes are very common, even if you’re being extra careful. Even if a fire that occurs in your home is just a minor one and does not cause a lot of fire damage, it can still cause smoke damage. Smoke damage is very difficult to remove from your home and belongings and can be dangerous to live around.

Smoke Damage that is a direct result of fire damage should be cleaned by professionals. Our specially trained experts at SERVPRO of The Hill Country know how to get rid of smoke damage that might be present in the home after it has been ravished by flames. We start by evaluating the overall extent of the fire and smoke damage that is present in the home before arriving at the best plan of action for your situation.

There are quite a few reasons why you should have remediation done as soon as possible and why you should leave it to our SERVPRO professionals to handle the smoke damage. The smoke that you find after a house fire contains ash and soot. The smoke may also contain tar and carbons that came off of the flames. Carbon monoxide is often present after fire damage has occurred. This gas is extremely dangerous, as it is invisible, odorless, and cannot be tasted. You may not even be aware that you are surrounded by it until you start exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or until it is properly tested. It is standard practice for us to test the carbon monoxide levels in your home after a fire.

Smoke can damage your belongings, walls, furniture, etc by turning them gray or black. Smoke can also leave an odor on your belongings and in your home. Many items will need to be properly cleaned by our SERVPRO team and depending on the size of the fire and the extent of the damage, items may need to be completely removed in order to rid your home of the smoke damage. The team remediating your home will tell you what is and is not salvageable.

Fires are incredibly common, and a substantial amount of smoke damage can ensue from even the smallest of fires. Smoke damage can even happen in your home if a fireplace is not well-vented. You don’t always need to have had a house fire to have smoke damage. If you are in need of a qualified, professional team to help get your home back to “Like it never even happened”, don’t hesitate to give SERVPRO of The Hill Country a call – (830) 995-4102

What To Do If You Suspect Mold

12/7/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in places with high levels of moisture, such as leaks around pipes, windows, or roofs. If flooding has occurred and saturated your home, mold will also grow in drywall, dust, upholstery, and carpet, just to name a few. This is why it is of utmost importance to reach out to SERVPRO of The Hill Country immediately if any water damage has occurred - these specially trained professionals will ensure your home and belongings are properly cleaned and dried to inhibit mold growth. 

Mold can be many different colors, smell musty, and will often look like spots. Regardless of what type of mold it is, it needs to be removed. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it by attempting to clean the area yourself, touching the mold, or blowing air across affected areas. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. If you suspect mold, keep loved ones out of the area, turn off fans and the HVAC system, and contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

 SERVPRO of The Hill Country specializes in mold cleanup and restoration; In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today  –  SERVPRO of The Hill Country – 830. 995.4102

Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country To Prevent Secondary Damage

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

You have heard it said again and again: Time is money.

The old adage is never more true than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property remains wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage.  That's why emergency response matters. 

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air.  Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation.  The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry.  The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc.  Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow.  This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.

Let's face it: Floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday.  So why should your restoration provider?  SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods to get the job done right as quickly as possible. This includes every holiday, even Halloween. 

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house.  Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan.  A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance.  

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.  Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.  We like to recommend doing this to coincide with the changing of the clocks.  If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

SMOKE ALARM FACTS

• Three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or when the alarms are not working.
• Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.
• More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths results from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

SERVPRO Tips to Help Declutter Your Hill Country Office

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country knows how important clean is so to help with that we thought we would bring you some tips and tricks to help de-clutter your office.

• Divide Your Workplace Into Zones: Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions.  You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives.  This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.
• Keep Only What You Need At Arm's Length: Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go.  Rid your desk of visual clutter by pairing down the items to the top essentials only.  Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you've established for them.
• Create A Daily Paper System: Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "To Read," "To Do," and "To File." Establish sheet days for each, so that you don't get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.
• Sort Your Catchall Drawer: Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands.  Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.
• Eliminate Digital Clutter: Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter.  Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files- with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders.  Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.
• Disinfect Regularly: Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains, and fingerprints.  Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard, and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is dedicated to taking the stress out of your daily business lives whether it be through cleaning tips or through our 24 hour response to a house full of water or an office full of smoke.  

Call the Local SERVPRO in the Hill Country That's Faster To Any Size Disaster

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

When disaster threatens a community, it is often too late to take the necessary steps to prepare homes, businesses, and family members for the situation.  Whether it's a blizzard, flood, hurricane or wildfire, disasters of all types often give little to no warning before they strike.  The time to prepare for a storm is not as it approaches- the time to prepares is now. 

No matter where in the Hill Country or surrounding areas that you call home, we want to ensure that you are prepared for any disaster.  Whether you have damage caused by a hurricane, tornado, flash flood, or another other reason your local SERVPRO of The Hill Country has the resources, experience and training to help get your doors reopened for business as soon as possible.

If your property suffers a fire or water damage, your local SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals will be ready to help you.

Hill Country Preparedness Tools at Your Fingertips

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your family or your employees is by having a weather radio in your home or office.  Did you know having a NOAA Weather Radio in your home is just as important as having a fire alarm?

A weather radio is the most reliable source for weather alerts.  It is designed to alert you to dangerous weather situations such as an approaching tornado, allowing you to be warned ahead of approaching storms providing time to seek shelter.  In 2012, a new nationwide text emergency alert system was launched, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).  The WEA systems is a huge step toward keeping our nation informed in crisis situations, however it does not alleviate the need to own weather radios.  The new WEA system relies on cell towers to send alerts- if cell towers are knocked out during bad weather or are no longer sending a signal, you will not receive alerts.  Television and radio broadcasts can also go down during a destructive event.  Having a back-up such as a weather radio is critical to ensure you still receive information in the event media outlets can no longer broadcast or you are unable to receive the broadcast. 

When selecting a weather radio, ensure it includes SAME alert programming- sounds an alert only when specific counties are threatened (allowing you to only receive alerts for your county) and reviewable alerts (allowing you to turn off alerts you do not want to hear).

Contact your local Hill Country National Weather Service Office for assistance programming your weather radio, or for additional information, including county codes for your state, visit the NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

Hill Country Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Customers Be Ready

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month, which just past, is a perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place with your customers, business and family. 

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.  The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas.  The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information anytime using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP establishes SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 40 years experience and a System nearly 1700 Franchises strong.  Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation.  Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood.  The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.  No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan for it.

The ERP is a no cost assessment, all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save a lot of time in the future. 

Hill Country Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Hill Country basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 830-995-4102

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of The Hill Country and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 830-995-4102

Hill Country Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, 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 The Hill Country 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 – 830-995-4102

Does Your Hill Country Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

Hill Country 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 830-995-4102 

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of The Hill Country has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of The Hill Country

SERVPRO of The Hill Country 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.

When Storms or Floods hit Comfort, TX SERVPRO is ready!

8/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country 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 the Hill Country of Texas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams http://www.SERVPROthehillcountry.com/storm-flooding-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 830-995-4102

Tip Tuesday from SERVPRO of The Hill Country

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

Here's a tip from all of us at SERVPRO of The Hill Country.  We hope you have a wonderful week!

Customer Satisfaction is Our Top Priority in the Hill Country

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

We recently performed a water remediation at a home in Boerne for Kathy W.  She kindly wrote this review and we wanted to share it with all of our potential and current customers:

SERVPRO of the Hill Country was fabulous! They were always timely and very professional; Patricio was very helpful in guiding us what we needed to do; Garrett and Byron were efficient and focused on making sure everything was done correctly. Sherese in the office graciously helped us with paperwork and payment. We could not be any happier with the professionalism and quality of work that was performed. Ours was a water leak and damage; in those situations, one does not always think clearly to make decisions but SERVPRO of The Hill Country was a bright light in a cloudy time. A great big thank you to the entire team!- Kathy W., Boerne, Texas

SERVPRO of The Hill Country and Mold

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

It's the water that you don't see that can truly cause the most damage to your home or office building.  If you have had a water leak that you thought was all cleaned up, but are now starting to notice a musky odor in your home there is a good possibility that you have microbial growth.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help!  The professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country are trained to halt water damage in its tracks.  It is always best to call at the first signs of water damage to help prevent secondary damage, but SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals understand that you don't always realize there is a water leak until you start to see browning spots in your ceiling or smell that tell-tale odor.  If you reside or perform business in the Hill Country of Texas, contact us at (830) 995-4102.

Managing Mold in The Hill Country

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise

Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle

your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a

“typical” mold removal process.

Call 830-995-4102

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of The Hill Country. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect

mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from

plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the

contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores

from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of

surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to

eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing

of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate

heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using

fogging equipment.

Your local SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Understanding Mold

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

From the Ordinary...
Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment, and they produce some very useful results.  For examples, yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads and other food products.  Blue cheese's unique flavor is attributed to mold, and life-saving penicillin is a product of mold.

...To the Unhealthy
Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful.  Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold and extended exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

Any water intrusion into your office or your home can result in mold growth.  This intrusion of water can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks, and poor humidity control.  When these issues are not addressed, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.

Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments, but if the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply to a harmful level.

Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.  Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that may pose a health threat.

Take Precautions
If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong, musty odors that may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

Help is Here

If you think you or your customer might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is Faster To Any Size Disaster

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

There’s no such thing as a small disaster—especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for your business. Your local SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals are trained and equipped to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services,SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals can help you regain control quickly, ensuring your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized and protected.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration professionals. 

Real Quotes from Real Mold Customers

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of the Hill Country prides itself on ensuring that customers are happy.  One of our top priorities is customer satisfaction.  Here are some real quotes from some real customers that we performed services at their home or office.

"I'm very happy with your service and impressed with your personnel professionalism." -August in  Bulverde, Texas

"They were prompt, courteous, and helpful."- Kathy in Fox, Texas

 "In times of stress, Eric was kind and very polite.  He was very good."- Martha in Kerville, Texas

"Everything was fantastic.  Great crew/ very knowledgeable/ very professional." -Jessica in San Antonio, Texas

"Services over and above what was expected.  Dealt with homeowners in a very professional manner.  I would ask for Patrice if I ever need SERVPRO again.  Great job!"= Don in Rio Frio, Texas

For a SERVPRO that you can count on, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country. 

Hill Country Residents Are You Storm Aware?

5/26/2016 (Permalink)

As we continue to see storms throughout our Hill Country cities, we at SERVPRO of The Hill Country want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building every has water damage, call the Hill Country experts.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is to here to help with all of your emergency fire restoration needs

5/10/2016 (Permalink)

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to pre-loss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Professional is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered–whatever the case, with SERVPRO® our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What is the SERVPRO difference?

Serving America Since 1967

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have been helping home and business owners recover from water damages across the United States.

 Over 1,500 Franchises Nationwide

More locations means faster response. A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can usually be on-site within four hours to help protect the structure, business and personal property.

 SERVPRO® National Call Center Served Over 300 Insurance and Property Management

Companies and Their Clients Nationwide in the Last Year Alone.

We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year. That helps lower your insurance rates too!

 24-Hour Emergency Service

In our business, you need us fast! The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money. Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

 Trained, Uniformed Franchise Professionals

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Professional will walk you through the job process and then work quickly to restore your property to pre-loss condition whenever possible.

 References

From large commercial environments to small residential losses, SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Professionals understand your loss is the job that matters most! We will be happy to provide references so you can feel confident that SERVPRO® is the best system to service your needs.

You Can Trust SERVPRO® of The Hill Country!

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Put Property Owners Back in Control.  Call us at (830) 995-4102 today for all of your water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, bio-hazard restoration needs.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country Smoke Alarm Information

5/4/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.*

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house.  Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan.  A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance.  For more on emergency preparedness, contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.  Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.  If an alarm "chirp," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.  We recommend changing the batteries when daylight savings time begins and when daylight savings time ends.
• All smoke alarms should be replaced when they are 10 years old.
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.

*Tips and statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association

SERVPRO of The Hill Country responds faster to any flood disaster in Kerrville, TX

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here for all of your flood damage needs

 When the flood waters rise ...so do we.

In the last few weeks, many Hill Country residents experienced flood damage and SERVPRO of The Hill Country was ready and able to help.  As the rainy season approaches we wanted to make sure that the Hill Country community is prepared for any floods that may happen with some tips.

Before the Flood:

Tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for Preparing Your Home or Business for a Flood.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.

• Disconnect electrical appliances.

• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

During the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.

• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.

• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

After the Flood:

Flooding is still possible. Listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Know the terms:

Flood Watch:

 Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flash Flood Watch:

 Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flood Warning:

 A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Ask SERVPRO of The Hill Country about setting your business up with an Emergency Response Profile.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country understands that no damage is small when it comes to your home.

4/25/2016 (Permalink)

Big or small SERVPRO of the Hill Country can help with it all

 Your home is truly a reflection of you, your tastes and your personality. Suffering damage to your home can feel like a part of you has been damaged as well. We recognize a loss can make you feel vulnerable, invaded or robbed of part of your life. Your loss is unique—in how it started, the emotions experienced and the extent of the damage.  

When damage affects your home, you want it to be restored to pre-loss condition. You cannot afford to let the marketability of your home be affected. That is why SERVPRO® has professionally restored property for over 40 years. 

SERVPRO® is the trusted choice for hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, because they know SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Professionals have the experience to do the job right. 

1. IICRC* Approved School for 5 Cleaning and Restoration Categories: 
2. Over 1,500 Locations Nationwide
3. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Serving America Since 1967
4. Recognized Industry Leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration
5. Fire _ Water _ Carpet _ Upholstery _ ASD (Applied Structural Drying)
6.  Insurance protection
7.  Exclusive products and equipment
8. Extensive training programs
9. Safety compliance
10. Complete documentation, no surprises
11. Defined work processes
12. Active customer communication
13. Fast work completion 

 SERVPRO® is a company with the resources and experience to be a national leader in cleaning and restoration.

When you call SERVPRO® of The Hill Country, you can expect:

_ Fast Response. . . . . . . . . . Uniformed technicians will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification.

_ Damage Containment. . . . . Timely response can mean the difference between restoring property and replacing it.

_ Extensive Experience.. . . . SERVPRO® has been a leading provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration for over 40 years.

_ Vast Resources. . . . . . . . . . SERVPRO® has large loss capabilities and can handle any fire or water damage—no matter how big.

CHECK US OUT! WE’LL DO IT RIGHT!

Our Goal:

To make you feel Like it never even happened.®

• Minimize customer interruptions
• Complete the job properly
• Provide regular updates on progress 
• Restore the property to pre-loss condition in most cases
• Insurance protection
•  Exclusive products and equipment
•  Extensive training programs
•  Safety compliance
•  Complete documentation, no surprises
•  Defined work processes
•  Active customer communication
•  Fast work completion

When fire and water take control of your life, we help you take it back.

Hill Country Storm Damage Experts

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help

Last night's storm ravaged our neighborhoods resulting in broken home windows that allowed water to pour into them.  We are actively helping to clean up these water damages.  If your home or business has experienced water damage, contact us immediately at (830) 995-4102 to help prevent secondary damage.  Secondary damage occurs when water is allowed to stay and is not appropriately mitigated.  Remember we work with all insurance carriers and will help you through this claim process.  We understand that storm damage is a difficult experience and we have the expertise to walk you through each step of the process.  We are the Hill Country experts when it comes to storm damage water restoration.  We live in the Hill Country, so we are part of your neighborhood and are here to help.

SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Damage Tips for citizens in the Hill Country

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

If fire damage occurs to your Hill Country residence call the experts at SERVPRO of The Hill Country

SERVPRO of the Hill Country knows that a fire can be a traumatic event and we are here to help.  If a fire happens to your home or office here are a few tips to help minimize the damage.

After a fire or smoke damage DO:

·         Limit movement of people in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets

·         Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.

·         Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

·         If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely, and prop doors open to help prevent odors.

·         Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances. Then protect with a light coating of lubricant.

·         Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.

·         Gently wash both sides of leaves on indoor plants.

·         Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until checked by a trained professional.

·         Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON’T:

·         Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of The Hill Country professionals at (830) 995-4102.

·         Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting with SERVPRO of The Hill Country.

·         Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to the fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service person.

·         Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. They may be contaminated.

·         Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.

·         Send garments to the dry cleaner.  Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Hill Country, TX Most water damage occurs from the water you don't see. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is ready to help!

4/4/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help with all of your water damage restoration needs

 Oftentimes homeowners will try to remove water themselves, but with any leak it's the water you don't see that causes the most damage.  Your home should be your place of rest.  But when water begins leaking- even small leaks in areas you can't see- your home could quickly become a source of stress.  The possibility of harmful mold, rot and unseen damage may affect the value of your home and the health of your loved ones. There are several areas of the home that can be affected by a small water leak that you cannot see.  These areas include the sheathing, wall studs, drywall, insulation, interior area, carpet, baseboard, carpet padding, bottom wall plate, sub-floor, floor joist, sill plate, and even foundation. 

SERVPRO of The Hill Country professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be for your entire family and will help ensure the water is identified, regardless of where it hides.  That's why we offer 24-hour emergency responses by trained, uniformed restoration professionals.  With top-of-the-line equipment and time-tested cleanup and restoration techniques. SERVPRO of The Hill Country professionals have the expertise to help make your house feel like home again.

After all, when it comes to your home and your family, even small disasters can feel like huge problems. So if a water damage occurs in your home, just call SERVPRO of The Hill Country at (210) 267-2159.  We are ready to help.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals are trained to safely clean and restore your home, utilizing the following procedures:

Northwest San Antonio residents know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country professionals have the training and equipment needed to detect moisture levels and validate drying.

Hill Country Residents: SERVPRO of The Hill Country understands the trauma of home fire damage

4/1/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help with your fire damage restoration needs

Your home contains many of your most valuable possessions.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country in Comfort, TX understands the trauma that follows a home fire.  When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back. 
We provide many fire restoration services including:

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning damage to its pre-loss conditions, doing all we can to make it "Like it never even happened."

What should I do if I experience a water damage at my home or office?

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here for all of your water damage restoration needs

1.     SAFETY: SERVPRO of The Hill Country’s number one priority and what you should do first

                a.      Ensure that it is safe to enter into the premises.

                b.      Electricity is one of the most dangerous situations in regards to water. An electricity check should be made to ensure that the water is not in direct contact with any electricity. DO NOT enter the premises until this is resolved.

                c.       Slip/ fall dangers: remember that water makes floor surfaces incredibly slippery, so ensure that you are wearing the proper shoes to prevent slips

               d. Use caution when trying to move items that are saturated with water as they will be heavier than usual

    2.    Turn off the water source- as water is allowed to continue running it is continuing to damage your home or office

    3.    Contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country at (830) 995-4102- the faster we arrive, the faster we can make it like “it never even happened”

    4.      Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.

    5.      Wipe excess water from wood furniture

    6.      Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

    7.      Turn the air conditioner off

    8.      Remove colored rugs and/or drapery from wet carpeting

    9.      Gather loose items from the floors

    10.  Remove art objects to a safe, dry place

It is our hope that you never have to use these tips, but it is always better to be prepared. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (830) 995-4102.

What can SERVPRO of The Hill Country do for those who live in the greater Hill Country, TX area?

3/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is always ready for whatever happens

 Oftentimes we are asked how exactly can we help you?  For the fully detailed explanation, please head to our website at: http://www.SERVPROthehillcountry.com/

Here are some answers to commonly posed questions:

We can help with your water event; but what is a water event anyways? 

  A water event is any time that water is in a place within your house that it is not supposed to be.  Some common examples include: dishwasher overflow, pipe burst, flood water, roof leak, washing machine overflow, toilet overflow, washing machine line break, AC leak, refrigerator/ freezer leak, etc.  If you see water that is not supposed to be there, give us a call at (830) 995-4102.

So, what exactly will you do for my water event?

  We will have certified, background cleared professionals that come out to scope (inspect) your home within four hours of your call, day or night, to determine where the water has caused damage.

But won't this inspection cause further damage?

  We use non-invasive moisture meters and a thermal imaging camera to find the hidden water and hidden damage, so no additional damage is caused to your home.

Well, then what will you actually do?

  We will then, per IICRC guidelines (our governing body) and our 46 years of experience as the industry leading water mitigation company, dry your home to make it "like it never even happened."  We work with all insurances companies and will make sure that both you and your insurance know what is going on to help put your mind at ease.

I didn't have a water event, so how else can you help me?

  We also help with fire damages and smoke damages.  A fire is a traumatic event in anyone's life and we work with you to get your life back to normal as soon as possible.  We will come into your home to perform a scope (inspection) of your home and let you know what needs to be done within four hours of your initial call.  At a minimum, fires typically require soot removal/ cleaning of all affected areas and deodorization.  We make sure that everything is done completely so that the trauma is as short lived as possible. 

What else do you do?  I have never experienced a water event or a fire at my house, so why should I call you?

  We also do:

•  Air duct cleaning
• Bio-hazard clean-up
• Crime scene clean-up
• Sewage clean-up

What areas do you service?

   On a day to day basis we work primarily within 50 miles of Comfort, TX

When are you available?

  We have someone available for water and fire damages twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Hill Country Call the Cleanup Team That’s Faster To Any Size Disaster

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

If your bathtub overflows, call the drying experts at SERVPRO of The Hill Country

 A pipe bursts.  A water heater leaks.  A bathtub overflows.  Flood waters rush in.  A sprinkler system malfunctions.  Water damage can happen in any number of ways.  But if your business or home is under a few inches of water, everything takes a backseat.  Only one thing matters when your business can’t operate, and there is just one thing on the mind of the water-logged resident: A solution.

Your local SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals are the solution.  Equipped with the knowledge, the experience, and the training to help make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of The Hill Country will start helping the moment you call us at (830) 995-4102.  Backed by more than 40 years of experience, your local SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals will help put your worries at ease, because we understand the science of drying.

When water damage strikes, give us a call; we will help make things right, make things dry, and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Hill Country It's Day Light Savings Time

3/11/2016 (Permalink)

Spring Forward Texas Hill Country and change those smoke detector batteries!

Remember to set your clocks forward an hour this Sunday March 13th at 2am, although we recommend setting them an hour ahead the night before so you don't forget.  This is also a wonderful opportunity to change the batteries in all of your smoke detectors.

Understanding Water Types in Kerrville Texas

3/4/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country drying a water damaged home in Boerne, TX

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country has technicians that have undergone IICRC training on water damage including water types.  There are three types of water.  Clean water is from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean.  The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water.  Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.  Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more.  Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster.  Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.  When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance.  Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals at (830) 995-4102. 

Call The Hill Country CLEANUP TEAM that’s faster to any size disaster

3/2/2016 (Permalink)

Dishwashers can quickly flood your Kerrville home. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to remove the water and dry out your home.

When it comes to life’s emergencies, it isn’t a matter of if they will happen- it is when will they happen. Home and business owners can take steps to prepare for disasters, but you can never fully prevent them from happening. An old pipe bursts. A storm blows in dozens of gallons of water. A washing machine malfunctions. Chances are your home or business will eventually suffer some sort of emergency; that is why it is important to prepare now, before disaster strikes.

One way that SERVPRO of The Hill Country can help you prepare for natural disasters is our Emergency Ready Profile.  As a business owner you have free access to this Ready Profile.  We can set this up for you, free of charge, quickly.  This application allow you to identify the key people that should be notified in case of an emergency at your business.  It also allows you to identify shut off valves so that water can be promptly turned off during a pipe break, etc.  It is a mobile app that can be downloaded onto your phone.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals are trained to respond quickly, professionally and efficiently when mitigating your loss. When you home or business is under water, every minute counts. That’s why your local Hill Country SERVPRO Professionals are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We are just a phone call away at (830) 995-4102.

Should a disaster strike, call your local SERVPRO of The Hill Country.  Ready for whatever happens.

FREE CE Course in the Hill Country

2/26/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know that we are offering a FREE continuing education course?  The class is scheduled for April 1, 2016 from 1pm until 5pm and offers four hours of CE credits.  We would love to have you join us in the beautiful Texas Hill Country for a fun and educational class on restorative drying.  Please reserve your seat by calling us at (830) 995-4102.

Water and Fire Damage Continuing Education Seminars

6/19/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country hosted an informative seminar on Fire Damage Mitigation on June 5 in Center Point, and will continue to host more workshops over the summer.  Our next seminar will be at the end of July and focus on trauma mitigation.  These seminars are free, informative and meet the continuing education insurance industry requirements for attendees.  Give us a call at (830) 995-4102 to learn more about the next continuing education opportunity for your office!

Hill Country Residents: do you know what to do if you experience water damage in your home or office?

5/6/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of the Hill Country is always here to help on any size water damage

SERVPRO of the Hill Country would like to help the Hill Country residents and business owners with helpful tips for dealing with a water damage.

If you have water damage from clean water:

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Contact SERVPRO of the Hill Country

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.  Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carptes or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall0-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

If you have water damage from contaminated water:

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.
• Contact SERVPRO of the Hill Country

Don't:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas

SERVPRO of the Hill Country knows how to help with water damage and is a phone call away at 830-995-4102

SERVPRO once again tops the industry!

4/7/2014 (Permalink)

Entrepeneur magazine recently announced its annual Franchise 500 ranking, naming SERVPRO number 7 overall in the Top 10 franchises for the fifth consecutive year.  Additionally, in the water and fire mitigation and restoration industry, SERVPRO is #1 for the 11th consecutive year!

Trust SERVPRO of The Hill Country to continue the tradition of excellence in customer satisfaction, professionalism and dedication to meeting and exceeding industry standards for water, sewage, fire, smoke and trauma damages in your home or business.

Commercial Water Dry Out

4/4/2014 (Permalink)

Using heated air to dry a concrete slab

We were called to a commercial building in Boerne to dry out a concrete floor that was still wet weeks after a water damage occurred. Using our heating drying system, dehumidification and air movement, we tented the floor to effectively suck the moisture out of the concrete. Our SERVPRO of The Hill Country professionals have been trained and are accredited by the IICRC, our governing body.  

Whether it's water extraction, dry out or prevention of secondary damage like mold, trust SERVPRO of The Hill Country to professionally handle all of your commercial emergencies.  We are a mere phone call away and are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year at (830) 995-4102.  Our business is to get your business back and running.

Water Intrusion

4/3/2014 (Permalink)

Water intrusion in one room can mean water damage in other rooms!

Water intrusions invade floors, ceilings and walls to find the lowest pointin your business’ structure. Water from an overflowing bathroom stall orother water incidents will search for pinhole crevices and cracks in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel down in the building. 

Trust our SERVPRO team to locate all sources of moisture in your business, dry them out and get your business back in business sooner!

New Equipment at SERVPRO of The Hill Country!

9/23/2013 (Permalink)

We are pleased to announce the addition of the following:

The DryPro 900:  A 900,000 BTU thermal drying system, capable of drying up to 30,000 SF

Two Portable Trailer Mounted Diesel Generators:  each unit is capable of supporting the drying equipment for two residential structures simultaneously.

We at SERVPRO of The Hill Country pride ourselves on the ability to expertly dry both commercial and residential structures.  Remember:  no job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of The Hill Country!