How Technology is Valuable during a Hurricane

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Technology is important during a Hurricane

While the idea of technology seems simple on the outside, the constant updates and innovations can deter people from learning all that their devices can do for them. When emergencies or natural disasters hit close to home, it can be extremely advantageous to know how to make the best use of your technological devices. Technology allows you to stay updated on outside conditions as well as let family and friends know where you are.

We recommend keeping portable chargers readily accessible so that you can make the most of your technology during an emergency. Keep these tips on how to effectively use your devices in mind.

Applications for News Updates

Checking apps for updates on your smartphone is a fast and easy way to catch up with the latest news in North Clay County to include western Orange Park, North Middleburg, Oakleaf and areas around Black Creek. Make sure you have reliable news apps downloaded before inclement weather hits so that you can stay posted on local weather conditions and national updates.

Mark Yourself Safe

Another helpful feature of social media that not a lot of people know to use is the ability to mark yourself as safe. Facebook offers a feature called Safety Check that lets users mark themselves as safe if there is a dangerous situation in or near where you live. Simply updating your status as safe lets family and friends know that for the time being, you are out of harm’s way. The Red Cross has a similar feature called Safe & Well, which is both an app and website, where users can be marked safe.

Use Online Storage

Websites like Google Drive and DropBox ease the stress of possibly losing important copies of identification cards, passports, insurance policies, medical records, pet records, etc. in the event of a disaster. Be sure to scan and save any important documents before inclement weather is expected.

Make SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg your go-to team when your home or business in is in need of any kind of remediation. Call us today at (904) 861-8870.

Don't let Water put your business on hold

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let this be you! We are Here to Help 24/7/365

If you have a large commercial flood in your Clay County Office building, SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg is here to help! We have many years of large loss experience and have resources available that not many other companies have. 

It is important that every large loss is properly handled with documentation and proper steps taken. Doing the job correct the first time is important to prevent secondary damages from occurring. 

We strive to be an education company in the disaster restoration industry. With that said if you have any questions on what to do or how to even be better prepared, feel free to reach out to us at any time. We have several team members that are trained and specialize in different areas of large loss restoration. We will make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at our Orange Park office at 904-861-8870!

What if your boat has a fire? Are you ready if this happens?

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Helpful Tips to Enjoy your Boat Safely This Summer!

Summer has arrived, which means it’s boating season. Whether you are trying to sneak in some lake time or preparing to head out for a bit of fishing, fire safety on the water should always be a priority. Boat fires are more common than you think. Common causes of boat fires include equipment failures, fuel leaks, or poor fueling practices. Be prepared.  Make sure you have the correct fire suppression equipment to prevent or extinguish boat fires. Here are some handy fire safety tips for boaters.  

Which Kind of Fire Extinguisher Should Be on Your Boat?

The United States Coast Guard has requirements for the number of portable fire extinguishers to be carried on engine-driven recreational boats. For any boats under 26 feet, the requirement is at least one two-pound fire extinguisher. For boats between 26 and 40 feet, there should be at least two (2) 2 lb. fire extinguishers or one 2.5 lb extinguisher. For boats that are between 40 and 65 feet, the requirement is three (3) 2 lb. fire extinguishers. For detailed information, you can visit Boat US at www.boatus.org. 

The type of fire extinguisher used for your boat fires is critical. Many boat fires are of electrical origin, but that is not always the case. Picking an ABC fire extinguisher will ensure that fires can be safely extinguished. You will be protected while boating this way.

Typical Causes of Boat Fires

The most likely origins of boat fires are electrical panels, galley cooking appliances and the engine compartment. Given this information, it is not shocking that a lot of boating fires are caused by fuel and electrical systems. Most boat fires are caused by issues with 12-volt DC electrical systems associated with batteries or engines located inside the engine compartment. Poorly maintained wiring within an enclosed area containing gasoline or diesel fuel is a common source of fires. Overloaded outlets and faulty plugs can create dangerous scenarios. Cooling system failures and the resulting overheated engines are also a source for fires.

SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg is located right here in Orange Park, Florida to assist with cleanup if you need us.

Do you need your ducts (HVAC) cleaned?

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Ductwork can be part of what is irritating your senses, you might want to have them checked out.

There are so many impurities that can run through your HVAC duct system which is why is it important to have them cleaned. Smoke, dust, dirt, pet dander and hair, pollen, smoke and mold can all be circulating through your ductwork.

When this occurs you, your family, employees, etc. could be exposed to dust or allergens that continue to circulate. Mold growth in the ductwork or HVAC system can cause damage and as spores circulate through the air, can pose other concerns. Impurities that flow through your HVAC ductwork can also lead to odors in the home.

Duct cleaning services are usually on an as needed basis and while there is no need to clean them regularly, you may have certain circumstances where they need cleaning more often. For example, you may have mold or mildew growth which can cause a moldy smell or you may even be able to see mold growth within the ducts or HVAC system. Pests such as mice are also able to penetrate through ducts through the attic, crawlspace or even outdoors. If they nest or even die inside they leave behind droppings, bodies, and impurities.

If you ever find yourself needing a duct inspection or cleaning service then please feel free to call us here at SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg and we can give you a quote for cleaning.  We provide services in Orange Park, Oakleaf, Middleburg and MacClenny to assist you with your cleaning needs.  We utilize high performance machines that provide the vacuum and air flow required to achieve a negative pressure and remove contaminants from an air duct system whereas some companies are using small, hand held equipment that will not have enough power to vacuum the lines of your HVAC trunk lines. These portable vacuum systems are designed for both residential and commercial air duct cleaning and meet the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) standards for the proper capture and Source Removal method of cleaning HVAC systems.  

There are a couple of steps that you can take to help keep the HVAC ductwork such as changing air filters on a regular basis. You can also clean the vents thoroughly with warm soapy water removing the impurities from the vents.   We offer our professional opinion to determine your specific needs.

Types of Smoke that can cause Damage

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

We are experts in cleaning up soot from a fire damage, regardless of what caused the fire and what materials burned.

Did you know that there are four different types of smoke? Wet, Dry, Oily, and Protein

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.

Oily Smoke - Grease, Fuel Burning, and Burnt Plastics

• Easily smeared, resistant to wet cleaning

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 - SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg is located in Orange Park, Florida is ready to respond and answer your questions on how to tell which type your fire might have been and also clean.  If you don't know which type of soot it is, you can DO MORE DAMAGE by trying to clean it yourself.  You also have to know what kind of paint you have or you could do more damage as well.  You can reach us at 904-861-8870 and we will be glad to assist you.   We cover Middleburg, Oakleaf, Orange Park, Jacksonville, Macclenny and other surrounding areas.  

Prepare for Heavy Rain - The Correct Way

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Rain Heavily Falling and Gutters Overflowing with Rain Water

Living in Florida there is always that chance of heavy rain storms coming our way.  SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg has worked on multiple projects that were due to the surplus of rain.  The most memorable one being 2012 during Tropical Storm Debbie.  With almost 30 inches of rain in a short time we had several people call us at all hours of the day and night due to leaks caused by the rain. Sometimes these leaks are unavoidable, but we want to make sure you are prepared for the next storm.  

There are various forms of getting prepared for rainy weather but for the most part normal maintenance will keep your home or business safe from heavy rain.

Here are some tips to avoid rain damage. 

• Plant shade trees or palm trees at least 20 feet away from your home. 
• If you have gutters, make sure they are clean. 
• Ensure there are no leaks on your roof. 
• Check for damage on your home or business and repairs are needed. 
• Weatherstrip windows and doors. 
• Have your trees trimmed. 

Are Your Floors Buckling?

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Are Your Wood Floors Buckling? Call us for a Moisture Test!

"Some moisture-related problems are visible to the discerning eye. Primarily, wood flooring problems can occur when the wood expands and contracts. This “wood movement” occurs naturally according to seasonal shifts or when ambient RH levels change in the home. These changes can also present a less-than-desirable change in the appearance of your wood flooring."

If you begin to see signs of your floors shifting, there could be underlying moisture. Failure to act on this moisture could result in structural damage.

Water Damage Specialists

We are specialists in restoration of water damaged floors and are ready to restore your business or home back to pre-water damage condition. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment. SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg located in Orange Park, Florida uses moisture monitoring equipment to effectively measure and document the drying process to ensure your property is dry.

Our technicians are certified and trained and go to continuing education courses designed to keep us up to date on all new equipment and industry standard drying methods.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 904-861-8870 and we will be glad to provide a free assessment, moisture check, etc. or just answer your questions.  

YIKES! I Think That’s Mold!

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

What is hidden behind your walls?

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 you think you may have a mold infestation, let SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg in Orange Park, Fl. put your mind at ease.  Call us at (904) 861-8870.

How Do I Properly Clean My Orange Park Home After A Fire?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Right after you call the Fire Department in Clay County, Make SERVPRO of North Clay County your very next call!

Contacting a cleaning professional may be the best decision you can make if a fire occurs in your home. The flames, heat, soot, and smoke will affect every room in your house, and your structure can even be adversely affected. Recovery from a fire event is a tremendous job, so you will need the assistance of professionals who have the expertise and equipment required to get your work or personal space back to normal as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg team can be onsite right away to help you begin the recovery process.  Located in Clay County - Orange Park, Florida we are right in our beautiful community and Here to Help!

What Steps Can I Take While Waiting For SERVPRO of North Clay County To Arrive At My Home or Business?

While you are waiting for SERVPRO to arrive, there are some things you can do to begin the cleaning and recovery process:

• Be sure to limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What Types Of Fire-Related Cleaning and Restoration Services Does SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg Offer?

Cleaning Process. SERVPRO specializes in restoring the contents of a home or business that has suffered from fire damage or water damage. The team will assess all your belongings carefully to determine which items can be restored to their “pre-fire” condition and will use several cleaning methods to restore your property to its original condition. These can include:

• Foam. The foam method is used for upholstery since upholstery can shrink, or the colors may bleed in water.
• Dry. This method gets rid of light residue.
• Wet. This technique is a very effective cleaning method used to remove moderate to heavy residues.
• Immersion. In this method, items are dipped into a bath of cleaning products for a thorough cleaning that removes heavy residues and overwhelming odors.  

• Electronics. Electronics damaged by fire and the accompanying smoke often present a serious hazard, so never turn on fire-damaged electrical devices. The smoke residue contains acids that corrode metal and can cause electronic failure in an electrical component. Computers, televisions, and CD/DVD players should be assessed and cleaned by a professional before being used. 

• Odor Removal. Inhaling smoke can have an immediate negative effect on you, even if it’s only for a short time, so managing lingering soot and smoke is important. Hiring a professional fire and smoke damage restoration contractor will ensure that your property is free from the after-effects of a fire quickly and thoroughly. 

• Reconstruction. If the smoke and fire damage to your home or business is such that it will need extensive restoration or rebuilding, SERVPRO can organize your move-out process. Removing your items from designated areas will help any remodeling process go a lot faster and protect them from any further damage. Once that is complete, we can then coordinate and organize your move back into your premises to get back to normal.

If your Clay County home or business located in Middleburg, Oakleaf or Orange Park has suffered damage from fire, water, or mold, SERVPRO of North Clay County team is fire damage and water damage experts, and we handle mold remediation, too. As part of our fire restoration services, we remove all unpleasant fire-related odors, as well. 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.  We are located in your community and are Here to Help!  

Hurricane Names for 2022

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

2022 - Are You Ready

The 2022 hurricane season is underway and the first named storm of the season is now behind us.  Although tropical systems can form in any month of the year (and they have), the official hurricane season for the Atlantic basin runs from June 1 to November 30.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are named via a 6-year rotating list, standardized by the World Meteorological Organization. Representatives from hurricane-prone nations contribute names for the lists, which alternate between male and female. The letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are not used.

There have been two changes to the list since 2016. Matthew was retired after causing almost 600 deaths and over $16 billion in damages. It has been replaced by Martin in the 2022 list. Otto caused substantial damage in Central America in November 2016, and will be replaced by Owen in 2022 and beyond.

If a hurricane season turns hyperactive with more than 21 named storms, the National Hurricane Center will then proceed to a supplemental list of names.

NOAA is expecting between 14 to 21 named storms with six to 10 hurricanes. Of those hurricanes, they anticipate three to six will become major hurricanes. CSU’s outlook predicts 20 named storms including 10 hurricanes, five of which they expect to be major hurricanes.

Those of us living in North Florida always are hopeful for a quiet hurricane season and when we do have one coming are normally well prepared.  For those of you new to Florida see a prior blog of ours about hurricane preparedness.   

Our office, located in Orange Park, Florida in North Clay County is Here and Ready to Help if your home or business experience any damage. We are 24 / 7 / 365 available for emergency services.  You can reach us at 904-861-8870.  Areas of service are North Middleburg, Oakleaf, Orange Park and a small portion of Jacksonville.