Suffered a Flood? Here’s What to Do | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg

1/25/2024 (Permalink)

Has a recent flash flood taken your home by storm? SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg is here to help restore it. Call us now!

Flooding issues can pop up at any time in the Clay County area. Strong summer storms or hurricanes in the early fall can lead to heavy rain that quickly overwhelms our community. 

While it is not always possible to prevent flood damage, being prepared for the incoming weather can help you avoid some of the more costly damage and it can help keep your family safe. 

Take these steps below as soon as a flood watch or warning is issued, and call us right away if the resulting weather leaves your home soaked or flooded. 

Preparing With Safety in Mind 

Flash flood warnings can be issued at any moment, even if it is not actively raining yet. As soon as the alert is issued, start getting ready at your home. If you are out and about when the warning comes through, head for home quickly, being sure to avoid any roads that tend to flood when it rains and avoiding any low-lying areas. 

Once home, start tidying up your yard and bring anything that you can into your home and garage that you don’t want swept away in the water. Things that are too heavy to move, like your propane tanks, grills and patio furniture, should be tied down and secured. 

You should also get your car into the garage to protect it from significant damage. Close storm shutters, and pull any important documents or keepsakes out of the lowest level of our home. 

What to Do When the Inclement Weather Arrives

Stay inside and watch the conditions as they start to change and keep your weather radio on or stay connected to the authorities so you are always informed. If water does start rushing into your home, stay calm and stay above the water line. 

Eventually the water will stop rising and the storm will move on. Once it is safe to do so, walk carefully around your home. Wear sturdy waterproof boots if you must walk through any floodwater in your home. 

Start taking photos of any damage you see, both inside and outside your home. Your insurance company will want to see the damage firsthand, and we will be able to create our restoration plan based off of these images that you capture.

Drying Up the Water

Our first goal is to ensure your home is safe to work in, so we will assess the situation and create our flood restoration plan based on the amount of damage we see. We will get to work securing your home from the elements while also removing the standing water. 

Our team will get every bit of residual moisture because we know that even just a few leftover droplets can continue to cause damage and even mold growth. 

We will work on saving your possessions and drying out your soft and fragile materials. Our team operates on a “restore rather than replace” mentality, so we will do whatever we can to protect your belongings. 

Once everything is dry, we will address the necessary structural repairs and sanitize your entire space. Our flood restoration team is dedicated to helping you recover no matter how destructive your flood damage is.

Floodwater should always be cleaned up by professionals. Contact SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg today. 

Different Scenarios That Require a Biohazard Cleanup Crew | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg

10/25/2023 (Permalink)

Does your home or business have biohazard issues needed to be taken care of? SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oak Leaf/Middleburg is "Here to Help"!

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes situations can happen at our homes or businesses that are out of our control. For example, a sewage leak at your storefront can happen in the middle of the night and not be discovered until morning, or a tragic accident happens at home and your kitchen has blood or other bodily fluids all over the floor. 

While these types of situations are emotionally impactful, they can also be dangerous or hazardous to your health. That’s where our biohazard team comes into play. We are trained to handle the cleanup and sanitization of many different hazardous substances. 

The Different Situations We Are Trained In  

Sometimes biohazard situations are obvious if there is blood involved or something clearly dangerous like a sewage leak. However, there are also other situations that should always be cleaned up by professionals. 

Harmful chemical leaks, hoarding scenes, tear gas cleanup, and excess animal waste or animal remains are all situations that need to be addressed quickly and with a trained hand. 

Our team understands that the longer these substances linger on your property, the more dangerous they can become. We will help transform your space back into its clean and safe living or working area in no time at all. We will contain the affected area, clean, sanitize and address any lingering odor issues. We can also handle any repairs if the situation leads to property damage. 

Crime Scene Assistance 

When the unexpected happens at your home or business and it becomes the unfortunate victim of a crime scene, our team will be there to walk you through the process. We understand how overwhelming and sensitive these types of situations can be, and we are here to help you navigate the uncertainty of what comes next. 

Many times, crime scenes or accident scenes have blood or other hazardous contaminants present, so we use our specialized equipment to clean and sanitize the entire area. We can also help contain the residuals leftover from a crime scene, and we are able to help clean up fingerprint powder, pepper spray residue and fire extinguisher residue. 

When we are through, you would never know that a traumatic or sensitive situation occurred at your residence.

Let us handle any hazardous substances on your property. Contact SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg today.

Water Damage & Preventative Maintenance

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Here to help 24/7/365

Water emergencies happen everyday and there are ways to prevent additional damage if this should occur in your home or business.

Always remember it’s important to stop the water as soon as possible. Turn off the water shut off when you notice a pipe has broken, even if you do not know where the water is coming from. Once the main water switch is off, the pipes will need to be drained. This is where you call a professional.

Once a plumber has located the broken pipe and inspected the damage, they will repair the pipe by either fixing a rupture or crack depending on the mending material that is chosen.

This is where you call us in to repair any water damage that has occurred during the unfortunate pipe burst. A lot of people ask when to call a plumber and when to call us. Once the pipe situation is secured, we can mitigate the water damage as soon as possible.

Here’s some additional ways you can prevent or avoid additional water damage in your home:

1. Disconnect your water hose during a freeze. Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that may bust your pipes and create damage to walls and floors. 
2. Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks.
3. Check your water pressure. If the pressure is too high, pipes and hoses may fail.
4. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned out.
5. Investigate leaks right away and fix immediately.
6. Know the location of your water main. If you leave your house for an extended amount of time, shut it off to avoid leaks while you are gone.
7. Monitor your water bill. Sometimes, the only way to realize you have a leak is by taking a good look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next without explanation, then you may have a leak somewhere. 

SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg is always here to help. Call us with any additional questions or concerns.

Contact us 24/7/365 at 904-861-8870

Commercial Loss after Water Damage

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

We are Here to Help 24/7/365

Commercial Loss after Water Damage

Business interruption disrupts normal operations due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as natural disasters like flash flooding. When businesses experience water damage, it can lead to a significant loss of revenue due to the inability to operate as usual.

The effects of business interruption can be long-lasting, causing damage to a company's reputation and reducing employee morale. In some cases, businesses may have to close their operations permanently, leading to job losses and financial strain on owners.

To mitigate these risks, business owners should have a plan to deal with potential disasters, including water damage restoration services. By having a comprehensive program that includes business interruption insurance and a partnership with a trusted restoration company, businesses can reduce the impact of unforeseeable events and quickly return to normal operations.

Professional water damage restoration services can help businesses to speed up their recovery time and minimize the negative impact of flood damage. It's always a good idea to partner with a local water damage restoration company you can trust to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

Choosing the right water damage restoration company is crucial to restoring your property to its pre-flood condition as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing a water damage restoration company:

1. Certification and Licensing:

The company you choose should be certified and licensed by the appropriate authorities, like the IICRC. Certifications ensure they have the necessary training and experience to handle water damage restoration effectively. While on-the-job training and experience are essential, you want to avoid running the risk of all new technicians training on your damage.

2. Response Time:

In situations involving water damage restoration, time is of the essence. A good restoration company should be able to respond to your emergency within a few hours, ideally less than two. Delaying the response could lead to further damage and pose a risk to your health and safety.

3. Availability of Equipment:

A reputable water damage restoration company should have access to the latest equipment and technology to help them deal with any water damage emergency, including water extraction, dehumidification, and drying. When choosing a water damage restoration company, ask them about quantity and ability. If you have a large commercial property, you must ensure the company you work with has the right amount and capacity equipment to dry it properly.

4. Expertise:

Water damage restoration can be a complex process, and not all companies have the same level of expertise. Be sure to choose a company with a long-proven track record and positive reputation. Many restoration companies are also cleaning companies, so when you look at their public reviews, ensure they are about large water restoration jobs rather than simple cleanings.

5. Insurance:

You will likely have to file an insurance claim to restore your property after water damage. When choosing the best restoration company, ensure the company has experience and trained personnel on staff that can and will know how to work with your insurance adjuster to manage your claim. Ask for proof of pre-existing relationships and agreements with major insurance carriers.

Likewise, a reliable water damage restoration company should hold adequate liability and workers' compensation insurance. Insurance coverage protects your property from any damage during the restoration process and ensures that no one has you liable in case of any accidents.

6. Customer Service:

Excellent customer service is paramount when choosing a water damage restoration company. SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg is strong in all the areas listed above, but we pride ourselves on customer excellence.

Contact SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg 24/7 at 904-861-8870 to schedule your estimate at no cost TODAY!

2023 Hurricane Preparedness in Clay County

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

List of Named Stores for 2023

Florida may be the Sunshine State, but Floridians are no strangers to emergency preparedness. From hurricanes to wildfires, droughts to pandemics, being ready for a disaster can make all the difference.

Here in Middleburg, Orange Park, Oakleaf (Clay County) we pride ourselves in having an amazing alert system that our residents can sign up for and receive alerts during emergency situations.  Alert Clay is the name of it and you can just click on this link and it will direct you there.  

Our best advise is to be prepared or Storm Ready if you will before it is actually time to worry.  Have a plan in place for you and your pets as well as protect the exterior of your home or business.  

Always keep in mind SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg is here for you if needed.  Tree on or in the house, rising water, windblown, etc....   whatever your problem, call us.  904-861-8870 to reach a person on call 24 hours a day.  

Minutes Matter During a House Fire | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced a house fire? Call SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg to restore your home to preloss condition.

Suffering a house fire is one of the most stressful things that a homeowner can go through. In addition to the sheer potential damage of a fire, it can also be a dangerous or even deadly situation to be involved in. Any time a fire breaks out in your Oakleaf area home, getting out safely should be your top priority.

By understanding the progression of a house fire and how to safely exit your home, you can ensure that every member of your family is safe during a fire emergency.

Time for some Spring Cleaning? Let us Help!

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

April Showers bring May flowers so let us do the cleaning while you enjoy Springtime!

It's that time of year when everyone starts getting the Spring Cleaning bug....  we have been stuck inside for more days than us Floridians like due to cold weather.  

Even though we have not had a harsh winter, it just keeps going up and down in temperature.  We hope we are on the down slope towards Spring!  

Now is the time to plan what you can clean, schedule with SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg what you might like us to clean and prepare for long days at the beach or on the river.

Here is a cleaning list to help you with what you might like to clean and then you can just schedule with us through this website or calling our office located in Orange Park, Florida at 904-861-8870.  You might also want to get your HVAC ductwork cleaned and we have the best prices in town for the advanced equipment we use versus just using a small shop vac system as some of our competitors use. 

We would be glad to assist you in any of your needs.  

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.