Cracking Down on Kitchen Fires, Safely | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg

12/15/2024 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg for help with fire or smoke damage.

Whether you’re an avid cook or not, your kitchen poses a high risk of fire in your home. Whether you’re whipping up an elaborate meal or simply reheating leftovers, the heat and flames used in cooking can lead to significant damage or even complete destruction of your property.

Our team wants to help you prevent home fires, so we’ve provided some valuable tips for kitchen safety below.

Smart Kitchen Tips 

It is crucial to stay vigilant while cooking with heat and never to leave a pot or pan unattended, even for a brief moment. A wandering spark or flame can quickly ignite and spread, causing extensive damage. Stay close to your stove and keep a lid handy to smother any growing flames. 

You should also keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, especially since most home fires originate in this area. When you are cooking, keep kids and pets out of the kitchen to avoid accidents and limit the number of people in charge of watching the flames. Be mindful to keep your sleeves rolled up, and avoid wearing any loose clothing.

Spreading Flames
If the fire is confined to a specific area, you may attempt to put it out using a lid or a fire extinguisher. But remember, never use water on a grease fire since it can cause the fire to spread and get out of control much faster. 

If a fire starts in the oven, avoid opening the door and turn off the gas or electricity instead. However, if the fire grows and becomes uncontrollable, immediately call 911 and evacuate your home. Fires can quickly engulf entire rooms and produce hazardous smoke and gasses, so it is crucial to leave as soon as possible.

The SERVPRO® Fire Damage Restoration Process

Experiencing a house fire can be a frightening and daunting experience, regardless of the extent of damage. In such an unfortunate event, SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg is ready to assist you in your recovery process. Our team is well-versed in fire restoration techniques that ensure a speedy and efficient recovery.

We are equipped to clean, sanitize and repair the affected area and eliminate smoke odors from your furniture and the air. We offer 24/7 services, so don’t hesitate to give us a call when you need us. 

Dealing with fire or smoke damage? Call SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg.

Be Prepared for Helene

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

Hurricane Helene will be our next named storm.

Knowing a storm is coming can cause anxiety among other things.  The best thing you can do is be prepared for it or secure your home/business and evacuate.   With Hurricane Helene possibly heading towards Florida get prepared now before it makes landfall.  

Clay County has many resources to help you with that preparation.  Utilize their lists and downloadable apps to keep up with new area alerts for our community.  

If and when your home or business has any storm damage you can reach us at 904-861-8870 to get services lined up.  Keep in mind if you have rising water into your home and it has not receded we cannot come and extract water if it is still coming into your home and we cannot get our vans close enough if it is still extremely flooded around your home.   Just a few things to keep in mind when determining if it is time to call SERVPRO® yet or wait.  

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will do our best to have someone onsite to assess damage quickly.  We also verify coverage if you have insurance and if it is self pay we will give you an onsite verbal estimate.   Once services commence we will measure the areas effected, scope the actual work performed and put into an estimating system to provide a written report of all services rendered.  

Hoping this helps with preparing for Hurricane Helene and maybe, just maybe it will head more west!

Flood Prevention Tips During Hurricane Season | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg

8/15/2024 (Permalink)

In case of severe flooding due to storms, our team SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg is always ready to help.

The threat of storms is a constant concern for our community, regardless of the season. Whether due to strong summer storms, sudden downpours, or coastal storms and hurricanes, these weather events can cause significant damage and serious flooding issues. 

Although it’s impossible to prevent storms, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your home from potential danger or harm before, during and after a storm.

Before the Rain Starts to Fall

You should always be informed of the forecast, even if the day starts out sunny! This way, you can start preparing your home as soon as a weather alert is issued. 

We will often have a little bit of preparation time before storms hit, especially hurricanes, so taking advantage of every minute is crucial to your preparation. Start by cleaning up your yard and removing any hazards that could potentially be swept away by fast-moving water. Tie down anything that can’t easily be moved, such as grills, patio furniture or trampolines.  

This is also the perfect time to look at your gutter system. Check to be sure that your downspouts are secured and pointed away from your home. If you have any sand bags that you can put around your property, now is the time to do this important step as well. Once inside, close all windows and doors, lock your storm shutters and hang tight inside until the threat has passed.

During the Storm

If you have decided to stay rather than evacuate based on the particular storm, it is imperative that you keep a close eye on the forecast. Stay inside and choose a sheltering location based on whether a severe storm is passing through or a hurricane is making landfall. 

In either case, be sure to gather up your emergency kit, comfortable clothes and bedding, and any necessary medications or other accommodations that your family may need while you wait out the storm. 

After the Storm Has Passed 

Depending on the path of the storm, you could be left to deal with some pretty significant structural and flooding damage to your home. Water can easily overwhelm our dry ground and can lead to flash flood situations that can infiltrate your home’s lowest levels. Use extreme caution walking around after the storm, and do your best to avoid walking through any standing water in your home. 

Floodwater can quickly pick up dangerous substances like toxic chemicals, or it can be harboring sharp objects just below the waterline. Wear weatherproof boots if you must walk through the water to get to safety. 

Our team for restoring storm and flood damage will be prompt in arriving to secure your home and start working. We will immediately remove excess water and begin the necessary repairs. 

Our primary objective is to restore your home to its original condition as soon as possible—and in the most effective way. Count on us during disasters, and we will provide you with the necessary assistance.

Strong storms can lead to serious flooding issues. Our team at SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg can help you recover.

Worried About Water Damage? Our Tips for Prevention | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

Address water damage by calling SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg as soon as possible.

It’s likely that you don’t think about your water pipes or gutter system regularly. You depend on them to direct water in and around your house in a controlled manner, and they usually do just that. But a single malfunction or issue could lead to various water problems for your home. 

Burst pipes, overloaded gutters and faulty appliances all pose a threat of causing extensive water damage in a short time. Understanding where water damage is more likely to happen can help you identify and address any emerging issues promptly to minimize your situation. 

Our water damage restoration team provides more information below, so keep reading to learn all about water damage in homes.

Appliances and Pipes 

Water leaks are a common risk in any home where water is being used, especially from appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters and washing machines, which have the potential to malfunction and leak. 

To prevent such issues, it is important to regularly maintain and inspect these appliances for any signs of damage, such as water spots. Additionally, pipes are also susceptible to wear and tear, and it is recommended to regularly check the lines connected to sinks, tubs and toilets for any signs of aging caulking or seals. Even a small crack in a fitting or pipe can lead to significant water damage, either suddenly or gradually over time.

Preventing Damage Caused by Mother Nature

We all know how destructive storms can be in the Eagle Landing area. Severe storms and hurricanes can lead to heavy rainfall that may overload clogged gutters, causing water to leak into your foundation and basement. To avoid this,  clean your gutters regularly. Clean gutters facilitate the smooth flow of water away from your home. This cannot happen if the gutters are clogged with leaves or other debris from the yard.

Flooding is also a concern when heavy rain overloads our community. If your home is located in a flood zone, you should grade your property so the land slopes away from your home. This will help water to move away from your house naturally. Additionally, investing in a sump pump can help keep water out of your basement.

How SERVPRO® Can Dry Your Home
Dealing with water damage can be a daunting task, regardless of how it happened. The first step is to contact our restoration team. We are equipped with the knowledge, tools and safety training to handle any type of water damage situation. 

We will extract any excess water or moisture, identify the source of the issue, repair any damages and manage your recovery process. Although it may seem like a daunting task, we are experts in disaster recovery and will strive to return your home to its original condition as quickly as possible.

Water damage should always be addressed as soon as it is discovered. Contact SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg today.

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.