Recent Posts

HUNKA HUNKA BURNIN' LOVE!

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

kitchen affected by electrical fire Time to order take-out!

Are You Suffering From An Electrical Fire Loss?

All over the United States, electrical fires are one of the most common causes of house fires. Electrical fires are not exclusive to older buildings or home appliances. In fact, 50% of electrical fires start with electrical distribution and lighting equipment. This is due to a compromised wire insulation, an overloaded conduit, or the equipment becoming hot and being close to combustible material. With the colder weather approaching, here are a few ways to protect yourself and home from an Electrical Fire.

Some Of Many Ways To Protect You And Your Home From An Electrical Fire:

  • Have your home and/or business thoroughly inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure that electrical work is up to code
  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and/or business.
  • Have an up to code fire extinguisher
  • Schedule an inspection for any fire extinguisher and/or smoke detectors every month
  • Establish an emergency escape plan
  • Do not overload electrical outlets, surge protectors or extension cords
  • Use lightbulbs that meet the recommended power of light fixture
  • Inspect your appliances, extension cords, and plug-ins often to make sure they have not become compromised
  • Look and listen for apparent signs of problems; sizzling or buzzing, flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers

Following these tips can help prevent and make sure you are as ready as possible for a fire disaster, but no one is really ready for a home disaster. In those times of need, SERVPRO of Texarkana is Here to Help® 24/7. We offer board-ups, estimates, and reconstruction services. When calling SERVPRO of Texarkana for any disaster, we will make it our mission to make it Like it never even happened®.

Call Today: 903-832-4400

NOTHING BRINGS THE ROOM TOGETHER LIKE CLEAN CARPET!

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Machine cleaning carpet Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

How's Your Commercial Carpeting look?

Are you sending a bad message to your customers by having unsightly carpet throughout your place of business?

The average lifespan of commercial carpeting ranges anywhere from three and ten years based on the quality of material. Replacing carpeting is a significant investment for any commercial business. As a business owner with carpeted flooring, you desire your customers to be impressed when they walk into your business. A great practice to participate in is a routine cleaning of any flooring, especially carpet. A routine cleaning can make your carpet last up to ten years rather than having to replace it due to negligence. It may be a great advantage to have SERVPRO® routinely clean your carpeted flooring to avoid any additional costs within your business.

Carpet is a soft surface that can trap dirt, debris, dander and bacteria. Carpet maintenance is about more than just appearances, it’s also about the health of your employees and customers.

According to the International Sanitary Supply Association, one square yard of commercial carpet can accumulate up to a pound of dirt in just one week’s time, and up to twice that much during inclement weather. Dirt isn’t the only thing lurking between those carpet fibers. Dead skin cells, dust mites, bacteria, and pollen grains are also frequent offenders, and if your business is pet-friendly, pet hair and urine will also be a common culprit. Any and all of these particles can become airborne when disturbed, and agitate individuals with asthma or allergies. 

Why does your business really need professional cleaning? “Isn’t vacuuming sufficient?” While studies do show that frequent vacuuming can significantly lower allergens in carpet, a standard vacuum just isn’t able to get dirt and particles that may be hidden below the surface. In fact, most carpet warranties require you to have a professional carpet cleaning every twelve to eighteen months. That’s where SERVPRO of Texarkana comes in. 

SERVPRO of Texarkana offers a wide range of carpet cleaning methods with the use of specialized cleaners and processes to help your commercial carpeting last longer and protect the health of your customers and employees. For more information on our carpet cleaning services, give our office a call at 903-832-4400.

CAUGHT IN A TEXAS TORNADO!

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

Tree on house TIMBER! Storm causes tree to fall onto home.

SEVERE WEATHER TIPS

Since SERVPRO partners with the American Red Cross we love sharing their tips from time to time.

TORNADOES

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

  1. Know your community’s warning system.
  2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
  3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to safely get to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
  4. Remove damaged limbs from trees.
  5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a hazard.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS

Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

  1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
  2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.
  3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.
  4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
  5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

FLOODING 

Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

  1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
  2. Stay away from floodwaters.
  3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
  4. Keep children out of the water.
  5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE IN THE EVENT OF A PIPE BURST

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

busted pipe that is frozen in a crawl space brrr, it's cold outside!

What should you do in the event of a pipe burst in your home or business?

Cracked, broken or bursting pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. Because of this, its very important to have the problem taken care of as quickly as possible to minimize secondary damage. It can be difficult to determine what to do in a high-stress situation like this, but the following steps will put you on the right path until SERVPRO of Texarkana arrives.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

One of the first things you want to do when you've experienced water to your home or business is to call your insurance agent. This will allow you to get the claims process started right away. It can be a lengthy process and the money you receive can help you pay to fix broken pipes and have repairs done. Your claim can also be denied if you take too long to report the damage.

2. Locate and Document Damage

When you make an insurance claim, an adjuster will need to inspect your home to determine the extent of the damage. While you are waiting for the visit, you can start making a list and taking pictures of damaged areas and belongings. The adjuster can use this information when working on your claim. Do not throw away affected items until you have documented and inventoried them, as these can provide proof of damage as well.

3. Have Mitigation Done

A busted water line can result in flooding in your home or business and, if it is not cleaned up quickly, it can lead to a lot of secondary damage. When exposed to moisture, mold can begin to grow in as little as a day and can easily spread to large areas. Excessive water can also absorb into building materials which will then need to be replaced if you delay in mitigating the damage.
If your home or business has been damaged as a result of a busted pipe, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO of Texarkana can perform mitigation quickly to minimize further damage. They can also make any necessary repairs and salvage many of your affected belongings to have your home looking as good as new.

SERVPRO CAN ASSIST IN THE REBUILDING PROCESS

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

exterior of reconstructed home One of our latest total home reconstruction projects.

After a disaster—whether it be a fire, water, or storm—damages your home you will need to rebuild and restore. For decades SERVPRO of Texarkana has been known for their ability to respond to a disaster and fix your home or business to make it "Like it never even happened.”

The first thing you must do after a disaster is take temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris. Mold, smoke, fire, and water damage all have their own protocol for restoration and our experts know how to tackle each problem.

Once your home or building is secured and the hazards are removed you can start the rebuilding process; from the structure itself to preserving and restoring the treasured items inside your home—including heirlooms, art, and family photos. The professionals at SERVPRO of Texarkana 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 and keeps costs low.

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

  • Board Up
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Drywall Installation though sub-contracting
  • Drywall Removal
  • Furniture Restoration
  • Assist Clients w/ securing General Contracting
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • HVAC Services
  • Move Out
  • Sealing & Painting
  • Roofing Services
  • And more!

If you are in need of securing construction services contact SERVPRO of Texarkana at (903) 832-4400.

SERVPRO's Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Technician taking moisture readings on ceiling Our highly trained technicians are always here to help!

We have always put a high priority into educating our team. That need is more important than ever today. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm with certified technicians. That means you can expect the very highest in standards and protocol to be used in your home or business.

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Advanced Structural Drying

WIll Drain cleaner Damage My Pipes?

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, you most likely will encounter a clogged drain at some time. Your first inclination might be to go to the store and pick up some drain cleaner. This may seem like a simple solution, but can cleaning products damage your pipes?

How They Work

There are three different kinds of chemical cleaners:

  • Oxidizing - includes peroxides, bleach or nitrates
  • Acid - muriatic acid or sulfuric acid
  • Caustic - caustic potash or lye

These cleaners use an electron transfer process to either give or take away electrons from the organic substances blocking the pipe, thereby creating heat, which breaks down the materials and clears the clog. This process can, however, cause harm to your pipes.

How They Cause Harm

The heat from these chemicals can warp or soften the pipes, especially when they are older metal pipes or plastic pipes. There's a higher danger of damage if the clogged drain is completely blocked. If there's nowhere for these caustic chemicals to go, they will just sit in the pipes, eventually eating through them if not removed.

Besides harming your pipes, these chemicals can be harmful to you and to the environment. They can irritate your throat and eyes, and if improperly handled, can cause burns. Once they go down the drain, they can end up in waterways and landfills, causing harm to wildlife.

Alternatives

Before using a chemical in the drain, try to clear the blockage using a snake or augur. If this doesn't do the trick, try using a non-toxic solution such as an enzymatic drain cleaner. These cleaners work by actually eating the clog with bacteria or enzymes. They work best on organic blockages such as soap or hair, but can take as long as 24 hours to work.

If you are not able to clear the clog by yourself, it's best to call a plumbing professional to assess the problem and clear the clogged drain. If the blockage is further down the pipes, they can do a thorough sewage cleaning to make sure your drains stay clear for a good, long time.

For water damage repair and restoration, call SERVPRO of Texarkana 903-832-4400

Oven, Microwave and Electrical Fires

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Oven, Microwave, and Electrical Fires

Fires can happen anywhere in the kitchen — near an electrical outlet, in the microwave, or in the stove. Here are some tips to help you know what to do in case of any of these kitchen fires:

  • Oven fires. Immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, call the fire department. Have the oven inspected and repaired before you use it again.
  • Microwave fires. Close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off and unplug it if you can do so safely. Leave it closed and don't use it again until you can have the appliance checked out by a technician.
  • Electrical fires. Prevent electrical fires by not overloading your electrical outlets with appliances. If a fire starts, use a fire extinguisher; never douse it with water. Always call the fire department for an electrical fire, even if you have already put it out with the fire extinguisher

If you are in need of fire damage repair and restoration, call SERVPRO of Texarkana, available 24/7 at (903)832-4400

Restoring Your Texarkana Commercial Property

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Texarkana commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Texarkana

SERVPRO of Texarkana specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Texarkana 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 Texarkana area, 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 that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 903-832-4400