Archived General Blog Posts
Richardson Home Restoration Services
10/26/2020 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO in Richardson for professional fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and mold remediation.
Several advancements in the residential construction industry are designed to prevent damage, but still, homes are vulnerable to Mother Nature and mishaps. Fires consume walls, winds batter roofs, flooding soaks carpets, and mold spores move in to start a colonize.
The aftermath of major damage leaves property owners feeling rattled and isolated. However, one in 20 homeowners will file a property loss claim.
Home damage is a stressful situation to be in, but you’ve made a wise choice to restore your property and protect your investment. Getting your house back to normal is a top priority (and it can be an overwhelming job), and we’re here to help!
SERVPRO remains a trusted brand in cleaning and restoration services. For over three decades, we’ve been protecting the assets of countless Richardson homeowners.
When you work with SERVPRO’s home restoration services, you have the benefit of streamlining the recovery process as we can address multiple issues at once, thus eliminating wait times for the insurance company to approve one kind of work at a time.
When you have a combination of issues that need swift attention, we show up with the best equipment in the industry and put our years of experience to work for you! Plus, with complete restoration as our goal, we make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Water damage restoration: Water can end up where it doesn’t belong, so we extract all of it and determine what needs to be fixed to avoid secondary damage.
- Fire damage clean up, repair, and restoration: Flames rapidly destroy materials leaving behind soot and smoke damage. We do a thorough inspection and put your home back together piece by piece.
- Mold remediation and restoration: As nature’s decomposer, mold should stay outside. When it does make itself at home, we’ll clean surfaces, scrub the air, and carefully dispose of contaminated items to bring your home back to healthy.
- Storm damage cleanup and restoration: Weather can be wild in Richardson, Texas. When fierce winds or floodwaters leave your home in tatters, we’re prepared to execute a complete recovery plan.
With all the homes we’ve restored over the years, we know that no two situations are alike. Scroll down to learn how SERVPRO will help with your specific circumstances.
Professional Water Damage Restoration in Richardson, TX
We use water every single day. But when water or moisture ends up where it doesn’t belong, it will cause substantial damage.
Scenarios of water damage include: upstairs plumbing leaks saturate the floor below, rainwater damages ceilings through weaknesses in the roof, or faulty appliances leak everywhere (such as water heater failure).
SERVPRO has successfully completed Richardson water damage restoration for countless homes. Our highly trained water restoration technicians know how to quickly address water damage and prevent secondary damage (such as mold). We take every measure to make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Removal of water: Our truck mounts, pumps, and vacuum units are powerful enough to remove gallons of water down to the last ounce.
- Water damage cleanup: Once the water is completely extracted, we gather any items that are contaminated and send them to our industrial Esporta Wash System facility for sanitation. We are fully equipped to clean rugs, upholstery, furniture, and clothing.
We will also do a complete inspection to account for all water damage and to determine how extensive the moisture exposure is.
- Secondary damage mitigation: To avoid secondary damage (such as wood rot and mold growth), water damage cannot remain. We use professional drying equipment to fully eradicate moisture. We use scientific techniques to make sure areas dry thoroughly and efficiently.
- Water damage repair: Once everything is dried, assess the construction for damage. If such damage is found, we will execute a building and reconstruction services plan to suit your unique circumstances (including carpet replacement).
Your Flood Remediation Contact in Richardson
Floodwaters create a huge mess. This could be due to catastrophic infrastructure problems (like city sewers), major issues with a private septic system, natural disasters, or a plumbing issue gone wrong.
Our flood damage restoration process typically includes much of the water damage restoration action items listed above, but we are also mindful of potential water contamination.
When water creeps into your home has mixed with waste, this results in toxic “blackwater.” In such cases, we take measures to properly dispose of contaminated items that cannot be salvaged, or carefully treat items using several techniques.
Fire Damage Repair and Restoration for Your Home
What is more destructive than fire? Water is damaging, but it won’t burn your skin or fill your lungs with harmful smoke.
Wildfires have been rampant for many states across the country, and Texas is prone to these fires during extreme drought. Fireworks are only sold twice a year, but it takes just one landing in the wrong place to cause a structure fire. House fires can also be caused internally with faulty wiring. Whatever the cause, fires bring on extensive damage rapidly.
Fire damage can feel like the end of the world, but with our SERVPRO team on your side, we put together a Richardson fire damage and repair plan to make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Inspection and fire damage assessment: The process begins with a full damage assessment of the property. Not only do we survey the affected areas, but we also check the adjacent rooms for any damage (signs of smoke and soot).
- Board-up or roof-tarping: Fire damage can create entry points to the home by way of the roof, exterior walls, or windows. When parts of the structure have been compromised, we will board up or tarp to protect your property from secondary damage (from water, moisture, or thieves).
- Water damage mitigation: Fire sprinklers and fire department hoses leave damaging water behind. We’ll extract all the water and do a thorough drying process using dehumidifiers and air movers.
- Smoke and soot removal: Fire leaves noxious and odorous smoke and soot behind. For smoke damage restoration, we use industrial equipment and advanced techniques to eliminate smoke and soot from your home’s construction that includes ceilings, walls, carpets, or other surfaces.
- Care for belongings: We store belongings you want to keep while the restoration is in progress, plus we’ll care for electronics affected by fire damage.
- Cleaning and sanitizing: Smoke and soot make a mess. Our professional fire clean up techniques will restore your belongings to their preloss condition. Our industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment work to eliminate odors from the smoke.
- Reconstruction: We work to restore all affected areas by recovering them to preloss condition. This involves repairs to drywall, wiring, carpet, and more.
Richardson Mold Remediation and Restoration
Trapped water and moisture leads to unhealthy mold growth. Mold spores will take root in the drywall saturated by plumbing leaks, in the carpet soaked from flooding, or in the ceiling dampened by roof leaks.
Our Richardson mold remediation services are designed to eradicate this toxin so you can breathe easy in your home.
- Assessment and testing: Our mold Richardson mold experts do a thorough inspection and mold damage assessment. We know where mold hides, and we are knowledgeable about the various species of toxic mold.
- Removal, containment, and HEPA Air Scrubbing: Mold has got to go. We clean and sanitize all affected items, plus we follow up with antifungal and antimicrobial treatments. We’ll discard contaminated items and set up containment to stop mold from spreading (with the help of HEPA air scrubbing).
- Restoration: Sometimes construction materials are too contaminated to save. We’ll replace and reconstruct these materials. We also use foggers to eliminate odor.
- Texas Mold Legal Paperwork Filing: Mold growth that exceeds 25 contiguous square feet should be reported. We take care of this filing with the State of Texas.
Our Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process
For Texas weather, it’s been said in jest that if you don’t like it, just wait a few minutes - it will change. We do tend to have dramatic weather patterns in Richardson. We’ve witnessed ice storms, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.
Extreme weather causes fire damage from lightning, roof destruction from high winds, water damage from flash flooding, or shattered windows from tornadoes.
Because weather damage is unpredictable, we are prepared 24/7 to apply several different remedies with Richardson storm damage cleanup.
We have experience with each of these specific weather events:
- Hurricane Flooding
- Severe Thunderstorms
- Tornado Damage
- Hail Damage / Wind Damage
- Wildfire
SERVPRO in Richardson is faster to any size disaster. Once we arrive, we’ll quickly assess the circumstances and take action to prevent further damage. Such measures include:
- Emergency roof tarping or board-up: Secondary damage may not be covered by your insurance if measures were not taken to prevent it. When roof parts, doors, windows, exterior walls are blown away or otherwise compromised by storm damage, we’ll tarp or board up the property. This prevents secondary damage from additional water exposure or theft.
- Cleanup: We work to salvage contents of the home, such as textiles and electronics. We also clean up any intrusive water with professional extraction equipment and thoroughly dry every inch to prevent mold damage.
- Building and reconstruction: What cannot be restored is rebuilt or replaced. Our team will bring every corner of your home back to its preloss condition - from rooftop repairs down to basement water removal and everything in between.
SERVPRO of Richardson, TX Offers Other Services
After restoring countless Richardson homes, we know that properties are vulnerable to more than the forces of nature. Here are other home restoration services scenarios we’ve successfully resolved.
- Duct cleaning: Dirty ducts affect air quality and HVAC efficiency. We’ll do a complete routine or remedial cleaning of your air ducts. Mold, soot, and rodents contaminate air ducts. We do a complete duct cleaning so you can breathe easy.
- Hoarder cleanup: Hoarding is a sensitive matter. When you or someone you care about is ready to make a big step toward a lifestyle change, we’re here to help. We’ll remove all trash and clean up any hazardous materials with care and compassion.
- Crime Scene cleanup: Crime and trauma can happen to any household. We’re prepared to assist with crime scene clean up discreetly and sensitively. Such scenarios include homicide, assault, suicide, accidental death, or vandalism.
- Odor removal: You’ve tried everything, and you still can’t get an offensive smell out of your home. With our odor removal services, we use advanced cleaning and fogging equipment to eradicate foul smells once and for all! We treat carpets, upholstery, walls, etc. We remove odors caused by pests, pets, smoke, soot, mold, mildew, etc.
You’ve worked hard to have a place to call home. Our SERVPRO team works tirelessly to ensure that despite misfortune, you get back to life as usual as soon as possible.
Contact SERVPRO of Richardson for Home Restoration Services
Disruptive home damages range from a bothersome inconvenience to a devastating emergency. No matter the situation, SERVPRO of Richardson is ready to spring into action and help you cope with the damage. No job is too big nor too small.
The moment you’re ready to take action, we’re here to answer your call with 24-hour emergency service. We’re faster to any size disaster, and our goal is always to thoroughly restore your home as quickly as possible so you can feel safe and comfortable in your home again. We work with your insurance company to make sure the restoration process runs smoothly.
SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the home restoration services industry. Our specialists use the best equipment available and are trained with the latest advancements in the industry. The longer damage goes unaddressed, the more likely it is to create additional problems. Make the first step in restoring your home today by calling us at (972) 690-1414.
DIY First Aid Kit
6/7/2018 (Permalink)
A DIY First Aid Kit is simple to build and should be part of your emergency preparedness plan.
DIY First Aid Kit
First aid kits are a must for emergency preparedness. Whether you have a small cut or you are preparing for a serious emergency situation, a first aid kit can help.
First Aid Kit Supplies
Your DIY first aid kit can be held in a waterproof case or bag. We recommend putting your kit’s items into a waterproof material such as plastic. This avoids your items from becoming wet and ruined.
Waterproof cases are easy to find in the fishing supply section of a general or sports store.
- 2 compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 band aids (different sizes)
- First aid tape
- Antibiotic ointment; many people prefer the triple antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Aspirin; also include baby aspirin if needed
- Ibuprofen
- Instant cold pack
- 2 pair of medical gloves (non-latex); many times these gloves are called nitrile gloves
- Oral thermometer
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- 2 roller bandages (different widths)
- 2 elastic bandages
- 10 sterile gauze pads (different sizes)
- 2 triangular bandages (for making slings)
- First aid instruction booklet, printable - print this basic first aid manual here
Emergency Preparedness Plan
A first aid kit should be part of your overall emergency preparedness plan.
But when you are preparing for an incoming storm and your preparedness plan needs to take into account the possibility of evacuation or your entire home being affected, there are other things in need of consideration to be prepared.
When you need to evacuate your home, it’s important for you to carry important documentation. This documentation includes medical records, identification, and other items that prove who you are and what your possessions are.
Keeping these documents on your body will prevent them from accidentally getting destroyed at home. One thing you should not have to worry about is contacting various government agencies while your insurance company is asking you for paperwork to process your claim.
An inventory of your household items is one of the important documents we recommend you carry with you. While the idea of doing your own home inventory may sound silly (after all, you know what’s in your own home!), it’s one of the important pieces of documentation in the event of a serious disaster, like a fire or tornado.
A home inventory helps prove to your insurance company what items were in your home that are now either too burnt to identify or have disappeared if your home was damaged. When it comes time to estimate replacement costs, only you can prove how much your items were worth.
If a serious emergency happens in your area, your family may be separated. Having a family communications plan in place can help everyone meet in a safe location after the storm. Don’t depend on phone lines to work consistently during events like these.
This is a kit made with a hurricane situation in mind. The needs for a hurricane are slightly different than other storms.
Full Service Disaster Restoration Company
No matter what happens, we’re here for you.
Our goal is to make your life simple. We want you to get back into your home or business as soon as possible and move on with your life. We take our slogan, “Like it never even happened.” to heart.
The restoration industry involves so many facets. Every customer is different and so are the circumstances of their disaster. It’s difficult for one business to take on every portion of a project, and that’s why many restoration companies choose to specialize and find a comfortable niche.
We’ve been serving homes and businesses in Dallas Fort Worth for over 30 years, and we’ve learned a lot in that time. We’ve taken time to become a full service restoration contractor because it’s the best option for our customers. We are people’s one call and done.
We offer:
Water Damage Remediation
Fire Remediation
Mold Removal
Reconstruction
Air Duct Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning
Esporta Clothing & Textile Cleaning
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin YouTube
www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened.” only happens here.
Emergency Preparedness Documents For Natural Disasters
6/7/2018 (Permalink)
Carrying the right emergency preparedness documents during a natural disaster is necessary. (Photo credit RNR Plastics)
Emergency Preparedness Documents For Natural Disasters
During a disaster situation such as a hurricane, a document bag is an important part of your emergency preparedness kit. You may find you’ll need these documents if you are sheltering in place or evacuating.
Whether you are sheltering in place in a storm shelter or evacuating, keep these documents on you. We recommend you place them in a waterproof sealable, plastic bag.
Emergency Preparedness Kit - Documentation
- Document Bag
- Current photo ID for all members of your group
- Birth certificates
- Social security cards
- Passports
- Photos of all members of your group, including pets
- Health insurance cards and prescriptions
- Medical records, such as medications and dosages
- Phone numbers (written on paper) for family, friends, doctors
- Bank account information and loan documents
- Insurance documents for:
- Home insurance
- Renters insurance
- Flood insurance
- Car insurance
- Property documentation (leases, mortgages)
- Vehicle titles
- Home inventory of household possessions and their value
- Backup computer files on a USB drive
- Copies of keys (home, vehicle, safes)
- Utility bills to prove where you live
Emergency Preparedness Plan
When you are preparing for an incoming storm and your preparedness plan needs to take into account the possibility of evacuation or your entire home being affected, there are other things in need of consideration to be prepared.
A first aid kit does not need to be fancy or bought in the store. If you want to make one yourself, buy what goes inside in bulk and resupply as you need. We recommend you place your first aid kit items in a waterproof container like a plastic box or bag.
We recommend building a DIY kit for your home and each vehicle you own.
An inventory of your household items is one of the important documents we recommend you carry with you. While the idea of doing your own home inventory may sound silly (after all, you know what’s in your own home!), it’s one of the important pieces of documentation in the event of a serious disaster, like a fire or tornado.
A home inventory helps prove to your insurance company what items were in your home that are now either too burnt to identify or have disappeared if your home was damaged. When it comes time to estimate replacement costs, only you can prove how much your items were worth.
If a serious emergency happens in your area, your family may be separated. Having a family communications plan in place can help everyone meet in a safe location after the storm. Don’t depend on phone lines to work consistently during events like these.
This is a kit made with a hurricane situation in mind. The needs for a hurricane are slightly different than other storms.
Full Service Disaster Restoration Company
No matter what happens, we’re here for you.
Our goal is to make your life simple. We want you to get back into your home or business as soon as possible and move on with your life. We take our slogan, “Like it never even happened.” to heart.
The restoration industry involves so many facets. Every customer is different and so are the circumstances of their disaster. It’s difficult for one business to take on every portion of a project, and that’s why many restoration companies choose to specialize and find a comfortable niche.
We’ve been serving homes and businesses in Dallas Fort Worth for over 30 years, and we’ve learned a lot in that time. We’ve taken time to become a full service restoration contractor because it’s the best option for our customers. We are people’s one call and done.
We offer:
Water Damage Remediation
Fire Remediation
Mold Removal
Reconstruction
Air Duct Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning
Esporta Clothing & Textile Cleaning
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin YouTube
www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened.” only happens here.
Source: Texas Hurricane Center
How to Build a Home Inventory of Your Household Items
6/7/2018 (Permalink)
A home inventory of your household items is a valuable tool you will use if your property ever needs disaster restoration. (Photo credit: FEMA).
How to Build a Home Inventory of Your Household Items
Why build an inventory of household items?
The reason to have a home inventory is simple. Ask yourself this: if a water damage or a fire damage affected your home, could you make a list for your insurance company of all the lost items? Do you know what all your household items are worth?
Most people cannot remember everything they have in their home.
Homeowners Insurance and Contents Insurance
When natural disasters such as floods, fires, or tornadoes happen, properties are affected and many household items are damaged. To replace your household items, your home insurance company may ask for an inventory of your household contents. The household inventory will help in valuing your items and coming up with a replacement cost.
SERVPRO of Richardson will inventory all the items we find on your property. When a fire damage happens, it is sometimes possible to identify a burnt item and report it to your insurance company. Unfortunately, some items are burnt so badly that identification is impossible.
Without an inventory or proof of your items having existed, your claim may not be fulfilled to your satisfaction.
Before any disaster happens, having an accurate home inventory will help you know how much home content insurance you should purchase. Do this for peace of mind. Should anything ever happen, you will be able to file a claim to replace all lost items.
Use Technology to Inventory your Household Items
A phone or video camera will make this process quick. We recommend you use video to capture general documentation all your items. Then, use photos to capture smaller and important details such as serial numbers and brands.
How to Inventory A Room Using Video
- Choose a room in your home. Start on the left of the room and pan the camera up and down. Slowly working your way clockwise until you’ve captured the entire room.
- If you need to open drawers or closet doors to show more of your contents, go ahead and do that.
- Don’t forget items you may have somewhere else, like a storage unit.
Write Down Inventory Details and Backup Your Claim with Photos
Now it’s time to write down important information about the items you recorded. For example:
- If you recorded a TV, write down the name and model or serial number and take a picture of these details.
- If you recorded clothing, write down:
- The quantity of each type of clothing e.g. dress shirts, t-shirts, shoes, pants, etcetera.
- Clothing of high value should have its brand recorded. If you want to prove bag was Prada, for example, take a close picture of the Prada tag.
Are Jewelry and Art Covered in my Home Insurance?
Items like jewelry and art may require you to increase your insurance. This is done through personal property coverage or add endorsements or floaters to your homeowners insurance. Check with your insurance company to make your valuables are covered. If you need extra insurance to cover high end items, your insurance will provide you with instructions.
Have Proof of Value
Keep sales receipts and appraisals in hand to provide your insurance company proof of purchase and value. Add these documents to your emergency preparedness bag.
Backup your Files and Update your Inventory
- Keep your recordings and receipts on a cloud-based system to make sure they’re never lost.
- For paperwork, look for free apps on Android and iOS to scan paperwork and convert it to a digital file. Save it to secure online storage.
- Never rely on printed documentation as your only source of proof. What would you do if that paperwork got damaged in a disaster?
- As you make more significant purchases, update your list.
Take your home inventory system seriously! There are two unfortunate situations we see often. One is a homeowner valuing an item much higher than their insurance is willing to accept. The second situation is when a homeowner claims they had an item but they can’t prove it existed. This almost always forces the insurance company to deny that part of their claim. This happens simply because the homeowner did not have adequate documentation of an items’ existence, authenticity, or appraisal.
Our Role in the Water and Fire Damage Restoration Process
We have worked with many homes and businesses affected by a water damage, fire damage, flooding, and tornadoes. One of our first tasks is to create a home inventory of all items found on the property. We search every room until we have found every item we possibly can.
We divide items into two categories:
Salvageable Items are those that are intact and can be cleaned. We pack those items and take them back to our cleaning facility. They are sanitized and brought back to its former condition. While your home is reconstructed, we store them in our storage facility. When you are able to receive those items back, they are delivered at your convenience.
Fire clean up that we have successfully done include:
- Furniture
- Clothing - we get the fire smoke out of clothes
- Electronics
- Toys
- Anything attached to the home itself (structure clean up)
Unsalvageable Items are those that can be identified but have been destroyed permanently. These items cannot be cleaned and we recommend be thrown away. Our technicians document these items and report to your insurance company.
What about items that can’t be identified? This is where your home inventory plays a vital role in your claim.
Only you can prove to your insurance carrier what items were in your home.
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. We are also a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor for Texas and offer free mold inspections.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin YouTube
www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened.” only happens here.
Family Emergency Communication Plan
6/7/2018 (Permalink)
Do I need to create a family communications plan? Yes! It's always better to be prepared than not. (Photo credit: FEMA)
Family Emergency Communication Plan
The best time to prepare for a disaster is before anything has happened. Ask yourself:
- What if something happens and I’m separated from my family?
- How will I be able to reach my family?
Having a communication plan with your family may help you reunite with your loved ones. You can plan ahead of time how to reach each other and where you will meet.
Text Messages Are More Reliable than Calls
During storms, text messages are more reliable than phone calls since phone lines are often overloaded. This does not guarantee your text goes through, but it has a better chance of working.
What Should My Family Communication Include?
Meeting Places
- What neighborhood place can you all go to meet up? Include its name, address, and number.
- Who is a local person that can provide a place to meet up? Include their name, address, and number.
- Who is out-of-town that can provide a place to meet up? Include their name, address, and number.
Likely Places to Be
Also, consider where your family spends a lot of time; they may still be at this location when an emergency happens.
- Work
- School
- Other (daycare, gym, friend’s house)
Have each place’s address and phone number.
If the general phone line is busy, call someone else that you know inside to verify the whereabouts of your loved one.
Pet Emergency Kit
If you have pets, make sure these places are all willing to take in your furry little one. Think about what items your pet will need to be safe and comfortable while you’re away from home. Examples include:
- Food
- Water
- Food bowls
- Leash
- Kennel
- Vaccination records
- Cat litter with box
- Medications
Other Emergency Preparedness Considerations
- If you know a storm is coming, have you prepared your home? Read our article about home preparedness here.
- Is your car ready? Does it have its own First Aid Kit? Is it filled with gas?
- Which car will you pick people up in? Remember to also take your pets with you.
- Who will pick up whom? If you’ll be riding in multiple cars, consider making a map for each person’s pick up route.
- Do you have go bags ready? If you know there is a chance of a storm, consider packing a go bag ahead of time and keeping it with you. Take necessary items only.
- If the roadways are at risk of flooding, how soon will you choose to gather your family?
Where to Keep Your Emergency Plan
Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency preparedness documents bag.
Also, give a copy to everyone involved in it so they can keep it in their bag or backpack. It’s a good idea to keep this paper in a sealed plastic bag or even laminating it to make sure its resistant to water.
Don’t just keep a digital copy on your phone! If you found yourself with a source of electricity and your phone’s battery died, what would you do? Go old school and keep it on paper.
Other Emergency Preparedness Considerations
Build a hurricane emergency supply kit. This checklist will quickly tell you which items you should be prepared to have and breaks it down by category.
Build a DIY first aid kit. A first aid does not have to be fancy. In fact, we recommend buying these items in bulk and simply restocking your kit when necessary. It also makes it easier and more affordable to have more than one kit in your inventory.
Prepare a home inventory of your household items. Your insurance provider will need proof of items you are claiming to have been destroyed or lost. Only you can provide proof of your claim.
Sign up to receive alerts from your county’s office of emergency management and FEMA.
If you have a disability, consider signing up for the Texas Emergency Assistance Registry Program (STEAR).
Trusted Leader in Dallas Storm Damage
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin YouTube
www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened.” only happens here.
Source: Texas Hurricane Center
What to Include in A Hurricane Emergency Kit
6/7/2018 (Permalink)
Having your Hurricane Emergency Kit ready before the storm hits can save you valuable time. (Photo credit: FEMA)
What to Include in A Hurricane Emergency Kit
Start your emergency supply kit with what you already have at home and then shop for the rest. Put items into waterproof ziplock bags and then place small items into a backpack. This will make your kit waterproof and easy to carry.
As you prepare your home for a hurricane, know that many other people will, too. It’s best to stock up early to avoid a run on supplies. Home hardware stores and other retail stores tend to run out of food and supplies as many people in the community rush to prepare.
Don’t depend on your local store being able to restock soon. If roads are damaged or flooded, stores may not be restocked frequently or at all throughout the duration of the storm. This was very common during Hurricane Harvey when our own cleanup and restoration crews had to purchase and load our supply trailers with items from Dallas due to a shortage in Houston and Galveston.
Emergency Food Supply -- Food and Water
- 3 day supply of food that doesn’t need cooking e.g. canned food
- Can opener
- 1 gallon of water per day for each person
- Baby items e.g. food, bottles, formula, diapers
Emergency First Aid Kit and Medications
- DIY First Aid Kit
- Prescriptions
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Toilet paper and garbage bags
- Dental care and vision products
- Soaps
- Diapers
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- N-95 face masks in case of contaminated air - home hardware stores sell these
Family Emergency Communication Plan
Remember: during storms, text messages are more reliable than phone calls since phone lines are often overloaded. This does not guarantee your text goes through, but it has a better chance of working.
Pet Emergency Kit
- 3 day supply of food, water, and bowls
- Medications
- Vaccination records and photos - place in a sealable plastic bag
- Crate
- Leash and toy
- Cat Litter with box
Are you Sheltering in Place?
Unless required to evacuate, many people choose to stay home and shelter in place. Before the storm arrives, make sure to do the following:
- Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Have a fire extinguisher.
- Purchase plastic sheeting (we recommend 6mm) and duct tape to seal off doors, windows, and air vents in case of contaminated air. There is specialty tape that will stick to most surfaces. Make sure to buy the right kind so you don’t run the risk of your containment coming off.
- Prepare your home ahead of time by bringing in loose, outdoor objects. This will help you avoid windborne debris damage.
- Trim tree branches likely to fall onto your property.
- Clean gutters and drains. When its raining hard, the water needs to have a place to go. If your storm drains and gutters are clogged, that water will pool on your roof and eventually find its way into your home.
If your property is prone to flooding and you have a second story, consider moving your valuables upstairs to keep them from being damaged. During Hurricane Harvey, we met many homeowners who saved their home’s contents by doing exactly this.
Are you under a mandatory evacuation order?
Don’t wait until you’ve been ordered to go to start collecting your belongings. Prepare ahead of time by having the following ready:
- Car repair tool kit
- Roadmaps
- Plastic plates, cups, and utensils
- Blankets, pillows
- Tent
- Clothes and waterproof shoes
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Toys, non-electronic
Other Emergency Preparedness Considerations
- Sign up for alerts from your county’s office of emergency management (OEM) for the latest storm news.
- Download the FEMA App for evacuation routes and shelter locations
- Complete a home inventory of your household items to help your insurance company's claim should a disaster happen.
Other Emergency Preparedness Considerations
Trusted Leader in Dallas Storm Damage Restoration
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
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www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened.” only happens here.
Full Service Water Fire Restoration Company
12/14/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Richardson's Full Service 3 Expert Team has all the answers. It is designed to simplify projects and help reduce customer stress.
“Policyholders are happier with fewer points of contact on a claim.”
That’s the point that a survey from J.D. Power & Associates proved (“How Homeowners Really Feel”).
It’s easy to understand why this is true. When our customers call us, chances are that something bad has happened. A water damage. A fire damage. Mold problems in their kitchen or attic.
Stress is likely to be higher than usual, and our customers want the damage to be fixed and their lives to go back to normal. They want it, “Like it never even happened.”
Yet, when a typical water damage or fire damage occurs, the following representatives are called into place:
- Homeowners insurance company
- Insurance adjuster
- Public adjuster
- Vendor technicians
- Vendor management
- insurance liaison
- textile cleaner technicians
- textile cleaner management
- textile insurance liaison
- reconstruction crews
- reconstruction management
- reconstruction insurance liaison...
The list can go on and on. It becomes very difficult to coordinate all those appointments, names, and companies. How is someone supposed to keep track of all the expenses and timelines happening at once -- especially when that someone still has a full time job and kids?
We Are Your One Call.
Our company has serviced Dallas Fort Worth for over 30 years. We started out by simply cleaning carpets, but we quickly grew into more. Over the years, we have asked our customers how we could be a better restoration company for them. The overwhelming answer was that they just wanted us to be able to take care of more of their insurance claim. We listened.
We can now handle:
Residential Services
Commercial Services
We are now one of the advanced disaster restoration contractors in North Texas. In fact, less than a handful of other businesses in Dallas can handle clothing and textile restoration cleaning.
Being able to offer all of these services has to make the life of our customer easier and better. That’s the point after all.
We’ve now taken it one step further and organized a Full Service 3 Expert Team for each of our customers. While each customer’s project may end up utilizing the services of dozens of people, they just need to know the one person they can contact when they have a question and get help.
Full Service 3 Expert Team
Whenever you need information about your project, you can contact our 3 expert team that is managing your project from start to end. This group consists of:
- Job File Coordinator
- Project Manager
- Reconstruction Manager (if necessary)
Project File Coordinator
This expert will work with your insurance company to process your claim. They handle all documentation and paperwork your insurance adjuster needs to cover your claim. In fact, our project file coordinators speak with adjusters the majority of the day and have built great relationships with many of them. We believe it’s important to keep a sense of urgency in the entire team to make sure you get back home as soon as possible.
“Do you take my insurance?” is a common question we get.
YES. We routinely work with all insurance carriers.
“What if my insurance company tells me to use another restoration company?”
While your insurance company or insurance adjuster can suggest you use a specific restoration company, they cannot legally make that decision for you. Just tell them you’d rather have SERVPRO of Richardson handle your claim, and we will. We have helped customer switch restoration companies on many occasions. We will handle the details.
Project Manager
This expert will handle every aspect of the fire and water damage restoration portion of your project. They are the go to person for:
- Water damage restoration and drying
- Fire damage restoration
- Emergency fire board up services
- Fire and smoke damage cleanup and deodorization
- Mold remediation, Mold removal, or any Mold problem
- Moving services
- Storage
- Biohazard cleanup
- Demolition
- Debris removal
- Content Cleaning
- Clothing or Textile Cleaning
- Air duct cleaning / HVAC cleaning
Reconstruction Manager
Not everyone will need their home rebuilt, so many people will just interact with 2 experts. If this expert is needed to restore your home, they will manage the reconstruction of all damages to your property.
- Roof replacement
- Drywall replacement
- Floor replacement
- Cabinet replacement
- Rebuild after mold damage or mold growth
- Rebuild any other portion of your home that was permanently damaged
- Conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure you’re satisfied.
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
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www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.
A Day in the Life: Christi Robinson, SERVPRO Sales
4/18/2017 (Permalink)
Christi Robinson, Sales Representative for SERVPRO of Richardson Texas.
“Good morning!” is what Christi says as soon as she walks into the marketing and sales office. She’s greeting Gracie, the office pet. A few moments later, Christi is at her desk, and the day’s work begins.
“One part of my job is to finish estimates, lead crews on some projects, and complete follow-up visits,” Robinson explains. This is what she’s scheduling before 8 A.M. before the crews arrive and the entire office begins to hum with the day’s excitement. For a few quiet minutes each morning, it’s just Christi and Gracie checking emails and preparing. Then, Christi is gone to the daily Work-In-Progress meeting, and by 8:30, she’s out the door to the day’s fieldwork.
The Work in Progress is a mandatory daily morning meeting for every member of the company. Here, production managers update everyone on each job’s progress and what work they expect to be completed today. As with all emergency services companies, we also make plans to have crews available for the next water damage or fire damage emergency. In less than half an hour, everyone has received their instructions for the day and they’re out the door with Christi right behind them.
When Christi is not in the field working with a customer, she’s at the office preparing, sometimes with the rest of the marketing team. “My other responsibilities are to market to old and new clients and assisting with social media.” Most of our office’s candid employee shots on our social media accounts have been taken by Christi. She’s well known around the office for her ability to capture someone in their best light.
She’s also known in the field for her ability to connect with customers. “People, no matter what their social status, are vulnerable in time of need.” She keeps this in mind as she works with people experiencing a disaster at their property. “They want an open ear or a shoulder to lean on when going through a loss. That’s what I try to provide for them throughout their entire project. It’s what they deserve.”
Between water and fire damages, mold remediation, general cleaning, and now with textile cleaning added to our list of services, Christi’s day can be unpredictable.
A typical day can involve visiting customers waiting for a cleaning bid, but when a customer calls in with an emergency mold growth situation or a fire damage happening at their property, Christi has to quickly react and head to their property. Some days require her to be out in the field until the late evening.
It’s the life of a sales representative in an emergency restoration company. “Every day is like opening a present--it’s something new and interesting. It keeps me motivated.”
After years with our company, success is still defined by one thing for Christi. “A smile. I’m fulfilled when we can make our customers smile.”
Our sales representatives are available for free estimates.
Contact us for any of the following:
Carpet Cleaning
We offer one time cleanings and regularly scheduled cleanings. We recommend your carpet be deep cleaned at least once a year and more often if you have multiple pets in your household.
Cleaning Services
Junk Removal / Debris Removal
Even if your junk contains biohazard waste, we will still be able to carry it away. Many regular junk removal companies do not offer biohazard removal.
Crime Scene Cleanup
After the police investigation is over, we offer a discreet and private cleaning of the crime scene.
Air Duct Cleaning / HVAC Cleaning
Cleaning air ducts can improve the air quality of your home or office. It may also help take care of odors that otherwise can’t be taken care of, such as pet odor.
Odor Removal
We have dealt with many types of odor removal, from dead rodents to smoke smells. Each odor removal project is different and requires an inspection of the home or property.
Hoarding Help
Move Out Cleaning Service
When you move out and need your home to look great for a potential home buyer, we can help you prepare with deep cleaning services.
Car Cleaning Service
If something spills in your car or food is left overnight, we’re happy to look at your vehicle and recommend which kind of cleaning service it requires.
Commercial Cleaning Services
We offer one time cleanings to scheduled cleanings as frequently as every day. We’re willing to listen to your company’s needs and alter our services to your schedule.
Mold Inspection
Our office has a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor license. We have handled mold removal of all sizes in both residential and commercial properties.
Biohazard Cleanup
Deep Cleaning Services
Construction Debris Removal
After a construction project, there is a lot of fine dust that has to be cleaned up. Our technicians will use HEPA vacuums and air duct cleaning to help remove the dust.
Smoke Odor Removal
Suicide Cleanup / Trauma Cleanup
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin YouTube
www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.
Julie Goguen: A Day in the Life of a SERVPRO Accountant
11/29/2016 (Permalink)
Julie Goguen, accountant for SERVPRO of Richardson in North Texas.
She’s been working for at least an hour before most people have taken their first sip of coffee -- not that she’ll take any if you offer her some. “Dr Pepper is my caffeine, but not until lunchtime,” she says. “Hot fries do wake me up, but I can’t have those for breakfast, can I?”
She laughs. She’s always in a good mood, which is what she’s known for around the office along with her ability to be everyone’s friend.
And here we find what might be one of the few extroverted accountants in the world. And the bravest.
There was once a loud bang outside the office. When everyone either cowered around their desks or ran to the back of the building, Julie was the only one that ran out the front door. It turned out a car was backfiring.
She also stopped a robbery at a department store one random Tuesday evening, but that’s a story for another day.
Julie is married with three kids and a few dogs at home. We think they have a pretty normal life, but they might be The Incredibles trying country living for a while until the world needs them again. We’ll see.
What we know with certainty is that Julie is the Keeper of Keys for our office. She knows the name of every client that’s needed our help in the past year. She knows every tax identification number by heart. Due dates and phones numbers are ingrained in her memory. Birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions are stored in mind, too.
She comes in early, stays late, answers messages in the evening, two, five, or six in the morning, keeps our books updated, our ratios comfortable, and our vendors alert of our changing needs. Her department is a well-oiled machine.
And, sometimes, if you call us at 3 in the morning, she’ll be the on-call manager picking up your call.
If you ever hear her say, “If you don’t turn in your receipt, I’m not going to give you the reimbursement. That’s final,” you know she’s talking to the owner. It happens.
A while back, she saw the movie The Accountant and said, “I can do better,” and no one questioned her.
And, sometimes, yes, she sneaks in some hot fries in the morning.
Every SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated. SERVPRO of Richardson has been serving the Dallas Fort Worth community for over 30 years by the same family.
Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas
SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas. We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414. Call us any time!
Follow us:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin YouTube
www.SERVPROrichardson.com
“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.
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