Recent Posts
Pet Preparedness for the Hurricane Season
6/7/2023 (Permalink)
A dog and cat sitting outside while a storm is brewing behind them.
As pet parents, we understand the importance of keeping our furry friends safe and protected, especially during unexpected emergencies or disasters. Whether it's a natural calamity like a hurricane or a personal crisis such as a medical emergency, being prepared can make all the difference for our beloved pets. That's why dedicating a whole month to pet preparedness is crucial, as it reminds us to take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of our four-legged family members.
Accommodations:
Pet preparedness goes beyond the physical necessities; it also involves planning for temporary accommodations. Research pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or boarding facilities in your area that would welcome your furry friend in case you need to evacuate. Contact these places in advance to understand their policies, requirements, and availability. Additionally, reach out to friends or family members who may be able to offer a safe place for your pet if the need arises. Establishing these connections and options ahead of time can bring you peace of mind during stressful situations.
Emergency Kit:
Preparing an emergency kit for your pet is another vital aspect of pet preparedness. This kit should include at least a week's supply of food and water, medications, a pet first-aid kit, and any necessary medical supplies. Don't forget to pack familiar items like toys, blankets, and comfort objects to help reduce stress during a crisis. It's also wise to have an extra leash, collar, and sturdy carrier or crate readily available. Remember, during an emergency, your pet may need to be transported quickly and safely, so having these items on hand is crucial.
Review and Update:
During Pet Preparedness Month, it's a great time to review and update your pet's emergency plan. Start by ensuring your pet's identification is up to date, including tags with your current contact information and a microchip registration. In case your pet gets lost during a chaotic situation, these measures greatly increase the chances of your pet being identified and returned to you if they are lost. Additionally, gather your pet's essential documents, such as vaccination records, medical history, and proof of ownership, and keep them in a waterproof and easily accessible place.
While we hope to never face an emergency or disaster, being prepared is the best way to safeguard our pets. Pet Preparedness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize their safety and well-being. By taking the time to update identification, create an emergency kit, and plan for temporary accommodations, we can ensure that our furry companions will have the best chance of staying protected and cared for, no matter the circumstances. In the case of an emergency while you are protecting your animals, family, and yourself, let SERVPRO help protect your home. SERVPRO of Flagler County is here to help with your water damage and prevent any further damage from occurring. Call us at 386-447-2202 for 24/7 emergency services and a free estimate.
SERVPRO of Flagler County Gives Back to the New Smyrna Beach Community
5/3/2023 (Permalink)
On Saturday SERVPRO of Flagler County participated in the city of New Smyrna Beach’s Community Outreach Giveaway at Pettis Park.
On Saturday, April 29, SERVPRO of Flagler County participated in the city of New Smyrna Beach’s Community Outreach Giveaway at Pettis Park for those who are still displaced from last year’s catastrophic hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
The event which began at noon and lasted until around 4 p.m., was in the city’s historic west side. Sponsored by the City of New Smyrna Beach, as well as numerous local religious affiliates and commercial businesses, the event gave away free food, clothing, and door prizes, as well as providing plenty of activities for all ages.
Volunteers from SERVPRO of Flagler County contributed to the event by raffling off four major door prizes, one specifically for the overall event, and the other three as part of their hurricane preparedness/continuing education initiative. These prizes included a solar-powered radio with an additional phone charger, and two emergency preparation backpacks (one for an adult, the other for a child) filled to the brim with items necessary for the health and safety of individuals during catastrophic storms.
These items were also carefully selected in conjunction with the city to provide continuing education for community members in anticipation of the upcoming hurricane season. Other continuing education materials provided to the public included SERVPRO’s Home Emergency Kits, which contain individually filled booklets stored together in a waterproof, plastic zipped folder to be stored in an easily accessible spot in case of emergencies. Volunteers also gave away plenty of other SERVPRO pens, notebooks, and other swag to community members who visited their tent.
The overall participation in the event was part of SERVPRO’s continuing education efforts. By playing a role in the community by providing the tools necessary to get through catastrophic events, SERVPRO is there every step of the way, helping people take back control of their lives.
SERVPRO of Flagler County Named Official Cleanup and Restoration Company for the Florida Gators
4/28/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Flagler County is proud to announce its continued partnership with Florida Gators athletics through the 2023-24 athletic season. The new agreement, which includes the teamwork of multiple SERVPRO franchises across the state, is with Florida Gators Sports Properties, LEARFIELD's dedicated team representing the University Athletic Association (UAA).
A leader in the fire, water and bioremediation industry for more than 50 years, SERVPRO becomes the “Official Cleanup and Restoration Company of the Florida Gators.” In addition to use of official Gators’ marks, the SERVPRO brand will be represented at numerous official university athletic platforms, including radio game broadcasts, social media content and in-venue signage.
“SERVPRO and Florida Gators both continuously strive to be the best—whether that is on the court, the field of play or in the community,” said Bryce Clark, owner of SERVPRO of Jacksonville South. “SERVPRO’s teammates across Florida are dedicated to serving our customers and look forward to cheering on the Gators.”
“We’re pleased to call SERVPRO a member of our corporate partner family,” said Scott Stricklin, Athletics Director at the University of Florida. “We appreciate their ongoing support of the Gators and our athletics programming, and we welcome them back in this exclusive sponsorship category.”
In complete collaboration with UF, LEARFIELD’s Florida Gators Sports Properties team extends the affinity of the Gators’ brand to businesses and corporations of all sizes looking to align with the undeniably loyal and passionate collegiate sports fan base.
With an abundance of equipment and manpower commercial jobs are what we love!
3/30/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Flagler County is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to restore your commercial property. We understand that your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. SERVPRO works efficiently to ensure your business reopens quickly after water or fire damage.
When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of Flagler County has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” We are available 24/7/365 to get your business up and running again, and we also provide Emergency Ready Profiles that can save your property from secondary damage. Emergency Ready Profiles is a free service that documents key information in case of an emergency. This plan gives SERVPRO the information of how many technicians, trucks, and equipment will be needed at the property. Call us today at (386) 447-2202 for a free Emergency Ready Profile!
- Small Office Buildings
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- High-Rise Residential
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
Have Questions? Call Today – (386) 447-2202
Commercial Building Restoration Services
When it comes to commercial and residential restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Flagler County responds quickly to your Palm Coast business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies. No commercial project is too big, because we have access to the resources of a nationwide network of 2120 Franchises. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Commercial Building Cleaning Services
When the dirt, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need SERVPRO of Flagler County. You can depend on us to get the job done right and get it done quickly. Our highly trained technicians use top-of-the-line equipment to make your business shine again. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services:
Why you should know that Flagler disasters are safe in the hands of SERVPRO
3/29/2023 (Permalink)
About SERVPRO
SERVPRO has been providing restoration and cleaning services for more than 50 years and has an operational footprint that stretches across the entire country. What began as a modest painting business in 1967 has grown into one of the largest restoration service providers in the nation. SERVPRO now has more than 2,000 branch locations equipped to assist both residential and commercial interests. Although SERVPRO is not a Fortune 500 company, it has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranking of the best franchise opportunities in the nation. In fact, SERVPRO has earned the magazine’s top spot for cleaning and restoration franchises for 19 straight years.
SERVPRO offers cleanup and restoration services to address water, fire, and smoke damage, and it can provide decontaminating and deep-cleaning services to affected areas of the home. The company also provides mold removal and construction services if needed. In many cases, customers will use SERVPRO to repair damage that is covered under their homeowner's insurance, such as damage caused by storms or kitchen fires. In addition to its residential services, SERVPRO also conducts restoration and cleanup jobs for commercial property owners, which can include specialty cleaning services to address biohazards and viral pathogens.
Homeowners looking for qualified professionals to handle their restoration and cleanup needs may be interested to know that SERVPRO is an approved Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Training School, providing its employees with ongoing professional training opportunities. That being said, certifications will vary depending on the location, and SERVPRO technicians may not always hold the latest certifications. Homeowners may want to check local SERVPRO restoration reviews from former customers or contact their nearest SERVPRO branch to check the certification status of a particular location.
How It Works
Although there are many SERVPRO cleaning services available, many customers will find themselves turning to the company in an emergency situation where time is of the essence. For instance, homeowners who have standing water in their home due to a failed sump pump or water leak may require swift remediation to prevent mold from building up in their home’s walls and flooring. Homeowners may also want to quickly repair fire damage to remove smoke odors and soot as well as get rid of any damaged materials so they can rebuild as soon as possible. In these scenarios, homeowners can call the local SERVPRO of Flagler County to set up an inspection of the damaged area and build out a scope of work. The company will send out a technician to conduct an on-site inspection of the customer’s home, taking pictures to document the extent of the damage, measuring floor space to determine how much equipment will be needed, and devising a plan of action based on the level of service the customer requires. After reviewing the affected area and determining the extent of work needed for mitigation, SERVPRO will create a scope with a breakdown of the costs required to remove damaged materials, clean and decontaminate surfaces, and restore the area to its original condition. If homeowners opt to use SERVPRO’s services, they may have the option to pay in full themselves or, if mitigation work is covered under their homeowner's insurance, ask their insurance provider to foot the bill.
SERVPRO’s Services
SERVPRO provides a wide variety of cleanup and restoration services to homeowners and commercial property owners to help address all kinds of property damage. The core areas that SERVPRO focuses on include:
- Water damage restoration
- Fire damage restoration
- Storm damage mitigation
- Mold remediation and removal
Cleaning services may be included as part of a restoration project, but customers can also contract SERVPRO cleaners separately to take on other jobs. This work may cover:
- Air duct and HVAC cleaning
- Odor removal
- Graffiti removal
- Viral pathogen cleaning
Have Questions? Call Us Today – (386) 447-2202
Should you clean all water damages the same way?
3/29/2023 (Permalink)
The answer is NO!
You should handle every water damage with a swift careful act by calling SERVPRO! Even if you don't choose to go with us you have a free estimate and that much more knowledge on the subject!
Categories of Water Damage
When faced with water damage in your home or building, it is important to have an idea of the category of water damage. Depending on the source, the water in your home can be contaminated with waste materials, bacteria, dangerous microorganisms, and other harmful toxins that can cause illness or infection. By understanding the possible category of the damage, you can keep yourself and others safe from contaminated water. If you are not sure if the water on your property is contaminated, it is best to stay away from it as a precaution.
The following are the main categories of water damage:
- Category 1: Category 1 is clean water that does not contain any threatening contaminants. This water may come from overflowing sinks or appliance leaks.
- Category 2: Category 2, also known as gray water, is water contaminated with microorganisms that can cause illness if ingested. This water may come from toilets, sump pumps, or roof and foundation leaks.
- Category 3: Category 3, also known as black water, is highly contaminated with bacteria and other harmful toxins that can cause illness. It is best to avoid any contact with black water. This can include sewage water and flood water from outdoors.
It is important to your safety to know what category this water damage is and it's something the techs at SERVPRO of Flagler County can assess and tackle for you the day of!
SERVPRO of Flagler County
Have Questions? Call Us Today – (386) 447-2202
SERVPRO of Flagler is here to make it "like it never happened." Just ask our customers?
3/21/2023 (Permalink)
Do you have water damage?
What is water damage? What is the process of fixing a water damage in your home? Do you need emergency Services? Well, SERVPRO of Flagler offers free estimates and provides emergency services and has for many years! Water damage describes various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de- laminating of materials such as plywood, short-circuiting of electrical devices, etc. The process of a water damage upon arrival of our team is to do moisture readings and remove excess water from the area whether it be a few puddles or a good amount of standing water. After that our team will assess the situation and begin the dry out and restoration steps and then also replace or reconstruct due to damages. We relay information and communicate with you and insurances as needed until and then even after to check up to make sure the disaster was like it never happened!
Customer Water damage testimonial:
"This company did a fantastic job for a family with four children under 10 years old and the unfortunate situation of an upstairs plumbing leak. They came in the middle of night and saw the job through for four days until all moisture was remediated. Such professional caring is refreshing."
Do you have Fire Damage?
What is Fire damage? What is the process of fixing a Fire damage in your home? Fire damage is the physical damage done to a property as a result of burning. This damage could be caused directly by the flames or indirectly by the smoke and other corrosive substances emitted by the fire. This damage is one of the types of insurance coverage available in property insurance. Our team has specialized equipment to deodorize the smoke and soot smell from your walls, carpets, and upholstery. We will ensure your home returns to “like it never even happened”. We are also a licensed General Contractor to repair the damaged walls, ceilings, and floors to pre-fire condition. We can also board up windows or doors that may have been broken when the fire was active. Our team can use tarps to help with damaged roofs to help reduce further water damage. This is all part of the process however it can differ from job to job and while each one can be its own level of devastating we handle every fire job with care and are here to make it 'Like it never happened".
Customer Fire damage testimonial:
"We are very pleased with the results of our experience with SERVPRO of Flagler County. Technicians were courteous, accommodating, and skilled, doing their best to help us meet our deadlines for this rental unit. Office staff were courteous, as well, very efficient and helpful in dealing with our insurance carrier. We highly recommend SERVPRO of Flagler County."
These are just a couple of examples, but these are not just a coincidence, they are a standard that we hold ourselves too! SERVPRO of Flagler County is available 24/7 for all your calls at this number! (386) 447-2202
Deadly substances, dangerous items and nasty things!
3/20/2023 (Permalink)
What shouldn't you do?
You should not try to clean any substance that you're a questionable about! You should never try and pick up drugs or needles and if so, do so carefully and dispose of properly. You should never approach a cleaning of a dirty or nasty hazard without the proper training and equipment!
What should you do?
You should call SERVPRO of Flagler County to handle any biohazard need you may have! We have the proper training, knowledge, know-how and experience to tackle the toughest of biohazard jobs. There are levels of biohazards and many of them can be hard to understand if you're not familiar but here they are!
1. Human blood and blood products
Bodily fluids, tissues that contain blood, serum, plasma, and other blood components in liquid or semi-liquid form are examples of biological hazards.
2. Animal waste
Any animal body part or the beddings of infected animals are also considered as biological hazards.
3. Human bodily matter
Direct contact with biological hazards such as human bodily matter in the workplace—blood, saliva, urine, and mucus—is highly risky most especially to healthcare workers.
4. Microbiological waste
Usually found in laboratories, this waste may contain concentrated forms of infectious products, such as blood or bodily fluids that have infectious pathogens, specimen cultures, and viruses.
5. Pathological waste
This covers any human body part, tissue, or organ that may have been taken out during surgical procedures.
6. Sharps waste
Belonging to the larger group of infectious waste, this type of biological hazard pertains to syringes, sharp tools, and broken glass that are at risk of pathogenic cross-contamination and piercing through human skin protection.
7. Molds and yeasts
These are found in nature, needed for the breakdown of plant debris. Such microorganisms can enter a building directly or their spores can be carried in by the air. For some people, inhalation of the molds, fragments of the molds, or spores can lead to serious health problems or worsen certain health conditions.
8. Organic material
Workers may also be exposed to rubbish, wastewater and sewerage, plant materials, and organic dust.
9. Airborne pathogens
Pathogenic microbes, which are small enough to be discharged from an infected person, are easily transmitted through sneezing, coughing, and direct or close contact.
10. Stinging insects
As these can be found throughout various geographic regions, stinging insects are especially dangerous to outdoor workers. Such insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and non-venomous and venomous spiders.
- Biohazard Level 1: Often pertains to agents that include viruses and bacteria, this biosafety level requires minimal precaution, such as wearing face masks and maintaining no close contact. The biological hazard examples in the first level include E.coli and other non-infectious bacteria.
- Biohazard Level 2: Usually causing severe diseases to humans, the second level classifies agents that can be transmitted through direct contact with infected materials. HIV and hepatitis B are some biological hazard examples that pose moderate risks to humans.
- Biohazard Level 3: Mainly through respiratory transmission, pathogens that are highly likely to become airborne can cause serious or lethal diseases to humans. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, is an example of a level-3 biohazard.
- Biohazard Level 4: Extremely dangerous pathogens that expose humans to life-threatening diseases, the fourth and last level requires workers to utilize maximum protection and containment. Some biological hazard examples are the Ebola virus and the Lassa virus.
After some examples and levels of Biohazard, you can easily tell how it can be dangerous and, in some cases, scary! However, our team has it all under control and can handle all this and more especially if it's for our customers safety. You can call us at (386) 447-2202 for all your Bio needs 24/7 around the clock!
Who do you call when you spill something toxic or need a cleanup of something gross?
3/13/2023 (Permalink)
WHAT ARE SOME BIOHAZARD EXAMPLES?
- Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been affected by blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood.
- Animal waste. Animal carcasses and body parts, or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms.
- Human body fluids. Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid and saliva.
- Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures.
- Pathological waste. Unfixed human tissue (excluding skin), waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies.
- Sharps waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that has the needle attached.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Flagler County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.
Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (386) 447-2202
Bio jobs are for the pros over at SERVPRO!
3/10/2023 (Permalink)
When you think of biohazard cleanup, you might imagine laboratories or private facilities. However, this type of cleaning service often involves sanitizing offices or other workplaces. The following guide explains why this practice is essential.
What Is Biohazard Cleanup?
A biohazard is any potential threat to the environment or human health caused by biological agents. Common biohazards include human bodily fluids, rodent droppings, drug residue, and chemical waste. Bodily fluids are spread by coughing and sneezing, which can increase the spread of viruses. Biohazard cleanup sanitizes the area and reduces the risk of infection. As a result, it makes your workplace safe for you and your employees.
What Are Its Benefits?
Since the pandemic began, many businesses have been operating remotely to follow social distancing guidelines. However, as employees return to the workplace, it's more important than ever to sanitize and disinfect your premises to prevent infection. This precaution can improve productivity since your employees will know that you're prioritizing their health. Your team members won't have to take breaks to find disinfecting wipes and sanitize their areas. Also, since you'll prevent the spread of disease, there will be fewer employee absences.
Why Should You Hire Professionals?
Professional cleaners have the expertise and personal protective equipment to sanitize correctly and safely. They use the proper chemicals to destroy microbial contaminants and know where to apply them for the best results. A team of professionals will clean door handles, light switches, desktops, and other necessary locations.
If your business is opening up again and requires biohazard cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Flagler County in St. Augustine, FL. This local company offers commercial and residential cleaning services. We will disinfect surfaces and prevent the spread of disease to keep your workplace safe and productive. We can also provide mold remediation, water damage restoration, and fire damage repairs. Visit the website to learn more or call (386) 447-2202 to schedule biohazard cleanup. You can also check out our online videos.
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