Did You Know that Flood Water from Outside the Home is Considered Conteminated Category 3 Water?

7/23/2024 (Permalink)

Have A Storm or Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West (608) 497-3331

If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be contaminated, Category 3 black water, and could be hazardous to your health.

For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible. Take the greatest caution while entering your home, wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas, through away all foods – even canned goods – that have come into contact with floodwaters.

“The first 24 hours after a water damage or flood are just so crucial to keeping final costs of the damage down,” said Don Turner, SERVPRO Storm Response Team Manager. “A lot of flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, but we want homeowners to know the steps they can take to help minimize damage until the professionals arrive.”

Whether it be a flood, tornado, hurricane, or blizzard, SERVPRO® Disaster Recovery Team is Here To Help®. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Have A Storm or Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West (608) 497-3331

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• IICRC Certified Firm
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• Angie's List certified with an A-rated reputation
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Electrical Fires Are More Common Than You Think in Madison,WI

7/16/2024 (Permalink)

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

What is an Electrical Fire? 

An electrical fire is a malfunction or failure in electrical components that lead to a fire. These fires typically originate in cables, wires, circuit breakers, or electrical components. When the distribution of electricity is inadequate, panels, circuits, lighting equipment, and various electrical devices become overloaded and overheated, and fires can unfortunately start. 

There following are common causes of electrical fires:

• Old Appliances and Equipment - Aging appliances and equipment cause a staggering number of electrical fires. 
• Poor Maintenance – Regular electrical panel maintenance helps reduce fire risk.
• Outdated Wiring – Homes 20 years and older often do not have the wiring capacity to handle the increased amounts of electrical usage in today’s average home. 
• Devices such as computers, video gaming systems, air conditioners, and multiple appliances with high electrical needs contribute to increased electrical usage. Also, the aging electrical wire’s deterioration can easily arc and start a fire, especially if the circuit amperage does not match with the existing wire throughout an older home. 
• Not Staying Up-to-Date with Safety Codes – With electrical usage on the rise, it’s imperative to keep us with current safety codes. 
• Light Fixtures – Installing a bulb with a wattage too high for lamps and light fixtures is a common cause of electrical fires. It’s important to check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on any lighting fixture or lamp before installing it. 
• Extension Cords – The misuse of extension cords is another common cause of electrical fires. It’s important to note that appliances should always be directly plugged into an outlet rather than an extension cord. When in doubt, hire a certified electrician to determine the appropriate type of outlets needed for your appliances. 
• Space Heaters – Since space heaters are portable, people often put them too close to items that are easily combustible such as clothing, beds, couches, rugs, chairs, carpet, etc. Please use extreme caution when using these! 
• Electrical panels and circuit breakers trip due to overload, power spikes or surges, short circuits, and ground fault. If a circuit breaker fails, it can lead to a fire. Keeping your circuit breaker up-to-date and following current codes helps to reduce the failure rate. 

What Are the Typical Signs of an Electrical Fire? 

• If you smell a persistent burning smell and can’t figure out where it’s coming from, it’s often a sign of an electrical fire within the walls. If your circuit breakers keep tripping, it could mean that there is a trip to the electrical panel. 
• If you see outlets and switches that are charred and discolored, it’s often a sign of excessive heat that has caused or could lead to a fire. 

Should you experience any fire, SERVPRO of Dane County West understands the trauma that follows a fire loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back. We are available 24/7 for emergency services to help you regain control quickly. We work with your insurance. 

SERVPRO of Dane County West can help manage the insurance paperwork and process for a stress-free claims process. 

We are an IICRC Certified Firm. 5-Star Google and Facebook Ratings. A+ BBB Rating. Independently owned and operated in the Madison, WI, Dane County area. 

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

Do You Have Sewage Damage in Dane County, WI?

7/11/2024 (Permalink)

Sewage Backup, Toilet Overflow or Flooding? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

Don’t worry! SERVPRO of Dane County West is Here To Help® With the clean-up near you!

A sewer backup occurs when wastewater doesn’t properly drain away from your property. Sewer backups contain highly contaminated water also known as Category-3, "black" water that is grossly unsanitary. Category-3 water may contain harmful untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, microbes, and water from flooding rivers and streams or a sewer backup.

Sewage backups are typically caused from buildups in pipes from grease, clogs, or improperly flushed items such as disinfectant wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels. Damage to the sewer lines or flooding can also cause a sewage backup.

Sewage wastewater can pose a serious health hazard with the potential for air-borne contaminants. Don’t worry, you are not alone, sewage backups happen all the time and we at SERVPRO of Dane County West offer sewage clean up services to safely clean this type of contamination by licensed and trained, IICRC certified professionals 24/7. 

If you have water damage from sewage overflow, flooding or storm damage, here are some tips until help arrives. 

Do: 

• Do: Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. 
• Do: Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items. 
• Do: Stay out of affected areas of harmful waste (sewage, blood-borne pathogens, etc.)
• Do: Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Do: Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

Don't: 

• Don't: Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Don't: Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Don't: Use household fans to dry the structure and spread the contaminants. 
• Don't: Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to contaminated areas. 
• Don't: Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Don't: Touch or handle items that are contaminated with bodily fluids. 

If water damage strikes your property, let us help strike back! Equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate water or fire damage and restore your home or business, SERVPRO of Dane County West will help make it "Like it never even happened.”®

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• IICRC Certified Firm
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• Angie's List recommended with an A-rated reputation
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Sewage Backup, Toilet Overflow or Flooding? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

Do You Have Hidden Water Damage in Dane County?

5/5/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage, Flood Damage, Fire Damage or Mold Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

SERVPRO® has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. 

Water damage from leaking water pipes, overflowed sinks, appliance malfunctions, and many other sources have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. 

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology, and equipment must be counted on to perform. 

SERVPRO® Dane County West will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.

Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® Dane County West:

• Moisture Meters determine the actual moisture content of various materials as well as locate hidden water damage. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® Dane County West to monitor the drying process. 
• Thermo hygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® Dane County West can calculate and create an environment most conclusive to drying. 
• Advanced Industry-Standard Drying Equipment
• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air. They help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. The industrial-grade dehumidifiers SERVPRO of Dane County Uses can remove hundreds of pints of water per day depending on the room’s relative humidity.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.

The bottom line? SERVPRO® of Dane County West has the training as an IICRC Certified Firm, and professional- grade equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage, Flood Damage, Fire Damage or Mold Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

How Do You Eliminate Smoke Odor Near You?

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Have Questions About Fire Damage, Smoke Odor, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

Call a fire restoration professional, like SERVPRO of Dane County West located in Verona, WI

Smoke odor from the various types of fire damage, such as cooking mishaps, smoking, furnace puff backs, or electrical malfunctions, creates a smoke residue that can be impossible to remove without professional-grade equipment and specialized cleaning supplies. As an IICRC Certified firm, SERVPRO of Dane County West has the training and specialized equipment and products to restore all types of fire damage. 

Depending on the smoke odor and the type of smoke damage, such as protein residue, dry smoke, fuel/oil residue, and wet smoke, there are different ways to clean and eliminate the smoke damage and smoke odor. 

The following professional-grade products, listed below, are commonly used by SERVPRO of Dane County West to mitigate fire damage:

• Hydroxyl Generators - Hydroxyls work primarily by abstracting hydrogen atoms, thereby dismantling the molecular structure of odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Powerful hydroxyl generators using the same broad range of UV radiation as the sun are now used to naturally clean and deodorize indoor environments.
• Ozone Machine - Used to oxidize organic odors such as smoke, pet odors, mildew, organic pollutants, and more without chemicals.
• Air Scrubbers and Negative Air Machines - Air Scrubbers are used for cleaning and controlling air quality and creating negative pressure in a work area. How It Works: Air enters the unit and passes through a three-stage filtration process that captures smoke, fumes, mold spores, dust, and odor-causing particulates. O
• Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. 
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.
• Ultra Sonic Cleaning Machines - Ultrasonic sound waves produce millions of microscopic bubbles that form and collapse, creating a gentle implosion and vacuum called cavitation to clean and restore items.  
• Dry Soot Chemical Sponge - A natural rubber sponge designed to remove soot from fires in a dry state. The porous cells of the sponge lift soot from surfaces quickly without smearing.
• Dry Ice Blasting - Dry ice cleaning is a "green" process that uses small pellets of recycled carbon dioxide to clean a surface. The pellets sublimate (turn from solid directly to gas) during the cleaning process. That rapid change in state from solid to gas causes microscopic shock waves that assist in removing contaminants. Dry ice blasting for fire damage restoration is non-abrasive, non-conductive, and nonflammable. Dry ice blasting generates no additional waste or secondary contamination like media and water blasting can.
• Professional Grade Smoke Cleaning/Deodorizer Products –SERVPRO Industries, LLC has a chemical division dedicated to developing products specifically designed to clean fire-damaged contents. From floors to ceilings, SERVPRO has a cleaning product for that. 

You have so much invested in your property; trust professionals to protect your most valuable asset! SERVPRO of Dane County West understands that using professional equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. The right tool for the right job is vital to timely mitigation and restoration. 

Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened." 

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• General Contractor License #: 1317784
• IICRC Certified Firm
• For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO works with your insurance to manage the insurance process and paperwork.
• Independently owned and operated. Proudly serving the Dane County, Madison, WI area.

Have Questions About Fire Damage, Smoke Odor, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

How to Prevent Ice Dams from Forming Near You

1/24/2024 (Permalink)

Have Water, Storm, Flood, or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331

Winter Weather Worries - Ice Dams

A roof leaking water into your interior walls, ceilings, and floors is not a pretty picture. Ice dams are a leading culprit for water leaks during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow above and behind the dammed up ice when the trapped water cannot safely flow or run off the roof. The ice-dam backflows under the roof's shingles and into interior areas. 

How to Prevent Ice Dams from forming:

• Start by removing the offending culprit in the first place. Shovel or use a snow rake to remove the snow from your roof.
• Make sure your attic and rafter space is adequately insulated. Insulation is the first line of defense consideration.
• Make sure your attic and crawl spaces are well ventilated. The buildup of warm air in open areas above the layer of insulation is what causes snow on the roof to melt then freeze into ice dams in the first place.
• Make sure exhaust fans, plumbing vents recessed ceiling fans, and anything penetrating through your roof are sealed and insulated.

If winter weather strikes your business or home with water or fire damage, let us help strike back! Equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate water or fire damage and restore your home or business, SERVPRO of Dane County West will help make it "Like it never even happened.”®

• 24-Hour Emergency Service.
• IICRC Certified Firm.
• A rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• 5-Star Google rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Have Water, Storm, Flood, or Fire Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331

What are the Signs of Frozen Pipes Near You?

1/15/2024 (Permalink)

If winter weather strikes your property with water or fire damage, let us help strike back! We are an IICRC Certified Firm available 24/7

The following are Signs of Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop below zero for an extended time like they currently are in the Dane County, WI area, and water pipes are exposed, pipes can burst.

There are a few clues which can help you determine if you have frozen pipes at your property: 

• There Is Frost on the Pipe- For pipes that can actively be seen, such as those under sinks, you may be able to see frost that has accumulated on the exterior of the pipe. This can serve as a warning sign that the pipe is frozen before you ever try to turn on the faucet.
   
• No Water Is Coming Out of the Faucet- Another sign that you may have a frozen pipe on your hands is lack of running water. If you or a tenant turn on a kitchen or bathroom faucet and only a slight trickle of water or no water at all comes out, the water pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen.

• Strange Smells- A forth potential sign of a blocked pipe is an odd smell coming from a faucet or drain. If the pipe is partially or completely blocked, the only way the odor can escape is back up in the direction of your property.

If a Water Pipe is Frozen, Act Quickly!

Once you are aware that a pipe is frozen, you must act quickly to thaw the pipe. Depending on the location of the pipe and your level of expertise, you can attempt to thaw the pipe yourself or you can contact a licensed plumber to thaw the pipe for you. It is imperative to thaw the pipe as soon as possible, because it has the potential to burst and cause extensive damage to your property.

If a frozen water pipe bursts and you experience flooding, turn off your water shut-off valve to prevent further water damage. Contact a professional water restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Dane County West, to extract and mitigate the water loss and restore your property to it’s preloss damage.

If winter weather strikes your business or home with water or fire damage, let us help strike back! Equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate water or fire damage and restore your home or business, SERVPRO of Dane County West will help make it "Like it never even happened.”

• 24-Hour Emergency Service.
• IICRC Certified Firm.
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• Angie's List recommended with an A-rated reputation
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Have Water Damage, Storm Damage, Flood Damage, Fire Damage or Mold?
Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331

7 Holiday Fire Safety Tips in Dane County, Madison, WI

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes, give the experts at SERVPRO of Dane County West a call at (608) 497-3331 for fire damage restoration.

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday seasons—however, if they are not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips Near You: 

1. Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, and heat vents.
2. Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
4. Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room with a lit candle.
5. Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
6. Make sure candles are on stable surfaces.
7. Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year. 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 12% of home fires occur in December.  The higher risk of fire and smoke damage during the holiday season comes with fireplace and candle usage. 

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes, give the experts at SERVPRO of Dane County West a call at (608) 497-3331 for fire damage restoration.

As a locally owned and operated company, we also live and work in the Dane County, WI area. We have helped many families through difficult fire losses and have restored fire-damaged houses to homes again. We'll help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Your SERVPRO of Dane County West family wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

7 Tips to Prepare for Winter

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Have Questions About Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

With temperatures dropping daily here in the Dane County, Madison, WI area, here are some tips to help you prepare for the winter months to come.

1. Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. 
2. Consider shutting off outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes from bursting.  Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it off. 
3. If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off. 
4. Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, leading to roof problems and water damage. 
• Ice dams are a leading culprit for water leaks during the winter season. Ice dams form when heated indoor air melts roof snow. The melted snow collects on unheated eaves and starts freezing, creating ice dams. When heated air melts roof snow above and behind the dammed ice, trapped water cannot safely flow or run off the roof—the ice dam backflows under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior areas.
5. Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of furnace malfunctions like puff-backs that cause extensive fire damage. 
6. A puff-back is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering an interior in grimy soot, or a puff-back can leak soot particles more gradually.
7. Puff-backs can also be caused by a partly clogged or cracked nozzle, improper nozzle angle, cracked electrodes, poor adjustment of the air-fuel mixture, a defective spark transformer, shorted ignition cables, or dirty or low-grade fuel.

If winter weather strikes your business or home with water damage or fire damage, let us help strike back! Equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate water or fire damage and restore your home or business, SERVPRO of Dane County West will help make it "Like it never even happened.”®

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• IICRC Certified Firm
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Have Questions About Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

9 Safe Cooking Tips for a Fire Free Holiday

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast. Unfortunately, if you do not practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could quickly become hazardous in a blink of an eye.

According to the NFPA, cooking is the primary cause of home fires and injuries, with the Thanksgiving holiday being the peak day for cooking-related fire emergencies.

Review the following safety tips to help ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

1. Never leave cooking food unattended—stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. 
2. Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while kitchen equipment is in use. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
3. Keep small children away from the cooking area. Enforce a "kid-free zone" and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven.
4. Keep anything flammable like potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels away from the stove, oven, or other appliances in the kitchen that generates heat.
5. Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
6. Clean cooking surfaces frequently to prevent grease build-up.
7. Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen year-round. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of fire extinguishers if you are unsure.
8. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all kitchen appliances like stoves, ovens, and toasters are turned off.
9. Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen and on each level of the home. Especially near sleeping areas, and inside and outside of bedrooms. Use the test button to check it is working correctly every month. Replace the batteries at least once a year.

If the unthinkable happens and fire strikes your business or home, give the experts at SERVPRO of Dane County West a call. We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331