Safeguarding Your Home: Avoiding Common Fire Hazards During the Holiday Season

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Interior fire damage

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings an increased risk of home fires. From festive decorations to cooking feasts, there are several common fire hazards that homeowners should be aware of to keep their families and homes safe. In this blog post, SERVPRO discusses these potential hazards and provides tips on how to avoid them during the holiday season.

1. Decorative Lights and Candles:

String lights and candles can create a warm and cozy holiday atmosphere, but they are also common causes of fires. To avoid accidents:

• Inspect lights for frayed wires or damaged sockets before use.
• Use LED or flameless candles as safer alternatives to traditional candles.
• Keep lit candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

2. Overloaded Electrical Outlets:

With additional lights and decorations, it's easy to overload electrical outlets, which can lead to overheating and fires. To prevent this:

• Avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords.
• Use power strips with surge protectors to safely accommodate extra plugs.
• Unplug decorations when not in use or when you leave home.

3. Christmas Trees:

Real and artificial Christmas trees can pose fire risks if not handled correctly:

• Keep live trees well-watered to prevent them from drying out and becoming flammable.
• Position trees away from heat sources, like radiators or fireplaces.
• Consider using flame-retardant artificial trees.

4. Cooking Mishaps:

Holiday feasts can be a source of kitchen fires, especially when multiple dishes are being prepared simultaneously:

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep flammable items, like kitchen towels and oven mitts, away from stovetops.
• Ensure smoke alarms are working properly.

5. Space Heaters:

As temperatures drop, space heaters become more common, but they should be used with caution:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
• Turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
• Only use heaters in well-ventilated areas.

6. Fireplace Safety:

Using the fireplace for warmth and ambiance is a holiday tradition, but it can lead to accidents:

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected before lighting the first fire of the season.
• Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

7. Smoking Materials:

If you or your guests smoke, be mindful of where you dispose of cigarette butts and matches:

• Provide designated smoking areas away from flammable materials.
• Use sturdy, deep ashtrays.
• Ensure cigarette butts are fully extinguished before disposal.

8. Fire Safety Equipment:

Make sure your home is equipped with functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Test your smoke detectors regularly and replace their batteries if needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers and replace them if they are no longer effective.

Conclusion:

By staying vigilant and taking precautions, you can enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season with your loved ones. Remember that fire safety is a collective effort, and everyone in your household should be aware of these common fire hazards and the steps to prevent them. If an unfortunate fire incident does occur, SERVPRO is here to assist you with fire damage restoration, ensuring your home is on its way to recovery.

Safeguarding Your North Florida Home: Winter Weather Hazards and Prevention

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team member readying equipment

When you think of Florida, you may picture sunny skies and warm temperatures. However, even in the Sunshine State, winter weather can bring unexpected challenges and hazards to your doorstep. While the winters in North Florida are generally mild, it's essential to be prepared for the occasional cold snap or unusual weather event. In this blog post, we'll explore potential hazards of winter weather in North Florida and share valuable steps you can take to minimize risks and protect your home.

Winter Weather Hazards in North Florida:

1. Freezing Temperatures: Sudden drops in temperature can lead to freezing conditions, which may pose various risks to your home.

2. Frozen Pipes: When temperatures dip below freezing, water pipes in your home can freeze and burst, causing extensive water damage.

3. Icy Surfaces: Frost and ice can create slippery surfaces on walkways, driveways, and roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

Steps to Minimize Winter Weather Risks:

1. Insulate Pipes:

   • Ensure that exposed water pipes are properly insulated.
   • Use heat tape or pipe sleeves to prevent freezing.

2. Drip Faucets:

   • During cold spells, let faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing and reduce the risk of freezing.

3. Seal Cracks and Gaps:

   • Inspect your home for cracks and gaps in doors and windows, and seal them to prevent drafts and heat loss.

4. Maintain Heating Systems:

   • Have your heating system inspected and serviced regularly to ensure it's working efficiently.
   • Replace air filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Protect Plants:

   • Cover sensitive plants or bring them indoors during freezing conditions to prevent damage.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit:

   • Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food items.

7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

   • Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
   • Ensure detectors are working correctly to protect against fire and gas hazards.

8. Clear Gutters:

   • Keep gutters free of debris to prevent ice dams and water backup.

9. Trim Tree Branches:

   • Trim tree branches that could potentially fall and damage your home during winter storms.

10. Stay Informed:

    • Stay updated on weather forecasts and emergency alerts.
    • Be prepared to adjust your plans and take necessary precautions based on weather conditions.

Conclusion:

While winter weather in North Florida is typically mild compared to northern states, it's essential to be prepared for occasional cold snaps and unexpected weather events. By taking proactive steps to protect your home and family, you can minimize the risks associated with winter weather hazards. Remember that SERVPRO is here to support you in the event of water damage or other issues caused by freezing temperatures or winter storms. Our experienced technicians are ready to assist you in restoring your home to its preloss condition. Stay safe and prepared, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for North Florida.

Suspecting Mold in Your Home? Here Are the Steps We Recommend

11/23/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment drying moisture exposed areas.

At SERVPRO, we understand that discovering mold in your home can be a concerning and overwhelming experience. Mold can pose health risks and cause damage to your property if left untreated. If you suspect mold is lurking in your home, it's essential to take the right steps promptly to address the issue. In this blog post, we want to share our expertise and provide you with a step-by-step guide on what actions to take when you suspect mold in your home.

1. Stay Safe:

Your safety is the top priority when dealing with mold. Mold spores can become airborne and potentially harmful when disturbed. To protect yourself and your family:

• Limit access to the affected area, especially if mold is visible.
• Avoid touching or disturbing mold growth.
• Wear protective gear, including gloves, a mask, and eye protection, when inspecting or cleaning up mold.

2. Identify the Source:

Determining the source of moisture that led to mold growth is crucial for effective remediation. Mold requires moisture to thrive. Common sources of moisture include:

• Leaky roofs or plumbing.
• Poor ventilation.
• High humidity levels.
• Flooding or water intrusion.

Identify and address the source of moisture to prevent mold from returning after remediation.

3. Document and Take Photos:

Documenting the mold issue with photographs can be helpful for insurance claims and communication with professionals. Take clear photos of the affected areas, including any visible mold growth and water damage.

4. Do Not Attempt DIY Remediation:

While it may be tempting to tackle mold removal yourself, it's not recommended. Mold can spread quickly when disturbed, and improper removal methods can exacerbate the problem and pose health risks. Leave mold remediation to professionals who are trained and equipped to handle it safely and effectively.

5. Contact a Mold Remediation Expert:

Reach out to a certified mold remediation specialist, such as SERVPRO, to assess the extent of the mold issue and develop a remediation plan. A professional will have the knowledge and equipment to properly address the problem, ensuring thorough removal and preventing future growth.

6. Isolate the Affected Area:

If you are awaiting professional remediation, isolate the affected area as much as possible to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home. Close doors and seal off vents or openings.

7. Turn Off HVAC Systems:

Mold spores can circulate through your home's HVAC system. To prevent further contamination, turn off your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system if mold is suspected or confirmed.

8. Ventilate the Area:

If it's safe to do so, increase ventilation in the affected area by opening windows and doors. This can help reduce indoor humidity and promote drying.

9. Wait for Professional Assessment:

While you may be eager to address the mold issue swiftly, it's essential to wait for the professional assessment and remediation plan. Professionals will evaluate the scope of the problem and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation.

10. Follow Remediation Recommendations:

Once a remediation plan is in place, follow the recommendations provided by the mold remediation experts. This may include temporarily vacating your home during remediation, especially if extensive mold removal is required.

11. Take Preventive Measures:

After mold remediation, consider taking preventive measures to avoid future mold growth:

• Address any underlying moisture issues, such as leaks or poor ventilation.
• Maintain indoor humidity levels within a healthy range.
• Regularly inspect your home for signs of water intrusion or leaks.

Remember that mold issues are best handled by professionals who have the expertise, equipment, and training to address them effectively. SERVPRO is here to help you navigate the process and ensure your home is mold-free and safe for you and your family. If you suspect mold in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to us for professional mold assessment and remediation services. Your well-being and peace of mind are our top priorities.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa: Your Trusted Partner for Short-Term Rental Property Fire Restoration

11/18/2023 (Permalink)

Interior fire damage

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we take immense pride in being your trusted partner for short-term rental property fire restoration in the Santa Rosa, FL area. We want to share why we are uniquely equipped and trained to handle any short-term rental property fire restoration job, no matter the size or complexity. Fires can be devastating, and in Santa Rosa, where short-term rental properties play a significant role in our community's tourism, having a reliable and experienced team to restore your rental property is of utmost importance.

1. Local Expertise, Community Commitment:

As a locally owned and operated SERVPRO® franchise, we understand the unique challenges that Santa Rosa faces when it comes to short-term rental property fire damage. We are deeply rooted in this community, and our commitment to its well-being is unwavering. However, what sets us apart is our access to SERVPRO's nationwide network. This network provides us with state-of-the-art equipment, industry-leading training, and invaluable resources. This combination of local expertise and global support allows us to handle any short-term rental property fire restoration job effectively.

2. Rapid Response, Minimized Disruption:

Fires in short-term rental properties can result in significant disruption to guests' plans and property owners' livelihoods. That's why our 24/7 emergency response ensures that we are always ready to mobilize in Santa Rosa. A swift reaction can significantly reduce the extent of damage and help you get back to serving guests sooner. We know that in Santa Rosa, where short-term rentals are a cornerstone of our tourism industry, time is of the essence.

3. Skilled Technicians, Personalized Solutions:

Our certified technicians are the heart of our operation. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every short-term rental property fire restoration job in Santa Rosa. Whether it's a beachfront condo or a cozy vacation home, our team tailors a unique restoration plan to address the specific needs of your rental property. We leave no stone unturned in our mission to bring your rental property back to its pre-fire condition.

4. Comprehensive Cleanup and Restoration:

Short-term rental property fire damage is multifaceted, involving not only burnt materials but also soot, smoke residues, water damage, and structural issues. In Santa Rosa, we understand the complex nature of fire damage in rental properties. That's why we're equipped to handle it all. Our advanced cleaning techniques, industrial-grade equipment, and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every surface and element of your rental property is restored to its pre-fire condition.

5. Odor Elimination:

Lingering smoke odors can be a constant challenge for short-term rental properties in Santa Rosa. Our technicians are experts in smoke and odor removal. We employ specialized equipment and techniques to eliminate odors, ensuring that your rental property smells fresh and inviting for your guests.

6. Structural Restoration:

We recognize the importance of restoring the structural integrity of your rental property in Santa Rosa. Whether it involves rebuilding walls, replacing damaged flooring, or repairing roofs, we have the resources and expertise to handle any structural restoration task.

Success Stories in Santa Rosa:

Our journey in Santa Rosa has been marked by countless success stories in short-term rental property fire restoration. From helping property owners maintain their livelihoods to ensuring guests have a memorable experience, our commitment to the Santa Rosa community shines through. You can explore some of these inspiring stories on our website, where we share examples of how we've made a positive impact in the Santa Rosa area.

In Santa Rosa, when short-term rental property fire damage occurs, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is the name you can trust for comprehensive short-term rental property fire restoration services. From immediate response to meticulous cleanup and structural restoration, we have the expertise, resources, and dedication needed to handle any short-term rental property project, large or small.

If your short-term rental property in Santa Rosa experiences a fire, please reach out to SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County. We are here to provide the support, expertise, and unwavering commitment needed to restore your rental property to its pre-fire condition. Your guests' experience and your property's reputation are our top priorities.

Elevate Your Santa Rosa County, FL Home or Business with SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Services

11/9/2023 (Permalink)

Dirty HVAC vent cover

When it comes to maintaining a clean and comfortable indoor environment in Santa Rosa County, Florida, there's more to consider than just the visible surfaces. Your HVAC system plays a significant role in the quality of the air you breathe. That's why we, as Santa Rosa County residents and business owners, understand the importance of SERVPRO's duct cleaning services.

Our Santa Rosa County Connection:

• SERVPRO is not just a national brand; we're your neighbors in Santa Rosa County. We are well-acquainted with the unique climate and challenges our local community faces, and we're committed to helping our neighbors in Santa Rosa County breathe easier.

Ducts: The Hidden Culprits

• Over time, your HVAC ducts can accumulate dust, debris, allergens, and even mold. These contaminants can affect your indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even the lifespan of your HVAC system. Neglecting your ducts can lead to potential health hazards and unnecessary costs in Santa Rosa County.

Breathe Easier with SERVPRO:

• SERVPRO's duct cleaning services are a breath of fresh air, quite literally. We take pride in offering services that improve indoor air quality and deliver numerous benefits in Santa Rosa County:

1. Healtheir Living and Working Environment: Clean air is essential for your well-being, and our duct cleaning services help reduce allergens and contaminants in your indoor environment, ensuring a healthier space for you and your family or employees in Santa Rosa County.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency: Clean ducts mean your HVAC system operates more efficiently. You can enjoy lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.

3. Extended Equipment Lifespan: Proper maintenance leads to a longer-lasting HVAC system. By keeping your ducts clean, you reduce the need for costly repairs and replacements in Santa Rosa County.

Expert Technicians and Comprehensive Service:

• Our Santa Rosa County SERVPRO team is composed of skilled professionals who use advanced technology to get the job done right. We don't just clean the ducts; we also address the entire HVAC system for a comprehensive solution.

Tailored Solutions for Santa Rosa County:

• We understand that every home and business in Santa Rosa County is unique. Our customized solutions take into account your specific concerns and needs, ensuring that your property in Santa Rosa County benefits from the duct cleaning service it deserves.

A Safer, Healtheir Santa Rosa County:

• SERVPRO is committed to making Santa Rosa County a safer and healthier place for all. Our duct cleaning services play a crucial role in achieving this goal in Santa Rosa County.

Contact SERVPRO in Santa Rosa County Today:

• Don't wait to experience the benefits of clean air. Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County today for a consultation and discover how our duct cleaning services can make your Santa Rosa County home or business a cleaner, more comfortable place to live and work. We're not just a service provider; we're your partners in creating a safer and healthier environment for our community in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Unmatched Expertise: SERVPRO's Ability to Tackle Water Damage in Pensacola and Santa Rosa

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding Threatening to Damage Valuable Property

In the picturesque coastal regions of Pensacola and Santa Rosa, Florida, water damage can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Whether it's the aftermath of a hurricane, a burst pipe, or a roof leak, the impact of water damage can be devastating. But there's one team that's always ready to rise to the occasion, regardless of the size or scale of the job – SERVPRO.

Experience You Can Trust:

• When it comes to water damage restoration, experience matters. Our SERVPRO team in Pensacola and Santa Rosa brings decades of collective expertise to the table. We've seen it all, from small-scale leaks to major flood damage. Our experience is our foundation, and it's what sets us apart.

Skills That Make a Difference:

• Dealing with water damage is not just a job for us – it's a calling. Our skilled professionals in Pensacola and Santa Rosa undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure they're equipped with the latest techniques and best practices. This dedication to learning and improvement enables us to handle any size job with precision and efficiency.

State-of-the-Art Equipment:

• Water damage can vary in its complexity, and we understand that. That's why we invest in the latest state-of-the-art equipment to handle even the most challenging tasks. Our advanced moisture meters, powerful dehumidifiers, and specialized drying equipment ensure that no job is too big or too small for us.

Initial Assessment:

• Our experienced team knows that a comprehensive assessment is key to success. In Pensacola and Santa Rosa, where water damage can result from various sources, we meticulously evaluate the extent of the damage, regardless of its size.

Safety Comes First:

• Whether we're dealing with a small-scale residential issue or a large-scale commercial crisis, safety is our top priority. We take swift action to shut off electricity and gas, ensuring the safety of our team and the property's occupants, no matter the job's magnitude.

Water Extraction:

• Standing water is no match for us. In these coastal paradises, where both minor leaks and major storms can occur, our team's expertise and equipment allow us to remove water quickly and efficiently.

Thorough Moisture Detection:

• Even in the diverse climate of Pensacola and Santa Rosa, our advanced moisture detection equipment pinpoints hidden pockets of moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Handling All Content:

• When it comes to moving furniture, belongings, and cherished items to a dry area, our team is skilled in the art of careful handling, regardless of the job's size.

Mold Prevention is Our Commitment:

• Pensacola and Santa Rosa's high humidity levels make mold prevention a constant concern. No job is too small for us to take all necessary steps to control humidity and ensure thorough drying.

Dehumidification and Structural Drying:

• In the heart of these coastal areas, our dehumidifiers and drying equipment rise to the occasion, reducing moisture levels in the air and restoring building materials, regardless of the damage's scope.

Thorough Cleaning and Sanitizing:

• Residents here can rest assured that no job is too large or too small for our dedication to clean and disinfect all affected areas, preventing mold and bacterial growth, and maintaining a healthy living environment.

Restoration Excellence: - Whether we're addressing a small residential issue or a large-scale commercial challenge, our restoration process is top-notch. We repair or replace damaged structures and materials, returning the property to its pre-damaged condition.

Comprehensive Documentation: - Our meticulous documentation, including photos and work logs, ensures that no matter the job's size, our clients in Pensacola and Santa Rosa have all the necessary records for a smooth insurance claims process.

Open Communication: - We maintain open lines of communication with property owners, whether it's a residential or commercial setting. No matter the job's size, our clients are informed about our progress, any adjustments, and what to expect.

Exhaustive Final Inspection: - Before we consider our job complete, we perform a final inspection to ensure that all water damage has been effectively addressed, and the property is safe and habitable, regardless of the job's size.

Living and working in the breathtaking regions of Pensacola and Santa Rosa, we understand that water damage can take many forms. But rest assured, our SERVPRO team is ready, willing, and fully capable of handling any size job, from the smallest residential water leak to the most significant commercial water damage crisis. Our experience, skills, and top-of-the-line equipment ensure that we're always prepared to serve you, no matter the scope of the challenge. In Pensacola and Santa Rosa, we're more than just a restoration team – we're your trusted partners in recovery.

Unmasking Mold: SERVPRO's Expert Remediation Services

10/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mold experts called out to inspect severe mold presence in local home.

Mold – the silent invader that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. It's a word that sends shivers down the spines of homeowners, property managers, and business owners alike. But fret not, because when mold makes an unwanted appearance, there's one name that stands tall in the remediation industry:SERVPRO®

Why SERVPRO?

1. Proactive Approach: At SERVPRO, we understand that the key to successful mold remediation is swift and decisive action. The longer mold is left unchecked, the more damage it can do, not only to your property but also to your health.

2. Skilled Technicians: Our team is equipped with specialized training in mold remediation. They don't just remove the mold; they identify the root cause and help ensure it doesn't make a reappearance.

3. Advanced Technology: At SERVPRO, we stay ahead of the curve, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. From air scrubbers to negative air chambers, our arsenal ensures mold is removed effectively and safely.

4. Safety First: Mold can pose significant health risks. Our team is trained in proper containment and removal techniques, ensuring the safety of all occupants.

5. Restoration, Not Just Removal: Unlike many companies that just remove mold, SERVPRO believes in complete restoration. After mold is removed, we focus on repairing any damage and restoring your property to its original state.

Our Process

1. Inspection and Assessment: Our first step is always a thorough inspection. We use advanced equipment to detect mold and hidden water sources.

2. Containment: To prevent the spread of mold, we employ various containment procedures, ensuring the affected area is isolated.

3. Air Filtration: Employing powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums, we capture microscopic mold spores from the air.

4. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials: Depending on the level of mold growth and the types of surfaces involved, we may use anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments.

5. Cleaning Contents: We don’t forget about your belongings. Using a variety of cleaning techniques, we restore your items, making them mold-free.

6. Restoration: The final step might involve minor repairs, like replacing drywall, or it could entail major reconstructions, like rebuilding entire rooms.

In Conclusion

Mold is daunting, but with SERVPRO by your side, it doesn't stand a chance. With our commitment to excellence, unparalleled expertise, and cutting-edge technology, we ensure mold is a thing of the past. Whether you suspect mold growth or are certain of its presence, reach out to SERVPRO. Let us restore not just your property, but your peace of mind.

Why Our 24/7 Service is Needed and What to do After You Call in Your Water Damage

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

When an unexpected storm came through Santa Rosa County, these tenants called SERVPRO after hours to handle their water damage needs.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa County® provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 850-939-4700

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage Process For Damaged Santa Rosa Homes

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

Crew is displayed to water damage in Santa Rosa home..

After the inspection and damage assessment of your Pace, Milton, Navarre or Gulf Breeze home or business the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

• Remove Excess Water
• Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
• IICRC Certified

Water Damage Restoration Process in Santa Rosa County

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage on flooring in home being removed by Santa Rosa crew.

After the inspection and damage assessment of your Pace, Milton, Navarre or Gulf Breeze home or business the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

• Remove Excess Water
• Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
• IICRC Certified

Hurricane Season Facts You Should Know From the SERVPRO Experts That Are Standing By.

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm team heads out to bring restoration as soon as Hurricane Idalia passed.

When most people think about hurricanes, they think about the wind. But it’s the water that usually does the most damage. Torrential rain can cause flash flooding, but a hurricane’s storm surge can be the most destructive and dangerous. 

As spring shifts to summer, south Floridians shift their attention to the upcoming hurricane season which begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. The 2021 season was another active year, with a total of twenty-one named storms, including seven hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Eight of these storms hit the United States coastal area, three of which hit Florida. South Florida was spared in 2021 by any major threats, as Tropical Storms Elsa and Fred had little to no impact other than rain.

Hurricanes are rated by categories ranging from one to five.  The winds increase with each category. The sustained wind speeds for each category are:

• Category 1 hurricane: 74-95 mph.
• Category 2 hurricane: 96-110 mph.
• Category 3 hurricane: 111-129 mph.
• Category 4 hurricane: 130-156 mph.
• Category 5 hurricane: 156+ mph.

A major hurricane is category 3 strength or higher and can be extremely dangerous to life and property, but it doesn’t take a major hurricane to produce significant impacts. All tropical systems that directly impact south Florida have been known to produce flooding, damaging winds, and tornadoes. It’s important to take every tropical cyclone seriously and keep up to date with tropical outlooks issued daily by the National Hurricane Center.

If your home is ever hit by a storm know here at SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY we are always ready to help you clean up after the storm.  

SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY                                 850-939-4700

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Process in Santa Rosa County

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team was called out to assess a large structure fire in Santa Rosa County

The time it takes for our SERVPRO technicians to complete fire damage restoration can vary depending on several factors such as the extent of the damage, size of the property, and the level of restoration required. In general, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

The initial assessment and planning phase, which includes determining the scope of the damage and creating a restoration plan, can take a couple of days. The next step involves mitigating further damage by boarding up windows, tarping roofs, and drying out the property, which can take a few days or longer depending on the severity of the fire and the level of water or smoke damage.

The actual restoration process, including cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding damaged areas, can take anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the project. This can involve removing and disposing of damaged materials, cleaning and deodorizing the property, repairing structural damage, and replacing flooring, walls, and other components.

It's important to note that every fire restoration project is unique, and the timeline can be influenced by factors such as the availability of materials, insurance processes, and the level of cooperation from the property owner. Santa Rosa SERVPRO professionals work efficiently to complete the restoration as quickly as possible while ensuring the highest quality workmanship.

Emergency Services Require SERVPRO Restoration Experts 24/7 Commitment When Flooding Occurs

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians begin the extraction process after a flood was endured in local structure.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 850-939-4700

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO Can Provide Fast Water Mitigation for Santa Rosa Homes After Pipe Separations

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in Santa Rosa County home is restored by SERVPRO experts.

SERVPRO Can Provide Fast Water Mitigation for Santa Rosa Homes After Pipe Separations

Pipe bursts from aging or pressure fluctuations can be highly destructive for homes and businesses. Considering the high volume of water damage that results, our SERVPRO team responds with urgency to these situations to begin mitigation services like water removal and content relocation.

The Damage of a Broken Pipe

The heart of water mitigation for Santa Rosa homes is a thorough inspection of the property to determine its damage and what must be done to return the structure to preloss conditions. Quick action is needed to prevent damage to building materials like wall systems and ceilings following pipe bursts. Beyond structural damage, substantial standing water concerns are also likely to result. 

Controlled Demolition and Cleanup

The earliest action we must take after water damage to structural elements in the house is the removal of these water damaged components. Our general contractor license is essential and allows us to complete controlled demolition where required. Our goal is to remove any harmful or challenging debris from the property that could amplify loss effects or make restoration more challenging to complete moving forward. This process allows efforts like drying and water removal to start. 

Thorough Drying and Water Removal

We can get cleanup and water removal services underway with exposed damaged areas. We have dozens of extraction devices to help in this effort, including wet vacuums and submersible pumps. Drying these cavities involves several of our high-efficiency tools from the inventory as well, including:

• Positive pressure systems
• Low-profile centrifugal air movers
• Portable electric heaters

A pipe burst can be among the most threatening situations for homes and businesses. Because of the high volume of water these situations present, it is essential to mitigate loss however possible.

SERVPRO Can Help You Assess the Damage and Make the Right Decision

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County arrives at a commercial water damage to restore the property.

SERVPRO Can Help You Assess the Damage and Make the Right Decision

Whenever your commercial office space needs water removal, our SERVPRO technicians are here to help. We are on call 24/7 to respond swiftly to your emergency and help us minimize your damages. Like you, we understand that every minute you remain closed represents issues in revenue.

Why Do I Need to Call a Professional Team to Extract The Water?

Using a wet-dry vacuum and humidifiers will certainly help you evaporate water damage in your Santa Rosa office, but it may not be enough. As professionals in the industry at SERVPRO, we have at our fingertips several tools that help us measure moisture levels and take action to restore them back to normal. Failure to extract all water can leave you with a suitable environment for bacteria, such as mold, to reproduce. Tackling the problem in a timely manner helps prevent future complications.

What Are My Options to Save My Carpet?
The situation and our observations will help determine what happens to your carpet. In some instances, we can dry it in place as long as it has not been wet for more than 72 hours. Some advantages of this technique include the following:

-Less disruption to the flow of your business

-Less damage to the carpet

-Furniture may be able to stay in place

Alternatively, our SERVPRO crew can have a frank conversation and recommend the full removal of the carpet, if the damage is too far gone. When this happens, we work within local guidelines and ordinances to dispose of the carpet as recommended.

When our SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is at your side, we can discuss the benefits of each of the options available to you. Together, we can leave your office, "Like it never even happened."

Why does Florida have so much precipitation?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Thunder heads rolling in on beach.

Why does Florida have so much precipitation?

Torrential rain in Florida primarily results from the passing of low pressure systems through or close to it. The most well known low pressure system is the tropical hurricane, which is capable of producing truly enormous amounts of precipitation over a short period of time.

Which area gets the most precipitation in Florida?

Pensacola

Rainiest Days In The History of Florida These four Florida cities, ranked by average annual precipitation, are Tallahassee, Pensacola, Miami and West Palm Beach. It’s the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters that create storms that often soak the state, particularly between June and November.

Why do some areas get more precipitation than others?

The tropics receive a great amount of direct solar energy, which produces more evaporation than higher latitudes. The warm, moist air rises, condenses into clouds and thunderstorms, and falls back to earth as precipitation. More evaporation results in more precipitation.

Is Florida the rainiest state?

Hawaii overall is the rainiest state in the US, with a state-wide average of 63.7 inches (1618 millimeters) of rain a year. But few places in Hawaii fit the state’s average….Rainiest States in America.

Rank 1
Year Hawaii
Winter Hawaii
Summer Florida

Why does it rain so much in Florida during the summer?

Most of South Florida has a tropical climate. There is a defined rainy season from May through October, when air mass thundershowers that build in the heat of the day drop heavy but brief summer rainfall. In some years the dry season becomes quite severe and water restrictions are imposed to conserve water.

Why is Florida weather so unpredictable?

Because of its geographic location, Florida’s weather isn’t exactly divided into the traditional Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Dry season (November-April), on the other hand, brings significantly less humidity, reduced precipitation, and a more predictable forecast that’s less storm-prone.

What Florida city gets the most rain?

America’s top 5 wettest cities

New Orleans, Louisiana: 62.45 inches of precipitation annually on average.

West Palm Beach, Florida: 62.33 inches of precipitation annually on average.

Miami, Florida: 61.90 inches of precipitation annually on average.

Pensacola, Florida: 61.20 inches of precipitation annually on average.

What part of Florida rains the least?

In Orlando, as generally happens in central and southern Florida, winter is the least rainy season, in fact, 55 to 65 mm (2.2 to 2.6 in) of rain fall per month from November to February.

Which region gets the most precipitation?

Matsuyama, located in the Meghalaya State in India, is the wettest place in the world. It receives an annual rainfall of 11,871 millimeters. The mountainous terrain of the surrounding land forces the northward-moving warm moist monsoon winds coming from the Bay of Bengal to converge over Matsuyama.

Why is there more precipitation at the equator?

Areas near the equator receive high rainfall amounts because constant solar heating produces intense heating, large-scale evaporation, moist rising air that cools with altitude and forms convectional rainfall. In addition, air masses converge here which results in heavy rainfall.

What is the rainiest state in the US?

Hawaii

The 10 Wettest States In The United States Of America

Rank State Average yearly rainfall
1 Hawaii 57.2
2 Louisiana 56.9
3 Mississippi 55.5
4 Alabama 55.3

Which states get the least rain?

Nevada takes the lead as the least rainy state in the US, with only 9.5 inches (241 mm) of rain each year. The mountain states, including Wyoming and Montana, dominate the list of America’s driest states year round.

What’s the average precipitation in the state of Florida?

Average Yearly Precipitation for States (rain & snow) 8. Delaware 45 inches (114 centimeters) 9. Florida 54 inches (137 centimeters) 10. Georgia 50 inches (127 centimeters) 11. Hawaii 110 inches (279 centimeters)

Animal Rain

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Frog with an umbrella

Animal Rain
It may not rain cats and dogs, but sometimes it rains tadpoles and tiny fish. This strange meteorological event is probably caused by waterspouts, basically tornadoes that form over water.

Waterspouts start out as vortexes, or columns of rotating, cloud-filled wind. As the vortex descends over an ocean or lake, small aquatic animals may be swept up in the waterspouts funnel.

Changes in pressure and wind force the waterspout to change back into a low-lying cloud, emptying precipitationincluding any creatures swept up in the waterspoutover a nearby landmass.

In 1894, newspapers in Bath, England, reported a rain of tadpoles. In 2009, a storm brought a rain of minnows down on Ishikawa, Japan.

Is Your Homeowners Insurance Good Enough

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners Insurance

HO-1 Covers narrow set of named perils. If not specifically listed in policy text, it is not covered. Belongings & liability typically excluded.

HO-2: Covers the same named perils as 1 along with others including failure of HVAC systems, damage to electrical, & harm caused by falling objects. Might also cover belongings & liability. Coverage is relatively limited.

HO-3: Covers everything an HO-2 does while going much further. HO-3s cover the dwelling, its attached structures, belongings within, & the policyholder’s personal liability. As an open-peril policy, will usually cover anything not excluded in writing. Exclusions include floods and earthquakes.

HO-4: Renter’s ins, this covers the belongings and liability of a tenant but not the dwelling itself, the landlord’s ins would cover that. May also include coverage for additional living expenses.

HO-5: Most wide-ranging form of homeowners ins. It will cover a # of perils on an open-peril basis, often with higher limits than other policy types.

HO-6 (Condo): Similar to comprehensive homeowners ins, except limited to condos. It governs belongings, liability, & some portions of unit structure, the rest would be covered by a homeowners association policy.

HO-7 (Mobile Home): Home insurance policy designed specifically for mobile & manufactured dwellings.

HO-8 (Older Home Form): Similar to an HO-3 but optimized for older homes that may have significant depreciation or be part of a historical registry.

Expert Strategies To Prevent Water/Mold

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Roof Deck After Untreated Water Damage

Prevent Mold and Water from Damaging Your Home With These Expert Strategies

Both water damage (and resulting mold damage) can cost individual homeowners thousands of dollars per occurrence. While accidents certainly can (and do) happen, many instances of water and mold damage are completely preventable. Taking a proactive approach to home care is one of the best ways to ensure that you do not have to shell out hundreds or even thousands of dollars in emergency expenses.

Learn how to effortlessly prevent mold and water damage in your home from the expert team at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

Shop for the best home insurance

Having good home insurance is a necessity to protect yourself from the financial damage that can accompany major home repairs. There are many different methods of finding good home insurance in Florida, but the best way to do it is to shop around and compare rates. There are lots of companies that offer home insurance in Florida, so it is important to find one that offers the coverage that you need at a price that you can afford. It’s also wise to talk to your friends and family members who live in Florida to see if they have any recommendations for you.

Perform routine checks of select appliances and fixtures

Contrary to what some believe, mold more frequently develops as a result of a slow, unnoticed leak (rather than from a massive water incident). You could easily go months (or even years) without seeing a small, yet persistent water leak in any area of your home. The more time that goes by, the worse the damage will ultimately be.

Avoid a hefty mold remediation bill by making it a point to routinely check appliances and fixtures that can leak. Regularly examine items such as your water heater (be on the lookout for any corrosion), all sinks and toilets, water supply valves, your dishwasher, and your refrigerator. If you notice a minor leak, contact someone to repair it as soon as possible. 

Don’t forget to maintain your home’s exterior

When thinking about avoiding water and mold damage inside of your home, you may forget to consider preventative methods that should be taken outdoors. Your home’s exterior is extremely important when it comes to being proactive about preventing mold and water damage. The smallest opening can cause moisture to build up rapidly (from both humidity and rain).

First and foremost, have your roof inspected regularly for leaks. If your roof is missing shingles or has any size opening, you are at risk for serious water and mold damage. In the event you do find damage, have your attic inspected for mold. Also, be sure to routinely clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool and spill into unwanted places. Search “residential gutter cleaning near me” to find trustworthy providers in your area. You can read reviews and testimonials before deciding on the best provider for you.

Turn on your bathroom’s fan when taking a bath or shower

Among all of the suggestions provided, one of the easiest is to turn on your bathroom fan when taking a shower or a bath. With the flip of a switch, you can save yourself thousands. While this prevention method is incredibly easy, some individuals are not in the habit of using their fan, since no mirror fogging occurs. Just because your mirrors do not fog up does not mean that you shouldn’t utilize your fan. The heat and moisture rising from any bath or shower can cause mold to grow, especially on hard-to-reach ceilings.

Don’t have a fan in one (or more) of the bathrooms in your home? Over time, the installation of a bathroom fan can actually be less costly than mold remediation.

Prevent toilet overflows

No one likes dealing with an overflowing toilet. But, if your toilet regularly overflows, now is the time to take steps to prevent future problems. Water from an overflow can get underneath your flooring, which can result in expensive damage.

While these tips are certainly effective in preventing mold and water damage, accidents happen. Don’t wait to fix water and mold issues until the problem has gotten out of control. Instead, hire our team of professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County to handle the job. We make it a priority to take care of the existing damages with the utmost care and attention to detail. 

Emily Graham | emily@mightymoms.net

Mighty Moms

Seeking Sunshine: What to Consider When Moving to Santa Rosa County, FL

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Family walking on Santa Rosa County Beach

With long summers, outdoor activities, and more white-sand beaches than you can dig a spade into, it’s no surprise that Santa Rosa County has seen such an uptake in new residents lately. If you’re considering a move out to northwest Florida, here’s what to consider first.

Housing

Housing may be one of your main priorities when considering a move to Santa Rosa. Fortunately, with a burgeoning real estate market, the forecast looks bright for buyers.

• Santa Rosa Beach boasts a huge number of high-spec beach homes built within the recent couple of decades
• The region is popular amongst homeowners looking for close communities as Santa Rosa is comprised of 34 smaller towns and neighborhoods
• Make sure you plan ahead and check online reviews before using a local realtor to help you find listings for homes in your price range

Lifestyle

Residents of Santa Rosa County enjoy a quiet, spacious way of life. Here’s what to expect from the lifestyle.

• There are plenty of outdoor activities, with three state parks, two preserves, bike trails, blue sky fishing opportunities, and abundant wildlife (including dolphins)
• Santa Rosa is home to some of the state’s most vibrant and respected art communities
• If you have kids, look into Santa Rosa’s education opportunities, including a charter school ranked amongst the top 10 middle schools in Florida

Business

If you’re moving your business across state lines, it’s important to understand the implications and new requirements.

• If you haven’t already, you may need to apply for an LLC Florida business license
• When forming a new business, you may find there are certain advantages to structuring as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), such as less paperwork, tax benefits, and reduced personal liability
• Once you have a business name, address, and corporate purpose, you can apply to register with the Department of State (DOS)

If you’re seeking sun, serenity, and a warm, communal social scene then Santa Rosa County may be for you. Just make sure you research ahead before making your move.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage situation. Learn more about our services, at: www.SERVPROsantarosacounty.com or give us a call at 850-939-4700

Emily Graham | emily@mightymoms.net

Mighty Moms

ARE YOU PREPARED?

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Satellite imagery of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico before it makes landfall in Louisiana.

With spring storm season here and hurricane season approaching, the question becomes, are you (Emergency Managers), your staff, and your community prepared to respond and recover from whatever mother nature throws your way? Spring storm season 2022 is upon us, with forecasts revealing the jet stream pattern over the North Pacific and the Atlantic to be influenced by the weakening La Nina while a high-pressure system in the Pacific will define the dynamic weather over North America.Hurricane season starts June 1st and continues through November 30th. That is 182 days or roughly one-half of the year that a hurricane could impact your community. Early predictions indicate a  65% chance of an above-average hurricane season for 2022 with 13-18 named storms (winds of 39 MPH or higher), 6-11 of those grow to be hurricanes (winds of 74 MPH or higher), and 2-5 develop to be major hurricanes (winds of 111 MPH or higher). 

With this in mind, now is the time for Emergency Managers and communities in tornado-prone areas and areas along the coastline and inland communities to prepare to respond and recover.

Hurricane Names for the 2022 Hurricane Season

Here is a possible top 10 list of preparedness items you should have already discussed and made specific plans for your community.

1-      Redundant communication systems. Ensure that your Emergency Responders have more than one means of communication. Depending on the size and severity of the storm, typical means of communication may not be available. It is paramount that you, as an Emergency Manager, can communicate with your field staff, local elected officials, first responders, and any possible mutual aid that may be assisting in the response phase of any operation. Additional options are satellite phones, two-way radio, citizens band radio, amateur radio operators, and social media if internet access is available.

2-      Identify major routes for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire, and Police Department use. It is essential for emergency personnel and first responders to get to local medical facilities and other emergency services without delay in a storm. By having pre-identified these routes, you can plan to clean and open the critical roads as quickly as possible and as soon as it is safe for emergency personnel after the storm passes. Ensure that your stand-by contract has a cut-and-push plan established and that you have communicated with your debris removal contractor before landfall. 

3-     Estimate your community's worst-case scenario for a minor and major hurricane.  How much debris could impact your community in each situation? By being prepared with estimates, you can communicate these estimates to your debris contractor, who can secure enough equipment and personnel to respond to your community. It is vital to make your debris removal contractor and monitoring firm part of your Debris Management Plan and your planning process.

4-     Have a stand-by contract for both your debris removal contractor and your removal monitoring firm. We have mentioned stand-by contracts previously; however, [I can't emphasize enough the importance of this step in your debris management process]. Proper contracting can be a long process. Preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP), publishing the RFP and soliciting bids, scoring incoming submissions, and ensuring that you have complied with federal procurement procedures, laws, and regulations found in 2 CFR §200 can be an overwhelming task, especially for small jurisdictions. It is less stressful to get this step done in peacetime before any post-event efforts.

5-     Personnel Identified, trained, and in place to promote a rapid response. This should be part of your Debris Management Plan. Personnel may be inaccessible post-landfall, and communications may be spotty at best.  It is imperative to have these folks identified, trained, and in place to respond to any event quickly. Ensure their phone numbers are available for the information sharing and reporting necessary for any response operation.

6-     Identify Temporary Debris Storage and Reduction Sites (TDSRS). You can save a significant amount of time by having these sites pre-identified. Additionally, pre-identify the permanent landfill or final disposition sites. This information will be needed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if the event becomes a declared Emergency or Major Disaster. Note from 2021; different states have different Environmental and Historic considerations for temporary debris sites. Ensure you know the latest guidance for your state's Department of Environmental Quality and State Historic Preservation Officer.

7-     Request approval from your State Department of Environmental Quality for your TDSRS. As soon as it is safe for emergency personnel post-event, ensure that you make the call to your State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to get approval for your TDSRS. Typically this is necessary regardless if the event becomes declared or not. The DEQ contact and phone number handy will make this step a breeze in the hectic post-event environment. 

8-     Identify methods of debris reduction. With landfill capacity becoming an issue throughout the United States and worldwide, we must plan to reduce storm debris by any means possible. Having this step decided will make your debris operations more efficient and shorten the time to completion. Vegetative debris methods include chipping (65%-75% reduction in volume) or burning (90% reduction in volume). Wood chips are valuable as most landfills will accept them for cover at no charge to your community. Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris can be compressed and then transported to its final disposition in a landfill that accepts C&D debris. 

9-     Plan for the transition from response to recovery. Debris operations typically consist of two phases. The response phase includes the initial cut and push to open emergency routes and the recovery phase, where debris moves from the right-of-way to the TDSRS or final disposition. These are two different and distinct steps, and you must plan accordingly. The response phase is much shorter, while the recovery phase could take up to a year, depending on the event's severity. Having this plan in place will lessen the stress while in emergencies.

10-  Estimate your completion date.  What does your completion look like for your community? How many passes will you allow? What will be the last date you will allow storm debris to come to the curb? How will you communicate this to your citizens? By understanding these questions, you can move forward to completion much quicker than planning under emergency conditions. 

With these ten tips, you will be better prepared to handle any event that might come your way this year and years to come. If your jurisdiction had a well-prepared Debris Management Plan, your work would be 99% complete. A comprehensive Debris Management Plan will be a valuable part of your Emergency Management toolbox with yearly updates. And to round out your planning, stand-by contracts will relieve the stress that is always part of any disaster response.

Tony M. Furr, retired FEMA Emergency Management Specialist and Region 6 Debris Subject Matter Expert (SME), wrote this article. Mr. Furr has taken a position with DRC Emergency Services and serves as Director of Technology Assistance and Training at 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 401, Metairie, LA 70005.

HERE WE GO

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Storm

Weeks before the Atlantic hurricane season officially starts, the National Hurricane Center in Miami is tracking its first tropical wave of 2022 off the coast of Africa — are you ready?

An eastern Atlantic tropical wave was moving westward about 15 mph, according to a Monday morning NHC report: "The Hovmoller diagram satellite imagery sequence for the past 5 days reveals that this wave has a good track history. The latest satellite imagery shows an area of numerous moderate to isolated strong convection east of the wave. Tropical wave guidance has it moving westward over the next 24-48 hours, passing well to the south of the Cabo Verde Islands."

Name game: Will the trend of hurricane season unofficially starting in May continue?

As hurricane season approaches, experts say to beware of more rapidly intensifying storms

Bookmark this: Here's a free database to track the storms during hurricane season

Hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30. If a tropical storm forms this month, the first name on the list is Alex.

A storm forming before the season starts isn't uncommon. Since 2015, there has been a named storm in May every year, beginning with Tropical Storm Ana. Because of this trend, there has been increasing discussions among weather experts about moving the official start of hurricane season up to May 15.

Here's a recap of past seasons that started before June 1, in some cases, to the extreme:

• On May 8, 2015, Tropical Storm Ana formed, followed by Tropical Storm Bill on June 16th.
• On Jan. 12, 2016, Subtropical Storm Alex formed and eventually strengthened to become Hurricane Alex. Months passed before Tropical Storm Bonnie formed May 27, again days before the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical Storm Colin formed June 5 of that year.

Did you know? 2021 hurricane season used up its name list for only the 3rd time in history

Real-time radar loop: See a satellite loop for Eastern Atlantic tropical storm activity

• On April 19, 2017, Tropical Storm Arlene formed. Storm activity was "quiet" until Tropical Storm Bret formed June 19, followed by Tropical Storm Cindy a day later.
• On May 25, 2018, Tropical Storm Alberto formed the weekend of Memorial Day, which was May 28 that year. That summer, hurricane season didn't see another storm until Hurricane Beryl formed July 4 and Hurricane Chris on July 6.

• On May 20, 2019, Subtropical Storm Andrea formed. Hurricane Barry formed months later on July 11. 
• On May 16, 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, Tropical Storm Arthur formed. Tropical Storm Bertha also formed before the season started, on May 27, two days after Memorial Day that year. Tropical Storm Cristobal formed June 1.
• Like in 2015, Tropical Storm Ana formed May 22, 2021, followed by Tropical Storm Bill on June 14. It is not uncommon for the National Hurricane Center to reuse storm names. If a storm has devastating impacts, names will be retired from future use. That happened with Katrina, Matthew and Floyd, to name a few.

Water Damage Timeline

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Texas freeze image of pipes in wall that froze.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What Should I do If I have A Water Damage

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause big problems for your home.  They can occur from something as simple as a leaky pipe to a natural disaster, like a flood. It can cause damage to your walls, floors, ceilings and more. The best way to protect your home from water damage is to act quickly. Here are some things you should do if you experience water damage. In the summer, it’s very common to have a lot of rain. Similarly, it’s also common to have a lot of water damage problems in your home, such as water leaking through the roof or a pipe bursting. When water damage happens, it can lead to a whole lot of problems: ruined furniture, an unhealthy home, mold, and more. Water damage is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as it happens. If you have water damage, you should call a restoration company right away. Water damage can be very dangerous for homes and businesses. It can cause mold growth, electrical issues and structural problems. Water damage is also very costly in loss of property and business interruption. It is important to know about the dangers of water damage to your home and business. If you are experiencing water damage, it is important to act quickly to mitigate your losses. Water damage can occur from plumbing problems, fire, flooding and weather damage. Each of these causes of water damage requires a different type of cleanup. The first step in dealing with water damage is to stop the source of the water. Water damage cleanup should always be handled by a professional. When a home or office is affected by water damage, it can be scary. It's especially scary if you don't know what to do or if you're not aware of the damage that could be happening to your property. Water damage can be a huge problem, and it's not something to take lightly. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do after water damage happens to help minimize the damage. Thankfully, water damage is a problem that is easier to prevent than to repair. So make sure you're taking the necessary steps to protect your property. Water damage is a serious problem that can lead to mold, mildew, and other nasty stuff. But did you know that water damage is also responsible for more than 5,000 deaths each year in the United States? While most people know that water can damage their electronics, they don’t realize these other facts. Water damage is the second most common insurance claim after fire and it’s the most common claim in the U.S. It’s estimated that more than 5,000 people die each year due to water damage.

Water Damage Are You Covered

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Things You Must Know About Water Damage

Water damages can happen day or night, for a variety of different reasons. Every water damage is different and not ever water damage is remediated the same way. Most important thing we as homeowners need to know is all water damage issues are covered by under your standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

Water remediation can be costly especially if it is not covered by your insurance company. It is imperative that you understand your policies coverages. Here are a few things that homeowners need to know about water damage and your insurance policy:

• Water damage and flood damage are NOT covered by the same insurance policies- Homeowner’s policies only cover water damages NOT damage caused by rising water. If you live in a flood-prone areas and/or a flood zone having flood insurance is imperative. People who do not carry flood coverage are rolling the dice with one of there greatest assets, there home.
• Your policy may not cover all types of water damage – There are many kinds of water damage, and some are not covered by your policy. Check your insurance policy for exclusions so that you know what kinds of water damage is and is not covered. Usually, insurance policies cover water damage brought about by emergencies, such as a burst pipe of an appliance leak. If the damage is caused by overflowing gutters that direct water into your home because you neglected to clean them, the repair cost must come out of your pocket. This would be considered a repair and maintenance issue. Most homeowner’s policy will not pay for repairs on things that should have been maintained. Also worth noting is that there is a statute of limitations in making a water damage claim under terms of your policy.
• Calling your insurance company as soon as water damage happens is a must – To be reimbursed for your water-damage issues, calling your insurance company immediately after your incident occurs is essential. The longer you let a water damage sit and the longer you delay calling your insurance company, the greater the chance that you will not get as much financial help as you need. Most policies read that you as the homeowner are responsible to prevent secondary damages to your home in the event of a loss.

Just know you are never in this alone. SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY is just a phone call away. We have crews ready, willing, and able to assist you 24/7/365.

Call 850-939-4700

How Do They Form

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Everyone that lives in coastal areas of the United States know the destruction and fury a Hurricanes can possess. They begin fueling this fury by sucking up heat from warm tropical waters often beginning as a tropical wave. A tropical wave is an area of low pressure that moves again through moisture-rich warm waters, usually enhancing shower activity and thunderstorms.

As this wave moves across the tropics, warm air rises into the storm, forming areas of low-pressure underneath. These areas of low-pressure underneath cause even more air to rush in. Once inside the air rises and cools, this cooling causes clouds and thunderstorms to form. In these clouds the water condenses to form droplets which in turn releases more heat to power a building storm.

Categories are given to storm based on a storms wind speed. To get the classification as a hurricane, wind speeds must reach 74 mph, up until this point it is still just considered a tropical storm. 74 mph winds are nothing to laugh at winds this speed can very easily damage a roof and it shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches from trees at this wind speed could very easily snap and shallowly rooted trees could topple. As we all know even winds of just 74 mph at a Category 1 can cause extensive damage to power lines and poles resulting in power outages that could last several hours or several days.

The terms cyclone and hurricane refer to the same tropical storms. They are named differently, depending on the region they occur in. In the North Atlantic Ocean and the Northeast Pacific Ocean, these storms are called Hurricanes, whereas they are called tropical cyclones in the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

Hurricanes generate a phenomenal amount of energy. The winds can churn out about half as much energy as the electrical generating capacity of the entire world. Cloud and rain formation from the same storm might release a staggering four hundred times that amount of energy. The energy produced is measured by the amount of water produced by the hurricane and its subsequent condensation — the measurement is called the latent heat of condensation.

With the current technology available, we have no way of harnessing the type of heat energy that a hurricane produces. One day this will be possible.

Hurricane Statistics

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

The five deadliest hurricanes in US history

• The Great Galveston Storm (1990) – the estimated death toll is from 8,000 to 12,000.
• Hurricane Maria (2017) – the estimated death toll is around 5,000. Initial estimates were only 64 in Puerto Rico; new reports showed incredibly more.
• The Okeechobee Hurricane (1928) – the estimated death toll is around 3,000.
• Hurricane Katrina (2005) – the death toll is 1,833. Tens and thousands of people were displaced.
• The Chenière Caminada Hurricane (1893) – The Great October Storm killed nearly 1,400 people, almost the population of a town.

And, two of the deadliest hurricanes in American History are also the top two when it comes to the costliest.

The costliest hurricanes in US history 

• Katrina (2005) with 1,833 deaths – $125 billion ($170 billion when normalized for 2020)
• Harvey (2017) with 89 deaths – $125 billion ($131.5 billion)
• Maria (2017) with 2,981- $90 billion ($94.5 billion)
• Sandy (2012) with 159 deaths – $65 billion ($74.1 billion)
• Irma (2017) with 97 deaths – $50 billion ($52.5 billion)
• Ike (2008) with 112 deaths – $30 billion ($36.9 billion)
• Andrew (1992) with 61 deaths – $27 billion ($50.5 billion)
• Michael (2018) with 49 deaths – $25 billion
• Ivan (2004) with 57 deaths – $20.5 billion ($28.7 billion)
• Wilma (2005) with 35 deaths – $19 billion ($25.8 billlion)

The Five Deadliest Hurricanes in US History

(by estimated deaths)

12,000

The Great Galveston Storm (1990)

5,000

Hurricane Maria (2017)

3,000

The Okeechobee Hurricane (1928)

1,833

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

1,400

The Chenière Caminada Hurricane (1893)

Source: USA Today

Created by CompareCamp.com

Why SERVPRO

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes in your home or property, you are faced with a choice between many restoration companies in your area. There are many important factors you should consider before making a final decision. Most instances of water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation are stressful from the beginning and your choice of a company to remedy the issues can determine how stressful your situation will be moving forward. Here are some key factors that should be considered.

1. How Long Has the Company Been in Business?

New restoration companies come along quite often. There is a benefit to using a company that has been around for years and established an extensive amount of experience performing jobs in your specific area. For 25 plus years, our locally owned and independently operated franchise has been servicing and building amazing relationships in all of Santa Rosa County.  Going with a company with years of experience usually means that there is a greater chance of reviews being available as well.

2. How Are the Company’s Reviews Online?

Reading reviews before deciding on a company is a great way to get foresight on how well services will be provided for you. Aside from looking for good reviews, also check to see how many reviews the company is getting. It is easy, even for a bad company, to get a few good reviews. However, having a high overall review rating with a large number of reviews usually shows that customers tend to have a positive experience with that company’s reviews. Even the best company can have a few bad reviews. In these cases, see if the company has responded to the review and offered any reasonable solutions. If bad reviews are common for the company, it may be best to find an alternative. Some good places to search for reviews include Google, Facebook, and Yelp

3. Does the Company Have Certifications?

Make sure the company you choose is certified and trained to handle the task at hand. For example, at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, our technicians are IICRC certified and trained to handle mold situations correctly, keeping the client’s and their own safety a priority. Part of this training is knowing how to keep an area contaminated with mold completely sealed off and contained so that non-affected areas remain so.

4. How Fast Can They Mobilize?

Hiring a restoration company that can quickly arrive when needed should be a huge factor in your decision. The extent of water damage to your property can increase dramatically the longer you have standing water present. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can be at your home fully equipped to extract and begin drying in an hour or less.

CALL 850-939-4700 AND SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY WILL ASSIST YOU WITH ANY OF YOUR CLEANING PROJECTS. 

Ready, Willing, & Able to Assist

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, you can depend on SERVPRO, whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or your upholstery cleaned. We have the training, experience, and equipment to make your house feel like home again.

• 24-hour emergency service
• Highly trained restoration technicians
• Faster to Any Sized Disaster
• A trusted leader in the restoration industry with more than 1,900 franchises
• Advanced restoration and cleaning equipment

Residential Restoration Services

Fire, water, and mold restoration are the cornerstones of our business. SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency fast. Our focus on training ensures we have the expertise and skills needed to promptly restore your property right the first time. Our restoration services include the following:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm and Major Events

Residential Cleaning Services

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents, and homes get dirty. SERVPRO offers cleaning services ranging from air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants. Their residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Overview of Residential Cleaning
• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceiling, Floors & Walls
• Drapes and Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage and Toilet Overflow
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism and Graffiti

READY, WILLING, & ABLE 24/7/365 TO ASSIST YOU CALL SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY TODAY AT 850-939-4700

Business Interruption Insurance-Do I Need That

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A recent survey showed that 40% of small businesses have no insurance, and 75% of businesses are underinsured. Many small/medium businesses do not have insurance to cover expenses caused by a natural disaster or lawsuit. If the unwanted occurs, the restoration time that follows can hurt business owners even more.

Restoration is defined as the length of time or duration needed to repair, rebuild, and replace damaged building properties. Business interruption insurance will help provide your company with compensation to avoid loss of income in the event you experience damage to your building or equipment during a disastrous event. This support can buy your business precious time needed to get back up and running, without having to close your doors forever. It will even pay you profits (or, for nonprofits, net earnings) that you would have earned if there had been no loss.

As a business owner, it is ideal for you to understand the importance of each insurance policy format including the terminologies and practicality of the corresponding norms.

This piece of content provides a snapshot of incidents and insurance claims that business owners across the United States experienced from 2016 to 2019.

Natural disasters

In 2019, natural disasters inflicted losses up to $25.5 billion in the United States. While severe thunderstorms accounted for 80% of these losses, cyclones and winter storms accounted for 8 % of total insured losses.

Source: https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-us-catastrophes

SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY                  850-939-4700

GREEN TEAM IS LIKE NO OTHER

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a company with more than 50 years of experience in the world of cleaning, restoration, and remediation. It operates throughout the United States and Canada under a franchise model. The corporate wing is headquartered in Gallatin, TN, although the franchises operate in every part of the country.

SERVPRO was founded in 1967 by Ted and Doris Isaacson in Sacramento, California. Although the Isaacsons had backgrounds in cleaning and remediation, their company was initially a painting business. However, they soon returned to their area of expertise, converting SERVPRO into a company specializing in cleaning. The business model proved to be successful, and SERVPRO expanded at a rapid rate throughout the country.

Because of the size and scope of SERVPRO’s operations, it is well-placed to offer support in the case of major emergencies. After Hurricanes Katrina and Ike and Superstorm Sandy, SERVPRO provided widespread cleanup in the aftermath. SERVPRO operates a tight leash when it comes to its operations – the franchisees operate within a very narrow framework, meaning there is a high consistency of quality throughout the country. To put it another way, you know what you will get with SERVPRO, whether you are in California, Maine, Florida, or Washington. Their cleanup procedures are market-leading, and their expertise is plain to see.

Faster to any size disaster SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County call today.                                                  850-939-4700

They Are Not Spider Webs

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

When I first started out in the restoration industry, I thought that fires were the most interesting part of my job. From the burn patterns, figuring out the point of origin, to accelerants, arson investigations there were so many variables, each fire, and the way it burned was vastly different. I learned very quickly that the way you clean-up after a fire also varies from one fire to another. Over my 27-year career with SERVPRO I have learned so much.

When I went into these burned homes, I always wondered why the homes and commercial buildings we were cleaning up had such spider issues. Little did I know that in certain conditions called wet smoke, involving low heat, or smoldering type environments was what was causing these webs

Smoke webs are long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble. Smoke-webs do not require pre-existing dust webs for support. Smoke webs are typically sticky and pungent and will smudge easily and show up areas where there is limited air flow, typically corners and edges of ceilings, in curtain folds, cabinets etc. In short, it is when plastics burn, the smoke carries a stronger charge than when wood, cotton, or paper burns. Depending on what exactly the webs are made of, they can be difficult to clean.

SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY is just a phone call away 24/7/365.

850-939-4700

7 THINGS NOT COVERED BY YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

1. HOME OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Some standard homeowner’s policies have some limited form of coverage for home office items. Usually, the items will not carry enough monetary value to replace if stolen or damaged as part of a larger claim. If you are running a business from home, you should be carrying business insurance to cover the businesses assets. The best rule of thumb is to check your homeowner’s insurance for policy limitations on home office equipment.  If you feel the value of the said items is greater than the policy limits, we suggest getting separate insurance or a rider to ensure everything you need to have covered is taken care of.

2. SEWAGE TO THE STREET/MUNICIPAL LINES

Issues with your sewage pipes usually occur from the house to the main line. Older homes have Orangeburg piping or tar impregnated wood fiber piping installed before PVC became commonly used.  These types of piping are very susceptible to deformation and the encroachment of tree roots. These pipes usually deteriorate and need to be replaced. It’s also not the responsibility of the local municipality until it reaches the easement and becomes part of their network.  The burden for repair and clean-up falls on the homeowner. 

3. BURST PIPES

Burst pipes in the home are, unfortunately, not uncommon. Your insurance almost definitely pays for repairs due to a leak occurring in the home. It won’t cover a flood from an external source. It also may not actually cover repairing the damaged pipes themselves. What?!? That’s right. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover normal wear and tear. After a burst event, they may posit that your old pipes simply deteriorated over time (as they are apt to do). In that case, they cover the damages, but not the labor and costs to replace the original piping. This includes when you find you need to re-plumb the entire home or a large portion of it.

On top of this, if the insurance company determines that poor drainage caused the water problem, your claim may be denied. Insurance considers drainage a maintenance (and thus non-covered) issue.

4. SINKHOLES

If you live in Florida, or as we like to call it: “a bunch of houses built on sand” (see Matthew 7:24-27 for the reference) you may have heard of the potential sinkhole issue. And by “issue” we mean the earth swallowing up part or all of your home like some much-starved leviathan stopping by an all-you-can-eat swimming pool party. Sinkholes clearly are not covered by homeowners insurance and nobody wants to touch those policies with a 100-foot pole.  Since Florida has an inordinate amount of potential for sinkholes. This occurs because the land sits atop thousands of pools of underground water. Also, the entire area basically served as swamp land before the 1900s. Consequently, this may be a concern for you.

A majority of sinkholes occur in the west-central part of the state, but all over this has been something that concerns a variety of homeowners. Statistically, I don’t really consider it a big deal, but last year the state’s legislature allowed insurance companies to exclude sinkhole coverage from policies. That created a bit of an uproar and presents a situation whereby you may have a big mess if your house slowly, or suddenly, begins to sink into the earth.

Note: Most policies include catastrophic ground cover collapse. However, this only comes into play when an abrupt loss of ground cover produces structural damage to a building and results in government condemnation of the insured structure and an order to vacate the premises. This type of damage would have to be incredibly severe. The coverage is largely catastrophic-only in nature and won’t come into play unless your home is virtually swallowed up, in part or in whole, by a sinkhole.

5. FLOOD DAMAGE

Flood damage includes water damage from external, typically, natural sources such as an ocean, a lake, or a river. If you do not have separate flood insurance coverage and your home floods due to torrential rainfall or storm surge from a hurricane, you’re not going to be covered. At least, the insurance company will blame as much as possible on the flood waters.

Flood insurance is often very inexpensive and should indeed be purchased if your home is anywhere within a 100-year flood plain. You can actually go online at FEMA and search their map service center for Flood Maps of your area and address.

6. TERMITES

This may go without saying, but insect damage, and particularly from termites, is not covered by your homeowners insurance. Your best bet here is to keep your home treated (or tented every 5 years if you live in the south where dry wood termites are a nuisance).

7. POWER SURGES (NOT FROM LIGHTNING)

A lightning strike is covered, but electrical surges from your power company are likely not. In addition, your insurance may exclude coverage for “electronic components or circuitry that are part of appliances,
fixtures, computers, home entertainment units or other types of
electronic apparatus” even if a lightning strike was responsible. Policies differ on what’s covered, under what conditions, and the limitations for liability and types of equipment. It’s best to just be sure you’re up to speed on your policy and know what’s covered and what’s not.

FILLING THE GAPS NOT COVERED BY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

There are plenty of other things that you may discover are not covered by homeowners insurance. This can include pets, detached sheds, tools, expensive jewelry, and other items. The best advice is always to speak with your agent and consult a professional if you have any questions. This guide was designed to open your eyes, but it’s no substitute for meeting with your insurance agent or seeking even more specific information on your own (that’s code for “Don’t come whining to us if our information led you astray!”).

CALL SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County TODAY            850-939-4700

Actual Cash Value Insurance Coverage

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Actual Cash Value

One of the most arduous tasks of an adjuster is a balancing act involving the assignment of a value to items that are the subject of a claim while performing his or her responsibility of reducing a claim to a dollar amount. An ordinary insurance policy covering personal or real property provides that benefits payable for damaged or lost property are the “actual cash value” of such property at the time of loss.

The actual cash value is the price that one might anticipate an article or piece of property to bring if offered for sale in a fair market where there is a willing seller and a willing buyer. A forced sale or a price obtained at a public auction would be excluded as determinative of market value. The term “actual cash value” is defined under the laws of some states, and, in other jurisdictions, customary definitions have come into use because of court definitions.

When a market exists for used goods like the kind in question which may have been stolen or destroyed, the value can be measured against the price it would have brought in the open used market. An adjuster cannot reduce a claim to a dollar amount unless he or she knows what items have been lost or damaged. An adjuster will ask a claimant to prove ownership of an item which is the basis of a claim and may be suspicious if a policyholder asserts that he or she purchased a large amount of items for cash. When there is no public market for a used item, the actual cash value may be determined by taking the acquisition cost of a new item and subtracting an amount reflecting the used component of the item, which is called depreciation. Many carriers employ depreciation tables in evaluating what dollar amount to place on damaged property using the rule of thumb that an item loses value every year over its expected life. Even so, placing a dollar value on used personal property is quite subjective.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for all your cleaning and restoration needs.                                           850-939-4700

Replacement Cost Insurance Coverage

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Replacement Cost

When old property is involved, the deduction for depreciation might reduce the settled amount to a level below the actual replacement cost. In such a case, a carrier may allow an insured to pay additional premiums for an endorsement that substitutes a replacement cost for an actual cash value. Under replacement cost coverage, settlement is conditioned upon a claimant actually replacing the damaged or lost property. If the claimant elects not to replace the property, the settled amount is limited to actual cash value.

Another exception to an actual cash value policy is a “stated value” policy, in which the insurer and the carrier agree at the time of issuing a policy that the property in question has a specific value. The carrier must then pay the stated value rather than the actual cash value.

CALL SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA 850-939-4700

What To Do When Your Home Gets Struck By Lightning

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Being that I have spent 27 years with SERVPRO one of the craziest phenomenon’s that I do not think that people understand is the damage that a lightning bolt can do by either striking your home or the ground around your home. In my career I have been out to several homes that did not even get hit with an actual strike, the ground next to there home was hit, yet there home still ended up on fire.

It is storming outside tons of thunder and lightning, then the lightning strikes your house directly, do you know what to do? I suggest calling the fire department immediately. Lightning striking your home can cause a fire in the attic or walls of your home. Just because you do not see flames after a lightning strike does not mean you are out of the woods; enclosed space fires are not visible in their beginning stages.

Cloud-to-ground lightning bolt's main objective is to find a path of least resistance from the clouds to the ground. Gas lines, water pipes, electrical lines, phone lines, cable/internet lines, metal window frames, gutters, downspouts, anything that is conductive in your house is ‘fair game’ for lightning to follow, although it does not need conductive objects to reach the ground. Lightning can move its way through miles of air, so conductive objects in a house are not a necessity they are just a mere 'convenience' that it will use when available. 

When lightning passes through a house it will often 'branch' (just like it does in the sky) and utilize more than one path to ground at a time. Lightning can also side flash, meaning it can also jump through the air from one conductive path to another. Let me give you an example, lightning’s path first may connect to your electric lines in the attic of your home, then possibly jump to better-grounded water pipes on the first or second floor. Remember you read earlier it is always trying to find that path of least resistance.

The current that lightning produces is significant to say the least. The damage lightning could cause to a home is substantial, but because the risk of your home getting struck by lightning is so low, very few homes have any sort of protection installed. It can also be very costly to have this protection system professional installed.

Below are three main hazards that can occur when a home gets struck:

• Fire danger: Most building materials are flammable and unfortunately can easily ignite anywhere that channel passes through them. The attic or the roof of your home are the most common areas for a fire to ignite relating to a lightning strike, as the lightning channel must pass through some of the structural material in the roof before it can reach a more conductive path such as wiring or pipes. When lightning current travels through wires, it will commonly burn them up - presenting a fire ignition hazard anywhere along the affected circuits.
   
• Power surge damage: If lightning chooses any of the home's electrical wiring as its primary or secondary path, the explosive surge can damage even non-electronic appliances that are connected. Even if most of the lightning current takes other paths to ground, the home's electrical system will experience enough of a surge to cause potentially significant damage to anything connected to it.
   
• Shock wave damage: Another major source of damage from lightning is produced from the explosive shock wave. The shock waves that lightning create is what produces the thunder that we hear, and at close range, these waves can be destructive. Lightning can easily fracture concrete, brick, cinderblock, and stone. Brick and stone chimneys are commonly damaged severely by lightning. Lightning's shock waves can blow out plaster walls, shatter glass, create trenches in soil and crack foundations. Shrapnel is a common secondary damage effect, with objects sometimes found embedded in walls!

What about a structure that has no wiring or pipes? It is rare for a house to be devoid of electrically conductive paths to ground, but they do exist - such as camping/fishing cabins. In that case, all bets are off on how the lightning will choose to reach the ground. Again, the lightning has just jumped across miles of non-conductive air, so the lack of wires or pipes will not stop it from passing through a completely non-conductive structure. Such a structure does not provide a person with good lightning protection - so if you are caught in one during a storm, consider moving into a hard-topped automobile which provides a much better degree of safety.

What can you do to stay safe from lightning while inside of your house?

Since we know the common paths, lightning can follow in a house (wiring and pipes), the best thing to do is stay away from those paths as best as possible during a storm. Direct contact with them should be avoided. This includes taking a shower or bath, washing hands, doing dishes, typing on a computer, playing video games, and using a wired phone, tool, or appliance. Metal-framed windows should be avoided. Wireless devices are safe to use (cell phones, cordless phones, remotes, etc.).

Direct skin contact with earth ground should also be avoided, as lightning current can travel through soil and across wet/damp concrete. Wear shoes if walking in a basement, garage, or patio.

What to do if lightning strikes your house

If your home is hit directly by lightning, your immediate concern should be for any fires that may have been ignited. Call the fire department! Again, the most common place for lightning-caused fires in a home is in the attic, but they can start anywhere the lightning has traveled. Some fires inside the walls and attic may not be immediately apparent and not easily accessible. You should also watch for falling debris from damaged chimneys, shingles, or walls.

You should also strongly consider contacting an electrician to have your home's electrical system inspected for any damage that might present a future fire hazard.

Can you get struck by lightning inside of a house?

While it is rare, yes, it is possible to receive a lightning injury inside a house. Burns and electric shock injuries can occur when someone is in direct contact with one of lightning's chosen paths to ground. The most common indoor lightning injuries involve a person talking on a corded phone or resting on/looking out of a metal-framed window. "Side flashes" (discussed above) that jump across rooms can also cause injuries but are exceedingly rare. Indirect shrapnel-related injuries from building materials have also been documented.

How to protect sensitive electronics from a strike

It is impossible to provide 100% protection to sensitive electronics from a direct lightning strike. The best thing to do is to unplug any high-value item you wish to protect during storms, as surge protectors and UPS units cannot provide direct-strike protection. Some could argue that the risk of a direct strike to any given house is too low to justify unplugging everything for every storm that passes overhead. It is wise to make sure your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers lightning damage. Your insured expensive electronics can be replaced. However, consider irreplaceable such as the data saved on your computer (photos, videos, work files, etc.). You can mitigate that risk by performing frequent offsite backups and/or storing data on an external hard drive that you can unplug when needed.

Should I have a lightning protection system installed?

A professionally installed lightning protection system can reduce or eliminate the fire and injury hazards if your house happens to be struck directly. You will want to assess the risk of a strike and weigh the costs versus benefits. Insurance may be a more cost-effective option, especially if you live in an area of average to below-average thunderstorm frequency. If you are in a zone if frequent lightning activity (such as Florida and the Gulf Coast regions of the USA), a protection system may offer more of a benefit.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County CAN HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR CLEANING AND RESTORATION NEEDS!!  CALL TODAY            850-939-4700

What We Should Know About Our Homeowners Insurance

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Duties of an Insured in the Event of a Loss

Virtually every insurance policy involving the loss of property contains a provision providing what steps must be taken by a policyholder in the event of a loss. If an insurance claims adjuster determines that the policyholder failed to comply with such conditions, he or she may recommend denial of the claim to the carrier.

Claim Evaluation

The evaluation of an insurance claim involves assessing the damages or the extent of losses surrounding real and personal property, personal injury, or loss of life. The first step in an evaluation of a loss set forth in an insurance claim actually occurs when a carrier sends an adjuster for an on-site inspection, investigation, and estimation of damages. The adjuster should attempt to verify that losses are covered by the policy in question.

In the case of damage or losses to property, an adjuster’s task is much easier if a claimant has not made any repairs other than those essential to preservation of the property, and if claimant remains cooperative and honest throughout the evaluation process. The adjuster will probably want to verify that the policyholder did nothing to worsen the damage sustained by the property. Independent verification of the facts stated in the claim may be accomplished by reviewing any reports that were filed with the police or by conducting interviews with witnesses. Dollar losses are then calculated by taking inventory of the damages claimed. Each specific item of damage or loss is assigned a value, using either an assessment made by a claimant or a determination by an adjuster who employs external sources, such as established indexes of value or the estimates of a repair shop or a professional appraiser.

Repair estimates, receipts, service charges, and repair bills are evaluated to arrive at an estimation of the amounts which will eventually constitute a settlement. All information bearing on the evaluation of a claim presented by a claimant to an adjuster will be considered. Inadequate or irrelevant information may lead to an undervalued claim.

Actual Cash Value

One of the most arduous tasks of an adjuster is a balancing act involving the assignment of a value to items that are the subject of a claim while performing his or her responsibility of reducing a claim to a dollar amount. An ordinary insurance policy covering personal or real property provides that benefits payable for damaged or lost property are the “actual cash value” of such property at the time of loss.

The actual cash value is the price that one might anticipate an article or piece of property to bring if offered for sale in a fair market where there is a willing seller and a willing buyer. A forced sale or a price obtained at a public auction would be excluded as determinative of market value. The term “actual cash value” is defined under the laws of some states, and, in other jurisdictions, customary definitions have come into use because of court definitions.

When a market exists for used goods like the kind in question which may have been stolen or destroyed, the value can be measured against the price it would have brought in the open used market. An adjuster cannot reduce a claim to a dollar amount unless he or she knows what items have been lost or damaged. An adjuster will ask a claimant to prove ownership of an item which is the basis of a claim and may be suspicious if a policyholder asserts that he or she purchased a large amount of items for cash. When there is no public market for a used item, the actual cash value may be determined by taking the acquisition cost of a new item and subtracting an amount reflecting the used component of the item, which is called depreciation. Many carriers employ depreciation tables in evaluating what dollar amount to place on damaged property using the rule of thumb that an item loses value every year over its expected life. Even so, placing a dollar value on used personal property is quite subjective.

Replacement Cost

When old property is involved, the deduction for depreciation might reduce the settled amount to a level below the actual replacement cost. In such a case, a carrier may allow an insured to pay additional premiums for an endorsement that substitutes a replacement cost for an actual cash value. Under replacement cost coverage, settlement is conditioned upon a claimant actually replacing the damaged or lost property. If the claimant elects not to replace the property, the settled amount is limited to actual cash value.

Another exception to an actual cash value policy is a “stated value” policy, in which the insurer and the carrier agree at the time of issuing a policy that the property in question has a specific value. The carrier must then pay the stated value rather than the actual cash value.

Evaluation of Extraordinary Items

Certain items of personal property are not susceptible to replacement value coverage and should be insured separately if coverage is available. There is no rate book that an adjuster can turn to for determining the value of a loss of an extraordinary object, such as an expensive lithograph, a quilt from the Revolutionary War era, or a two-carat diamond inlaid in a customized setting. A reputable certified appraiser should have been consulted before the item in question was insured, but if that was not the case, one will have to be used by an adjuster. Other items which may be included as extraordinary for purposes of coverage include vintage vehicles, antiques, guns, and certain articles of clothing. An appraiser may seek information about whether the item has depreciated in determining the amount of the settlement.

2022 BetterCE

Commercial Fire

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

What You Should Do After Your Commercial Fire Alarm System Goes Off

You are sitting at your desk at work, the commercial fire alarm system sounds, of course your first reaction should always be to evacuate to safety. You know what to do everyone has practiced this during fire drills. Here is what you need to know about what you should expect after your commercial fire alarm system goes off.

Your Fire Sprinklers Will Activate

Most of us believe that fire alarm and the fire sprinkler systems work in unison. This is simply not true; most alarm systems are not tied together with the fire sprinkler system. The alarm system is activated one of two ways; either the fire alarm is manually pulled, or smoke gets into the detector and at this point the system sets itself off. With the sprinkler system it is only activated if the heat from the fire reaches the sprinkler head. Then the sprinkler in that specific area will release to extinguish the fire. Smoke sets off the fire alarm system, it takes some time for heat to get to the sprinkler head, to allow people to get out of the building and to safety.

Exit Immediately

Commercial buildings by low should have a clearly posted evacuation plan already in place. The alarm if your first sign there could be trouble in the building. You should calmly start following the buildings evacuation plan. Once the building is emptied and your office makes it to their designated meeting spot. A pre-designated individual, preferably the office manager as they usually know who is in or out that day, should ensure that every last person got out of the building safely. If you are missing anyone, do not re-enter the building. Instead, wait until the first responders have arrived and notify them immediately.

Emergency Services

Some commercial fire alarm systems have incorporated monitoring system that notify first responders that there could be a potential fire. These systems get first responders dispatched immediately which helps with quicker arrival times. We suggest manually calling 911 after everyone is evacuated and safe, just to ensure they are aware of what is going on and are in route.

After the Fire

After the fire has been extinguished and your building has been deemed safe to re-enter by the fire department, have everyone enter and remove any valuables. Unfortunately, many commercial fires leave buildings more susceptible to break-ins, so it is critical to get all valuable items out before leaving. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The recovery and rebuilding process is dependent on your insurance policy and the results of the fire investigation (if there is one). An insurance adjuster will travel to your commercial property, survey the damage, and offer their recommendations to the insurance company. Commercial fires can be very frightening for everyone involved but preparing for a fire can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and a scary and damaging event.

Be Prepared

Last, but not least, remember to have your fire alarm system inspected and serviced regularly to ensure it is in proper working order. If you have a fire, it is especially important this system, gets checked, repaired, and serviced accordingly. Nobody wants to imagine another fire striking their property, but it is critical that your alarm system continues to function properly.

HERE AND READY TO HELP 24/7/365 AT SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY

850-939-4700

Commercial Building Restoration-A Highly Specialized Trade

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial building restoration is a highly specialized trade that requires a level of expertise and attention to detail that many contractors lack. Beyond the actual services performed, that attention to detail extends to administrative processes and procedures like demos, quotes, and consultations.

SERVPRO believes the foundation for a successful commercial building restoration is what happens before the work begins. We perform restoration demonstrations to illustrate how our products and techniques will not only restore your building’s beauty but are far superior to the competition. We continually adapt and improve our building restoration methods to deliver the unparalleled quality and service our customers deserve. We also consult with our customers about what they hope to accomplish with the restoration so that we can provide them with an accurate quote for the work.

Experience, product and technique knowledge and expertise, and the variety and level of services are what set superior commercial building restoration contractors apart from the others. SERVPRO delivers outstanding restoration services for high-rise office buildings, hotels, healthcare facilities, historic structures, multi-family complexes, business parks, or other commercial structures across the county.

Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for a quote today.

Call us at 850-939-4700

Protecting Yourself & Your Home

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Here are eight tips you should know, plus resources to consult to learn more about protecting yourself and your home.

1. Maintain smoke alarms

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• For better protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected so that if one sounds, they signal alerts throughout the home.
• Dust or vacuum your smoke alarms at least once a year when the battery is replaced. Replace the alarm itself every 10 years.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, install a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration to signal smoke.

2. Use caution with open flames

• Only burn candles when you are in the room, and use sturdy candleholders.
• Smoke outdoors only, and use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Make sure butts are cool before throwing them out.
• Avoid any open flame where medical oxygen is being used.

3. Cook safely

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent them from being knocked off.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove or broiling.
• Keep a pot lid nearby while cooking. If a fire starts in a pan, you can slide the lid over and turn off the burner.

4. Heat your home safely

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves and furnaces.
• Use a space heater with an automatic shutoff in case it tips over or overheats.
• Turn off and unplug heaters when you leave your home or go to bed.
• Make sure chimneys are cleaned professionally every year.

5. Plan your escape route

• Know and practice two ways out of every room in your home.
• Clear clutter that might block your escape route, and make sure all doors and windows open with ease.
• Practice a fire escape drill at home at least twice a year.
• If you use a wheelchair or envision having a problem escaping a fire, plan ahead and let your fire department and neighbors know.

6. Practice electrical safety

• Have a licensed electrician check your electrical system if you frequently have blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
• Replace outlets if plugs don't fit snugly.
• Don't overload electrical circuits, and avoid using extension cords. Have an electrician install additional outlets if needed.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the light fixture.
• Keep bathroom fans clean of lint and dust, which can cause the motor to overheat and ignite.

7. Sign up for emergency alerts

• Sign up for alerts to receive calls or texts about impending storms or wildfires. Lightning can cause house fires.
• In the event of a disaster, heed evacuation orders and advice of officials.

8. Protect yourself in case of fire

• Stay calm, get out fast and stay outside the home.
• Feel the doorknob and cracks around a door before opening. If you feel heat, don't open it. Closed doors prevent the spread of fire.
• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
• If you can't get out, call 911. Stay where you are and signal for help with a flashlight or brightly colored object through a window.

KEEP CALM AND CALL SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY 850-939-4700

Source: U.S. Fire Administration

Did You Know

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Three out of five people who were injured during cooking fires were injured while trying to fight the fire themselves. Ranges or cook-tops are the most common equipment involved in home cooking fires. These account for 58 percent of fires. Ovens account for 16 percent. Microwave ovens are more dangerous than most folks think. They are one of the leading home products associated with scald burn injuries, accounting for 44 percent of the microwave injuries seen in emergency rooms in 2011. In the kitchen, it usually is not fires that burn young kids. More often, it is contact with a hot stove or pans or a scald from hot cooking liquids or steam. In fact, children under age 5 accounted for 55 percent of tableware scalds, 42 percent of contact burns from ranges or ovens, and 34 percent of microwave scalds in 2011.

1. Cook only when you are alert -- not when you are exhausted, not when you have been drinking.
2. Keep an eye on what you fry. If you must step away from the stove, turn it off.
3. Keep things that can catch fire -- such as dish towels, potholders, and paper towels -- away from the stove. And avoid cooking in your bathrobe -- the loose sleeves can catch fire easily.
4. Keep hot things away from the edges of tables and counters.
5. Open microwaved food slowly and keep the food away from your face.
6. Have a "kid-free" zone of at least three feet around the stove and anything hot -- and never hold your child while you are cooking or carrying something hot.
7. Teach kids to stay away from the stove and hot foods.
8. Keep pets off cooking surfaces.
9. Install smoke alarms in the kitchen, outside each sleeping area, inside each bedroom, and on every level of your home (including the basement).

If you have a fire, just get outside, stay outside, and call the fire department.

If you are in need of fire remediation services, do not delay call SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA 850-939-4700

Household Water Statistics

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage statistics indicate even a minor leak can increase the average household water bill by 10%.

• The average home insurance claim for water damage is $11,098.
• Ninety-eight percent of basements experience some sort of water damage.
• 14.6 million U.S. homes are at risk of flooding.
• On any given day, home water damage emergencies effect 14,000 people.
• Nationwide, household water damage costs up to $20 billion annually.

Common Household Water Damage Statistics

Water damage and freezing as a category is the second-most common type of home insurance claim (following wind and hail).

• Nationwide, household leaks waste an estimated one (1) trillion gallons or enough to supply eleven million homes with water for a year.
• Ten percent of homes with leaks waste ninety gallons or more per day.
• A leaky faucet can waste 3,000 gallons per year.
• A leak in an irrigation system can waste 6,300 gallons in a year.
• An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.
• Annual water wastage from a typical household leak is equivalent to the water used for:
• 270 loads of laundry.
• Six hundred showers.
• 1,200 loads of dishes in a dishwasher.
• 6,250 flushes of a standard toilet.
• 12,800 flushes of a Water Sense toilet.
• 80,000 servings of water.

Weather and Water Emergency Statistics

Water damage can be an emergency situation, especially if the damage is weather-related. The most expensive home repairs are typically due to emergency water damage.

• Ninety-nine percent of U.S. counties were impacted by a flooding event between 1996 and 2019.
• Since 2000, flood damage has quadrupled.
• The average flood claim payout from the National Flood Insurance Program is $52,000.
• Flood insurance costs $700 annually.
• One inch of floodwater can cause more than $25,000 in damage.
• Homes on floodplains are overvalued by an average of $11,526 each for a total of $44 billion.

If you have a water loss in your home, do not delay.  Call today SERVPRO of Santa Rosa 850-939-4700

Sewage Back-up In Your Business

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Actions to take in the event of sewage backup:

You can try the following few things when there is a sewage backup in your business:

• If you have an automatic system, turn it off and ensure that all drains are clear of standing water.
• Turn off all humidifiers, space heaters, or steam systems whether you are using power or not.
• Make sure to remove the air intake vents from the top of your septic tanks regularly to minimize system spills due to ventilation
• Ensure that the fire doors are closed and locked
• Learn the warning signs of any backups (water pooling, smell in a restaurant or business) to avoid long-term damage
• Seek the assistance of registered tank cleaners to inspect your tank monthly, as these will usually be able to tell if there is something wrong with your current bacteria levels and other concerns that can lead to sewage backup
• Hire a professional sewage backup service to inspect your pipes drain lines and will work closely with you on any remediation as well as maintenance over the years. 

SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY 850-939-4700 answers the phones 24/7/365 days a year.  Why settle for the rest when you could choose the best?  Call today.

What To Look For In A Commercial Remediation Company

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Today, businesses face strict environmental regulations from a complex web of federal, state and local government bodies. As such, you must ensure that you are optimally supported by your environmental remediation services provider. Having the right provider is critical to quickly and cost-efficiently completing your developmental projects and maximizing revenue and profit margins.  Here are a few reasons you should hire SERVPRO for all your cleaning and restoration needs:

1. Geographic Reach and Location

While this may seem a fairly obvious criterion, it’s importance cannot be overstated. Having a service provider local to your site means that you will receive expedited services when you need them. Moreover, in-person meetings are critical throughout projects, as they bring out nuanced details and help to develop site-specific details that can be the difference between success and failure.  With SERVPRO you have over 1,700 locations across the United States and Canada.

2. Experience, Education and Licensure

Staff experience and education greatly impact all phases of an environmental remediation project. You should look for a firm that is not only IICRC Firm Certified, but has there technicians IICRC certified too.  Additionally, a few years’ experience is not sufficient. The learning curve is long in environmental remediation.  Consider some of the basic licensing requirements :

• At least eight years of full-time professional experience in the field of site remediation, of which at least five years shall have occurred in the state work is being performed in.  .
• A minimum of 5,000 hours of relevant professional experience within the state is being performed in.  Over the five years immediately prior to submission of the application that is of a professional grade and character that indicates the applicant is competent.
• Has completed a Board-approved course on the State’s rules and regulations concerning the technical requirements for site remediation no more than three years prior to submission of the application;
• Produced, or participated in producing, workplans and/or reports for each phase of the site remediation process; and
• Knowledge of and experience with meeting the Department’s administrative requirements including, but not limited to, requirements pertaining to submittal of forms, regulatory and mandatory timeframes, applicable fees, presumptive remedies, remedial action permits, and public notification.

When it comes to licensing, make sure the environmental remediation services firm is certified in the specific services you currently need and may need in the future. Towns and municipalities require you to provide vendor proof of licensure in order to grant you a permit for project work, and they will not grant permits without the proper certifications.

3. Quality and Responsiveness

Quality environmental remediation can mean the difference between your next project’s success and utter failure. This is why you should perform due diligence regarding the reference clients a potential provider offers you. Go beyond the reference clients and investigate their failed project information on your own, avoiding the temptation to contact just those references most pleased with a firm’s work.

A firm’s level of responsiveness will become evident as you explore their posturing toward you and the service timing guarantees they offer. Do they provide you with a dedicated account person who is knowledgeable and quick to return your communications? Do they promote emergency services?  Do they have the right relationships with institutions to gain the full support you need to react fast to unforeseen situations?

The answers to these questions, and evidence of how they answered the call for previous clients, should help you determine their response capabilities.

4. Breadth of Services

Consider the four phases of the site remediation process: preliminary assessment, site investigation, remedial investigation, and remedial action. Your service firm should have deep experience implementing the regulatory, scientific and technical portions of each phase. Ask yourself if they can investigate, design and implement well enough to succeed.

The following services should be standard offers with any environmental remediation services firm:

• 7x24x365 emergency response
• Industrial cleaning
• Water remediation
• Fire remediation
• Mold remediation
• Crime Scene/Bio-Hazard Remediation

5. Insurance

Environmental remediation projects tend to last longer and cost more than organizations plan them to. Depending on pre-project assurances by your organization and the level of injury and damages caused by the environmental damage, you run the risk of losing millions of dollars of unanticipated liability. Therefore, you will want to be certain that your service provider has more than just the bare minimum of insurance coverage and actually has enough insurance to protect your investment. That means having millions of dollars of coverage in the following coverage areas:

• General liability
• Automobile liability
• Workers compensation
• Contractors pollution
• Errors and omissions
• Umbrella/excess liability (the largest of all)

6. Financial Stability

You want to know that your call will be answered and that the appropriate high-quality services will be there when you need them. You also must finish what you start when it comes to environmental cleanup. These are the two greatest reasons for ensuring that your services firm is financially stable.

7. Longevity

Start-up companies and fly-by-night business models are great in the mobile app and gaming markets, but they are not acceptable in the environmental services market. This is the time you want to play it safe and only consider service companies with long, well-established track records of success. Anything less than 15 years of proven success with hundreds of clients is simply not worth the risk to your business.

WHY SETTLE FOR THE REST, WHEN YOU COULD CHOOSE THE BEST?  CALL SERPVRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY 850-939-4700 TODAY FOR ALL OF YOUR CLEANING AND RESTORATION NEEDS. 

Hurricanes

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricanes

When most people think about hurricanes, they think about the wind. But it’s the water that usually does the most damage. Torrential rain can cause flash flooding, but a hurricane’s storm surge can be the most destructive and dangerous. 

As spring shifts to summer, south Floridians shift their attention to the upcoming hurricane season which begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. The 2021 season was another active year, with a total of twenty-one named storms, including seven hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Eight of these storms hit the United States coastal area, three of which hit Florida. South Florida was spared in 2021 by any major threats, as Tropical Storms Elsa and Fred had little to no impact other than rain.

Hurricanes are rated by categories ranging from one to five.  The winds increase with each category. The sustained wind speeds for each category are:

• Category 1 hurricane: 74-95 mph.
• Category 2 hurricane: 96-110 mph.
• Category 3 hurricane: 111-129 mph.
• Category 4 hurricane: 130-156 mph.
• Category 5 hurricane: 156+ mph.

A major hurricane is category 3 strength or higher and can be extremely dangerous to life and property, but it doesn’t take a major hurricane to produce significant impacts. All tropical systems that directly impact south Florida have been known to produce flooding, damaging winds, and tornadoes. It’s important to take every tropical cyclone seriously and keep up to date with tropical outlooks issued daily by the National Hurricane Center.

If your home is ever hit by a storm know here at SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY we are always ready to help you clean up after the storm.  

SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY                                 850-939-4700

Winterizing Your Home

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Winterizing My Home

Daylight saving time always clues me in that colder weather is on its way. Winterizing my home becomes my priority. Florida’s cold front usually bring wind and rain prior to their arrival. Below are some tips to help you complete the winterizing of your home:

1. CLEAN THE GUTTERS

Falling leaves can create a buildup in your gutters and cause rainwater to overflow. The water needs a clear path to the downspout. While you are at it, look for areas where gutters are loose and may have torn away from the house. Reattach them using gutter spikes, brackets, or hangers. Clean, well-secured gutters are essential to protect the foundation of your home and reduce the risk of basement flooding.

2. CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS

When you change the clocks to standard time, change the batteries in your smoke detector. Fall is a wonderful time to install new batteries as you are preparing your home for cooler. If your detector chirps that is a sign the battery is low. Always replace the batteries in your detector immediately if they chirp no matter the time of the year. Once you’ve replaced the batteries, always test the smoke detector: It’s as simple as pushing the button to make sure the alarm goes off. Do not forget hardwired smoke detector systems; many have battery backups, and those batteries need to be replaced, too. The life expectancy of a smoke detector is 10 years. These alarms are constantly checking the air for smoke, after 10 years, the effectiveness of the alarm my decrease.

3. HIRE A CHIMNEY SWEEP

The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual chimney inspection. These fireplace pros remove soot and creosote that build up in the chimney and pose a fire risk. A professional chimney sweep, certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), will clean the chimney and inspect the entire fuel venting system for warped metal on the damper, cracked or collapsed flue tiles, cracks in the exterior masonry and other signs of fire damage. A clean chimney makes it safer to build a fire in the winter; it will also make your fireplace more efficient.

4. PERFORM FURNACE MAINTENANCE

Call in the pros before turning on the heat in your home. Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace runs at peak efficiency. Without semiannual maintenance (in the spring before running the air conditioner and in the fall before turning on the heat), airborne allergens may get trapped in the filters, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Always have the  furnace inspected to make sure it’s in good working order and changing the filters before starting it up for the first time.

Furnaces that are not cleaned at least once a year can wear out more quickly and can stop working altogether. And soaring energy costs make it more important than ever to ensure the furnace is running efficiently. ?

5. WINTERIZE WATER PIPES

Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that almost 30 percent of homeowners insurance claims were related to water damage and freezing. So, make sure to drain outdoor water faucets and winterize water pipes to reduce the risk.

You can winterize water pipes by locating your hose bib shut-off valve, which may be in a basement or crawl space, and turning it off at the source. For extra protection, purchase a Styrofoam cover that attaches over the outdoor faucets to keep them from freezing.

These quick fixes can provide protection against the elements as temperatures drop. You may also want to shut off water to exterior faucets and drain sprinkler systems for extra protection against freezing pipes and water lines.

6. ASSESS WINDOWS AND DOORS

Heat lost through windows and doors can account for up to 30 percent of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To keep heat in the house, look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, check seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed.

SERVPRO OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY

850-939-4700

Smoke Detection Systems

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

FIRE SAFETY

Most homeowners do not know that there are two types of smoke detectors on the market: ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

This type of smoke detector uses ionized particles to detect the presence of smoke. Each ionization smoke detector holds a tiny amount of radioactive material, which is placed between two electrically charged plates. The reaction between these components causes the ionization of air. This in turn creates a current between the two plates.

When smoke gets into the detector, the current is disrupted, and the alarm is triggered. Ionization smoke detectors are known to work better with flaming fires—these are fires with aggressive, open flames. Their effectiveness with other types of fires, such as smoldering fires, is not as great. That is why we have another type of smoke detector.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

The second most popular type of smoke detectors are photoelectric detectors. Unlike ionization detectors, these detectors use a light source and a light sensor to detect smoke. The second most popular type of smoke detectors are photoelectric detectors. Unlike ionization detectors, these detectors use a light source and a light sensor to detect smoke.

Once the smoke enters the detection chamber, the smoke particles block the light beam and partially reflect light onto the sensors. This in turn trips the alarm. Since many smoldering fires fill the room with dangerous fumes and smoke way before progressing to the open-flame stage, these types of detectors tend to be better at early detection.

Different Power Supply Options

Now that we have covered the main types of smoke detectors, we need to touch upon different ways of supplying power to the detectors. There are two options, both of which work, but one of option is definitely a safer and more reliable choice.

Battery-Powered Detectors

Most detectors out there are powered by batteries. Since smoke detectors in general do not use a lot of power, many of these battery-powered models require very little maintenance on a yearly basis. However, every battery has a limit, and you do not want to find yourself in a fire with a dead smoke detector. There is nothing inherently wrong with battery-powered smoke detectors, but you must be vigilant about replacing spent batteries.

Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

The alternative to battery-powered smoke detectors are hard-wired detectors. As their name implies, these detectors are wired straight into your home's electrical system. This method of supplying power to the entire network of smoke detectors is much more dependable and requires less maintenance.

Best of all, while these detectors still require batteries, batteries are not the primary power source. Rather, batteries function as the emergency power source to ensure you are still protected in the event of a power outage.

In Massachusetts, homes built between 1975 and 1998 must have hard-wired interconnected smoke detectors outside the bedrooms and one detector per floor.

How to Make the Most of Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors, no matter the type, are your first line of defense against fires. Despite that, many homeowners tend to neglect them. Just by regularly replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you are reducing your chances of becoming a victim of a house fire.

Signs of Impending Tornadoes

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Florida is not part of "Tornado Alley," but we for sure get our fair share of severe storms and tornadoes year-round.

Knowing the signs of an impending tornado could save your life:

• Strong, consistent rotation in a cloud base.
• Change in the atmospheric color.
• Intense winds followed by hail.
• Loud continuous roar or rumble that does not fade quickly like thunder. 
• Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base.

Having a plan in place in the event of a tornado’s impact is essential.

If you find yourself in a tornado-warned area, always seek shelter immediately. Try and get yourself to an interior room on the lowest level of the home. Put as many non-windowed walls in-between you and the outside world as possible. 

Never shelter in a car during a tornado.

Always have a way to receive weather alerts to stay up to date on tornado watches and warnings.

Protecting Your Business

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Business interruption risk refers to the monetary loss a company suffers when its operations are disrupted. This loss includes both observable components, such as reduced sales and increased cost of working, and hidden components, such as loss of future revenue streams due to potential reputational damage.

Business interruption insurance is insurance coverage that is available to help replace a business’ income lost after a disaster strikes. The event could be, for example, a fire or a natural disaster. Business interruption insurance is not sold as a separate policy but is either added to a property/casualty policy or included in a comprehensive package policy as an add-on or rider.

It is impossible to plan for the unforeseen. But business interruption insurance is one sure fire way to protect yourself. Also referred to as “business income” coverage, it is the best way to keep your business moving forward. If you are a business whose location is vital to being profitable, you need this coverage. If a catastrophic loss causes your business to close temporarily, most business will not survive without this type of coverage.

Protect yourself and your business. Call your agent today and ask about Business Interruption insurance. Remember SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is always here to help when disaster strikes. Call us 24/7 at 850-939-4700.

A Clean Safe Work Environment

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

When the health and safety of your business and its occupants is a concern, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has the experience to provide expert decontamination services you can count on.

Fires, flooding, mold, hazmat incidents, viruses, and infectious diseases can cause contaminates that requires more than your typical cleaning to remediate hazardous and infected areas fully. SERVPRO can perform comprehensive cleaning services and apply EPA registered disinfectant to all touchpoints to ensure all spaces are effectively sanitized.

Our cleaning technicians and project managers will perform post-work evaluations to ensure the quality and thoroughness of our cleaning and disinfection procedures were delivered properly. Giving you the confidence to know your property, occupants, and community are safe.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County today to ensure you have a clean healthy work environment 850-939-4700.

Why Choose SERVPRO

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your business, our professional commercial and large loss restoration specialists will be there fast, typically within 2 to 4 hours of receiving your call. We are ready to mobilize to your facility at a moment’s notice. Here are a few reasons why you should call the “Green Team” instead of the other guys.

WE UNDERSTAND

SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY understands your situation because we have dealt with it numerous times over. You want a team that is going to keep cost to a minimum. You want your repairs done properly and as efficiently as possible to get you back to preloss condition.

OUR SERVICE PROFESSIONALS ARE ALL CERTIFIED BY IICRC

The team members at SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY have the best corporate training in the industry. SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY does not stop with the corporate training, we then send out technicians to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to get additional training.

 WE RESPOND TO YOU IMMEDIATELY

You can reach us 24/7. When a disaster strikes, we respond immediately. SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY can draw from more than 1,650 U.S. and Canadian locations to get the right equipment and right professionals to you faster than other companies.

YOU ARE PART OF OUR TEAM

We collaborate with you to calm the situation and for you to remediate as quickly as possible. You are in charge. You will receive a detailed line-item bill that details all the services that were performed at your home or business. We use a third-party pricing guideline to ensure the pricing is fair and accurate for your area of the country.

WE USE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

The past few years have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY to restore your property to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

WE PRACTICE THE GOLDEN RULE OF RESTORATION

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY practice the golden rule, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." We make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability.

FOR CLAIMS AND OTHER PURPOSES, YOUR LOSS IS ITEMIZED

SERVPRO of SANTA ROSA COUNTY can give you an itemized loss inventory. You will receive     an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items. 

WE WILL HELP YOU PREVENT LOSSES, NOT JUST DEAL WITH THEM

Our services start with prevention. We will come out to your business or home and do a review of  how you can protect yourself, your family, your business, and your property from potential losses. That is another old rule (from Ben Franklin) we like: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Check out our SERVPRO Ready Plan. 

WE CAN MANAGE ANY LOSS FROM A NATURAL DISASTER-BIG OR SMALL

Have multiple locations? No problem. Suffer a small loss from water, fire, or wind? We can handle it. Have a massive, complex disaster to recover from? That is within our scope of services, too.

WE HAVE EXPERIENCE

SERVPRO has been in business for more than 45 years. Hard-earned results have made    SERVPRO a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. 

Our Experience Speaks For Itself

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Industries, LLC, franchise system is a national leader of fire, water, mold and other specialty cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 franchises has responded to property damage emergencies ranging from multi-million-dollar disasters such as the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon to those suffered by individual businesses and homes. Providing nationwide coverage, SERVPRO franchise professionals have established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

As a pioneer in rendering disaster recovery and restoration services, SERVPRO consists of highly trained staff who are ready to guarantee customers the service they deserve. We have crews on the ground to aid families and businesses in recovering of their property following a disaster. Our experts ensure that waitlists are minimized each day. Although response time is varied, SERVPRO is committed to assisting clients and customers swiftly.

The foundations of our business include water, fire, and mold restoration. SERVPRO believes in effective training to counter any sized disaster at the earliest convenience. Whenever you need emergency fire or storm damage restoration, SERVPRO has the equipment, experience, and personnel to clean your house and return it to its normal state. Our company is unique from other restoration services in that our advanced cleaning methods and techniques help customers save time and money.

We are available and here to help 24/7! It does not matter what time your damage occurs. The quicker we can get to a damage potentially saves the homeowner money.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for all your cleaning and restoration needs               850-939-4700

What to do after Water Damage Effects Your Business

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

What to do after you discover water in your commercial facility?

1. Safety First

The first step is to make sure the building is safe. Safety hazards from falling ceilings to electrical hazards may be present. If it looks like a ceiling or wall might fall do not enter the room. Place a warning sign and lock the door if possible. Be careful of water that has come through electrical panels or outlets. Old or damaged breakers may not trip, and the area may have live electricity running through it. If necessary and safe to do so, it may be best to shut the electricity off. If in doubt stay away from the area until a professional can inspect the damages.

2. Stop the Source of Water

If you know where the water is coming from and can turn it off at its source, do it. Larger commercial buildings should have separate valves for each area. This way you are not shutting down the entire building. If you do not know these locations, contact the building engineer or facility manager. If the roof has failed find a company to tarp or construct a temporary roof. Most commercial restoration companies should have a solution for you if needed.

3. Documentation

It may be a day or even a few weeks before the adjuster arrives. Pictures of standing water will help your adjuster justify the claim. If demolition is necessary, then those pictures may be the only proof that the facility was wet. Videos are even better and can cover more area in a short period of time.

4. Get the Water Out

It is easiest to remove water in its liquid form. Using mops, squeegees, wet vacs, or even towels will help start the process. A restoration company or even a carpet cleaning company will have powerful extraction tools to remove standing water fast. As the water begins to saturate building materials it will have to be removed through evaporation and dehumidification, which will take more time and energy.

5. Start Dehumidification Before Evaporation

Removing moisture from the air is a key component of drying a commercial facility. While many people’s first instinct is to put fans on wet areas, this may cause more harm than good. Too much evaporation may lead to the dew point, or 100% relative humidity. Cranking the HVAC down to fast may also lead to the same situation. As condensation begins, building material will begin to sweat. Unaffected areas begin to absorb moisture and secondary damages occur. If the condition persists, mold growth may begin to form. Before forcing evaporation, it is important to know the temperature, humidity, and dew point.

6. Damage Inspection

The damage inspection should include an initial moisture map. Specialized tools help determine the extent of and severity of the water damage. Thermo-hygrometers will show things such as dewpoint and humidity. Thermal cameras will show temperature differentials and can help pinpoint hidden moisture. As a word of caution, be wary of those who rely on thermal cameras alone. The camera will only show temperature differentials, not actual moisture content. Moisture meters verify what is wet and give quantitative readings.

7. Set a Structural Drying Strategy and Mitigation Plan

After the inspection, there should be enough information to create a plan or strategy. The plan should include at least the following:

• Quantity of air movers or fans
• Amount and type of dehumidification
• What areas or building materials are wet, and the current % of moisture in those materials
• The drying goal, or point at which those materials are dry
• What materials will need demolition and when they will be removed
• The estimated time frame of the project
• The estimated cost of the project or at least the initial phases of the project

Several other items such as chain of communication and billing are important, but it is paramount that the customer understands and agrees with the mitigation plan. There should be consensus before signing a contract. This will help keep the project on track and avoid future discrepancies.

CALL SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County 850-939-4700 FOR ALL YOUR CLEANING AND RESTORATION NEEDS

Discovering Mold In A Commercial Building

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects.

Mold spores can be found anywhere; they can grow on any organic substance if moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth can often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.

If you discover MOLD call the professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County at

850-939-4700

Signs of Water Intrusion

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Standing water on wooden flooring.

Do you know the signs to look for when checking to see if your home has sustained a water loss? The most common signs of a water intrusion are discoloration on areas of drywall, warped flooring, peeling, or bubbling of paint, base molding separating from drywall, and the most obvious standing water. One of the more difficult signs to spot, is a strange or musty odor that you have not previously experienced in your home. These can all be indicators that you have experienced a water damage.

When discovering a new water loss in your home, time is of the essence. Microbial growth can begin in as little as 48-72 hours. Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. Early detection and immediate restorative response to water intrusion can help avoid costly secondary damages in your home.

It is always better in any situation to be proactive instead of reactive. Below are a few suggestions to help you be prepared for when disaster strikes:

• Always know where the main water shut off valve to your home is located. 

• Know who you home is insured with. Have easy access to the claims departments phone number. This will make for quicker claims submittal as most restoration companies ask for your insurance companies name, their phone number, your claim number, and your deductible amount.

• Have easy access to the name and phone number of a local plumber that has 24-hour emergency service hours.

• Have the name and phone number of a reputable water restoration company in your area that has 24-hour emergency service hours. 

The above suggestions should assist you in getting your home back to preloss condition as quickly as possible. Remember time is of the essence in any water damage situation.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County 24/7 to assist you will your water damage clean-up

                 850-939-4700

Be Prepared

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can wreak havoc on one’s home, causing long-term mold, a rotting landscape, drainage issues, and an overall weakening of your property. Water issues always need prompt attention.

While there is no way to predict an emergency, you can always be prepared if one arises. In case of a house flood, you need to know where your water shutoff valves are located. You can usually find the main water shutoff valve near the perimeter of your home, on the ground floor. Appliances sometimes have their own shutoff valves including toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. If you believe an appliance is the source of your water intrusion, simply shut off the water supply off to that individual appliance, rather than shutting off the to your entire home. Lastly, scheduling routine maintenance for your pipes and plumbing can help prevent future water damages.   

If a water loss does occur in your home, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through your water damage insurance claim. They are the professionals and have dealt with whatever you are dealing with several times over. They can help you find the right path to take in restoring your property and home. 

It is of the utmost importance that you start drying wet areas as quickly as possible. This will aid in preventing mold growth and further damage to your property. Drying your environment should be your number one priority. Turn your air conditioner on and set it around seventy-two, this can aid in the drying process.

In an emergency, it is difficult to not panic. Being prepared will assist you in preventing secondary damages to your home and getting your water damage taken care of quickly and stress free as possible.

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, our professional team can take care of any water damage, from extraction to clean up and damage repair. We provide 24/7 emergency services. Contact us, at (850) 939-4700, any time, any day, for your water restoration needs.

Storm Surge

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster.

Storm surge is the unusual rise of water that happens during a big tropical storm. When the water rises, dangerous flooding can happen near the coast. Storm surges are different from high tides, but when a storm surge happens during high tide, it can result in even higher water. Sometimes the water can rise twenty feet and that does not mean there is one 20-foot wave that quickly goes away; it means that the water level rises that much, so it can go extremely far inland if the ground is flat. 

The maximum potential storm surge for a particular location depends on a number of different factors. Storm surge is a complex phenomenon because it is sensitive to the slightest changes in storm intensity, forward speed, size (radius of maximum winds-RMW), angle of approach to the coast, central pressure (minimal contribution in comparison to the wind), and the shape and characteristics of coastal features such as bays and estuaries.

The biggest threat to human life during a hurricane is often the storm surge. In previous storms, people have failed to flee because they did not grasp the storm surge's deadly threat. That was the case for 2013's Super Typhoon Haiyan, which left 7,350 dead or missing in the central Philippines, primarily due to the surge. A wall of water estimated to be 24.6ft high, blasted into coastal towns like Tacloban, a city of 240,000 people.

Storm surges can extend for dozens of miles inland, overwhelming buildings quickly and cutting off roads. People can end up drowning in their cars or homes. The walls of water can begin before storms even make landfall, making it harder to sound the alarm in time to save lives.

The best way to avoid storm surge is to remove yourself from harm’s way. Evacuate before the storm hits to keep you and your family safe.

If your home has been damaged by a storm or water intrusion do not delay, call

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

850-939-4700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for your commercial restoration needs?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

When your business in Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze or Navarre has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality. Contact us at 850-939-4700

Fire Damage and its Effects.

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can lead to serious and significant property damage and any number of problems that will negatively impact your quality of life and cost you a lot of money until you get them repaired. Many people don’t realize the full extent or nature of fire damage or a large number of different services offered by SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County.  Fire damage can ruin walls, cabinets, counter tops and much more leaving them looking dilapidated and not fit to live in.

When it comes to repairing the obvious and immediate damage to your property, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will  prioritize damage that could lead to further damage. A good example of this might be a burned stair case that is in danger of collapsing. Likewise, if you have a hole burned in your roof or in your wall then this might risk wind and rain blowing into your property and could even leave you vulnerable to trespassers and thieves. Again, this will be a very early issue that SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will look at.

What to do and not do after a fire.

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (850) 939-4700

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Faster to any Santa Rosa County Water Damage Event

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Faster to any Santa Rosa County Water Damage Event

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 850-939-4700

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

BLACK MOLD-Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

What is Black Mold?

Black Mold is a name commonly used for Stachybotrys chartarum.  It is one of the most infamous mold because it can grow in houses and affect animals and individuals differently.  

Stachybotrys is known as a toxic mold because it produces toxins called mycotoxins.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County and our highly trained technicians can help eliminate your mold issues.  

What Does Black Mold Look Like 

Black mold is a greenish-black gelatinous mold. It is usually slimy because of a wet layer on the top. However if a toxic black mold colony's water source runs out it can appear dry and powdery.

There are several molds that look similar to toxic black mold. If you find what you think might be Stachybotrys the only way you can tell for sure is to have a mold expert look at a sample under a microscope.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will perform an analysis and receive the results quickly within 24-36 hours and can begin remediation immediately!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County-Mold Remediation and Removal Services

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

With locations in Pace, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre, Florida,  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is a trusted local leader in mold testing and remediation services.  If you have mold in your home or office building, our experienced team can help get rid of it once and for all, before it spreads any further.  We can assess the mold levels in your home, determine the most effective way to contain and remove the mold, and will make sure to dispose of it all carefully and safely.  Our certified technicians have handled jobs big and small and we can handle your job no matter what.  Just give SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County a call at  anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Navarre, Florida , 850-939-4700, Gulf Breeze, Florida , 850-932-2488 and Pace, Florida , 850-994-0320, and Milton, Florida at 850-983-0091.  We are here to help! 

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for your Fire Restoration needs?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

The process of fire restoration is very involved when it is performed properly. The best way to have the most up to date techniques and approaches applied to the problem is to hire certified professionals from SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County.  Our technicians have experience and training and have access to the equipment and skills that are requisite for a proper restoration.

General cleaning is done to remove ash and soot from ceiling to floor for Fire Damage. Later, when almost all other aspects of the remediation are complete, thorough carpet cleaning takes place. Thermal fogging or chemical scrubs may be utilized to combat the dirt, smoke, and soot that are caught in the recesses of the homes hard surfaces, including ceiling, walls and flooring. Reconstruction may have to be performed to parts of the building that cannot be returned to their former condition with mere cleaning.

The quick remediation of the problem is important for more than repairs, it is also a health consideration. Allowing the moisture or smoke residue to remain can decrease air quality. Having a professional come to assist with drying and dehumidifying after water damage is a large part of mold prevention.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has their technicians safety and health certifications up to date, as well as their specialized training. Our technicians have been trained formally in schools approved by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. 

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County's work may be done in a commercial or residential location, the damage recovery will be performed by our technicians with experience and certification.

Santa Rosa County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

2/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Milton, Pace, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola Beach!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 850-939-4700

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of  Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call 850-939-4700

2/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can help businesses across the county recover from any fire. Our certified technicians strive to arrive within a few hours of your call and are prepared to begin fire and smoke damage mitigation with our fully equipped company vehicles. We will introduce ourselves to you, walk through the building, explain the extent of damage and give recommendations of steps needed for thorough repair of fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County documents everything, taking before and after pictures so you can rest assured that everything possible was done, and we will answer any questions you have. 

Please do not hesitate to give us a call with any emergency 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  We make it look "LIKE  IT NEVER HAPPENED!"

Santa Rosa County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

2/20/2021 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 850-939-4700

Kitchen Fires and Lingering Odor?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Ozone Machine

The busiest part of the house is the kitchen and it can also be the most dangerous. Fire in the kitchen can be disastrous. Most of, if not all or your kitchen items will still have the lingering smell for a significant time after the fire. When the affected area is not cleaned correctly it may become permanent.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County does not recommend you attempt to clean fire damage yourself. Go through the proper channels to ensure everything is taken care of by professionals. After our technicians assess what has happened, there are a few steps SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can take if your home suffers fire damage.  
SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can use our "ozone machines" for such jobs.  
"Ozone machines" work by creating ozone (o3) via an electrical charge. Ozone is very unstable: o3 wanting to become o2. That third oxygen molecule is looking for something else to bond with. It bonds very well with the smoke, distorting the smoke molecule and neutralizing the smoke odor.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  will plug the ozone machine into the wall, set the timer (12-24 hours depending on the extent of the smoke damage) and let it do its thing in your home. After the timer is up you need to let the ozone break down completely into regular o2. (I recommend a full 24 hours). The house will smell a little weird, kinda bleach-like. But that fades completely as the ozone breaks down. Ozone half life is less than half an hour, so giving a full 24 hours will ensure that everything is back to normal inside.

IMPORTANT: The only hard part about all this is that NOTHING alive may be in the house while you are ozoning. It is very, very harmful to breath the stuff in. No people, no plants, no pets... you have to clear everything alive out. Pack up the family and move in with a friend or into a hotel for about two days (one to ozone, one to clear the air of ozone). Once the o3 breaks down into o2 there is no harm.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for your Mold Restoration needs?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 850-939-4700

Storm Flooding and Home Air Quality

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Although water is essential to our lives, it can be devastating when it arrives in large quantities when a storm hits.  Many homeowners have experienced this as the victims of flooding.  When floodwater flows into the house, it normally brings bugs, debris, and micro-organisms with it.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can be your answer.

A lesser-known problem accompanying flooding, however, is the damage it does to the air quality in a home.  When items become wet for over 48 hours, they tend to become moldy.  Mold spores are not limited to the areas upon which they rest.  They float throughout the air and are easily inhaled.

Additionally, floodwater is usually rampant with micro-organisms which may present a health hazard.  These organisms are likely to penetrate into porous materials and may later be released into air or other water.  High humidity and ongoing moisture provide an ideal environment for these organisms to grow.  As time goes on, long-term humidity may also foster the growth of dust mites, which are a major cause of asthma and allergic reactions.

Drying out the flooded house is not a quick process.  This is where our trained technicians at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County come into play.  It can take several weeks.  Materials such as carpet cannot be adequately dried out and cleaned for future use.  These will need to be discarded.  Doors and windows should be opened.  Cabinet and closet doors should also be opened.  Cabinet drawers should be opened as well.  Otherwise, they will likely swell and be difficult to open later.  Dehumidifiers are very helpful in lowering the level of moisture.  If the air conditioner was under water, it should be cleaned before being run.  Otherwise, it will likely blow contaminants into the house.

Appliances which are affected by floodwaters should be inspected by a professional before being used again.

Homeowners who live in a flood-prone area should also store hazardous household materials on higher shelves, in an effort to keep them dry in the event of a flood.  If these products mix with the floodwater, additional health hazards may result. 

If you are dealing with mold that resulted from a flood, we recommend that you call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County immediately.  We have offices in Navarre, Pace/Milton, and Gulf Breeze, Florida.  We are here 24/7.  

Water Everywhere? Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County!

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes appliances can cause more harm than good. When your washing machine, dishwasher, sink or toilet flood, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can be there to fix the problem and restore damage from water quickly.

We have experience with water damage restoration from the following:

• Leaking or frozen water lines or pipes
• Overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets
• Backed up sewage and septic tank lines
• Washing machine or dishwasher overflow
• Heavy rain or storms
• Cresting rivers or streams

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Provides a full range of services that include:

• Water damage assessment
• Water extraction
• Drying of affected areas such as walls, carpet, padding and furniture
• Cleaning and restoration of possessions such as clothes, linens, books and documents
• Remediating: mold and mildew
• Locating and repairing the source of leaking water
• Reconstruction services and storm damage restoration
• Assisting with filing insurance claims

Why Call Us for Water and Flood Damage Repairs?

• We respond and work quickly – Depending on the extent of the damage, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County may be able to restore water damage in your home in as little as three days.
• We’re experienced – After over 25 years in business, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County knows how to handle your water damage emergency.
• We help with your claims – Working with insurance companies while recovering from water damage is stressful. We can work with your insurance company to settle claims quickly.

For all your water damage restoration and repair needs, call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County! HERE TO HELP!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Advanced Technology and Techniques

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

When unwelcome water finds its way into your business, you know you want it gone. Fast. You want to avoid mold, odors, and all the other problems that come with lingering water in all the wrong spaces. This is when you call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County!

The question is… “How do I know for sure if my commercial building is completely dry?”

The answer is THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County utilizes these special cameras to identify moisture by detecting temperature differentials. This provides a visual map of where our trained technicians need to look to confirm the presence of moisture or water damage with a moisture meter.

Our SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County technicians have been trained and are experienced in using Infrared Thermal Imagining. This allows SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County to quickly assess walls, ceilings and other building material for active moisture… especially in those “hard to reach” areas that could otherwise be easily overlooked. Using Infrared Thermal Imaging technology ensures you receive most comprehensive and thorough assessment available. For any commercial loss call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for your Water Damage Restoration Needs?

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Don't leave your water damage unchecked.

In addition to the obvious destructive nature of water to your home and contents, water damage also invites mold and bacteria as well as insect infestation and can permanently compromise the property’s structural integrity.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is the only professional company to call.

That’s why you need a water damage restoration company that has over 20 years of experience in the panhandle like SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County.  Weanalyze the situation with the most experienced water damage technicians in the industry.  We also are prepared with the most up-to-date water extraction equipment designed to successfully tackle the challenges inherent to complete water removal and total property restoration. Proper water damage remediation requires tools that can’t be leased from the local hardware store.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  uses the most powerful modern machinery capable of thoroughly removing thousands of gallons of waste water for its safe and environmentally friendly disposal, thermal imaging technology to detect hidden pockets of moisture behind walls and under floors, and powerful air movers strategically placed to ring every drop of moisture from the premises.  For the fastest and immediate results call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County with locations in Navarre, Pace/Milton, and Gulf Breeze, Florida!  HERE TO HELP!

WHY THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF DIALYSIS CENTERS AND HOSPITALS CAN'T BE NEGLECTED

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Indoor air quality is a major concern for dialysis centers and hospitals around the country. Dialysis and medical centers are especially vulnerable to mold, which compromises the integrity of air quality. But what makes dialysis centers and hospitals so prone to mold growth, and what does that mean for indoor air quality?  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can help with your mold analysis.

If you help operate a dialysis center or a hospital, you can’t afford to overlook the threat that mold poses for your air quality. Here are some of the reasons why your center is vulnerable to mold and why it matters:

Vulnerability: There are quite a few reasons why dialysis centers and hospitals are prone to mold infestations…

• Dialysis centers: They can harbor multiple mold infestations if they are not properly maintained. Since dialysis centers use reverse osmosis water therapy, moisture is an integral part of the daily practice of dialysis centers.  Improperly maintained dialysis centers can be breeding grounds for mold.
• Hospitals and medical centers: There is plenty of moisture to go around in hospitals and medical centers. Combine the prevalence of moisture with the combination of all sorts of bacteria and chemicals, and you have a recipe for mold infestation and, as a result, poor indoor air quality.
• Health: Poor indoor air quality can be detrimental to health, especially for those going through the volatile process of recovery. Airborne mold can cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, and bodily irritation. When people are trying to overcome an illness or recover from surgery, the air must be as clean as possible.

• More mold: Indoor air quality problems can lead to serious mold infestations. If the air quality is not properly regulated, then mold can infest countless surfaces in the building. 

What You Can Do About Your Indoor Air Quality

There are plenty of actions that you can take to make sure that your center meets the highest indoor air quality standards.  We at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will be glad to have a mold analysis done and have your results in 24-48 hours.

If you would like to seek the counsel of skilled professionals about your indoor air quality, then contact us at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County. We have 22 years of experience of assessing and improving air quality, and we can put your worries to rest as you breathe fresh, clean air. We are open 24/7.

Disaster Response Teams

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

For over 23 years, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has assisted property owners with repairs and cleanup to their homes and businesses following catastrophic storms. The damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes, can range from missing shingles, broken windows, and water damage to complete destruction.

Our Disaster Recover Teams and certified technicians can help you minimize further damages, safely secure your property and begin the cleanup and restoration process. You can count on SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County's Disaster Recovery Response Teams to be in the area following hail storms, tornadoes, large thunderstorms, hurricanes or flash floods to help you with all of your property repair needs. From removing fallen trees to securing windows and doors, no job is too big or too small.  We can take on the job from start to finish and make it look "Like it never even happened."  We have offices in Navarre, Pace/Milton, and Gulf Breeze, Florida, for quick response time 24/7.  HERE TO HELP!

Faster to any Santa Rosa County Water Damage Event

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any Santa Rosa County Water Damage Event

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 850-939-4700

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Santa Rosa County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Milton, Pace, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola Beach!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 850-939-4700

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of  Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Advanced Technology and Techniques

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

When unwelcome water finds its way into your business, you know you want it gone. Fast. You want to avoid mold, odors, and all the other problems that come with lingering water in all the wrong spaces. This is when you call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County!

The question is… “How do I know for sure if my commercial building is completely dry?”

The answer is THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County utilizes these special cameras to identify moisture by detecting temperature differentials. This provides a visual map of where our trained technicians need to look to confirm the presence of moisture or water damage with a moisture meter.

Our SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County technicians have been trained and are experienced in using Infrared Thermal Imagining. This allows SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County to quickly assess walls, ceilings and other building material for active moisture… especially in those “hard to reach” areas that could otherwise be easily overlooked. Using Infrared Thermal Imaging technology ensures you receive most comprehensive and thorough assessment available. For any commercial loss call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for your commercial restoration needs?

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or business in Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze or Navarre has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality. Contact us at 850-939-4700

Mold in your commercial building?

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source is present. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can detect and help with any commercial mold issues you may have by providing an analysis.  Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air.  As science has expanded its knowledge in the study of mold hazards, the process of removing mold in any structure has led to incredible ingenuity and technology.  Today, the health field and the insurance industry recognize that commercial mold remediation is a requirement for affected structures whose continued use is necessitated. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  has been a leader in commercial mold remediation & removal for decades and is licensed and certified in Microbial Containment Remediation.  Our highly-trained technicians have expertise in containment, cleaning, treatment and removal of mold contaminated buildings.  Our technicians receive training and continuing education to stay ahead of the curve in providing the latest in technology to customers for commercial mold & black mold remediation in your commercial building.

Storm Flooding and Home Air Quality

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

Although water is essential to our lives, it can be devastating when it arrives in large quantities when a storm hits.  Many homeowners have experienced this as the victims of flooding.  When floodwater flows into the house, it normally brings bugs, debris, and micro-organisms with it.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can be your answer.

A lesser-known problem accompanying flooding, however, is the damage it does to the air quality in a home.  When items become wet for over 48 hours, they tend to become moldy.  Mold spores are not limited to the areas upon which they rest.  They float throughout the air and are easily inhaled.

Additionally, floodwater is usually rampant with micro-organisms which may present a health hazard.  These organisms are likely to penetrate into porous materials and may later be released into air or other water.  High humidity and ongoing moisture provide an ideal environment for these organisms to grow.  As time goes on, long-term humidity may also foster the growth of dust mites, which are a major cause of asthma and allergic reactions.

Drying out the flooded house is not a quick process.  This is where our trained technicians at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County come into play.  It can take several weeks.  Materials such as carpet cannot be adequately dried out and cleaned for future use.  These will need to be discarded.  Doors and windows should be opened.  Cabinet and closet doors should also be opened.  Cabinet drawers should be opened as well.  Otherwise, they will likely swell and be difficult to open later.  Dehumidifiers are very helpful in lowering the level of moisture.  If the air conditioner was under water, it should be cleaned before being run.  Otherwise, it will likely blow contaminants into the house.

Appliances which are affected by floodwaters should be inspected by a professional before being used again.

Homeowners who live in a flood-prone area should also store hazardous household materials on higher shelves, in an effort to keep them dry in the event of a flood.  If these products mix with the floodwater, additional health hazards may result. 

If you are dealing with mold that resulted from a flood, we recommend that you call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County immediately.  We have offices in Navarre, Pace/Milton, and Gulf Breeze, Florida.  We are here 24/7.  

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for your Fire Restoration needs?

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

The process of fire restoration is very involved when it is performed properly. The best way to have the most up to date techniques and approaches applied to the problem is to hire certified professionals from SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County.  Our technicians have experience and training and have access to the equipment and skills that are requisite for a proper restoration.

For , general cleaning is done to remove ash and soot from ceiling to floor for Fire Damage. Later, when almost all other aspects of the remediation are complete, thorough carpet cleaning takes place. Thermal fogging or chemical scrubs may be utilized to combat the dirt, smoke, and soot that are caught in the recesses of the homes hard surfaces, including ceiling, walls and flooring. Reconstruction may have to be performed to parts of the building that cannot be returned to their former condition with mere cleaning.

The quick remediation of the problem is important for more than repairs, it is also a health consideration. Allowing the moisture or smoke residue to remain can decrease air quality. Having a professional come to assist with drying and dehumidifying after water damage is a large part of mold prevention.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has their technicians safety and health certifications up to date, as well as their specialized training. Our technicians have been trained formally in schools approved by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. 

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County's work may be done in a commercial or residential location, the damage recovery will be performed by our technicians with experience and certification.

Water Damage Profesionals SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage requires professional attention and remediation, specialized equipment and ample know how. Here at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County we are a locally owned company that can help restore your property after water damage.

Water damage can put your life on hold, disrupting your household, your family, and taking you away from those things that matter most. With so many water restoration companies to choose from it’s easy to be unsure who to choose. You want someone with experience. Someone you can trust in your home. Someone who will get the job done quickly and within a budget.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is that someone!

With over 20 years in the area and being an industry leader, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will be there for you. 

Because of our technical training in water restoration, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is able to direct its resources to this category and invest in specialized equipment and training; including professional grade air-movers and dehumidifiers. This narrow focus also creates a depth of specific experience and expertise in this category. Not only do our clients receive the absolute best quality service, but we’re able to keep our costs low. 

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we are happy to help. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 850-939-4700.

When Storms or Floods hit Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre and surrounding areas, SERVPRO is ready!

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Pace, Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze and surrounding areas.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit SERVPRO Santa Rosa County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams [[Click to your disaster recovery page]] that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 850-939-4700

What to do and not do after a fire.

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (850) 939-4700

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Restoring your commercial property after a water damage.

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

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

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

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County
SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Water Damage Professionals!

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Water Damage Professionals!

When your Santa Rosa County FL home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need the company that can respond immediately and has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County uses advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as quickly as possible. Our highly trained technicians will monitor and document the drying process so that you know your property is back to normal.

Please refer to our http://www.SERVPROsantarosacounty.com/water-damage-tips and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible!

SERVPRO Storm Emergency Restoration

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we know what a difficult time this is for you and your family after a storm destroys your home. That ’s why we’ll do everything possible to get your property back to normal quickly. Our team has the experience to handle all kinds of storm cleanup, and our commitment to your total satisfaction means you can expect impressive results.

Getting your life back in order after a devastating storm takes time. From property repairs to storm debris cleanup, the process can be frustrating, physically taxing, and time-consuming. But we can help. At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we assist property owners with cleanup after damaging storms immediately.  We are here to help you in your time of need.  We are open 24/7.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow?

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

If you live in Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze or Navarre, Florida and have experienced water damage from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (850) 939-4700

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Blind or Drapery Cleaning?

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Ever wondered how you will clean that expensive drapery or fabric valances you have mounted on board? Ultrasonic Cleaning is your answer.  Aside from the fact dry cleaners cannot fit cornice boards in their machines, are you afraid to take your draperies to the cleaners, sign a waiver and possibly end up with shrunken or damaged drapes?

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  offers Ultrasonic Cleaning for these circumstances. This cleaning process allows our technicians to safely and effectively clean your fabric window treatments. 

Inside the ultrasonic tank, transducers emit sound waves in the water creating MILLIONS OF TINY MICROSCOPIC BUBBLES that energetically IMPLODE, literally sucking the surface of your blinds and draperies clean. Ultrasonic is powerful and a gentle cleaning process that does not require physical contact, scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

Pet odors got ya down?

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Pet odors can be one of the worst odors to eliminate. Not to worry, there is help available.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County assist 's property managers, homeowners & realtors when they run into this smelly situation.

Pet odor removal and simply masking the problem are two completely different remedies.

If you are looking to remove these odors permanently, this is odor removal. 

It takes a company highly trained in odor removal to accomplish this type of odor removal. 

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has eliminated odors so intense, the neighbors apologized before crews entered the house.

The neighbors were simply amazed after the odor was actually removed. One neighbor said, "I never would have believed that it could be done, you did an amazing job". 

Biohazard and Sewage Emergency

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

Need Biohazard Cleanup? Call Us Today – (850) 939-4700

After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
• Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

24 Hour Emergency Service

Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants.

Serving Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pace, Milton and surrounding areas for over 20 years.

Ozone Treatment

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

OZONE - DEODORIZATION TREATMENT

WHAT IS OZONE?

Ozone, (O₃), sometimes called "activated oxygen", contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms we normally breathe. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors.

HOW DOES OZONE WORK?

When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left...no odor...no bacteria...no extra atom, only oxygen.  Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.

WILL THE ODOR COME BACK?

No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, in the case of mildew the odor will return if you are unable to get rid of the moisture that is the source of the mildew.

HOW DOES OZONE HANDLE TOBACCO SMOKE?

It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one's eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.

WILL OZONE REMOVE STAINS AND NICOTINE BUILD UP?

No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.

Santa Rosa County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 850-939-4700

BLACK MOLD-Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

What is Black Mold?

Black Mold is a name commonly used for Stachybotrys chartarum.  It is one of the most infamous mold because it can grow in houses and affect animals and individuals differently.  

Stachybotrys is known as a toxic mold because it produces toxins called mycotoxins.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County and our highly trained technicians can help eliminate your mold issues.  

What Does Black Mold Look Like 

Black mold is a greenish-black gelatinous mold. It is usually slimy because of a wet layer on the top. However if a toxic black mold colony's water source runs out it can appear dry and powdery.

There are several molds that look similar to toxic black mold. If you find what you think might be Stachybotrys the only way you can tell for sure is to have a mold expert look at a sample under a microscope.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will perform an analysis and receive the results quickly within 24-36 hours and can begin remediation immediately!

Water Damage is RISKY-Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Don't leave your water damage unchecked.

In addition to the obvious destructive nature of water to your home and contents, water damage also invites mold and bacteria as well as insect infestation and can permanently compromise the property’s structural integrity.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is the only professional company to call.

That’s why you need a water damage restoration company that has over 20 years of experience in the panhandle like SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County.  Weanalyze the situation with the most experienced water damage technicians in the industry.  We also are prepared with the most up-to-date water extraction equipment designed to successfully tackle the challenges inherent to complete water removal and total property restoration. Proper water damage remediation requires tools that can’t be leased from the local hardware store.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  uses the most powerful modern machinery capable of thoroughly removing thousands of gallons of waste water for its safe and environmentally friendly disposal, thermal imaging technology to detect hidden pockets of moisture behind walls and under floors, and powerful air movers strategically placed to ring every drop of moisture from the premises.  For the fastest and immediate results call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County with locations in Navarre, Pace/Milton, and Gulf Breeze, Florida!  HERE TO HELP!

How does SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County remediate Mold

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, our team of highly trained technicians work to accurately diagnose the damage and protect families from potentially dangerous mold situations.  Using our updated methods, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County's technicians first identify the extent of the problem, and then work with care and sensitivity to rescue and restore the area to normal conditions. Once the area has been restored to normal conditions, our technicians then turn their attention to mold odor removal. Our professional deodorization techniques will leave your home or business fully restored.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County's technicians are trained and ready to mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion and respect.

We understand your requirements.  It's our job.  We can provide a complete estimate, including photos, to the agent or adjuster within 24-48 hours, when needed.  Our commitment to excellence includes you, which means that you can expect effective, ongoing communication and reporting from us.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is open 24/7 with locations in Navarre, Pace/Milton, and Gulf Breeze, Florida.  HERE TO HELP!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County-Mold Remediation and Removal Services

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

With locations in Pace, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre, Florida,  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is a trusted local leader in mold testing and remediation services.  If you have mold in your home or office building, our experienced team can help get rid of it once and for all, before it spreads any further.  We can assess the mold levels in your home, determine the most effective way to contain and remove the mold, and will make sure to dispose of it all carefully and safely.  Our certified technicians have handled jobs big and small and we can handle your job no matter what.  Just give SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County a call at  anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Navarre, Florida , 850-939-4700, Gulf Breeze, Florida , 850-932-2488 and Pace, Florida , 850-994-0320, and Milton, Florida at 850-983-0091.  We are here to help! 

Mold Sniffing Dogs-Really???

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Across the country mold remediation companies are starting to use mold sniffing dogs.  We at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County thought this was a joke but after investigation this is in fact being done.  There are six most commonly types of mold. Mold is never the same.  However, indoor mold can vary within hundreds of different types of mold and even have multiple types of mold in the same area. Making mold an “inconsistent” substance with unique odors based on the age of the mold, the type of content the mold is eating, etc. Each type of mold has a different odor and biological characteristic that is too much for these innocent creatures to detect. What is more, new types of mold are introduced every year so it is a challenge to educate dogs about the upcoming types. Once a dog’s job of sniffing is done, experts still need to spend a handsome amount on verification and further testing. The mold sniffing dog does not remove the need for SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County to be of service.  We are here to help with a mold analysis and then recommend any remediation by our highly trained technicians that may be needed.  We are open 24/7 and are HERE TO HELP!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County-Your LOCAL Storm Restoration Company!

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, the prospect of having to watch your home and all of the time, money, and memories that you have invested into it get damaged or destroyed by a passing storm is something that can make your blood curdle, but everyday, all of the country, there are homeowners who see this nightmare become a reality, and the recovery process isn't always an easy one. Rebuilding your home and your life in the wake of a particularly devastating storm is a long and arduous process, and it can be both difficult and painful at times, but it doesn't have to be. Here at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we believe that you have been through enough, and we are making it our mission to ensure that you have the help and support you need to get through this difficult time and to completely restore your home. At Disaster Response Group, we are a fully storm restoration service provider for home and business owners all over the country, and as such, we offer a wide variety of high quality restoration services to ensure you get what you need to get you and your family's lives back to normal in the wake of a devastating storm.  We are open 24/7 for your convenience!  HERE TO HELP!

Water Damage Catastrophe-Call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Sometimes appliances can cause more harm than good. When your washing machine, dishwasher, sink or toilet flood, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can be there to fix the problem and restore damage from water quickly.

We have experience with water damage restoration from the following:

• Leaking or frozen water lines or pipes
• Overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets
• Backed up sewage and septic tank lines
• Washing machine or dishwasher overflow
• Heavy rain or storms
• Cresting rivers or streams

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Provides a full range of services that include:

• Water damage assessment
• Water extraction
• Drying of affected areas such as walls, carpet, padding and furniture
• Cleaning and restoration of possessions such as clothes, linens, books and documents
• Remediating: mold and mildew
• Locating and repairing the source of leaking water
• Reconstruction services and storm damage restoration
• Assisting with filing insurance claims

Why Call Us for Water and Flood Damage Repairs?

• We respond and work quickly – Depending on the extent of the damage, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County may be able to restore water damage in your home in as little as three days.
• We’re experienced – After over 20 years in business, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County knows how to handle your water damage emergency.
• We help with your claims – Working with insurance companies while recovering from water damage is stressful. We can work with your insurance company to settle claims quickly.

For all your water damage restoration and repair needs, call SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County! HERE TO HELP!

WHY THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF DIALYSIS CENTERS AND HOSPITALS CAN'T BE NEGLECTED

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Indoor air quality is a major concern for dialysis centers and hospitals around the country. Dialysis and medical centers are especially vulnerable to mold, which compromises the integrity of air quality. But what makes dialysis centers and hospitals so prone to mold growth, and what does that mean for indoor air quality?  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can help with your mold analysis.

If you help operate a dialysis center or a hospital, you can’t afford to overlook the threat that mold poses for your air quality. Here are some of the reasons why your center is vulnerable to mold and why it matters:

Vulnerability: There are quite a few reasons why dialysis centers and hospitals are prone to mold infestations…

• Dialysis centers: They can harbor multiple mold infestations if they are not properly maintained. Since dialysis centers use reverse osmosis water therapy, moisture is an integral part of the daily practice of dialysis centers.  Improperly maintained dialysis centers can be breeding grounds for mold.
• Hospitals and medical centers: There is plenty of moisture to go around in hospitals and medical centers. Combine the prevalence of moisture with the combination of all sorts of bacteria and chemicals, and you have a recipe for mold infestation and, as a result, poor indoor air quality.
• Health: Poor indoor air quality can be detrimental to health, especially for those going through the volatile process of recovery. Airborne mold can cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, and bodily irritation. When people are trying to overcome an illness or recover from surgery, the air must be as clean as possible.

• More mold: Indoor air quality problems can lead to serious mold infestations. If the air quality is not properly regulated, then mold can infest countless surfaces in the building. 

What You Can Do About Your Indoor Air Quality

There are plenty of actions that you can take to make sure that your center meets the highest indoor air quality standards.  We at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will be glad to have a mold analysis done and have your results in 24-48 hours.

If you would like to seek the counsel of skilled professionals about your indoor air quality, then contact us at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County. We have 22 years of experience of assessing and improving air quality, and we can put your worries to rest as you breathe fresh, clean air. We are open 24/7.

SERVPRO Commercial Building Mold Remediation

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source is present. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can detect and help with any commercial mold issues you may have by providing an analysis.  Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air.  As science has expanded its knowledge in the study of mold hazards, the process of removing mold in any structure has led to incredible ingenuity and technology.  Today, the health field and the insurance industry recognize that commercial mold remediation is a requirement for affected structures whose continued use is necessitated. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  has been a leader in commercial mold remediation & removal for decades and is licensed and certified in Microbial Containment Remediation.  Our highly-trained technicians have expertise in containment, cleaning, treatment and removal of mold contaminated buildings.  Our technicians receive training and continuing education to stay ahead of the curve in providing the latest in technology to customers for commercial mold & black mold remediation in your commercial building.

SERVPRO Storm Emergency Restoration

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we know what a difficult time this is for you and your family after a storm destroys your home. That ’s why we’ll do everything possible to get your property back to normal quickly. Our team has the experience to handle all kinds of storm cleanup, and our commitment to your total satisfaction means you can expect impressive results.

Getting your life back in order after a devastating storm takes time. From property repairs to storm debris cleanup, the process can be frustrating, physically taxing, and time-consuming. But we can help. At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we assist property owners with cleanup after damaging storms immediately.  We are here to help you in your time of need.  We are open 24/7.

Water Damage Restoration

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage requires professional attention and remediation, specialized equipment and ample know how. Here at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County we are a locally owned company that can help restore your property after water damage.

Water damage can put your life on hold, disrupting your household, your family, and taking you away from those things that matter most. With so many water restoration companies to choose from it’s easy to be unsure who to choose. You want someone with experience. Someone you can trust in your home. Someone who will get the job done quickly and within a budget.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is that someone!

With over 20 years in the area and being an industry leader, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will be there for you. 

Because of our technical training in water restoration, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is able to direct its resources to this category and invest in specialized equipment and training; including professional grade air-movers and dehumidifiers. This narrow focus also creates a depth of specific experience and expertise in this category. Not only do our clients receive the absolute best quality service, but we’re able to keep our costs low. 

At SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County, we are happy to help. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 850-939-4700.

Blind and Drapery Cleaning

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Ever wondered how you will clean that expensive drapery or fabric valances you have mounted on board? Ultrasonic Cleaning is your answer.  Aside from the fact dry cleaners cannot fit cornice boards in their machines, are you afraid to take your draperies to the cleaners, sign a waiver and possibly end up with shrunken or damaged drapes?

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County  offers Ultrasonic Cleaning for these circumstances. This cleaning process allows our technicians to safely and effectively clean your fabric window treatments. 

Inside the ultrasonic tank, transducers emit sound waves in the water creating MILLIONS OF TINY MICROSCOPIC BUBBLES that energetically IMPLODE, literally sucking the surface of your blinds and draperies clean. Ultrasonic is powerful and a gentle cleaning process that does not require physical contact, scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

Blind and Drapery Cleaning

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County's Ultrasonic Contents Restoration System will help you decrease cashed-out items. It effectively cleans even difficult pieces like china, delicate figurines, ceramics, mini-blinds, silver, brass, chandeliers, plastics and stuffed animals more effectively than contents cleaning by hand. It easily removes smoke residues, mold, water damage, from condominium and residential blinds.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in this type of restoration. Ultrasonic technology is changing today’s parts cleaning industry by making precision cleaning safer, faster, less expensive and more effective. Ultrasonic cleaners offer results far beyond traditional cleaning methods, for everything from carburetors to medical instruments. Non-toxic ultrasonic cleaning bubbles eradicate even microscopic grime in the tiniest crevices. This technology eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and hand cleaning. We can make your possessions and keepsakes look brand new.   

Restoring Your Santa Rosa County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Biohazard and Sewage Cleanup

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Bio Hazard sewage cleanup should always be performed by highly-trained, certified professionals in order to ensure not only your personal safety, but the safety of the affected area as well as the inhabitants of the property. Bio Hazard matter can have a negative effect on your health. As items that come into contact with raw sewage must only be handled by certified professionals and disposed of safely.  This is why your first call should be to SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County.

Now, you may ask yourself questions such as, “Will what’s left of my property and items be saved due to sewage damage?” Well, while certain items should undergo extensive sanitation and deep-cleaning treatments before they are deemed fit to use once more in a home or business, the fact of the matter is that most items that are contaminated will have to be carefully removed and disposed of.

Sewage and Bio Hazard Cleanup

Water losses are the most destructive to the structure and can be extremely dangerous to the inhabitant’s health, because this type of water can contain pathogenic, fungal and viral contamination. There are also many issues that require proper handling, like: bacterial control, soil removal, pumping out the all the sewage, cleaning and finally odor control. Because sewage is considered a biohazard, there are proper protection protocols and clean-up techniques that are required to return your home or building back into a safe, usable, hygienic environment. This is where we come in to help.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 850-939-4700

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County?

12/19/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Repair and Restoration

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your Pace, Milton, Navarre or Gulf Breeze home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Need Smoke or Fire Damage Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (850) 939-4700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County?

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a smoke or fire damage emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Milton, Pace, Navarre & Gulf Breeze communities and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (850) 939-4700

Blind & Drapery Cleaning

12/16/2016 (Permalink)

Need Your Drapes or Blinds Cleaned?
Call Today – (850) 939-4700

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County excels at cleaning fine fabrics and intricate pieces using wet or dry cleaning methods as required.We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of our System’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. We use state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for cleaning fine fabrics. 

When Should My Drapes Be Cleaned?

A good rule-of-thumb is to clean drapes approximately every two years. A recent survey by SERVPRO disclosed that the average customer believes drapes should be cleaned when they look dirty. Depending on your heating system, the amount of smokers in the home, and other factors, drapes may not show soil for two to six years. The oily atmospheric soil will gradually cause the fabric to deteriorate. Often, direct sunlight is unjustly blamed for this. You may triple the life of your draperies through professional cleaning, which is relatively inexpensive compared to replacement costs.

Professional Cleaning

When your draperies need cleaning, make certain they are dry cleaned ONLY. Only a small percentage of materials can be laundered. If in doubt, call us for advice. Be discriminating in your choice of professional dry cleaners. Some cleaners have equipment designed for clothes cleaning, while others have equipment specifically designed for draperies.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has an exclusive process of dry cleaning draperies right in your home. There’s no need to have your home or office exposed while your draperies are out being cleaned. We inject a specially formulated solvent into your drapery under pressure and extract the chemical, leaving your drapes clean. This special process results in no damage or shrinkage to the material. Most importantly, you will get quality cleaning at a reasonable price.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow?

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

If you live in Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze or Navarre, Florida and have experienced water damage from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (850) 939-4700

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Emergency Water Removal

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Need Emergency Water Removal-

Call 850-939-4700

After the inspection and damage assessment of your Pace, Milton, Navarre or Gulf Breeze home or business the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

• Remove Excess Water
• Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
• IICRC Certified

Commercial Fire, Water or Storm Damage

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

When your home or business in Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze or Navarre has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality. Contact us at 850-939-4700

Contents Cleaning & Pack Outs

11/8/2016 (Permalink)

Contents Cleaning & Restoration

If you encounter a scenario that requires your Pace, Milton, Navarre or Gulf Breeze home and business contents to be removed and relocated for timely and comprehensive cleaning and restoration.

It is more secure, and cost-efficient to take certain contents to another location for restoration work. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County utilizes our State of the Art- Ultrasonic Cleaning System & Storage Facility while restoring your contents to like new condition.

Upon final content cleaning and restoration, your personal belongings are returned to your home or business using the same inventory procedures and documentation utilized in the pack-out process. Your items are loaded, transported, delivered with care and checked with the original inventory documents.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has been serving our community for over 20 years. 

Locally Owned & Operated.

Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County 850-939-4700

Pace, Milton, Navarre & Gulf Breeze Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

11/8/2016 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 850-939-4700

Fall Festival

10/27/2016 (Permalink)

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! Come see us at SERVPRO on Halloween night!

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County invites you to join us for a spooktacular time on Halloween night! We will be having a fall festival! The festivities begin at 5:30 and end at 8:30! There will be lots of games and prizes for the kids and prizes for the adults also! If you need to take a break from playing all of our fun games, we will also have trunk - or - treat for the kids to score some quick candy! There will have lots of food, candy, and most importantly- THERE WILL BE LOTS OF FUN! We will be giving away carpets cleaning and other services for the parents, so come see us and celebrate Halloween the SERVPRO way!

Fire Damage Requires The Right Equipment For Remediation.

10/22/2016 (Permalink)

When It Comes To Fire Damage Equipment Matters.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has the Training And Experience. 
Having the right Equipment and Training is crucial in the Restoration Industry.
Air Scrubbers are one of many different types of equipment used in restoring your home or business after o loss.
An air scrubber is a portable filtration system that removes particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air within a given area. These machines draw air in from the surrounding environment and pass it through a series of filters to remove contaminants. Used frequently for Mold & fire Damage jobs.

Santa Rosa County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

10/22/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:
Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today- 850-939-4700

Does Your Gulf Breeze Home Have A Mold Problem?

10/22/2016 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today 850-939-4700

Faster to any Santa Rosa County Water Damage

10/21/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa Coutnty provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, & Jay.

Faster to any Santa Rosa County Water Damage Event

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 850-939-4700

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Emergency Fire & Water Damage

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Serving the citizens of Santa Rosa County for 20 years.
When it comes to Fire & Water damage, experience matters.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has been providing restoration services to the citizens of the Santa Rosa County community longer than any other restoration company in the area.

Emergency fire & water damage can come at the least expected times, which is why our crews are available 24 hours a day to assist in your time of need.

Crews are strategically placed in Navarre, Pace, Milton & Gulf Breeze to ensure our customers receive the fastest response time possible.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County professionals have the advanced training and equipment needed to clean or restore your home.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Water Damage

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County Water Damage Professionals!

When your Pace FL home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need the company that can respond immediately and has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County uses advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as quickly as possible. Our highly trained technicians will monitor and document the drying process so that you know your property is back to normal.

Please refer to our http://www.SERVPROsantarosacounty.com/water-damage-tips and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible!

SERVPRO Santa Rosa County offers Free Emergency Board Up Service

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa Countyoffers Free Emergency Board Up service for residential and commercial structures affected by fire damage.

Boarding up a structure post fire damage, prevents additional loss to property due to weather or looting.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is proud to be able to offer this service to the residents of Santa Rosa County. 

Please see  http://www.SERVPROsantarosacounty.com/fire-damage-tips for what you can do to eliminate any further damage.

Are you a resident of Pace or Milton and concerned about water damage?

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Bedroom

If you are resident of Pace or Milton  and are concerned about water damage. SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is here to help. 

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has over 20 years of experience in water damage available 24 hours a day to assist. 

Call 850-939-4700 for immediate assistance.

Please refer to http://www.SERVPROsantarosacounty.com/water-damage-tips for water damage tips.

Ozone Treatment

9/23/2016 (Permalink)

Ever wondered how ozone removes odors?

OZONE - DEODORIZATION TREATMENT

WHAT IS OZONE?

Ozone, (O₃), sometimes called "activated oxygen", contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms we normally breathe. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors.

HOW DOES OZONE WORK?

When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left...no odor...no bacteria...no extra atom, only oxygen.  Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.

WILL THE ODOR COME BACK?

No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, in the case of mildew the odor will return if you are unable to get rid of the moisture that is the source of the mildew.

HOW DOES OZONE HANDLE TOBACCO SMOKE?

It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one's eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.

WILL OZONE REMOVE STAINS AND NICOTINE BUILD UP?

No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.

Pet Odors have you puzzled?

9/19/2016 (Permalink)

Pet odors can be one of the worst odors to eliminate. Not to worry, there is help available.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County assist 's property managers, homeowners & realtors when they run into this smelly situation.

Pet odor removal and simply masking the problem are two completely different remedies.

If you are looking to remove these odors permanently, this is odor removal. 

It takes a company highly trained in odor removal to accomplish odor removal. 

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has eliminated odors so intense, the neighbors apologized before crews entered the house.

The neighbors were simply amazed after the odor was actually removed. One neighbor said, "I never would have believed that it could be done, you did an amazing job". 

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County

9/18/2016 (Permalink)

Celebrating 20 years in Santa Rosa County.

SERVPRO would like to extend a big "Thank you" to residents and business owners alike. It is an honor and privilege to be apart of this wonderful community.

As always feel free to call or stop in any time to meet your local Restoration team.

Vandalism Fire

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke damage

Fire caused by Vandalism causing smoke and soot damage to all the contents.

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County was called into to pack and remove all contents.

The renter's insurance company requested salvageable contents be cleaned by SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County with our "state of the art" ultrasonic cleaning system.

Commericial Air Duct Cleaning

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County is here to help you improve your indoor air quality. We have the equipment to help you and your employees breathe easier.

Crime Scene Cleanup

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Rosa County has been providing crime scene cleanup for 20 years. SERVPRO has the professional experience and knowledge to make this already painful experience easier on loved ones.