Fire Damage in Idaho Falls

6/4/2024 (Permalink)

Fire and Smoke damage

A house fire is a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing devastating damage, emotional distress, and potential health risks. Understanding the dangers and knowing who to call in the aftermath can make all the difference. Here’s why immediate professional help is crucial.

1: Causes and Common Sources of House Fires

Common Causes: Electrical malfunctions, cooking accidents, heating equipment, and smoking materials.
Preventative Measures: Reduce the risk of house fires through proper maintenance and safety practices.

2: Immediate Dangers of House Fires

Property Damage: Fires can destroy personal belongings, structural components, and irreplaceable items.
Health Risks: Immediate health hazards like burns, smoke inhalation, and toxic fumes.
Emotional Trauma: The emotional impact of losing a home and the sense of security it provides.

3: Long-term Consequences
Structural Damage: A fire can weaken a building’s structure, making it unsafe for habitation without extensive repairs.
Smoke and Soot Damage: Smoke and soot can permeate walls, furniture, and HVAC systems, causing ongoing health issues and unpleasant odors.
Water Damage: The water used to extinguish the fire can cause additional damage, leading to mold growth and structural problems.

4.Why You Should Call SERVPRO®

Expertise and Experience: At SERVPRO we deal with fire damage restoration and recovery.

Prompt Response: We emphasize the importance of a quick response to fire and water damage. Our team is available 24/7.
Comprehensive Services: Emergency response, structural repairs, smoke and soot removal, and water damage restoration.
Advanced Equipment and Techniques: State-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure thorough and efficient restoration.

If you have a fire, water or mold emergency, give us a call anytime!
SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Here to Help®

Call:
208-523-5365

Pipe burst results in water damage in Idaho Falls

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage after a pipe burst in Idaho Falls

When a pipe bursts, it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a ticking time bomb that can lead to severe damage and costly repairs.

Understanding the dangers of a pipe burst and knowing who to call can make all the difference. Here's why immediate professional help is crucial.

1.Understanding Pipe Bursts

Causes of Pipe Bursts: Freezing temperatures, aging pipes, and high water pressure.
Signs of a Pipe Burst: Reduced water pressure, damp spots, and unusual noises.

2. The Immediate Dangers

Water Damage: A pipe burst can lead to water damage in walls, floors, and personal property.
Mold Growth: Standing water can create the perfect environment for mold, which poses health risks.
Structural Damage: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the structural integrity of a building.

3. Long-term Consequences
Respiratory problems and allergies can happen if mold is present.
Increased Repair Costs: Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive and expensive damage.
Impact on Property Value: Water damage and mold can decrease property value and make it harder to sell.

4.Why You Should Call SERVPRO®

Expertise and Experience: At SERVPRO we deal with pipe bursts and water damage.
Prompt Response: We emphasize the importance of a quick response to water damage and our team is available 24/7.

Comprehensive Services: We offer leak inspections, water damage restoration, and mold remediation.

If you have a fire, water or mold emergency, give us a call anytime!
SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Here to Help®

Call:
208-523-5365 for Idaho Falls

How to Make Your Summer Safe

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

With everyone lighting up the grills, preparing for fire’s might not be a bad idea. Here are some tips from from your local Idaho Falls SERVPRO to keep your family safe, and your gatherings happy.

1.) Educate your family on the risks

Summer is a great time for family fun. Lets keep the fun safe though. Make sure your family knows how to keep your home safe by going over what fire hazards are and how to prevent them.

2.) Test your smoke alarms.

No one likes to wake up to a smoke alarm going off but its much better than waking up to a raging fire. Check batteries, and consider upgrading if you already haven't, to a Wi-Fi enabled fire alarm that can send you an alert anywhere you have internet service. These fire alarms are also able to connect with other smart home devices to keep your home safe.

3.) Keep lawn clippings and flammable materials in a safe place.

Lawn Clippings, dry leaves and branches, used rags, paper, even hairspray and other aerosol cans, should be taken care of in a safe way, and disposed of correctly. Make sure nothing flammable is in direct heat and sunlight. Throw away old rags with flammable liquids like oil, gas, and chemical cleaners by first washing them in water and an oil breakdown detergent before throwing them back in the garage or in the garbage can.

4.) Check your house’s wiring and crawlspaces.

Attics, crawlspaces, and wiring can be great spaces for pests to build nests in during the winter. Inspect these and other small spaces for nests, cobwebs, and other flammable objects. Check wiring where able to ensure no new wire’s are exposed since last year. Make sure your air conditioner and heaters are clear of any debris and away from any combustible materials. Check your dryer outlet and chimney for any obstacles blocking a clear flow of air.

Even with these measures we can’t expect to prevent every fire. That’s why we recommend having an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) consultation with our trained experts so you can have a quick, smooth recovery of your loss. Let one of SERVPRO’s estimators walk you through how to handle your next emergency whatever it may be.

If you have a fire, water or mold emergency, give us a call anytime!
SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We are Ready to Help!

Call:
208-523-5365 for Idaho Falls

With Rising Water Levels; Are You Prepared?

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

With all the rain, and how full the river is, are you ready for a possible flood?

This year has really put into perspective how much rain, and water can affect people and their homes. Have you prepared for a possible flood? Flooding can happen in a multitude of ways, high amounts of rain, overflow from the river, even a the city pipe lines can flood leading to nasty sewage coming up the drains of you and your neighbor’s homes. Here are some guidelines to help prevent these and other water related disasters from affecting your family.

Here in South East Idaho we are at risk of flooding every year. Every home has a different level of risk associated with flood damage. Learn more about your home’s risk level. Find out what type of flood zone you live in, and the potential flood elevation in the area. FEMA offeres a great map service at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/. You can also check in with your local planning and zoning office or building department to learn more about the flood zone. Find out if from them or your neighbors if your area has flooded in the past and what caused it.

Another important part of preparedness is insuring against the loss. Its hard enough being uprooted as temporary as it may be, but to be placed with a financial burden at the same time is even harder. Consult your insurance agent and find out if flood insurance is part of your insurance plan.

Reduce your risk as best you can. Decide how you plan to react to the threat of a water emergency. Speak with one of SERVPRO’s consultants about an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) and find out what might be best for your area. Using an ERP can help speed up the process should an emergency occur. With an Emergency Ready Plan your prepared for any water, fire, mold or other major event that may require our help. Speak to your SERVPRO consultant today for a free ERP.

Lastly, make sure you know your home well. Find out if you have any low spots that may collect water first. Check your basement after every rainstorm to ensure no new leaks have occurred. Check your drywall for any wet spots along the ceiling, walls, or floors to make sure no water got in.

We can’t prevent every natural disaster, and we can’t prevent every water emergency, but using these and other helpful tips can help mitigate our possible loss in the event something does happen.

If you have a fire, water or mold emergency, give us a call anytime!
SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We are Ready to Help!

Call:
208-523-5365

Attic Inspection

5/5/2023 (Permalink)

We think of our home as a safe place to protect us. We do our best to maintain the things that wear out or need attention, however, most of us forget about the main thing protecting our home from the elements: The roof and attic.

The winters in eastern Idaho and surrounding areas have brought an incredible pack of snow fall this year. This has put extra pressure on a roof that already carries a big load.

Spring is here, causing the snow to melt and run off. We hope it runs down the gutters or just off the roof and not into your home. It is also a possibility the water has leaked into your attic, but not in sufficient amount to visibly affect the ceiling inside.

With the insulation preventing the water from coming thru your ceiling, but allowing wood work to stay wet, it increases the humidity in the Attic. Mold growth in the attic on walls and ceiling base, can end up affecting the living areas of your home if left unchecked. When microbial growth happens, it can have a musty smell. If you suspect you may have Mold in your Attic, it’s best to call a professional.

SERVPRO is your resource to help with mold or moisture concerns in your home. We can take care of the problem and give you the peace of mind in your attic or home.

If you have a water or mold give us a call! SERVPRO is available 24 hours 7 days a week. We have a trained, professional team ready to help! 208-523-5365

Preparing for Spring

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Springtime is coming! Time to get your home prepared. Turning on the outside faucets and sprinkler system with broken lines can cause water damage inside your home.

Water damage in your home can be caused by a variety of different things: a leaky faucet, broken drain, an outside source, etc. Figuring out where the water coming from is never easy. Calling SERVPRO can be.

With water comes the likelihood for mold, and it’s important to act fast. 

Here’s some helpful tips:

1. Check to ensure water is not backing up into your home.
2. Make sure sprinklers are running at the right time and shutting off on time.
3. Check for broken lines in your sprinkler system that can flood your ground and end up flooding back into your home.  
4. When you have a leak or a burst pipe, shutting off the main water valve helps to prevent more damage.

When finding a restoration company, call SERVPRO, who works with your insurance company during your time of need.

If you have water damage in your home SERVPRO available 24/7 24 hours a day 7day a week. Call SERVPRO for all your cleaning restoration and Construction. SERVPRO is a team of highly trained professionals ready to help.   

Not so bad to serious

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

When you believe you may a water leak in your home it is extremely important to locate the source of the leak and take care of it right away. With water comes mold and that’s when things can go from “not so bad” to “serious” in a matter of days.

If you suspect you may have a water leak, here are a list of things you should do after a major water leak at your home. If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO

1. Turn off your water. As soon as you notice the leak, turn off the main water valve. ...
2. Turn off utilities. ...
3. Mop up excess water quickly. ...
4. Move and clean clothes and rugs. ...
5. File your insurance claim as quickly as possible. ...
6. Document all items that have been damaged.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your disaster restoration needs.

House fires

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Because a house fire is usually unexpected, most homeowners aren’t sure of the steps they should take after the disaster. House fires can happen anytime and anywhere so everyone should have an emergency plan in case a fire occurs. According to the NFPA, these are some escape plans tips you can follow.

Escape planning tips

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code® requires interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately. Residents of high-rise and apartment buildings(PDF) may be safer "defending in place."
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your disaster restoration needs.

Fire Suppression System

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Winters in Idaho are always unpredictable but the one thing you can count on is below freezing temperatures. Over the weekend we were called to a huge loss at an apartment building because their fire suppression system broke due to frozen pipes. This caused a category 2 loss that affected four stories and over 8 apartments. SERVPRO got right to work setting up our machines to get these units dried out as fast and efficiently as possible.

To avoid this kind of disaster from happening there are steps you can take. For example, you can make sure that all your pipes are fully insulated. You can seal or caulk any cracks you find, winterize your home or business and start a small drip on your kitchen and bathroom faucets.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today! We have highly trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Bursting Pipes

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

When the temperatures drop to below freezing there is always a chance of a pipe burst. This week alone we have had two emergency calls that came in through the night that were because of broken pipes. The pipes froze and flooded two different apartment units. Per state farm, these are tips to help prevent pipes from freezing.

• Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home's crawl spaces and attic helps even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Use heat tape or heat cables. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturer's installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks. Locate and thoroughly seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• Let water drip. A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Adjust the thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night also reduces the risk of frozen pipes. During extreme cold, this also helps reduce the strain on the furnace.
• Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If you have any fire, water or mold disasters give SERVPRO a call today! We have trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!