Fireworks / July 4th Safety Tips 6/24/2024

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, most people have started planning for the fun and entertainment. Many of us Michiganders will be lighting off fireworks in tradition and celebration of our country’s independence. In 2012, Michigan enacted a new firework law, allowing for state residents to purchase and operate bigger fireworks. Consumer-grade fireworks are now legal for purchase from state-authorized retailers, and must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Including roman candles, bottle rockets, aerials, missile-type rockets, and reloadable shell devices, this law comes with more need for added safety to discharge these larger fireworks. Not only is there a heightened risk for bodily injury, with approximately 16,000 injuries caused by fireworks each year and 10-12 deaths, but fireworks are also responsible for over 2,000 reported structure and vehicle fires. It is important to know and practice firework safety, not only for yourself, but for your audience and guests, as well as your neighbors and all the personal property surrounding the ignition and viewing area.

SERVPRO®  is dedicated to keeping you informed and offering ways to protect not only your home, but your family as well.

If you plan on entertaining with fireworks this upcoming Independence Day, SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale recommends that you follow these fireworks safety tips:

• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance description prior to igniting.
• Know and obey all your local laws and ordinances regarding the use of fireworks.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles, as well as overhanging trees.
• A responsible adult should always supervise all firework activities.
• Children should never handle fireworks, even sparklers. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle fireworks, under close adult supervision.
• Be careful when lighting the fuse. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back up to a safe distance.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Don’t try to pick it up right away either. Wait at least 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of a fire or other mishap, douse the spent device with plenty of water, or place it in a bucket of water for a few hours before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
• Use Common Sense. Never point or throw fireworks at any living thing. Never shoot them off in metal or glass containers. Wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Have a “designated shooter.”

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale wants you to have a happy, fun, and safe 4th of July. But hey, accidents happen. If you find yourself in need of fire or water restoration, call us at (248) 246-0790. We are available to you 365 days a year, 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day. Call us any time, day or night and we will be there, SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster.

We Are Here To Help

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Major storms often bring violent weather, and with violent weather storm damage usually always occurs. Strong winds either from a storm or a tornado can cause chaos for a home or business owner. Knowing how to handle the situation if storm damage happens to your home or business could mean everything. It also helps when it comes to protecting not only your belongings, but your safety and the safety of others.

Source

Storm damage can occur from a number of different things. Strong winds can cause shingles or tiles on roofs to become loose, and uproot trees. Wind is usually associated with rain. The damaged  roof  allows water or moisture to get inside of the home. This will cause damage to ceilings, walls, and even worse, cause the potential for mold growth. Hail during a storm can also cause significant damage to a roof. Then there is Lightning and what that can do.

**Handling the Issue**

Any type of damage to a home or business can be very overwhelming for anyone. Call a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO®, an Industry Leader in the restoration industry every year. SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale will help by acting quickly on getting the problem solved, and minimize the impact the damage has done to your home or business.

**Safety**

First thing a home or business owner should do with water coming inside from a roof leak is make sure the power to the home or business is shut off. Storm water can soak into walls reaching electrical wiring. This also could be done with the water supply if any pipes are broken, and or the sewage system is clogged or backed up.

**Assessing Damage**

This is where a professional restoration company comes into play. Our trained experts will do an examination of the home or business. We thoroughly check the property. We will work with your insurance company by taking photos of the damage for insurance purposes, and following insurance policies. SERVPRO is a Nationally Preferred Vendor to most Insurance companies and works directly with your Claims adjuster on your behalf.

**The Clean Up*

Once the roof is taken care of temporarily with a tarp or permanently, the clean up can start to happen. We will  clean up the water making sure every inch is dry using our professional expertise, using the right equipment needed to get the job done. Whether it is using vacuums and pumps to remove the water, dehumidifiers and air movers to stop mold and mildew before it even happens, to generators if needed to operate our equipment. We will also take the necessary steps in making sure everything is done correctly. We will remediate mold if the water has been sitting for any length of time. We will pull carpet or wet flooring if not salvageable, and disinfect hard surfaces, shampoo savable interiors, and deodorize to stop any odors.

When contacted as soon as the first notice of loss has happened we will be able to save your home or business from a bigger issue. Even the shortest of storms can do a big amount of damage. Our goal is to fix, clean, and get your property back to its preloss condition!! “Like It Never Even Happened!”

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale. Available 24/7   (248) 246-0790

Safe Summer Grilling Tips

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Summertime is here and many of us will be looking forward to Grilling in our backyards for family cookouts! But a fire anywhere else but in your grill, can make your family outing a less than memorable experience. With approximately 9,000 fires started by grills each year, SERVPRO® doesn’t want your summer to be ruined by one as well. To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these general guidelines.

General grilling tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Propane grills

Before you use your grill:

• Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
• Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid, never gasoline. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• If you are using an electric charcoal starter, be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Of course, accidents do happen. If you do find yourself the victim of a grill fire and in need of help, contact SERVPRO of Oak Park / Ferndale  at 248-246-0790, 24/7, 365. The sooner you call us, the sooner we will get your summer back to sunshine, family fun-days, and backyard barbecues, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Services

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® provides 24-hour emergency restoration service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Greater Metro Detroit area. We can respond quickly to your emergency and we have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry for over 65 years
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Residential Services

Whether your Metro Detroit home needs help with emergency flood / sewage damage, and restoration services, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Greater Metro Detroit commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Have Questions? Call Us at 248-246-0790

Emergency Water Damage Services

5/23/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of  Oak Park/Ferndale is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 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 - 248-246-0790

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to help guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale 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 Oak Park/Ferndale

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale 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.

Commercial Buildings

5/23/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events in Metro Detroit commercial properties are often complex, with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Here at SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale, 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 Oak Park/ Ferndale

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale 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…“Like It Never Even Happened”.

SERVPRO of Oak Park/ Ferndale - Ready When You Need Us. Available 24/7 - Call us at (248) 246-0790 

Commercial Property Preparedness

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

 WHY should I choose SERVPRO® to be my EMERGENCY Response Team? If you own or manage a Commercial property, there are many daily tasks to keep your property running smoothly. The last thing anyone wants is a large loss. If you know anyone who has experienced a large commercial loss, you know it takes an entire crew to get on top of such a task. Here at SERVPRO® the staff is trained to take on enormous restoration projects. It is VERY IMPORTANT that a Commercial structure has a Restoration Company in place when and if a catastrophe happens

WHY should I choose SERVPRO to be my EMERGENCY Response Team?

SERVPRO RESTORATION IS A PREFERRED VENDOR TO MANY INSURANCE COMPANIES. Our company prides itself on utilizing our “EMERGENCY READY PROFILE” or ERP, for clients like you.  

What is an ERP?

It is a precise Profile Documentation that contains the most critical information needed in case of an emergency for your company. Location of water, gas shutoffs. Electricity panel. Key contacts and their phone numbers.

 There is NO COST to you, and once completed you can upload our SERVPRO ERP APP right on your phone and rush out the door if need be and have all the information right with you!

This is a time and lifesaver for your company to minimize the downtime of your loss. It takes less than an hour out of your day to sit with you and put the information together. Any business interested, please call our office and we will make an appointment to assist you at your convenience.

SERVPRO Oak Park/Ferndale 248-246-0790 we are here to help!

Fire Safety Measures for Commercial Buildings

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

If you are an owner of a commercial building you have not only invested a lot of time, but you also have invested a lot of money into owning this property. Fires happen in commercial buildings more often than people think. Here at SERVPRO® we've handled our share of Commercial fire losses. Electrical fires, misuse of equipment, and smoking are some of the common commercial fire causes. Being prepared and having a plan in case of the worst, is something you should always have. Here are some basic pointers on doing just that.

Fire Prevention Systems

Fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems are all great fire prevention systems. You  need to make sure they are maintained and inspected regularly to make sure they are working properly.  Fire alarms can be the first  point of contact with fire/smoke.  Extinguishers, and fire sprinkler systems are also two great things to have and can stop a fire before it gets out of control.

Evacuation Plan

Having an evacuation plan in case of an emergency is a must have. If the fire alarm went off everybody in the building should have a clear indication on where they should go to exit the property safely. Always take the time to properly educate all staff members on exits, and meet up locations once outside of the building. Also always make sure the exits have a clear path, and nothing is blocking them.

Exit Signs & Lighting

Making sure everyone in the building can leave the building safely is important. Every exit door should have a clear exit sign which is visible from any angle of the room. The building can experience a power outage, so having an emergency battery-backed lighting system that comes on the moment a building loses power will help keep everyone calm, safe, and able to see the clearly marked exits. Nobody should struggle to safely exit a building in case of a fire.

Keeping your staff, premises, and any assets in your building safe is why fire prevention is important. If your business does happen to experience a fire loss, call the fire and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale at 248-246-0790.We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damages.

How to choose an Emergency Restoration Company

3/4/2024 (Permalink)

Do your research first. There are many companies out there that do Emergency Restoration. You can find them online with a few simple clicks. They will ALL say they are the “Areas Best in the business” or “ # 1 in Anytown USA. Can everyone you find online all be # 1 in the Restoration business?

In 2022, SERVPRO®  was named # 1 in the Restoration category by Entrepreneur Magazine… Again!!  And that’s actually verifiable.

You should want a company that has some history of successful growth and longevity based on over 65 years of Happy, Satisfied Customers. SERVPRO has done that. WE have over 2,000 franchises in the U.S., all Independently owned and operated. We put our National Reputation on the line with every job we complete!! We adhere to the IICRC standards, and all our technicians are trained to those same National standards.

We are Preferred National Vendors to most Insurance companies because they trust us to do the right thing for their customer. That means YOU!!!

Give us a call and find out why so many people trust us to get their home or commercial property back to preloss condition. Available 24/7.

SERVPRO of Oak Park / Ferndale (248} 246-0790

What To Expect After A Fire Loss

2/19/2024 (Permalink)

When people suffer a loss from a Fire it's always a traumatic and difficult time. Your family is safe but now it's time to start the process of getting back to living in your home. A fire, whether large or small, can take an unusual amount of time to get back to normal. Smoke damage and the cleaning process of the interior of your home and your contents is just as critical as the structural damage repairs. Ideally you try to do these steps during the same time as much as possible to minimize the reconstruction timeline.

Using a company like SERVPRO®, allows you to help accomplish this. We can do the cleaning and re-construction for you. Since we are already working on your behalf with your insurance carrier's adjuster, you only have to deal with one company through the entire process making it as seamless as possible for you.

 We’ve been building and growing our business successfully doing this for over 65 years so far.

Here at SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale we have a full time Project /Construction manager solely dedicated to working directly with our customers to return your property to its Pre-Loss condition, “Like It Never Even Happened”.

We are available 24/7 should you need us.

 (248) 246-0790