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Insurance Claims Made Easy After a Disaster | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
After a disaster, there will be a whirlwind of thoughts for you to sort through. It’s likely you will find yourself consumed with thoughts about the safety of your family and friends, all while you wonder what kind of damage has been done to your home and community.
With so much to handle all at once, the idea of filing an insurance claim is probably one thought that won’t come very quickly. You may not want to spend time thinking through how recovery is going to happen when you have so many other things to think about, but the faster you can get restoration started, the better.
Our team is ready to respond to your property around the clock when a disaster strikes. We will handle all the pieces of the puzzle you haven’t even thought about yet so you can get back to normal.
Start Fast, Document OftenWhen it comes to disasters, timing will always matter. The sooner you can get on the path to recovery, the less damage will start adding up. Make sure you are keeping your safety and the safety of your family as your first priority after a disaster, though. Stay out of floodwaters, steer clear of hot spots from a fire and avoid downed power poles.
Whether you are sheltering in place or you evacuated, don’t leave safety until officials have given an all-clear. Immediately after a disaster has passed through, check on your neighbors and loved ones and call for any emergency services that are needed. As soon as you know everyone is OK, call us at SERVPRO®. We will start putting together a team and the equipment needed to tackle your recovery from the moment you call us.
When you can safely navigate around your property, take as many photos as possible. When it comes to insurance claims, documentation is the name of the game. If you do need to repair something before our team gets there, make sure to take detailed notes on what you did and why you did it. The more information you can provide, the better.
Leave It to Our TeamUpon arrival at your property, our professional team will start securing your home in order to keep the elements out and prevent more damage. At the same time, we will start working directly with your insurance company. Our crew is not just trained in disaster repairs, but we are also highly trained in how to handle meeting insurance claim expectations.
We come certified in meeting insurance inspection standards, and we will put together more documentation to go along with your photos and notes. One of our goals is to repair much of your property so that you don’t have to replace it. Whatever we can do to keep your costs low and your insurance process simple, we will do it.
All you have to do is leave it to our team. Our professionals will get your life back on track and your home back to exactly the way it should be in no time. You can put every aspect of recovery into our hands—even ensuring your insurance claim process is smooth and fast.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Flood Prevention: The Basics | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
Keep it simple. Mastering the basics is the best way to get something done the correct way—which can be a helpful thing to remember the next time you have to help your children learn any kind of math.
Getting back to the basics can be a helpful way to protect your home from natural disasters, too. There might not be any way to fully control Mother Nature, but the more prepared we are for everything she can bring our way, the less damage we will end up with.
Flooding is one of the top natural disasters that affects homes all around the nation. That makes being prepared for potential water damage crucial in protecting our homes.
Know Your ZoneFlooding is such a big issue because it can happen in so many different ways, and not all of them come from nature. Internal, manmade disasters (like appliance failures) can be destructive, but they are often easier to control than external floods. With our community so close to the Gulf of Mexico, all of our homes are vulnerable to coastal flooding, storm surge and flash flooding.
One of the best steps you can take is getting to know where the area’s flood zones are. This can help you understand the exact threats your property faces and how much preparation you will need to do in order to be as safe as possible.
It is also a good idea to get to know exactly how wet your yard gets when it rains or water starts pushing inland. If you are in a low-lying area, adding drainage or increasing the length of your gutter downspouts in order to get as much water away from your house as possible.
Lots of trees in your yard can lead to blocked gutters and debris pileup on your roof. Gutter covers can be a helpful way to stay protected, but you will also want to inspect your roof at least twice a year and after big windstorms.
Prepare to PreventThe more you can get to know the area around your home, the easier protecting your home will be. There are a few other steps you can take as well. Spend some time caring for your yard as your first line of defense against rising waters.
Create gentle sloping in your yard to allow water to flow away from your house. If there is a spot in your yard that stays wet or consistently washes out, consider adding a rain garden with deep-rooted plants that will pull water down into the soil. If they are not there already, put your gutter downspouts underground. That will keep them safe from damage during a flood, and it will direct rain water off of your property.
Inside, maintain the seals on your windows and doors. Replace caulking and weather seals as they wear out. If you have them, close your hurricane shutters and make sure they are in good shape. Have your basement resealed when visible gaps or cracks appear, and add a sump pump if you don’t already have one.
When it comes to preparing for a flood, keep it simple. Basic maintenance inside and out can go a long way in protecting your home. And it will be much easier than trying to remember the rules of algebra again.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
What to Do About Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
Sewage leaks are something that we all hope we never have to deal with. They may not be the most destructive disaster that could strike in our home or office, but they would likely be the hardest to deal with due to the sheer mess and accompanying smell.
This is actually a quite common occurrence, though, and sewage leaks can strike anywhere and at any time. While there may have been a few warning signs, you could still be caught off-guard. The good news is that the faster you respond, the quicker things will be back to normal.
What to Do FirstWhen wastewater can’t move smoothly through pipes, it will start backing up through your sinks, showers and just about anywhere else it can get to. Sewage leaks can also start if there is damage to your water line or other pipes in the system.
Regardless of how the situation got started, when you have sewage back up in your home or office the best thing you can do is stay away from the water. Water leaks are classed into three categories—white water, gray water and black water. White water and gray water typically stem from clean sources, but black water is considered toxic and hazardous. Sewage is always classed as black water, and it can contain viruses, bacteria and other harmful materials.
Shut the water off at source or to the entire building if you can safely do so, and open windows to start venting the area. If there are fans, turn those on as well to help get fumes moving. Block the area off so kids, pets or coworkers can’t accidentally get near the sewage leak.
Where SERVPRO® Comes InOur team is trained and certified to handle any kind of biohazard situation, including cleaning up a sewage leak quickly and efficiently. With 24⁄7 availability, we can start your recovery the moment you call us. While we gather your information, we will also start putting a team together with the right safety equipment to start your restoration the moment they arrive.
While you are waiting for our team to arrive, start taking some photos of the area and any damage done. This may not be the most exciting task, but the more images you can get, the easier it will be to process any insurance claims. It can also help us understand the source of the leak and what the total project is going to look like.
As soon as our team makes it to your property, we will start removing sewage and any standing water while we also work to ensure the source of the leak is corrected. Keep in mind that sewage is considered toxic, so our crew will be in full protective gear to keep themselves safe. It’s best to stay away as much as you can during the cleaning process.
Not only will we make sure that the cause of the leak is fixed, our crew will also start deep-cleaning and sanitizing the area. If there was physical damage done, we will repair that as well. We will work on your restoration until there are no lingering odors and everything looks exactly as it should be.
If sewage starts invading your space, do your best to stay away from it. Call us and let our team handle everything. We will get you back to normal fast.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.
Being Prepared for the Storms of Spring | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito help you get from April showers to May flowers.
Spring in Texas comes with plenty of warm temperatures, heavy rains and even the possibility of a few severe storms.
Spring might be one of the best seasons, but as it stretches closer toward summer and the temperatures start to get hot, storms often get worse. Hurricane season starts, and Mother Nature starts getting riskier and riskier. The possibility of strong storms means it is incredibly important to be prepared for anything.
In order to be as safe as possible, you need to ensure that you can receive weather alerts quickly. Fortunately, there are some great ways to stay ahead of anything that comes our way.
The Power of the InternetThere is a good chance your cell phone is never very far from your hand, which is why it is one of the best places to receive weather alerts. There are Wireless Emergency Alerts that will come through automatically, but you can also choose from a wide variety of apps to get alerts from.
When you choose an app, stick with one that is from a nationally recognized organization. Local news stations and radio stations often have their own app that will not only keep you up to date with the weather, but other local news as well. Be sure to sign up for alerts from the county as well for the best localized info.
Don’t rely on alerts alone, though; make sure you keep an eye on the local news as well. That way you can stay ahead of anything headed your way and up to date on evacuation orders and shelter openings.
Non-Electronic OptionsOur phones, tablets and computers are great for keeping us connected; but they have batteries that will eventually run out. It is important to have a backup way to receive emergency alerts. Storms can quickly knock out power long-term, and you need to receive the most information possible in order to stay safe.
If you live close enough to town weather sirens, make sure you know what the sounds they make mean in order to respond appropriately. An NOAA weather radio is a portable tool that requires no power to give you consistent information. You will want to take it with you wherever you go, even after the first system has passed over. There could be more storms behind it.
Staying prepared and connected can go a long way in keeping you safe, but it may not prevent damage to your home during a storm. If your home is damaged, call us right away. We can start your recovery day or night and get you back to normal before you know it.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
Get Business Going After a Disaster | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
2/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
Disasters can leave behind damage that leaves you feeling completely lost. Your home, your community and your business can all be affected, and recovery can feel like a far-off land you will never reach.
While getting your home put back together will almost always take top priority, for a small business owner getting work going again is just as important. With a plan and with our team at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito always available, you can get back to work fast.
<h3ahead-of-time">Prepare Ahead of Time
In order to recover quickly after a disaster, you need to have a plan. When you and your employees know what to do before, during and after a fire, storm or flood, you can keep work going with little interruption.
One of the most important parts of planning for a disaster is communication. Your emergency plans should be a part of regular training to ensure that everyone on your team knows every step of the process.
Every few months, walk with your employees through the building and take note of where the water shut-offs are. Make sure you have plenty of fire extinguishers as well, and train your staff how to use them.
Clearly label exit paths so that fast escapes can be made whenever it is needed. It may be helpful to assign some staff members particular tasks in order to secure your building ahead of a predicted disaster.
After a disaster has rolled through the area, your employees should know how they are expected to get back to work. If remote work is anticipated, make sure secure networks are ready and everyone has the appropriate equipment.
If you have an alternate location secured to use while your storefront is repaired, make sure your staff knows how and when they should report there. Communicate frequently with your team, and keep in mind that some networks may not work after a disaster. Plan to use multiple platforms in order to keep everyone informed.
<h3quickly">Recover Quickly
When you have a plan, you can get through a disaster with a little extra piece of mind knowing that your path to recovery is already paved. Put contacting SERVPRO® into your plan, and call us the moment it is safe to do so. We will head to your property day or night to start the restoration process.
As our professional team starts putting your physical location together, it’s important for you to start talking with your customers. Use multiple platforms to let everyone know projected reopening dates, how you will keep work going in the in between time and how the process is progressing. The more you can communicate with your community, the better.
It’s crucial to remain flexible throughout your recovery. Our team will work fast to dry things out, sanitize, rebuild or anything else you need, but you may need to adjust the scale and scope of your work while we do. Keep an open mind and remember this is temporary. You will be back to normal before you know it.
Be prepared for anything by creating and practicing a plan often. Maintain strong communication with your employees and your customers, and stay flexible while our professionals put everything back together. Things will be exactly as they should be in no time.
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
When Damage Creates More Damage | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!
There are a lot of sayings about how bad luck often leads to more bad luck. Unfortunately, most of them hold pretty true—especially when you are dealing with a disaster.
A disaster, whether stemming from Mother Nature or a manmade accident, causes damage that will always lead to more damage. That is why having a total restoration team like SERVPRO® right around the corner matters.
The Impact of DisastersDisasters can take a toll on your home or community that you can’t even begin to measure. Even when a storm is headed your way and you have time to get ready for it, the weather can turn more severe and cause damage you weren’t expecting. Manmade issues can also be incredibly destructive, especially because they often occur completely out of the blue.
A single rainstorm can dump heavy amounts of water, which leads to flooding, which leads to mold growth on anything that gets wet. High winds can tear down trees, put your roof at risk or knock out power long-term. Fires in your home bring smoke, soot, water, structural damage and lingering odors.
Disasters certainly bring the old saying “when it rains, it pours” to life due to the consistently compounding damage that only gets worse over time.
The physical toll isn’t the only thing to consider, too. Disasters can take a real mental toll on everyone that lives through them. That is why fast and efficient recovery is incredibly important.
A Single Team, Total RestorationTiming is of the essence when a disaster strikes, and that is why our team is ready to take your call 24⁄7. The day or time will never matter—from the moment you call us we start your recovery process. As we gather information from you, we are also putting together a team to get to your property fast.
Our experts are well-trained and certified in a wide variety of disaster scenarios. Not only is our team trained and certified, we are also local. As your neighbors, we love this community and have experienced all the ups and downs that come with every disaster that has affected our area. We have helped many of you recover, cleaning up homes and offices all around town.
When the winds pick up and leave your roof a mess, we can get there quickly to tarp and cover it so further damage can’t set in. When a flood strikes either externally or internally, we will start removing water and working to dry out as much of your home and belongings as we can.
If part of your home cannot be repaired, we can tear it down and rebuild it. Our team wants to put your life back together, completely. Whatever it takes to do that, we’ve got it covered.
Being a total restoration company means that we will never leave a job unfinished. We stay by your side until you feel completely at home again—whether that means handling lingering odors after a fire or sealing parts of your home to prevent potential mold from returning.
SERVPRO is the total package. With a trained and certified staff, availability any time and any day, top-of-the-line equipment and locals that understand you, we can handle all the rain that pours into your life. Bright days are headed your way, and we will make sure you are ready to enjoy them.
Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.
Fire-Safe and Toasty Warm | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Even in a warm Texas climate, we all still love when the temperatures take a dive and we can curl up under a blanket. Cold weather may not be common, but when it does show up, a crackling fire or nicely heated house can be pretty cozy.
House fires grow substantially in the winter, and most of the time they are due to preventable accidents caused by space heaters, fireplaces and other heating devices. The good news is with a few safety steps you can keep things fire-safe and toasty warm.
Addressing Your FireplaceThere is little that compares to the glow of a fire on a cold night. Fireplaces are peaceful, but they can also be quite dangerous when used improperly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clean the ash and other debris out after every use. Have your chimney inspected and professionally cleaned every year to remove creosote or other buildup.
Keep anything flammable away from your fireplace, which also means not hanging anything from your mantle. Dust around your fireplace weekly, and make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the room. For gas or electric fireplaces, keep an eye on the connections to watch for signs of aging.
Space Heater SafetyWith our mild climate, space heaters might be your favorite way to heat a room without having to mess with your thermostat. But space heaters are responsible for nearly 1,700 fires every year, most of them from misuse.
Always run your space heater on a flat, nonflammable surface. Make sure your heater has a three-foot radius of open space around it, and check the cord to make sure there is no fraying. Space heaters should always be plugged directly into the wall.
It can be tempting to pull the heater right up to your seat, but keep it clear of your couch and curtains. Take measures to protect your pets from the heater when it is running, and tell the kids to steer clear as well. Don’t leave a space heater running unattended, and make sure to turn it off before you head to bed as well.
Suggested Safety Features for Your Space HeaterIf your space heaters are more than five years old, it may be time for an upgrade. There is a huge variety of heaters on the market, but there are a few safety features you want to look for before making a purchase. Do your research to ensure whoever you buy from is certified and reliable.
Any space heater you use in your home should have automatic shutoff features. This should include a tip feature that makes the unit kick off when it is bumped or knocked over and a shutoff feature after the space heater has been running for some time.
Take a look at the cord on the space heater. It should be pretty heavy duty and at least six feet long. You can’t safely use an extension cord with a space heater, so make sure you are buying one with enough cord length to meet your needs and be plugged directly into the wall.
With a little fireplace care and space heater safety, you can make your home toasty and safe anytime winter decides to visit. If something does happen, with one call to our SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito we can get your home completely free of smoke, soot or any other damage.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.
Find the Moisture in Your Home | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.
Water is one of those things that we really can’t live without access to. Think about how often water is running in your home. Between the washing machine, dishwasher or even just using the garden hose to water plants and clean the dog, having water on demand certainly makes our lives easier.
When water ends up in the wrong places, though, it can leave our home a total mess. While we may not be able to stop a natural disaster that brings heavy rains or floods, we can do a lot to protect our homes from other kinds of water damage. When you know how to find leaks fast, you can keep your home safe and dry.
Under Your SinksThe kitchen and the bathroom are two top locations that leaks like to hide out. Under the sink, there are often a number of water lines, and it can be hard to find leaks when they start small.
Even a small leak can do a lot of damage, seeping into cabinets, behind walls and even under the floor. Look under your sinks weekly for signs of a problem. Use your hands along all the water lines to feel for moisture, and make sure connection points are tight. Replace seals at the first sign of wear and tear to keep things working properly.
Beneath AppliancesLarge appliances are another location that leaks often start and can be hard to locate. Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and refrigerators certainly are convenient, but they are also susceptible to water leaks that can do a lot of damage in a little bit of time.
Pull your appliances away from the wall every few months in order to clean underneath and behind them. Look for mold growth, puddles or soft spots in the floor. Feel along any water lines you can reach, and replace anything that is beginning to age.
Behind Your Walls or FloorsOne of the things that makes even the smallest leak dangerous to your home is how fast water can move. Water can trickle down into the smallest of cracks and crevices, including behind your walls and under the floor.
Don’t ignore a new musty smell somewhere in your home, particularly near water-based appliances. A new squeaky floorboard could be another indicator that there is a bigger problem that needs investigating as well.
Around Your Windows and DoorsCondensation on your windows is a pretty common occurrence, especially when the temperatures swing back and forth in a day. It can be easy to ignore this, but condensation can actually seep in through cracks and cause damage to the structure of your home.
Check your windows and doors by running your hands around the frame to feel for moisture regularly. Make sure that caulking has not deteriorated and that there are no visible signs of cracking. The change of the seasons is a great time to check the seals all around your home.
If you do find that a leak has left behind damage, don’t let it make your head spin. With one call to SERVPRO®, your home will be back to normal fast. We can handle anything from a complete flood to structural repairs. It is our goal to get your life back on track.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO for a quick restoration.
A Local Business Is Always the Best Choice | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
12/15/2023 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito!
Have you ever considered what things would be like if a disaster were to strike? It isn’t something any of us like to do, even when we are picturing one far from home. Considering our own towns or houses being damaged simply isn’t something we can wrap our minds around.
Preparations can go a long way in preventing some damage to your home, but even a home that is well prepared for a disaster may end up dealing with losses later. Something happening due to manmade error is even more challenging, as they often are completely unpredictable.
We may not love thinking about it, but it’s important to know that there is a way to put our lives back together fast, no matter what happens. That is why a local business will always be your best choice.
Making the Right ChoiceIf you do face a disaster that damages your home or even just your community, you might find yourself at a loss for how to respond. Questions will need to be answered quickly and decisions will have to be made, all while you try and understand what has happened and wade through your emotional response.
Moving quickly will always be the best way to prevent extreme losses and get things back on track. That makes picking the right restoration service incredibly important. You need a business that comes with the right equipment and a highly trained team that can handle your situation. You also need someone that is there the moment you need them, day or night.
SERVPRO® fits that description completely and has so much more to offer. Our business is locally owned and operated, which means we understand your situation better than anyone because we are your neighbors.
Living in the same community as you means that we, too, have felt the toll that disasters of any size can have. Our team understands how important this area is, and we aren’t just getting a job done when we tackle a restoration, we are putting our home back together.
A History of ExperienceA friendly face that is ready to take over after a disaster can be a huge blessing, but you also need to know that there will be enough professionals and equipment to get things put back together. SERVPRO is backed by a national brand and can rely on our nationwide business to ensure we have exactly the right amount of help.
SERVPRO got started in 1967 and has been growing in the restoration industry ever since. There are more than 2,000 offices all around the nation now, including our very own right here in Harlingen.
When you work with us, you get professionals who are trained and certified in all things disaster recovery. SERVPRO strives to be the complete package so you only have to make one phone call.
Our team can deal with anything your recovery requires, from tarping a roof to completely rebuilding a section of your house. SERVPRO’s professional team has years of experience, and we are continually learning in order to stay ahead of technological advances to better serve your needs. Our equipment is consistently updated as well, as are the techniques we use to put our community back together.
A history of experience and a crew that loves this community as much as you do makes working SERVPRO the easiest choice you can make. No matter what happens, we’ve got you covered.
Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.
Don’t Let Water Take Over Your Business | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito a call to get that resolved!
Have you ever stepped into the office for the day and suddenly been overwhelmed by a musty odor in the air? This is a pretty good indicator that there is some sort of leak in your building—and you could be headed for water damage.
That is certainly not something you want to deal with in your already busy schedule, but picture walking in and stepping directly into a puddle of standing water. Now you are dealing with a real nightmare situation!
Whether a natural disaster strikes and leaves your building wet or a plumbing failure floods the bathroom, the faster you are able to take action, the less damage you will incur. Learn what to do when you find yourself dealing with a flooded building so that you can get back to work quickly.
One Step at a TimeA flood is a lot to handle, even when it is from a natural source that was predicted. Give yourself some time to breath and break down your actions to a few simple steps that can get things headed in the right direction fast.
When you can quickly and calmly respond, you can prevent deep damage and potential mold growth.
1. Keep things safe. Safety should be your first priority any time a disaster strikes. Get yourself to a dry spot where you can better assess the situation, and call us at SERVPRO® right away. We will get as much information as we can over the phone while we organize a team to head to your property. While you wait for our professionals, safely take as many photos as you can.
2. Try and gain control. Once you have a better idea of what is happening and you know our team is on the way, do what you can to quickly gain control of the problem. Look for the source of the water and shut it off. If you can’t locate an exact source but have determined the water is coming from an internal source, cut the water to the building at the main valve.
3. Find ways to get things dry. Even when floodwaters originate from a clean source, they can become contaminated and dangerous quickly. The more you can stay out of the water, the better, but try to find ways to start the drying process. Open windows, increase the ventilation and remove any items you can that are in the path of the water.
Work With the ProsWhen our restoration crew gets there, they will begin removing water right away. While the drying process is taking place, we will complete an assessment of your needs and walk you through what your recovery will look like. We will also be in contact with your insurance agency in order to make the whole process as simple as possible.
As your recovery process progresses, you can start finding ways on how to get business going again. If our team deems it safe to do so, you may be able to use any undamaged parts of your building while we continue putting everything else back together.
While you take care of your team, our team will continue to take care of your building. It is our goal to restore rather than replace your items, and we will make sure you are able to have a say in every step of the recovery process.
Finding water in your building doesn’t have to completely derail your business. Move quickly, and call us as soon as you are able. We will get things back to normal as fast as possible.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
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