Recent Posts

The Power of Master Service Agreements: Fast Response and Strong Relationships

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

Do you have a super hero on speed dial?

In the fast-paced world of business, rapid response is essential, especially during emergencies. Picture this: a national heatwave causes an abrupt A/C outage, with the potential to turn a hospital into an oven of stress and panic. In times like these, having a Master Service Agreement (MSA) in place can be the lifeline that transforms panic into a strategic, well-managed solution.

A Race Against Time

SERVPRO® Team Nicholson's Scott Askew and his crew proved the power of an MSA recently. Within hours of receiving the call, our team was on-site, ready to help. Seven hours later, cooling equipment was up and running - thanks to our subcontractor, Coastal Mechanical. We even had a team of welders fabricating quick hose connections in the hospital parking lot in order to connect the mobile chillers to the hospital's existing cooling system.

By the evening, the hospital was cooling to a comfortable temperature, all without displacing patients or disrupting critical operations. The team avoided an evacuation and multiple diversions, where a hospital has to transfer patients to another hospital. In the end, all this was possible without having to tell an MSA client, "no," — the word doesn't exist in our vocabulary anyways.

Building a Bridge to Swift Solutions

The MSA is more than just a contract - we become your logistics team, your trusted solutions provider. The last thing a business owner wants is to face a double emergency – the primary situation and its repercussions. Like the scramble to evacuate patients, and to secure specialized equipment, like chillers, at odd hours in order to prevent high temperatures from spoiling medication. An MSA eliminates the chaos, minimizing the complexity and severity of interruptions to business.

The Value of Strong Relationships

In the realm of crisis management, strong relationships are worth their weight in gold. Our connections with clients, subcontractor partnerships, and a network of SERVPRO teams across the nation, our bonds serve as the cornerstone of effective and efficient solutions. When challenges arise, leveraging our network's capabilities means clients have access to additional equipment and resources quickly.

In a world of emergencies, a Master Service Agreement isn't just a contract – it's a promise - to provide rapid response, leverage strong relationships, and transform potential chaos into smoothly managed solutions. It's the assurance that when a crisis arises, our team of professionals is ready to shift the perspective - becoming your total solutions provider for whatever happens.

7 Steps to Preventing Water Damage

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

7 Steps to Preventing Water Damage

According to a study done by the Insurance Institute, homeowners' highest insurance claims are water damage. Leaky pipes and, in often cases, appliances cause millions of dollars of damage in freezing weather and storms. While you're on vacation, it's no surprise that a leaky pipe can burst and generate hundreds of dollars of repairs.

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

Check pipes under your sinks and the water heater for any rust, cracks, or damage. You should check the seals by your windows to make sure there are no cracks that might cause water damage. Additionally, check the exterior of your house and see what condition your roof shingles are in. If any show damage, getting them replaced before leaving for vacation is a good idea.

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

You must inspect the hoses connected to essential appliances in your home, such as dishwashers, washers/dryers, and refrigerators. If there's any damage, you should get the hose replaced before you leave to prevent extensive water damage.

Step 3. Clear Out Your Gutters

Make sure to get any debris out of your rain gutters before leaving for vacation. This way, you won't have any blockages that can cause damage while you're away.

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Make sure it is in good condition and clear any debris from clogging the pit. Run a few tests, listen to the sounds it makes, and ensure that the pump's water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup in case there is a power outage while you're away.

Step 5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you plan on being away from your home during the winter, it can be a good idea to insulate any exposed pipes. This will prevent them from freezing while you are away.

Step 6. Get Someone to Check on Your Home

Call a friend or hire a professional house sitter to check on your home every week while you are gone. Instruct them to ensure that the heat is always on if your vacation is during the winter. Also, show them where the water main is in case of an emergency.

Step 7. Turn Off the Water

Lastly, if you cannot find someone to check on your home, you should turn off the water main. Drain the pipes so that they do not freeze or burst during the colder months. To do this, run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water. Open the cabinets under your sink to let the warm air surround the pipes.

If you experience water damage while you are away from your home, contact SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene as soon as possible at (813) 694-9082.

When a Disaster Strikes Your Home, Call Our Crew!

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO® is the Choice For Restoration

With decades of experience across the restoration services that we offer, we know how to help when every minute counts. We have teams, trailers, and service vehicles prepared to roll out from our SERVPRO® facility 24/7 to address the harsh effects of water, fire, storm, and mold losses. We have trained professionals to handle more specific recovery niches like air duct cleaning, biohazard cleaning, abatement, and reconstruction efforts. These talents, aiding in every facet of our customers' work, improve our efficiency and effectiveness in your home or business.

Storm

Storm damage is a common situation that our SERVPRO professionals must address. Properties must remain prepared for inevitable run-ins with hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, damaging winds and other harmful conditions. Our ability to handle these situations is partly due to our commitment to the training and growth of our specialists, ensuring that each loss incidents gets technicians that can:

  • Extract and dry up floodwater (WRT – Water Restoration Technician)
  • Clean contaminated areas where they exist (Biohazard Cleaning)
  • Deploy air movers and dehumidifiers for effective drying solutions (ASD – Applied Structural Drying)
  • Clean Carpets and other flooring types (CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician)
  • Prevent microbial growth or address present colonization (AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)

Our disaster team is committed to having the top-tier equipment that gets the job done quickly and correctly for you. We keep storm trucks stocked with inventory of recovery and mitigation tools, including submersible pumps, engine-driven trash pumps, power washers, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

We offer a full-service approach amid a crisis so that our customers do not waste time finding secondary contractors to handle other aspects of their recovery. We have skilled professionals to perform board-up and tarping services for your residence amid flood penetration. We can also oversee full-scale reconstruction once we complete mitigation.

Water

We know how easily water loss incidents can develop, and that's why training our restoration technicians in this niche is a constant and continual process. The science of restoring water damage is evolving. So our professionals have to move along with it – putting these new practices and equipment into use to help our customers with the most efficient and practical approach. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and the outcome of your loss incidents goes far beyond our IICRC training.

Our restoration team has access to equipment and machines that far exceed the limitations of conventional recovery tools. The truck-mounted water extractors that our SERVPRO team uses, for example, can handle the removal of thousands of gallons of water every day. Combined with multiple other impressive equipment pieces, this vehicle sets our professionals apart in water damage restoration.

We also have the capability of addressing the massive loss of water damage for commercial properties and houses. 33 years of industry experience and a roster that features Commercial Drying Specialists (CDS) and those with WRT and ASD endorsements, no job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.

Fire

Our team is responsible for many structures in this area alone; the possibility of fire damage is a persistent threat. Knowing the best approach to handle these conditions hinges on the severity of the situation and what materials, surfaces, and contents have become affected. Our IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and those with additional training in odor control and upholstery/carpet cleaning have access to equipment that can help our team restore loss incidents quickly.

Much of our efficiency in fire recovery stems from these advanced and cutting-edge machines. Soot removal and cleaning, for example, often fall to a combination of specially-formulated cleaning agents and products with automated surface scrubbers that can eliminate residues on surfaces.

Every minute counts in fire restoration. Our technicians obtain IICRC certifications and train to understand how fire damage spreads and the best approach to overcome the damages.

Mold

Before our certified AMRTs can set up containment barriers and begin the often-intricate process of mold remediation—our professionals must locate the source of the moisture and dampness. These conditions are likely to happen again without adequately identifying how the water damage facilitated mold growth.

Sometimes the humid conditions are enough to generate microbial growth, as interior humidity above 60% can grow mold on ceilings and other organic materials. The initial approach is to establish isolation zones using our powerful negative air machines in conjunction with physical plastic sheeting. Mold damage can spread quickly without these containment barriers.

Suppose our technicians reach the situation in your residence fast enough. In that case, many of the hosting materials can be repaired using sophisticated equipment like dry ice blasting machines and soda-blasting equipment. These approaches can remove mold debris without harming the surface and substrate.

You can count the swift response of SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene team in a crisis. Give our professionals a call anytime that you need us at (813) 694-9082.

When and Where Hurricanes are Most Likely to Occur

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, storms outside of these dates aren't unheard of. Activity ramps up in August, usually peaking in September and again in October.

Two main factors cause most hurricanes during this active season:

1. Warm ocean waters (80 degrees or higher).

2. Weak vertical winds (little change in wind direction and speed with height).

This is the season with the highest frequency of west-moving weather disturbances in the tropics that develop into hurricanes.

The difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon is location! In different regions, people refer to thunderstorms as hurricanes, while people near the equator in Africa and Australia refer to them as cyclones.

If your home or business is effected by hurricane activity this season, call SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene. We'll work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial HVAC Tips

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

 

It's a good idea to hire a professional to come to inspect your HVAC system. If any maintenance is needed, that same company can take care of it immediately. You'll want to have an inspection done every fall and again in spring, after the heavier use months during winter and summer. A professional will inspect and clean your unit's wiring and mechanisms, which would be a bit challenging for anyone without the training or expertise. Using a professional ensures that the future of your business' HVAC is bright!

As a business owner, there are several simple maintenance chores that you can do to prolong your system's life and increase its efficiency between professional inspections and maintenance. Such as:

Regularly

  1. Get a high-efficiency, pleated air filter for your system.
  2. Keep your heating units and AC free of pollen, leaves, and grass.
  3. Keep two feet of space clear of your outdoor AC and heating units.
  4. Inspect refrigerant lines every month.
  5. Replace air filters at least every 90 days.
  6. In the summer, turn off the water running to the furnace humidifier.
  7. In the fall, replace the humidifier filter and turn the water back on.

Annually

Replace the carbon monoxide detector battery. Make sure your outdoor AC unit is on a firm and level ground. Clean AC condensation with a bleach and water mixture. Caring for your HVAC throughout the year will keep your work environment air quality and atmosphere pleasant, which keeps your staff happy and content. It will save you money by improving and maintaining your energy efficiency throughout your building.

SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is always ready to inspect and maintain your HVAC system. We're here to answer any questions you might have. Call us today at (813) 694-9082.

Wind Damage and What Happens After

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Protection From Wind Damage

Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can result in a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to your roof, garage, or car. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene is “Here to help” with storm restoration and storm damage protection before disaster strikes. We’re available 24/7 at (813) 694-9082. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm to your home when severe weather hits your property.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage 

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when a massive storm is approaching. SERVPRO® of North Tampa/ Magdalene can assist in storm damage prevention to help you prepare for the storm. By taking precautions to protect your home, you can ease your mind and reduce the strain on your wallet. 

  • Secure any potential debris around your home such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects. 
  • Keep up with regular tree maintenance, trimming dead limbs and removing weak trees, to reduce the likelihood of structural damage. 
  • Bolt your doors and windows with foot and head bolts; and reinforce your garage door and tracks. 
  • Ensure your roofing system has anchored trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. 
  • Install a roof covering that will protect the structure from high winds and impact from hail and other debris. 

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

A major storm or hurricane can cause extremely high levels of stress. SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene is “Here to help” and to lessen the emotional burden on you and your family. It is our top priority to make you and your family feel safe and cared for. We have identified these three key steps you can take immediately after a storm occurs.  

  1. Review and Assess the Damage 
  2. Contact SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene 
  3. Contact Your Insurance Provider 

Before you begin inspecting the damage to your home, check local news to make sure that your area is safe. Watch out for downed power lines and other hazards such as broken glass, standing water, and collapsing roof materials. Look around your property for holes in the roof, broken shingles, dents in gutters, and split seams. 

Once you have assessed the damage, call SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene at (813) 694-9082. We are available 24/7 and are committed to responding immediately to your flood or storm damage emergency. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

If you have insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. We will work closely with you and your insurance to find the best approach to your storm restoration. 

Contacting a storm damage restoration professional and your insurance provider as soon as the storm is over is imperative to limit secondary damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is “Here to help.” Contact us 24/7 at (813) 694-9082. 

Florida homeowners are no stranger to hurricanes and the damage that they can do to homes and communities. Some liken the water damage from a hurricane to that of a flood from a typical rainstorm, but the former is so much worse.

Flood damage in Tampa, Florida, results from a hurricane bringing water and salt from the ocean. Brackish water is hazardous, and it has the potential to create havoc on your home's structure and your possessions. Hurricane flood damage is severe and needs action immediately.

When salt comes into contact with wire insulation, metals, concrete, zinc, and other materials commonly used in homes, it's corrosive. Also, saltwater conducts its charge that increases the likelihood of power outages and electrical shock. A home damaged by saltwater decomposes faster if left sitting. The foundation, walls, flooring, and decorative stone and brick of your home will start to break down and be costly to repair the longer the problem persists.

Contacting experienced professionals, such as our team at SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, is key to protecting your home after a hurricane. It isn't easy removing saltwater from home; First, washing with freshwater before pumping can start. As time ticks before repairs commence, your home is vulnerable to water damage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Taking quick action is key to mitigating flood damage after a hurricane. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with speed and precision. If your home requires repair or assessment after a storm, call us at (813) 694-9082 for a quote or additional information regarding our services.

Advanced Technology to Provide Expert Service

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

 At SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, we stay up-to-date with the most advanced technology and techniques. With these advancements, SERVPRO® can restore your property swiftly, reliably, and to its preloss condition. You can count on a turnaround, whether using SERVPRO for your commercial or residential needs in Tampa, Florida. Practical standards for cleaning and restoration are in place by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Some of the equipment that helps SERVPRO adhere to the standards and stay true to the technological advancements are as follows:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

Specialized equipment detects, measures, and monitors a property's moisture levels to fit certain scientific drying principles. Recent technology, like infrared cameras, helps us find water through a wall, ceiling, or floor. For thorough water removal, an infrared camera is used to identify water location. To measure the extent of saturation, we use sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters.

Water Extraction

To measure the extent of saturation, we use sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters. Powerful extraction equipment removes most of the water from your home or business, which in turn accelerates the drying process. For continuous draining of high-level water, we use submersible and gas-powered pumps. For efficient water removal, we prefer truck-mounted and portable extraction units.

Drying

The remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors of your home or business removes by using industrial strength fans and dehumidifiers. Proper drying techniques help to avoid swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. High-speed fans quickly evaporate excess moisture
Industrial-grade dehumidifiers extract water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal

With water and fire damage, powerful odors follow. Our advanced machines eliminate airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup procedure. We utilize OSHA-approved cleaning agents.

Deodorization products control smells from an abundance of moisture. Disinfectants end bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms' growth. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene will provide you with the most advanced technology and techniques. With these advancements, SERVPRO can restore your property swiftly, reliably, and restore to its preloss condition.

Does My Tampa Home Need Microbial Contamination Cleaning?

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

What is mold?

Mold growing in your North Tampa home is a form of microbial contamination. Other types of microorganisms that affect a building are bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Do I have mold in my home?

Mold growth can spread rapidly through a seed or spore. Mold spores come in many varieties, spread quickly, and can be invisible. This makes sense, because the word “microbial” refers to microbes, or microorganisms too small for the naked eye to see. So while mold can manifest itself in visible ways, some of it cannot be seen until many days after its initial contamination.

Mold spores can become an issue, regardless of geographical location, because microbial contamination may come from:

  • outside rain water
  • a flood
  • a sewer disaster
  • bat or bird fecal matter
  • decaying animals
  • plumbing failures
  • a roof leak, etc.

Still, microbial growth is especially prone to areas with high humidity which happens because mold is living, relying on moisture to spread. When a mold spore lands on a piece of damp organic matter, it absorbs the matter and grows. Microbes can grow on dust in carpets, inside walls, on wood, on paper, in foods or insulation.

What to do if I notice mold?

In some cases of mold contamination, it may be necessary to remove structures (drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring) in order to allow access to the source. If toxic mold spreads, SERVPRO has many practical solutions for mold remediation. 

If you suspect microbial contamination, contact SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene at (813) 694-9082 for 24/7 service. 

Protection from Wind Damage

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can result in a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to your roof, garage, or car. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene is “Here to help” with storm restoration and storm damage protection before disaster strikes. We’re available 24/7 at (813) 694-9082. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm to your home when severe weather hits your property.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage 

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when a massive storm is approaching. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene can assist in storm damage prevention to help you save time while preparing for the storm. By taking precautions to protect your home, you can ease your mind and reduce the strain on your wallet. 

  • Secure any potential debris around your home such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects. 
  • Keep up with regular tree maintenance, trimming dead limbs, and removing weak trees, to reduce the likelihood of structural damage. 
  • Bolt your doors and windows with foot and head bolts, and reinforce your garage door and tracks. 
  • Ensure your roofing system has anchored trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. 
  • Install a roof covering that will protect the structure from high winds and impact from hail and other debris. 

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

A major storm or hurricane can cause extremely high levels of stress. SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene is “Here to help” and to lessen the emotional burden on you and your family. It is our top priority to make you and your family feel safe and cared for. We have identified these three key steps you can take immediately after a storm occurs.  

  1. Review and Assess the Damage 
  2. Contact SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene 
  3. Contact Your Insurance Provider 

Before you begin inspecting the damage to your home, check local news to make sure that your area is safe. Watch out for downed power lines and other hazards such as broken glass, standing water, and collapsing roof materials. Look around your property for holes in the roof, broken shingles, dents in gutters, and split seams. 

Once you have assessed the damage, call SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene at (813) 694-9082. We are available 24/7 and are committed to responding immediately to your flood or storm damage emergency. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

If you have insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. We will work closely with you and your insurance to find the best approach to your storm restoration. 

Contacting a storm damage restoration professional and your insurance provider as soon as the storm is over is imperative to limit secondary damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is “Here to help.” Contact us 24/7 at (813) 694-9082.

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage After a Storm

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

 SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with storm damage with speed and precision.

Florida homeowners are no stranger to hurricanes and the damage that they can do to homes and communities. Some liken the water damage from a hurricane to that of a flood from a typical rainstorm, but the former is so much worse.

Flood damage in Tampa, Florida, results from a hurricane bringing water and salt from the ocean. Brackish water is hazardous, and it has the potential to create havoc on your home's structure and your possessions. Hurricane flood damage is severe and needs action immediately.

When salt comes into contact with wire insulation, metals, concrete, zinc, and other materials commonly used in homes, it's corrosive. Also, saltwater conducts its charge that increases the likelihood of power outages and electrical shock. A home damaged by saltwater decomposes faster if left sitting. The foundation, walls, flooring, and decorative stone and brick of your home will start to break down and be costly to repair the longer the problem persists.

Contacting experienced professionals, such as our team at SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, is key to protecting your home after a hurricane. It isn't easy removing saltwater from home; First, washing with freshwater before pumping can start. As time ticks before repairs commence, your home is vulnerable to water damage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Taking quick action is key to mitigating flood damage after a hurricane. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with speed and precision. If your home requires repair or assessment after a storm, call us at (813) 694-9082 for a quote or additional information regarding our services.