Turkey, Tinsel, and Fire Safety

11/9/2024 (Permalink)

Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving from all of us at SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis.

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious meals, and creating lasting memories. But amidst all the preparation and celebration, it's important to remember that the holiday season also brings an increased risk of fire hazards. Whether you’re cooking a big feast at home or hosting a business event, fire safety should always be a top priority.

1. Keep an Eye on the Stove and Oven

Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of Thanksgiving-related accidents. As tempting as it may be to walk away from the kitchen while your turkey is roasting or the potatoes are simmering, never leave cooking food unattended. If you're frying a turkey, make sure to follow safety instructions carefully, as hot oil can cause devastating fires if spilled or splashed.

2. Stay Safe with Candles

Candles are a popular decoration for Thanksgiving, especially as the evening darkens. However, they pose a serious fire risk if left unattended or placed too close to flammable materials like curtains, tablecloths, or decorations. Always blow out candles when leaving a room or before going to bed, and consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.

3. Decorations Matter

When decorating for Thanksgiving, be mindful of your choices. Many seasonal decorations, like hay bales and dried flowers, are highly flammable. Keep these materials away from heat sources, such as stoves, fireplaces, and space heaters, to avoid potential fires.

4. Make Sure Smoke Detectors Are Working

Before your Thanksgiving festivities begin, test the smoke alarms in your home or business to ensure they're functioning properly. If your alarms are low on batteries, replace them—it's a quick fix that could save lives in the event of a fire.

5. Have an Emergency Plan

Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a company event, always have an emergency escape plan in place. Make sure everyone knows how to exit the building safely and where to meet outside in case of a fire. If you own a commercial property, make sure employees and customers are aware of the evacuation routes.

What If the Worst Happens? SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is Here to Help

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If a fire breaks out during your Thanksgiving celebration, SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is ready to help you recover. We offer fire damage restoration services for both homes and businesses, providing fast, professional cleanup to get your property back to normal as quickly as possible.

From smoke and soot removal to structural repairs, our team is trained to handle all aspects of fire damage restoration. We’ll work with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency situations.

Don’t let a Thanksgiving fire ruin your holiday—call SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis at (317) 243-0896 to learn how we can help you restore your property and peace of mind, no matter the situation.

Stay safe and enjoy a fire-free holiday season!

Ensuring a Safe and Cozy Winter in Indianapolis, IN

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is committed to helping you safeguard your home and loved ones.

As temperatures drop and we embrace the warmth of our homes, it's crucial to prioritize fire safety to prevent potential hazards. SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is committed to helping you safeguard your home and loved ones. Here are some essential tips to reduce the risk of home fires this winter:

Heating Safety: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Ensure proper maintenance of your heating system, including regular inspections and cleanings.

Fireplace Caution: Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before the winter season. Use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping and never leave a fire unattended.

Candle Care: Place candles on stable surfaces away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable items. Never leave candles burning when you leave a room or go to sleep.

Electricity Safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors when necessary. Inspect electrical cords for damage and replace them if needed.

Cooking Awareness: Never leave cooking unattended, especially with stovetops and ovens. Keep flammable items away from heat sources in the kitchen.

Smoke Alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in central locations on every level of your home. Check and replace batteries regularly.

Chimney Maintenance: Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings to prevent creosote buildup. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide issues.

Fire Safety Plan: Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting point. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher.

Space Portable Heaters: Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and turn them off when leaving the room. Choose heaters with automatic shut-off features.

Emergency Equipment: Ensure your home is equipped with fire extinguishers, and everyone knows their location. Keep emergency numbers, including SERVPRO's, easily accessible.

By following these winter home fire safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires and create a safe and warm environment for you and your loved ones. SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is here to assist with fire damage restoration if needed. Stay safe and enjoy a cozy winter season!

SERVPRO's Water Restoration Expertise in Indianapolis

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Experts at SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis are here to tackle whatever challenges arise

Water damage is an unfortunate reality for many property owners in Indianapolis, but the local restoration experts at SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis are here to tackle whatever challenges arise. Whether your home or commercial property experiences water damage due to flooding, leaks, or other unforeseen circumstances, our experienced team is equipped with the necessary skills and tools to restore your property effectively.

Immediate Response to Water Emergencies

At SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis, we understand that water emergencies can happen at any time. Whether it's flooding from storms or internal water damage within your Indianapolis property, our team responds promptly to your call. Our skilled technicians are trained to handle a variety of water damage scenarios, ensuring that your property is restored with precision and care.

Advanced Equipment for Swift Restoration

Utilizing state-of-the-art inspection and extraction equipment, we locate and remove water as quickly as possible. Our comprehensive approach involves closely monitoring and documenting the entire drying process to guarantee that your property is restored to its pre-damage condition promptly.

Local Expertise with a Personal Touch

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis takes pride in being an active member of the community. We understand the unique challenges that Indianapolis residents face, and we are committed to providing top-notch water damage restoration services to our neighbors.

Call Us Today for Water or Flood Damage Assistance

If you find yourself dealing with water or flood damage, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (317) 243-0896. We're here to serve our local communities, including Indianapolis, and are dedicated to making our community the best it can be.

At SERVPRO, we believe in restoring not just properties but also the peace of mind of our valued neighbors in Indianapolis. Trust us to navigate the challenges of water damage and bring your property back to life.

5 Essential Freeze Tips to Safeguard Your Home During the Winter

12/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis has you covered. Enjoy the festivities with peace of mind!

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing to spend time away from home, creating cherished memories with loved ones. While this festive period is filled with joy, it's essential to ensure that your home remains protected, especially during the winter freeze. SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis brings you five crucial tips to safeguard your home during winter storms and ensure peace of mind while you celebrate the holidays.

Maintain Heating Systems:

Before leaving for your holiday getaway, check that your heating systems are in optimal condition. Ensure the thermostat is set to a temperature that prevents freezing pipes. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that allows remote monitoring and adjustments.

Insulate Pipes and Exteriors:

Protect your pipes by insulating them against the cold. Additionally, insulate any exposed exterior areas of your home to prevent heat loss. This can include windows, doors, and other openings where cold air could infiltrate.

Turn Off Water Supply:

To minimize the risk of water damage, turn off the main water supply to your home before leaving. This precautionary step can prevent potential leaks or bursts in your absence.

Arrange for Snow Removal:

If you're expecting snow during your time away, make arrangements for snow removal services. A buildup of snow and ice can lead to roof damage, leaks, or even structural issues. Hiring professionals or having a trusted neighbor clear your driveway and walkways can help prevent these problems.

Install a Smart Security System:

Enhance your home's security with a smart system that includes features like motion detectors, door/window sensors, and remote monitoring. This not only protects your home from potential break-ins but also allows you to keep an eye on environmental factors like temperature and humidity.

This holiday season, enjoy the festivities with the peace of mind that your home is well-protected. Implementing these winter freeze tips will help safeguard your property, ensuring a worry-free celebration. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home safe and secure during the winter months.

Mold Remediation Process in Central and Downtown Indianapolis

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis are the experts on restoring fire, water and mold damage. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold damage varies, but our commitment to effective mold remediation remains constant. Here’s an overview of the steps we take at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis to restore your property:

Emergency Contact - (317) 243-0896

Our mold cleanup journey begins with your call. We gather crucial information to determine the necessary resources, equipment, and personnel for a tailored solution.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Adhering to local and state laws, we guide you through the inspection and documentation process, tailored to your unique situation. Our advanced technologies help identify hidden mold and water sources.

Mold Containment

To prevent mold spread, we employ various containment procedures. Negative air chambers and physical barriers, coupled with negative air pressure, confine the contaminated area. Turning off fans and HVAC systems further halts mold spore dispersion.

Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores, ensuring a controlled environment. Powerful "air scrubbers" and HEPA vacuums prevent spore dissemination during the remediation.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments eliminate mold colonies, inhibiting new growth. For severe infestations, removal and disposal of mold-infested materials like drywall and carpeting are undertaken.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We extend our cleaning expertise to your belongings, utilizing various techniques to disinfect and restore furniture, clothing, and decorative items. Fogging equipment aids in odor removal.

Restoration

Depending on mold damage levels, restoration may involve minor repairs, such as painting and drywall replacement, or major reconstruction of affected areas. This final step ensures your home or business is restored to its pre-mold condition.

At SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis, our comprehensive mold remediation process is designed to bring your property back to normal, providing peace of mind. Call us for expert mold restoration – we're Here to Help®.

Commercial Fire Damage in Central Indianapolis

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Central Indianapolis commercial fires can be critical. A fire can quickly spread and impact your property’s equipment, structure, hours of operation and can even put your employees at risk. Additional damage from water and mold can occur after a fire. Good planning can help ensure that a fire does not happen. Read more about the top causes of commercial fires and how to prevent such fires.

Cooking Incidents

The top cause of commercial incidents are cooking fires. High cooking temperatures and flammable materials can be dangerous if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment was the leading cause of fires in all healthcare facilities. All businesses can suffer from cooking fires. However, cooking fires are more likely to happen in restaurants.

Lightning/Electrical Issues

Many electrical or lightning problems can develop from old destructive wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty uses, and other electrical issues. Worn out electrical cords and faulty wiring can also cause commercial fires.

Smoking

Cigarettes not extinguished and disposed of properly cause smoking and can lead to a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking materials account for 9% of fires in commercial buildings.

Heating Equipment

During the Indianapolis winter season we use heating equipment more frequently than in other states. Furnaces, radiators, and boilers can overheat and result in a fire. It is important to have heating equipment installed by trusted professionals. Improperly installed equipment can prove to be hazardous and cause a fire. Having the heating equipment maintained regularly can prevent a fire.

Fire Alarms and Smoke Detectors

It is important to follow fire regulations for all commercial buildings. Fire alarms and smoke detectors are vital components of an early warning system. Review our fire safety tips to ensure everyone understands how to minimize the risk for commercial fires.

Water Damage? Call The Pros

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy rains can create a disastrous and stressful situation. According to the American Insurance Association, water damage claims grow faster than other homeowner’s insurance claims. Every year about one in fifty homeowners will experience water damage and file a claim.

At SERVPRO of Central of Indianapolis, our certified professionals have specific water damage training and will walk through this difficult and confusing time. If you need water emergency services, we recommend calling SERVPRO Team Olson to help you with your water damage.

Tips - What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

• Evaluate if the house is safe to stay inside.
• If your property is safe, remove slip and fall hazards.

Steps to Take After Flooding

• Stop the water source or minimize the flow of water entering your property.
• Try to remove excess water by using a mop, a wet vacuum, or a cloth.
• Clean and dry small areas affected by water damage.
• Protect carpet and furnishings in the affected area.
• Remove valuable items, including personal items, jewelry, and heirloom items.

When you call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis, a customer services representative will go through some quick questions to help better assess your situation. The following are examples of questions they will ask:

• Name and Contact information.
• Location of the affected property.
• Source if the water damage.
• Approximately time the water damage occurred.
• Rooms affected by the water damage.
• Have you seen signs of mold growing anywhere in the structure or contents?

An immediate response is needed to minimize damage, cleaning time, and restoration costs of your property. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis professionals will get to work quickly on mitigation damage and restoring your home or business.

Thunderstorms Hazard Information in Indianapolis

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis specializes in mitigation and restoration services

According to FEMA, no state in the United States is 100% safe from severe weather threats. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that can create hail, cause tornadoes and floods, which can lead to structural roof and mold problems. When thunder roars in Indianapolis, go indoors! Read more to learn a few storm facts provided by Ready. Gov:

Storms can create a temporary overflow of water onto dry land.

Thunderstorms can produce damaging straight-line winds over 50 MPH.

Thunderstorms can cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

At any given time, there are about 2,000 thunderstorms in progress.

How to prepare for thunderstorms:

Create an emergency plan

Prep your first aid kit

Sign up for your community’s warning system

Assess your area’s risk for thunderstorms

Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home

Thunderstorms and water leaks can be very damaging. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for storm and water emergencies. Water can easily seep into your home and soak into the floors, walls, furniture and other surfaces. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis provides emergency mitigation and restoration services 24/7/265. Call us at 317-243-0896

House Fire in Indianapolis

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning every inch of your home is essential to make it "Like it never even happened."

When a fire happens in a home, not only do you have the fire causing damage, but there's also smoke and often water damage from the fire department. At SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis, we have a proven fire damage restoration process that we follow to ensure every fire, no matter its size is handled quickly and professionally to return things at home back to normal as fast as possible.

Time is of the Utmost Importance

Once the fire has been put out, it's essential to call us, SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis, as soon as possible. Even in the middle of the night, we're available 24/7 to help. We are ready to take your call no matter the time of day or night. For example, sometimes, the fire department needs to break windows and cut holes in the roof to vent the house so that they can fight the fire properly. If that happens to you, we can properly secure the structure even in the middle of the night. Call us at 317-243-0896, and we'll help you and your family get back the life you had before the flames took over.

A Close Examination of the Fire

Examining the damage a fire has caused to a home requires experience and discipline. With a fire, you have smoke and soot that can quickly move from the source of the fire to the rest of the home. It can travel through doorways, stairwells, and ductwork. It can also get into every little crack and crevice in your home from outlets, sockets, lights, and behind, under, and on top of every piece of furniture and appliance.

When our fire restoration experts first arrive at your home, they will start from the source of the fire and examine every inch of your home as they fan out away from the source. If the air conditioner or heater were running during the fire, this could quickly cause the smoke and soot to be carried throughout the home. Our experts will know what to look for from years of experience to lay out a plan of action to ensure every piece of evidence that a fire has occurred is completely gone.

Protect Against the Elements

In many home fire situations, there may be damage to the home's exterior that would cause the outside elements, like rain, to get inside. For example, if windows have been broken, doors kicked in, roofs damaged, or exterior walls damaged from the fire, we will first board up any windows or doors and cover any roof or wall damage with tarps to keep the elements from causing further damage to your home.

The Water Has Got to Go

If the fire department was called to the fire and had to use their trucks or hydrants to put out the fire, you would be dealing with a lot of water damage. To keep the water from stagnating and causing mold in your home, our experts will extract the water from your home, treat any damp areas to prevent mold from growing, and employ industrial drying fans and dehumidifiers to remove all the moisture from inside your home. This step is crucial as black mold can quickly grow in situations like this causing even further damage to your home and being a health hazard.

Getting the Smoke and Soot Out

The next step is cleaning your home and removing the smoke and soot damage. At SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis, we use special equipment and solutions to remove even the most stubborn of smoke and soot. We are highly trained to recognize smoke migration patterns and identify the proper cleaning process for each and every individual case. The smoke and soot can quickly spread along the ceiling and through the ductwork. You don't realize how much surface area there is in your home until you have to clean every inch of it due to smoke and soot damage.

Cleaning Up the Small Stuff

Take a look around the room you are in now. Every single item you see would have to be professionally cleaned and sanitized to remove any signs that a fire happened nearby. With upholstery and fabrics, the smoke odor can sometimes be removed with special equipment that creates a gas that can break down the smoke molecules and remove the odors. This usually requires us to take the furniture to our facility, where we can safely do this. For other items like wood furniture and other solid surfaces, we can usually scrub these down and sanitize them. For electronics, due to the many circuit boards and wires inside them, they are very sensitive to high heat and soot residue and can sometimes be challenging to restore fully.

Finishing Touches

If the fire caused any damage to floors, ceilings, or walls that we couldn't clean up or restore, then our experts will replace them. This can be anything from drywall to carpets to cabinets to new flooring or ceilings. Our mission is to restore your home as if nothing ever even happened. We hope no one ever has to experience a home fire, but if they do, then we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Call the fire cleanup experts at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis at 317-243-0896 for 24-hour emergency service if you should suffer a house fire. At SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis, we have specialized equipment, professional training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to its preloss condition.

Water Damage to an Indianapolis Home or Business

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen in many different ways. Call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis to dry your home or business.

If you are looking for professionals with the knowledge and expertise to restore your home and property after it has suffered water damage, then call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis.

The water damage restoration professionals of SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis service businesses and homes that have suffered water damage around the Indianapolis area and beyond.

If you’ve had a pipe burst, leaky roof, toilet backup, sump pump failure, or tub overflowing, call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis to clean up the mess and restore your property as if nothing ever happened.

When to Call Water Damage Restoration Professionals

Water damage to an Indianapolis-area business or home can be caused in many ways. Heavy storms can reveal roof leaks and foundation cracks that let the water inside. During winter, pipes exposed to cold temperatures can freeze and burst.

Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and clothes washers can slowly leak behind walls, floors, and inside cabinets. Sewers can back up into basements and through the drains on lower levels of homes.

As you can see, water can get into your home and damage it in many ways. So, while one may think drinking water or rainwater isn’t as damaging as sewer water or black water, that’s not the case.

Will Clean Water Damage My Home?

While sewer water or blackwater, as defined, can quickly lead to mold growth in a home, clean water can also lead to dangerous mold growth. Blackwater contains lots of dirty bacteria that can quickly promote mold growth by itself.

Clean water can cause mold spores that are naturally present in the air, and dust can also lead to mold growth. The dangers in clean water leading to mold growth are that clean water can quickly go unseen in a home due to the lack of odor compared to black water.

Clean water, or gray water, rainwater, can leak into a home’s attic, walls, or crawl spaces and linger without being spotted. This water can lead to mold spores activating and growing in these unseen areas. It’s not until the mold spreads to visible parts of the home or causes a musty odor that it is finally found. Unfortunately, by that time, the damage caused by the mold can be pretty extensive.

Look for the Signs of Water Damage and Call the Experts Right Away

Whenever it rains, it’s always a good idea to check around your home for any leaks. Check the external walls, ceilings, and windows. If you have a basement or crawlspace, check it for any water entering your home. Always check around sinks, tubs, showers, and washers for sitting water or even the smallest of leaks. It doesn’t take much water to cause damage to a home.

The quicker you spot a leak or water in your home, the faster you can call water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis to stop the damage and restore your home.  

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis has the experience expertise, and tools to properly and effectively remove the water and mold damage and restore your home as if nothing ever happened. Call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis today at 317-243-0896 to learn how we can help with fire, smoke, water, and mold damage.