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.

Mold in Your Indianapolis Home or Business

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis and our mold experts will make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold is a sign of a moisture problem in your home or business. This moisture issue needs to be addressed to prevent mold from growing. The mold can be hazardous to your health and should be removed and treated by mold remediation professionals.

Moisture Is Molds Friend

Mold happens as a result of excessive moisture. While mold out in the woods is perfectly fine, mold in your home or business is not good. Moisture in your home can be from a leaky pipe, cracks in the foundation, gaps around your door or windows, poorly ventilated bathroom, and a damp basement or crawlspace, to name a few. It’s essential to address the moisture problems quickly; otherwise, mold can start to grow, causing even further damage to your home.

Address the Moisture Problem

If your bathroom, basement, or crawl space smells musty, you probably have a moisture problem. While a dehumidifier may remove some moisture from a basement, you want to identify what is causing the excessive moisture and fix the root of the problem. Moisture in a basement and crawl space can be caused by poor drainage from your home’s perimeter. It can also be caused by cracks in your foundation, leaky pipes, or condensation from poorly insulated pipes.

Moisture in a bathroom is usually caused by poor ventilation. After taking a shower, it is recommended to open the bathroom door to allow the excess moisture to escape and air out of the bathroom. You may also want to ensure the exhaust fan is working correctly and running when taking a shower.

By addressing the moisture problem and preventing it, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growing in your home or business. However, even if you don’t spot any mold around a moisture problem, it is still a good idea to have mold remediation professionals, like SERVPRO, examine your home for mold spores.

Mold Remediation

If you spot mold in your home, it is highly recommended to call the SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis mold experts. Our professionals will inspect, assess, and remediate your mold problem. As mentioned earlier, the first step in mold remediation is fixing the moisture problem. The next step is to keep the mold from growing further. Once the mold is contained, it is removed along with mold-infested materials like drywall and insulation.

It’s important to note that mold spores are microscopic and naturally occurring inside and outside a home. Therefore, mold spores are not dangerous and cannot be removed completely. However, when mold spores are exposed to moisture, they can quickly grow into mold colonies, leading to health problems. When this happens, you should call mold remediation pros at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis to remediate the mold problem.

If you should spot mold in your home, call the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis at 317-243-0896 for 24-hour emergency service. We have specialized equipment, professional training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home or business to its pre-mold condition.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis New Location!

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  joins you as a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry as your restoration company. We strive to meet or exceed the expectations of every customer, client, and business. We provide an optimal experience for everyone involved with their property damage. Every property, every project, every customer deserves excellence.

Water intrusion for a home or business is always a traumatic event. Effectively restoring a fire or water damaged property is such a valuable service to any homeowner or business owner. This type of disruption creates stress and uncertainty for many individuals and can be very costly.

This is when you call us at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  to provide guidance and assistance. Our goal is to ensure the best decisions are made through these difficult times for your residential and commercial properties.

If the damage is severe, you will need to hire a water damage restoration company for to repair and restore your home or business. Understanding what to expect from a water damage restoration company can help make the process less overwhelming.

There is no such thing as a small disaster, especially with the intrusion of water you can’t see; it can contain bacteria, mold, rot, or other unseen damage.

Excessive water and moisture in any indoor environment can pose health risks for occupants and if it is not resolved properly. Water intrusion can cause severe damages to both your structure and contents, as well as risking the need for mold remediation.

Water damage can also affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and clean it yourself, consider how the damage can potentially affect the long term structure of your home or business. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis knows how disruptive water damage can be for your home or business and are trained to manage the drying process from start to finish.

With our water cleanup and restoration services, we can help you regain control quickly by helping to ensure your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized, and protected.

The goal of emergency restoration is to protect your structure and contents from further damage. This typically involves calculating and positioning air movers and dehu's within the affected area.

Once the equipment is placed, we monitor the drying process and make sure it is working properly. Monitoring services continue until the structure and contents are dry as we evaluate, update monitoring logs, and make adjustments as needed.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis , independently owned and operated focused on damage restoration services to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis Emergency Fire and Water Damage

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis Fire Damage

Dealing with the aftermath of emergency fire damage restoration can be extremely stressful especially when soot has made its way through your house and completely covered all of your belongings.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis is trained and licensed to give you an optimal experience as we care for your residential or commercial property as your SERVPRO of Indianapolis, independently owned and operated location. It should be known that soot restoration is one of the most difficult aspects of a house fire as it can be very damaging.

 According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), three of every five home fire deaths could have been prevented.

Most fatal fires happen when families are asleep giving them less than adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. Smoke alarms are crucial elements in the early detection of fires.

National Fire Safety is important all year round and while the main focus is preventing residential fires, our team here at  SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  would like to remind everyone this is a great time to revisit workplace fire prevention & safety.

 Below are 12 tips to ensure a fire-safe workplace:

Step 1. Get Organized– Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.

Step 2. Designated Smoking Areas – Smoke only in designated areas and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.

Step 3. Fire Extinguishers – Maintaining the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

Step 4. Electrical Hazards – Report all electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment.

Step 5. Access to Control Panels – Electrical control panels need to have free access maintained so that the electric could be shut off easily.

Step 6. Maintenance – Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.

Step 7. Sprinkler Systems & Smoke Detectors – Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials. Testing of sprinkler systems and smoke detectors at least annually.

Step 8. Chemical Safety – Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.

Step 9. Waste Control & Storage – Control the accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency.

Step 10. Prevent Ignition – Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.

Step 11. Exits – Emergency exit diagrams should be posted and emergency exits should be well lit with neon-regulation signs.

Step 12. Contact Info – Employees should have a list of emergency contact phone numbers in case of emergency. Remember that people will often panic in an intense situation; therefore basics such as the company address, phone number and floor plan should be posted.

Planning to ensure fire protection and safety is key to avoiding unwanted fire issues.

Residential and Commercial Fire Clean Up

Soot can be one of the hardest parts of fire restoration clean up and is developed through three different methods:

• Wet soot residue—results from smoldering, low-heat fires. This residue is sticky, smeary, and has a very pungent odor.
• Dry soot residue—results from fast-burning fires with high temperatures. This residue is typically dry, powdery, and non-smeary.
• Protein residue—almost invisible but can discolor paints and varnishes in your home. This residue also has an extremely pungent odor.

Each type of soot is different and requires specific expertise to clean for such needs or concerns.

Our fire repair process is outlined online for your review.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis , your SERVPRO of Indianapolis, faster to any size disaster, for all your fire and restoration needs.

Every state in the US is vulnerable to flooding.

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis Storms

Indianapolis homeowners may be surprised to know that every state in the US is vulnerable to flooding--even the dry ones. Storm damage repair in Indianapolis will always be a valuable resource. Changes in sea level, as well as weather patterns, are enough to create sudden floods that cause damage to homes and infrastructure.

Homeowners with flood coverage will still need complete restoration from our professional cleanup team if a flood was to occur. Being prepared and asking your insurance agent about flood coverage is the first step. Once you're aware of what's needed and what a flood policy would cover for your home, you will know exactly what to do if an event like this was to occur.

Water can make its way through any structure causing long-term damage. It is important to hire professionals to provide a thorough water damage restoration process to prevent secondary damage. You can potentially need mold remediation in the future if microbial issues are detected.

If your home has been affected, you need a water restoration company in Indianapolis that can provide storm damage restoration and rapid flood damage cleanup.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  technicians are ready to restore your home or business to a preloss condition. Our team has received training from the IICRC to provide the highest standards of cleaning for fire, water, and mold damage.

We work with insurance companies and homeowners to ensure all cleanup processes comply with policy in the event an insurance claim does need to be made.

Completing a Proof of Loss for Your Flood Claim

Your insurance adjuster can assist you in the process of filling out the right paperwork and completing this portion of your claim. Make sure you file as soon as possible, and everything complies with the needs of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. This will help ensure you are paid within 60 days of the flood.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis technicians will take photos of the damage, document inventory of all possessions, and coordinate with both you and your insurance adjuster. If there are important documents that need to be restored, we can scan and create electronic copies so you can have access to them promptly.

A successful cleanup begins with thorough monitoring of the situation.  SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  use a variety of moisture meters to evaluate the extent of damage before extracting, disinfecting surfaces, and drying your home.

Throughout the drying process, we can use penetrating and non-penetrating moisture sensors and meters to determine the progress from our restoration services. Infrared imaging allows technicians to see behind structures to determine if subfloors, studs, or fiberglass insulation require further drying.

Every surface in your home has an ideal humidity level to maintain its integrity, from hardwood flooring to drywall or your furniture. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  strives to ensure your items that can be safely restored are handled with the utmost care. Possessions that require replacement are not removed without documentation and the informed consent of homeowners and insurance adjusters.

Your home could potentially need general contracting services for restoration services, which we can walk you through once you decide. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  is licensed to handle both restoration and rebuilding this type of work.

How SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis can help with a Tornado

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage & Repair

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds causing property damage. A tornado is a rotating column of air that occurs during a thunderstorm and can have wind speeds that reach up to 300mph. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust, and debris.

Know The Signs And Be Prepared

Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Know the signs of a tornado, a rotating funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar similar to a freight train. Many people have reported that when a tornado is approaching, the sound they hear is like a train barreling down the tracks.
2. Know your community's warning system and understand the difference between a tornado watch and warning through the national weather service.
3. A warning means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon and to go to a safe place immediately. A watch means conditions are favorable, and a tornado is possible.
4. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local news channel for current emergency information and instructions. With advanced technology in weather forecasting, meteorologists can pinpoint circling winds and inform the public like never before.

Assemble An Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit for you and your family. Put these items in zip lock bags and store them all in a plastic tub. Many different times can make up a kit, but here are a few of the basics to keep in mind.

It's recommended to have one gallon of water per person for at least three days, drinking and sanitation. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. A flashlight, first aid kit, and extra batteries are all essential to keep in your kit.

Where To Go

Preparation is essential, and something we should all take time to do. It's a great idea to plan ahead of a disaster and chose a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way.

It could be your basement or storm cellar, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest level. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.

Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Always remember to stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

Understanding The Risk

Know your area's tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a higher risk for tornadoes. If you lived on the west coast, you probably would read about mudslides and wildfires preparedness rather than thunderstorms and tornadoes.

The infamous Tornado Alley, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, still leads in the number of tornadoes. While Indiana is not one of the states that make up the region known as Tornado Alley, tornadoes aren't unusual in Indiana. Indiana averages 22 tornadoes each year, and that's why it's crucial to plan ahead to help keep your family safe.

If You Have Storm Or Tornado Damage

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis is here to help as your water damage company for Indianapolis. We offer emergency services as a restoration company for homes or businesses after a storm has passed. Some of these restoration services include roof tarping, basement flooding, water removal, covering broken windows, water damage repair, sump pump, structure dry out, and any flood damage repair in Indianapolis.