A Fire Evacuation Plan Could Keep Your Family Safe

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to even think about a fire starting and spreading through their home, but it is important to be prepared in case an emergency does arise. Developing a fast and seamless evacuation plan is crucial to keeping your family members safe. Designing and practicing the plan can help ensure that everyone is prepared in case of a disaster. Here are the most essential components of a home evacuation plan:

1. Escape Routes

Indicating designated escape routes within your home will help to avoid confusion and help make for faster thinking. Take note of all the exits in your house, including doors and windows. It’s preferable to indicate two escape routes for each room so that everyone has more options to get out safely in the event of a home fire.

1. Smoke Alarms

Be sure to check that all smoke alarms are functioning properly. There should be one installed in each bedroom as well as outside of each sleeping area. Smoke alarms must also be present on each level of the house, including the basement. Having the right number of functioning alarms in your home is a vital aspect of basic fire preparation.

1. Meeting Area

It is important to designate a meeting place, especially because your family may be confused or panicked after escaping your home. This meeting place will allow you to be sure that everyone made it out okay. Examples of a meeting area include:

• Mailbox
• Street sign
• Light post
• Another house far away from yours

Be sure that the meeting place is sufficiently far from your home and clearly indicate it to all of your family members.

1. Practice

The most effective way to ensure that everyone follows the plan in a real emergency is to practice it repeatedly. Conducting drills will help familiarize your family with the plan, so it comes naturally in case of a fire. When everyone is prepared, they can react calmly and stay safe.

Creating a reliable fire escape plan is only the first step towards recovering from a fire. To have your home return to its normal state, contact us at SERVPRO of Toledo East.

We Know of to Identifying and Effectively Clean Your Smoke Damage!

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our pros can help identify the type of smoke damage, and take the right actions to clean it!

Smoke and soot can spread worse than a fire, leaving hidden damage and odor that can take forever to be rid of. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Toledo East will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Smoke and fire damage can differ per situation. Our professionals have the equipment and expertise to handle whatever kind of damage you experience.

Contact us today! 419-495-5220

Is Your HVAC System Clean?

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever noticed at home, or in your office at work, how quickly dust builds up on your desk or furniture? Think about the dust that you see and imagine the dust that you can’t! Poor air quality can lead to a multitude of negative health effects. Ventilation systems are the number one culprit for poor air quality indoors. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

HVACs that have been operating for some time without maintenance can circulate pollen, dander, bacteria, and other harmful particles through the air, even mold.

Keeping your airducts clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and time, and give you cleaner air to breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO of Toledo East will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. We’ll provide you with peace of mind and handle your HVAC needs.

Is SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile® Right for Your Business?

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

You can never fully anticipate water damage or a fire to strike in your office, but that doesn’t mean you should not prepare as much as you can for any kind of disaster. Many businesses never reopen following a disaster; those that survive did so because they had some type of plan in place. With the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile®, you can minimize your business’s interruptions by knowing what to do before a disaster occurs. This is key to timely mitigation and can help to minimize the effects that a fire or water damage can have on your business.

Call SERVPRO of Toledo East today and get a NO COST assessment of your business’ facility today. All it requires is a little bit of your time today, but if needed will save a lot of time in the future. 

Contact us today! 419-495-5220

What Will You Do to Prevent Water Damage?

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

When water is where it shouldn't be, call the pros!

Water damage can affect your commercial property at any time without notice. No time is the right time to experience disaster. Once the initial shock wears off, you are left to clean up the mess and reopen as soon as possible.

Do you know what to do or how to handle disaster when it strikes your commercial business? Do you have a plan? Who do you call?

Developing a plan of action and doing your part to be prepared can significantly reduce property damage and help your business get back on track as soon as possible.

Large-scale losses can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Knowing where your emergency shut offs are located is crucial. Make sure that someone else is aware as well in case you are not there during an emergency. Create an emergency plan with directions of what to do as well as a contact list for disaster relief. Appoint someone you trust to make decisions in case of your absence.

It is a good idea to contact a water restoration company such a SERVPRO of Toledo East. Not only do we have the knowledge and the resources to handle any size disaster, but we also have the capability to help you put together an “Emergency Ready Plan” Before disaster strikes. This “ERP” is not meant to replace an emergency plan that you may already have in place, but it will help you to compile all your emergency contact information and show you how to get your business on the road to recovery.

Call SERVPRO of Toledo East and Schedule an appointment today! 419-495-5220

SERVPRO of Toledo East Supports the American Red Cross

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Often, when people think of disasters and disaster relief the first thing that comes to mind is the American Red Cross. We share many of the same values as the American Red Cross, and we appreciate everything they are able to do when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO is and has been a national sponsor of the American Red Cross and their Ready Rating Program since March of 2013. The ready rating program is free and is web-based. It is designed to help businesses, organizations, and schools become better prepared in case of an emergency. There is no such thing as being too prepared, and the American Red Cross helps these organizations prepare for any kind of emergency.

In January 2016, SERVPRO renewed its commitment to the American Red Cross. The strategy is now focusing more on their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign by supporting Disaster Responders. 

The goal of this campaign is to reduce home fire deaths and injuries across the country. Our support of Disaster Responders enables them to assist affected families quickly by providing trained volunteers, supplies, emergency response vehicles, and resources to transform community sites into shelters.

On the local level, SERVPRO of Toledo East is always looking for ways to support the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio. Alongside them, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our friends and family in the community. We are there to help you prepare to avoid disaster, and there to help after disaster strikes.

How You Can Prevent Electrical Fires in Just Two Steps!

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire might be far down on your list of worries. “My home is safe, that wouldn’t happen to me.” But, electrical fires can happen to anyone. With over 51,000 fires happening every year, there's a chance that you are at risk, even if you’re unaware of any points of potential danger. But there’s no need to worry! We’re here to let you know what you can do to prevent fire damage to your home!

1. Check Your Power Cords and Outlets Regularly

This is the easiest step you can adapt. Power cords are often put in the wrong places, or plugged in improperly. Power cords can be tripping hazards, so it is important to keep your cords organized and out of walkways. Power cords should not be kept under carpets, or anywhere that they will be consistently stepped on. Power cords can fray with constant pressure, which increases the risk of a fire.

2. Check Electrical Wiring

This second step is not as easy, but just as important. Every month or so, checking the wiring around your house can be a good way to prevent fires. Look for any loose or general abnormalities with your wiring. It's also a good idea to listen for crackling or sizzling sounds behind halls. If you notice any sizzling, be sure to turn off the source and contact a professional. 

Despite taking these precautions, accidents can happen. If you experience fire damage, make sure to call the experts at SERVPRO of Toledo East to repair your fire damage. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened!"

Contact us today! 419-495-5220

Easy Steps to Prevent Kitchen Fires in Your Toledo East Home!

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

For some, cooking is a fun hobby and something to enjoy. For others, cooking is tedious and tiresome. And for a few, cooking should probably be avoided at all cost. No matter what category you fall into, it is important to understand how easily kitchen fires can start. Cooking can become mundane, even if you enjoy it, which can lead to inattention and accidents. Keep these five tips in mind next time you cook to avoid the risk of a kitchen fire!

• Never leave cooking unattended. Whether your frying, broiling, or searing, it is important to keep an eye out to be sure nothing is burning or catching fire. If you have to leave the room, turn off the burner on your stove. Nobody wants burnt food, and nobody wants a kitchen fire.
• Timers are your best friend in the kitchen. Not only do they prevent food from being overcooked or burning, but they also remind you that something is still cooking! After a long day at work, it can be easy to forget even something you were just focused on.
• Keep your kids away from the kitchen area. It is important to educate your children on the dangers that come with a stove and oven. Kids are curious, so it is important to establish a safe boundary where they can watch, but can’t play.
• Keep flammable kitchen items, like pot holders, dish towels, or curtains, away from stoves and ovens. Remember that your sleeves or hair may also catch fire, so be cautious of how you dress while cooking.
• Prevent grease build up by cleaning surfaces regularly.

Accidents happen! If you do experience damage from a kitchen fire, be sure to call our experts at SERVPRO of Toledo East for your professional clean up! 

What Supporting Local Means to Us at Toledo East

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Recently, there has been a large emphasis on the necessity of supporting local businesses. Local businesses help to make a community unique and rich with its own culture. That’s why SERVPRO of Toledo East is proud to be locally owned and operated. When you support SERVPRO of Toledo East, you’re supporting local businesses near you. Here are three big reasons why is serving local businesses is so important!

1. Boosting the Local Economy 

Kind of a no brainer here, don’t you think? By supporting a local business, you allow that business to grow. When the business grows, they need to hire more employees to support that growth. It’s very likely they’ll hire people that live nearby, which keeps the money within the community.  

2. Building Community Connections

This goes hand-in-hand with boosting the local economy. Local businesses that garner consistent support become staples within the community. Those businesses become  places where people can meet up, make new friends, or reunite with old ones. The connections and culture of the community are formed in these places.  

3. Environmental Preservation

You probably know preserving the environment is important, but did you know supporting local businesses does just that? Local businesses tend to also buy from local merchants, instead of from huge corporations elsewhere, and this decreases carbon emissions.  

So, when you have any kind of water damage, fire damage, flooding, or need clean up, you can support your community by choosing SERVPRO of Toledo East! 

Follow These Safety Practices During the Next Storm

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

• Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
• Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightening strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Toledo East today and let the experts take care of it! 

Contact us today! 419-495-5220