Dangers of Extreme Cold

1/17/2025 (Permalink)

While your home can be damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health is also at risk. Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015. It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.
Source: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather 

New Year, Be READY

12/31/2024 (Permalink)

With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens" in 2025. 

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility, The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 45 years experience and a system more than 1,700 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting help at your fingertips. https://ready.SERVPRO.com/ 

Preparation is the key to making it through any \ size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY. Call SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in 2023.

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. 
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Are You Winter Weather Ready?

12/23/2024 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for the upcoming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall,  which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement to crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
• Ask SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas about completing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment of your facility and provides you with a plan to get back in business faster following a disaster. Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well beforehand. No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan and prepare for it.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas to strike back and help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Winter Car Emergency Kit

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

When you hear the phrase “emergency kit,” do you think of a first aid kit? A collection of supplies nestled in a closet somewhere, just in case they are needed? What about an emergency kit for your vehicle? Do you have one? Do you know what to put in one, should you decide to make one?

The NSC (National Safety Council) recommends including: 

• Nonperishable, high-energy foods

• Drinking water

• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help

• Car cell phone charger

• Jumper cables

• Fire extinguisher

• Duct tape

• Rain poncho

• Compass

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Cold weather items: snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod jack

• A Tool kit and/or multipurpose utility tool

• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible

• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compress

When assembling your emergency kit, though we’re specifically focusing on prepping for the holidays, do consider what you might need on a regular basis, and assess what you should add or remove, depending on your destination, weather conditions, or the duration of your trip. You should check your emergency kit at least every six months, and restock items that you use or that have expired. 

Source: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-supplies-for-car 

'Tis The Season to Decorate Safety

12/12/2024 (Permalink)

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season - however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening in a moment's notice. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home or business.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fi replaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Make sure string lights and other holiday decor are in good condition. Do not use lights with frayed electrical cords. Do not string too many strands of lights together no more than three per extension cord.
• Always unplug the Christmas tree and other lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Use only sturdy Christmas tree stands that are designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep burning candles on a solid surface where they cannot be easily knocked over. Monitor them closely and remember to always blow them out. Burning candles lead to nearly three times as many residential fires on Christmas Day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
• Do not light the fi replace if you have hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantle that can overheat or catch fire. 
• If you use a live Christmas tree, make sure it's fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.

Your local SERVPRO franchise team wishes you a safe & happy holiday season! 

Deep Fried Turkey Safety Tips

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for making memories and celebrating holiday traditions, including family recipes. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey and the irresistible flavor it yields, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving favorite for many. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird this year, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer and brush up on these precautions provided by the National Fire Prevention Agency to protect yourself, your guests, and your home.

• Set up your deep fryer more than 10 feet away from any structure. Keep off the deck, out of the garage, and a safe distance away from trees.
• The oil must be always even and steady to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before slowly placing it in the hot oil.
• Do not leave the fryer unattended. Continuously monitor the temperature of the oil.
• Protect yourself. Lids and handles can become very hot and cause burns. Wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Always have a fire extinguisher ready. A multipurpose, dry-powder unit is best in the event the oil ignites. 

Prevent Fires While Cooking

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As the holiday season begins and you find yourself in the kitchen more often while hosting friends and family, fire precautions should be top of mind.
A property owner experiences a flood of emotions when a fire ravages their business or home. Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about the future of the property and their livelihood can be overwhelming to the property owner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.
After the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas help you restore it to its preloss condition. Combining rapid response, the utmost professionalism, and open communication throughout the entire job process, we strive to restore not only the home or business structure, but the customer’s peace of mind as well.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following eye-opening statistics on structure fires.

• 482,030 structure fires were reported in the United States in 2018.
• These fires caused $9.9 billion in property damages.
•  One structure fire was reported every 48 seconds.

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes your business or home, give the experts at SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas a call. We will help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Holiday Safety Travel Tips

11/6/2024 (Permalink)

With the holidays fast approaching, perhaps you are making plans to travel to visit family or friends. Before you hit the road to stuff your belly, take a little extra time to prepare your house for your absence. This will only increase your peace of mind while you’re away and help reduce the chances of unexpected problems. For example, emptying the fridge and pantry of foods that will perish while you are gone is a good practice; consider freezing items that could be saved for later. Throw your items away before your weekly trash pick-up, to avoid critters feasting on your scraps. To ensure that you are aware of any thawing of the freezer, place a cup of ice in there. When you return, if the ice is still separate, the food should be fi ne. If, however, the ice has melted, that indicates that the contents in your freezer thawed and re-froze, which means you should throw away what was in there. Set your thermostat for your absence. Consider turning off the water at the main line. If you do turn off the water, remember to run the faucets until they are dry, and flush all the toilets and turn off their incoming water at the base of the tank. If you will be gone awhile, it might be a good idea to turn off your hot water heater as well, or set it to vacation mode, to save energy. Make sure that all exterior windows and doors are locked, including the garage. If you have a hide-a-key, think about  moving it inside, or giving it to a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. If you have a fi replace, close the flue to prevent animals and birds from coming inside from that route. Aside from ensuring that your home avoids accidental damage in your absence, you want it to appear that you are not gone. Set lights on a timer, ask your neighbors to check on your property, and do not post about being out of town on social media. By following these suggestions, you will be in a good position to enjoy your holiday season!

The Mold Mitigation and Remediation Process

10/31/2024 (Permalink)

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas         

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment            

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment                                  

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration                                      

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas utilizes powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials    

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings          

SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas cleans your furniture, decorative items, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas understands mold and mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. 

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles. For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact us today.