What Is Black Mold?

7/16/2024 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It's Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas immediately.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (702-656-0203)

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

7/12/2024 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas also offer fast, reliable bio-hazard and crime scene cleanup* and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas are trained to safely and effectively remove bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas helps turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas can help with the following issues:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

State and local regulations vary. Contact SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas today for 24 hour emergency service. 

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS  SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

METHAMPHETAMINE LABS
Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

CRIME SCENE RESIDUES
From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas can clean and restore your property and contents.

ARSON AND VANDALISM
SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Celebrate Safely

7/4/2024 (Permalink)

The fourth of July is a time to celebrate with friends and family at a barbecue or picnic. With traditions like fireworks and bonfires, there may be some potential dangers along the way. In order to celebrate safely when it comes to these events, consider the following tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.
• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to view public fireworks displays put on by professionals.
• If you plan to use fireworks, ensure they are legal in your area.
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks.If a device is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light it.
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a firework does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate. Pour water over it and dispose of it.

Celebrate Summer Safety

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
• Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas wishes you a safe and happy summer. 

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

For a business owner and homeowner, a worst case disaster scenario involving fire or water damage can seem unthinkable until it suddenly becomes a reality. In the aftermath of a disaster, a quick response time by SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas can help minimize property damage. Owners need to have a quick and convenient emergency disaster plan that connects them with vendors, necessary contacts, and pertinent information when disaster strikes. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a respected industry tool during a disaster event. An ERP is so valuable, that in the midst of the confusion and panic that often surround a disaster, an owner or manager can be provided a sense of calm and clarity in reaching out for expert help. When building an emergency plan, there are four keys to remember.
1. Identify your facility’s greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event.
During this discovery mode, what are your greatest threats (i.e. fires, tornadoes, floods, etc.)? Look at your locations. Do you have any that would be in a “tornado alley,” at risk for hurricane damage, or subject to deep freezing temperatures? Try to think outside the box.
2. Document all vital information and establish clear communication activities.
An ERP needs to contain critical property information that can help speed up response time after a disaster occurs. Consider including any documented prior loss history, identify and label utility shut off locations, and prioritize your key contacts. Prior loss history can provide first responders and restoration vendors with historical information on your facility’s condition. Proper utility identification will allow for quicker response times for emergency shut off, requests and key contact information is vital to starting the recovery process, allowing you to quickly contact key personnel and answer priority questions.
3. Practice! Practice! Practice! There is no “textbook” event, so expect the unexpected.
You should conduct practice sessions to make sure everyone is clear on the process. Always have clear evacuation routes in your ERP, and set a distribution chain for your disaster recovery plan amongst key contacts and various locations.
4. Keep it updated, and have all necessary information communicated with your insurance company and emergency restoration vendors.
The best way for the recovery to begin is remaining proactive by always keeping your ERP updated. Your SERVPRO® representative can help keep your ERP up-to-date. People will come and go, updates will be made to the facility, and utilities can change. This should be a dynamic document that changes as your business does. If you don’t keep it updated, you’ll be several steps behind when disaster strikes.

Understanding Mold

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce toxins harmful to humans and pets.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

June is Pet Preparedness Month

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Interesting Facts about Hurricanes Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family's emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected follow these tips with your pets in mind:

1. Make a plan.

2. Build an emergency kit.

3. Stay informed.

If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured, or worse. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside, which is why it is so important to have a plan in place ahead of time. Consider having your pet microchipped too! If you get separated, this will help you identify them. 

How to Avoid Lingering Smells

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Summertime is known for being overscheduled with lots of jam-packed activities and the "go, go, go" mentality. While you and your family are getting out of the house to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors this season, you may not realize the smells that can build and linger in your home. Warmer months bring more moisture, water, unique smells, and new routines that may introduce new odors into your home. If odors are left alone and stagnant for too long, it can disrupt your fun by leaving you with a burden that requires only cleanup professionals to fi x. Is your furry friend a little too excited to spend time outside now that the weather is nice? Puddles, dirt, mud and grass can all end up in your home from your pets fur or paws. These outside contaminants can end up embedded in to your rugs and carpets leaving a gross smell if not cleaned right away. Pool days can also increase the chances of a wet and sour smell. Dripping bodies on your floors can turn the carpet musty, along with wet towels thrown in a heap and left dirty for too long. Once moisture makes its way into your home, it can sometimes be difficult to get out. Keeping your windows open on a nice day is a perk of the summertime season but it can also increase the opportunity for unwanted odors. Smoke from a campfire re or grill can soak into your walls leaving behind the lingering odors of smoke, food and grease. Fun in the sun, pool days, and grilling al fresco make up some of the best parts of the summertime season. You can count on SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas to eliminate these odors at the source with limited interruptions to your busy schedule.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

5/16/2024 (Permalink)

Did You Know? It is NEVER safe to leave a baby, toddler, disabled person, or pet locked in a car. On average, 37 children die from heat related deaths from being trapped inside vehicles.

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.) Keep storm windows up all year.

Source: ready.gov 

May is National Building Safety Month

5/7/2024 (Permalink)

National Building Safety Month is an initiative of the International Code Council (ICC) and their 64,000+ members across the world, as well as their partners in building construction and design, and the safety community. This month serves as an opportunity to educate insurance and commercial property professionals, as well as the general public, on “what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable, and energy efficient homes and buildings,” according to the ICC website. Some of the topics and tips shared throughout the month include disaster preparedness, construction professionals, and innovations in building safety. The general public may not be aware of how codes and code officials “improve and protect the places where we live, learn, work, worship, and play,” and this month can certainly improve that awareness!