5 Fire Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season

Whether you are a homeowner or  partner in a business, a fire is a devastating event. Fire can damage or destroy a home or facility and take a tremendous emotional toll on family members and employees.

In addition to the heat and fire, the after-effects of smoke including soot, debris, odor and ash throughout a building can cause surface discoloration and damage to belongings if not treated immediately. There may also be substantial water damage caused by suppressing the fire. With ServiceMaster Restore by PWF’s rapid response, further damage can be prevented especially this Holiday season.

The holiday season is a busy time. As you wrap things up at work, decorate your home, navigate busy roads, and shop for the perfect gift, it’s important to take safety into consideration. To ensure you have a happy and safe holiday season, we’ve put together a collection of winter holiday safety tips.

Use these  fire safety tips for your home for a safe and enjoyable holiday season:

1. Use the fireplace with care: Whether you have a natural or gas fireplace, it is a source of heat and potential danger. Keep kids and pets away, be careful when placing decorations, and always make sure the fire is out before going to bed or leaving the house.

2. Use candles safely: Candles are a popular decoration this time of year. They add ambiance and delightful scents. Place them in low traffic areas and away from flammable materials.

3. Choose a safe artificial tree: Choose a tree that is fire resistant. When setting it up, make sure the base is sturdy so it won’t tip or fall over. Place decorations with care: Keep all decorations away from heat and fire hazards.

4. Turn off holiday lights when leaving: Turn off your outside and indoor holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home.

5. Avoid unattended cooking: It can be difficult to balance preparing a meal, being a host, and entertaining guests. As a result, many people leave food unattended. Get some help to make sure you are not stretched too thin.

Our aim is simple. We treat each customer’s damages as if it were our own, applying the same standards of quality workmanship that we would expect ourselves. For any size project, you can trust the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore by PWF. We provide fire damage restoration services in St. Augustine and its surrounding areas. Contact our office near you! Pinellas: 813-295-7797, Ocala: 352-292-8988, Gainesville: 352-441-3020, Lake City: 386-866-3349, Duvall | Clay | St. John: 904-999-4481.

Best Holiday Cleaning Tips for Your Home!

The Holiday season is fast approaching; pretty sure you’re busy looking around for tempting gift ideas to your loved ones, vibrant decorations, and ways to cook the perfect holiday dishes. However, you’re still missing one thing to make the holiday celebration go on smoothly and that is the residential cleaning in St. Augustine, keeping all areas at home without stains and foul odor. From dusting to scrubbing every part of the home, all of these must appear on the to-do list. We want to make it human, so we have compiled holiday cleaning tips to properly complete the tasks.

Clean up and Know Your Priorities

The list that is yet to be checked gets endless, right? Making time for the to-dos isn’t that inconvenient as you think. Start with the uncomplicated things or the most troubled part of your home; make it more tidy-looking. However, if the mess and stains are hard enough to deal with, the ServiceMaster Restore by PWF has carpet cleaning in St. Augustine and upholstery cleaning in Ocala, available 24/7 365 for your cleaning needs and service inquiries. You deserve a break too.

Prepare the Guest's Bathroom

Above all, ensure that your bathroom is entirely clean. If its possible, provide a mini-basket in the bathroom certain essentials that visitors could use. We want our guest comfortable spending time at our home. Turn up the bath with holiday décor to add more vibrancy. You can even place a trash bin for used towels.

Combat the Disturbing Odor

Utilize available herbs that you have or create your own sprays to freshen up your home. In fact, one of the options to try could be lavender which is known to lessen stress and spread good vibes or relaxation around the holiday season. Sprinkle over some effective air-fresheners on the rugs and carpets to combat the odor from cooking meats in the kitchen. You can also consult from your cleaning experts such as Air duct cleaning services in St. Augustine for tips on totally turning your home free from annoying and unpleasant smell.

When it comes to top-of-the-line cleaning services in Northeast Florida and its surrounding areas, ServiceMaster Restorations by PWF is the company to call. We'll clean your home just in time for the holidays! For more information, please contact our office near you! Pinellas: 813-295-7797, Ocala: 352-292-8988, Gainesville: 352-441-3020, Lake City: 386-866-3349, Duvall | Clay | St. John: 904-999-4481.

The Importance of Immediate Mold Damage Remediation

The existence of mold after water damage is a serious matter which deserves a maximum consideration. Although it might not cause a quick devastation unlike other forms of water damage, an obligatory action like mold remediation in St. Augustine must be done by calling ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF.

Most homeowners assume and conclude on their own regarding the extent and solutions for the mold growth at home. And it always ends up calling certain Mold Damage Remediation professionals like ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF to combat the compounded mold issue.

Give the nod for your mold issues only by certified and top-end professionals – like ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF. We’d like to make sure no one gets infected by Mold since it can possibly be present anywhere at your home. Here are some of the important reasons why you should perform mold damage remediation as soon as possible.

Lessen Health Risks

Beware of  black mold that may have been sprouting around your home. It is a typical damage that usually grows in humid regions such as Florida. For all one knows, it contributes a variety of health risks on the skin or lungs. The only way to getting mold out of the property is to hire professionals in order to ensure mold damage remediation.

Prevent the Mold Spread

A dangerous mold can unfurl throughout the home in an instant.

In the forms of microscopic spores, mold can roll out and get taken up by minute air currents to be accumulated to another place.

Contacting ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF for assistance will finally get rid of the mold after mold remediation services in St. Augustine

Put a Stop to Property Deterioration

The more the mold sticks to materials at home, the more it actually feeds on them.   Since it requires food to survive, the more it damages your home structure and this is linked to more remediation and repair costs on your side.

ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF is a team of skilled professionals you can always contact for mold inspection and remediation in St. Augustine using their infrared technology for the detection process. Thus, we also have special chemicals in helping a faster remediation and protection of your home.

ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF offers superior mold inspection and remediation services in St. Augustine, Florida, and its surrounding areas and counties. Contact us at 904-999-4481 .

Moisture and Mold Growth: What You Need to Know

Mold –  naturally exist in our world but in the household setting, these have become a symbol of bad hygiene. Mold is a decomposer of organic materials like plants, wood, and leaves. To see these in your household is an indication that you urgently need mold remediation in St. Augustine, call ServiceMaster by PWF.

What are molds?  

They are not really plants, nor animals, nor bacteria. Molds are a type of fungus. They are usually found among dead organic materials but they can also infect living animals or plants. They reproduce through spraying spores in the environment. Their color usually depends on the nutrient source that they are feeding on. If you see these specks in your sink, walls, or even clothing – you can have mold inspection in St. Augustine  done by ServiceMaster by PWF  to check the extent of the mold infestation in your home.

How does mold grow and spread?

In order to grown, molds need water. Even just a bit of moisture can be a welcome treat. No   water means no opportunity to grow. Besides water, molds need a nutrient source and oxygen. A temperature ranging from 40 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit can perfectly induce mold growth.

How does mold spread?

If you still do not contact any agent specializing in mold remediation in St. Augustine, mold spreading is inevitable. Mold multiply through their hyphae, which are like tiny root hair.  Mold can also invade your home through spreading spores. Think about spraying small seeds in the surrounding area. When you see those colorful patches, chances are, the molds have already taken root and have built a colony. It is really necessary to recognize that mold spores are present everywhere at this point – both outside and inside your home. And unless you seek the help of a professional, mold will continue to spread.

Do not wait until one of your family members is sick before having mold inspection in St. Augustine done in your home. Take precaution to prevent molds or have a professional to effectively remove their trace in your home.

Call ServiceMaster by PWF through any of the following numbers: 813-295-7797 (Pinellas), 352-292-8988 (Ocala), 352-441-3020 (Gainesville), 386-866-3349 (Lake City), 904-999-4481 (Duvall/Clay/St. John).

Top Three Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company

When it comes to water damage, it is highly advisable to act quickly in order to restore your home to livable, pre-damage status. If neglected, standing water and moisture breed mold and bacteria. These can trigger allergic reactions if not addressed. Another repercussion could be your family contracting a disease just because you did not call for a proper water damage restoration services in St. Augustine.

So why hire a professional water damage restoration company?

1. Right tools and training means faster water extraction and drying time. Water damage restoration in St. Augustine is fast if you contract  the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore by PWF.

 A professional water damage restoration technician can remove or extract standing water from furniture, carpets, and other household items and then proceed with the drying process in no time. The sooner the water will be removed the quicker your family can enjoy your home again. 

2. Removing standing water means eradicating health hazards. Mold spreads rapidly 48 hours after water damage. To prevent the growth of unwanted mold, your best option is to get mold remediation in St. Augustine from ServiceMaster Restore by PWF.
 A damage restoration company agent can also determine what other potentially hazardous bacteria in the standing water can bring diseases. Sewage water, which can spread during flood must be handled with caution to avoid waterborne sicknesses. 

3. The key is  addressing the water damage without putting the burden of clean-up n yourself. Let us face it, this is the most obvious benefit if you hire a professional worker.  Restoring your home after a flood needs an investment of time, energy, and money. You can spare yourself with unnecessarily going through the arduous process of cleaning without the proper tools and awareness on how to do it quickly.

Peace of mind after a calamity is hard to come by. If you have experienced flooding in your home and need immediate and safe water damage restoration services in St. Augustine, you better contact the nearest and best water damage restoration company near you, ServiceMaster Restore by PWF .

You can certainly put the future of your home in the hands of people who know to restore it best.

Call ServiceMaster Restore by PWF through any of the following numbers: 813-295-7797 (Pinellas), 352-292-8988 (Ocala), 352-441-3020 (Gainesville), 386-866-3349 (Lake City), 904-999-4481 (Duvall/Clay/St. John).

FAQs about Water Damage Restoration in NE Florida

Water damage is known to give home owners and property managers a headache especially when it is the rainy season or the hurricane season. Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Gilchrist, Bradford, Union, Clay, Duval, St. John, and Pinellas Counties have experienced being flooded especially in the rainy and hurricane seasons. So these are some FAQs that we will answer today about water damage restoration.

1. What causes water damage?

Water damage can occur after natural disasters (such as thunderstorms or hurricanes), from pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundation leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage, and more. Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several centimeters of water in several hours.

2. How can water damage be prevented in homes?

When a natural disaster occurs, it is often difficult to protect a home from water damage especially if the disaster is large in scale like a Category 3-4 hurricane. However, homeowners and property managers can alleviate the water damage or prevent water damage occurring from other causes. Cleaning and maintaining the gutters and downspouts, maintaining the roof, installing a sump pump, installing backflow valves, checking the home for leaks, and maintaining water using appliances are efficient ways of preventing water damage. Also, try your best to strengthen your foundation inside your home or property to avoid this from happening.

3. Why is water damage dangerous?

Floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants like viruses and bacteria. If the water isn’t drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mould growth can develop. Even water leaks that infiltrate a home slowly can cause damage to the building and lead to mold growth. Mold left unchecked will spread quickly through the home spreading different bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses to the people living inside the property.

4. What should I do after a flood, sewage or water leak?

Contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. Don’t wait further since water can cause mold and permanent damage to the structure and furniture inside a home. Afterwards, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off and to avoid contaminants.

The best way to prevent water damage at home or your property is of course, take precautionary measures beforehand. Careful planning is very important so that you will meet the necessary safety for you and your family. If you are in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Gilchrist, Bradford, Union, Clay, Duval, St. John, and Pinellas Counties, contact a water damage restoration company like ServiceMaster Restore by PWF.

You can contact them through these numbers:

Pinellas:            813-295-7797

Ocala:                352-292-8988

Gainesville:      352-441-3020

Lake City:          386-866-3349

Duvall | Clay | St. John: 904-999-4481

When Disaster Strikes: What to do?

Hurricanes and thunderstorms are typical in Florida. There is a time in the year that Floridians experience destructive thunderstorms and hurricanes that could cause huge damage in their properties. Now, it is the hurricane season and there have been many warnings and tips on how to survive the incoming storm. Hurricanes can bring flash floods, hard rains and water damage. Now the question is, are you prepared for the aftermath?

Here is the checklist on what you need to take care of after the hurricane has passed:

1.       Start at the roof and work your way down. I know the roof can be high and steep. You don’t have to climb up. All you got to do is check for leaks inside your home. Inspect your roof and ceilings for holes. If you don’t know how to do this, call an expert.

2.       Take a look at the electrical outlets. Exposed electrical outlets can cause accidents. Make sure all your electrical outlets are safe and secured. Make sure your hands aren’t wet and the place where your electrical outlets are is not wet. If you are unsure on what and how to do it, call an expert to do this for you.

3.       Check for water damage inside and outside of your property. Check for mold build up and any standing water inside your property to avoid accidents. Standing water is easy to spot and easy to clean. However, there are times that your indoors can also be flooded. Yes, you can do it yourself but there are also times that it is really tiring to do. You have to have the right equipment to do this. Call the experts, Service Master Restoration by PWF, to perform mold inspection, dehumidification and water removal in your property.

4.       Document all damages. All damages must be documented so that you can have an accurate report to your insurance company. Your insurance company can help you finance for the damages that the storm has caused. By doing this, you can have peace of mind and you don’t have to worry about the money. Always make sure to document the before and after photos so that your evidence will be intact.

These are just some of the things that you can do after the hurricane and it is always best to perform a routine check before the storm. You have to keep in mind that water and storm damage needs to be promptly addressed as it may lead to more serious damages, such as mold, mildew and irreparable structural repairs. Water damage restoration needs to be taken care of by professionals, not just for the proper restoration of your property, but also for your health.

Service Master Restoration by PWF is there to service you in Pinellas, Ocala, Gainesville, Lake City, Duvall, Clay, and St. John. We also have an emergency response team and they are available 24 hours a day will respond to your needs 365 days a year 24/7. Call us anytime at these numbers:

Pinellas:               813-295-7797
Ocala:                  352-292-8988
Gainesville:         352-441-3020
Lake City:           386-866-3349
Duvall | Clay | St. John: 904-999-4481
 

Water Damage Restoration after a Hurricane

We all know that once there is a hurricane coming, we all need to be prepared at all times. You have to secure yourself first and make sure that you have your place of evacuation ready if the hurricane becomes really strong. Next, you have to make sure your things are secured in a place where water or flood cannot reach. And lastly, when the hurricane is over, your house might really be damaged because of the hurricane or storm. You have to have a company ready to restore your home from  water and storm damage.

Water and storm damage is a problem that most property owners dread. Water and storm damage restoration is the process of restoring the property to pre-damage condition. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to remediate. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, as these companies hire experienced workers who know the best ways to repair or replace damaged items and help with water damage cleanup.

You should save an emergency number of a water and storm damage restoration company in Northern Florida so that when these disasters happen, it will be easy to reach out to them. This is something you should do as quickly as possible, as the longer, you leave your property damaged, the more serious the damage will ultimately be. After a hurricane, your home may be left with a serious leak or with a wall missing which will result in the property getting wet and having dust, dirt, and debris blowing in. The sooner you deal with this, the less expensive this subsequent damage and mess will be.

In order to be sure that the entire structure gets dried, hiring the professionals from ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF with the experience, tools, and skills to get the job done right is the best bet. They are the best water and storm damage Restoration Company in Northern Florida. Don’t risk your family’s or employee’s health and well-being by trying to do it yourself. Always ask the experts to do it for you! Contact ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF by these numbers:

Pinellas: 813-295-7797

Ocala: 352-292-8988

Gainesville: 352-441-3020

Lake City: 386-866-3349

Duvall | Clay | St. John: 904-999-4481