ERP- Emergency Ready Profile

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses many never recover following a disaster. A fire to a business is devastating and can cause it to completely to shut down. It is said as many as one in four business that suffer is some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. However, the ones that do survive usually have a preparedness plan in place. One-way SERVPRO helps business be prepared is with the ERP profile.

Is your business Ready? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) you can make your business ready. The ERP is at no cost to you, and it's a guide to help you get your business back and ready to go after any disaster. It provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It's considered a quick reference of all your building and contact information. With this plan you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action, knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is key to timely mitigation and how water or fire damage can affect your business. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order. Don't hesitate, just contact to set an appointment to get your free ERP.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile Document that contains 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 Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the lone of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest Storm Damage Clean Up and Restoration

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

When a storm hits you can have little to no notice of damage to your home or property. Some storms that can cause damage include high winds, hail damage, lighting and thunderstorms, and even storm flooding. Wind and water can be a major threat when combined. High winds are able to rip off siding or shingles allowing water to enter the inside of the structure and eventually cause mold. While Hail is also able to damage a roof, it can allow water inside as well. This is why having a reliable storm restoration company to help is always a good plan in case of an emergency.

Winter storm damage

In March of 2019 much of our surrounding area had experienced this, it had caused major flooding that affected whole towns. The amount of late snow combined with warmer weather and rain not only flooded rivers and lakes but affected people’s homes as well. Most of the time this can be unexpected because it doesn’t have much warning, so it is always important to have a plan in place. Winter storms impact much of the United States and are able to cause damage to your home or even cause flooding into spring.

Hail Damage

The most common time for hail is in the summer months. It can happen anywhere under the right conditions but is more common in the Midwest than anywhere else in the country. Hail can cause serious damage to your property including shingles, siding, gutters, and windows. After a storm it is important to check for exterior damage for all the areas mentioned above. After you have checked the outside of the house, go inside and check for leaks in the attic and water damage on the ceilings. It is important to check after a storm to prevent further damage to your home.

When heavy precipitation and high winds strike the Omaha area, commercial and residential property can take a real beating. If your home or business comes under assault, you need the help of a company that is serious about its reputation as a cleanup and remediation service provider. SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest provides the Northwest Omaha, Blair, and Fremont areas with professional water damage services after severe storms.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (402) 800-2134

Why Leaving Water Damage Untreated is Always a Bad Idea

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

Leaving water damage untreated can be a very costly mistake down the road. It can damage materials and lower the value of your home. Besides damaging your property, it can also cause some health risks. Even a small water leak that isn’t properly dealt with can turn into a major issue causing thousands of dollars in damage. When you have a water loss or water intrusion it is important to assess the situation and deal with it in a timely manner. Below we are going to talk about what can happen when water damage goes untreated.

• Important to do it sooner than later
• Dealing with the situation immediately rather than waiting a few days can help restore your materials instead of replacing them. Water can break down dry wall, carpet, and rot wood. In most cases when you are proactive you can restore vs replace which will help save money during the process.

• Prevent mold from growing
• Wet drywall is a breeding ground for mold growth if left untouched after water damage. When dry wall gets wet it becomes weak, warps, and discolors over time. After dry wall has sat in water for a period of time the only way to fix it is cut out the affected sections and replace them. If completely left untouched after a major loss, mold will grow and will only get worse over time which can be a major health hazard for you and your family.
• Lower value of home
• Not only will water damage lower the value of your home but is a major turn off to buyers as well. Inspectors will spot and document water damage if not already documented. Buyers will also assume that you haven’t taken care of the house and could be a possible liability to buy.

As water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables us to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (402) 800-2134

Common Misconceptions about House Fires

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

When you have a fire, it can be a very devastating event to your home and family. It can happen in a moment’s notice whether you are there or not and it can start in a variety of ways. In the blog we are briefly going to talk about the common misconceptions of house fires and how they can start.  SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration. A fire can cause serious property damage and a fire restoration company has the experience needed to perform the proper fire restoration process. 

Myth #1

Smoke alarms provide enough protection against house fires

Fact: Smoke alarms are able to warn people when a fire is happening but will not stop the flames from burning. It is smart to have other things in place to protect you and your home against house fires.

Myth #2

Fires don’t spread quickly

Fact: In around 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a huge fire. It only takes a few minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In just two minutes a fire can be life threatening and I just five minutes a house can be engulfed in flames.

Myth #3

Older homes are more likely to catch on fire rather than newer homes

Fact: This is a common misconception because people think the wiring may be outdated, but that's not always isn’t the case. In newer homes the material’s they use are actually more flammable. On new homes they use lightweight wood and engineered lumber which increase the fuel load and burn easier.

Why SERVPRO for Mold Remediation Services

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

There are many different types of molds and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Molds are a form of fungus and they thrive in environments that are moist and warm and can grow on almost any material. Some common indoor molds include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Alternaria. Mold tends to have a rough or fuzzy appearance depending on what kind of mold and what surface it is growing on, and it can also be a variety of colors as well.

• Penicillium mold tends to grow on materials with water damage and it usually has a blue or green appearance
• Aspergillus mold grows on materials such as drywall
• Cladosporium tends to grow on fabrics and it can grow in either cool or warm environments
• Alternaria occurs in damp warm places such as bathroom shower or under a sink

Mold and Health

Molds have the ability to produce allergens and irritants. In this case inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause health effects for people sensitive to mold.

Mold Remediation and Restoration

Permitting mold growth to continue ultimately results in structural damage, ruined personal belongings, and the risk of health effects. SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest takes note of the stress and anxiety of finding a mold infestation in your home. We train our technicians comprehensively concerning mold remediation techniques, employing the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) curriculum and or SERVPRO Employee Certification Training Program (ECTP), the industry’s standard.

The crews we dispatch to assess and respond to mold damage complaints hold Applied Microbial Remediation certification. Protocols used were developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and demonstrate success in abating current mold damage and limiting future problems. We want to set our customers’ minds at ease concerning our reputation as qualified mold remediation experts in the Omaha region.

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest for Water Restoration Services

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

This picture is showing what a major water loss would look like in a residential home.

A water problem can happen in your home or business without any future notice. When and if that happens you need help quick, call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest! Our crew is highly trained in water damage restoration. We are equipped with the best equipment and knowledge in the industry to help restore your home in the event of a water loss or intrusion. 

During the water restoration process, we focus on establishing and tracking drying goals to make certain the structure and contents are handled appropriately. When dealing with valuable documents or personal belongings we treat them with the upmost care to bring them back to the condition they were originally in.

We are part of a national network of over 1,600 franchises with special disaster recover teams placed throughout the country. SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest can respond to your commercial or residential water loss regardless of the size or damage. 

Water Damage or Flooding? Call us Today (402) 800-2134

Omaha Businesses

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

An unexpected fire or water loss can wreak havoc on your local Omaha business.  According to FEMA, 40% of businesses never reopen following a disaster.  Omaha business owners can protect their commercial property and the future of their business by being proactive in emergency preparedness.  Establishing a relationship with SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest helps ensure timely and efficient services in the event of water or fire damage.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is a trusted leader in the restoration industry.  We are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

IICRC certified firms provide:

• Accurate and honest information
• Formally trained technicians
• Continuing education programs to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry
• Liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident
• A written complaint policy to the Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration for the purposes of dispute resolution

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is dedicated to helping you recover from a disaster "Like it never even happened."  We offer a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your Omaha business.  Contact us today at 402-800-2134 for more information.

Does Your Bennington Home Have Mold?

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Upon Discovery of Mold

Have you found mold in your Bennington home?  Mold growth is commonly found in older Bennington basements, specifically in flood plains.  If you discover signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest.  We will assess the amount of damage, remediate the current problem, and help prevent future occurrences.

What Can Be Done?

A finding of mold might be limited to a small area of the home, or it might be part of a bigger unseen problem.  It is wise to have all mold assessed. Mold can cause health effects.

If mold is discovered in your home, SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest  will begin remediation by preventing contaminated air from traveling to other parts of the structure.  Every job is unique, but in most cases the SERVPRO team will set up a containment barrier and employ air scrubbers to filter spores from the air.  SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest will remove and discard contaminated drywall, carpeting, and ceiling tiles.  These items contain spores that will be redistributed if left in place.  Mold spores exist naturally in the environment, but our technicians can apply products that discourage microbial growth from occurring at rapid levels.

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest for Mold ASAP

Remember if you see mold, you might not be seeing the whole problem.  Contact our team at 402-800-2134 for an assessment and estimate.  Our technicians are trained in spore containment, air scrubbing, tear-out of contaminated materials, and prevention.  We are here to make your mold situation seem "Like it never even happened."

Proper Drying is Essential in Your Omaha Home

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Basement Flooding

A flooded basement is a traumatic event for a homeowner.  Unexpected flooding can happen to anyone at anytime.  Attempting to handle the damage without proper training or equipment can be ineffective and dangerous.  A wet-dry vacuum is helpful for removing small amounts of water but should be avoided in instances of major flooding.  Homeowners should not wade into a heavily flooded basement but instead call a professional to handle the situation.

The Industry Standard

The industry time standard for removing water from a property is 24-48 hours.  The technicians at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest have equipment ready for rapid water extraction.  Additionally, moisture can hide in pockets behind walls or within cinder blocks, so technicians are trained in drilling small holes in mortar joints and opening wallboards to allow adequate air flow.  Technicians will use moisture meters and scanning devices to locate residual water.

Call Us Today

The team at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is trained to proper equipment usage so your home can dry safely and efficiently.  We are locally owned and operated and ready to meet your needs immediately.  If you have experienced flooding in your home, do not hesitate to call us.  We are available 24/7 for all your water damage needs.  Call us at 402-800-2134.

Why SERVPRO Can Help With Winter Flood Damage In Northwest Omaha

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding scenarios are not limited to the warmer months in Northwest Omaha.  The wintry mix of rain, ice, snow, and sleet we can experience here can impact your home with water damage due to flooding.  Lower temperatures and ice complicate matters, making it even more important to use a reputable remediation company when a storm, plumbing failure, or appliance malfunction floods any area of your home during the winter.

Heavy, wet snow can lead to flood damage in Northwest Omaha.  If your home falls victim to the effects of an ice storm, roofs and siding may be unable to hold the weather at bay, allowing moisture to intrude.  As the icy coating melts, it can seep in through the slightest openings, or flow in through gaping holes opened in the structure by falling tree limbs or downed power poles.  Waste no time when this scenario presents, as a rapid and professional response is essential.

SERVPRO can assist you with roof-tarping and board up services, the first step to remediate the damage done by frozen and liquid water during the storm.  Once your property is secured, our crew chief will assess the damage.  Water naturally moves through the structure to lower levels, collecting on floors but also hiding in cavities can be detected with penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters, thermohygrometers, and infrared cameras by our IICRC-trained team to establish the dimensions and severity of the flood damage.

Our crews match equipment to the various phases of ground water flood damage mitigation.  Pumps and extractors clear large quantities of standing water, containing and then disposing of it outside the building's structure.  We can detect and remove hidden caches of water using a variety of strategies, including holes drilled through drywall behind base boards, through mortar joints, or flood cuts.  Access to dry out all wet spaces is critical to minimize secondary damage such as mold growth.  Familiarity with all possible aspects of flood damage is why SERVPRO is an industry leader.

The final phase of flood damage remediation is structural drying.  Air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers are stocked on all our service vehicles, preventing delays as the abatement plan progresses.  Our thorough preparation makes most projects seamless, another reason why SERVPRO is the best choice of ready your home for eventual rebuilding and restoration by your chosen contractor.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest helps manage the effects of flooding any season of the year.  When water intrudes, make your first call to our team (402) 800-2134.

SERVPRO's Training and Experience are Just Right for Your Water Damaged Omaha Home

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

A Local Omaha Water Cleanup Company with Nationwide Connections

Through a combination of national training and restoration standards, and our local Omaha-based water damage mitigation techniques and experience, SERVPRO provides some of the best service available to local homeowners facing a potential catastrophe.  Whether you are looking to reverse damages from a ruptured water line or dealing with the damaging effect of a storm or other catastrophes, our experienced crews help people like you all across town recover from water damage and get their homes back to the way they were before the disaster occurred.

Keeping Things Local...

Owner Rick Hovanec has lived in the area for years.  He founded our franchise and brought to Omaha water damage mitigation services the highest quality.  Many of our crew members, representatives, and managers have lived in the area for decades and appreciate the opportunity SERVPRO provides them to give back to the community.  They ensure the safety and comfortable living for their neighbors and friends through quality service and professionalism.  Hiring SERVPRO means engaging locally owned and operated services, along with smiling technicians who could live just down the street.

...Plus Some National Resources

By being part of the nationwide network of SERVPRO franchises, we have the resources to deal with any water damage problem with the kind of precision care and expertise not possible from a standalone business.  We have the advantage of the SERVPRO network of neighboring franchises, as well as a handpicked list of specialists and contractors who can provide care for more delicate items not usually handled by our technicians.  Our national backing also allows us to train our crews to a superior standard and exchange knowledge and experiences with other franchises that could be up to thousands of miles away.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is as much a part of the local community as you are, with ties and connections to happy customers across the city.  If you have any questions or need 24/7 services, call us at (402) 800-2134.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest Helps Keep Your Omaha Business Doors Open

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

A water or fire disaster can take your business by surprise.

Even a minor flood or fire can devastate your Omaha business. Everything from inventory to customer orders can be affected, leaving you wondering who to call for help. When your Omaha business experiences a water or fire disaster, the need for quality assistance is a must. You deserve a company that has the resources and training to provide you with professional restoration services. You need SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest responds immediately to any fire or water emergency. Trained technicians begin the remediation process to prevent further damage to your business. A fast response time helps you save company assets. Additionally, SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest provides move-out services for many of your items--such as inventory and equipment--as your property undergoes the restoration process.

Whether your emergency is large or small, SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest understands the stress of the situation. Call us today to receive the help you deserve. (402) 800-2134

Why Online Reviews Are Important

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest Review score

In todays world we can find out almost anything on Google. Where we want to eat, things we want to buy, and even how to get there. Google is also a great platform for people to share their experiences with companies, both the good and the bad. This is a great way to make a decision and it is also great for companies to see what the customer wants and expects. At SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest we take pride in our reviews because it allows us to adjust the way we do business to help service our customers the best way possible.

It is said that Online customer reviews and testimonials have tremendous influence over the purchasing decisions of other consumers. According to Pew Research Center, 82% of American adults say they at least sometimes read online customer ratings or reviews before first time purchases, including 40% who say they always or almost always do so. This is why we encourage customers to check reviews before using a service. If companies aren’t giving an effort to make them right chances are it will keep happening. We hope this information will encourage you to pay attention to companies reviews before using their service. We also encourage you to check out SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest reviews to see what customers are saying about us.

  Mention, Blog, Media Monitoring  “The 6 REAL Reasons Behind Why People Write Online Customer Reviews.” Spectoos, 5 Aug. 2019, www.spectoos.com/5-real-motivations-behind-people-write-customer-reviews/.

SERVPRO Can Reduce Smoky Odors

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest can help restore your home after you have a fire, call us today 402-800-2134

Whether you live in an apartment or a free-standing house in Elkhorn, fire is a word that sends chills into every Nebraska resident. Walking through your home after having one, can leave you in shock and completely unprepared for what to do next.

Fire damage in Elkhorn homes doesn't mean a total loss of property and possessions, though. Unless flames have directly touched something, it is the smoke that causes the problems. SERVPRO has the experience, training, and equipment to restore property that has suffered both visible and odor damage. Few companies in the U.S. have our reputation for eliminating smoke odors (malodors) and returning your property to its original state.

Our response teams accomplish this using what we call Multiple-Phase Odor Control. There are three; Chemical Containment, Vapor Odor Control, and Thermal Fogging.
The goal of Chemical Containment is to block odor molecules from vaporizing into the air. Technicians spray one of our counteragents (Smoke Deodorizers) on all areas that are charred or covered in smoke residue. Depending on the size of the area, they will use either spray bottles or pump-up sprayers like the type use to spray insecticides.

Vapor Odor Control deals with those odor molecules that are already airborne when our team arrives on site. First, technicians release deodorant vapors into the air to act as counteragents to the malodors. Two of our primary counter agents are pellets with a fruity smell or counteracting beads that release a cinnamon scent.

Finally, our teams use thermal fogging to penetrate furniture, walls and other property to counter malodor particles in these items. Solvent based deodorants dispersed with these specialized foggers are broken down to a size of about one-half micron. This tiny size allows the deodorant to go just as far into the property item as the malodors have penetrated.  An additional benefit to thermal fogging is that it generates a 'dry fog' which evaporates in only a few hours and leaves just a tiny amount of residue. This dry treatment means that the chance of moisture stains on your property is very low.

Removing smoke odors after a fire has damaged your house or apartment is not a simple process. Our goal here at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is to counteract and eliminate these malodors in a thorough and fast manner to return you to your normal life. Call us today at (402) 800-2134 to get started with an initial inspection.

Mold Warning Signs

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

This picture shows mold on the surface but the problem could be much more severe

It may be hard to tell if you have mold in your home but if you have been suspecting mold there are a few things you can do to find out. Mold can be very bad for your health and it can be a persistent issue if it isn’t taken care of by a professional. It is important to know the early warning signs of mold so you can take care of it sooner rather than later. Over time mold can get worse, so it is best to take care of it as soon as possible.

What is Mold?

• Mold is a fungus that thrives in a warm, damp, and humid environments. In a house the most common place mold can grow is in basements and bathrooms. More specifically under sinks, around plumbing pipes, and even on or inside drywall.

How can you tell if you have mold?

• Musty or stale odor
• Visible signs of mold growth
• Past water damage
• Condensation or consistent moisture
• Water leaks

How can you prevent mold?

• Keep humidity down, under 60%
• Mold grows quick, dry up wet materials
• If surfaces are prone to mold growth

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

1. Emergency Contact - (402) 800-2134
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest today at  402-800-2134 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.