Helping PREVENT Water Damage in Your Home

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage can come from common appliances in your home. Knowing what to watch for can help prevent disaster.

Water damage can happen from many different appliances in your home. Here are some tips from SERVPRO® on how to make sure your appliances are working properly and the water supply lines are in good condition. As a good rule of thumb, check behind your appliances once per year. This is a good way to address problems before they happen.

Washers

Small leaks stemming from a washing machine may appear to be a minor issue, but the problem should not be ignored. Even a pinhole leak in a water supply line can subsequently break out into a household flood. In fact, a burst supply line is a key cause of significant water damage involving washers. A good way to prevent water damage is to check your hoses leading to your washing machine a couple times per year.

Also consider installing an automatic shutoff valve. When water pools on the floor, the sensor detects it and closes the water valve.

Refrigerators with Ice Makers Hooked up to plumbing

We appreciate the convenience of an automatic ice maker, but it can also be the culprit of household floods. The copper or plastic water line that supplies an ice maker can leak or worse yet, become unattached if it’s not installed properly. Again, you should inspect the line periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure. Leaving a four inch gap between the refrigerator and wall also helps to prevent crimping in your water line.

Dish Washers

Dishwashers are another common appliance that can cause problems. If a dishwasher has a supply line burst it can fill your kitchen with water during a wash and rinse cycle.

Another source of household floods is when a dishwasher backs up soaking the floor with sudsy water. The problem could be the wrong detergent, a faulty float, the buildup of food and other debris in the drain gate or a clog in the discharge hose under the sink.

Routine inspection of the hoses and connections can save you major repair costs in the future. In addition, check the drain gate frequently and remove food particles and debris.  And if water damage does happen, know that you can rely on the Water Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®!

Certified: SERVPRO® Clean

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

Flu or COVID going around your office? Count on the Cleaning Professionals at SERVPRO® to help keep up and running!

As we heading into Cold and Flu Season - and COVID-19 hasn't gone anywhere, we need to look to a NEW standard in Commercial Cleaning.

Starting in 2005, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) established the National Influenza Vaccination week “to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.” In 2017, by the end of November only about 41% of the recommended US population had been vaccinated. And in 2020, we saw the tremendous toll COVID-19 on families and businesses across the country.

If you’ve already gotten the flu or COVID you can still get vaccinated to protect you against other strands of the flu, according to the CDC. People with high risk of complications from the flu include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions and people over the age of 65, and should get vaccinated. Although anyone is at risk of getting the flu, for high-risk people, hospitalization or death is more likely than for others.

According to the CDC, flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Get a flu or COVID shot today to protect yourself, your loved ones and your place of business.  And Certified: SERVPRO® Clean brings a higher standard of clean to business across our Communities if the Flu or COVID impact your place of business.

Cell Phone Fire Risk

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

Understanding how to safely charge your cell phone can help ensure your family's safety

SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn County has responded to multiple home fires that were caused by cell phone chargers. Now days it’s hard to find a home that doesn’t have a cell phone in it, and if there is a cell phone then there will be charger.  Our phones are major part of our day, and we have them will us all the time. I personally have mine on me 24/7, and I charge it on my night stand next to my bed.  Did you know that chargers produce a large amount on energy? One fire we responded to the cell phone charger caught a mattress in a child's bedroom on fire. He are some tips to help keep you safe from a cell phone charger fire.

1. Only buy and use devices that are listed by a quality testing laboratory.
2. Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instruction.
3. Only use the battery and charging cord that’s designed for you specific device.
4. Do not charge your device under a pillow, on your bed, on a couch or in a location that’s exposed to direct sunlight.

We here at SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn county is always here to help if your home or business has experienced a fire. We are ready to help 24/7.

A Clean Office is a Welcoming Office!

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Regular Carpet Cleaning not only helps your business look more welcoming, it can actually extend the life of your carpet!!

Did you know that for the average household, regular vacuuming is the best way to keep your carpets clean?  Regularly vacuuming means 2x per week, with SLOW repetitive back and forth strokes. And by slow, we mean it should take you approximately 15-20 minutes to vacuum a 300sq ft room.  This should help remove about 80% of the dry soil in your carpet.  Even with regular vacuuming, it is recommended that you have your carpets deep cleaned once per year.  And this is on carpet where most folks remove their shoes before walking on.

Now, how about the carpets in your business or office?  We do not normally ask people to remove their shoes before entering...and we have a LOT of soil to track indoors here in Oregon!  It is recommended that offices and places of business have their carpets professionally cleaned anywhere from every 3 months to a year.  It depends on the type of business and amount of traffic - school and healthcare environments should be deep cleaning more often than, say, a Real Estate Office.

Soil is not only unsightly on carpeting, surprisingly, it can actively wear down your carpet faster.  Soil particles work their way down into the carpets backing, and act as a grinding compound. As the carpet is walked on, the particles can cut the fibers.  This will eventually lead to fiber loss, and potentially, bare spots in the carpeting.

Soiled carpet can also become a breeding ground for mold and other microbes.  Regular Professional Cleaning can help reduce the risk of repeated illness in your workplace, as well as reduce symptoms of allergies or asthma.

If you need your business’ carpets Professionally Cleaned, call upon your neighbors at your locally owned and operated SERVPRO® today at (541)745-2097!

What to do after a flood

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be much more serious than it looks. Leave it to the Professionals to clean and restore your home to ensure safety.

After your home has suffered water damage such as a flood, it is important to get into your home and address the problem as quickly and safely as possible. SERVPRO® can help you get the water damage fixed and salvage any furniture and goods that have been damaged. Here are some things to look out for:

Re-entering your home

• Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
• If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
• Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
• The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.

Ensure building safety

• Make sure the building is structurally safe.
• Look for buckled walls or floors.
• Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Standing Water

• Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
• If through color, odor or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, do not drink it.
• Household items that have been flood-damaged may have to be discarded according to local regulations.

Anytime you experience water damage in your home, or business, do not hesitate to call the Water Restoration Professionals at SERVPRO® at 541-745-2097

When your washing machine overflows...

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Anytime there is water damage, even when it's something that might SEEM easy enough to clean up yourself, call a Water Restoration Pros at SERVPRO®

Our local SERVPRO® team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has the training, equipment, and experience to restore water damage quickly and efficiently. A damaged water supply line can quickly cause severe damage to your home or business. Here are some maintenance and safety tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

• Turn supply valves off when not in use
• Consider installing a lever-type valve that is easy to operate between uses
• Do not operate the washing machine while the home is unoccupied
• Inspect the water supply line hoses every six months
• Ensure that the connection to the valve is secure, but avoid over tightening
• Hand tighten first, then tighten an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers
• Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, or blisters, commonly found near the hose connection
• Consider reinforced braided stainless steel hoses
• Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every five years

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or business has water damage, our local SERVPRO® team in Yamhill and Tillamook call us today at 541-745-2097.

Removing Malodors in your business

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

After water damage, unpleasant lingering odors can greatly impact your place of business!

Have you experienced flooding or water damage in your Commercial business?

 These issues can leave unwelcome and defiantly unwanted odors in the air. This odor is most always displeasing to customers, employees or yourself. Based on the source of the issue, we have 5 tips to help solve the problem: 

1. Ventilate the Building and Evaluate the Situation- Allows any lingering scents to disperse through a window, if possible. You can then work to identify and locate any centralized, problematic scents. If sewage loss is causing the odor, it’s best to stay away from the contaminated water and contact SERVPRO® to mitigate.
2. Dry Wet Carpeting and Flooring- Carpet holds moisture and it could be the source of the scent. A wet and dry vacuum, which can be rented if needed, can shampoo the carpet and then dry it afterward. This sanitizes the area to potentially remove some of the smell.
3. Scrub Moldy Surfaces- Mold growth left alone will continue to reproduce and spread along with its musty odor
4. Spray Furniture and Upholstery- Furniture can be sprayed and scrubbed. Porous materials are likely not able to be fully cleaned this way since the fungus settles within.
5. Consult Professionals for Extensive Cleanup- There are many instances that commercial-grade machines will need to be used to remove the malodor. An expert SERVPRO® technician can help remove problems caused by floodwater and/or other water damage. When dealing with flood odors, most do-it-yourself remedies will fix only the symptom. Trust the help from SERVPRO® where we can assist you to remove most of the unwanted smells alongside any mold growth or other nuisance.

Call us today 541-745-2097!

What does SERVPRO® stand for?

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Proud to serve our Community, making it like it never even happened!

SERVPRO® stands for many different things and it makes us so happy to be able to serve our community with all their restoration needs.  SERVPRO® works to help people restore their damages and make the restoration process as smooth as possible. We will make your home safe for your whole family.

SERVPRO® is all about serving our community and serving people; we want to be a resource, to be helpful to others—that is why we do business, and the why we do business is the most important thing, in our minds.  So, obviously people know what we do, but we want to be out there being involved in the community. We want be there when people need assistance, and so that is our number one focus, our number one mission: to serve our customers in time of need and give them the peace of mind.

If you need help restoring damage in your home, business, boat or even CAR (yes! We can clean Biohazard and Growth in vehicles!), call SERVPRO®. We clean water damage, fire damage, biohazard, mold damage and so much more. We always want you to be happy with the job we do for you!

Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO ® to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you have any questions please call 541-745-2097

Protect your contents in the event of a storm

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can bring rain - LOTS of rain! Take steps to help protect your contents in the event of water damage due to storms!

We’ve all done it, left something out in the rain that we weren’t supposed to. Maybe you’ve left the window down in your car overnight, and woken up to a soggy seat on the way to work. Maybe you forgot that book you were reading in the hammock as a storm rolled in and your sunny afternoon disappeared and you disappeared inside your house. Whatever the reason, you don’t think about rain affecting the belongings you keep IN your house…Right?

When we think about storms here in Oregon, we think about wind damage and flooding. Flooding is one of the things that can cause the most damage to your precious belongings. Flood water is also considered contaminated water (due to the unknown materials it had traveled through before it invaded your home).

Keeping your belongings safe in your home is pretty simple and here are some tips to get you started:

~When storing clothes, papers, or cardboard boxes, never leave them on the floor. Instead place them on shelving off the floor.

~Also, if you don’t have shelving, buy some storage totes with lids and use them in place of cardboard boxes…especially if you store things in a basement or garage with concrete flooring.

~Place your family pictures higher on walls.

~Store your valuables off the floor.

~Make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date on the value of your belongings.

~If a flood does happen, don’t place the safety of your belongings over the safety of your life, get to a safe place first! Then call emergency for help.

These are just some ideas to help you get started. Your belongings are something you are proud of and want to keep safe, the same as your home. If your belongings are damaged, call SERVPRO® today. We have an amazing content restoration team and we are here to help!

Fireplace Safety Tips

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

Fireplace safety is very important as it is the difference between a house fire or a safely contained fire.

As the weather turns cooler, it is a special treat to have a wood burning fireplace in your home. This is if the fireplace has been well maintained and works properly when you light it. Here are some maintenance tips for your fireplace this winter

Hire a Chimney Sweep

It is recommended that you get your chimney cleaned and swept out once per year. This clears it of any additional debris and also is a good way to address any problems that may be going on in your chimney. Hiring a professional for this job is probably the best idea as it requires special tools.

Install a Chimney Cap

The cap provides several benefits, including: it prevents water from entering the chimney when it rains, causing costly water damage; a chimney cap with mesh will prevent animals from getting into your chimney and nesting or getting stuck and dying; a chimney cap can prevent other types of blockage, all of which can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home; a spark arrester can help prevent hot embers and sparks from escaping onto the roof or other combustible materials.

Check your chimney and fireplace for any damage.

Before lighting your first fire of the year take some time to look around your fireplace inside and out and notice any changes that may be questionable. If you find damages, hire a wood stove expert to come and address your chimney.

Leave a layer of ash when you clear out your chimney

When you clean out ashes from the firebox, leave at least one inch of ash, which acts as insulation. The ash will allow coals to heat more quickly and will also allow them to retain heat longer.

Watch out for sparks

Place a rug that is non-flammable in front of the fireplace so that if sparks escape, they won’t do any damage to your floor or carpeting. This comes in handy for those embers that you aren't expecting to come out of your fireplace. They will burn your flooring quickly and before you can grab them safely.  Or better yet, install non-flammable tile or stone flooring in front of your fireplace.  Tile/stone is also easier to clean up if any ash is spilled!

And as always, if you do have a fire-related incident, do not hesitate to call your local SERVPRO® Franchise at 541-745-2097!

Would you know what to do?

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is always prepared, even when life catches you off guard

Late at night, you may be the last one in the office…it’s quiet, it dark outside, and you begin to tidy up your desk to head home. Only when you turn off the faint noise of your 80’s music playing on your laptop do you hear it, you hear something…It sounds like a water fountain. Only you know that your office doesn’t’ have one of those…hmmm…you make the decision that each doomed horror movie expendable character makes, and you start to look and see what the noise is.

As you get closer to the source of the noise, your shoes begin squishing on the carpet below…you look down and realize you’ve walked into puddles of water. You round the corner in the hall and find the culprit - a single solitary sprinkler head spraying water in an awkward fashion onto the floor and surrounding walls. You don’t know what to do?? You worked late, and it’s now after business hours. You try to reach out to your boss, no response. You think of what to do next, and you remember the facilities man that was in to fix the overhead lights last month. You rush to the company call list and find his name and title. You try calling the manager of facilities. He picks up right away.

When you tell the facilities manager what is happening, he instructs you to turn off the water. As he walks you through how to find the shutoff switch and how to turn it off, he says he will reach out to a contact he has within the community. Someone who deals with water damages like this all the time.

You let out a sigh of relief as the water stops flowing from the sprinkler head. A moment later, your phone rings and a SERVPRO® technician gives you their ETA.

Shortly after you notice a bright green van pull up outside and several team members pile out and enter the building. They greet you, their hands full of what appear to be large green machines, with hoses and vacuum heads. Some of the other team members are carrying what appears to be large green fans.

After going over the process with you and confirming they have received the facilities managers signature to move forward, they get to work.

Like a well oiled machine they move throughout the soaked space, assessing damage, and extracting water where needed. A little while passes and the facilities manager shows up, he informs you that you can leave and head home now. He also said you did a great job calling him right away.

As you leave you feel relieved and yet a bit of adrenaline still courses through your body…it has been an exciting evening. SERVPRO® is prepared for when life catches you off guard!

When the storm hits, we are here to help!

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can cause major damage to your home and property. SERVPRO® is ready to receive your call!

Storms can cause severe damage to your property, whether it's from high winds, flooding, or lightning strikes. At SERVPRO®, we understand the devastating effects that storms can have on your home or business, and we are equipped to handle any storm-related disaster.

Our team of highly trained professionals is available 24/7 to provide emergency storm response services. We use state-of-the-art equipment to extract water, dry out affected areas, and restore your property to preloss condition quickly and efficiently.

One of the most common storm-related disasters is flooding. Flooding can occur due to heavy rains or rising water levels, and it can cause significant damage to your property. Our team has experience working with flood-damaged properties and uses advanced techniques to extract water, dry out affected areas, and prevent further damage from occurring.

Storms can also cause damage from fallen trees and debris. Our team can quickly remove debris and assess the damage to your property. We will work with you every step of the way to develop a customized plan tailored to your specific needs and budget.

In addition to our restoration and cleanup services, we also offer storm preparedness services. We can help you develop a plan to protect your property from future storms, including preparing your roof and gutters, securing loose items, and creating a disaster kit.

At SERVPRO®, we believe that communication is key to a successful storm restoration and cleanup process. We will keep you informed every step of the way and work closely with you to ensure that your property is restored to preloss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Contact us today for more information on our storm restoration and cleanup services, and let us help you get your property back to preloss condition. 541-745-2097

Electrical Fire Safety

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Faulty wiring or overloaded electrical panels have caused many structural fires!

Electrical fires can not only catch us off guard, but can also be tricky to deal with. There are warning signs that you may be at risk for an electrical fire. Knowing the signs to look for can help protect you from an electrical fire disaster.

The warning signs include:

• Circuit breakers that repeatedly trip
• Shocks or tingling feelings as you touch an electrical appliance
• Flickering lights
• Discolored electrical wall outlets
• A burning smell of smoke or “hot plastic” coming from wiring, a plug or an appliance

If you happen to experience an electrical fire, there are steps to take to help lessen the damage, as well as help keep you and your family safe.

• Take action with an appliance by unplugging it immediately and cutting the power at the electrical panel.
• Pay attention to the voltage of the appliance you are plugging in.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher, or smother with baking soda if no Fire Extinguisher handy on a smaller fire

NEVER try to extinguish an electrical fire with water. Water conducts electricity and you could be badly shocked. 

If you have electrical fire damage we can help you at SERVPRO®. We will come out and assess the damage for you. Then we can get to work to make it like it never even happened. 

Did you know?

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Whatever your Commercial Cleaning needs, the Professionals at SERVPRO® are always here to help!

SERVPRO® offers cleaning services for both big and small buildings. Whether you need a quick clean on a messy office, or just simply don’t have the tools to clean your commercial building, your local SERVPRO® has all the tools to get the job done. Most people are surprised by the fact that we offer a wide variety of cleaning services, and thought we were just a restoration company. 

• Carpet and Upholstery 
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors 
• HVAC Cleaning
• Biohazard  & Crime Scene Cleanup
• Document Restoration
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Interior & Exterior Power Washing 
• Emergency Services
• Virus & Pathogen Cleaning
• Graffiti & Vandalism cleaning

Those are just a few of the services we can offer in order to get your space looking as good as new! Call your local SERVPRO® today to find out more about how our trained professionals can help you! (541)-745-2097.

Let us worry about your Commercial Cleaning needs!

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

Let the Cleaning Professionals at SERVPRO® handle all your Commercial Cleaning needs

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on local SERVPRO® Professionals to make your workspace look its very best.

Specialty Cleaning Services

We offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Their cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Drapes and Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism
• Interior/Exterior Painting

Your local SERVPRO® Professionals will get the job done right and get it done quickly.

Have Questions? Call Us Today! 541/745-2097

Storm approaching? Have a plan READY!

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

We cannot control the weather, but we can be better prepared to weather the storm. And SERVPRO® is here to help you after the storm

Storms can be frightening, and cause a lot of damage to our personal property.  Thankfully with today's technology, we generally do get some warning, which can give us a chance to prepare.

   What to do as the storm approaches:

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.

- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

-- Clear gutters of debris.

-- Reinforce the garage door.

-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

-- Fill a bathtub with water.

-- Get a full tank of gas in one car.

-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.

-- Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.

-- Have a current inventory of household property.

-- Leave a note to say where you are going.

-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for the residence.

We can only do so much to prepare for an incoming storm, and our primary concern is to keep our loved ones safe.  If you experience property damage during any kind of storm, do not hesitate to call upon our Team here at SERVPRO® at 541/745-2097. Our Cleaning and Restoration Specialists will help make it "Like it never even happened.”

Leaky Plumbing in the Kitchen Can Cause BIG Trouble

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

Routinely checking for leaks under your kitchen sink can help avoid big disasters

No matter what time of year, it seems like kitchen sink pipes like to leak. We, here at SERVPRO® get many calls about leaks from kitchen sink pipes. One recent call we received was abouta kitchen sink pipe leaking. Unfortunately, the home owner was not aware of the small, slow leak until it had soaked through the bottom of the cabinet, through the flooring and on into their daylight basement! This ruined the bottom of the sink cabinet, the subflooring, insulation, and ceiling dry wall. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to help you avoid this situation.

1. Make sure you check once month under you sink for leaks.

2. Don't keep a lot of stuff under the sink, it becomes hard to notice if a leak is happening.

3. Line your cupboard with cupboard liner, so that it can protect from moisture.

4. When the weather is below freezing leave you cupboard open it bit to allow heat under the sink, to prevent frozen pipes.

5. Do simple moisture checks once a month to make sure the wood/plywood is not wet, not any visible water drops coming off your pipes.

If do you run in to a kitchen sink leak that has cause damage, first call a Plumber to stop/fix the leak. Then contact your Water Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®, we are here to help. All you need to do is call us at 541/745-2097.

Professionals at work

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

The Professionals here at SERVPRO® are here to provide excellent Customer Service during your time of need

Where has customer service gone? SERVPRO® has never lost it.

Do you ever feel like customer service is a dying art? I’m not just talking about waiting on the phone for 45 minutes trying to get through the “automated system” and talk to an actual human being, I’m talking about human interactions with businesses that make you want to return to that business, and recommend that business to friends and family who inquire.

In the restoration industry, word of mouth and return customers mean the world to us. It’s not only the confidence in knowing that we cared for them the right way the first time, but it’s a customer entrusting us to care for them again…that is what really reassures us that we are doing a good job.

So when did customer service start to be less important? When did people stop caring so much about the entire experience the customer is having, and look at them as someone who they are obligated to “Take care of” or “Help” I think many customer service skills have become less important due to more and more interaction via the internet and remotely working.

At SERVPRO®, we cannot do Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Mold Remediation, and Bio-Hazard Clean-up from a remote location. We have had to stay front and center in people’s lives, always, even through a pandemic. We are very much a hands on company, both literally and figuratively.

What we hope to hear, as a small business serving the Willamette Valley, is that our customers had a good experience with our services. Because when we come into a home or business that has experienced a loss, we want to leave our customers in a better mood than we found them in…at every single visit.

Here at SERVPRO® we are in the business of caring for people’s homes and businesses, and in a way we are very much in the business of caring for and helping people. There aren’t many jobs that see what we do, and we consider it a privilege to serve our customers day in and day out for the past 20+ years.

Creating a Defensible Space

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Here are suggestions to help protect your home against a Forest Fire

Unfortunately during Summer and into Fall, Forest Fires ravage the West Coast.  Thousands of acres of timber are lost.  And, sadly, so arere many homes.  While a wildfire is beyond our control, as a homeowner there are certain steps you can take to help reduce your property risk in case of a Forest Fire.

• Install a fire-proof roof. A metal roof is ideal here in the PNW due to the heavy rain and also provides excellent fire protection. Contact your local Roofing Professional for all your options,
• Create a ‘defensible space’ around your home – in some areas, it is required by law. Think ‘Lean, Clean and Green’ – remove all flammable vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
• Clear debris from the yard – this includes dead branches, twigs, any old building material, etc.
• Stack wood piles at least 30 feet from your home, and remove vegetation from within 10 feet of the woodpile.
• Remove lower branches, at least 6 feet from the ground.
• Trim any unhealthy looking trees. Remove dead branches, and clean out dead leaves/dried debris from under the trees.
• Consider removing any trees that are too close to your house – many fires jump tree top to tree top, as well as Emergency Vehicles need to be able to work all the way around your home in the event of a fire.
• Store any fuel tanks, propane or butane, at least 30 feet from the house.

For more information on Fire Safety & Prevention, you can visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/FirePrevention.aspx

If your home is damaged by a Wildfire, or sustains any kind of fire damage, please contact your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®!

Water Heater Causes Flooding in McMinnville Home?

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration services in Yamhill County.

Water damage claims continue to be the top insurance claim in the United States. Our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties team has been restoring water damage in McMinnville for many years. We use powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment to quickly restore the damage, saving our customers time and money in many cases. According to industry estimates:

• 75 percent of water heaters will fail before they are 12 years old
• 98 percent of basements in the United States will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans
• 37 percent of homeowners in the United States claim to have suffered losses from water damage
• 5 billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the United States
• $6,975 is the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim
• The average age of failed washing machine supply line hoses is 8.7 years

The most common causes of water damage are:

• Leaking water heaters
• Severe weather
• Clogged gutters
• Leaking pipes
• Washing machine water supply line leaks
• Condensation from air conditioners
• Blocked drains
• Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your McMinnville home or commercial business, you can rely on our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties teams to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hidden Water Leak Causes Mold Outbreak in Carlton Home?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in Yamhill County.

Our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties team has been restoring mold damage in Carlton for many years. There are many factors that encourage mold growth in Yamhill County. If you notice a strong musty odor, you may have mold growing underneath your carpets or inside your walls. We use sensitive equipment and instruments to detect the presence of excess water and will correct any water leaks as part of the remediation process to minimize the chances of the mold returning once the job is complete. Here are some of the signs that you may have mold damage:

• Strong, musty odor
• Recent water damage
• Fluffy white or black spots on clothing
• Stinky, damp carpeting
• Water leak inside of a wall
• Water leak inside a cabinet
• Leaking water tank
• Leaking water heater
• Leaking water supply line
• Spotting on upholstered furniture
• Spotting on drapes or fabric blinds
• Spotting on wallpaper
• Bubbling paint on walls
• Dark spots on walls
• Musty smell from an air conditioner
• Visible mold growing on wall or floor tiles

Mold Removal Process

1. Emergency Contact – 503-472-9824
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

Call Us Today!

When you find mold damage in your Carlton home or commercial business, you can count on our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties teams to restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Broken Pipe Floods Manzanita Home While Residents Are Out?

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Tillamook County.

When we pulled into the garage of our Manzanita home, we noticed water pooling on the garage floor. Upon further investigation, we noticed a large water stain on the ceiling, and water was dripping from the stain. Oh no! Our neighbors told us to call the local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties team, and I’m glad we did. They arrived quickly and assessed the situation and traced the water leak to a broken pipe in the kitchen above the garage. After the water was extracted and the area was dried completely, the leaking pipe was repaired, and they replaced the drywall in the ceiling and repainted it. Now you would never know we had water damage in our garage!

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

You never know when a pipe will fail and flood your home or business. That’s why our technicians are on call and ready to respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day.

When your Manzanita home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, you can trust our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties teams to restore the water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Newberg Home Damaged by Harsh Windstorm?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 365 days a year in Tillamook County.

Windstorms are common in the Pacific Northwest. Our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties teams are highly trained and certified to restore wind-damaged homes and businesses in Newberg. Here are some tips from the State of Oregon Health Authority for things you should do to stay safe after a windstorm has passed:

• Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
• Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.
• Call 911 only to report a life-threatening emergency.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors, open windows and leave the building. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames, or electric switches indoors.
• If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen for up to two days.
• Provide assistance to your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
• Try to make contact with your out-of-area phone contact, but avoid making local telephone calls.
• Monitor your portable or weather radio for instructions or an official "all clear" notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, and medical aid stations, and the extent of the damage.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Newberg has windstorm damage, you can trust our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties teams to restore the wind damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pacific City Home Flooded During Recent Rainstorm?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 365 days a year in Tillamook County.

Heavy rain can cause flooding, street closures, and cause water intrusion into homes and businesses. Our local Yamhill and Tillamook Counties teams respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Here are some tips from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for things you can do during a flood watch or warning to stay safe:

• Gather emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water. Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Store at least a 3-day supply.
• Listen to your local radio or television station for updates
• Have immunization records handy (or know the year of your last tetanus shot)
• Store immunization records in a waterproof container
• Bring in outdoor items (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely
• If evacuation appears necessary, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve
• Leave areas subject to flooding such as low spots, canyons, washes, etc. (Remember: avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water.)

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Pacific City has damage from rainwater intrusion, you can count on our local teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the water damage quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Safety Tips for Weathering a Windstorm Event in Tillamook?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Tillamook County.

Tillamook County is positioned perfectly to take the brunt of the powerful windstorms that sweep in from the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately, our Yamhill and Tillamook team of highly trained technicians responds is on call and ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Oregon Health Authority offers these tips on things you can do to stay safe during a windstorm:

• Don’t panic. Take quick action to protect yourself and help others.
• Turn off the stove if you’re cooking and the power goes out, and turn off natural gas appliances
• Never use a gas stove for heat
• Never burn charcoal indoors
• Never use a generator indoors or in a garage or carport. Learn more about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning during an emergency.
• If you are indoors, move away from windows or objects that could fall. Go to lower floors in multi-story homes.
• If you are outdoors, move into a building. Avoid downed electric power lines, utility poles, and trees.
• If you are driving, pull off the road and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards
• Listen to your radio for emergency instructions

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Tillamook has windstorm damage, you can rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the wind damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Do You Need Mold Remediation Services in Pacific City?

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

We restore mold damage in Yamhill County.

Mold spores are microscopic and float around in the Earth’s atmosphere waiting for the perfect, moist, warm conditions to colonize. These colonies can become visible in as little as 48 hours and can spread quickly. Because mold is always present in the air, it can never be completely removed, but it can be controlled and remediated. Our Yamhill and Tillamook team of highly trained technicians is certified in applied microbial remediation by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the restoration industry. When Pacific City residents need help remediating a mold problem, you can trust our team of professionals to mitigate and remediate the mold damage quickly and efficiently.

We follow local and state laws on specific documentation protocols based on the size of the affected area and can advise you on the process, providing you with guidance relative to your unique situation.

Mold remediation process

1. Emergency Contact
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

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Pacific City has a mold problem, you can count on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Faulty Electrical Outlet Causes Microwave fire in Sheridan?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to restore fire, soot, and smoke damage. Electrical fires are one of the top causes of fire damage in the United States.

Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets, so you don’t have to use extension cords.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Sheridan experiences fire damage from a faulty electric cord or for another reason, you can rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Intrusion Floods Basement in Newberg Home?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration in Yamhill County.

Along with the rain comes the opportunity for water intrusion. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year in Newberg, and we see the damage heavy rains can cause to a home or building. By storing items in basements off of the ground in plastic watertight bins, water exposure and damage to these items may be avoided. Here are some helpful tips from the Insurance Information Institute to keep your belongings protected from unwanted water:

Protect Your Belongings

• Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness.
• Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is a risk of destruction from water
• Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements.In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged.
• Keep an inventory of all belongings. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Newberg has a flooding or other water intrusion issue that causes water damage, you can rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can Do to Prevent Wind Damage Emergency in Manzanita?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Tillamook County.

Manzanita is exposed to the powerful storms that blow in from the Pacific Ocean. These strong wind storms can wreak havoc on properties, causing damage from flying projectiles. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to wind damage emergencies every year and offers these tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for preventing wind damage:

Fortify Your Roof

Your roof is your first line of defense in a high-wind event. Re-adhere any loose shingles and consider impact-resistant shingles when installing a roof. Install roof strappings to anchor the roof framing to the wall framings so the wind can’t lift your roof off your house.

Trim or Remove Dead, Damaged, or Rotting Trees and Limbs

High winds can cause trees and branches to fall. Make sure any damaged trees on the property are trimmed or removed regularly. Your home should be at least a full-grown tree’s height away from the base of any tree, usually about 40 feet away.

Secure Objects Outside the Home

Loose shingles, your dog’s house, trash cans, and sports equipment can be picked up by the wind and cause damage to your home. Secure outdoor objects like furniture, gutters, and downspouts.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business suffers wind damage in Manzanita, you can count on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Tips For Preventing Rainwater From Entering My Basement in Yamhill?

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Yamhill County.

Yamhill gets its share of rain, averaging 42 inches each year. When cracks form on foundation walls, water can seep into the structure, causing water damage. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year and offers these tips from the Insurance Information Institute for preventing basement water seepage:

• Reseal your basement. Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you’ve never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.
• Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows towards the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall, potentially through any cracks.
• Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Call Us Today!

When your basement floods in your home or business, you can count on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

If I Find a Water Leak, Do I Have a Mold Problem in my Carlton Home?

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is a trusted leader in mold mitigation and removal services in Carlton. In many cases, mold is a symptom of water damage hiding somewhere in the walls of your home. We will inspect and assess the damage and identify and correct any water leaks or water damage we locate to minimize the chances of the mold returning once the removal process is complete. Here is some information about mold from our website:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or air conditioning and 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 
• 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 can lead you to possible mold problem areas
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Call Us Today!

When you discover a mold outbreak in your home or commercial business in Carlton, you can always rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to clean and restore mold damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Biohazard Cleanup and Decontamination Services in McMinnville?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

We clean and restore biohazard spills 24 hours a day in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is a trusted leader in biohazard cleanup and removal services. Do you know what to do in the event of a biohazard spill or contamination? Our technicians have the experience, equipment, and protective gear required to clean dangerous biohazards quickly and efficiently in McMinnville.

Commercial Biohazard Restoration Services 

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Here are some tips from our website on what to do and NOT do while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
• Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
• Don’t use your vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other electrical appliances
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business in McMinnville is exposed to biological contaminants, fast action is required to minimize the chances of creating an unhealthy environment for your employees and customers. You can rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to clean and restore biohazard damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Yamhill Home Suffers Wind Damage in Recent Storm?

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to wind and storm damage emergencies every year in Yamhill. Here are some tips for protecting your property from wind damage from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Secure Fencing, Porches, Canopies, and Sheds

Have them inspected and make sure they are firmly attached and in sound structural condition. Secure any parts of fencing that appear weak or loose.

Anchor Any Fuel Tanks and External Utility Links

If you have an exterior fuel tank or any utilities located outside, anchor or tie them down according to the ground anchor instructions. This will help reduce the risk of them overturning and sliding.

Replace Gravel and Rock Landscaping Materials

Rock and gravel materials can cause serious damage during a severe wind event. Gravel has been found in mailboxes during very strong wind events and has even shredded vinyl siding. Replace these materials with a softer material, such as mulch or dirt.

Call Us Today!

When wind damages your home or commercial property, fast action is required to minimize the chances of secondary damage. You can rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Bad Odor Keeping Customers Away in Tillamook?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in odor removal services in Tillamook County.

Sometimes bad odors creep in over time. You and your employees may become “nose blind” to them, but customers won’t. Our teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties are trained and certified to locate the source and remove unpleasant smells from commercial businesses and homes using scientific processes that eliminate odors where they make contact with surfaces.

Odor identification and removal can be challenging as odors may derive from many sources inside and outside the building. Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to identify and eliminate offensive odors. We never mask odors or take shortcuts as these methods do not work.

Odor Identification

The first step is to identify the source of the smell and locate where the odor is contacting surfaces. Sometimes the odors originate from more than one location in the building.

Odor Elimination Process

Once we identify the cause of the odor and determine the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use several odor removal products capable of thoroughly penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant scents.

Call Us Today!

When you discover a bad odor in your commercial business or home in Tillamook, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Roof Leak Causes Mold Outbreak in Yamhill Home?

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in Yamhill County.

Our teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties are trained and certified to mitigate and restore mold damage following this process:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

3. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Call Us Today!

When you discover a mold outbreak in your Yamhill home or commercial business, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do to Stay Safe During a Flooding Situation in Pacific City?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Tillamook County.

Do you know how to stay safe during a flooding event? Our teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties want everyone in Pacific City to be safe in the event of flooding. Our technicians respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day. We have the training, equipment, and experience necessary to mitigate and restore flood damage, no matter how extensive the damage is.

Here are some tips from Federal Emergency Management Agency on things you can do to stay safe during a flood:

• If told to evacuate, evacuate immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Contact your health provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. Call 9-1-1 if you have a medical emergency.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current information and instructions regarding flooding
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Do not climb into a closed attic space and only get on the roof if necessary and once there is a signal for help.
• Stay off bridges and out of fast-moving water. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Say inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the vehicle.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Pacific City needs storm damage restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do If I Find Mold Growing in My Home in Carlton?

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

We remediate mold problems in Yamhill County.

Our teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties follow a comprehensive process to remediate mold as follows:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

3. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Carlton needs mold remediation services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Defensive Pathogen Cleaning Program Inspires Consumer Confidence in Yamhill?

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

We clean and decontaminate commercial properties in Yamhill County.

Our teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties provide deep cleaning and decontamination services that exceed the scope of a routine janitorial service. We offer a full range of deep cleaning services to keep your commercial business virus-free and looking its best.

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program is a defensive pathogen cleaning program that inspires consumer confidence.

How does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the individual needs of each facility
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.

Call Us Today!

Having a clean and virus-free workplace ignites employee and consumer confidence. When your commercial business or home in Yamhill needs COVID-19 cleaning and decontamination services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA-approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.

Winter Storm Flood Watch for Tillamook?

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Yamhill County.

You never know when a significant storm will blow in and cause flooding. Our teams in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties respond to storm damage emergencies every year in Tillamook. Here are some definitions of flood warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

Flood Watch

• Be Prepared. A Flood Watch is issued when favorable conditions for a specific hazardous weather event occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will happen, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

• Take action!A Flood Warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flash Flood Warning

• Take action!A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Tillamook needs storm damage restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Detector Maintenance and Safety Tips for Carlton Residents?

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring fire damage in Carlton for many years. Smoke alarms are a critical part of a home fire escape plan, as these alarms are essential in reducing fire deaths and injuries in the United States. Working fire alarms give early warnings so you can get outside quickly. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Carlton needs fire damage restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are the Main Causes of Water Damage in Newberg Homes?

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water restoration services in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring water damage for Newberg residents for many years. Water damage claims are the number one insurance claim in the United States.

Here are some interesting facts about water damage:

• 98 percent of basements in the United States will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans
• 37 percent of homeowners in the United States claim to have suffered losses from water damage
• 5 billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the United States
• $6975 is the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim
• The average age of failed washing machine supply line hoses is 8.7 years
• 75 percent of water heaters fail before they are 12 years old

Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day. The most common causes of water damage are:

• Severe weather
• Clogged gutters
• Leaking pipes
• Washing machine water supply line leaks
• Condensation from air conditioners
• Blocked drains
• Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
• Leaking water heaters

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Newberg needs water damage restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Deep Cleaning Services Make Sheridan Homes Sparkle for the Holidays?

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

We offer a full range of cleaning services in Yamhill County.

Can you remember the last time you had your home deep cleaned? Over time, surfaces can become dull from cleaning product residues. Although we are better known for fire and water damage restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is also trained and certified to provide a full range of deep cleaning services that exceed what a standard cleaning service can offer. 

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Our carpet and upholstery cleaning service will remove the dirt you see and the unwanted dust you don’t see. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening a room and freshening your home.

COVID-19 Cleaning

Our technicians are trained and certified to keep your home virus-free.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Our experts are ready to assist in the clean-up of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home. Find out more about our franchise professionals.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Sheridan needs specialty deep cleaning services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Your Apartment Building Ready for Winter in Tillamook?

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to commercial property damage calls 24-hours a day in Tillamook County.

Winter is almost here. Are you ready?  

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to commercial water damage emergencies every year in Tillamook. If you haven’t inspected your apartment building’s exterior lately, now is a good time. Water intrusion can be minimized by checking the structure’s exterior and making necessary repairs, and these proactive measures and repairs will help reduce the chance of a bigger problem later. 

• Caulk and seal windows 
• Inspect the roof for missing and damaged shingles 
• Use a drone to fly over the roof to inspect the roof for missing and damaged shingles  

• Check rain gutters and drainage systems and remove any debris 
• Check downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the house 
• Check sprinkler systems and make sure the sprinklers are not spraying water onto the structure and that water is not pooling around the building’s foundation 
• Make sure water drains away from the building.Water is invasive and will find its way easily into a structure when water is allowed to pool around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter the foundation wall through cracks. 

Call Us Today! 

When your commercial property or home in Tillamook has water damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Holiday Decoration Fire in Pacific City?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Tillamook County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties wishes everyone in Pacific City Happy Holidays! The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips to ensure you have a happy and fire-safe holiday season: 

Holiday Decorating 

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. 

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn 
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both 
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. 
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged 
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors 

Holiday Entertaining 

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan 
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles 
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet 

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop 
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. 
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding them. 

Call Us Today! 

When you need help with a fire damage emergency in your Pacific City home or business, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

How Can I Tell If I Have a Shower Leak in Rockaway Beach?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Tillamook County.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that homes in the United States waste more than one trillion gallons of water each year. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year in Rockaway Beach. Here are some tips from the EPA for detecting shower leaks:

Shower Leaks

• Most leaky showerheads can be fixed by ensuring a tight connection using pipe tape and a wrench. If you are replacing a showerhead, look for one that has earned the WaterSense label.
• A good method to check for leaks is to examine your water use. A family of four likely has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. You probably have a leak if the meter does not read exactly the same.
• Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank to check for a toilet bowl leak. You have a leak if the color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing. 

Call Us Today!

When you need help with a water damage emergency in your Rockaway Beach home or commercial business, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Our Team is Highly Trained and Qualified to Restore Fire and Water Damage in Manzanita!

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

We restore commercial property damage 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

When you need emergency fire or water damage restoration services in Manzanita, you’ll want to hire a company that can do the work quickly and efficiently. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

e-Learnings

All employees have access to web-based training. This voluntary program is designed to be an ongoing training series for our employees. These training courses feature video presentations and support materials, followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. This keeps our technicians and office team current on new industry standards and best practices for the cleaning and restoration industry.

Please Call Us Today!

Property damage can happen at any time for many reasons in Manzanita. When you need help with a fire or water damage emergency in your home or commercial business, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Vandalism and Graffiti Damage on Carlton Rental Property?

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

We restore commercial property damage 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

When your business is damaged by vandalism and graffiti, it is important to act quickly to restore the damage. This will discourage the graffiti vandals from striking there again because graffiti vandals want recognition, and when their “work” is removed quickly, they will move to another location. 

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring vandalism and graffiti damage for commercial businesses in Carlton for years. If there are any broken windows, they should also be replaced right away to prevent water and mold damage. Our technicians are trained and certified to restore many forms of vandalism and graffiti from surfaces like:

• Driveways
• Walkways
• Asphalt
• Metals
• Wood
• Glass
• Plastic
• Masonry

We pretest every surface to ensure we use the most effective cleaner to remove the graffiti. Based on the unique characteristics of the damage, our technicians may restore the damage by:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Mold damage restoration
• Contents cleaning

Please Call Us Today!

You never know when vandals will strike and deface your property. When you discover vandalism and graffiti damage in your Carlton commercial business or home, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Do You Have an Evacuation Plan in Place for Your Pets in Yamhill?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage in Yamhill County.

Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your furry friends? Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Yamhill and offers these pet safety tips for situations when you need to evacuate:

• Make sure your pets are included in your family’s evacuation plan
• Build an evacuation kit for each pet in your household
• Ensure each kit is a size and weight that can be quickly loaded into a vehicle when packing to evacuate.

Include supplies for your pet in your emergency kit or assemble an emergency kit for your pet. Here are some pet emergency kit tips from the American Red Cross:

• Sturdy leashes and harnesses
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and a manual can opener
• Medications and copies of medical records
• A first aid kit
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

Call Us!

When your Yamhill home or business needs help with storm damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Is the Process for Cleaning Water-Damaged Areas in My Tillamook Home?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

We clean and sanitize water-damaged areas in Tillamook County.

When your home is compromised by water damage, the water may contain dangerous bacteria or viruses. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties thoroughly cleans, sanitizes, and deodorizes areas exposed to contaminated water. Here is some information from our website describing these steps:

Contents Restoration

We pretest every item before cleaning to ensure we use the most effective cleaning method.

• Wet Cleaning
• Dry Cleaning
• Spray and Wipe
• Foam Cleaning
• Abrasive Cleaning
• Immersion Cleaning

Odor Removal and Deodorization

We identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise, industrial-grade air scrubbers, and fogging equipment go beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is severe or persistent.

• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Air Scrubbers and Fogging Equipment

Sanitizing Treatments

When required, we use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

• Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Treatments
• Sanitizing and Disinfectant Treatments

Disposal

We will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.

• Properly Dispose of Refuse

Call Us Today!

Water damage is the most common form of property damage claim in the United States. When your home or commercial business in Tillamook has water damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. We have established relationships with all major insurance companies and can assist with the paperwork and process. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Is the Process for Removing Water From My Home in Rockaway Beach?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Tillamook County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to more water damage emergencies in Rockaway Beach than any other type of property damage emergency. Here is some information from our website describing our water removal process and additional services we offer to protect your belongings from further damage:

Move-Out and Pack-Out Services

When your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, we can conduct an organized and efficient move of your belongings to protect your belongings from further damage.

Emergency Water Removal

We use industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove most of the water. This helps the drying time and prevents secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation
• Infrared cameras find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Rockaway Beach has water damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Home Inventory Made Easy Through Technology in Nehalem?

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in cleanup and restoration services in Tillamook County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties knows that an up-to-date home inventory list makes it easier to settle insurance claims when you have a fire or water damage emergency. Nehalem residents will benefit from the Insurance Information Institute tips for using technology to make your home inventory easier.

Take pictures – Create a photo record of your belongings. Capture important individual items and entire rooms, closets, or drawers. Label your photos with what’s pictured, where you bought it, the make or model—whatever information might be important to replacing or getting reimbursed for the item. Use your smartphone or digital camera—some give you the capability to put in the item’s description when saving the photo.

Tape it – Walk through your house or apartment, videotaping and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: “Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, and saucer. Purchased in 2015.”

Use an app – Many mobile app options can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.

Call Us Today!

Property damage can happen at any time. If your home or commercial business in Nehalem has damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Your Business Prepared for Winter Weather in Yamhill?

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to commercial property damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring commercial property damage for Yamhill businesses for many years. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety for preventing commercial pipes from freezing this winter:

• Inspect and seal or repair all cracks, holes, leaks, windows, doors, and other openings on exterior walls with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity 
• Insulate and seal around attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, and electric and mechanical chases 
• Ensure your pipes in hard-to-reach places like attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls are insulated—wrap pipes and faucets in unheated or minimally heated areas of the building 
• Make sure your existing freeze-protection devices and alarms are in good working order. Test freeze stats (low-temperature sensing device) and valves before the weather gets cold. 
• Pipes leading to the exterior should be shut off and drained at the start of winter. If these exterior faucets do not have a shut-off valve inside the building, have one installed by a plumber.  
• Hire a licensed fire protection specialist to conduct routine maintenance on your sprinkler system. Discuss the system’s exposure to winter weather and potential mitigation options.

Call Us Today!

Property damage can happen at any time. If your commercial business or home in Yamhill has property damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Visible Signs of Storm Damage in Newberg?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

The Oregon coast is no stranger to storms, and neither are north coast residents. Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your Yamhill County home or commercial property, you need our team of qualified professionals.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring storm damage for Newberg homes and commercial businesses for many years. After any storm, high wind, or hail event, your property should be inspected for visible signs of damage. Here are some of the indicators of storm damage:

• Debris on the roof
• Dents in your siding
• Clogged or broken rain gutters
• Visible damage to the roof facia
• Visible signs of the roof flashing
• Water spots on your ceiling or walls
• Cracked, dented, or lifted roof shingles
• Missing roof shingles

Our teams are ready to respond to storm damage emergencies day and night, 365 days a year. Upon arrival, we will immediately tarp and board up any areas exposed to the elements to minimize the potential for further damage.

Call Us Today!

Storm damage can happen at any time of the day or night. If your home or business in Newberg has storm damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Halloween Party Fire Started by a Pet in Carlton?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Are pets causing fires? Yes, it’s true. Pets are curious and do cause fires. Your pet could start a fire by bumping into, turning on, or knocking over cooking equipment. Each year, pets and wild animals are responsible for starting over 750 fires. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties wants everyone in Carlton to be safe and fire-free this Halloween. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association for keeping your pets safe around fire:

• Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
• Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
• Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
• Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
• Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us!

You never know if your pet will start a fire in your home, but if your home or business in Carlton has fire damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Industrial-Grade Equipment Used to Restore Commercial Water Damage in Sheridan?

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

We restore commercial water damage in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring water damage for Sheridan businesses for many years. When your company has water damage, fast action is required to repair the damage quickly. Water is invasive and can cause extensive damage in as little as one hour to one day.

We use powerful, industrial-grade equipment to extract and dry the area thoroughly. This saves our customers time and money by minimizing the chances of secondary damage and time-consuming and costly repairs. We also document and monitor the drying process to ensure the area is returned to normal moisture levels.

Moisture Detection and Measurement

• Surface moisture meters
• Infrared imagery
• Evasive moisture detectors
• Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

When your business or home in Sheridan has water damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do If My House Floods During a Storm in Pacific City?

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Pacific City. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do if you experience flooding during a storm while waiting for professional help to arrive:

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
• Gather loose items from floors

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water
• Don't use television or other household appliances
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us!

When your Pacific City home or business has storm damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What is the Process For Restoring Fire Damage in Tillamook?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Tillamook. Although every fire damage event differs, we follow the same process when remediating fire damage as follows:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event to help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

We inspect and provide you with an assessment of the damage.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

We will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor or major repairs, such as reconstructing various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

When your Tillamook home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Long Does It Take For Water to Cause Damage to My Yamhill Home?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Yamhill. Water is invasive and will cause damage in as little as one hour if left unmitigated. Here is a water damage timeline from our website that illustrates the damage water does to a structure over time:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Metal begins to rust and corrode
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Call Us Today!

When your Yamhill home or business has water damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Is the Process for Remediating Mold for Manzanita Businesses?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

We restore mold-damaged properties in Tillamook County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties restores commercial mold damage throughout the year. Mold is a prevalent problem in Manzanita, and we follow the same remediation process as follows:

1. Emergency Contact

We’ll ask you questions to determine the necessary equipment and resources.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

3. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing mold-infested porous materials may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed during the remediation process. Restoration may involve minor repairs or require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a business or home. 

Call Us!

When you discover mold in your business or home in Manzanita, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties will restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What if My Washing Machine Floods in Sheridan?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has the training, equipment, and experience to restore water damage quickly and efficiently in Sheridan. A damaged water supply line can cause severe damage to your home or business. Here are some maintenance and safety tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

• Turn supply valves off when not in use
• Consider installing a lever-type valve that is easy to operate between uses
• Do not operate the washing machine while the home is unoccupied
• Inspect the water supply line hoses every six months
• Ensure that the connection to the valve is secure, but avoid over tightening
• Hand tighten first, then tighten an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers
• Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, or blisters, commonly found near the hose connection
• Consider reinforced braided stainless steel hoses
• Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every five years

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Sheridan has water damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties typically arrives onsite within four hours of your call. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips for Tillamook Residents?

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Do you know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm? Lightning can travel ten to twelve miles from a thunderstorm or farther. If you live in Tillamook, you are no stranger to thunderstorms and inclement weather. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties offers these thunderstorm safety tips from the National Weather Service:

Nowhere outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. Run to a safe building or vehicle when you first hear thunder, see lightning or observe dark threatening clouds developing overhead. Stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

• Stop all activities
• Seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle
• Wait thirty minutes after the storm to resume activities
• Stay off corded phones. You can use cellular or cordless phones.
• Don't touch electrical equipment or cords
• Avoid plumbing. Do not wash your hands, take a shower or wash dishes
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches
• Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls

Call Us Today!

Storms often blow in from the Pacific Ocean with little advanced warning. When your home or commercial business in Tillamook has storm damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties typically arrives onsite within four hours of your call. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We Faster To Any Size Disaster In Yamhill?

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to property damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

When Yamhill residents call us for help with water damage, our technicians typically respond within four hours of your call. We follow the one-four-eight-hour rule, meaning:

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to restore water damage. We use powerful industrial-grade extraction machines and drying equipment and monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is returned to normal humidity levels. Here is some of the equipment we use:

Water extraction equipment

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying equipment

• High-speed air movers cause the moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Call Us Today!

When your Yamhill home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can Smoke Residue and Odor Be Removed in Yamhill?

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

We use advanced technology to restore smoke damage in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to restore smoke damage. Here is some of the equipment we use:

• Air Scrubber or Filter
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (HVAC) air scrubber, or a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) air purifier can capture larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.
• Ozone Generator
• An ozone generator is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.
• Thermal Fogging
• Thermal fogging is an intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors and ventilate the area.
• Hydroxyl Generator
• A hydroxyl generator is a slower and gentler alternative to ozone. These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.
• Vapor Modification
• Vapor modification is another odor elimination method that relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Yamhill has smoke damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help.® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Biohazard Cleaning and Restoration Services for Businesses in Tillamook?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in commercial property damage restoration in Tillamook County.

Have you ever wondered who cleans up after an accident or a crime scene? We do. Our Yamhill and Tillamook Counties technicians clean and restore biohazard contamination 24-hours a day in Tillamook.

Commercial Biohazard Restoration Services 

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Here are some tips from our website on what to do and NOT do while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
• Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
• Don’t use your vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other electrical appliances
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us!

When your commercial business or home needs biohazard restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your biohazard contamination “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Black Water Contamination From Sewer Backup in McMinnville?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

We restore sewer backups 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Our Yamhill and Tillamook Counties technicians have the specialized training, equipment, and protective gear necessary to safely restore sewer backups and black water contamination in McMinnville. Here are the three classifications of contaminated water:

Category 3: “Black Water”

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Category 2: “Gray Water”

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category two water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces or dishwasher overflow.

• It May contain bacteria and viruses
• It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, it can degrade into category two or three

Call Us Today!

When your McMinnville home or commercial business has black water contamination from a sewer backup, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties will clean and restore your black water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Power Outages in Tillamook Homes?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Tillamook County.

Tillamook residents are no strangers to inclement weather. Severe storms often blow in from the Pacific Ocean with little advanced warning. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to storm damage emergencies every year. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross on things you can do to prepare for a power outage:

Create a support network. Identify people who can help you stay home or evacuate during an extended power outage. Keep a paper copy of your contact list.

Stay connected and alert. Sign up for alert systems and apps for text alerts. Have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio, a non-cordless home phone, and chargers/batteries for your cell phones and your computers.

Stock food and water. Store non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks. Plan to use coolers and ice to extend food refrigeration and keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer, or cooler to monitor the food temperature.

Know and plan for your personal and medical electrical needs. Take an inventory of your electrical needs. Consider backup and non-power alternatives for lighting, communication, medical devices, refrigerated medicine, cooking, garage doors, locks, and elevators. Discuss a plan with your doctors for your medical needs.

Call Us!

When your home or business in Tillamook has storm damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help.® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Restoration Services in Pacific City?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

We provide a full range of commercial restoration services in Tillamook County.

Our Yamhill and Tillamook Counties technicians have been restoring property damage in Pacific City for years. We are trained and certified to perform a wide variety of commercial cleaning and restoration services, and we have experience working on all kinds of buildings and workplace settings.

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Government/Military

We provide a full range of commercial property damage restoration services, including:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

Although we are better known for fire and water mitigation and restoration services, we also provide a wide variety of commercial deep cleaning services. These deep-cleaning services exceed the scope of a routine janitorial service designed to keep your business looking its best:

• Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

 Call Us!

When your Pacific City commercial business or home needs cleanup and restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties will restore your commercial property “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How to Stay Safe During a Storm in Pacific Northwest

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

We don't get huge storms here in the Pacific Northwest like other parts of the country, but we are no stranger to high winds, lots of rain, and blackouts. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants to help you stay as safe as possible when storms rage. 

Below are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm while inside a building:

• Stay away from all windows or glass walls, especially during a lightning storm
• Unplug appliances if possible
• Pay attention to all alerts and warnings, as a thunderstorm can develop into a tornado if powerful enough
• Avoid running water if possible since electricity can travel through plumbing

Even here in the PNW weather is unpredictable; it can also change in an instant without much warning. If a thunderstorm does happen to turn into a larger storm on the North Coast consider the following tips:

• If the building has a basement or storm cellar, head there immediately
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck in the event of flying debris or shattered windows
• Do not leave the safe area until the local alerting system says it is safe to do so

Remember, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. Our trained team members will show up ready to go and can assist in cleanup and restoration after a thunderstorm, lightning storm, or other property damage. 

How to prepare an emergency kit for a severe storm in Tillamook

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Tillamook is no stranger to severe storms. If a community is not prepared for a severe storm, the results can be devastating. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants to share some of the following tips to keep in mind while putting together an emergency kit in the event of a severe storm approaching. FEMA has stated that emergency kits should include some of the following:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Any medicine currently being taken
• Emergency food and water
• Extra change of clothes and shoes
• Pet supplies if you are taking care of an animal

These are just a few examples of what an emergency kit should contain. Residents can add whatever else may be needed. There should be an emergency kit in every residential building as well as all commercial buildings if possible. Aside from having an emergency kit ready, a plan should also be in place. If there is a designated storm area inside the home or office, occupants should head there with the emergency kits. Severe storms cannot be avoided, but with the right tools and resources, they can be easier to deal with. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants to make sure City is prepared!

Don’t let a wet floor stress you out in Yamhill County

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Any type of damage inside of a house can be frustrating but one of the more stressful situations is a residential flood. In the middle of a disaster such as a flooded home in Yamhill, it can be hard to figure out where to start when it comes to cleaning up and restoring the damaged area.

That is where SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties comes in. We are ready to help when called and we are highly trained in property damage restoration and in this case, water damage specifically. Here are some steps that can be taken in the event of a flooded home/room:

• Make sure the floor is secure before you start walking through the water or wet areas
• If there is an exposed plug underneath the water, do not walk in that area because electricity can travel through water
• Call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help clean up the flooded area
• Wet floors might be slick so walk slowly to avoid falling and sustaining injuries

We want to make this as easy as possible for our homeowners and reduce the amount of stress you may be feeling in Yamhill. 

Different Types of Fire Damage That Strike Homes In Yamhill County

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber):

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

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood):

Fast-burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore the smoke rises. 

Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):

While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties franchise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!

Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Yamhill, Helping Our Community

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill teams are Here to Help

Last month our team at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties had the opportunity to help a local family in need. We had someone in the community reach out and let us know about a local family and need and told us their story. We knew at once that they were someone we needed to help and knew we could help. 

This family had mold in their home that had caused damage to the contents of the home and they needed help with how to take care of their contents. Our team helped to safely dispose of the affected contents and items. We are so proud of being part of this community and able to help those in need in our area.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counites is Here to Help when our community needs us. 

What To Do After A Fire In Your Yamhill Property

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties, we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after fire damage.

What to do after a fire damage

Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near. 

• Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
• Take pictures of all exterior damages
• If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
• Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items from being contaminated.
• Try locating any important papers and documents.
• Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
• Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
• Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims. We're faster to any disaster

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professionals make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Why trust SERVPRO of Yamhill?

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

We know that when it comes to restoration companies you have a lot of options to use, but our Yamhill team of professionals has 20 years of experience serving customers like you when disaster strikes. Our experienced professionals have the skills, training, and equipment to make any property disaster “Like it never even happened.”

No matter the cause of damage, from a pipe break, toilet overflow, mold or mildew, sewage leak, or more, our teams are ready to respond and begin restoration. We are Here to Help you when disaster strikes. We are in the community, we are your neighbors, we know that when disaster strikes your life, you need help as soon as possible, even if it is outside of “normal” business hours.  Trust the local team with 30 years of experience, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties.

Property Damage In Yamhill Commercial Building

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Nearly 50% of businesses will not reopen following a property disaster such as a pipe break or fire leading to water or fire damage. Our team in Yamhill and Tillamook counties wants to make sure that you are not part of that staggering statistic. Our team of trained, experienced and skilled professionals are ready to respond 24 hours a day. We know that property damage can not only distract you and your employees but can also cause delays in getting business done and taking care of your clients.  We work with you and your team to minimize disruption to everyday workflow.

Our on-call teams in Yamhill and Tillamook counties are ready to respond to any kind of damage you may suffer, and can leap into action to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why Choose SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

When things like broken pipes, dishwasher leaks, and sewage backups you need to act fast. You need a restoration company who acts fast also. That is why our team at Yamhill and Tillamook counties has crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are here to respond to property damage and help make it “Like it never even happened.”

With 20 years of experience, there are not many situations we have not seen or restored. Our team of trained and empathetic professionals is here to walk through the disaster and damage with you. SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is proud to be a locally owned and operated team committed to our customers and community. If property damage strikes, we are just a call away.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties Commercial Restoration

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Your business is something you have likely been working towards for years. From dreaming, planning, and implementing your vision. Your business has been a passion project and to have it damaged by things like a broken pipe or a microwave catching fire is devastating. That is why our team here in Yamhill has professionals on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to emergencies.

We know that you need to be operating so that you can better serve your customers and clients and if your building is not operational it is incredibly hard to serve your customers and work towards your company goals. We work to get you open again as soon as possible and limit any downtime for your business. We are able to work with you and your team to help limit disruption and disturbance so you can get back to business.

Fire Damage Restoration in Yamhill County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

In Oregon and many places in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it sometimes feels like you can get all four seasons of weather in one day or even one hour. So when we do have these cold snaps and reminders of winter it is still incredibly important to be safe when using your fireplace or woodstove.

When soot, smoke, and fire damage take control of your life, let us help you take control back. Our local Yamhill team of trained and experienced professionals are Here to Help you when disaster strikes. Our team has the skills, experience, and empathy to respond to any fire damage, big or small in homes or commercial spaces.

Our teams work to clean, restore, and repair damage and help you get back to life preloss. If fire strikes you, call our Yamhill team whose professionals are ready 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Yamhill Area Home Suffers Property Damage

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Things like pipe breaks, dishwasher leaks, toilet overflows, and appliance failures occur all the time. And can happen anywhere and at any time. No matter how new your property is, how well maintained it is, or how much it is used. That is why our team of professionals in Yamhill and Tillamook counties are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to leap into action and help you make disaster and damage “Like it never even happened.”

Our teams have the training, experience, and equipment to restore your property after any type of damage and no matter the size of the disaster. Our crews are only a call away when disaster strikes, even if damage strikes at 3 am on a Saturday, we are Here to Help.

Storm Damage Strikes Yamhill Home

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Late winter or early spring snow and freezes are not unheard of in our part of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Snow can be a lovely treat to kids but less so to property owners when the snowfall brings property damage with it. Often times ice storms accompany snowfalls that can cause property damage from things like ice dams, falling tree limbs, or frozen pipes.

No matter the cause of damage, our team of local professionals in Yamhill and Tillamook counties are ready to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” We have teams who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week who can respond to you when damage strikes. Our teams will come in, assess the damage, and help walk you through the restoration and repairs process.

Tillamook Area Home Suffers Fire Damage

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Electrical fires in homes occur more often than we want to think, and can easily occur in an office or commercial building due to the many extension cords and electronics. It is important to practice good fire safety. A few good rules of thumb to remember are:

• Do not plug extension cords into other extension cords or power strips
• Do not plug in a space heater or portable air conditioner into a power strip
• Check extension cords and electrical cords for fraying or cuts and do not use if any are present

Even the most prudent and fire safety-minded business or organization can still suffer from fire damage, so it is important to have fire extinguishers around the area and to routinely practice fire drills.

If soot, smoke, or fire damage strike, make sure to trust the team with nearly 20 years of experience making a property damage “Like it never even happened.” Our team in Yamhill and Tillamook counties have the skills and experience to help you restore your property after fire damage and are just a call away.

Faster to Any Size Disaster in Rockaway Beach?

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Faster to Any Size Disaster in Rockaway Beach.

It’s nice to know that SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is on-call and available 24-hours a day to respond to property damage emergencies in Rockaway Beach. We usually arrive on-site within four hours of your call in most cases. Although we are better known for fire and water damage mitigation, we also offer many other specialty cleaning and restoration services for residential and commercial businesses! Here are some of the deep cleaning and restoration services you may not know about:

Overview of Cleaning Services

• Air Ducts
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Units and Systems
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceiling, Floors & Walls
• Certified SERVPRO Cleaned
• Drapes and Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage and Toilet Overflow
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism and Graffiti
• Commercial Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has experience working in many types of commercial buildings and properties, including: 

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties technicians are on call 24-hours a day to respond to residential and commercial property damage emergencies. We have the experience and equipment required to mitigate property damage, no matter how big the job is. We’ll restore your property damage in Rockaway Beach “Like it never even happened.”  

Advanced Technology for SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties?

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Advanced Technologies and Specialized Training for Yamhill

At SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties we use advanced technology, and our technicians undergo initial and continuous training to keep up-to-speed on technological advancements and industry best practices. This saves our customers time and money and allows our technicians to restore residential and commercial properties in Yamhill to preloss condition faster and more cost effectively.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the restoration industry. The IICRC sets the cleaning and restoration standards we follow. These standards incorporate the field of psychometry, allowing our technicians to become proficient in manipulating temperature and relative humidity through moisture detection and measurement equipment. This is important because excess moisture can cause further damage to a structure and encourage mold and other microbial damage.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Call Us Today!

When you have a property damage emergency in Yamhill SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has a team of highly trained restoration technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.” 

Water Damage Emergency in Carlton?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Carlton Water Damage Disaster.

At SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties we restore water damage disasters of all kinds and sizes. Because water is invasive, water can seep into cracks and crevices and can become an expensive repair when left untreated for too long. Our technicians have the specialized equipment and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate any water damage emergency. Here are some tips for preventing plumbing failure from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS)

• Never pour grease down the drain
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping
• If your home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system, or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into your sewer system
• Call a professional if you notice signs of a plumbing problem—an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on the floor, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation

Call Us Today!

Plumbing failures can happen at any time with no warning. When your Carlton home or office experiences a water damage emergency of any size, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has a team of highly trained restoration technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day.

Washing Machine Washout in Sheridan?

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Washing Machine Maintenance Tips for Sheridan.

Did you know that supply line failure is one of the top causes of water damage involving a washing machine? SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has seen the damage a burst supply line can do. Here are some washing machine supply line maintenance tips:

Conduct monthly inspections of the hot and cold washing machine supply lines.

• Look for signs the supply hose may be ready to fail—blisters in the hose, worn tubing, stress cracks, or a loose connection
• Replace the supply hose with a reinforced steel braided hose if it shows any sign of wear
• Tighten the connection if it feels loose. The most common site of failure is near the connection where the hose bends.
• Replace supply hoses every five years, even if there is no obvious deterioration or wear
• Some signs of deterioration may occur from the inside out and may not be visible until it is too late
• When replacing washing machine supply hoses, always choose a reinforced steel braided hose over the traditional un-reinforced rubber hose. These hoses will last longer and are far less likely to result in a catastrophic water loss.

Call Us!

When you have a water damage emergency, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is ready to respond 24-hours a day.  We’ll clean and restore your water damage in Sheridan, “Like it never even happened.” 

Storm-damaged Roof in Newberg?

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in storm damage mitigation in Newberg.

Storm Damage Can Happen When You Least Expect It

When my Newberg home was damaged in a recent storm, we were out of town, and the damage wasn’t discovered for a few days. A tree had broken a window and water and debris were everywhere. My insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and I’m glad I did.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has been responding to storm damage emergencies for years in Newberg area and know that severe weather is unpredictable and storm damage happens no matter how well prepared we are. After a storm has passed is a good time to inspect your roof for storm damage (if possible) and make repairs as needed.

Storm Damage Roof Inspection

Look for obvious signs of damage to the roof, including damaged roof shingles, damaged roof gutters, and downspouts. Check roof vents and look for cracks in weather stripping around doors and windows. Replace damaged materials as necessary.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has a team of highly trained technicians with the specialized training and experience to clean and restore storm damage quickly and efficiently. We’ll restore your storm damage in Newberg “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Damage in McMinnville.

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in storm damage mitigation in McMinnville.

Storm Damage Tips

You never know when storm damage might occur, and when it does, it’s important to mitigate the damage quickly to avoid costly structural repairs. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties offer these helpful tips from our website on what to do and what not to do after a flooding:

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
• Gather loose items from floors

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage emergency SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has a team of highly trained restoration technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day. We’ll restore your storm damage in McMinnville, “Like it never even happened.”  

Fire Damage Safety Tips For Nehalem?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are trusted leaders in fire restoration services in Nehalem.

When my home was damaged by fire, my insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties. They gave me some helpful tips on things I could do while waiting for help to arrive.

Fire Damage Safety Tips – While Waiting for Help to Arrive

After any fire damage situation, your safety should be the primary focus.

• Stay in the house only if it safe
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform
• Wet materials can be veryheavy   

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
• Change the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

Call Us today!

When your Nehalem home or commercial business experiences a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ®

Wildfire Safety Plan for Young People in Yamhill?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are trusted leaders in fire damage mitigation in Yamhill.

Home Alone in Yamhill?

Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your kids in the event they are home alone when a wildfire or home fire breaks out? SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants Gaston families to know that having an evacuation plan in place for your loved ones to follow when you aren’t home can save lives. Here are some tips from the National Fire Prevention Association for developing a plan:

• Work with a trusted neighbor close by who know your children and can evacuate them
• Set up a schedule with other working parents in the neighborhood so that someone is always at home and can make sure the children are safe
• Pack a “Go Bag” with treasured items, water, food, prescriptions they can grab and leave with quickly
• Practice together with their pets if time allows to crate them for removal
• Have a designated contact, like an out-of-town family member programmed into their cell phone so you can find each other quickly

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is ready to respond 24-hours a day.  We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Yamhill “Like it never even happened.” 

Commercial Fire Damage in Carlton?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Carlton businesses rely on SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to restore commercial fire damage.

You would never know that this office had fire damage.

Fire damage can happen at any time and when it does, it’s important to act fast to minimize the potential for further damage. After the Banks Fire Department leaves the scene, you will be left with fire debris, smoke, soot, and water damage left from the firefighting efforts.

Mitigation Process

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has been helping commercial businesses restore fire-damaged properties in Carlton for years. We understand the importance of getting your business operational as soon as possible. Our teams of highly trained technicians are on call 24-hours a day and, upon arrival, will provide an assessment of the damage and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. Here is the process we follow when mitigating commercial fire damage:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service
4. Water Removal and Drying
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Call Us!

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has a team of highly trained technicians with the specialized training and experience to clean and restore commercial fire damage quickly and efficiently. We’ll restore your commercial fire damage in Carlton, “Like it never even happened.”

Sewage Spill in Pacific City?

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are trusted leaders in commercial damage mitigation in Pacific City.

Sewage Spills Are Dangerous In Pacific City Area Property

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties technicians are on-call 24-hours a day in Pacific City and have required safety gear and equipment to handle any form of sewage spill.

Sewer system water, or “Category 3 black water” carries dangerous viruses and bacteria, so it is imperative for the health and safety of your employees and customers to mitigate the damage as quickly as possible.

This water is highly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Black water can come from flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with fecal matter, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. Black water may also contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.

Sewage backups happen for many reasons. Some examples are:

• Blockages due to tree roots
• Broken or collapsed sewer lines
• Septic tank obstructions
• City sanitary main line obstructions

Call Us Today!

When you have a sewage spill or another form of commercial damage, [franchise name and hyperlink] has a team of highly trained restoration technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day. We’ll restore your commercial damage in Pacific City, “Like it never even happened.” 

Give Something Away Day

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us 24/7 to help with your emergency needs.

Today is Give Something Away Day, and SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants to share one of our best tips.

One of the best tips to limit the threat of water damage is knowing where your water shut-off valve is located in your home or property.

Stopping the water is the single most important way to limit the amount of damage.

Not only is it important that you know how to turn off the water, but that everyone who could be in the home alone does as well since you can never plan when property damage might strike.  If property damage from a pipe break, appliance failure. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us 24/7 to help with your emergency needs.

Water Damage In Yamhill County

7/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties teams are Here to Help.

Did you know that moisture can pass from a crawl space into a residential or commercial property through cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings? This moisture creates conditions for potential mold or microbial growth. Along with identifying the source of water or moisture property owners can add vapor barriers to help reduce the moisture in those spaces.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is qualified to help with any water or moisture mitigation needed in your residential or commercial property.

 Our teams of trained and experienced restoration professionals have the skills to help you make any property damage “Like it never even happened.” Our teams of on-call technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when disaster strikes. Our teams are Here to Help.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all your emergency restoration needs.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is not only a leader in restoration and mitigation from things like fire and water damage. But our team of skilled and trained construction professionals can help you with any new home or construction remodeling projects. Our teams have years of experience helping customers make disasters and damage from things like appliance leaks or kitchen fires “Like it never even happened.” But our SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties also has the experience, skills, and teams to help with any remodeling or repair needs.

If water damage from a pipe break or soot from a kitchen fire has wreaked havoc in your residential or commercial property, we are Here to Help. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all your emergency restoration needs.

Wildfire Safety In Yamhill

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is always Here to Help. We have teams on-call 24/7 to respond when disaster strikes.

The risk of fires is always present; a fire could start from an electrical issue in an office building or a kitchen fire in a home from an unattended stove. Wildfires are also a present threat in our area and one that needs to be taken very seriously.

Here are some tips to help you reduce the potential for fire damage due to wildfires around your home or business.

• Get rid of combustible materials within 30 feet of your home
• Remove combustible litter on roofs and gutters
• Trim tree branches that overhang the roof and chimney
• Eliminate all combustible materials within 30 feet of home.

No matter the cause of the damage SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is always Here to Help. We have teams on-call 24/7 to respond when disaster strikes.

Different Types of Water Damage In Yamhill

6/12/2021 (Permalink)

o matter the cause of the damage SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is always Here to Help.

There are many different sources of water that can cause property damage in your home. Damage can happen from floor surges from strong storms, or heavy rains or sewage backups from a plugged-up toilet, or even a supply line failure from a refrigerator or dishwasher. Depending on the source of the water, it may be extremely unsanitary and exposure can lead to discomfort or disease?

So which source poses the risk?

1. External Flooding
2. Sewage Backup
3. Laundry Hose Breakage

The answer is both A External Flooding and B Sewage backup. External flood water can be unsanitary due to the dirt, germs, and other debris that may be in the floodwaters as well as backed up city sewer lines. Sewage backups can be hazards due to the nature of where the contamination started, the sewer. No matter the cause of the damage SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is always Here to Help.

Commercial Before And After in Tillamook

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

No matter when the disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties has the teams, skills, and experience.

SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties is Here to Help our communities when disaster strikes. That includes even a deep cleaning that needs a little bit more elbow grease than your normal cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties were called out to help a commercial property owner with one of their apartments who had a bit of a mess to clean up after a resident moved out. Our crews were able to get on-site quickly and help the customer clean up the space making it look like new so that it would be ready for the next resident who gest to call this beautiful place home. 

No matter when the disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties has the teams, skills and experience to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Utilizing the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan to Protect Your Yamhill Area Business.

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is ready to help you make it "Like it never even happened"

Property damage from things like pipe breaks or kitchen fires anywhere and commercial buildings are no exception. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is no stranger to property damage with our 20 years of experience helping customers make it “Like it never even happened.”

In your business, it is important that not only you know what to do and who to call when property damage strikes but everyone on your team also. Ensure employees in your facility, office, or organization know and have access to critical data in the event of fire, or water damage with the SERVPRO Ready Plan app. Download and create your free profile here or call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to speak with one of our great marketing representatives about a free Emergency Ready Plan.

Yamhill Area Crime Scene Cleanup

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

There is not much SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties cant do to help you when your property suffers from damage and disaster.

There is not much SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties cant do to help you when your property suffers from damage and disaster. Biohazard and crime scene cleanup is one of the many services that we provide for our customers. It is also one of the many services that no one wants to have to use. 

Crime scene cleaning? Yes, that's us too. The fingerprint dust used by law enforcement is messy stuff and can require professional cleaning after a home's been dusted top to bottom.

If property damage like a crime scene strikes your Yamhill area home we have teams who are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We know that when property damage strikes there is no time to wait. 

Preparing Your Yamhill Area Home For Storms

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has teams on-call 24 hours a day to respond and help you make it "Like it never even happened."

To conclude this year's Hurricane Prep Week we want to focus on the importance of getting your residential and commercial properties ready for all storms. We know we don't suffer from hurricanes here in the Pacific Northwest but we do experience storms and extreme weather so it's important to be prepared. 

In the event of storms with heavy winds

• Trim the trees and bushes around your property to prevent damage from snapped branches
• Board up windows to protect from flying debris. 

To learn more about preparing your property for storms and other extreme weather check out this site. 

If your commercial or residential property is suffering from storm damage or other extreme weather SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has teams on-call 24 hours a day to respond and help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Evacuation Plan From Your Tillamook Area Property

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Day 4 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an evacuation plan. We do not experience hurricanes in the metro area but there are other storms that could cause significant property and personal damage. It is important to have an evacuation route as well as an alternative route in case the first route is unpassable. 

It is also important to remember that you may have to drive a long way to get to safety and evacuate. 

If your Oregon City area residential or commercial property is affected by storm damage SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our teams have the skills, experience, and equipment to help make your property damage "Like it never even happened." 

Making Sure You Are Covered In Case Of A Storm

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help.

Day 3 of Hurricane Prep Week stresses the importance of confirming your property insurance has you covered in the case of storm damage. It is important to review your insurance by looking at your policies ahead of time to see what is covered and what is not. It is important to check with your insurance carrier to see if flood insurance is available for your property as floods are the leading cause of damage in storms. 

To learn more about what to look for in an insurance policy and ask your insurance carrier to make sure you are covered, learn more here. 

If your residential or commercial property is damaged by storms with heavy rain, strong winds, or wildfires SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. 

What To Put In Your Emergency Kit

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have crews who are on call 24 hours a day to get to work.

No matter the cause of the storm damage, it is always important to have a trusted and local property restoration team you can call on. 

Day 2 of Storm Prep week is all about having an emergency kit with all the essentials and with you where you need it. 

It is important to have an emergency kit located

• In your car
• At work 
• At home

What to include in your emergency kit

• Water
• Nonperishable food 
• A blanket 
• A first aid kit

Check here to see the full list. 

When storm damage strikes, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have crews who are on call 24 hours a day to get to work. We know that there is no time to waste before getting a crew out to begin the mitigation and restoration. 

Making A Preparedness Plan

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties helps make it "Like it never even happened."

This week is Hurricane Prep Week and even though we do not get hurricanes on the West Coast there is always something we can learn. 

All this week we at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties will be bringing you tips each day to help you be prepared for storms. 

Make A Plan 

Step one is to create an emergency plan for you and your family. Make sure that your plan includes 

• An emergency meeting place in your home 
• An emergency meeting place in your neighborhood
• An emergency meeting place outside of your neighborhood. 

You can learn more and put together a whole plan by using the help from this site. 

If storm damage causes property damage to your Yamhill area residential or commercial property, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Common Water Damage Areas In Your Yamhill Area Home

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is always Here to Help when disaster strikes.

Every home and property has unique challenges when it comes to extracting water and drying out the structure. These are four of the most common areas and why they prove to be so difficult. 

 Duct Work 

Some duct systems made of fragile and porous materials make it difficult to dry and set up drying equipment. 

Attic Space

Attic spaces can be hard to get equipment into and may have electrical hazards. Oftentimes attic spaces require that insulation is removed to properly dry the space. 

Crawlspace 

Crawlspace may be hard to work in and place drying equipment into. Low temperatures can make it difficult to warm the space and properly dry it. 

Basements 

Many basements are unfinished with lots of porous materials that would need disposing of due to possible contamination in water. 

No matter the space or the cause of damage, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is always Here to Help when disaster strikes. We have crews who are on call 24/7 because we know that when disaster strikes there is no time to wait. 

Wallpaper Can Slow Down Water Mitigation

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make the damage "Like it never even happened."

When walls are wet, wallpaper acts as a vapor barrier and restricts our ability to dry it. Special drying measures may be needed when this barrier is present.

Here are a few tips on helping to dry out your home faster and more efficiently when sheetrock covered in wallpaper is wet

• Peel away covering to expose wet drywall 
• If mold or microbial growth is present behind the wall, air movement can spread mold or microbial growth spores throughout the structure 
• Perforate the wall to ventilate 
• Remove baseboard to ventilate the wall cavity 

If your home suffers water damage from things like an appliance failure, a pipe break, or storm damage, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make the damage "Like it never even happened." 

Air Fryer Safety Tips For Your Yamhill Area Home

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze! Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO with fire damage.

Follow these tips to stay safe while cooking with an air fryer. 

Don't 

Don't use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based nonstick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays. 

Do

Do invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality high flash point oil. 

If your home suffers from a fire, soot, or smoke damage from a cooking mishap, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency damage. 

Heavy Rains Lead To Property Damage On The North Coast

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have the trained teams to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

As long-term Oregonians and North Coast residents we are no stranger to a little rain. But these spring storms can bring more rain and water than even we are used to. But all this rain and water can take a toll on properties, residential or commercial.

Heavy rains can lead to flooding from standing water or cause roof damage allowing rain and water into your property. No matter the cause of property damage, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have the trained teams to help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

We have teams who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to emergency property damage. We are Here to Help from start to finish in the restoration and clean-up when storm damage strikes. 

Water Damage Impacts Insulation and Energy Efficiency in Your Home

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage is affecting your home or business, call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Water damage in your home from things like a pipe break, roof leak, or storm damage can cause incredible damage in your home or incredible headaches for you and your family. 

Moisture and water can also damage and impact the insulation in your home like in your attic and walls. When wet, some insulation like fiberglass or expanded foam can be dried and saved. 

Insulation is measured by its R-value, R-value measures how well building insulation can prevent the flow of heat into and out of the home.

Blown insulation that is wet loses it's R-value or ability to insulate and should be replaced. 

If water damage is affecting your home or business, call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Why Choose SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

When property damage interrupts life, there is no time to wait for business hours to get help, that is why SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook is ready 24/

When property damage happens to your home or business, you may ask yourself what you do next or who to use for remediation, why choose SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook to help?

SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook has 20 years of experience helping customers in our communities, we have the skills and experience to restore your property and we are ready 24/7. We have crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year. No matter the day or time, when you call with an emergency we will dispatch a crew and get to helping you make it "Like it never even happened."

When property damage interrupts life, there is no time to wait for business hours to get help, that is why SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook is ready 24/7 to help you. 

Home Suffers Fire Damage Before & After

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

As you can see, there was extensive damage to this property.  We began by removing all the contents and sentimental items from the home by safely packing them out and inventorying everything before storing it in our safe, climate-controlled warehouse. We made sure we addressed everything the customer needed with the utmost of care.  Then we began the reconstruction and restoration project on the home.  We found several structural concerns and removed and replaced all those framing members affected.  This project lasted for about 4 months from start to finish.  Once we handed the keys back to the homeowner they were very happy and surprised by some of the proposed changes we made based on their approvals.  They are back in and enjoying their wonderful home again.  "Like it never even happened."

Water Loss Hillsboro Area Home

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

When property damage strikes your home, business, office, or warehouse SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help.

This home was severely damaged in Hillsboro. The picture reflects several important things. Even when a water loss originates on the second floor we can see gravity forced the water downstairs but also shows how the water climbs up the drywall.  The water began flowing from a laundry room at the top of the stairs and it ran down those stairs saturating the pad under the carpet which then spread it to the walls where it climbed up the drywall.  These two-foot cuts are known throughout our industry as flood cuts.  The customer was very happy with the final product!

When property damage strikes your home, business, office, or warehouse SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

No job is too small.

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties, we help to make it "Like it never even happened."

We are used to seeing large losses such as flooded homes, or homes with pools of water. However, that is not the case with all jobs. This customer had a very small water leak under their cabinet. With minimal equipment and minimal demolition, this job only required 3 days of drying before it was back to normal moisture levels.

Here at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties, we help to make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When property damage strikes there is no time to wait for business hours. When we get your call, we leap into action and get to work helping restore your property. 

Kitchen fire in Hillsboro, OR

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties helps you make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire and smoke damage can occur due to many causes like an electrical fire or a cooking mishap. This fire is the result of a homeowner cooking oil in a pan. The oil spilled over the side of the pan and caused extensive smoke and fire damage in the kitchen in this two-story home with smoke damage affecting the entire home. 

 While the fire was contained to just the kitchen as we walked around there was soot on the walls in the upstairs bedrooms, toys, and even fixtures. When property damage like water or fire strikes your Yamhill area home, you can count on SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We are Here to Help you 24/7, 365. 

Before and After Portland Metro water Loss

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here to Help make it "Like it never even happened."

This loss was very devastating.  The main reason it was so bad was the fact, the loss originated on the second floor and the tenants were gone all day when the loss occurred shortly after they left for work.  The amount of time water has to move through a structure always makes the restoration process much more difficult.  However, sometimes it is the way it happens.  

No one plans on having water damage, and that's why SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is dedicated to making water damage "Like it never even happened."  We are the industry leader for a reason and the tools, training, and technology is exactly why we are the best.  

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here to Help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Hillsboro home had Pin hole leak in the wall

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help.

A customer had noticed that his laminate floor began to buckle and found moisture on the floor as well. After our crew got on site and inspected the site for the source of the loss, they found that the water was actually coming from a drain line behind the wall. the drain line had a small pinhole in the pipe. This means that this leak might have been going on for quite some time without the owner even knowing it!

Luckily at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties, we have the latest tools and trained professionals to find where the source of a water leak and to get the customer house dried as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. 

Extreme Storm Damage In Yamhill

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the cause of damage, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here To Help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Although we do not get a lot of snow or ice on the coast it is not unheard of. More often freezing temperatures may lead to damage in the Yamhill & Tillamook counties area. 

If there is snow or ice, when it begins to thaw in spring it may be a concern for water damage. Follow these easy steps to help prevent damage and protect your property. 

• Ensure drains are free from debris and take water away from the property including downspouts. 
• Check the grading around your home to ensure water is directed away from the property and avoid puddles forming near your property
• If you have a sump pump, check to make sure that it is in good working condition if your area is prone to flooding 

No matter the cause of damage, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here To Help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

Busted pipe in Warrenton

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here to Help.

A customer came home to a broken pipe behind the toilet. The whole house was affected, affecting the walls, carpet, and laminate flooring. The crawlspace had standing water with all of the insulation affected as well. 

Our crew went to work, moving contents around and removing any nonsalvageable materials. Extracting all of the standing water in the crawlspace and bagging all of the wet insulation.

We're Faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost. Our Professionals make disasters, "Like it never even happened." 

If your home or business suffers from a water loss, call (503) 648-8513. 

To learn more, about our services, check out our before and after photos here. 

Large Fire loss in Rockaway Beach, OR

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is able to help with the restoration and mitigation process.

Recently SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties helped a customer who had a chimney fire that came down into the home. The fire affected the majority of the home. As you can see in this picture the first picture there is tons of clutter and a giant RV in the way. You want to make sure to keep walkways and the perimeter of your home clean and clear. This can and will make it more accessible for the fire department as well as any crews that come to the home for cleaning. To prevent such fires from occurring in your home make sure to never use fire that accelerates inside your home.  

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties was able to help with the restoration and mitigation process. 

Protecting Your Investment From Property Damage

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

We know that your home is likely the biggest investment you have ever made, so when property damage strikes it can be really frustrating and overwhelming. We know that when water damage strikes your home, there is no time to waste to start making it “Like it never even happened.”

When you call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties we leap into action to get crews on the way to help you. No matter what time the property damage occurs or even what day we are ready to respond to your emergency damage. Our team of trained, experienced professionals will first assess the damage in your home and come up with the best plan to remediate the damage as quickly and efficiently as possible. If water damage strikes, call the team with over 20 years of experience, we are just a call away.

Water loss at school in Vernonia, OR

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

As business owners, one thing we can't do is predict when disaster will strike. One thing we can do however is prepare! Your business can be more prepared by adding SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties as a business vendor. That way if you have an emergency, we will have already exchanged important information which will make the restoration process smoother.

"Looks like schools closed for the rest of the year!", not when SERVPRO is around! This is a two story school that had many rooms affected in this commercial water loss. From books to toys many things were affected but SERVPRO was there to make it look "Like it never even happened."

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damage ad reduces cost. Our professional make disaster, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Keep our contact information so you can call as soon as disaster strikes. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties offers 24/7 emergency services and is faster to any size disaster! 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has crews who are on call around the clock to respond to your emergency property damage. To learn more about our mitigation and restoration, check out our before and after photos. 

Fire Cleanup and Restoration in Yamhill

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties & SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove are Here To Help you.

If your home or office suffers soot, smoke, or fire damage we are the team that can help you restore your property to preloss condition. We have crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency services because we know property damage does not happen when it is convenient for you or us. 

With 20 years of experience, we are your local and trusted fire restoration team. We use two proven methods to clean smoke residues. 

Vacuum

A vacuum is used to help remove dry particles that are loosely attached to contents and structure. 

Dissolve

Residues and soils that are not loose particles must be dissolved before they can be removed. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties & SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove are Here To Help you. 

Before and After of Hotel water damage

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties offers 24/7 emergency services and is faster to any size disaster!

When a pipe burst in the attic of this hotel it affected all three floors. SERVPPRO was there to quickly begin mitigation and reconstruction of the affected rooms and halls. 

As business owners, one thing we can't do is predict when disaster will strike. One thing we can do however is prepare! Your business can be more prepared by adding SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties as a business vendor. That way if you have an emergency, we will have already exchanged important information which will make the restoration process smoother.

Keep our contact information so you can call as soon as disaster strikes. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties offers 24/7 emergency services and is faster to any size disaster! 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has crews who are on call around the clock to respond to your emergency property damage. To learn more about our mitigation and restoration, check out our before and after photos. 

Yamhill & Tillamook Counties Suffer Storm Damage

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Though we don’t get lots of storm damage here in the Pacific Northwest like other parts of the country that experience tornadoes, twisters, blizzards, and hurricanes throughout the year.

Here in the Yamhill area, we are more accustomed to strong winds and heavy rains causing damage than any other type of storm damage. When property damage from storms occurs, it is important to know who you can call for help and what company you can trust. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has over 20 years of experience working with customers who suffer property damage including due to storm damage.

We are just a call away when property damage strikes our teams have the experience, equipment, and expertise to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Immediate Property Damage Restoration in Yamhill

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

When property damage strikes, we know that it’s important to act as quickly as possible, that is why we at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have the 1,4,8 rule.

1, we will contact you within 1 hour of being notified about your emergency property damage. Whether water, fire, sewage, or biohazard.

4, we will be on-site to your property damage within 4 hours of making contact with you, if you want us then.

8, we will contact your insurance company to provide them an update on the mitigation and remediation.

We know that not no two water damages are the same that is why we work with you to find the best, least invasive methods to remediate your property damage. Trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Bathroom Water Damages In Yamhill

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

When you suspect water damage SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here To Help.

Water damages can be caused by many different causes all throughout your home like a dishwasher leak in the kitchen, a washing machine overflow in the laundry room, or a toilet overflow in the bathroom. 

A musty clinging smell in your bathroom could be a sign of hidden water damage. There are many possibilities that could cause the smell but there common causes of bathroom water damages are; 

1. A cracked shower tile leading to water getting into the shower pan and not draining properly.

2. Leaky seals around the base of a toilet or a leaking wax ring

3. Damaged or old caulking and grout  around sources of water that allow 

If you suspect that you have water damage in your bathroom, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here To Help. 

Heavy Rains on the Coast Cause Property Damage

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Oregon and the larger Pacific Northwest, rain is definitely something we are all used to. We know we get a lot of it, and that liquid sunshine just becomes part of normal life. But all of that rain and moisture can have a negative impact on our homes and other buildings. 

Heavy rains when coupled with strong winds can cause damage both big and small. Some of the damage can be unseen like a leaking window or door frame that allows for water to enter the home and saturate the wall cavity or framing. When the structure becomes wet it can be the perfect home for mold or microbial growth to form. If you see signs of water damage or suspect you have water damage in your home or office, call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial COVID Cleanups In Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

We know that 2020 brought one of the strangest and hardest years for many businesses and families. And that is no different for those of us at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties. We have been busy reorganizing, and reacting to the biggest change in many years, COVID. We have been very lucky in that we have been able to continue to work and help our community in their time of need after property damage strikes. 

We work hard for you around the clock and it is great to have that hard work recognized. SERVPRO has been named to the top 10 franchises by Entrepreneur Media and #1 in our Industry. 

"SERVPRO had a busy year. The company specializes in fire and flood cleanup, and between blazing forestland in the West and hurricanes blowing in off the Gulf and the Atlantic, 2020 served up plenty of both. But it was the pandemic that ultimately tested — and proved — the company’s tenacity." The full article can be found here. 

If you or your company need COVID cleaning services give us a call to schedule your Certified: SERVPRO Clean. 

Why Trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

We know that when it comes to property restoration and mitigation you have many choices.

You can decide to do nothing and hope that the water will dry on its own or that the smell will get less over time. And that may happen, but it's not very likely. When property damage is not taken care of it often leads to secondary damage like mold or microbial growth. 

You could decide to try and take care of the issue yourself. But without the proper moisture meters, you may leave affected materials causing additional damage and can lead to musty and stale odors. 

Or you could decide to trust the local and experience restoration and mitigation company, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties. We have been working to restore homes and businesses for 20 years and have the team, experience, and equipment to help make your property damage "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial Property Restoration on the North Coast

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has been helping customers make it "Like it never even happened," for 20 years.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has the skills and experience to restore your commercial property to preloss condition. We know that this past year has been very difficult on most businesses, both larger box stores, and our local mom and pop businesses. Nearly half of all businesses that suffer from property damage do not reopen again. The stress and financial toll can be too great to come back from. 

That is why you need to select a property restoration company that you can trust and rely on. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has been helping customers make it "Like it never even happened," for 20 years. So if your Yamhill or Tillamook area business or commercial property suffers from water or sewer damage, or fire, soot, and smoke damage, give us a call. 

Packouts Due to Property Damage in Yamhill County

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

When a home has been damaged by water or fire damage from things like an electrical fire or a pipe break not only is the structure of your home or office damaged but so is everything inside the property. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties helps you with the whole process, from dry out and mitigation to packing out, cleaning, and packing back. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties uses a lot of bubble wrap, probably a LOT more than you think. During the restoration process, often with fire or water damage our team of trained and experienced professionals completes the "packout" and packs away the contents to be temporarily moved during the restoration process.  

For any pack out and content cleaning needs, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here To Help. 

Freezing Temperatures Cause Damage on The North Coast

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage causes disruption, we are Here To Help.

Temperatures in the Tillamook area don’t normally get so cold, but each year we normally get a few days of snow and freezing temperatures. When we have a few days of below-freezing weather that is when frozen pipes are most likely to occur. Frozen pipes occur when temperatures are below freezing for a few days, causing water inside the pipes to freeze and expand. When temperatures rise again, the water melts and leaks through the newly formed split in the pipe. Leaks from frozen pipes occur regularly in the winter months and can cause a large amount of damage.

SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties is Here To Help you when disaster strikes. We have crews who are ready to respond to emergencies around the clock because we know that property disaster never strikes when it is convenient for you.

HVAC Cleaning in Tillamook

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties a call to see if your air ducts need cleaning.

In 2020 we all spent a LOT more time in our homes than ever before. Even though we are now in a new year (good riddance 2020) lots are still doing work and school, and everything in our homes, and that means more mess. 

More time at home means things are getting dirty faster including your HVAC system. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is able to help with your HVAC cleaning needs.

Give us a call to see if your air ducts need cleaning.

Air Duct Cleaning

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the air ductwork of your home or business. If your HVAC has been operating a while without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust, and other contaminants. 

High Winds Cause Damage In Yamhill County

1/17/2021 (Permalink)

When storms cause damage to your Yamhill and Tillamook Counties area property, we are Here To Help.

Though the Yamhill and Tillamook Counties are not known for their tornadoes and blizzards that does not mean we do not get any storms whatsoever. Storms may look different out here in the Pacific Northwest but that does not mean that we are not ready to respond and mitigate damage caused by storms. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook is ready to help you make it “Like it never even happened,” when storms cause damage to your home or office.

We have experience responding to wildfires, flooding, ice storms, and other disasters, no matter the cause of the damage, we have the team and experience to leap into action and take care of the damage. Our teams have the experience, expertise, and equipment to walk through this challenging situation, just give us a call.

Fire and Smoke Damage in Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

When fire and smoke damage strike, we are Here To Help.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. Even a little fire caused by a bag of popcorn placed in the microwave for too long can leave a lingering odor and necessitate a cleaning.  SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is dedicated to helping you make it “Like it never even happened,” no matter what the cause of damage.

We know that just because we work to restore properties after damage every day, that this is likely a new experience that is stressful to understand and can be frustrating. We promise to work with you and your insurance to make the process as smooth and easy as it can be.

We have teams of trained, empathetic, and professional technicians who are on call 24/7 to respond, we are Here To Help.

Holiday Safety in the Time of COVID

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants you to be safe this Holiday season.

This holiday season, like most of 2020 will look different for all of us. Here are a few tips to keep in mind and put into practice to help keep you and your family as safe as possible this holiday season. 

Location

• Indoor gatherings generally pose more risk than outdoor gatherings. This is especially true for indoor gatherings with poor ventilation like closed windows and doors. 

Duration

• Gatherings that last longer pose more risk than shorter gatherings. 

Number of People 

• Gatherings with more people pose more risk than gatherings with fewer people. 

Mask Up

• The use of masks helps to slow the spread of the diseases and helps to protect you and those you are with. 

For more information please check with the latest CDC guidelines and adhere to any city, county, or state guidelines in place. 

Why trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

12/6/2020 (Permalink)

We know that when it comes to who to trust with your restoration needs there are several options. We here at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are honored to have been able to serve our community for nearly 20 years. We know that just because we deal with property damage every day, it does not mean it's common or something that most people deal with regularly. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook has teams of trained and experienced technicians that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond when disaster strikes. We know that property damage never occurs when it is convenient so that is why we are ready around the clock to help you. We work to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial property damage in Tillamook

12/5/2020 (Permalink)

Property damage can occur not only in your home but also in commercial buildings like warehouses, offices, rental homes, and more. Often times commercial property damage is caused by human error and mistakes. We have helped companies who have had their fire suppression line burst because of a mistake by an employee. Or a forklift accident that causes lots of damage by knocking over a shelf full of food in storage or chemicals that created a huge mess. 

No matter the cause of damage, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here To Help. We have teams of trained and experienced technicians who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If property damage strikes your commercial building, trust your local experts to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Damage in Forest Grove

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

2020 has been a hard year for everyone and with people spending more time than ever in their homes, it's important that your home is warm and cozy. When the temperatures drop more people use their fireplaces and use candles to help make the home feel festive and cozy the risk and occurrence of fires increases also. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants to make sure that you and your family are safe and keep you safe from disaster as much as possible. 

If a fire, soot, or smoke damage causes disruption in your home and for your family. You need a local, trustworthy restoration team who is ready to respond around the clock. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has teams who are on call around the clock to leap into action to help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

When the winter storms surge in Tillamook

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Winter storms are nothing new for residents along the Oregon North Coast. It shapes the landscape along with the people who call this area home themselves. Though the coast does not see much snow except in the mounting range there can still be freezing temperatures that cause lots of damage to properties, residential and commercial alike. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties knows that when winter storms hit temperatures can drop and that can end with pipes freezing causing water damage. That is why we have teams of technicians on call around the clock ready to respond when damage strikes. We know that just because we deal with property damage on a daily basis you do not and you need a trusted, local restoration team who is ready to spring into action. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here To Help. 

When disaster strikes your Yamhill County business

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes and all different levels of damage and disruption. We know that any disruption to your business not only impacts you, but also your clients, and your employees. We know that the longer your business sits in disrepair and with damage so you need a team that will spring into action immediately. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has crews who are on call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because we know that when disaster strikes, there is no time to waste. Our technicians work to get on-site as quickly as possible so that you can get back to work as quickly as possible. 

We have been helping Yamhill & Tillamook county residents for 20 years, we are committed to helping make it "Like it never even happened."

Frozen Pipes In Yamhill Counties

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

When winter weather takes its toll, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties.

As temperatures continue to drop, it is not uncommon for pipes to freeze. If you come home and find that you have had a pipe or pipes freeze there are a few things to do before help arrives. 

• Locate the after main shut-off valve 
• Open the faucet so thawing water can flow freely & relieve pressure 
• Warm the pipes with a space heater or hairdryer

If you find leaks are causing water damage, give SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties a call, our technicians have the experience, equipment, and training to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

We know that water damage does not normally occur when it is convenient for us, so we have crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond. 

Broken Pipe In Tillamook

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water damages can happen in any property and at any time. A very common cause of water damage is a toilet leak or a toilet overflow. Even though we don't have as many house guests as we normally may this holiday season, that does not mean accidents can't happen. No matter if the water damage is caused by a leaky wax ring connection on the toilet or an overflow from a kiddo using too much of that precious toilet paper, we can help. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here To Help you around the clock when disaster strikes. We know that disasters don't ever happen when it is convenient for you, so that is why we are just a call away. We are just a call away, trust us to help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

Wind Storms In Yamhill County

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Those on the Oregon Coast are no stranger to windy days, in fact, you just learn to live with the wind and rain. But even here our stormy days can turn into real storms that cause lots of property damage. Most wind damage is from fallen branches or trees landing on roofs and homes. Then when that roof damage occurs pipes get broken or rainwater gets in. 

When responding to property damage from wind storms, not only is there often water damage but also a general mess from sheetrock and insulation getting knocked down that needs to be correctly cleaned and remediated. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has the skills, experience, and expertise to remediate property damage and help to make your house a home again. 

When Water Damage Becomes Mold Damage In Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties is Here To Help when disaster strikes.

We know that 2020 is a VERY different and hard year. Not only are we facing a pandemic and figuring out how to work from home while doing school from home, but we still have property damage that occurs. 

During quarantine, some property owners temporarily shut off their HVAC systems which created ideal conditions indoors for mold and microbial growth. 

If you think you have discovered mold or microbial growth in your property, or suspect at you do from a musty smell or weird discoloration, give us a call. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has the experience, equipment, and training to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have trained technicians on call around the clock who are ready to respond when disaster strikes. 

Hazardous Materials in Yamhill Counties

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes a business or home, there can be many dangerous and hazardous materials that could be exposed. Whether your water damage is from a broken pipe, an appliance failure, or storm damage, our technicians have the experience and skills to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

A water loss can involve hazardous materials that require specialized experts. There are two types of hazardous materials that are most commonly found in structures; asbestos and lead. 

Our SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties technicians have experience working in dwellings with such materials and know-how to properly mitigate and mediate them while keeping you and your family safe. If you need help after water damage has struck, give us a call, we are Here To Help. 

Fire Damage in Your Yamhill Area Home

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

When fire damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties.

Fire damage can strike homes and businesses in our area at any time. Fires can occur from kitchen fires, electrical issues, lightning strikes, and other causes. Once the fear and worry about the safety of everyone has been confirmed, you may begin to wonder what to do next and who to call. 

Once your heart stops beating through your chest, you will begin to think about how you will clean up. Often times in fire damage restoration, there is soon and smoke stuck on materials and contents. There are many ways to loosen smoke residues, however. Blast cleaning is a heavy agitator that uses compressed air to blast sand, baking soda, CO2, dry ice, or even ground corn cobs against a solid surface like charred wood.  

Commercial Property Damage in Yamhill Counties

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage from a broken sprinkler, or when smoke and soot from an electrical fire cause havoc in your office, warehouse, store or restaurant SERVPRO of Hillsboro/ Forest Grove is ready to spring into action and help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has decades of experience serving our customers in the area when property damage strikes. We know that no matter where the damage came from or whatever caused it, there is still work to be done to begin mitigating the problem.

Our teams of on-call technicians are ready to leap into action around the clock because we know that property damage does not happen when it is convenient for you or us, that is why we are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Why trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

We deal with property damage every day, we know that pipes break, toilets overflow, and appliances leak, but that does not mean that you deal with property damage every day. We know that when water is pouring through your ceiling from the second story that there is no time to waste to get to work mitigating and remediating the water damage. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has teams of technicians who are ready to respond around the clock when property damage strikes.

Once onsite out teams work to assess what is wet and affected, take photos for the insurance documentation process, and begin setting drying equipment. Our teams will place large industrial fans called air movers to help circulate hot dry air and will use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from materials and the air. Out ream works to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When Water Damage Strikes Your Yamhill County Area Home

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties.

Water damage can strike in your home at any time and on any day. Water damage can strike from a broken pipe, an appliance failure or even human error. If you experience a major water loss or flooding, never turn on electrical appliances that have been exposed to water. Repairs to electrical wiring must be performed by a pro. 

We here at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here To Help you when disaster strikes. We have crews who are on call around the clock so we can quickly respond to your home or commercial property and begin restoration services. 

Remember if you suffer a water damage do not turn on electrical appliances that have been exposed to water. For more water damage safety tips read here. 

After the ash has settled, what's next?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Anyone can go in with a sledge hammer and tear down walls that were affected by fire. However, it is the smoke and soot damage that is difficult to find that requires the help of a professional!

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your insured’s structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.

We are hiring!

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please call 503-648-8513 for more information or email your resume to Daniela@SERVPROhfyt.com

Prepare for wildfires!

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

The following are tips from FEMA for preparing your family, home, and businesses from the threat of wildfires!

• Get an emergency supply kit, which includes items like, non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car!
• Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency. 
• Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind.
• Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In an emergency always listen to the instructions given by local emergency responders.
• Finally, don't forget to save your local SERVPRO'S phone number in the case of smoke or soot damage after returning to your home!

The Importance of Extraction

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

When a water damage occurs in a home or business, the first step in water mitigation is to remove all of the water in the affected area as quickly as possible. this will stop the water from spreading to other rooms, as well as reducing the risk of permanent damage to hardwood floors and furniture.

When extracting water from a wet surface that may not have standing water will remove any water that is trapped in the cracks and grooves of the surface. this speeds up the drying process rather than only using a dehumidifier.

The process of water not only help prevent damage to the hardwood and furniture, but also reduce the risk of mold growth on the structure as standing water and damp areas are ideal for mold growth

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

One Year Later The Winds Remain Persistent

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

This weather event occurred almost one year ago today! Impressive to see that the cycle continued this year.

As reported on the news yesterday evening we are expected to see east winds from 15 to 25 miles an hour. With these winds we are expecting wind gusts anywhere from 45 to 55 miles an hour. 

The morning commute was a lot leafier than usually. You could see the power of the winds against the three, signage and even the street lights!

This weather advisory is active until 7PM today October 29th 2019.

If your home suffers any wind or water damage from fallen limbs or other flying debris please do not forget to call 1-800-SERVPRO!

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Kids Love playing with water! Sometimes a little too much can be harmful for your home and flooring

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Children love to play with water. Who are we stop them? Parents who are concerned about ruining the flooring! Below are several tips and tricks to keep the water play indoors while also protecting your home and floors.

Water Tables:

• Place the water table inside one of those $10 kiddie pools.
• Sensory bins: Start with a large plastic tote and place a smaller plastic container inside to catch the mess
• Bath or Sinks: Keep the water level low as to allow room for splashing while also keeping the water inside the bathtub.

Bathroom Safety:

• Purchase locks for the toilet as to not allow them to throw toys and shoes in
• Use locking tub drain covers as to not allow them to overfill the bathtub
• Always used a plastic shower curtain inside the tub to help with splashing and reduce the chance over an overflow
• If your child can reach the sink it might be a good idea to purchase a faucet lock

Trained and ready for fires!

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke, and soot damages in your home can create permanent and unpleasant problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves. 

All of your restorable items in affected areas will be professional cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air duct systems, and so so much more. SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources and clean them right at the source!

Be prepared

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

ARE YOU READY?

Guess What? The rain is here again! We are faced with the challenge of keeping the water outside of your structures. We need to be diligent with this as water will migrate in for though the smallest leaks in a building. These leaks can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage and reduce the income to your business. The exterior envelope should have an annual inspection.

When inspecting the roof look for broken or missing shingles or any damaged components of the roof. Check the flashing around any pipes or vents that come through the roof. The rain gutters need to be clean of debris and if they are equipped with heated cables they need to checked. Make all the repairs before the rain, snow and freezing weather strikes.

When inspecting the exterior walls of your building look for any damage to the siding, deteriorated or missing caulking around the doors and windows. Make all the repairs.

The wildfire aftermath

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires can happen almost anywhere.

Although the wildfire might not have caused fire damage to your property directly, there may be a smoke odor that can linger after the fire has been put out. There can even be soot particles and residue that may require cleaning. 

How can soot get inside your property?

Soot can still enter your house through your HVAC unit and air ducts, even if your windows and doors are shut and vents are closed. These areas can hold large quantities of soot that can disperse all over your belongings and your home.

A wildfire will generally burn natural materials, but occasionally will burn man-made materials; which will leave soot particles that are difficult to remove.

At SERVPRO we use the best tools and trained professionals that are dedicated to leave your house smelling fresh and back to preloss condition so you can get your life back to normal. Like it never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The science of drying

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Psychrometrics : The Science of Drying

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.  

Water can damage materials in two ways:  first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process.  

At SERVPRO we employ several tools and techniques to aid the drying process and accelerate it as well.  Our most important asset is our people and the knowledge they bring to the damaged property.  We are highly trained teams of IICRC Certified Water damage restoration professionals.  This means when you call SERVPRO you are getting the highest quality of professionals to address any size disaster.  We are very proud to be a leader in the emergency services and disaster restoration industry.  

Assessing damage risk

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and ductwork
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source: DexerityDynamics

How hoarding can be dangerous

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding situations can easily lead to very unsafe living environments. Most will think that the situations are unhealthy due to being unsanitary. However, that is only of many parts that make hoarding situations unsafe.

Fire hazards are one of the most important safety matters regarding hoarding. In homes that have baseboard or wall heaters you do not want to leave anything within 12 inches of the heater. Bathroom fans are also the cause to many fires. Ensure to clean your bathroom fans regularly as to avoid a fire. Frayed and exposed wires can spark loose debris and paper products. The weight of objects on electrical wires can deteriorate their integrity and cause fires as well.

Cooking on an open flame range or stove stop can also cause a fire if left unattended. Having doors or entryways blocked is a common issue when house fires occur in a hoarding situation. It is also difficult for the fire department or EMTs to enter the home if there is not sufficient space for their equipment.

Mold you can't see

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in the most unnoticeable places. Ensure you are regularly checking the following areas of your home.

-Dishwasher: Mold loves warm and moist areas. If your dishwasher were to leak during the rinse cycle it very well could cause mold to grow, and quickly. It is a great idea the pull out your dishwasher and check the area behind and to the sides. Another great idea is to remove the dishwasher’s kick plate while the dishwasher is running and check for active leaks.

-Water Heater: Checking for mold around your water heater sounds much easier than checking around the dishwasher. Unfortunately, nothing is that easy. Water heaters can leak without homeowner’s noticing until it is too late. Make sure that all fitting on tightly, but not too tightly.

-In the crawlspace under bathrooms and kitchens. Sometimes pipes and fixtures can leak into places we cannot see from inside the home. It is a great idea to get in the crawlspace and look at the subfloor and framing below the bathtub(s) and kitchen sink(s). This is the type of leak you should be most worried about. A leak in the crawlspace can go unnoticed, to the extent that the materials would have to rot away before you even noticed.

Prepare for flooding

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, "Approximately seventy-five percent of all presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA Lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm surge and coastal inundation
• Burn scars/Debris flows
• Ice/ Debris jams
• Snowmelt
• Drywash
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you have not experienced a flood foes not mean you wont. In fact 20% of all claims paid the National Flood Insurance Program were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the US. Commercial floods average nearly $75,000.

When a catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO professionals can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible!

What you should know about smoke detectors

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

Air Scrubber Rentals Available now!

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business is or was affected by smoke damage SERVPRO is offering daily or weekly rentals of air scrubbers. HEPA 500s (otherwise known as Air Scrubbers) work by bringing in contaminated air and pulling it through several filters, including Carbon and HEPA. The clean air is then released back into the room. Air Scrubbers are ideal to assist with indoor air quality during natural disasters. 
Washington County, Yamhill County, Douglas County, Lane County, Linn County, Marion County, Polk County, Lincoln County, Tillamook County, Clackamas County, and Multnomah County, are all currently battling hazardous or unhealthy air quality.

If you are interested in a daily or weekly rental of HEPA 500's  (air scrubbers) for your home or business please give us a call at 503-648-8513 for a quote!

Leave us a review on Facebook!

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO! We really appreciate your business and truly value you as a customer.

Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us and we'd love to hear your feedback on how you feel about your recent service! If you could take a few minutes to leave a Google review for us we'd really appreciate it.

To submit your review, simply search for SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove, Yamhill and Tillamook Counties. 

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Cleaning your home during a pandemic

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

During a global pandemic cleaning your home looks  a lot different. Instead of grabbing the 409 you're now grabbing the beach and Lysol. 

Another great idea is to check the CDC website for cleaning product approved for Coronaviruses. While some products are listed for commercial use, there are tons of residential products as well. 

The following items should be cleaned when someone enters or leaves the home:

• Counter tops
• Door handles
• Doors
• Tables
• light switches
• Desk
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Toilets
• Faucets
• Chairs

Ensure routine cleanings are cleaned of non-high touch areas as well. While data is ever changing, contaminated particles will land on surfaces within at least 3 feet of the source. 

Other tips for keep your home sanitary is to ventilate as much as possible. Wash your clothes and clothes bin on a routine bases. Clean soft surfaces such as couches, chairs, mattresses, rugs and drapes. 

If you are in need of a professional cleaning for your vacation home, rental home, or are selling a home give us a call!

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

It starts with one drop of water

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

It’s Only One Drop of Water 

When we think of water damage we picture a flooded bathtub, a broken pipe, a leaking toilet or a major disaster. Although some of the most costly water damage can come from just a drop of water. 
Consider the facts. 
There are about 15,140 drops of water per gallon at the rate of one drop per second. That drip of water will make about 50 gallons of water a week saturating your floors, walls or ceiling. Knowing that mold starts to grow within the first 24 hours of a leak, there will be mold long before the leak is even noticed! 
In the winter when it’s below freezing that drop of water will expand by almost 10% of its size then in no time there will be an ice dam. This could compromise the roof allowing water to seep into to the structure and providing a considerable source of food for dormant mold spores, and yes the mold will grow! Can you imagine that same drop under your home or business only coming from a sewer pipe? Now that’s a problem! 

Because it’s is only a drop it will go unnoticed or worse ignored but it will not remain silent. 
There is good news! The worst of this can be avoided by simply checking the plumbing for leaks on a regular bases and making sure the rain gutters are free of debris. If leaks are found you know you can rely on us to help you restore your home or business. 

Wildfires devastate businesses too!

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association:   • Public fire departments responded to 1,319,500 fires in 2017. • 499,000 were structure fires- a 5% increase from 2016. 
• 72% of the structure fires were home fires. This is a 1% increase over 2016. 
Structure fire trends are going the wrong direction. Let’s do our part to reduce home fires. Your local fire department has very good information on how to prevent fires. Stop by and see them, they would much rather meet you in their house than in yours! 
If you or a friend suffers a loss due to fire, water damage, mold, bio-hazards or odor the heroes at SERVPRO® of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here to Help® and will make it "Like it never even happened."® 

Through thick or thin, you can always count on SERVPRO!

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

While May is usually a steady paced month, this May is much different for restoration companies across the United States.

While we are usually gearing up for the summer wildfires, this year we are suiting up for the COVID-19. Everyday, calls are coming in with questions regarding proactive and precautionary measures businesses can take during the global pandemic. 

More than ever SERVPRO is looking to hire dedicated employees. At this time we are hiring for office and production positions. 

Office

Admin assistant:

• Answer phone calls
• Take new FNOLs (First Notice Of Loss)
• project coordination
• Use of Xactimate (Estimating software)
• General office duties such as filing, creating and maintaining physical files, etc. 

Production

Production Technicians:

• Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines.
• Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met.
• Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed.
• Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Find us on Indeed or call our office at 503-648-8513 to find out how to apply!

Earthquake Preparation

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know earthquakes can happen anywhere? Whether you are at work, at home or on vacation, it’s important to know what to do in the event of an earthquake. People across the world will participate in the “world’s largest earthquake drill,” according to shakeout.org. Participants will “drop, cover [and] hold on,” which is the best way to reduce your chance of injury in an earthquake situation if you are inside. The day can also raise awareness for what to do in other scenarios such as if you are outdoors or in a vehicle. If you or your organization are interested in participating in The Great ShakeOut, register and find more information at shakeout.org. 

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Coronavirus cleaning tips

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

We've all heard. How to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus; cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, hand sanitizer in between, and stay home!

However, we have not seen much in regards to the preventative cleaning measures we can take to help stop the spread. 

Below we have outlined high touch areas to keep in mind when cleaning and disinfecting:

Tables

Chairs

Unsealed walls
Countertops
Carpets
Doors and Hardware

Upholstered Furniture
Appliances

Curtains
Computers and Equipment

Clothing and Bedding
Light Switches and Cords

Towels
Shelving or Racks
Tile, Vinyl, Wood, Laminate Floors
Fitness Equipment
Lockers or Cabinetry
Telephones
Handrails
Sinks and Faucets

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Commercial maintenance

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any-size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. The SERVPRO® Advantage is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to make your workspace look its very best. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will get the job done right and get it done quickly.

Commercial Drying

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Our managers at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have taken the IICRC Commercial drying specialist (CDS) class and obtained special certification to complete water mitigation in commercial buildings. With this knowledge, our managers are able to effectively lead our crew chiefs that had taken and acquired the IICRC Advance structure drying (ASD) class. These certifications provide our management and crew the knowledge, and the experience that they have acquired while working at SERVPRO to be able to dry out a commercial building efficiently. There is no job that is too big or too small for our Professionals.

This IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) course is designed to be an advanced drying concepts and management course. This focuses on commercial, industrial, institutional and complex residential structures. 

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

We are here to help with Basement and Crawlspace flooding

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

The crawlspace flooded... Is this going to be a problem?

Tips to avoid flooding in the basements:

• Keep personal items at least 2 feet away from the ground
• Ensure you have sand bags around ground level windows
• Maintain gutters clean and free of debris

Every fall and winter our phones are inundated with calls about flooded basements. We are not only here to help you with any water damage, we are also here to help you prevent water damage. 

For resource that supply gravel and sand bags we recommend reaching out to your local fire department. 

Finally, we recommend you get to know your insurance policy during these months. This will ensure no further surprises if and when you have to file a claim. 

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

A water damage event can be traumatic and when you call, we understand you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. Our representative will lead you through a series of questions to better understand your needs.

SERVPRO specializes in water damage—in fact, SERVPRO is the premier water damage restoration company in the U.S. and Canada.

Why should I clean my gutters in the spring?

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

People think of Autumn as the perfect time to do preventative maintenance around your home. However, you also want to do maintenance cleaning during the spring. 

Now you may ask spring? Why the Spring? Well that is what we are here to tell you about. 

1. Clear out your gutters. Leftover twigs, sticks, and leaves could cause standing water in your gutters. If this was left until next fall your gutters could rust away! Gutter damage can cause water intrusion through the eves of your roof. 
2. Make sure the crawlspace vents are not attached. Loose or broken crawlspace vents can allow the spring births to make a new home in your crawlspace. We get more calls in the spring about Raccoon or cats in the crawlspace than any other time of the year. 
3. Level out the ground near your home. This can help reduce water intrusion in your crawlspace from high points in the earth. 
4. Trim large branches that hang over your home or business. Springtime wind gusts can cause severe damage to your home if a tree or branch falls on the roof. 

How to lessen moisture intrusion from windows

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

We have all seen it, you walk into a home and it smells kind of musty, there is condensation around the windows and the sills are full of microbial growth. 

But what causes this? There are many causes for moisture intrusion around windows. 

Some of the most common causes

1. Improper/insufficient caulking
2. Improper/damaged/lack of flashing
3. Improper installation

Ways to correct these problems:

1. Re-caulk the exterior and interior of the window. This will not only assist in correcting moisture intrusion, but it will also help with insulation the home, and potential drafts created by lack of caulking. 
2. Regularly check flashing around the windows to ensure wind and flying debris did not damage them. Instead of trying to repair flashing it is best to just replace the flashing. 
3. Remove trim and check installation of window. Sometimes windows can be installed improperly which can allow water to seep in from those open angles. It it rather easy to check the installation of a window. Remove the trim, and see if there is a large gap between the wall and the window itself. If there is a gap, you can easily correct this by spray foaming the gap or filling it with a weather strip.

Flooding is upon us!

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Just because you have not experienced a flood foes not mean you wont. In fact 20% of all claims paid the National Flood Insurance Program were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the US. Commercial floods average nearly $75,000.

When a catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO professionals can help. The can help you prepare ahead of time with an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible!

We Can Restore Your Facility to Pre-Loss Conditions

Whether it's a supermarket or department store, and whether the cause is a fire or a burst pipe, our team will work quickly to assess your cleanup needs and isolate the damage. SERVPRO Professionalsare experienced in working with retailers to ensure that all surfaces, displays and merchandise are restored to preloss conditions so that you can re-open your doors as soon as possible.

Our Experience Includes:

• Total Project Management
• Inventory Control and Documentation
• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Mold Removal
• Odor Removal
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery
• Electronics/Equipment Restoration

Customer Review February 2020

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

I had an indoor waterfall in my home just before Christmas. Once I connected with SERVPRO and they took over, I was impressed, and continued to be happy with the way they communicated, the clarity they gave me about the process and the next steps. They responded quickly when I had a question. They had the equipment and the knowledge to dry my home out quickly. I just wished they had put a bit more detail on the boxes they packed up so quickly, so I could find my basic necessities. Thank you for the expertise and the superb service, SERVPRO!

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Join SERVPRO in our yearly beach clean up!

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO pride ourself on our support to our communities. From car wash fundraisers, to donation work, to beach clean ups! We LOVE to help our community. 

Each year we participate in the SOLVE beach clean up on the Oregon coast. This year, we have a smaller group than normal who is going to be joining in the clean up efforts. 

We feel that this clean up is more important than most because we have had two King Tides hit the coast lines in the last month. With that type of movement there is bound to be tons of trash and debris strewn about on our local beaches. 

We are currently looking at a beach between Manzanita and Pacific City. 

If you would like to join our group, or have a beach that you would recommend we clean up, please call our office at 503-648-8513 for more details. 

Thank you!

We offer carpet and upholstery cleaning too!

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

We can clean your rugs/carpet professionally, but avoid these pitfalls if you're doing it yourself. 

1.  Determine the fiber type in your rug. The fibers can determine what cleaning agent and process is best for the job.
2.  Always pretest your cleaning agent on a non-visible area.

SERVPRO offers a wide variety of services. While our volume of fire restoration and Water mitigation are high, so are our carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning services!

Whether you want you rugs cleaned at home, or brought to our warehouse for a deeper clean and deodorization we are here to help. 

In addition to rug and carpet cleaning we also offer contents and upholstery cleaning. You may think, why would I want them to clean my furniture? Well, there are many reasons. 

1. Illness
2. Mold/Mildew
3. Damages from being stored improperly
4. Maintenance cleaning
5. Odor removal

These are just a few of the many reasons that one would want their furniture, rugs, or carpets cleaned. 

Have no fear, if you are looking to into any of the above services give us a call and we will work with you in any way we can!

Ohana Means family, and Family means no one gets left behind

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Pets are just as important as any other family member. So why would you not want to make them a part of your preparedness plan? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well. 

Pet emergency kit:

Food: at least 3 days worth of food in an air tight, and waterproof container

Water: at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets. 

Medicines and important documents:

Registration information, adoption paperwork, vaccination records. Talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.

First Aid Kit:

Cotton Bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic, flea and tick preventatives, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is very helpful as well!

Collar or Harness with ID

A picture of you and your pet together:

If you become separated a picture of you two together will help to document your ownership. Add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items:

Familiar items such as treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress on your pet.

Evacuations:

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans be sure to include your pet also! If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can lost or injured.

Identification:

Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanner that will read the microchip information to help locate a lost pets owners.

Be sure to take your four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. visit ready.gov/animals for further tips on how to keep your furry friends close and safe in the event of a disaster or emergency. 

Mold damage from hot water loss

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever been in the shower and you look up and see little black spots, what about when you are getting out of the shower and see some black spots on the corners of the tub? Bathrooms tend to be the most affected areas of home when it comes to mold! When the shower or bath have been used, you may see water droplets forming on the walls, ceiling or floors. This happens when the bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation and causing dew point to occur in the bathroom. Dew point is when the air is not able to hold the excess moisture that is usually caused by the shower or bath. Once the air has reached dew point water will start to form on the wall instead. This will cause the excess moisture to linger thus allowing great growing conditions for mold.

To help prevent mold properly ventilate your bathroom, opening a window or turning on the fan while you shower or take a bath. After you are finish you will want to leave the fan on to allow the atmosphere to return to normal conditions

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Inspect for water damage prior to selling

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Spring and summer are the most popular times of year to sell a home, and the best!

However, the last minute repairs and detailing can really put a ding into closing on a sale or purchase of a home. 

Now is a great time to begin getting inspections and repairs done to your home. You avoid long waits for contractors, pricey estimates, and later closing dates.

Fall is also a great time to get final repairs and detail work completed because most contractors tend to slow down due to weather concerns. 

Call us today for a free estimate on mold remediation in unfinished spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages!

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

SERVPRO Storm Response

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

No Job Is Too Large

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• The Pentagon

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2017 California wildfires
• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Kincade Fire Damage update

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

As the Kincade fire continues to cause devastation in north California, today we got great news!

As of today the fire is now 60% contained. Unfortunately the fire burned more than 76,000 acres and damaged nearly 100 structures both commercial and residential. 

On Tuesday PG&E cut power to millions of residences and business. However, today there are only about 35,000 people without power. That is great news! In addition some of the mandatory evacuations have been lifted allowing many residents to return to their home. 

Fortunately the wind gusts have calmed and temperatures are expected to drop to the mid 20's for the rest of this week.

While this all may be great news, unfortunately there are still homes and families devastated by this unfortunate fire. That is why we will have our first set of crews heading down to California this week. 

If your home or business was impacted by the Kincade fire please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-SERVPRO!

**Referrences: LA Times Online**

SERVPRO is here to help when fires threaten communities

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Even states as wet as Oregon and Washington are affected by wildfires several times a year. When the Eagle Creek fire shut down businesses our phones rang off the hook with concerned business owners. In times like these SERVPRO is the first to call as we are faster to any size disaster. 

Some tips from FEMA to protect you and your property from hazards are as follows:

• Wear protective clothing 
• Lock up your business
• Choose a route away from fire hazards
• Close windows, vents, doors, and blinds
• Shut off all utilities, if possible
• Move flammable items to the center of the building
• turn on a light in each room to increase visibility of your property
• Turn off gas lines and propane tanks
• Connect the outside house to water taps
• Gather fire tools

These tips along with preparation and quick thinking can and will protect your investments!

As we prepare to embrace the Kincade fire in Northern California we appreciate the support from all of our local communities. 

Windstorm - October 29, 2019

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

As reported on the news yesterday evening we are expected to see east winds from 15 to 25 miles an hour. With these winds we are expecting wind gusts anywhere from 45 to 55 miles an hour. 

The morning commute was a lot leafier than usually. You could see the power of the winds against the three, signage and even the street lights!

This weather advisory is active until 7PM today October 29th 2019.

If your home suffers any wind or water damage from fallen limbs or other flying debris please do not forget to call 1-800-SERVPRO!

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Severe Weather tips

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen at any time, anywhere. I think us here in the pacific northwest are very accustomed to that. Each year Americans cope with an average of the following storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 torandoes
• 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

When fire or water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO is so important. Just got to SERVPRO.com on your mobile phone or call 1-800-SERVPRO to get the team that faster to any disaster!

Post construction needs

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Post Construction Cleaning

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it's time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint, and decorate. SERVPRO professionals can provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.

Dehumidification and Drying

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture issue, rely on SERVPRO professionals to provide the help you need initiating moisture and preventing the potential for mold growth. 

Final Cleaning

You want the facility to look its best when the doors open. Your Local SERVPRO professionals provide cleaning services to give the building that extra shine. Services include:

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep and finish
• Ceilings, walls and fixture cleaning
• Deodorization
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Debris Removal
• Window Cleaning

The last thing you need is a fire or, water intrusion or mold growth slowing down or stopping the completion of one of your projects. SERVPRO professionals provide 24-hour emergency mitigation, cleanup and restoration services to help you get back on schedule quickly. 

Do's and Do not's after a fire

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 

• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. 

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 

• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. 

• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 

• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 

• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional. 

• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service. 

• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated. 

• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage. 

• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

How to be Prepared with SERVPRO!

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Late Sunday evening our office received this call:

“FNOL (First Notice of Lose) came in tonight:
Lisa with XXXXX Property Management called because a tenant reported that the shut-off valve under her sink is broken. Water is still leaking everywhere, and she doesn’t know how to shut the main off.
The building is a triplex, and this is the middle unit.
Jim will be on site soon.”

If this were your business, would you or your managers know how to shut off the water?

Had Lisa had an Emergency Ready Profile she would have known where and how to turn off the water. The cost of this lose would have been much lower and the time for restoration would have been shorter.

The Emergency Ready Profile is a product provide free of charge by SERVPRO. It is an app and can also be printed. By having this app, you would never have to be in Lisa’s predicament, you would know just what to do.

The first steps to any water damage

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

The water damage restoration process begins with a detailed inspection of your property, including a damage assessment. The SERVPRO Franchise Professional is determining the scope of the damage so he or she can develop an appropriate plan of action.

They Identify and Stop the Water Source

They check for the source of water in your home and business and stop it. The water source must be stopped before the drying process can begin.

• Stop the Source
• Check for Contaminated Water

They Identify the Type of Water

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals must identify the category and classification of water to restore your property safely to industry specifications. The type of water contamination will affect the specific restoration processes used to restore your property.

• White / Category 1 Water
• Gray / Category 2 Water
• Black / Category 3 Water

They Survey the Extent of the Water Damage and Inspect the Premises

They inspect and test your home to discover the extent of the damage. Additionally, they will look for safety concerns and explain them to you. If you are aware of any safety issues, such as asbestos or lead, please share them.

• Survey Damage
• Complete Safety Inspection

They Move or Block Furniture

They move furniture and property contents and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet.

Tip of the Month; Bed Bugs

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

What Are They? 
Bed Bugs are parasitic insects of the Cimicid family that feed exclusively on human blood. They are mostly nocturnal. They can cause skin rashes, allergic symptoms and psychological effects. They have been with us for thousands of years, even though they were almost eradicated in the 1940’s in the developed world. However, they have become resistant to pesticides and have made a comeback. They are here to stay. 

Where Do They Come From? 
The Southwest, Southeast, Eastern US, Washington, and Alaska have a high concentration of Bed Bugs. This puts us at risk of an outbreak here in Oregon. 

Now What? 
As business owners and managers it is crucial to train employees so they can spot Bed Bugs as soon as they arrive. You need to have policies in place to deal with guests or residents that have encountered Bed Bugs. You should also have protocols in place to get rid of the Bed Bugs. 

Bed Bug Prevention (Early Detection) 
There is no way to stop Bed Bugs from being brought into your facility. New folks are arriving every day from all over the world, and bringing their potentially infested personal items with them. You can be Bed Bug free one day and infested the next. 
So, prevention relies on early detection. Bed Bugs must be detected very quickly after they are brought in, hopefully before they bite someone. 

Employees in every department should receive Bed Bug identification training. 
Why everyone? Because employees are located all over the facility and if everybody is looking for Bed Bugs there is a greater chance that they will be discovered quickly. 

How to Get Rid Of Them 

Some pest control firms utilize specialized heating equipment to de-infest furnishings, rooms, and entire dwellings. The procedure involves heating up the infested item or area to temperatures lethal to Bed Bugs. Portable heaters and fans are used to gradually heat the air to 120 - 130°F while monitoring with strategically placed sensors. When dealing with high temperatures remove all aerosol products and check with your fire suppression company to make sure that you DO NOT EXCEED THE WORKING TEMPERATURE OF THE SPRINKLERS! 

While the former methods are helpful, insecticides are widely used by most pest control companies. A variety of EPA-registered materials are available formulated as liquids, dusts and aerosols. Baits used to control ants and cockroaches are ineffective in this case since Bed Bugs feed on blood. Professional-use insecticides such as Temprid®, Transport® and Phantom® tend to be more effective than Bed Bug sprays sold by retailers. Bleach, alcohol, cigarette lighters, etc. should NOT be used to control Bed Bugs. 
Important Note 
It is extremely important that employees do not attempt to treat Bed Bugs themselves. Always have Bed Bug infestations treated by an experienced pest management company. If your current company does not have Bed Bug experience, call us for suggestions or an inspection. 

Sources 
Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture 
Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug 
For More Info See: 
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2007-11-08/the-cost-of-bedbugsbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice 
http://www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Bed%20Bugs.pdf 
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7454.html 

Smoke odor in your home

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage from this fire caused smoke damage throughout this home.

Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen or even from a fireplace that was unattended, a nearby house that had burned, the odor can also come from forest fires as well.

No matter what caused the odor, at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties we have trained professionals with the proper equipment to clean the structure and remove any odor. Our crew has a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals. We also use filters to ozone machines. Our professionals will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home back "Like it never even happened."

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. Limit further damages and reduces the cost.

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Mold from water damage

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

This inside an office where the roof had leaked and caused mold.

SERVPRO professionals handle water damages everyday and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which indicate that mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Help is here

If you think you might have a mold problem, call 1-800-SERVPRO. A SERVPRO franchise professional trained in mold remediation will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. 

Types of Smoke

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke damage to home office

In the event of kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.

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 the smoke rises. 

Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):

While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners SERVPRO franchcise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!

Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened".

Fire Prevention Month

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO participates in Fire Prevention month!

October is fire prevention month! A Perfect time to review emergency preparedness plans for your home and/or business. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

The Nation Fire Protection Association designates a week each October to focus on fire prevention awareness. The 2018 theme is "Look, Listen, Learn, be aware. Fire can happen anywhere". This theme hopes to create awareness in the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a fire and how to react in the event that a fire may happen. The NFPA states the following:

"LOOK" for places that fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them!

"LISTEN" for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to safely escape once the smoke alarms sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet. 

"LEARN" two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Stay Safe and prepare now to help ensure you are ready for any disaster.

Nearly one year since the Camp Fire

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

It has been nearly one year since the Camp Fire started in Paradise California. We decided to take a trip back to see how the restoration of this beautiful town is going. 

While there was still a very sobering feeling driving through this town, there was also a light of life coming back to this town. As you drive through you see newly built homes, business, and parks. While many stores and restaurants have not begun to rebuild, the smaller business and community centers have. Families are coming together to clear the land where there homes once were to begin rebuilding. Trees are being planted, landscaping coming back to life, and churches with full parking lots. 

However, with all this life, there are still scars in the earth that will forever show the mark that this fire left on such a tight knit community in despair. 

The picture here shows that among so much pain, one can still feel love. Lock with names of those who lost their life, those who helped restore the community, and names of families who were displaced. 

Forever Paradise Strong!

Stay connected with new wherever you go

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, "Approximately seventy-five percent of all presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding". NOAA Lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm surge and coastal inundation
• Burn scars/Debris flows
• Ice/ Debris jams
• Snowmelt
• Drywash
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Unfortunately, here in the pacific northwest all of the above are real possibilities.

There are many information applications that can downloaded to your phone or computer so that you are informed prior to a storm happening. 

While, we here at SERVPRO have our preferred apps, we recommend that you shop around your app store to find the one you like. 

These apps will notify you with push notifications of flash floods, lightning, heavy rains, and thunderstorms.

These apps are great for traveling as well! Since they are not local apps you are able to plan trips away from home with ease!

We are faster to any disaster!

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

1-4-8

What does 1-4-8 mean?  Is it important?  Will it benefit me and my insured?

The answer is yes, yes and yes!

1-4-8 is the service response guideline that SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties uses to guarantee your insured gets the very best help when they need it most.

1. Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties project manager will contact your insured to arrange for service.
2. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties project manager will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
3. Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

*Exception may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

To demonstrate the importance of our 1-4-8 response, let’s take a look at the water damage timeline.

1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

 As you can see, a quick response is crucial in reducing the cost of the loss and the time needed for the restoration. By reducing the response time, your loss ratio will be reduced and your insured can go back to a normal life more quickly.

Let’s take this to the next level. A call comes in from one of your insured, they just experienced a disaster! At this point you have some choices; you want them to get the best help available.

You could simply direct them to call the Claims Call Center and be done with it, but they trust you!

You could tell them to call SERVPRO, and give them 1-800 SERVPRO contact number. The call will go to the corporate office in Tennessee then back to a local SERVPRO. The corporate office could even send an out of state SERVPRO. So if an 800 number is needed, direct them to 866-888-3894 our 24/7 live answered emergency help line.

The best choice is to have them call us direct at 503-648-8513. Immediately upon receiving their call, I will contact our office. At this point things are set in motion, your insured are on their way to becoming whole.  

Having your insured call me directly will result in a much quicker response time, and will enable me to monitor the progress of the loss ensuring you and your insured have a direct point of contact providing the peace of mind knowing it will be, “Like it never even happened”   

Fire inspection self test

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Everyone has been talking about how cold it’s been, and how early it came. That being said we are guessing there is a good chance we did not get all of the winter inspections done in time. 

Just last month a Fire Chief shared with us a Self-Fire Inspection Form and a Hotel/Motel fire checklist. These are the forms your Fire Marshal or Fire Department use when they are doing their inspections.

I am sharing them with you hoping you will pass them on to your maintenance staff and other employees. Let’s all have a safe winter.

You can find these forms on your local fire departments web page. We recommend that someone who is very familiar with the building be the one who does the fire self inspection. 

Firefighters beware!

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

While the fire department is used to going into scary situations, are they prepared for the fright they may face here at SERVPRO!

Remember, that while it is the time to be decorative sometimes those decorations can be more harmful than anything. When you are hanging Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations ensure to leave a clear path from the front of your home to the front entrance of your home. This will help in case of a fire or other emergency situation. 

You also want to ensure that you are not causing any fire hazards. Make sure that all of your lights are working accordingly and are fit for the outlets they are plugged into. 

In addition to lighting you want to ensure any garlands or wreaths are not coming into direct contact with electrical ports of any sort. The dry garland and wreaths can cause a fire to ignite and grow within seconds of ignition. 

You can now review us on Google

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO! We really appreciate your business and truly value you as a customer.

Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us and we'd love to hear your feedback on how you feel about your recent service! If you could take a few minutes to leave a Google review for us we'd really appreciate it.

To submit your review, simply click on our logo below and let us know what you think.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to leave a review! If you have any questions or would like to speak directly about the services we provided, please feel free to contact us at any

time.https://www.google.com/search?q=SERVPRO+of+hillsboro%2Fforest+grove&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS782US782&oq=SERVPRO+of+hill&aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3.3933j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x54951a4c88c9b74b:0x19bfe22596205358,1,,,

Be preparred

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

 Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and duct-work
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source DexerityDynamics

Commercial building maintence

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Time is Running Out 
We are quickly approaching spring and the tourist season. We only have a short time left to get those maintenance projects wrapped up. I am sure the big major projects are finished or near completion, but what about those little ones that get put off for tomorrow? 
You know the ones, like that electrical breaker that keeps tripping, or that loose deck plank. These kinds of issues:   
MECHANICAL / HVAC 
• Replace dirty air filters. Dirty filters can shorten the life span of the equipment they are in and cause issues with allergens and airborne illnesses. 
• Clean both supply and return air grills, these have the same effect as the dirty filters. 
• Clean and inspect the bathroom and laundry room exhaust fans. 
• Adjust thermostats including the irrigation systems, for the changing season. Don’t forget to factor in daylight savings time. 
• Have the freon checked in the AC units, freezers and walk-in coolers. 
• Elevator pits should be checked for standing water, if found check the sump pump. 
PLUMBING 
• Make sure sinks and tubs drains are clear of hair. 
• Toilets should flush quickly. 
• Inspect and test the irrigation system. Check for drainage in the crawl space. 
• Pour water into all the p-traps to insure they are not plugged and are functioning properly. No one wants to smell sewer gas. 
• Sump pumps should be checked regularly. 

BUILDING ENVELOPE 
• Do a thorough inspection of the decks, stairs and railings. Especially look over the metal brackets, checking for rusted parts that could fail. 
• Check the rain gutters, make sure they haven’t come loose and are free of debris. 
• Look over the siding to make sure it has not come loose during the winter storms. 
• Inspect the window and door caulking, winter can take it’s toll on the caulking. 
• Look the ceilings over, looking for stains or bubbling paint. These are indicators of a leaking roof. 
• On large buildings, look over the expansion joints, if any problems are found address them. 
ELECTRICAL 
• Eliminate extension cords, put them away neatly. 
• Replace any burned out lights, it’s a good idea to use an electrical waterproof spray on the bulb bases when replacing them. 
• The electrical panel box should be cleaned inside and outside especially behind the inside cover. (consult your electrician) 

LIFE SAFETY 
• Test all smoke alarms, make the repairs if needed. 
• Clear all exit corridors and stairways, also check that exit lights are working. 
• Make sure all the fire extinguishers are up to date and accessible. 
• Update the first aid kits. Also, make sure the safety equipment in the pool areas are in good condition and accessible. 
THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT 
Look things over, make sure the maintenance is done. With some prevention we should have a great summer. Remember if things do go wrong, SERVPRO has your back. 

From donations to restoration we are always here to help!

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

I wanted to let you know that our SERVPRO® of Hillsboro/Forest Grove and SERVPRO® of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties as part of the SERVPRO® Disaster Response Team (DRT), has volunteered to help the victims of the Carr wildfire Carr wildfire in California. This area has suffered severe damage with over 98,000 acres scorched and 5,000 structures threatened. Our DRT will be heading to Redding California this week. This area has been among the hardest hit with over 657 homes destroyed and over 149 square miles of land damaged by the fire. We will be helping to restore homes and businesses damaged by these wildfires. Sadly, there are many people who have lost everything in this disaster. Professionally as a property restoration company there was little we can do to help these people, but we took on the task of filling our trailers with items for donation!



Our company decided to help the relief effort by working with The Salvation Army to secure the nonperishable goods needed by the victims. These goods were distributed to the people who were currently living in shelters because they had no homes to return to. 

Bio-hazard clean up in Hospitality industry

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

From this discussion I learned there are a lot of people that don’t have a good understanding of what biohazards are and why they are dangerous to one’s health.

So what is a biohazard? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

A biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment; also:  a hazard posed by such an agent or condition

Bio-Hazard threats can be found anywhere. Your work place, your health provider’s office, the grocery store, your child’s school or day care and even your own home! – Biohazard’s should be handled with extreme caution.

What are some biohazard examples?

• Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been contaminated with blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood.
• Animal waste. Animal carcasses, body parts, and feces or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms.
• Human body fluids. Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and peritoneal fluid.
• Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures.
• Pathological waste. Unfixed human tissue (excluding skin), waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies.
• Sharps waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that have the needle attached.

Biohazard Safety Levels with Examples

There are 4 levels of biohazards, according to the Centers for Disease Control:

• Biohazard Level 1: Agents that pose minimal threat to humans and the environment. E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Naegleria gruberi.
• Biohazard Level 2: Agents that can cause severe illness in humans and are transmitted through direct contact with infected material. Examples include HIV, hepatitis B, and salmonella.
• Biohazard Level 3: Pathogens that can become airborne and cause serious diseases. Examples include tuberculosis and Coxiella burnetii.
• Biohazard Level 4: Pathogens that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there are no treatments. Examples include the Ebola virus and Lassa virus.

If you find yourself face to face with a potential biohazardous situation that is too big or too dangerous for you to handle on your own, let me know and I will send our trained professional staff to give you the help you need.

Wildfire season is rapidly approaching

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Wildfires can happen almost anywhere.

Although the wildfire might not have caused fire damage to your property directly; there may be a smoke odor that can linger after the fire has been put out. There can even be soot particles and residue that may require cleaning. 

How can soot get inside your property?

 Soot can still enter your house through your HVAC unit and air ducts, even if your windows and doors are shut and vents are closed. These areas can hold large quantities of soot that can disperse all over your belongings and your home.

A wildfire will generally burn natural materials, but occasionally will burn man-made materials; which will leave soot particles that are difficult to remove.

At SERVPRO we use the best tools and trained professionals that are dedicated to leave your house smelling fresh and back to preloss condition so you can get your life back to normal. Like it never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Just one drop can cause a lot of damage to your commercial facility

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

It’s Only One Drop of Water 

Fires are causing more devastation each year.

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association:   • Public fire departments responded to 1,319,500 fires in 2017. • 499,000 were structure fires- a 5% increase from 2016. 
• 72% of the structure fires were home fires. This is a 1% increase over 2016. 
Structure fire trends are going the wrong direction. Let’s do our part to reduce home fires. Your local fire department has very good information on how to prevent fires. Stop by and see them, they would much rather meet you in their house than in yours! 
If you or a friend suffers a loss due to fire, water damage, mold, bio-hazards or odor the heroes at SERVPRO® of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here to Help® and will make it “Like it never even happened®”. 

Crawlspace/Basement flooding

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

The crawlspace flooded... Is this going to be a problem?

Tips to avoid flooding in the basements:

• Keep personal items at least 2 feet away from the ground
• Ensure you have sand bags around ground level windows
• Maintain gutters clean and free of debris

Every fall and winter our phones are inundated with calls about flooded basements. We are not only here to help you with any water damage, we are also here to help you prevent water damage. 

For resource that supply gravel and sand bags we recommend reaching out to your local fire department. 

Finally, we recommend you get to know your insurance policy during these months. This will ensure no further surprises if and when you have to file a claim. 

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

A water damage event can be traumatic and when you call, we understand you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. Our representative will lead you through a series of questions to better understand your needs.

SERVPRO specializes in water damage—in fact, SERVPRO is the premier water damage restoration company in the U.S. and Canada.

Flooding happens anywhere!

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, "Approximately seventy-five percent of all presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding". NOAA Lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm surge and coastal inundation
• Burn scars/Debris flows
• Ice/ Debris jams
• Snowmelt
• Drywash
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Statistics of floods

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Just because you have not experienced a flood foes not mean you wont. In fact 20% of all claims paid the National Flood Insurance Program were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the US. Commercial floods average nearly $75,000.

When a catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO professionals can help. The can help you prepare ahead of time with an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible!

Paradise California customer Review

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

We received this stellar review from one of our customers down in Paradise California. We are so thankful that we were able to restore his facility and do so in manner that built a long last relationship with Bill.

Review:

We waited almost 5 weeks for another contractor to get us a cleaning estimate for cleaning our Lodge facilities after the Camp Fire tore through Paradise only to leave several unanswered messages. One of our Lodge members mentioned that SERVPRO was working right up the street. Woody Nelson approached SERVPRO's Anthony Noble about cleaning the Lodge for smoke and soot damage from the fire. Anthony and Matt were there within 2 hours to see what we needed. We had a detailed, comprehensive estimate to present to the insurance adjuster within a week. Keep in mind that this facility is over 20,000 square feet in area and covers 2 stories. The bid was accepted and cleaning was commenced shortly after. These people brought the necessary resources and personal to complete the cleaning process rapidly, professionally, safely and cautiously, without damage, while working under some pretty extreme weather conditions, not to mention the complete devastation surrounding us in the town of Paradise. There was excellent communication throughout the arduous process of this huge undertaking.
I can't thank SERVPRO and their professional staff enough for their Caring and Professional work in restoring our Masonic Lodge to its sparkling appearance and would recommend this company without reservation to anyone who needs or requires their service.

Welcome home from Paradise!

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Franchise had boots on the ground December 21st 218. We had 3 managers travel to Paradise California to help the city begin rebuilding and restoring the affected homes. Within two weeks we had a crew of 11 people in Paradise, California. Over the 2 month span that our crews were in Paradise we completed 15 residential jobs and 3 large commercial jobs. 

On 02/28/2019 2 6:00pm after a treacherous drive home our crews arrived safe and soundly. We could not be any happier to have them home. We are so proud of job well done by our technicians and project managers!

Commercial maintenance

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any-size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. The SERVPRO® Advantage is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to make your workspace look its very best. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will get the job done right and get it done quickly.

Their identity is masked but their odor is ... RACCOONS

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

ARE THERE RACCOONS LIVING WITH YOU

Last month’s Tip of the Month focused on the Hospitality Industry dealing with prevention of suicides.

From this discussion I learned there are a lot of people that don’t have a good understanding of what biohazards are and why they are dangerous to one’s health.

So what is a biohazard? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

A biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment; also:  a hazard posed by such an agent or condition

Bio-Hazard threats can be found anywhere. Your work place, your health provider’s office, the grocery store, your child’s school or day care and even your own home! – Biohazard’s should be handled with extreme caution.

What are some biohazard examples?

• Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been contaminated with blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood.
• Animal waste. Animal carcasses, body parts, and feces or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms.
• Human body fluids. Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and peritoneal fluid.
• Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures.
• Pathological waste. Unfixed human tissue (excluding skin), waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies.
• Sharps waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that have the needle attached.

Biohazard Safety Levels with Examples

There are 4 levels of biohazards, according to the Centers for Disease Control:

• Biohazard Level 1: Agents that pose minimal threat to humans and the environment. E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Naegleria gruberi.
• Biohazard Level 2: Agents that can cause severe illness in humans and are transmitted through direct contact with infected material. Examples include HIV, hepatitis B, and salmonella.
• Biohazard Level 3: Pathogens that can become airborne and cause serious diseases. Examples include tuberculosis and Coxiella burnetii.
• Biohazard Level 4: Pathogens that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there are no treatments. Examples include the Ebola virus and Lassa virus.

If you find yourself face to face with a potential biohazardous situation that is too big or too dangerous for you to handle on your own, let me know and I will send our trained professional staff to give you the help you need.

Heating tips

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or a portable space heater. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. 

Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Test smoke alarms monthly. 

Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. If your property does suffer fire damage, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals

We care for more than just your home.

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Starting in 2005, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) established the National Influenza Vaccination week “to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.” In 2017, by the end of November only about 41% of the recommended US population had been vaccinated.

If you’ve already gotten the flu, you can still get vaccinated to protect you against other strands of the flu, according to the CDC. People with high risk of complications from the flu include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions and people over the age of 65, and should get vaccinated. Although anyone is at risk of getting the flu, for high-risk people, hospitalization or death is more likely than for others.

According to the CDC, “flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.” Get a flu shot today to protect yourself and your loved ones

Leaking pipes AND leaking roofs? Oh no!

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your attic you might have a leak in your roof that went unnoticed. A leak in the roof will allow moisture to enter your home thus creating an ideal growing condition for mold. Before doing any mold remediation it is ideal to have the roof repaired first or else you may have mold growth again if you wait on repairing the roof after having the mold removed

The most common roof leaks are the following:

• Ice dams
• Missing or broken shingles
• Damaged flashing

In the winter you could be experiencing an ice dam. Ice dams happen when the snow freezes at the edge of the roof causing water to back up and leak into your home. To prevent an ice dam try removing 2-4 feet of snow from the edge to prevent an ice dam from forming.

A storm can cause damage to your roof, it is a good idea to check your roof after a storm to see if the roof has any broken or missing shingles.

Damaged flashing will allow water to leak into your home. Check your flashing regularly to see if they have any damages.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Smoke Detector Tips

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

Reptile heating pad safety

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, reptile heating elements are some of most overlooked items that can cause fire or smoke damage to your home. Below we have outlined a few simple steps you can take to make sure your reptiles heating elements do not harm them or your home!

Cage and Heating pad

The glass of the terrarium bottom should be thoroughly cleaned prior to installation. A good all-purpose glass cleaner will do, and a quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol will remove any traces of dirt, grease, or oils that could affect the pad's adhesive over time.

Heat pad installation

The adhesive on the pad itself is exposed by peeling off the back paper covering of the heating pad like a big sticker. Rest one short edge of the pad along the glass and then, using a rolling motion, gently roll the pad onto the glass. Just enough pressure should be used, and care must be taken to not overly bend or crease the pad itself.

Once in place, the pad can be firmly pressed down onto the glass, paying close attention to the corners and around the power cord. An added benefit of installing on an empty tank is the ability to peek through and see where the pad is or is not making good contact.

The last step is to install the included plastic “feet" to the bottom corners of the terrarium. These tiny bumpers attach permanently to the molding of the terrarium and effectively raise it up off the surface it is resting on by ¼" or so. This gap allows for easy exit of the power cord from beneath the terrarium, and also allows excess heat to escape, preventing malfunction or overheating.

The water loss process

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Extraction from an after-hours water loss.

In order to be prepared for our water mitigation process please see the 4 steps below!

Inspection:

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

Emergency Services:

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as your personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step.

Monitoring:

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.

Restoration Services:

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets,  and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A Final walk-through of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition. 

Tips for Mold damage

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional for mold remediation services.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Understanding Black mold

10/25/2018 (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.

Please refer to our to learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives. 

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 a SERVPRO Franchise Professional immediately. 

Understanding Mold

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.

The Mold remediation process

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our National Call Center. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Their specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: 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 Disaster recovery

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

No Job Is Too Large

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• The Pentagon

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2017 California wildfires
• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Hurricane Harvey damage

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has been activated to help residents and business owners in storm damaged areas on the Texas coast, throughout the Houston area and in western Louisiana. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Teams will be assisting the 121 local Franchises already located in the affected areas. SERVPRO has more than 1,000 crews ready to mobilize, with nearly 300 crews already on the ground ready assist home and business owners.

After the water begins to recede and authorities determine it is safe for residents to return to their property, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent additional damage from occurring. SERVPRO^® suggests the following steps to help minimize additional damage to your property while waiting for disaster professionals to arrive.

• If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. Avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
• Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
• Do not attempt to operate any electrical equipment while standing in wet or damp locations.
• Throw away all foods—even canned goods—that have come into contact with flood waters.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team mobilizes from across the country, as needed, to support large storm events. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large loss and storm events across the country, including: 2016 Hurricane Matthew, 2016 Louisiana Flooding, 2016 Houston Flooding, 2015 Siberian Express, 2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding, 2014 Polar Vortex, 2013 Colorado Floods, 2013 Alberta, Canada Floods, 2012 Hurricane Sandy, 2012 Hurricane Isaac, 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, 2011 North Dakota Floods, 2010 Tennessee Floods, 2010 New England Floods, 2009 California Wildfires and 2008 Hurricane Ike.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

SERVPRO Emergency response

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

The cleanup and restoration begins with a phone call. Our national call center is fully staffed 24 hours a day and ready to dispatch the nearest SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to your home or business. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

A water damage event can be traumatic and when you call, we understand you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. Our representative will lead you through a series of questions to better understand your needs.

SERVPRO specializes in water damage—in fact, SERVPRO is the premier water damage restoration company in the U.S. and Canada.

What to Expect

When you call, a call center representative will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. Armed with the details of your water event, we’ll dispatch a nearby SERVPRO Franchise Professional who will respond immediately.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

•  Your name and contact information
•  Your insurance information (if applicable)
•  The street address of the water-damaged home or business
•  When did the flooding or water damage occur?
•  What caused the water damage (if known)?
•  Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Water damage inspection

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

The water damage restoration process begins with a detailed inspection of your property, including a damage assessment. The SERVPRO Franchise Professional is determining the scope of the damage so he or she can develop an appropriate plan of action.

They Identify and Stop the Water Source

They check for the source of water in your home and business and stop it. The water source must be stopped before the drying process can begin.

• Stop the Source
• Check for Contaminated Water

They Identify the Type of Water

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals must identify the category and classification of water to restore your property safely to industry specifications. The type of water contamination will affect the specific restoration processes used to restore your property.

• White / Category 1 Water
• Gray / Category 2 Water
• Black / Category 3 Water

They Survey the Extent of the Water Damage and Inspect the Premises

They inspect and test your home to discover the extent of the damage. Additionally, they will look for safety concerns and explain them to you. If you are aware of any safety issues, such as asbestos or lead, please share them.

• Survey Damage
• Complete Safety Inspection

They Move or Block Furniture

They move furniture and property contents and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet.

Water mitigation services

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

The water extraction step removes the majority of the water from your home or property. By performing a thorough water extraction, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help reduce the drying time and help to prevent mold and secondary water damage. They use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Move-Out / Pack-Out

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect your belongings from further damage.

• Move-Out Service

Emergency Water Removal

Highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, they may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. This step helps to reduce drying time and helps to prevent mold and secondary water damage.

• Remove Excess Water
• Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals inspect the carpet and pad and determine if it should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Types Of Smoke

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

In the event of kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.

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 the smoke rises. 

Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):

While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners SERVPRO franchcise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!

Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened".

John's Tip of the Month

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

 Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and ductwork
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source DexerityDynamics

John's Tip of the month, bed bugs!

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

What Are They? 
Bed Bugs are parasitic insects of the Cimicid family that feed exclusively on human blood. They are mostly nocturnal. They can cause skin rashes, allergic symptoms and psychological effects. They have been with us for thousands of years, even though they were almost eradicated in the 1940’s in the developed world. However, they have become resistant to pesticides and have made a comeback. They are here to stay. 

Where Do They Come From? 
The Southwest, Southeast, Eastern US, Washington, and Alaska have a high concentration of Bed Bugs. This puts us at risk of an outbreak here in Oregon. 

Now What? 
As business owners and managers it is crucial to train employees so they can spot Bed Bugs as soon as they arrive. You need to have policies in place to deal with guests or residents that have encountered Bed Bugs. You should also have protocols in place to get rid of the Bed Bugs. 

Bed Bug Prevention (Early Detection) 
There is no way to stop Bed Bugs from being brought into your facility. New folks are arriving every day from all over the world, and bringing their potentially infested personal items with them. You can be Bed Bug free one day and infested the next. 
So, prevention relies on early detection. Bed Bugs must be detected very quickly after they are brought in, hopefully before they bite someone. 

Employees in every department should receive Bed Bug identification training. 
Why everyone? Because employees are located all over the facility and if everybody is looking for Bed Bugs there is a greater chance that they will be discovered quickly. 

How to Get Rid Of Them 

Some pest control firms utilize specialized heating equipment to de-infest furnishings, rooms, and entire dwellings. The procedure involves heating up the infested item or area to temperatures lethal to Bed Bugs. Portable heaters and fans are used to gradually heat the air to 120 - 130°F while monitoring with strategically placed sensors. When dealing with high temperatures remove all aerosol products and check with your fire suppression company to make sure that you DO NOT EXCEED THE WORKING TEMPERATURE OF THE SPRINKLERS! 

While the former methods are helpful, insecticides are widely used by most pest control companies. A variety of EPA-registered materials are available formulated as liquids, dusts and aerosols. Baits used to control ants and cockroaches are ineffective in this case since Bed Bugs feed on blood. Professional-use insecticides such as Temprid®, Transport® and Phantom® tend to be more effective than Bed Bug sprays sold by retailers. Bleach, alcohol, cigarette lighters, etc. should NOT be used to control Bed Bugs. 
Important Note 
It is extremely important that employees do not attempt to treat Bed Bugs themselves. Always have Bed Bug infestations treated by an experienced pest management company. If your current company does not have Bed Bug experience, call us for suggestions or an inspection. 

Sources 
Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture 
Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug 
For More Info See: 
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2007-11-08/the-cost-of-bedbugsbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice 
http://www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Bed%20Bugs.pdf 
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7454.html 

John Lawrence 

Fire Prevention Month

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

October is fire prevention month! A Perfect time to review emergency preparedness plans for your home and/or business. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

The Nation Fire Protection Association designates a week each October to focus on fire prevention awareness. The 2018 theme is "Look, Listen, Learn, be aware. Fire can happen anywhere". This theme hopes to create awareness in the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a fire and how to react in the event that a fire may happen. The NFPA states the following:

"LOOK" for places that fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them!

"LISTEN" for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to safely escape once the smoke alarms sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet. 

"LEARN" two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Stay Safe and prepare now to help ensure you are ready for any disaster.

Do's and Dont's after a fire

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 

• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. 

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 

• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. 

• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 

• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 

• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional. 

• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service. 

• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated. 

• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage. 

• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind, even pets!

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Pets are just as important as any other family member. So why would you not want to make them a part of your preparedness plan? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well. 

Pet emergency kit:

Food: at least 3 days worth of food in an air tight, and waterproof container

Water: at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets. 

Medicines and important documents:

Registration information, adoption paperwork, vaccination records. Talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.

First Aid Kit:

Cotton Bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic, flea and tick preventatives, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is very helpful as well!

Collar or Harness with ID

A picture of you and your pet together:

If you become separated a picture of you two together will help to document your ownership. Add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items:

Familiar items such as treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress on your pet.

Evacuations:

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans be sure to include your pet also! If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can lost or injured.

Identification:

Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanner that will read the microchip information to help locate a lost pets owners.

Be sure to take your four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. visit ready.gov/animals for further tips on how to keep your furry friends close and safe in the event of a disaster or emergency. 

Mold, mold everywhere!

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Always call SERVPRO as soon as you have a water loss or findings of mold!

Have you ever been in the shower and you look up and see little black spots, what about when you are getting out of the shower and see some black spots on the corners of the tub? Bathrooms tend to be the most affected areas of home when it comes to mold! When the shower or bath have been used, you may see water droplets forming on the walls, ceiling or floors. This happens when the bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation and causing dew point to occur in the bathroom. Dew point is when the air is not able to hold the excess moisture that is usually caused by the shower or bath. Once the air has reached dew point water will start to form on the wall instead. This will cause the excess moisture to linger thus allowing great growing conditions for mold.

To help prevent mold properly ventilate your bathroom, opening a window or turning on the fan while you shower or take a bath. After you are finish you will want to leave the fan on to allow the atmosphere to return to normal conditions

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Inspect for mold prior to selling

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Spring and summer are the most popular times of year to sell a home, and the best!

However, the last minute repairs and detailing can really put a ding into closing on a sale or purchase of a home. 

Now is a great time to begin getting inspections and repairs done to your home. You avoid long waits for contractors, pricey estimates, and later closing dates.

Fall is also a great time to get final repairs and detail work completed because most contractors tend to slow down due to weather concerns. 

Call us today for a free estimate on mold remediation in unfinished spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages!

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Pumpkin Smashing clean up

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

No one likes to watch their friends get hurt!

It is that time of year again when the pranksters do their dirtiest work. PUMPKIN SMASHING!

From bio-hazards to pumpkin clean ups, we do it all!

If you are interested in getting a quote for cleaning up pumpkins outside of your home, or any other holiday clean up please call us at (503) 648-8513

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Meet our newest Estimator

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Cassie has a a huge heart and loves animals of all kinds!

As of Today, Cassie has officially been with us here at SERVPRO for one month! 

With 5 years of restoration experience under her belt, Cassie has been a great addition to our SERVPRO Family!

When a disaster occurs at your home or place of work, you may have the chance of getting to speak with Cassie as she works in our office!

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Brace yourselves, the rain is coming!

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

ARE YOU READY? 
The rain is here again! We are all faced with the challenge of keeping the water outside of our structures. We need to be diligent with this, as water will migrate in through the smallest leaks in a building. These leaks can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage and reduce the income to your business. The exterior envelope should have an annual inspection. 
When inspecting the roof, look for broken or missing shingles or any damaged components. Check the flashing around any pipes or vents that come through the roof. The rain gutters need to be clear of debris, and if they are equipped with heated cables those also need to checked. Make all the repairs before the rain, snow and freezing weather strikes. 
When inspecting the exterior walls of your building, look for any damage to the siding, deteriorated or missing caulking around the doors and windows, make all necessary repairs. 

 Preventative maintenance check list 
• Door and window seals 
• Rain gutters 
• Rain gutter drains 
• Roof 
• Flashing round chimneys 
• Roof drains 
• Clear yard debris 
• Clean parking lot drains 
• Clear all exterior drains   •Foundation grading 

Worldwide earthquake drill day!

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know earthquakes can happen anywhere? Whether you are at work, at home or on vacation, it’s important to know what to do in the event of an earthquake. On October 18, 2018 at 10:18 a.m., people across the world will participate in the “world’s largest earthquake drill,” according to shakeout.org. Participants will “drop, cover [and] hold on,” which is the best way to reduce your chance of injury in an earthquake situation if you are inside. The day can also raise awareness for what to do in other scenarios such as if you are outdoors or in a vehicle. If you or your organization are interested in participating in The Great ShakeOut, register and find more information at shakeout.org. 

Preparing for dinner, the holidays and... fire!

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

The cooking and baking season is just around the corner. In order to avoid a ruined holiday, follow the advice below!

October: Spooky treats

November: Grease and stove fires

December: Warm cookies and an even warmer house.

Families gather to celebrate the holidays by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.  Be on alert!

• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top. 
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stove top.
• If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe. 
• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. 
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. 
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. 
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. 
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

The process after a fire

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

While some items were not salvageable. There were tons of contents that had to be professional cleaned by our SERVPRO employees!

Anyone can go in with a sledge hammer and tear down walls that were affected by fire. However, it is the smoke and soot damage that is difficult to find that requires the help of a professional!

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your insured’s structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.

SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove is Hiring

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please call 503-648-8513 for more information or email your resume to erin@SERVPROhfyt.com

Winter is just around the corner, be prepared!

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

This is the extent of the damage that can be caused to drywall. As it is very fragile, drywall needed to be removed one penetrated with water.

With the colder months just a few week away we all need to start thinking about the threats during the fall/winter months.

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside of your home, or in cold areas, such as basements, garages, and kitchen cabinets. 

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located. Typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps to take according to the American Red Cross

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool or sprinkler lines. As well as hoses outside of the home
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing.
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from an exposed pipe. 
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.

As always, SERVPRO is a 24 hour water restoration company. If you do suffer a water loss this winter please call us at 503-648-8513 at any time of the day!

The layers of mold

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

The first step is to move affected contents!

Lets say it is 7 PM Saturday night and you go into the laundry room to switch the loads, when suddenly you step in a pool of hot water. This is clearly going to be chaotic. However, that is not the worst of your worries. Mold loves to grow in warm and humid areas. Sure, anyone can clean up some water off the floor but what about all the layers that could later be affected with mold?

Areas that can be affected by mold:

• Sheating
• Wall Stud
• Insulation
• Interior Area
• Drywall
• Baseboards
• Carpet
• Carpet Padding
• Bottom wall plate
• Subfloor
• Floor Joist
• Sill Plate
• Basement
• Foundation

What to do in the case of mold

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Removing Mold:

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

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. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home!

The process of removing mold

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Content manipulation is always important to protect the things most important to you.

Inspect:

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 and can be hidden from plain view

Contain:

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. 

Filter:

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress. 

Contents:

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, 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

Mold vs. Health

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere and it will travel!

Health Concerns are a huge issue when it comes to mold in your home or place of business.

From Asthma, COPD, all the way to infants and pets, mold can be a cause of concern in regards to your health and protecting the health of others. 

Anyone can and may experience health problems due to mold exposure. 

Possible symptoms of prolonged mold exposure can include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma or other respiratory disorders, sore throat, or inflammation of the sinuses.

When wildfire strikes we are here to help!

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Even states as wet as Oregon and Washington are affected by wildfires several times a year. When the Eagle Creek fire shut down businesses our phones rang off the hook with concerned business owners. In times like these SERVPRO is the first to call as we are faster to any size disaster. 

Some tips from FEMA to protect you and your property from hazards are as follows:

• Wear protective clothing 
• Lock up your business
• Choose a route away from fire hazards
• Close windows, vents, doors, and blinds
• Shut off all utilities, if possible
• Move flammable items to the center of the building
• turn on a light in each room to increase visibility of your property
• Turn off gas lines and propane tanks
• Connect the outside house to water taps
• Gather fire tools

These tips along with preparation and quick thinking can and will protect your investments!

How can wildfires affect my business?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Aside from evacuations, and lack of travel wildfires can take a much larger toll on your business than most think.

Soot can and will get into your building and can caused for delayed openings if not addresses quickly after fires. 

Even if your windows and doors are shut and your vents are closed, smoke and soot particles can enter your property. Your HVAC system and air ducts can hold large quantities of soot and disperse it all over your belongings. Your local SERVPRO professionals can thoroughly check your HVAC system and ducts for soot particles and remove them from your property.

There are different types of smoke and soot. A Wildfire will burn mostly natural materials, however there are times when wildfires burn man-made materials, which can leave soot particles that are more difficult to remove. 

prepare yourself for wildfires this summer!

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

The following are tips from FEMA for preparing your family, home, and businesses from the threat of wildfires!

• Get an emergency supply kit, which includes items like, non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car!
• Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency. 
• Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind.
• Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In an emergency always listen to the instructions given by local emergency responders.
• Finally, don't forget to save your local SERVPRO'S phone number in the case of smoke or soot damage after returning to your home!

Post-Construction Needs

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Post Construction Cleaning

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it's time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint, and decorate. SERVPRO professionals can provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.

Dehumidification and Drying

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture issue, rely on SERVPRO professionals to provide the help you need initiating moisture and preventing the potential for mold growth. 

Final Cleaning

You want the facility to look its best when the doors open. Your Local SERVPRO professionals provide cleaning services to give the building that extra shine. Services include:

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep and finish
• Ceilings, walls and fixture cleaning
• Deodorization
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Debris Removal
• Window Cleaning

The last thing you need is a fire or, water intrusion or mold growth slowing down or stopping the completion of one of your projects. SERVPRO professionals provide 24-hour emergency mitigation, cleanup and restoration services to help you get back on schedule quickly. 

Severe Weather Safety

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen at any time, anywhere. I think us here in the pacific northwest are very accustomed to that. Each year Americans cope with an average of the following storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 torandoes
• 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

When fire or water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO is so important. Just got to SERVPRO.com on your mobile phone or call 1-800-SERVPRO to get the team that faster to any disaster!

Any Fire In Your Home Is Bad

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

When you try to clean up after a fire by yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home. It will also cause odors that may resurface for years.

Your SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive fires can be for you and your entire family. For this reason, SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency response, and under normal circumstances, will have trained, uniformed technicians on-site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration services, your local SERVPRO professionals can help you regain control quickly while deodorizing and protecting your home and belongings. 

So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration experts at SERVPRO or dial 1-800-SERVPRO to locate your nearest SERVPRO Franchise.

Trained And Equipped For Fires

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke, and soot damages in your home can create permanent and unpleasant problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves. 

All of your restorable items in affected areas will be professional cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air duct systems, and so so much more. SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources and clean them right at the source!

From The Ordinary To The Unhealthy: Mold

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

From the Ordinary

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. 

Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods, and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is product of mold as well! 

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people. 

To The Unhealthy

Intrusion of water into your home or a place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing, or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat. 

Take Precautions With Mold

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

This is a mold job that was caused by prolong roof leaks throughout a commercial building.

SERVPRO professionals handle water damages everyday and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which indicate that mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Help is here

If you think you might have a mold problem, call 1-800-SERVPRO. A SERVPRO franchise professional trained in mold remediation will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. 

Prepare Your Home For Winter Weather

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Tips for keeping your home prepared for winter weather are:

• Keep Cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home. 
• Consider shutting outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawlspace and turn it to off
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming affect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puff backs.

Prepare Your Business For Winter Weather

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Tips for preparing your business in case of winter weather:

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property or potentially a cause for personal injuries.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slipper or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present. 

Frozen Pipes

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe located, but typically the rupture is caused by back flow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addresses quickly. 

Any Water Damage Is Bad For Your Home

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Any water damage is bad, especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of you and your family. Toilet overflows, sewage backups, and other dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes; these bio-hazardous damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a home, as well as the moisture necessary to support their growth.

Your SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive black water damages can be for your entire family. For this reason SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency response, and under normal circumstances, will have trained uniformed technicians on-site of a water damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, your local SERVPRO professionals can help you regain control quickly while drying and deodorizing, as well as protecting their home and belongings. 

DO's and DONT's of water damage in your home

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

If you ever have a water leak and as you stand there thinking of what to do, the water is at your ankles now and you are more worried and confused than ever. Here are some helpful tips to get through until SERVPRO arrives to help.

DO

• Shut off the water main, if you are unsure of how to do this call a certified person to come and help.
• Turn of all electricity to the affected areas
• Remove as much standing water as possible
• Remove and dry as much standing water on wood furniture. Remove any paper items that may have been affected.
• Remove any slip on covers for furniture to ensure a proper drying process.
• Put blocks or aluminum paper underneath furniture that was moved to dry out an area. 
• Moving all paintings, computers, documents and any other valuable items to a dry unaffected area of the property.
• Use clothes pins to pick up and loose or handing curtains or drapery.
• Move and hang anything made of fur, or skins to a dry unaffected area for proper drying.

DON'T

• Do not return to areas where there is an immediate threat of danger such as, areas that still have electricity and are underwater, or areas where black waters have risen
• Do not return to areas where electronics have come in contact with water. 
• Do not leave books, newspapers, or other articles with colored print near clothes, carpets, or other textiles.
• Do not leave rugs over installed carpets as this can cause staining from the rug to the carpet.
• DO NOT use your vacuum to extract any water from your property.
• Do not turn on electronics that have come in contact with water
• Do not turn on floor lights that have been affected by standing water. 

Two years after

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes, will you still be in business a year from now?  According to FEMA 40% of businesses never reopen after a major disaster, and only 29% will still be open two years later. They go on to say that if the technology is down for nine days the business will likely be bankrupt within a year. By having a comprehensive disaster plan, the odds of survival are much greater.  All of these factors need to be considered when formulating your disaster plan: 

• Natural Hazards 

• Human-Caused Hazards 

• Technology-Related Hazards 
• Health Hazards 

• Identify the Risks 

• Develop a Plan 

• Take Action 

Every business has risks, but they are not all the same. Plans need to be tailored to the specific location and type of business. SERVPRO has developed the Ready Plan. It is a great asset to add to the emergency plan. 

John's Tip of the Month

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

The crawlspace flooded... Is this going to be a problem?

It is never good and it needs to be thoroughly inspected to avoid future loses! When doing the inspection you are determining where the water crested in the crawl space. Use the photos as a guild to assess the extent of the damage that may have occurred. If the water is still in the crawl space it needs be extracted to prevent mold growth.

Water levels below the piers and pony walls can create an environment that contributes to microbial growth. Lots of flooding in the crawlspace can occur when a storm is active due to the increase of rain fall, An inspection by a professional to insure that the structure is mold free is recommended.

If the water has drained at the time of the inspection the crawl space should be treated with an antimicrobial to prevent mold growth. Mold can grow in the ducting and insulation.

Tip of the Month is provided as a courtesy of SERVPRO® by John Lawrence.

Call 971-371-0566 or email at johnl@SERVPROhfyt.com

John's Tip of the Month

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

You just got home, and all that’s on your mind is everything you need to do to finish your day. As you step into your home you are greeted with a torrent of water rushing out the door.  Unannounced to you the Gremlins snuck in while you were away, just to ruin your day. First call SERVPRO (503) 648-8513, and then call your insurance agent. SERVPRO and your agent will work together to make it “Like it never even happened.” Now that help is on the way there are some things that can be done to help reduce your loss.

These emergency tips will assist you in taking the proper action until our crews arrive. Please follow these Do’s and Don’ts to help reduce damage, possible bodily injury and to increase the chances of successful restoration.

Things to do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place the furniture on wood blocks, plates, plastic or foil to keep from direct contact to the moisture.
• Remove to a safe dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Hang draperies with plastic coat hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting, floors, or furniture.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Avoid all contact with sewage.

Things not to do:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Leave books, newspaper, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet, floors or furniture.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixture of the ceiling is wet.
• Spread contamination by walking areas affected by sewer.
• Tur on the HVAC system on this can spread contaminated air throughout the home.
• Use household fans to dry the structure this also can spread contaminated air throughout the home.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Tip of the Month is provided as a courtesy of SERVPRO® by John Lawrence.

Call 971-371-0566 or email at johnl@SERVPROhfyt.com

Your Commercial Needs

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 - (503) 648-8513

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Professionals have extensive cleaning and restoration training. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to affect your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

Help your apartment residences

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

In an apartment community residence will share walls from the sides and from above and below, sharing spaces. If a water damage occurs, it can get out of hand quickly. As a water damage could not only affect one residence but multiple residences.You can never know when an emergency situation will occur, but it’s in your best interest as a property manager, as well as in the best interest of your residents, to always be prepared for anything. Taking these measures today to help prevent water damage in the future.

1. Check On Aging Appliances Regularly – If the property you manage includes a fridge, dishwasher, and/or washer/dryer in unit, you should closely monitor the age of the appliances as well as routinely checking them for cracked or damaged hoses or connections. Washer hoses should be replaced about every five years. It’s a good idea to replace washers and dryers before there’s a problem. It may cost more money now, but it could save you a lot of money and a headache or two in the future.
2. Repair Old or Damaged Roofs When It’s Dry – Don’t wait for a big rainstorm to find out that the roofing at your unit(s) needs replacing. Make routine checkups to monitor the condition of the roof(s) at your property. Make time and room in the budget to make any replacements or upgrades necessary during the dry season so that you can avoid water damage in the wet season.
3. Stay in Touch with Your Residents and Know When they’re Traveling – Many people go on vacations during the summer. Talk to your residents about having their water shut off while they’re gone or, alternatively, having someone check on their apartment from time to time while they’re gone. If a water leak occurs while they’re away and no one is checking in, a small problem could potentially turn into something much worse.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

We are here to help your business

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

In manufacturing, assembly of the finished product, water from flooding or a major leak can stall lines and keep production halted, making your plant late with orders.

No matter where the water comes from, plant managers and business owners can solve the situation with SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook. We are ready 24-hours a day, and quickly remove standing water with the proper equipment. When the water is extracted we do our best to make sure our equipment is out of the way as much as possible given the situation. So your business can continue to operate while also drying the structure as effectively as possible.

Wherever absorbent or porous materials exist within your plant, water fills the pores and holes. Using water's own properties against it, we heat different areas to speed up evaporation. We also create air currents with large air movers to direct moist air, so it goes exactly where we want it – outside through open windows or toward a desiccant machine or large dehumidifiers.

Without professional water removal services, your plant's interior might seem dry after your employees take care of the problem with mops, squeegees, and towels, but this often results in a more significant problem later if microbial growth starts to occur in areas that didn’t dry properly. SERVPRO professionals can help your plant avoid this much more costly situation. Doing so and quickly responding to your plant's emergency situation can eliminate a substantial amount of future downtime, financial expenses, and other issues.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Smoke Odor in your home

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen or even from a fireplace that was unattended, a nearby house that had burned, the odor can also come from forest fires as well.

No matter what caused the odor, at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties we have trained professionals with the proper equipment to clean the structure and remove any odor. Our crew has a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals. We also use filters to ozone machines. Our professionals will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home back "Like it never even happened."

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. Limit further damages and reduces the cost.

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

What to do after a Fire

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after a fire damage.

What to do after a fire damage

Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near. 

• Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
• Take pictures of all exterior damages
• If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
• Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items being contaminated.
• Try locating any important papers and documents.
• Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
• Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
• Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims.We're faster to any disaster

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Water Extraction is Important in Water Remediation

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Our new HVE3000 Extractor

When a water damage occurs in a home or business, the first step in water mitigation is to remove all of the water in the affected area as quickly as possible. this will stop the water from spreading to other rooms, as well as reducing the risk of permanent damage to hardwood floors and furniture.

When extracting water from a wet surface that may not have standing water will remove any water that is trapped in the cracks and grooves of the surface. this speeds up the drying process rather than only using a dehumidifier.

The process of water not only help prevent damage to the hardwood and furniture, but also reduce the risk of mold growth on the structure as standing water and damp areas are ideal for mold growth

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Seeing Mold in the Bathroom?

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

You might have seen mold in your bathroom, which can cause some concern. When the shower or bath have been used, you may see water droplets forming on the walls. This is happening when the bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation and causing dew point to occur in the bathroom. Dew point is when the air is not able to hold the excess moisture that is usually caused by the shower or bath. Once the air has reached dew point water will start to form on the wall instead. This will cause the excess moisture to linger thus allowing great growing conditions for mold.

To help prevent mold properly ventilate your bathroom, opening a window or turning on the fan while you shower or take a bath. After you are finish you will want to leave the fan on to allow the atmosphere to return to normal conditions

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Roof leaking?

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your attic you might have a leak in your roof that went unnoticed. A leak in the roof will allow moisture to enter your home thus creating an ideal growing condition for mold. Before doing any mold remediation it is ideal to have the roof repaired first or else you may have mold growth again if you wait on repairing the roof after having the mold removed

The most common roof leaks are the following:

• Ice dams
• Missing or broken shingles
• Damaged flashing

In the winter you could be experiencing an ice dam. Ice dams happen when the snow freezes at the edge of the roof causing water to back up and leak into your home. To prevent an ice dam try removing 2-4 feet of snow from the edge to prevent an ice dam from forming.

A storm can cause damage to your roof, it is a good idea to check your roof after a storm to see if the roof has any broken or missing shingles.

Damaged flashing will allow water to leak into your home. Check your flashing regularly to see if they have any damages.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Commercial Drying

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Our managers at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties have taken  the IICRC Commercial drying specialist (CDS) class and obtained special certification to complete water mitigation in commercial buildings. With this knowledge, our managers are able to effectively lead our crew chiefs that had taken and acquired the IICRC Advance structure drying (ASD) class. These certifications provide our management and crew the knowledge, and the experience that they have acquired while working at SERVPRO to be able to dry out a commercial building efficiently. There is no job that is too big or too small for our Professionals.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Are You Ready?

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Guess What? The rain is here again! We are faced with the challenge of keeping the water outside of your structures. We need to be diligent with this as water will migrate in for though the smallest leaks in a building. These leaks can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage and reduce the income to your business. The exterior envelope should have an annual inspection.

When inspecting the roof look for broken or missing shingles or any damaged components of the roof. Check the flashing around any pipes or vents that come through the roof. The rain gutters need to be clean of debris and if they are equipped with heated cables they need to checked. Make all the repairs before the rain, snow and freezing weather strikes.

When inspecting the exterior walls of your building look for any damage to the siding, deteriorated or missing caulking around the doors and windows. Make all the repairs.

Heavy windstorms are likely in our future

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

As the fall and winter seasons approach, we can expect to experience heavy windstorms. When a wind storm occurs, the wind can get up to 50 miles per hour and sometimes the gusts can exceed of even higher wind speeds. When this happens, these gusts can create damages to the city and homeowners, it can be as small as creating power outages to as big as a tree falling into a house. Make sure to call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook if you experience any damages to your home or business that has been caused by windstorms

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Tips to help your home from flooding

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

A flood will occur when experiencing excessive rain, this causes rivers or streams to overflow. A flooding in a basement can be caused by water pooling around your home, this allows water to get into your home. A few tips can help prevent this. 

• Properly maintain your property. The slope in your yard and flower bed placement can direct the flow of the water towards your home, causing the water to pool at the base of your home. In some cases, it may be a good idea to install a French drain.
• Maintain the gutters and downspout. It is important to maintain your gutters and downspout as the debris will stop the flow of the water thus making the water run down the side of the building instead of flowing away from your home.
• If your home has a sump pump, it is a great way to help prevent your basement from flooding. This doesn't mean you can just forget about your pump, you will still need to maintain the pump to make sure it is still in working conditions. if you know a storm is coming, make sure you test your pump that it is still working. Having a second sump pump can be handy if your pump does fail. Also having a backup generator can keep your pump running even after the power goes out.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

John’s Tip of the Month

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Water, it’s the essence of life. 

But when things go wrong it’s a whole different story. 
My friends in Boise had to wait until the end of summer to paddle board on the ponds in the city parks, due to the threat of E. coli from the spring flooding. When the health department tested to find the sources, they found human, dog, and goose feces to be the cause. 
Moving forward in time, the southeast is still recovering from record breaking hurricanes. I have read many reports of contaminated water. It’s a mix of bacteria, viruses, metals and other potentially toxic pollutants leached from the myriad of refineries and chemical plants in the area, along with an untold number of submerged septic tanks. 
So what does this have to do with us? 

We are just approaching our rainy season, and as we are very aware, there will be flooding somewhere in the area. We can’t change the weather but we can be prepared. Use the following list as a guide. 

• Preventative maintenance check list 
• Make sure the foundation grading slopes away from the building 
• Check for leaking plumbing 
• Make sure the plumbing is properly insulated 
• Check for missing insulation 
• Clean the area around the sump pump and check to make sure it is working order 
• Check the foundation vents they should be closed for the winter and open in the summer 
• Make sure the vapor barrier is intact 
• Check of pest 
• Make sure the roof components are in good condition 
• Flashing round vents and chimneys 
• Roof drains
• Rain gutters and gutter downspouts
• Clear landscape debris 
• Clean out all ground surface drains 
• Check all the door and window seals 

If a flood does happen you have the peace of mind knowing that the SERVPRO team will soon be on site, and they will make it “Like it never even happened” 

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency service when your house or business have water damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Preparing your pipes for the winter

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

As we roll into the month of October we are getting closer to winter home owners will start to prepare for the cold weather. One of the main cause of loss during the winter season is pipe bursting. Even after the weather starts warming up home owners will find out they have a pipe leak from crack pipes caused by the cold weather.

Tips for Preparing Your Pipes for Winter Weather:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninstalled areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets.
• Faucet covers are ideal for the outdoor faucets.
• Keep the temperature set to the same both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may get  a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F..

FROZEN PIPES - - A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

Fire Prevention Week

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

• Draw a map of your home by using NFPA Grid with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

This article comes from NFPA website at www.NFPA.org where you can find out more to help get your home prepared for any possible fires. 

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove professionals are trained to safely and effectively removed 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 professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes, and offices. Like it never even happened 

Blood-borne Pathogens

SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO 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 professionals 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 professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

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

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. SERVPRO professionals help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, SERVPRO is ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact the professional biohazard cleaning service to discover more about our Tuscaloosa biohazard restoration services and secure our help.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have any bio-hazardous substances at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Tips while you wait for help

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

What to do while you wait for SERVPRO to arrive for water loss?

          When water damage happens after a bad storm or plumbing issue, you could know about it a few minutes or days after it starts. Here are some tips to help you while you wait for our crews to reach your property:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Once SERVPRO arrives they will determine if it is safe to turn the power back on.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe place
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. This help prevent any further water damage.
• If you have any fans use them! Have the airflow blowing on the wet material, this helps the water from spreading quickly.

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
• To avoid injuries do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. The ceiling drywall has a potential to fall.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency service when your house or business have water damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The clean up after a wildfire

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Wildfires can happen almost anywhere.

Although the wildfire might not have caused fire damage to your property directly; there may be a smoke odor that can linger after the fire has been put out. There can even be soot particles and residue that may require cleaning. 

How can soot get inside your property?

 Soot can still enter your house through your HVAC unit and air ducts, even if your windows and doors are shut and vents are closed. These areas can hold large quantities of soot that can disperse all over your belongings and your home.

A wildfire will generally burn natural materials, but occasionally will burn man-made materials; which will leave soot particles that are difficult to remove.

At SERVPRO we use the best tools and trained professionals that are dedicated to leave your house smelling fresh and back to preloss condition so you can get your life back to normal. Like it never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Hiring!

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is hiring!

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please call 503-648-8513 for more information or email your resume to erin@SERVPROhfyt.com

John’s Tip of the Month

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Microbial growth colonies

BLEACH: THE GREATEST PRODUCT EVER?

Bleach has to be the best cleaning agent ever produced. We use it to whiten our laundry, kill gems, keep swimming pools safe, purify our drinking water, and to clean mold and mildew.

• It’s a miracle product and it’s so inexpensive.  

• Why would anyone consider using any anything else, or even a professional?

• Does bleach fall into the category of if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not true?

We know without a doubt that it is a very good whitening agent for our laundry. We also know that using chlorine in our drinking water keeps us free of water borne diseases.

But to remove mold, that’s just a myth.

To successfully remove mold you can’t just wipe the affected area down with bleach and have it go away.

So why is that?

Bleach will not work on any porous surface. Chlorine bleach is corrosive and that fact is stated on the product label (not to mention the exposure hazards of dioxins). The properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycelia (roots) of mold. 

Without killing the roots, the mold will be back!

This is what the EPA says about bleach:

“Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.”

It is tempting to use bleach because it is so inexpensive, but this is a misconception. The possible health risks from the reoccurring mold will far outweigh any perceived savings, and should be enough to end the temptation.

The EPA states that any area greater than ten square feet should be cleaned by a professional. When it comes to mold remediation, the SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove and SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties techs are second to none.

If this is a persistent problem contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have water, mold, or fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

John’s Tip of the Month

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth

Recently I was asked how to prevent the growth of mold.  Had they asked how to prevent a kid from growing tall that would have be easy, Mom always told me I would grow up too short when she caught me drinking coffee.

I will give an answer that was better than moms, as you know it didn’t work as I am taller than most people.

Mold, the very word is enough to make a person cringe.

     Yes, mold can be good — it's essential in making brie and penicillin, for example, and necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature — but it can also be very, very bad, especially when it grows undetected in your home.

   Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can't see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles. Mold forms when spore, moisture and a food source are present.

     Not only is a mold problem difficult to fix, but mold can also produce allergens and irritants that may compromise your health.

     So what can you do if you're concerned about mold growing in your home or business? The best approach is preventing mold before it becomes a problem. The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control.

     Here are nine ways to curb indoor moisture, and the mold that thrives on it.

1. Identify problem areas in your home or business and correct them. You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home or business: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.
2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. Seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you've experienced a flood, call a professional at SERVPRO to properly dry out and restore affected areas. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don't leave wet items lying around the house or business, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can spread quickly. Hang them to dry — preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home or business. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates my AC unit produces up to three gallons of water a day), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. Your energy-efficient home may be holding moisture inside, so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan.
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless — the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available; the core of the drywall is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.
5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You'll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture (for example, turn off a humidifier if water appears on the inside of nearby windows).
6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.
8. Improve air flow in your home. According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.
9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house.

If this is a persistent problem contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have water, mold, or fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

1-4-8

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

1-4-8

What does 1-4-8 mean?  Is it important?  Will it benefit me and my insured?

The answer is yes, yes and yes!

1-4-8 is the service response guideline that SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties uses to guarantee your insured gets the very best help when they need it most.

1. Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties project manager will contact your insured to arrange for service.
2. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties project manager will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
3. Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

*Exception may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

To demonstrate the importance of our 1-4-8 response, let’s take a look at the water damage timeline.

1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

 As you can see, a quick response is crucial in reducing the cost of the loss and the time needed for the restoration. By reducing the response time, your loss ratio will be reduced and your insured can go back to a normal life more quickly.

Let’s take this to the next level. A call comes in from one of your insured, they just experienced a disaster! At this point you have some choices; you want them to get the best help available.

You could simply direct them to call the Claims Call Center and be done with it, but they trust you!

You could tell them to call SERVPRO, and give them 1-800 SERVPRO contact number. The call will go to the corporate office in Tennessee then back to a local SERVPRO. The corporate office could even send an out of state SERVPRO. So if an 800 number is needed, direct them to 866-888-3894 our 24/7 live answered emergency help line.

The best choice is to have them call me direct at 971-371-0566. Immediately upon receiving their call, I will contact our office. At this point things are set in motion, your insured are on their way to becoming whole.  

Having your insured call me directly will result in a much quicker response time, and will enable me to monitor the progress of the loss ensuring you and your insured have a direct point of contact providing the peace of mind knowing it will be, “Like it never even happened”                        

When Storms or Floods Hit Tillamook County SERVPRO is Ready!

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties  specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Yamhill County or Tillamook County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 24/7 866-888-3894

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

? A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

? A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

? A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

? Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.

? Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.

? Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

“I should have used you guys….” Ever had someone send you an email with that statement? I did recently which made me realize that I should share this experience with you.

“My discount contractors did a lousy job! Then, I had to pay someone to come in and correct their issues as well!!”
After receiving this email I peeled back the onion and found they had fallen into the trap of using the “low cost service provider” to save money!

What I discovered from this incident was a handyman was hired at discounted rate. The plan was to use a local handyman and save on the repairs and they could help a local small business at the same time, it was an ideal win-win scenario.

Risk Assessment

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

 Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and ductwork
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source DexerityDynamics

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

THE UNWANTED GUEST
I have seen a big ramp up for this year’s tourist season and by all indications it should be a good one. But this comes with some risk one of which is the subject of this month’s Tip of the Month.

The unwanted guest that nasty little bed bug. That hitchhiked in with a guest from abroad. I wrote an article about bed bugs a couple of years ago and with new staff on board and tourist on the way it is a good time to brush up on the issue.

So What Are They?
Bed Bugs are parasitic insects of the Cimicid family that feed exclusively on human blood. They are mostly nocturnal. They can cause skin rashes, allergic symptoms and psychological effects. They have been with us for thousands of years they were almost eradicated in the 1940’s in the developed world, but they have become resistant to pesticides and have made a comeback, they are here to stay.
We are all afraid of them.

Where Do They Come From
California and Washington have a high concentration of bed bugs this put us at risk of an outbreak here in Oregon. But as you can see from the map they can come from anywhere.

• How do we keep them out of our place of business
• Actually we can’t, but we can be proactive
• What about the guests that see them

These are all real issues and they carry a lot of weight. This problem must be properly addressed to avoid a negative outcome.

So Now What
As business owners and managers it is crucial to train your employees to know how to spot bed bugs as soon as they arrive. There needs be policies in place to deal with guests or residents that have encountered them. Have protocol call in place to get rid of them.

Bed Bug Prevention (Early Detection)
There is no way to stop bed bugs from being brought into your facility. New folks are arriving every day from all over the world, and bringing their potentially infested personal items with them. You can be bed bug free one day and infested the next.
So prevention relies on early detection. Bed bugs must be detected very quickly after they are brought in, hopefully before they bite someone.

We have the equipment to help you facilitate an early bed bug detection program to prevent an infestation. All employees in every department should receive bed bug identification training. Why everyone? Because your employees are located all over the facility and if everybody is looking for bed bugs there is greater chance that they will be discover quickly. Also keep in mind that guests are not the only people capable of bringing bed bugs into your facility.

How to Get Rid Of Them
Heat Treatments
Some pest control firms utilize specialized heating equipment to de-infest furnishings, rooms, and entire dwellings. The procedure involves heating up the infested item or area to temperatures lethal to bed bugs. Portable heaters and fans are used to gradually heat the air to 120 - 130°F while monitoring with strategically placed sensors. By carefully controlling the temperature, bugs and eggs are killed wherever they may be. When dealing with high temperatures it very important to check with the fire suppression company to make sure that you DO NOT EXCEED THE WORKING TEMPERATURE OF THE SPRINKLERS and remove all aerosol products.

Insecticides
While the former methods are helpful, insecticides are widely used by most pest control companies. A variety of EPA-registered materials are available formulated as liquids, dusts and aerosols. Baits used to control ants and cockroaches are ineffective in this case since bed bugs feed on blood. Professional-use insecticides such as Temprid®, Transport® and Phantom® tend to be more effective than bed bug sprays sold by retailers. Bleach, alcohol, cigarette lighters, etc. should NOT be used to control bed bugs. Besides being ineffective, such actions can result in fires and other dangerous outcomes.

Important Note
It is extremely important that no employee ever attempt to treat bed bugs themselves. Making pesticide applications in a facility when you are not a certified applicator is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, attempting to treat bed bugs when you have no experience will interfere with your pest management company’s treatment plan and potentially increase the bed bug problem. Always have bed bug infestations treated by an experienced pest management company. If your current company does not have bed bug experience, call us for suggestions or an inspection.

Sources for this article came from the following:
Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug

For More Info See:

http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2007-11-08/the-cost-of-bedbugsbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice

http://www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Bed%20Bugs.pdf

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7454.html

www.SERVPROyamhilltillamookcounties.com

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Taking Steps to Help Prevent Suicides in Hotels While working on the new “Tip of the Month,” I was talking to my wife about a hotel I once worked with in Idaho. 

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

ARE THERE RACCOONS LIVING WITH YOU

Last month’s Tip of the Month focused on the Hospitality Industry dealing with prevention of suicides.

From this discussion I learned there are a lot of people that don’t have a good understanding of what biohazards are and why they are dangerous to one’s health.

So what is a biohazard? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

A biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment; also:  a hazard posed by such an agent or condition

Bio-Hazard threats can be found anywhere. Your work place, your health provider’s office, the grocery store, your child’s school or day care and even your own home! – Biohazard’s should be handled with extreme caution.

What are some biohazard examples?

• Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been contaminated with blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood.
• Animal waste. Animal carcasses, body parts, and feces or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms.
• Human body fluids. Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and peritoneal fluid.
• Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures.
• Pathological waste. Unfixed human tissue (excluding skin), waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies.
• Sharps waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that have the needle attached.

Biohazard Safety Levels with Examples

There are 4 levels of biohazards, according to the Centers for Disease Control:

• Biohazard Level 1: Agents that pose minimal threat to humans and the environment. E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Naegleria gruberi.
• Biohazard Level 2: Agents that can cause severe illness in humans and are transmitted through direct contact with infected material. Examples include HIV, hepatitis B, and salmonella.
• Biohazard Level 3: Pathogens that can become airborne and cause serious diseases. Examples include tuberculosis and Coxiella burnetii.
• Biohazard Level 4: Pathogens that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there are no treatments. Examples include the Ebola virus and Lassa virus.

If you find yourself face to face with a potential biohazardous situation that is too big or too dangerous for you to handle on your own, let me know and I will send our trained professional staff to give you the help you need.

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month

Disaster recovery specialist SERVPRO says a readiness plan is the key to business continuity when disaster strikes

GALLATIN, Tenn. (Grassroots Newswire) September 1, 2015 - September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster recovery specialist SERVPRO says this is a great time for business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. SERVPRO points to startling statistics like this one to emphasize the importance of advance planning: according to FEMA, as many as 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a major flood disaster.

“Business owners who think they are prepared for an emergency because exits are clearly marked and fire or flood drills are parts of the regular routine really need to take another look at their preparations,” said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. “A comprehensive emergency plan also contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, and emergency contact numbers and more—information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury.”

Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.

“For a business to survive and thrive, it needs to get back to business as soon as possible after a disaster strikes,” said Steen. “With an ERP in place, SERVPRO’s Disaster Response teams can immediately assess the situation and take the first critical steps to protect employees from harm and property from further damage setting the business on the road to recover

On a local note I had an opportunity to participate in a live evacuation drill at Columbia Care Center.  I was very impressed with how well the drill was planned and carried out. However, even with the entire advance planning, things can still go wrong. The evacuation was going smoothly until a bed ridden resident needed to be evacuated. It was only then that they discovered the bed was too large to maneuver around the corners of the evacuation route. This slowed the evacuation process to a crawl, losing precious time. This issue did not become known until the drill was performed live. This drill illustrated that planning and practicing is the best way to ensure safety for all the residents. 

Last winter, Kilchi’s House in Tillamook was evacuated due to severe winter conditions. Debbie, their Executive Director offers this advice, “Make sure the community is ready to go (With a cart) with pillows, blankets and comfort items for the residents as well as the staff and this cart should be on standby with the rest of your emergency supplies.”

Disasters will and do happen.

Locally, floods, mudslides, fires and even broken pipes have led to evacuations.

Is your property READY?

Water Damage Drying is Scientific?

8/6/2015 (Permalink)

Proactive planning using an ERP as well as Documenting Losses On site enable control to be restored before Chaos even has a chance.

Psychrometrics : The Science of Drying

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.  

Water can damage materials in two ways:  first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process.  

At SERVPRO we employ several tools and techniques to aid the drying process and accelerate it as well.  Our most important asset is our people and the knowledge they bring to the damaged property.  We are highly trained teams of IICRC Certified Water damage restoration professionals.  This means when you call SERVPRO you are getting the highest quality of professionals to address any size disaster.  We are very proud to be a leader in the emergency services and disaster restoration industry.  

Al's Radio Interview with Handyman Bob!

11/10/2014 (Permalink)

Al's Interview with Handyman Bob!

Al Ahlberg the Owner had a chance to meet and explain a little more about what we do with a local Handyman who also has a great radio show surrounding handyman topics!

Are You Ready?

11/14/2013 (Permalink)

ARE YOU READY?

Guess What? The rain is here again! We are faced with the challenge of keeping the water outside of your structures. We need to be diligent with this as water will migrate in for though the smallest leaks in a building. These leaks can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage and reduce the income to your business. The exterior envelope should have an annual inspection.

When inspecting the roof look for broken or missing shingles or any damaged components of the roof. Check the flashing around any pipes or vents that come through the roof. The rain gutters need to be clean of debris and if they are equipped with heated cables they need to checked. Make all the repairs before the rain, snow and freezing weather strikes.

When inspecting the exterior walls of your building look for any damage to the siding, deteriorated or missing caulking around the doors and windows. Make all the repairs.