Prepare for the Peak of Hurricane Season

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10^th, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Do not wait to prepare yourself for a hurricane when a storm forms in the Atlantic and stores are filling with shoppers looking for emergency supplies.

There are steps that you can take now to ensure you and your household are more prepared for the peak hurricane season:

• Build a survival kit. You and your household should be prepared to shelter in a secure and safe location for several days after a disaster when roads may be impassable, gas stations and grocery stores closed, power and communications being out. Common items are water—drinking and sanitation, food, medication, first aid kit and hygiene products.
• Make a Family Communication Plan. Choose an out-of-town friend or relative as a point of contact. Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or saved in a secure place. Determine a safe, familiar place the family can go to reunite.
• Stay Informed. Listen to local officials for the most up-to-date information before, during and after a disaster. Keeping a battery or solar-powered radio to receive disaster notices and updates in your survival kit is key.

NOAA on 2023 Hurricane Season

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

2023 Hurricane season starts June 1st.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is scheduled to issue its outlook for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season. The NOAA will discuss the expected number of storms and climate factors that will influence hurricane development. They will also provide advice on how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season which officially begins on June 1^st.  The NOAA will also discuss their readiness for the season showcasing new products and upgrades to enhance forecasting and operations.

Hurricane names for the 2023 season have been released. There are new names in the rotation that will replace Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate. Those names will be replaced with Harold, Idalia, Margot, and Nigel.

Don’t forget to tune in on Thursday, May 25 to hear all about the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season!

Fire Safety Facts

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors can help keep you safe in the event of a fire.

Fire safety comes in many forms. Here are some facts that can provide some insight into fire safety.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside of each sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Roughly, three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• Fires most often start in the kitchen. Almost 30 percent of fires start in the kitchen because this is primarily where open flames are used.
• Cooking and heating cause the most fires.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Commercial Cleaning Services

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Clear Lake can help make your workspace clean.

With SERVPRO’s commercial cleaning services, you won’t have to worry about the common wear and tear of your buildings or offices. When grit/grime, moisture, and odor overwhelm a standard janitorial service, call SERVPRO of Clear Lake. You can rely on us to make your workspace the cleanest it’s ever been. 

SERVPRO of Clear Lake will get it done right the first time with our: 

• Award-Winning Training 
• Nearly 50 Years of Experience 
• Proprietary Cleaning Products 

Specialty Cleaning Services 

SERVPRO offers a broad scope of cleaning services - from bloodborne pathogens to mold to fire/water restoration. Our technicians have specialized training and products to effectively clean your business and make it "Like it never even happened." We can do it all: 

• Air ducts & HVAC 
• Biohazard 
• Carpet & Upholstery 
• Odor Removal 
  Sewage 
• Trauma and Crime Scene 

And much more - Call us today at 281-486-4716!

Signs that a Pipe in your House is Leaking

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe can cause a variety of problems with your plumbing system.

Signs that a Pipe in your House is Leaking

In most cases, a leaking pipe won't be something you can notice right away. The water that's coming into your home is probably leaking in invisible areas, so you'll only know there's a problem if there are obvious signs of leakage and flooding. That's why it's important to know the warning signs that a pipe in your house is leaking. Here are some ways to tell if you might have an issue.

1.  Low water pressure

A leaking pipe can cause a variety of problems with your plumbing system. One of the most common is low water pressure. If you’ve noticed that your faucet isn’t working as well as it should, it may be time to call in a plumber to check for leaks in your pipes and fixtures.

2.  Water stains on the walls and ceilings

Water stains on the walls and ceilings are a good indicator that there's a leak in your home. If you see water stains on the ceiling, check the attic for leaks. If you see water stains on the walls, check underneath them for cracks or other damage that could be causing the leak.

3.  Soggy floors

Soggy floors are a definite sign of some kind of leakage. If you notice these signs, it’s important to call a plumber right away. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done to your home and belongings. If you’re not sure whether there is water damage in your house, look at the ceiling and walls for mold growth or discoloration. Mold spores can travel through air ducts, so if you smell mildew in several rooms this may be an indication that there is water damage somewhere in your house.

4.  Mold and mildew growth

If you see mold or mildew growth in your home, it's a sign that water damage is occurring. If you see this type of growth in your house, contact a professional immediately. 

5.  Unpleasant odors

While the smell of mold and mildew may be unpleasant, it's not uncommon to notice an odor in your home or basement. In fact, you should expect your water pipes to have odor — but if you're getting strong smells from them that aren't normal, there might be a problem.

If you're experiencing a strong and strange smell coming from your water pipes, it's time to investigate further. The cause could be as simple as a backed-up drainpipe or toilet overflow, but if the odor persists for longer than it should or seems more intense than what would normally come with those events, then there may be something more serious going on. A leaky pipe can also cause unpleasant odors in other parts of your home: sewage is one example that comes up frequently in conversation about water leaks; decaying organic matter like dead plants or animal waste can also lead to an unpleasant scent emanating from below ground level.

6.  Sounds of water running when no one is using it

If you hear water running in your house when no one is using it, then you might have a leaky pipe somewhere. Check faucets and toilets for leaks. You may also want to check the pipes that run through your walls as well as those that connect to appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines (these types of devices often have their own internal problems).

There are many signs that a pipe in your house is leaking, but the most important thing to remember is that it’s crucial to check for leaks before they become big problems. If you suspect a leak, contact a licensed plumber right away so they can come out and thoroughly inspect your home.

How Do You Prevent Water Damage?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

This Clear Lake home sustained significant damage as a result of standing water caused by a pipe burst.

How Do You Prevent Water Damage?

Water damage can occur in your Clear Lake, TX building or home, and it can cause serious problems to the structural elements of your home. One of the most common causes of water damage is a burst pipe, which can be caused by several factors, including burst pipes, drips & leaks, pipe blockages, and other things. If you have a pipe burst in your home or business, it's highly likely that you're going to need to call a professional water restoration company to assess the damage and clean up the mess before it gets too bad. To prevent water damage from happening (and to prevent natural disasters), here are three tips to help keep water out of your home.

If you have any doubts about whether your property has been affected by a burst pipe then it’s best to get in touch with a professional plumber immediately as they will be able to inspect your appliances and repair any issues that may arise before any further damage occurs.

While it's tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, attempting to repair or replace a broken pipe can cause more harm than good (especially if you don't know what you're doing). If your house is experiencing flooding due to plumbing issues, call SERVPRO of Clear Lake at (281) 486-4716. We'll be happy to send someone out over as soon as possible so that we can begin assessing the damage and preventing further damage from occurring.

To prevent water damage from happening, here are three tips to help keep water out of your home.

• Make sure you have a backflow preventer.
• Install a water alarm.
• Check your pipes regularly to make sure they're in good condition.

Make sure you have good drainage systems installed on your property.

Without a proper drainage system in place, water can pool at the lowest point of your home or property. When this happens, it is more likely to seep into walls and floors.

To ensure that you have good drainage systems installed on your property, ask a professional contractor to come out and assess the drainage system. The contractor may recommend installing sump pumps or other types of pumps that can drain water away from your home.

When you are away from home for long periods of time, shut off the main water supply so that if there is a leak in one of your pipes, no damage will occur while you are gone.

Shutting off the main water supply is a crucial step in preventing water damage to your home. Each house has a main water shutoff valve, which is usually located near the meter. If you can't find it, check with your local water company or plumber for help.

To shut off the main supply of water:

• Turn off the main valve that supplies fresh drinking water to your house. This is typically located near your hot water heater. This will prevent any unexpected leaks into this part of your pipes from being swept away by running taps or toilets in other parts of your house that could cause serious damage. 

Water damage can be a nightmare to deal with. It is not only time-consuming but expensive as well. So, before you call a professional restoration company to come out and assess your home or business after a burst pipe caused flooding indoors, make sure it's covered by insurance first!

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers are an invaluable tool for fire prevention in commercial buildings.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work in the Event of a Fire?

Fire sprinkler systems are the most common fire prevention method in commercial buildings. Sprinklers work by activating when high temperatures or smoke from a fire trigger them to release water on the flames, stopping them from spreading further. If you’re curious about how your building's sprinkler system works and what options are available for commercial fire sprinklers, read on for answers!

How do fire sprinklers work?

Fire sprinklers are designed to be activated by heat, releasing water to extinguish the flames. The process of sprinkler activation is simple: when a fire starts, heat causes the sprinkler’s metal housing to expand. That expansion triggers the fusible link inside the housing, which allows water to flow out of a small orifice at high pressure through an open onto the affected materials. Some sprinklers contain compressed air that helps spray farther than normal; others use a special mechanism called an actuated pressure switch that closes when exposed to heat and opens when cold again—like flipping a light switch off and on again!

What are the options for commercial fire sprinkler systems?

There are four different types of commercial fire sprinkler systems: pre-action, deluge, high-temperature, and dry pipe. Each type is used for a specific purpose, but they all work the same way. All commercial fire sprinkler systems are designed to detect a fire through heat sensing technology that detects fast temperature rises in certain areas of the building. When this happens, water flows out into those areas and puts out any potential flames before they can cause too much damage or injury to people or property within your building.

Can fire sprinklers cause water damage?

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to put out fires, not cause water damage. That said, there may be some instances where water damage does occur due to a water-soaking drywall and other materials. In these cases, you should seek the help of a professional restoration company as soon as possible to determine whether your home has been affected and what needs to happen next.

If you're concerned about the potential damage caused by a fire sprinkler system in your home or business, here's how they work:

Conclusion

Fire sprinklers are an invaluable tool for fire prevention in commercial buildings. They can save lives, property, and time. If you’re looking for a new fire sprinkler system or need one repaired, contact our experts at SERVPRO

4 Steps for Getting FEMA Assistance

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Get FEMA assistance

If your property isn't located in a floodplain or other area where flooding is a high risk, you may not have considered flood insurance to be a priority. Unfortunately, many types of natural and manmade disasters can result in flooding and water damage. For example, water leftover from firefighting efforts is a big concern after a fire. A burst pipe that goes unnoticed over a weekend can lead to significant flooding. Each of these situations may present unique requirements from your insurance company, but few situations are quite as complex as applying for FEMA coverage when you don't have insurance coverage.

Do You Qualify for Assistance?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, people who own or manage property in eligible counties qualify for federal assistance. In the event that Clear Lake, TX, is an eligible community, property owners and managers should take the following steps:

Apply for Federal Aid

The first step in applying for aid from FEMA is either using the phone the call 800-621-3362 or visiting www.DisasterASsistance.gov. Whether you call or visit the website, you are likely to get in touch with a representative between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and it's possible to connect with someone all seven days of the week.

Identify Appropriate Grants

There are a variety of grants available whether you have flood insurance or not. If you own property with renters, you may connect some of your tenants with temporary housing. There are grants available for uninsured and underinsured property losses and emergency property repairs. Register for the grants that are most appropriate for your situation.

Attend Federal Inspections

A few days after you've registered by phone or online, a federal representative will contact you. They'll present official identification, won't ask for money, won't make recommendations, and won't approve or deny requests. However, they will make a careful survey of the damages your property has suffered. You'll receive official news about your claim after the inspection results have been submitted and reviews.

Check the Status of Your Case

You can follow the progress of your case by going online or calling the same federal help number. It's important that you understand the type of help you're going to receive before you contact commercial property damage agencies. You'll need specific flood insurance and FEMA information to share with these professionals.

How To Use an Auger To Unclog a Drain

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is an auger, also known as a snake

If a sink in your Nassau Bay, TX, home has stopped working, there may be something blocking your pipes. A clogged drain does not only affect the flow of water in your house, either. Over time, the clog could cause pressure to build up in the pipe. The pipe could then burst and flood your house.
To avoid the need for water damage restoration services, you should thus remove any clogs from your sink immediately. Luckily, all you need is an auger, also called a snake.

Auger Use

You can rent this plumbing tool for just a few dollars. Then, just follow the below steps to clear the drain.

1. Put the Auger Into the Drain
One end of the snake should go into the opening of the drain. Turn the handle on the drum to push the auger into the pipe. Keep going until you feel resistance from the clog.

2. Rotate the Snake
The auger's rotation should chop up the clog. If you do not feel the clog breaking up, try pulling the auger out of the clogged drain. The snake should take the clog with it.

3. Run the Water
Once you remove the snake, run the sink to make sure the clog is gone. If the clog did not come out of the pipe with the auger, it may just flush down the drain.

Clog Prevention
Now that you have cleared your drain, you should take steps to prevent the problem from happening again. Start by purchasing a strainer that collects foreign materials before they go down the drain.
You can also prevent kitchen sink clogs by properly utilizing your garbage disposal. Turn on the cold water while the disposal runs, and leave the water on for a minute after you shut off the disposal. This should flush the garbage into the main drainpipe rather than the smaller sink one.
Over time, a clogged sink could lead to a damaging pipe break. Therefore, should reduce the number of clogs in your sinks and use an auger to break up clogs that do develop.

What it Means if Your Building Smells Like Mold

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial mold damage

If you’ve noticed a musty odor or mildew smell in your building, that’s a sure sign that mold colonies are actively growing somewhere in the building. To understand why it’s helpful to know a little about the way mold functions and how it produces that distinctive “mold smell.”

What Mold Needs To Grow

Indoors or outdoors, the air in Clear Lake, TX, is always full of tiny mold spores. These tiny spores are generally harmless. They won’t begin to grow and colonize unless and until they come into contact with a source of moisture and a food source. Mold doesn’t need a large amount of water: The moisture in a slice of bread can be enough. Just about any material can serve as a food source, including:

• wood
• drywall
• cloth
• soil
• plants
• paper
• food scraps
  
  

Mold that is growing on a surface is actually consuming that surface as a food source. When mold consumes building materials, like wood or drywall, the materials eventually begin to rot and to become unstable.

Where The Mold Smell Comes From
Once mold spores settle onto a food source where moisture is present, they begin to grow and multiply. Mold releases gas-like compounds into the air as part of its digestive process. Some of these compounds have a strong, distinctive fungus smell, although some are odorless. Mold only releases these compounds when it is actively growing. If you smell mold, it means mold is eating away at your building.

How To Stop the Mold Growth
Finding and eliminating the moisture source is the key to stopping mold growth. A mold remediation specialist can use a thermal imager and other equipment to locate leaks that are hidden from view, such as behind walls.
Never ignore a musty or mildew smell in your building. That smell means mold is actively growing nearby. Mold spreads rapidly. If you notice a mold smell, schedule a mold inspection as soon as possible.