Recent Biohazard Posts

Staying Alert: Preparing Your Spring Weather Alert Systems | SERVPRO of Allen

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of Allen help you get from April showers to May flowers.

We can all appreciate the arrival of the spring season! Warmer days, stronger sunlight and blooming flowers can turn around any mood that is stuck in the winter blues.

One part of the spring season that we all need to be aware of and prepared for is the arrival of spring storms. Storms can be mild or severe at this time of year, and tornadoes become more common the farther into the season we get.

This is why having your weather alerts ready to use is so important! Our team explains some easy ways to stay connected and informed as we make our way into the spring season with confidence.

Phones and the News

How close is your phone to you right now? Is it next to your computer or is it in your hand? We are surrounded by technology all of the time, so it should be no surprise that the majority of us get our weather information from our phones.

The Wireless Emergency Alert system is a nationwide program that can send out weather alerts automatically if the weather turns severe, so be sure that your notifications for the program are turned on. In addition, having a reliable weather app can help you stay on top of the weather as it changes throughout the week.

Just be sure the weather apps that you are choosing are coming from a reputable source. Certain apps and organizations are prone to over exaggerating forecasts for engagement, so stick with nationally recognized organizations or local sources to be on the safe side. You can also sign up for emergency notifications through the city for hyperlocal information.

Using the news is also a great way to stay informed in real-time! If a weather watch is issued, tune into one of our local news stations to watch the storm progress. This live radar can help encourage you to make quick decisions about travel plans or sheltering.

Staying Connected When the Power Goes Out

Life can get a lot more complicated if the power goes out. The time clock for our phones, computers and tablets starts ticking, and your TV will immediately become useless. This is why every household should have at least one other way of staying informed that doesn’t require power to work.

If you aren’t sure if you are able to hear the community weather sirens from your home, make it a point to listen carefully during the next siren test to see if you can hear it clearly from every room.

In addition, you should have easy access to an NOAA weather radio at all times. These radios can be a great backup because they are often hand-powered or solar-powered, which means you can stay connected no matter how long we are without power. Just be sure to carry it with you wherever you go so you can stay informed as you move throughout your house or around your property.

Take the time to get prepared and to update your alert systems so you are ready for when the first major spring storm comes to town. If your home suffers damage, remember that we are here 24⁄7 and we will be there to help you recover no matter what!

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.

What’s That Smell? Dealing With Sewage Leaks, Safely | SERVPRO of Allen

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

Hydrophobic and dry soil barely absorb water and standing sewage. Let SERVPRO of Allen help you recover from sewage leaks around your property.

If you had to rank the most unpleasant home disasters or situations, we would bet experiencing a sewage leak would be at the top of your list. While they might not cause the most physical destruction, they are simply one of the grossest things you could encounter in your home or business!

Unfortunately, sewage leaks happen all the time and anyone can experience one without much warning. Tackling them quickly can help you avoid lingering issues, so we explain some easy steps to follow if this unfortunate situation befalls you.

Addressing the Situation

When your sewer lines back up, it usually is because wastewater is being forced backwards due to a clog or blockage in the pipe somewhere. These lines can backup into your sinks, toilets or even into your tub. A sewage leak can happen if a pipe or water line leaks or bursts, leaving the toxic water to spill out onto your floor or behind your walls (yuck).

No matter how the sewage ended up where it shouldn’t, you should be prioritizing your safety no matter what. There are three different types of water: white water, gray water and black water. Sewage falls into the black water category because it can contain toxic or hazardous substances like dangerous bacteria or microbes.

Steer clear of the water and avoid walking through it however you can, and find the water shutoff valve that controls the specific pipe to shut it off. Once the water has stopped flowing, you can start opening up windows and turning on fans to let the fumes and stink escape. After giving us a call, block off the area to keep family or customers out of the affected space.

Where SERVPRO®’s Cleaning Team Comes In

In addition to our highly rated restoration services, we also have a top-notch cleaning team that can safely handle any biohazard situation. Our team will be able to assess the situation quickly and gather the right tools and safety gear that we need before heading out your way.

While you are waiting for us to arrive, take some pictures of the situation. While these pictures will most likely not end up in any scrapbook, they are really important for your insurance company! They will want fresh images of the situation, so the earlier you can snap them, the better.

Once we arrive, we will work on identifying the source of the leak and our cleaning team will start removing the sewage and standing water. Since sewage is a biohazard, our crew will be decked out in the latest and safest protective gear and we will make sure we are following all of the necessary safety protocol so the situation stays under control.

We will deep-clean your space and sanitize the entire area once the sewage has been removed and we will also employ our deodorizers at this point to remove any lingering stinky smells. If the standing water caused residual structural damage, our restoration team will tackle these repairs as well.

Leave the mess to us! Our team will take care of your sewage leak with confidence.

Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO and we will take care of you.