Cleaning up your Mesa Property after a Flood or Monsoon

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Text "Cleaning up your Mesa Property after a Flood or Monsoon"

Floodwaters can quickly flood a house, bringing water, debris, and potentially harmful chemicals or materials into your Mesa home. Many homeowners are unable to obtain flood insurance because of the cost or because it isn't available. Many people try to clean up their damaged property themselves in order to save money after a flood occurs. However, there are several disadvantages to doing things this way.

SERVPRO has been providing flood damage recovery and restoration in the Mesa area since 2011. We've seen the aftermath and destruction caused by floods. We bring a team of specialists as well as high-capacity equipment to remove water, salvage damaged materials, and disinfect all affected regions. Unsalvageable items are removed, and anything that can be restored is saved. Our equipment is designed to successfully remove moisture and dry your house, including hard-to-reach areas.

How Long Does it Take to Dry My Home?

The amount of time it takes to dry a home out can vary a great deal depending on the damage and flooding that has occurred. Some of the factors that affect the dry out times are the size of the area damaged by the water, how long the water was in place before the dry out was started, and the sort of materials used in the construction of the property. Shop vacs and room fans aren't effective at drying items or structures before mold begins to grow out.

SERVPRO uses high-volume air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the afflicted area completely. The initial incident might be dried in two or three days at a home or workplace. Homeowners who attempted to dry their dwellings before contacting our crew may, however, discover additional water damage as a result of the extended exposure. Wood is porous, which means it can absorb moisture and expand. Moisture may creep into concrete walls, making them take longer to dry. Mold colonies might have emerged as well.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO for help in preventing water damage from permeating walls and building materials.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Mesa (480) 553-7103 to assist with flood damage cleanup and restoration of your home or business.

There are multiple approaches to recover flood-damaged Mesa homes

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

text, "Water extraction and cleanup in Mesa, AZ homes with basements"

Basement levels are often prone to flooding, especially in low-lying floodplain zones. Natural flooding is a costly and dangerous problem, so our SERVPRO team responds promptly to assist remove any water or pollutants that are present and by safeguarding belongings and structural elements of the basement level. Most homes in the Mesa, AZ area do not have basements, but some do. If your home does have a basement, this is some information that you might want to read.

Water Removal Services 

Mesa homes are frequently damaged by floods and as a result of severe monsoon storms and hazardous weather. When water remains for an extended period of time, the longer it stands, the more devastating flooding events occur. We have powerful extraction equipment on hand to draw out huge volumes of deep water. Submersible pumps and wet vacuums are commonly used in this process.

Debris Cleanup

Flood damage might cause debris to enter your property. When the water reaches the bottom levels of the property, solids move into this damaged zone as well. After a flood, cleaning and repairing damaged areas entails removing the muck in order to safeguard the underlying materials. During the process we remove: 

• Mud
• Decaying matter
• Contaminants
• Debris

Content Protection and Relocation

Basement levels may be utilized as finished living space or storage, and standing water and flooding are not issues in either case. We move belongings and things to safer locations to minimize waste during the course of the job.

Needed Repairs and Reconstruction

Our general contractor license gives us the ability to effectively handle any problem that comes up in your home. SERVPRO's experience, training, and communication skills are supported by our general contractor license. Water penetration in this area of your house may reveal structural flaws that must be addressed or rebuilt to avoid recurring problems.

Our SERVPRO of North Central Mesa has gained a devoted client base because they know we can help them with all sorts of emergency services. We are ready 24/7 when you call (480) 553-7103.

SERVPRO Storm Team Mobilization Program

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Storm Team Mobilization Capabilities

SERVPRO Storm Team

When a major storm event occurs, you need additional comprehensive restoration help! SERVPRO of North Central Mesa is "Ready for whatever happens." This Thanksgiving, the weather should be generally mild around the US. Arizona looks to keep havings its above-average temperatures and mild weather, but starting Sunday, things in the North-East are looking to get a little spicy with snow, ice, and dangerous winds.

When large storm events occur, SERVPRO has mobilization teams across the country able to travel as needed to support recovery after large storm events. This past February, We traveled to San Antonio with the SERVPRO Storm team to help with the relief effort there with hundreds of other franchises in various cities across Texas. When areas need a few hundred crews for a month in a specific area to help with storm recovery, only SERVPRO can make it happen!

When localized storms overwhelm local restoration companies, SERVPRO's storm response helps to manage the volume you need to be served.

Because SERVPRO has answered calls for help in storm situations over the years we have developed a specialized storm team and large loss response network to provide the resources you need - management, crews, and equipment to get service to your property when others cannot.

That's why when disaster strikes, so do we!

This summer the Mesa, AZ East Valley area came pretty close to having a SERVPRO Storm team response because of heavy and active summer monsoons storms. There were several outlying areas in Eastern Arizona and down in Tucson where smaller storm team units mobilized. Hopefully, we don't have a storm event that calls for a Storm team response, but if we do, we will be ready.

COMMERCIAL LARGE LOSS PROGRAM

• Best of our best, SERVPRO's Large Loss Response Team recruited to serve your needs
• An elite group of large loss specialists pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the US (approx. 110)
• Substantial resources through a network of 1,800+ locations nationwide
• Six and seven-figure projects routinely assigned to our Large Loss Response Team members
• Clients include: Insurance Companies, Manufacturing Facilities, Hospitality Industry, Restaurants, Property Managers, Universities, Health Care Facilities, Libraries, Churches, Municipalities, Local, State, and Federal Government
• Corporate oversight and communication on every large loss filed
• Business interruption minimized due to our timely response
• Unit Pricing utilized on routine losses, Time and Material recommended on losses exceeding $25,000
• 24/7/365

Are your Solar Panels Safe during a Mesa Summer Monsoon?

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Are your Solar Panels Safe During a Mesa Summer Monsoon?

Do you get 2 to 3 calls a day for some solar company like I do? It is so annoying! But, we do have solar panels on our house and it is a great way to help offset summer electric bills here in the Arizona summer. This summer we had to have some of our panels repaired as a result of the summer monsoons. If you have or are thinking about getting solar panels on your home, there are some things you need to be aware of come storm season.

Solar panels appear to be delicate, yet they are designed to endure storms without harm. Solar cells are protected by aluminum and glass casings. The majority of high-quality panels are certified for Heavy rain, large hail, and Winds up to 140 miles per hour. Flying debris and roof damage are the most serious threats to their integrity.

Will Panels Stay in Place?

The stability of panels is determined by the position and method of installation. Roof-mounted panels usually rely on lag bolts fastened to roof beams to ensure that they can withstand very strong uplift forces generated by high winds, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Panels in other locations should be secured to withstand the usual monsoon winds known to cause damage to solar panels in Mesa, AZ.

Will Panels Break?

Solar installers and repair experts keep track of the reasons behind any damaged solar panels they find. Panels can endure one-inch hail impacting at 50 mph, but they might not be able to withstand substantial flying debris in the case of a hurricane or tornado. If a roof is damaged by storms, mounted panels may also be dislodged and subjected to fracture. When recommending locations and methods for keeping panels in place, solar installers take these factors into consideration.

Will Panels Keep Working if damaged or moved out of place?

If a solar panel is damaged during a storm, it should continue to function normally. Invest in high-quality panels that are certified for likely variations in weather. If you believe that your panels have been damaged as a result of a storm, you might want to contact a solar power professional.

If you notice panel damage after a storm, contact your solar power company or installation service. If your house has also been damaged by the weather, set up an appointment for a consultation with a storm damage repair business in Mesa, AZ.

An Emergency Ready Plan Can Help You Prepare for a Flood

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Minimize Flood Damage with an ERP

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes might seem like the most dangerous natural hazards you could ever face. Growing up in California and Florida I was consistently doing earthquake or hurricane drills in school. I haven’t heard much about those now that I am living in Arizona. Most people do not realize that floods and droughts cause more fatalities to Americans over time.  If you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river, or even in the desert, there is always great potential for flood damage from a storm.  Natural disasters usually cause a great deal of damage and/or loss of life. The most destructive natural disaster in economic terms in the United States was a storm on August 29, 2005.  In more recent history, Hurricane Harvey unleashed an insane amount of damage in the Gulf of Mexico. While the actual winds and initial rainfall did cause a lot of damage, most of the lasting damage was caused by the flooding that remained long after the hurricane events were over. Katrina was the deadliest Hurricane on record and Harvey was the most costly. 

Flood damage can affect your home or business in a variety of ways and can go from affecting a single room to having entire floors being fully submerged.  Understanding how to prepare for and deal with potential flooding events in advance can affect how much of your property gets damaged during an event and how much of your property has to be replaced.  Remember, Faster to Any Size Disaster is not merely our slogan. It is a reality you have to deal with in a flooding situation. And It is an honest description of SERVPRO of North Central Mesa’s ability to receive your call and respond quickly when you need us, regardless of property size or type.  You can learn how to be prepared BEFORE a storm affects your business and your life.

The SERVPRO READY Profile Advantage

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster.  Of the businesses that survive, most of them had a plan in place ahead of time. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at giving you peace of mind during a disaster. knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that when your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa can help you prepare ahead of time with the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan, or ERP. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan Profile for your business, you could minimize interruption for your business by having an immediate plan of action available at your fingertips! Knowing what to do and what to expect, before something happens, is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how storm and flood damage can affect your business. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan is both FREE and Digital. It will cost you nothing to set up and can be available to anyone in your business via the free Android or IOS app. There really is no reason not to have one set up!

Emergency Ready Plan Benefits

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  Since it is free,  there is no need to allocate funds for it, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• It is a  concise digital 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 save you a lot of time when you need it.
   
• It serves as a guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help decrease the amount of time your business is not active by having an immediate plan of action that is easy to access and easy to follow..
   
• Establishes SERVPRO of North Central Mesa as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by who already has all of your information as well. This means we can respond faster and begin the mitigation process with little direction. This leaves you free to handle other issues you need to deal with.
   
• It identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  Again, This saves time because it sets us up so we can begin the work of mitigating your damaged property which can save you time and money.
   
• It provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  When helping businesses set up their emergency ready plan, one of the most common things that happen is no one knows where the shutoff valves are. They have to call someone to find out where they are located. Not having access to this information readily available will usually cause significantly more damage to a property. This is vital information for on premises staff to have available during an emergency event.

Having a quick reference for what to do, how to do it, and who to call gives you and your employees solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa has restoration experts available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to get your business back up and running. Our emergency response expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, and disinfectant cleaning services for confirmed COVID-19 cases and preventative measures. Most people don’t know that we are also quite prolific with our document drying services. We are also your business’s best resource for mold mitigation and removal.  We are ready to serve our community because we are "Faster to Any Size Disaster".

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today, SERVPRO of North Central Mesa: (480) 553-7103

5 Pre-Monsoon Building Inspection Tips

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare for Monsoon Season Ahead of Time

Exterior building maintenance makes your property more likely to withstand severe weather with less damage. Here are five steps for residential or commercial property owners and managers to take that can have a huge pay off when monsoon season strikes Mesa, Arizona.

1. Take a Closer Look at the Exterior of the Building

The facade of your building will usually wear down over time. Cracks or gaps develop in the mortar of a brick facade and can expose the building to water damage. An exterior structural inspection is useful to identify vulnerable points in the facade.

2. Check Seals Around Your Doors and Windows

When doors blow open or flying debris breaks a window, the interior of a structure can be affected by storm and water damage within minutes. Window Storm shutters can protect windows from damage and should be installed prior to the next monsoon season!

3. Have Your Roof Inspected

Checking the condition of your roof before and after a monsoon is the best way to detect and prevent severe roof leaks. While your facility maintenance staff generally perform basic building inspections that include checking the condition of roofing, roofing specialists should be called in to maintain this important part of a commercial structure if you don’t have an experienced roofer on staff. 

4. Check FYour Foundation for Leak Prone Areas

Softer points in the ground around a building's foundation can accumulate moisture and cause leaks into your building. The lowest point of the building plays a critical role in reducing the likelihood of serious structural damage. You should make sure there is a drainage system in place to direct water away from the lowest point of your building to deter water buildup in that area.

5. Test the Backup Prevention System For Your Sewer

The backwater prevention valve or sump pump should be tested routinely and especially before a storm or monsoon that could cause municipal lines or a septic system to overflow. Sewer damage generally requires cleaning and disinfection and may necessitate tearing out and replacing building materials that are porous.

After a storm or monsoon passes through Mesa, Arizona, as a commercial property owner, you should arrange for a follow-up inspection and any necessary exterior maintenance. Keeping your building maintained increases the likelihood that a structure will withstand most storms during a monsoon season.

Arizona Volunteers Heading to Louisiana for Hurricane Delta

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Path of Hurricane Delta

Hurricane Delta Volunteers from Arizona

Arizona volunteers are stationed in Louisiana ready to help at a moment's notice. Some have already been there for weeks, helping people there get by other storms. As hurricane delta violently lash the gulf coast last week,  Arizonans with a determination to serve have been leaving the sunny weather of our state to help thousands facing life-or-death situations.  One family in Louisiana has gone through this three times now in 15 years they lost three homes completely, and because they're on the coast, they don't have insurance. This is something I dealt with when I lived out in Florida right outside of Tampa Bay. We were unable to find any insurance that would cover flooding issues. Luckily, the neighborhood we lived in didn’t get hit with flooding as much because we lived off of a lake that usually absorbed the runoff. But I personally knew a lot of people in our area who had flooding issues that had to cover effects of the flooding out of their own pockets. 

Stories of heartbreak and pain from previous year’s storms have prompted more than 100 Arizonans to be ready at a moment’s notice to travel to other states to help out through volunteer work opportunities with the American Red Cross. Steve and Patty Larsen are among some of those volunteers who left on a 2 week volunteer trip with the American Red Cross to help. Steve and Patty are spending retirement heading into disasters for the sake of strangers was the right decision. 

One issue they are having back east is that they are not able to house everyone in large stadiums because of the COVID19 Pandemic. In the past the had been able to put thousands of people in a large area and keep them in cots. But the global pandemic has changed all of that. The Larsons are in New Orleans volunteering for the Red Cross, helping to tend to the needs of hundreds now evacuated to more than three dozen hotels across the area. A lot of the businesses are boarded up already. The city employees drove around with sandbags and equipment to help people buckle down for Hurricane Delta. 

This was just the latest disaster in a vicious storm season, homes and buildings still boarded up and covered with tarps throughout Louisiana, after Hurricane Laura tore through in late August. “There have been a sequence of gulf storms that seem to be hitting the same immediate area,” (Michael Young of Phoenix AZ who has volunteered with the red cross for seven years.) He said they have about 13,000 people in hotels in the gulf area from Hurricane Laura. 

With so much to do with too few hands on deck there's just not enough volunteers to take Care of the need down there. According to Michael Young, they are down two-thirds of the volunteers than they would normally have and hopes others will follow their lead and head to www.redcross.org to donate their time to help others in need.

SERVPRO has several franchises helping out in the area hit by Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta. SERVPRO has a large Storm Response and Disaster Recovery team ready at a moments notice to mobilize around any storm event in any location to help get residents affected by natural disasters get back into their homes and businesses as quickly as possible.

How to Properly Clean your Rain Gutters to Avoid Storm Water Damage

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Dirty Rain Gutter Buildup from Tree Leaves

Potential Water Damage from Rain Gutter Buildup

We have had some relatively mild monsoon seasons here in Mesa AZ over the past 2 years. The obvious issue that comes along with that are lack of water issues for plants, trees, etc. Not to mention the increased fire risk issues. One thing that may get overlooked, though, is the water damage risk that is due to build up in rain gutters. Usually, regular rainfall will clean out the rain gutter system of tree leave, small branches, dirt and other debris. When water from rainfall doesn’t clean that system out and the rain gutters become full it causes a risk of water overflow that can cause roof damage and water damage from water overflow in parts of the rain gutter system that become dammed up. In order to avoid this situation the rain gutters should be cleaned out at least yearly.

In this blog post we're going to cover how to clean your gutters properly and safely. Being the key and the things that you'll need to clean them.

Rain Gutter Cleaning Process

1. First, you're going to need a good set of gloves. 
2. Second, you're going to need yourself a good ladder depending on the height of the gutters. That will depend on the size of your ladder
3. The third thing you're going to need one of the most important things is going to be that ladder stabilizer, the stabilizer that we have up.
4.  The last thing you're going to need is a five-gallon bucket with something like a paint hook to attach it to the ladder so both of your hands are free..

For the ladder stabilizer you will want to get something similar to a corner buddy that stabilizes the ladder to the roof. It bolts onto the ladder, so it doesn't make a difference if the feet kick out on the ladder or if the latter slides left or right. With that stabilizer being up there, it's going to eliminate the risk of the ladder slipping out or going to the left or the right it keeps it secure up there. That's going to be the most important thing.

So, what you'll do. Is you get your bucket then you can hook it onto the ladder with a paint hook to free up both of your hands.So once you get your bucket, your hook, and your gloves, you're going up your ladder. (Make sure it is a nice strong and secure ladder.) Then you will just scoop the debris out of the rain gutter with a gloved hand and put it into the bucket. After you have gotten out all of the debris you are able to remove with your hand, you can use a brush to clean it further. The rain gutter doesn’t need to be immaculately clean, just clean enough to allow water to flow through easily. When you are done with the area that you are able to reach safely, get down off the ladder, move it over and start scooping again and keep going until the whole gutter is clean.

National Preparedness Month 2020

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

September 2020 is National Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month

This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and cannot only devastate individuals and neighborhoods but entire communities.

It's not always the natural events that you have to worry about. Sometimes you have something like COVID19 hit out of the blue that catches pretty much everyone by surprise. Here are some things you can do to be prepared. 

Make and practice your Emergency Plan

Do you have an evacuation and Sheltering Place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Is your plan written out? Is it somewhere easily accessible? Make sure your family or employees are informed about and have practiced with your emergency plan. Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app. 

If you are in areas where the weather is a constant threat you might want to consider using windy.com to track your local weather. Their website and Android/IOS Apps have a ton of information and are easy to use.

Learn life-saving skills

1. Do you or someone in your family know CPR? 
2. Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? 
3. Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake? 

Knowing these life-saving skills could mean life or death in an emergency situation for you, your family, or your neighbors.

Check your insurance coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you're covered in a disaster? Evaluate which hazards are relevant to your area and obtain the appropriate insurance for your home business and other property and become familiar with your coverage.

Save for an emergency

Are you prepared financially in case of a disaster? Does your family have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses after a fire? Check out email emergency Financial first aid kit for an in-depth document to help you identify and compile important documents and account information on all in one spot. Just search EFFAK on fema.gov for the free PDF.

Financial resources aren't the only thing you should think about saving for a rainy day. Having food storage is another great way to prepare for an unforeseen disaster or pandemic. We will have a followup article specifically addressing ways to prepare food storage that is really useful.

Whether it's a flood, fire, or extreme winter weather, we must work together as a team to help ensure our family, businesses, places of worship, and neighborhoods are prepared. Contact SERVPRO North Central Mesa to find out how we can help make it “Like it never even happened,” in your life.

How to stay safe during the 2020 Monsoon season in Mesa AZ

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Mesa AZ 2020 Dust Storm from a Monsoon

Monsoon season officially started in 2020 on June 15th. This week we are finally starting to see it raise its ugly head. Twice this week Maricopa and Pinal counties have been hit by mostly nighttime monsoon winds gusts accompanied by the lightning lighting up the sky that kept my youngest son up way too late last night. There doesn’t look like there will be much of a reprieve from the heat and nighttime storms any time this week. Luckily there doesn’t seem to be much of a risk of flash flooding because the actual rainfall has not been very high and is not expected to increase either.

Usually, monsoon worries are surrounded by thoughts of property damage and flooding. In this case, the winds are definitely an issue and could very easily cause damage to residential or commercial properties. But the main concern, with the current record heatwave, is the potential of the high winds from the storms to damage properties to the point to where they are not able to be climate controlled or damaging utility lines that supply neighborhoods with power. If that happens, there could be a lot of families with spoiled refrigerator and freezer food and no way to keep themselves cool from the heat.

So, what can you do to be prepared? First of all, If you have damage to your property, call SERVPRO of North Central Mesa right away at (480) 553-7103. Next, Be informed with the following resources.

Maricopa County Heat Relief, Cooling station location maps:

1. Maricopa County Heat Relief Map
2. ASU Resilient Infrastructure Lab Heat Relief and Cooling Station Map

(ASU’s RIL Map is great because it contains address and phone number information so you can call ahead to verify their availability to assist you. 

Interactive Maps from the National Weather Service

Phoenix/Mesa AZ Monsoon Threat Index:  https://www.weather.gov/psr/

Phoenix/Mesa AZ Interactive Live Radar Map: https://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=iwa&product=NCR&overlay=11101111&loop=no

Phoenix AZ Current Conditions and Upcoming Weather alerts:

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.44825000000003&lon=-112.07579999999996#.Xzw6T-hKgkk

Mesa-East Valley AZ Current Conditions and Upcoming Weather Alerts:

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.417&lon=-111.8315#.Xzw5yuhKgkk

National Weather Service Social Media

Mesa Area Local Social Profiles for the National Weather Service

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSPhoenix/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWSPhoenix

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NWSPhoenix 

Staying safe in Storm damage here in Mesa Arizona.

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help even when you can see a storm in the distance, and you know it's headed your way.

Personal protective equipment or PPE is essential with our line of work. Disaster sites are naturally a breeding ground of health and safety concerns. Injuries are also prevalent; that’s why we take specific steps to protect ourselves from these dangers. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 70 percent of workers who injure their hands were not wearing work glove during an accident. Most of the complaints about wearing gloves are that they are not comfortable and or a lack of skill or mobility. It’s close to 30 percent of workers today, even in disaster workers are wearing gloves not adequate for the type of hazard or just damaged/used gloves, according to the BLS.

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa number concern is Safety. And that goes across the board for SERVPRO Locations in general. Fortunately, with modern day’s technology advances, we have extra protection, durability, and comfortable gloves.

Here are three ways to effectively prevent and avoid hand injuries on a job site.

1. Evaluate injury risks at the begging of a job. Look for severe possibilities like sharp objects, slip zones, and hazards material. You can always consult with a safety specialist, safety engineer, or product manager to help evaluate the possible risk and risk factors that could very easily lead to hand and finger injuries on a job.
2. Teaching and Train your employees the proper ways to behave on a job site. You could always do role-playing or simulate a hand injury. Tape up workers dominant hand with gauze and instruct them to perform a couple of simple work tasks and personal task like texting. This type of training shows how to concern they need to be when evaluating their risks while working.
3. Finally, the best way to prevent hand injuries would be to give workers and technicians the best possible performance gloves. By outfitting our employees with the best equipment, not only do you show your customers you are taking care of your employees, but your employees know that they are being taken care of.

Here at SERVPRO, safety is a top priority for us. If you need any restoration services after a rainstorm, give SERVPRO of North Central Mesa a call and have us safely and effectively take care of your water loss in Mesa Arizona. (480) 553-7103.

2019 Slow start to the Monsoon season

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Lightning striking all around in the Mesa, Arizona area. You can tell by the cactus that it's a local area.

Monsoons are here at the East Valley in Arizona!

 As most of you know Monsoon Season is here. Monsoon storms can be devastating, although as of late here in Mesa it has been quiet.

If you own or rent a house that is vacant right now, it would be wise to check on that property as soon as you can after a storm event or monsoon season. Within just a couple of days, if rainwater goes unchecked, it can lead to mold growth and potential mold damage. Right now, we are working on two mobile homes that were caught in the recent rain storms last month. They weren’t checked on within a couple of weeks and Mold started in the walls and baseboards.

If left unchecked, the damage in your home could go from a couple of hundred dollars to multiple thousands of damages to your property, just within a couple of days. That’s what has now happened to these Mobile homes.

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 a ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
  
  If you have any questions or find any water/mold damage issues, call us (SERVPRO of North Central Mesa) immediately at (480) 553-7013. We're available 24 hours a day/7 day a week. Information is free! We're here to help!

Prevent Flood Damage From Storms in Mesa, AZ with a Sand-bag Barrier!

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

San-bag Barrier for Storm Flood Damage Prevention in Mesa, AZ

Monsoon season in Mesa, AZ has taken a little longer this year than most to get into gear. Since there is more time to prepare, you might consider making plans to use sand-bags to create a Sand-Bag Barrier around openings of your home to keep floodwater out of your home where it belongs!

Sandbags can be useful in redirecting stormwater and debris flows away from your home. But be sure that the sandbags are properly filled and maintained. Here's how:

• Fill sandbags one-half full. Use sand if readily available, otherwise use soil.
• Fold the top of sandbag down and rest the bag on its folded top. Take care in stacking the sandbags.
• Limit placement to three layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are placed in a pyramid.
• Tamp each sandbag into place, completing each layer before you begin a new layer. Clear a path between buildings for debris flow.
• Lay a plastic sheet in between the building and the bags to control the flow and prevent water from seeping into sliding glass doors. 

What to Expect

• There are limits to what sandbags can do, so remember: Sandbags will not seal out water. Sandbags deteriorate when exposed to continued wetting and drying for several months.
• If bags are placed too early, they may not be effective when needed. Sandbags are for small water flow protection -- up to two feet.
• Protection from larger flow requires a more permanent flood prevention system. Be sure to consult with your local environmental protection department before disposing of used sandbags.
• Sandbags that are exposed to contaminated floodwaters may pose an environmental hazard and require special

Monsoon season in Arizona. Watch out for those tree!

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let those tree's get you down during the Arizona monsoon season. Call SERVPRO, the people who are there for you, even with the lights are off.

It’s 2019 and monsoon season has started in Arizona!

A massive storm hit the Phoenix and Mesa areas last year, and one of the significant issues that come with the monsoon storms are microbursts that can cause a ton of damage to homes in their paths and happen at any second. While SERVPRO performs a moving out and pack out a job for a home in East Mesa, this was a little different than most situations. This family had a massive tree from a neighboring school fall right through the roof!

What may be unnerving to their neighbors is that the school has two more trees about the same size Which is taller than a 3-story building right along the same wall. After talking with the contractor who was working for the school to remove the actual tree, he stated that while they were working to haul away the tree that fell. The wind kicked up again, and the other trees started swaying at that same moment. Afterward, he said they hightailed it out of there until the wind died down again.

The same storm sent a 70-year-old lady to the hospital after a huge tree fell on her home. 

Make sure that if you have trees in your yard that you are prepaid for monsoon season. Make sure your trees are kept up and appropriately trimmed before a storm. A lot of the calls we get during monsoons either deal with water damages or trees falling. The local roofing companies love it, insurance companies... not so much!

Tornado's in Arizona? Here's what to do?

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Since 1950 there have been over 225 tornadoes recorded in Arizona. Nine of those happened here locally in Mesa, AZ area from 1967 to 2014. Since they rarely occur in these parts, people are generally not prepared for them and don't know what to do when they do hit. I grew up in Florida, where hurricanes and tornadoes were a common occurrence. I was happy to learn they weren't too common out here after moving here. I had my share of them.

So, here are some things to think about if you find yourself in the rare path of a tornado here in Arizona.

• Don't run outside and stay away from any window.
• Don't open any windows. It will not decrease air pressure.
• Winds increase in narrow spaces such as under bridges and underpasses. Don’t seek shelter under them.
• Don’t try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle
• Don’t stay in mobile units.
• Find the nearest shelter or low lying area
• Try to find a room with exterior walls
• Cover yourself with bedding
• Seek shelter in a permanent structure.

Here is a link to a Google map that lists all of the tornadoes that were able to be tracked in Arizona since 1950: Arizona Tornado Map

If you have damage to your property from a small little water storm or a massive tornado just blew your roof right off, give us a call. We can help you deal with your insurance and answer any questions you have! (480) 553-7103 - SERVPRO of North Central Mesa

Never fear SERVPRO of North Central Mesa is here. We are “faster to any size disaster” and “Like it never even happened” only happens here.

Who Do I Call for Storm Damage in Mesa AZ?

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

STORM DAMAGE EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND REPAIR SERVICE IN MESA ARIZONA

Arizona homes face many types of significant structural damage risks thanks to Mother Nature. Although we’re not at risk of hurricanes or even earthquakes like the midwest and back East, you just don’t know when a natural tragedy can strike or what it will consist of. SERVPRO of North Central Mesa has been helping the residents and business owners of Mesa and the East Valley get their properties back to normal following a natural disaster. We respond quickly to determine the damages and begin debris removal, water extraction, cleanup, as well as reconstruction for residential and commercial properties.

Why SERVPRO of North Central Mesa

Our certified technicians provide theemergency services you need when your residential or commercial property is damaged by monsoons, floods or other natural forces. We are ready and on call to help any time of the day or night. Call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week any day of the year. We have a 1 hour contact, 4 hour on site arrival, and 8 hour full update guarantee for every call we get!

NATURAL DISASTERS INCLUDE

• Monsoon Damage (including wind and water damage)
• Flash Flooding
• Haboobs
• Mud Slides
• Microbursts
• Hailstorm damage
• Rainstorms and
• Forest Fires
• Cold fronts that results in Frozen Pipes

MESA AZ HAIL DAMAGE / ARIZONA MICROBURST DAMAGE

Mesa area storms can cause unexpected roof damage to residential and commercial properties. Hail damage to properties can be very costly to repair and can cause future water damage from leaks unless the damage is fixed quickly. It can be tricky to document hail damage, so an immediate inspection is imperative. Insurance companies require very specific information on the extent of the damage, often even looking for a minimum number of hail strikes on a roof before authorizing repairs. SERVPRO of North Central Mesa is available 24/7 to make sure hail damage to your properties in Mesa and the East Valley are inspected and documented quickly and accurately.

CLEANING UP AFTER THE MONSOON

Mesa is affected every year by monsoon rains that leave residential and commercial property owners dealing with the results of flooding, high wind damage, and increased humidity. Immediate response times to emergencies with water damage is needed to reduce the exposure to secondary damages. Property owners dread the possibility of mold and mildew, and the longer these remain undetected and unattended to, the more expensive their damage becomes to correct. SERVPRO of North Central Mesa’s IICRCCertified Technicians have extensive experience with every type of storm or water-related damage and we are available 24/7 to give immediate attention to you and your property.

YOUR HEROES ARE ON THE WAY!

Our motto is to “Make it Like it Never Even Happened.” ™ We can quickly protect your home or business and reduce further damage by securing your property in a variety of ways:

• Emergency Board Up of doors and windows
• Proving Short-Term Waterproofing/Tarping
• Performing Water Removal as needed
• Demolition and Debris Removal
• Continuous Monitoring

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa WORKS WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa works closely with your insurance company to get your property safe and clean after hail or storm damage. SERVPRO of North Central Mesa has a solid working relationship with most National and local insurance companies, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. During an inspection, storm damage, including hail, wind, and water damage, are documented carefully with attention given to the specific information that insurance companies’ adjusters need in order to file a claim to get money into your hands quicker.

Microburst Storm Damage Restoration in Mesa AZ: SERVPRO of North Central Mesa

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Trucks in front of Gold Pawn Brokers in Mesa AZ after a microburst storm damage restoration.

Storm Damage Restoration for Gold Pawn Brokers in Mesa AZ

It’s not too often that the state of Arizona has natural disasters. Every once in a while we get hit by Microburst storms. This one had actually blown off the roof to Gold Pawn Broker's commercial property. It’s a good thing that Gold pawn was prepared for the worst.   They called SERVPRO of North Central Mesa and we were there for them in a blink of an eye. If you would like to see the Owners comments here is a link to a video of the owner talking about what had happened.

Gold Pawn Broker's SERVPRO Testimonial

Stuck in a bad situation, and don’t know who to turn to. Just give a call at (480) 553-7103 we’ll be happy to take care of you, just like we did for this happy customer. We'll make things “Like it never even happened.”

Using PPE in Storm Damage Situations Can Significantly Reduce Workplace Injuries

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

PPE Example: Impact Resistant Gloves

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely important to our line of work. Disaster sites are naturally a breeding ground for health and safety concerns. Injuries are also very common, that’s why we take certain steps in order to protect ourselves from these dangers. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 70 percent of workers who injure their hands were not wearing work glove during an accident. In Jan of 2018 the BLS also stated that hand injuries generally result in an average of 18 to 19 days lost of work in most industries. Most of the complaints about wearing gloves are that they are not comfortable and or a lack of dexterity or mobility. It’s close to 30 percent of workers today, even in disaster workers are wearing gloves not adequate for the type of hazard or just damaged/used gloves, according to the BLS.

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa number concern is Safety. And that goes across the board for SERVPRO Locations in general. Fortunately, with modern day’s technology advances, we have extra protection, durability, and comfortable gloves.

Here are 3 ways to effectively prevent hand injuries on a job site.

1. Evaluate injury risks at the begging of a job. Look for serious possibilities like sharp objects, slip zones, and hazards material. You can always consult with a safety specialist, safety engineer, or product manager to help evaluate the possible risk and risk factors that could very easily lead to hand and finger injuries on a job.
2. Teach and Train your employees the proper ways to behave on a job site. You can do role-playing exercises, for example, simulating a hand injury. Tape up workers dominant hand with gauze and instruct them to perform a couple of simple work tasks and personal task like texting. This type of training can show how difficult work can be with injuries and will encourage them to take time to evaluate risks in the work area.
3. The best way to prevent hand injuries is to give workers and technicians the best possible performance gloves. By outfitting them with the best equipment not only do you show your customers you are taking care of your employees, but your employees know that they are being taken care of as well.

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa is committed to the safety of its employees and encourages other businesses in the Mesa Area to make that same commitment to their employees

Rain storm in Fountain Hills

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Arizona Storms can be Gorgeous.

Good morning Fountain Hills,

 As most of you know, there was a Storm Event in Fountain Hills Last night. Storms can be devastating. An immediate action might be needed to protect your property.

If you’re any sort of property manager, or own property that is vacant right now. It would be wise to check on that property when you get the chance. Within just a couple of days, if rain water goes unchecked it can lead to growth and potential mold damage.

If left unchecked, the damage in your home could go from a couple hundred dollars to multiple thousands of damage to your property, just within a couple of days.

What to do After Flooding?

What NOT To Do After Flooding

Micro Burst in Mesa

4/26/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO arriving on scene

It’s not too often that the state of Arizona has a natural disasters. Every once in a while we get hit by Micro bursts storms. This one had actually blown off the roof to Gold Pawn commercial property. Although it’s a good thing that Gold pawn was prepared for the worst.   They called SERVPRO of North Central Mesa and we were there for them in a blink of an eye. If you would like to see the Owners comments here is a link to a video of the owner talking about what had happened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgwryMkPqWU

Stuck in a bad situation, and don’t know who to turn to. Just give a call at (480) 553-7103 we’ll be happy to take care of you, just like we did for this happy customer. We'll make things “Like it never even happened.”