Prevent Fires in Altoona and Blair County with Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

A dirty dryer vent could be a dangerous fire hazard lurking in your home.

Fire cleanup in Altoona, Tyrone, and across Blair County is often the result of easily preventable issues like clogged dryer vents. Each year, many home fires occur because of neglected dryer vent maintenance, leading to costly fire restoration needs. SERVPRO Team Weaver offers expert dryer vent cleaning services to help reduce the risk of fire and ensure your dryer runs efficiently. Regular cleaning is essential to protect your home from fire hazards and avoid expensive damage.

How Clogged Dryer Vents Can Cause Fires

When lint, dust, and debris build up in dryer vents, airflow becomes restricted, causing the dryer to overheat. This situation creates a serious fire hazard, as lint is highly flammable. A single spark can ignite a fire, leading to the need for fire cleanup in Altoona, Tyrone, and throughout Blair County. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that failure to clean dryer vents is one of the leading causes of home dryer fires. Professional cleaning helps eliminate this risk.

The Benefits of Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

• Fire Risk Reduction: Cleaning your dryer vents removes blockages, preventing overheating and lowering the chance of a fire.
• Better Efficiency: Clean vents allow your dryer to work more efficiently, reducing drying times and lowering energy costs.
• Longer Appliance Lifespan: When your dryer doesn’t have to overwork, it lasts longer, saving you money on repairs or replacements.
• Peace of Mind: SERVPRO Team Weaver uses specialized tools to thoroughly clean your vent system, ensuring it is safe and debris-free.

When Should You Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning?

To avoid fire risks in Blair County, it's recommended that dryer vents be professionally cleaned at least once a year. If your dryer takes longer to dry clothes or feels hotter than usual, it’s time to schedule a cleaning as soon as possible.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay

Neglecting to clean your dryer vent increases the risk of house fires and, in homes with gas dryers, can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, a clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements. Instead of waiting for a disaster, take preventative action today.

At SERVPRO Team Weaver, we’re committed to helping residents in Altoona, Tyrone, and all of Blair County prevent fires and stay safe. Don’t wait until you need fire restoration services—schedule a dryer vent cleaning today to safeguard your home.

Contact SERVPRO Team Weaver for Dryer Vent Cleaning

If it’s been a while since your last dryer vent cleaning, act now to reduce the risk of fire. Contact SERVPRO Team Weaver for professional dryer vent cleaning services. Visit our website or call us at (814) 946-0119 to learn more and schedule your appointment today.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Fire Claim

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire and water damage caused by a pot left unattended on the stove.

Dealing with a fire at your home or business isn’t just about the damage—it’s about tackling insurance claims, too. The process can be a real headache, especially when you're already emotionally and physically drained.

Understanding how fire claims work is key to getting the compensation you deserve. It’s easy to miss important details when you’re focused on cleanup, but those mistakes can end up costing you both time and money. With the right preparation, you can avoid the common issues that trip people up in these situations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to filing a fire claim and the common pitfalls to dodge. From immediate damage control to timely submissions, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.

Getting a Handle on the Fire Claims Process

Fire damage can throw anyone for a loop, but knowing how the claims process works makes things smoother. Once fire damage hits, your first step is to notify your insurance company to get the ball rolling. They’ll want a list of everything that’s damaged.

An adjuster will come out to assess the damage, including the fire itself and any water damage from putting it out. Their job is to figure out what’s covered and how to handle the repairs. Keep receipts and document any emergency repairs or cleanup work you do—your insurance will want those.

Once approved, the funds will be released, and you can dive into the full restoration process. This might include things like soot and water damage removal, structural cleaning, and even mold remediation. Stay in touch with your insurance company throughout to keep things moving smoothly.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Call your insurance company ASAP.
• Make a detailed list of damaged items.
• The adjuster will assess the damage.
• Prevent further damage and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
• Good communication with your insurance company will speed up the process.

Quick Action While Waiting for Help

If you’re waiting for restoration professionals to arrive, there are steps you can take to protect your property from further damage:

• Safety First: Ensure the building is safe before going inside.
• Ventilation: Open windows and doors to help clear out smoke and soot.
• Turn Off Utilities: Shut off water, gas, and electricity to prevent further damage.
• Save Valuables: If it’s safe, remove any valuable items to protect them from damage.
• Document Everything: Take photos and notes of all the damage for your claim.

Documenting Damage Thoroughly

After the fire is out and the dust settles, it’s time to start documenting. Grab your phone or camera and start taking pictures—lots of them. Get every angle of the rooms affected and snap individual items that are damaged. These photos will be key in proving the extent of the damage to your insurance company. A detailed inventory is also a must; list the items, their condition, and their estimated value.

Don’t Wait—Submit Your Claim Fast

The faster you submit your fire claim, the better. Insurance companies often scrutinize late claims, which can lead to delays or denials. Plus, the sooner you get that claim in, the quicker the restoration can begin, meaning less overall damage and a faster return to normal.

Secure the Property from Further Damage

Once the fire is out, make sure nothing else can make matters worse. This might mean boarding up windows, covering roof holes, or shutting off utilities to prevent water or weather damage.

Avoid Common Fire Claim Mistakes

A few missteps can cost you during the claims process. Here are some to watch out for:

• Missing Secondary Damage: Don’t overlook smoke or water damage when filing.
• Not Understanding Policy Limits: Make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not.
• Losing Receipts and Documentation: Keep track of every expense related to the damage and repairs.

Conclusion: Best Practices for a Smooth Claim

Handling a fire claim isn’t easy, but following the right steps makes it smoother. Working with professionals like SERVPRO Team Weaver ensures the process is handled efficiently and correctly. They’ll handle everything from cleanup to restoration, keeping your insurance company in the loop and making sure your property gets back to its pre-fire state.

Call SERVPRO® today at (814)472-0800!

SERVPRO in Our Community!

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

With more than 50 years of industry experience, SERVPRO is a leader of fire, water, mold and other specialty cleanup and restoration services. Our network of more than 1,700 franchises has responded to property damage emergencies ranging from multi-million dollar large losses to those suffered by individual businesses and homes. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, SERVPRO has earned the trust of major insurance companies, commercial clients and countless homeowners. Below are the residential and commercial services we provide, including but not limited to:

Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration 

Pretesting helps us determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.

Water Removal and Dehumidification 

We identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage.

Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup

We are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

We work to control and remove mold contaminants while protecting the health and safety of building occupants.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

Accurate inventory helps keep costs low and reduces job completion time. We can provide an itemized, room-by-room loss inventory. 

Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

We can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.

Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care

We use the latest IICRC training as well as state-of-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.

Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications

Using IICRC standards for carpet as a guide, we will show you what cleaning option would be best for your carpet's level of soiling and explain the benefits of soil protection.

Odor Identification and Deodorization 

We will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate it.

Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods

Fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method. 

You have so much invested in your home. Choose SERVPRO to protect your most valuable asset! Your home is a reflection of you and makes an impression on all those who enter it. You invest your time, energy and hard-earned resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your home. 

When you need work done on your home or business, you should expect the very best service at a fair price. We are committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services, as well as top-quality professional cleaning services for your entire residential or commercial property. 

Round and round we go!

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Rising creek after fast, heavy rain.

Round after round of heavy rain on saturated soils could lead to considerable flood potential. Rising creeks and streams, mudslides, and clogged storm drains can lead to in home flooding. 

If your home is known to take on water, here are a few things you can do to help keep your property  and contents safe from water damage:

• Check with a professional to:
  • Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to floors that are less likely to be flooded. An undamaged water heater may be your best source of fresh water after a flood. 
    • Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. (As a last resort, when floods threaten, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.)
    • Construct barriers with sand bags or other inexpensive barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building.  These items can be found anywhere from your local hardware store to online companies such as U-Line and Amazon.
    • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.

If all else fails and your home or property does take on water, SERVPRO of Altoona can help to dry you out, save belongings, and prevent or treat mold.

Extreme Heat

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.

According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50-90°F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces, often in more rural surroundings, remain close to air temperatures." These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset "due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure." 

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103° +), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC).

If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter. 

Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov. 

Extreme Heat Safety Tips to Prepare Your Home

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary. 
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year. 

Biohazard, Crime Scene and Vandalism Cleanup

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO franchise professionals offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. 

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove 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, we can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. 

We can help with the following issues:

• Blood-borne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS 

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO franchise 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. We 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, we can clean and restore your property and contents.

ARSON AND VANDALISM 

We are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste. 

Understanding Water Types

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it's left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call us and consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive. 

Damage from Clean Water

• 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 electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• 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 to allow more even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

What SERVPRO Professionals Can Do for You

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

With more than 50 years of industry experience, SERVPRO is a leader of fire, water, mold and other specialty cleanup and restoration services. Our network of more than 1,700 franchises has responded to property damage emergencies ranging from multi-million dollar large losses to those suffered by individual businesses and homes. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, SERVPRO has earned the trust of major insurance companies, commercial clients and countless homeowners. Below are the residential and commercial services we provide, including but not limited to:

Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration 

Pretesting helps us determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.

Water Removal and Dehumidification 

We identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage.

Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup

We are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

We work to control and remove mold contaminants while protecting the health and safety of building occupants.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

Accurate inventory helps keep costs low and reduces job completion time. We can provide an itemized, room-by-room loss inventory. 

Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

We can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.

Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care

We use the latest IICRC training as well as state-of-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.

Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications

Using IICRC standards for carpet as a guide, we will show you what cleaning option would be best for your carpet's level of soiling and explain the benefits of soil protection.

Odor Identification and Deodorization 

We will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate it.

Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods

Fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method. 

You have so much invested in your home. Choose SERVPRO to protect your most valuable asset! Your home is a reflection of you and makes an impression on all those who enter it. You invest your time, energy and hard-earned resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your home. 

When you need work done on your home or business, you should expect the very best service at a fair price. We are committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services, as well as top-quality professional cleaning services for your entire residential or commercial property. 

Destroy Odors with Deodorization

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO franchise professionals provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out and remove the source of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO's own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts and more.

Other odors that may require deodorization:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

Ask your SERVPRO franchise professionals to explain the various deodorization methods available and which one will work best for you. 

If you suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact us immediately. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Hoarding: A Serious Situation

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

According to The Mayo Clinic, "A hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs." Many people with a hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem. Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage, such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging. 

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO encounters hoarding situations in several different ways. Often, we are called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when we arrive on-site. We will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried and stored by us, or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin. 

Another way SERVPRO encounters hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, we will see if we should look for any items of importance while we clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties or wish your insureds, call us today. Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but we are here to help make it "Like it never even happened."