Recent Posts
Navigating April Weather
4/3/2024 (Permalink)
Navigating this storm-damaged community was difficult, but I am glad SERVPRO of Longview was here to help.
Staying Prepared for Texas' Unpredictable Conditions
April in Texas often brings a mix of beautiful spring days, sudden storms, and even the occasional severe weather event. As temperatures rise and the season transitions, it's crucial to stay vigilant and prepared for any weather emergency that may arise. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips for staying aware of weather emergencies in Texas during April.
1. Stay Informed:
One of the most important steps in weather preparedness is staying informed about current conditions and potential threats. Utilize weather apps, local news channels, and official sources like the National Weather Service to stay updated on weather forecasts and any advisories or warnings issued for your area.
2. Know the Signs:
Familiarize yourself with the signs of severe weather, including darkening skies, strong winds, hail, and sudden temperature changes. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods are common weather hazards in Texas during April, so knowing how to recognize the warning signs can help you take swift action to protect yourself and your loved ones.
3. Have a Plan:
Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your family or household. This plan should include designated meeting places, emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and procedures for seeking shelter during severe weather events. Practice your plan regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
4. Prepare an Emergency Kit:
Assemble an emergency kit containing essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Keep your kit in a readily accessible location so you can grab it quickly in the event of a weather emergency.
5. Stay Connected:
Stay connected with your community and neighbors, especially during times of severe weather. Consider joining local social media groups or neighborhood networks to share information, offer assistance, and stay informed about any developments in your area.
6. Remain Calm and Stay Safe:
In the event of a weather emergency, remain calm and follow your emergency plan. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows and doors, and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas. Listen to local authorities and follow their instructions to ensure your safety.
Conclusion:
As April unfolds in Texas, it's essential to remain vigilant and prepared for whatever weather may come our way. By staying informed, knowing the signs of severe weather, having a plan, and staying connected with your community, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones during unpredictable weather conditions.
Remember, it's better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. Take the necessary steps now to stay weather-ready and resilient in the face of April's ever-changing weather patterns.
Stay safe, and call SERVPRO of Longview if you need help (903) 238-8100.
Summer Safety and Enrichment for Kids: Tips for Parents
4/3/2024 (Permalink)
A DIY science project is always fun on a rainy day!
With school out for the summer, many of us look forward to fun-filled days and memorable adventures with our children. However, amidst the excitement, ensuring that our kids stay safe and engaged in enriching activities is crucial. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate the summer months while keeping safety a top priority:
1. Outdoor Safety: Encourage outdoor play, but make sure children wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take breaks in the shade. Remind them about road safety when biking or playing near roads.
2. Water Safety: Supervise children closely around water, whether it's a pool, lake, or beach. Ensure they wear appropriate floatation devices if needed and know basic water safety rules.
3. Home Safety: Conduct a thorough safety check of your home. Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Teach kids about fire safety, including how to exit the house safely in case of emergency.
4. Summer Enrichment: Keep children engaged with educational and enriching activities. Visit the local library for summer reading programs, explore nature trails, or enroll them in educational camps or workshops.
5. Creative Activities: Encourage creativity through art projects, DIY science experiments, or cooking together. These activities not only entertain but also promote learning and development.
6. Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries on screen time and encourage outdoor play, physical activities, and face-to-face interactions with friends and family.
7. Chores and Responsibilities: Assign age-appropriate chores to teach responsibility and encourage participation in the household. These can include gardening, pet care, or helping with meal preparation.
8. Community Engagement: Get involved in community events or volunteer opportunities. It's a great way for children to learn about giving back and making a positive impact.
9. Family Time: Schedule regular family outings or game nights to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories together.
10. Emergency Preparedness: Review emergency procedures with your children, including who to call in case of emergencies and how to respond to different situations.
Safety should always come first, but summer is also a time for fun and exploration. Following these tips and staying vigilant can ensure our children have a safe and fulfilling summer vacation.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe summer!
Monthly Home Maintenance Tips
6/2/2023 (Permalink)
Candice is performing a monthly maintenance check for this campus.
Preventative maintenance can help avoid major and expensive repairs later on. General home maintenance is a must to keep your home in tip-top shape.
JANUARY: Clean the condenser coils beneath or behind your refrigerator so that it cools more efficiently.
FEBRUARY: Inspect the grout and caulk around sinks, bathtubs and damaged materials, and interior showers. Repair or replace any damaged areas.
MARCH: 6 mo. Reminder: Replace batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
APRIL: Clean all rain gutters and ensure the downspouts drain from the foundation.
MAY: Service your air-conditioning system before the weather gets hot.
JUNE: Clean the lint from the dryer vent where the air is vented outdoors.
JULY: Check GFCI devices and outlets using the test button. If they fail to trip, they should be replaced.
AUGUST: Check the roof for missing or damaged materials and interior ceilings and walls for signs of water leakage. Remember to check after storms and high winds.
SEPTEMBER: Service your heating system before the weather turns cool.
OCTOBER: Inspect and clean the fireplace and
flue before lighting your first fire.
NOVEMBER: Six mo. Reminder: Replace batteries and test smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors.
DECEMBER: Review your fire-escape plan. Check the pressure and expiration date on all fire extinguishers.
What to do after flood damage in Longview, Texas.
6/1/2023 (Permalink)
Recent heavy rains flooded this commercial building.
Cleaning up from a flood can seem like a daunting task. Preparing and planning for how you will deal with the damage is essential. Use the following guidelines to return your home to living standards immediately.
Remember, safety should always be the priority in such an event. Although your first impulse may be to start cleaning, you must protect yourself from hazards. The water may have contained sewage or other contaminants, and the structure may be unsafe. Keep in mind that buildings may not be habitable during the cleaning process.
For most insurance claims, take plenty of photos or videos before you start cleaning and keep records of all expenses.
The cleanup process can take weeks or sometimes even months to complete. A good suggestion is to hire a reputable company like your local SERVPRO.
Call the pros for flood cleanup In Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Henderson, Center, Kilgore, Hallsville, Longview, or anywhere else in East Texas! SERVPRO of Lufkin/S.Nacogdoches County 936-559-0404 or SERVPRO of Longview 903-238-8100.
General Pet Summer Safety Tips
6/1/2023 (Permalink)
Gypsy is in the shade, relaxing on the cool bricks.
Hot weather can make anyone uncomfortable, and your dog is no exception. Here are some safety concerns for responsible dog owners:
- Never leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight or a closed vehicle. Heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death. Signs of heatstroke are panting, drooling, rapid pulse, and fever. Immediately immerse the dog in cool water and seek emergency veterinary assistance.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a hot, parked car. When it’s only 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help. Your dog is susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these conditions.
- Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.
- All dogs should have proper identification at all times. The AKC suggests a collar with an ID tag, tattoo, or microchip.
- Keep your dog on a leash outdoors to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on sweltering days and avoid physical activity when the sun’s heat is most intense.
Most importantly, love and snuggle with your dog/dogs and enjoy a fun, healthy summer!
Do you need 3D documentation after a fire or water loss?
6/1/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO technician uses Docusketch 3D processing to document a fire loss project.
Do you need 3D documentation after a fire or water loss? Docusketch is just one of the platforms we utilize to correctly and accurately document the claim process.
We can provide the customer, insurance company, or property manager with a complete 3D scan of the loss. This is helpful to document the entire project and to compare every detail during the process – from our first visit on-site to the completion of the restoration process.
Our customers and business partners enjoy the convenience of the virtual experience, especially when travel is not an option. This often saves time and energy from not making multiple trips to the job site to see if anything was missed.
Your local SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County and SERVPRO of Longview can help manage your loss and make it "Like It Never Even Happened."
Commercial Cleaning and Reconstruction Services
9/1/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Longview can help your business with cleaning and reconstruction projects.
When most people hear “SERVPRO” they think of water and fire restoration but we actually provide many other services like commercial cleaning and duct cleaning!
While most offices do a pretty good job at keeping their office clean, the everyday wear and tear will gradually build up. When it gets too much for your regular janitor to handle, call in SERVPRO! We do a fantastic job at removing odors, deep cleaning of carpets, flooring and much more. Every member of our crew is trained specifically to be able to handle a commercial cleaning job of any size.
Our cleaning services include:
- Air ducts and HVAC - Drapes and Blinds
- Biohazard Cleanup - Odor Removal
- Carpet and Upholstery -Sewage
- Ceilings, Floors, and Walls - Trauma and Crime Scene
- Vandalism
Building and Reconstruction Services
When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.
After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Longview can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Longview can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.
SERVPRO of Longview can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.
- Board Up
- Carpet Repair and Installation
- Document Drying
- Dry Cleaning
- Drywall Installation
- Drywall Removal
- Electrical
- Electronics Restoration
- Fine Art Restoration
- Furniture Restoration
- General Contracting
- Hardwood Floor Repair
- HVAC Services
- Linoleum Floor Repair
- Marble Floor Repair
- Move Out
- Painting
- Plumbing
- Portable Power
- Roof Tarp
- Roofing Services
- Scalable Resources
- Temporary Fencing
- Temporary Warehouse Space
- Tile Floor Repair
- Tree Removal
Mold Remediation Contractor License #: MRC-1443
Water Damage Repair and Restoration
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
This warehouse suffered a major water loss over the long holiday weekend.
Throughout the past century, Longview homes and business owners have faced floods, forest fires, tornadoes and hurricanes. When catastrophe strikes, picking up the pieces, getting things back in order and cleaning up what is left behind can be an overwhelming task. SERVPRO of Longview's disaster recovery team has served the Longview area and stands ready — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — for whatever happens. By responding immediately, SERVPRO of Longview limits the damage caused by water, fire, mold and storms. SERVPRO of Longview professionals are prepared with the training, experience, and equipment needed to restore homes, retail shops, education institutions, healthcare facilities, food service operations and historic sites. SERVPRO of Longview redefines the unexpected to bring back comfort and productivity, and to preserve treasured and vital residences, municipal landmarks and businesses for generations to enjoy.
Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (903) 238-8100
Fire Damage Emergency Tips
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO was called to mitigate this dorm room from fire, smoke and water damage.
What you can do until help arrives
The steps you take immediately after a fire, especially within the first 24 hours, can determine whether or not you successfully restore your property and belongings. Your actions also have an impact on your health and safety, as there are many hazards to be aware of during the cleanup and restoration. The smoke and soot left behind after a fire can be extremely hazardous and even cost lives. In fact, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death amongst fire victims. Soot inhalation can cause severe illness or death as well. Your first priority is to have a qualified fire damage restoration specialist come right away to assess the damage and ensure that the proper steps are taken as quickly as possible.
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (903) 238-8100
What To Do After A Fire
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
- Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
- Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
- Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
Commercial Building Services
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO was called out to extract hundreds of gallons of water during heavy rain storms after roof drains failed.
With over 40 vehicles in our local fleet, SERVPRO of Longview can be just about anywhere in East Texas in a quick hour! Getting to your loss sight quickly is just the beginning. Rest assured we will have the right equipment and trained staff to handle your loss no matter the size. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Certifications
- ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
- CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
- ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
- FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
- IICRC Certified Firm
- RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
- WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Small Office Buildings
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- High-Rise Residential
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
Have Questions? Call Today – (903) 238-8100
Commercial Building Restoration Services
We are available 24 hours a day to get your Longview business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
24/7 Emergency Service