Hail Damage: Why it's so Dangerous.

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you experienced hail damage please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-957-0888.

Hello Des Moines!

It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Coordinator, and I wanted to talk about the spine-chilling subject: Hail Damage. This past weekend our Marketing Manager was out getting her kiddos ready for the Homecoming Dance when she got videos of tennis ball hail. 

When looking at hail damage you have to consider the following conditions in determining damage possibilities:

• Wind Damage: When strong winds hit the hail it changes the direction it falls.
• Size and Density: Hail stones usually don’t have smooth edges which means it can cause more damage amongst the impact. Something you need to consider is how hail stones can affect each material differently. 

One way that you can protect your property from hail damage is by placing barriers between the sky and the property. Barriers can also bring damage potential as well such as tree limbs falling onto the property.

Cigarette Fires can Smolder for 18 Hours!

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience fire damage, please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-244-5511.

Des Moines! Or, as some would say, Des Moines (ss)

It’s Jacob, that Digital Marketing guy and I wanted to talk about a trend that I’ve noticed but also has been reported on by CBS Minnesota, which is cigarette fires. In particular, with thinking, they are extinguished and sticking the still ignited cigarette into a planter or a plastic container. 

The midwest region has experienced planters drying out with the record-breaking summer heat. Let’s be honest, some days we forget to water the plants, which can cause the soil to become bone dry. The causation is when the cigarette smolders, which can reach the perfect temperature for it to ignite into flames. What is concerning is that the smoldering temperatures can last 30 minutes or 18 hours before it ignites into flames.

The CBS Minnesota location took the blog image after they tested how fast a cigarette can cause a planter to ignite into flames. The solution we can provide is to have a container full of water in which you will drop the cigarette. This entirely extinguishes it while eliminating any remaining heat.

Vandalized Property? SERVPRO can help.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

If your property gets vandalized, call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-244-5511.

Having your commercial property vandalized can take a toll on your business and can be a stressful experience. Whether graffiti ends up on your property, or a window gets busted, SERVPRO® of Des Moines East & SW can be there to clean and restore your commercial space. With our 24/7 Emergency Services, and a strive to be faster to any size disaster, you can count on SERVPRO to get your property back to its preloss condition. Cleaning up vandalism should be left to the professionals, so make sure to call SERVPRO if you experience it. Our SERVPRO team uses the following three common methods to remove graffiti from driveways, walkways, walls, stonework and more: 

• Scrubbing, using solvents and a wire brush 
• Pressure washing the affected area 
• Media blasting with sand or dry ice 

Steps to Minimize the Toilet Leak Damage

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

This is when you should call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-244-5511, and our team of professionals will make it ‘Like it Never Even Happened'

Hello Des Moines, It’s Digital Marketing Support Coordinator here! After talking to our Office Assistant, Hannah, we found out we see a trend in water loss.

A common water damage we are seeing is toilet water supply lines leaking. If this is in an apartment structure, this runs the risk of the affected unit causing water damage to the unit below it. This type of leak happens when “the joints in the supply line grow weak or become loose” (Rooter Plumbing). If you find your bathroom has a minor or major leak, follow these steps to prevent more damage:

1. TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY! The valve can be found on the metal tube from the toilet to the wall. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.
2. You will want to remove the access water in the tank, which happens when you flush the toilet. You can remove the access water by using a material such as a towel to absorb it.

Follow These Family Emergency Steps: Flashing Flooding

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW team hopes you never experience a flood. If you do, please call us at 515-244-5511.

Hello Des Moines!

Back in 2008, I watched Cedar Rapid’s flood; I recall my mom saying at one point, the river was splashing up onto the bridge overpass. I watched as Iowans came together to rebuild from this significant flood. During this blog, I want to provide tips on how you can incorporate your family and extended family into a Family Emergency Plan.

• Establishing Meeting Locations and Emergency Contacts

When the river rises and local governments encourage residents to evacuate, you might have a certain amount of time to leave. If your family is not together, you need to have two locations that your family/ extended family knows about. One location should be closer to your home, whereas the second should be further away. Having these two locations is essential if you are unable to return to the area.

• Creating the Evacuation Plan

When creating a plan, you must practice it to ensure your family's safety. The plan should include exit routes you can take in case flooding closes one road. If flooding closes a road, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH IT! If flooding causes you to be stranded in your home, DON’T PANIC! Go to the highest point in your home with little to no doors and windows. Ensure that this space has nonperishables; if you are stuck for a few days, you will need food supplies. 

Water Damage to Wood Flooring

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you notice this type of damage to your property, please call our SERVPRO team.

Ourteam of professionalsat SERVPROis always making sure to inspect spaces carefully for water damage. While some signs of water damage can go unseen, one indicator of damage is cupping or warping on a wood floor.

Cuppingis when the floor boards create a concave shape with higher sides than the center. Cupping can occur when the underside of the boards gain moisture.Warpingis more severe than cupping because it involves the floor buckling or popping off of the subfloor. Water vapors can cause this to happen.

A problem that can stem from neglecting floors with moisture is the possibility of microbial growth. If this continues without restoration, it can permanently damage your floor.

If you see cupping or warping going on in your property, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Des Moines SW to extract the moisture and remediate the damage.

Microbial Growth Requires Fast Action

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak, we suggest you call our team at SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-244-5511.

Hello Des Moines!

It’s Digital Marketing Coordinator Jacob, and I wanted to talk about microbial growth and why it is essential to act fast. Microbial Growth, Mold, is an umbrella term that includes all types of fungi or fungus. In homes that experience a water leak, a pipe bursting, or anywhere that has moisture; there is a chance that it will begin to grow. 

Once there is a moisture source, microbial growth will spread and be left untreated. These are not consumable mushrooms, and we suggest avoiding this area due to the severity of growth. If you see mushrooms growing, we recommend leaving it to the experts. When mushrooms grow, it means that the spores are everywhere.

Shoot Storms, Don't Bother Me!

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

I wish that no one would ever experience a fire, if you do please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-244-5511.

Growing up, I would get excited when I heard that the meteorologist was predicting a storm. I would stay up and sit by the window as I watched the lightning shoot across the sky. I may have even jumped when the lightning struck a nearby area. 

My close family friend passed away after a lightning struck her home, causing a fire. When protecting your property, you must understand how electricity will flow through your home. Access Points would be gas/water pipes, electric lines, phone/cable lines, metal frames, and more. There is a possibility that the wires can be destroyed if the electrical current goes through the electrical system. One of the most simple ways you combat this is by purchasing a surge protector.

The major damage comes from when the bolt goes through the roof. This is a problem because the heat from the bolt goes through the wall causing an ignition to start. The solution I provide is a protection method: check smoke detectors to ensure they are working and place a fire extinguisher in an area that can be accessed at a moment's notice.

I'm Ready To Complete Your Emergency Ready Profile

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you are interested in setting up a program, please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-244-5511.

HELLO DES MOINES!

Digital Marketing Coordinator here: In 3 months, I will have been at SERVPRO for a year; I know IT’S CRAZY! Needless to say, I have learned much about the restoration industry and how I can use the information I’ve learned to become a better renter. I have been taught how to complete an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), a free service we offer participating parties.

This program takes less than an hour to complete, and the benefits will help your team with how they react if/when disaster strikes. The app is something you download on your phone; for example, a water pipe burst at your property. You would log in to the app, and there will be a picture of where the water shut-off valve is located. When disaster strikes, you have many worries/concerns in your head. Something like forgetting who the point of contact is for services such as food distribution company, utility company, and other services that help the business flow.

Ways to Get Purified Water When Disaster Strikes

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you are in the destructive path of a major storm and your property faces damage please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-231-5511.

HEY DES MOINES!

It’s Jacob… again, and I wanted to talk about a close encounter with a hurricane while living in Charleston, SC. While growing up in South Carolina, my childhood taught me how fast nonperishables go off the shelf during the preparation phase of a major disaster. When my family went to the superstores, no water bottles/jugs were left, and I remember seeing my mom get really stressed.

Fortunately, the hurricane changed direction avoiding any land, which was like Christmas for my mom. If you haven’t created a disaster plan, we suggest you and your family create one. This plan should include a sheltered area stocked with nonperishables and drinking water. 

If you waited until the last second to buy nonperishable, there are some simple ways to purify unknown cleaning sources. If your home has electricity, you can boil the water source for one minute if you are below 6,500ft or for 3 minutes if you are above 6,500ft. This uses chlorine: chlorine dioxide, or Iodine, as the active ingredient which deactivates harmful pathogens.

Sump Pump Failure, Can We Not?

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you open the basement door and see a flooded basement, call SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-244-5511.

Sump Pump Failure, Can We Not?

It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Coordinator, and I recently went to the Job File Coordinator’s Office to ask them a simple question: What is Causing Our Water Jobs?

“Sump Pump Failures with all the rain we’ve been getting.” So I thought, let me explain some of the most common ways that cause sump pumps to fail.

The Clogged Discharge Pipe

One common way that causes the sump pump to fail is when flood water flows back down the pipe and into your basement. This is due to a clogged drain requiring a simple fix of doing a  checkup to ensure there is no clog.

Power Failure 

Storms coming through your area can cause power outages and intense flooding. When the power is out, the sump pumps aren’t able to work, which means that there is the possibility your basement could flood. This can be avoided by purchasing a backup generator that allows you to keep the pump on. 

Using Matterport to Provide Detailed Documentation

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire, please call our office at 515-244-5511, and we will provide the same documentation for your home/business!

Hey Everyone,

It’s Digital Marketing Support Coordinator Jacob, and I wanted to take some time and talk about one of my FAVORITE roles here at SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East. Our family of franchises operates as a team, and when the workload gets full, our marketing team will help out the crew. We do this by stepping in and scanning the affected areas with our 360 camera, Matterport, which allows viewers to “walk-through” the job site when completed. 

Why is this one of my favorite roles as a marketing team member? Because each client has specific attachments/memory to their home and as a Family of Franchises, we want to provide the MOST DETAILED documentation. This is important as the more detailed the documentation, the better visual of how the fire damaged the home/property.

How to Use: A Fire Extinguisher

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

I hope that the PASS method becomes second nature to you. If you experience fire damage, you should call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-957-08

Hello Des Moines! 

It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Support Coordinator; I talked to my nieces about what they need to do if their clothes catch on fire. They thought it was super funny to see their uncle Stop. Drop. Roll. They know what to do if an unexpected happens. For adults, we know the jingle, which makes it second nature, something that adults struggle with. I am here to help!

P.A.S.S the Fire Extinguisher 

Pull the pin; this will then break the tamper seal.

Aim low: you need to hit the flames where the source is hottest, the base. 

Squeeze the handle; this will disperse the extinguishing agent on the flame. The agent will remove oxygen from the blaze, ultimately putting the fire out.

Sweep from side to side; the critical thing to remember is DON’T LET GO OF THE HANDLE until it is fully extinguished. 

Act Fast With Water Damage!

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced standing water at your property, we recommend that you call our team at SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-957-0888.

One of the reasons we suggest that you have one of our trained Project Managers come to your property is for their endless knowledge. There is a specific timeline we want to be on-site to ensure the initial cause doesn’t create other problems. For example, if your property has standing water, we need to be on-site within 48 hours before the water can start to produce microbial growth.  

Four Ingredients for Microbial Growth

1. Moisture is the initial cause and probably why you called SERVPRO for help. Flood waters, pipe bursting, and mechanical malfunction are all causes of standing water in homes. 
2. Microbial growth needs food for it to grow in your homes. Some of the most common materials are wood, cardboard, textiles, and dust-containing skin cells.
3. Temperature is what will keep the microbial growth around. Microbial growth thrives in 41-104, while the average household temperature keeps their home at 68-70 during the summer months. 
4. The last ingredient for microbial growth is oxygen which you probably want to purify.

You Can't Have Fire Damage Without A Little Water Damage

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a fire and are in need of some restoration help, please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-957-0888.

From the moment that you see the active fire in your home to when it is extinguished, you will do anything in your means to try and get it put out as soon as you can. The first line of defense is when the sprinkler value melts from the heat and sends gallons of water onto the fire. If this doesn’t extinguish the flames then the second line of defense arrives which is the team of firefighters. When they arrive they bust down the door and hose down the remaining blaze which means more water soaking the room.

When we work on a fire job the first thing that the Project Manager looks at is the fire damage but they have to consider the water damage caused by extinguishing the flames. Our team of professionals is ready to handle both fire and water restoration but also the reconstruction side to ensure we make it “Like it never even happened.”

Spring Green is the NEW SERVPRO Green!

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

As always, if you ever need our team of professionals, don’t hesitate to reach out at 515-957-0888.

One of the things we have to look at as a Family of Franchises that spans two states, 336 miles, is the impact on the environment. One of the things that I did as a Digital Marketing Support Coordinator was purchase a spot of land in a local community garden. I have planted 180 seeds ranging from herbs (Sage, Dill, Parsley), Vegetables (Corn, Peas, and Lettuce), and Fruits (Strawberry, Watermelon, and cantaloupe) with the hope it will become an oasis for many.

Times are tough, and we want our staff to know that we are constantly considering what we can do as a company to help make their lives less stressful. Just like how we help restore our client’s disaster "Like it never even happened." we want to do the same for our SERVPRO family. This is my first garden, and I’m hoping that it produces many crops to help our team during these difficult times. 

If you have any gardening tips or tricks, PLEASE email me at jstallman@SERVPRO.me!

SERVPRO's 2,000 Locations are Here to help!

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your team is ever in need of assistance, SERVPRO has 2,000 locations prepared and ready to help you through your disaster!

With 2,000 franchise locations spread across North America, our SERVPRO branded cars can be found anywhere and everywhere. We are locally owned and operated with the support of our Headquarter location and the support of the other 2,000 SERVPRO locations. 

Our Family of Franchises is a Member of SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team®, which means we will send our crew to assist other locations in helping alleviate some of the workloads. This is important because a significant loss, a natural disaster, can mean long hours. By dispatching our crew, we can provide a helping hand during a time of need. 

Another way that SERVPRO Family of Franchises helps other locations is-- by providing assistance to newer/growing locations. Our HQ location does an excellent job at providing material to help develop our team’s workflow. When you are in a newer location, you are slightly overwhelmed by adjusting to the new roles. Our team will work to help train departments that might need help with learning the roles. 

If you need our services please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-957-0888.

EARTH DAY IS HERE!

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Read along to find out how you can help the Des Moines area this Earth Day!

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor family activity this weekend? If so, you are in luck, as this weekend is a special holiday that involves going outside to spend time with mother nature. Please continue reading to find local activities to help make our planet stronger and healthier!

Upcoming Earth Day Events

Saturday, April 23, 2022: 

Earth Day Group Walk (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Join Iowa’s Walking Club as they walk around Gray’s Lake and through the tunnel into Water Works Park. Enjoy this peaceful walk as you catch sight of the downtown skyline, two bridges, and the amphitheater in Water Works Park. 

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Earth Day Story Sprouts (10:30 am - 11:15 am)

Join Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for interactive storytime for children ages 2 to 5 exploring nature and plants. 

Community Partner Activities: (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)

Learn about different water-related topics from community partner activities and demonstrations. 

Upcycled Planters Demonstration: Water how volunteers turned different containers into planters.

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Plant Highlights, Scavenger Hunt, Water Droplets, Garden Commons, and a Rain Campaign Sculptures

Stewards as Brown’s Wood: Restore Native Habitat & Woodlands (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)

Spend your morning removing invasive species to restore native woodland habitat at Brown's Woods Park. Volunteers will be taught how to identify invasive species, the proper techniques to remove them, and the resulting benefits of this important conservation work. 

Why I decided To Join The SERVPRO Team: Jacob, Digital Marketing Coordinator

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

A fun fact about myself is that I am a nationally award-winning blogger!

Hello Des Moines!

I'm a little late to the game but let me formally introduce myself; I am the voice behind the blog writing, Jacob! I've worked at SERVPRO of Des Moines E & SW since October of 2021. 

A little about me, I have a background with Social Media Content Creation and Overall Marketing Strategy, which has helped me develop a more authentic form of marketing. It wasn't until I experienced a small kitchen fire at my weekend serving job that I learned the power SERVPRO has. Being without an income for a week was stressful, but the crew came in and completed the work by their projected time. 

SERVPRO was able to come in and provide, which helped my wallet and my boss's company from a possible negative impact. At that moment, I wanted to work for a company that works long hours to provide relief for our clients, just as they did for me. My job here at SERVPRO of Des Moines E & SW is about getting our message as far into the digital space as much as I can. This position has made my brain connect so many dots that I have used into providing successful marketing strategies. 

If working for a team-oriented company, please send your resume to jbrecht@SERVPRO.me!

“3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

If your property is affected by a firework call us at 515-244-5511, and we will have your property restored to the preloss condition.

It's about that time where everyone starts to make our new year's goals and plan our end-of-year festivities. We are here to help you end your 2021 on a good note as you celebrate safety with friends and family.

When Using Sparklers/Firework, Please be Responsible

 Everyone looks forward to the ring of the midnight bells with all of the new year's kisses and the firing of fireworks. There is so much excitement in the air as many people live in the moment. We are here to remind you of all of the things you need to remember when shooting off fireworks. 

• Be Cautious About Smoke From Firework

When you are shooting off fireworks, you should monitor the wind's direction and use that to find the perfect location to shoot off the fire. This is important because you will see an upwind spot where your guests can sit. This is not beneficial as the smoke from the fireworks can create unsafe conditions for people with breathing conditions. This is caused by the fine particles and gases left behind, which are hard on the lungs.

• Have Someone Supervise the Firework Setup

Having your firework show is a responsibility that one shouldn't take lightly. This is important because you are running the risk of having an accident occur when left unsupervised. By assigning the supervisor's task, you can ensure that someone is available if anything happens, whether fire-related or situational-related. This person can monitor the area to ensure that small children stay away from the launchpad. 

• Storing Unused Fireworks is VERY Important

You might want to save some fireworks for another time, which is understandable. It would help if you were cautious about finding an area that can hold these contents safely. For example, you should see a place safe from direct fire. If a fire breaks out and reaches the fireworks, it could create a more significant problem faster. Finding the perfect location can ensure that your home is safe all year around.

From your team at SERVPRO, we want to wish you a Happy New Year!

No Job Site too Dirty

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

A town affected by widespread flooding can create conditions of a category 3 sewage leak.

Our clients will call for whatever they need us to take care of for them. Sometimes the call is regarding our general cleaning, whereas other jobs might not be as desirable. Our team will never turn down a job because we don’t want to leave our clients in their time of need. 

Sewage Cleanup

Our team will use full PPE when a call comes in about a cleanup affected by a sewage leak. We do this so that our employees will not be exposed to harmful pathogens. We have categories used to place sewage leaks so our crew will understand what to expect. 

Category 1: “Clean Water”

A category one sewage leak comes from a clean source such as a toilet containing no urine or feces. If this category doesn’t get treated, it can and will progress into category two or three. 

Category 2: “Gray Water”

This category is when there starts to be a significant contamination level, which will create discomfort or illness if it gets ingested. This is caused by the harmful pathogens found in the contaminated water.

Category 3: “Black Water”

A category three sewage leak is considered the most dangerous as it comes from an unsanitary source. If it gets ingested, it can cause severe illness or, in extreme cases, death. We recommend that our clients not put themselves in contact with this category of water. Some examples of this category would be flooding from a body of water, water from beyond the toilet trap, a toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has microbial growth starting to grow.

Complete this Winter Checklist

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

By filling out this checklist, you are ensuring that your home is winter-ready.

Temperatures are just going to get colder and colder as we enter into the winter months. By following this checklist, you ensure that your family and you will be safe while spending more time in your home. 

Turning off the space heater

Alliant Energy has mentioned that customers should expect an increase in utility bills this winter as the gas price has increased since last year. Many consumers are looking at alternatives to counteract the rise by looking into other heating alternatives such as space heaters. If you want to read more about our tips on using a space heater properly, please read "Heating Alternatives."

Cutting the bottom of the Christmas Tree's trunk

If you're like me, you might have a family tradition of going out to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out the best-looking tree. During our first year of having a real tree, my family learned the importance of cutting off a part of the trunk. This is critical because the sap will harden the bottom of the trunk, especially as it sits on the lot. When the sap hardens, the tree can't absorb any moisture from the stand. This causes the needles to dry out, making them very flammable. 

Blowing out candles

Don't you love going down the isles and smelling all of the new season scents; Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, or Evergreen are some of the best. When you mix in these longer, cooler nights, all you really want to do is snuggle up the couch with all of your favorite scents. When you forget to blow out the candles, which is an accident waiting to happen. This is because pets, especially cats, are rebellious and knock things off the counter. When using candles, you should use a candle warmer to help lessen the chance of a fire-related accident. Another practice that you should keep in mind is the 3-foot radius rule, which means you should move anything flammable away from the candle when in use. 

Getting your chimney cleaned

Getting your chimney checked and cleaned is something that everyone likes to cut corners around. When a chimney settles during the summer, it becomes a perfect home for creatures such as birds, squirrels, and sometimes raccoons. Another risk you run into is that by not cleaning the chimney, there is a chance that toxic gases can enter your home. 

By making it an effort to check off the list, you ensure that your home is prepared for the colder months ahead. 

Heating Alternatives

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

The space heater is waiting to be turned on, safely.

Heating Alternatives

It is has been stated by Mid-American Energy Co. that heating bills for natural gas could rise by 46% to 96% over last year because of rising gas costs. Consumers who use propane for their heating source should expect their heating costs to go up to 69% over the previous years. This leaves many households to use alternative ways to heat their homes, such as electric heaters.

Dangers of Space Heaters

  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are the leading cause of over a thousand house fires every year. Space heaters are a great alternative to heating when used correctly. Here are some easy ways to ensure that you are safely using your space heaters. 

• Keep space heater on the floor:

In the middle of a snowstorm, it might feel aesthetic to place it on a countertop or on a nightstand to have it blow directly onto you. Please refrain from using the space heater in this manner by placing it on the ground, free from any flammable fabrics/Items. 

•  Keep away from water:

As we know, water and electricity do not go together. When placing the space heater in a good location, keep in mind the area of the room. It’s best to keep it out of the kitchen and the bathroom to ensure that there is a chance of water access. 

• Plug it into the wall:

The biggest takeaway from this article would be to remember to not plug it into a surge protector, extension cord, or anything that isn’t the wall outlet. When plugging it into an extension cord, you’re adding extra electrical connections that increase your chance of creating resistance, allowing heat to build up. When inserting the space heater into the wall, you will want to take into account the 3-foot rule or place it 3 feet away from the wall. This gives the proper distance from the heater to the wall, ensuring that the wall isn’t getting heated.

We understand that the projected increase of propane and natural gas heating options might bring you closer to space heater alternatives. We hope that you place these heaters in a thoughtful and strategic location to ensure that you minimize the chance of creating a perfect scenario for a house fire

Dryer Fires

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

When putting clothes through the washer and dryer it is important to remember to not overfill them.

Laundry Room Fires

Whether you love doing laundry or you hate doing laundry, there are some essential things you need to keep in mind to ensure you aren’t putting your home at risk of a fire. Believe it or not, washers and dryers, on average, cause about 16,000 house fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them, with 31% of the leading causes of these fires being failure to clean and perform routine maintenance. 

Causes of Dryer Fires

• Mechanical and electrical failure:

Although these types of fires aren’t as common as the others, it is important to check to ensure the parts are working correctly. This allows any repairs that are needed to be made before it can lead to any significant problems. 

• Improper Use:

Overfilling your dryer can potentially cause a fire because you are making the dryer work extra hard due to all the extra weight. By checking the clothing label you can have a better understanding of the material is intended for high-temperature heat. Some materials that aren’t suited for high temperatures are: plastic, rubber, or foam can heat and melt, leading to a fire. 

• Dirty lint filters and vents

Clogged vents, ducts, and filters are the leading cause of dryer fires. Lint filters accumulate an excessive amount of dirt, grass, or other material left from the washer. Another cause of a dryer fire is when you don’t check the outside vent which causes improper airflow. Improper airflow leads to lint collecting on the screen which creates the perfect situation to start a fire. By cleaning this you aren’t allowing birds, insects, or rodents to nest in these perfect locations.  

Although doing laundry is a tedious task, you must be following these steps to ensure that you aren’t creating perfect conditions for dryer fires. 

Disinfection Season

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our Technicians wiping down all high touched surfaces.

Disinfection Season

With the colder months coming up relatively fast, let’s talk about disinfection. As we continue to fight the COVID-19 virus, we also have to think about those stomach bugs and common flu. When owning a business, you have to consider the health of your employees, customers, and the amount of traffic flow you have coming through your company. When a client calls for a disinfection job, we evaluate the current situation by asking insightful questions. Is this COVID-19 related or just a bug? Confirmed case or suspected case? How many confirmed cases? 

These questions help prepare our team so they know what kind of PPE they should use to keep them safe and healthy. We place disinfection jobs into three different categories:

• Category 1: No confirmed case, preventative  

We will send in technicians into the business with a face mask and gloves as they will mist the facility once. Since this is just a preventative action, they won’t wipe down every surface. Misting the facility ensures that the surfaces are disinfected for our client and their customers. 

• Category 2: No confirmed case, suspected case

We will send our technicians into the business with a face mask, gloves, and goggles in category two. They will mist the facility once and wipe down all horizontal surfaces and high touched areas. 

• Category 3: Confirmed case, full hazmat suit

For the safety of our technicians, we will send them in full PPE which includes a Tyvek suit. These are for businesses that had a confirmed case in which we mist twice, wipe down all horizontal surfaces, and wipe down all high touched areas.  

With flu season right around the corner, if you’re looking for a professional team to come in and help disinfect your business, we hope you call us! 

Would You be Ready?

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

The Emergency Ready Program has all the information that you need right at your disposal.

As a business owner, you put a lot of hard hours into the business to ensure success. You hire local professionals to do the components that aren’t in your skill sets. For example, you would hire a marketer to help your business stand out against your competitors. You hire the staff that relies on your business to be successful in making an income. All of these components are constantly on the mind of the business owner. Something that doesn’t get a lot of thought is if something were to happen. Would the business owner be prepared and ready for the unexpected?

Emergency Ready Program

Many times owners aren’t prepared for an accident at their business. At that moment, it’s too late for preliminary actions to be taken to help alleviate the stress on that owner. These steps should start when you get the keys to your new business. As a business owner, you should know that you can go to sleep at night without the unpredicted stress. That is what our Emergency Ready Program is all about. It’s a strategic app that holds all of the important contacts and information that will be at the owner’s fingertips.

First Steps to Success

The very first step to success is to call our SERVPRO and talk to one of the Sales and Marketing Representatives who will gather critical information about your business type. This is followed up with that representative coming to your business for 45 minutes. They will collect information such as building access points, utility contacts, shut-off information, emergency contacts, and more building specifics. All of this information will allow quick response times and easier access to critical information that can help save your business before it’s too late.

We hope that you will never need to use the Emergency Ready Program. Don’t you think a little preparation now can help save you some stress before it’s too late? 

Tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

By keeping the faucet slightly running you prevent the chance of pressure building up in the pipe.

Last year we all witnessed the extreme cases of pipes freezing in a place you’d never expect, Texas. As we wrap up our warm Iowa months we want to take some time and remind our clients of the steps to take to avoid having their pipes freeze. 

Tip 1: Keep the Heat On

One of the easiest ways to avoid having your pipes freeze and burst is to leave the heat on even when you’re not home. When not home it’s okay if you don’t keep the thermostat at the normal temperature that you usually keep it at. In fact, by keeping it set at 50 F or above, you’ll ensure the pipes will stay warm and the chances of them freezing is far less. Some residents will turn their heat off when they’re not home in an attempt to save money on the utility bill.  Keep in mind, when a pipe bursts, the cost of the water damage will be far more than a utility bill.  

Tip 2: Let the Faucet Drip

When you leave the faucet on just enough to keep it slightly dripping,  you’re decreasing your chance of having your pipes burst. This happens when pressure is created between the frozen blockage and the faucet. By keeping the faucet dripping you are allowing the constraint to relieve itself which will prevent any buildup of pressure. Keep the faucet turned towards the hotter side to ensure that it will keep the drain pipes warm. Be conscious of drain traps and keep that constant flow of water so that the drain line doesn’t freeze as well. 

What To Do When Dealing With Water Damage

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Water pouring out on the hardwood floors causes stress to our clients.

It’s 5 pm, and you get home from a long day at work. You decide to go down to the basement to grab something from the freezer to make for supper. Get to the bottom and smush, water everywhere!

What do you do? Say some choice words and think “Ugh, not today.”

Call your insurance agent to let them know you have a claim to call in, then investigate where the water is coming from.

Water damage does not always come from heavy rain or a storm. It can come from a broken pipe, an overflowing toilet or sink, a crack in the foundation where water may have been pooling. Once you know where the water is coming from, you can begin the steps to stop it and mitigate it.

If the water is indeed coming from a pipe or overflow, it is important to know where your water shutoff is in your home or business. Emergency Ready Profiles are available, it’s a handy tool to know where it is and how to shut it off.

Once that is done, call a restoration and cleaning company, like SERVPRO. Unless you have a water shop vac and a few air movers and dehumidifiers, it may take you a while to clean it and we want to help you avoid microbial growth at all costs. The restoration company can do moisture readings and determine what is needed to dry the space, and get you back to where you were before. They can also determine if any drywall or insulation will need to be replaced or removed, all while working with your insurance and other vested parties. Any reconstruction that may be needed will need to be done by a company that specializes in that but luckily, SERVPRO offers reconstruction services as well as specialized subcontractors to help take care of the project from beginning to end.

It never hurts to do maintenance on any pipes or check on the water shut off, but in the case that something happens and you have water, those are some steps to take towards mitigation!

Floods are Unpreventable

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows the exact steps to take to restore to the preloss condition.

As Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana the state had to brace for impact as flooding, in particular, became a problem. When dealing with the issue of flooding, there are very few things that people can do to avoid water damage to their property. Efforts begin once the flooding has hit its crest and water starts to lower. Our expert Project Manager will come and evaluate the current state and make their decision on what approach they should go with. They will go over the scope of services with the client. Due to the unknown source of the water, a lot of the contents may need to be thrown out. Another factor that the Project Manager will take into account would be damage caused by the water source. We are unable to dry permanently damaged structures such as fallen ceilings, insulation, or some types of furniture. These are considered permanently damaged because no amount of drying would get those contents back to the preloss condition and their structural integrity. 

Disruptive Drying Method

One of the common SERVPRO drying practices is called the disruptive drying method. This method is used more frequently on water damages that occur from non-potable water sources. This involves removing wet items, injecting air to speed the drying process, or perforating surfaces to allow water to evaporate. In this method, repairs have to be done after the structure has been dried completely. We use this practice when there are concerns about contamination, damage, or when the cost of drying is more than replacing the material.

Aggressive Drying Method

The aggressive drying method is when our technicians dry wet materials due to no concern of contamination and damage.  This method occurs more commonly when the water damage occurs from a clean potable water source. Our technicians use warm, dry direct airflows to ensure that the materials will dry completely. This method is used when the cost of replacing the material is more than the cost of drying as well. When the water comes from a sanitary source or when adequate dehumidification is available the Project Manager will decide to use this method. 

Importance of Cleaning the Gutters

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

The building up of ice can create an unsafe amount of weight in the gutters.

Temperatures are starting to drop overnight and we know what that means; frost and ice. Iowa has received quite a bit of rain lately, and as it gets colder outside, we’re less likely to check our gutters and make sure they are clear and free of leaf build-up.

Clearing out gutters ensures that water flows freely to the spout and down. Be sure there is a spout leading away from the home about three feet or more. If the water pools down the soil around the foundation, that can lead to pressure on the foundation and over time, could cause a crack. Also, if the gutters are full, water will run over the edge of the gutter and pool near the foundation resulting in the same potential issue.

Water that sits in the gutter because it’s clogged can also freeze and put unnecessary weight on the gutter. Yes, they do hold up more often than not, but in some cases, the soffit or wood can break down causing further damage.

If for any reason you would like more reinforcement, it never hurts to lay soil around the foundation at an incline to help any water runoff away from the home. 

If anything was to happen you can trust SERVPRO to help realize any of your winter stress.

What is a Fire Restoration Pack-out?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration pack-out is a service that SERVPRO provides that brings a certain amount of joy to our team. A fire pack-out is when our team takes contents, that we know that we can restore to the preloss condition, we will clean and deodorize them. After they are restored to the preloss condition our team will package up the contents, store them, and deliver them back to the owner when that time comes. This process will help our customers gain a certain amount of comfort knowing that they will gain a piece of their home back.

Pack-Out Inventory

When the contents are removed from the owner’s location we will do a complete documented list of all of the contents. We do this so that we have a clear record of all preexisting conditions and any other information that will help protect the customer’s property and reduce contractor and insurance company liability. During this survey, a content technician will create a written list with digital photos to go with.  If any boxed or canned foods that encountered heat from the fire must be properly documented by the restorer before disposal.

Attention to detail

Here at SERVPRO, we hope that you wouldn’t ever need our service but, we know that things like fires are uncontrollable. With that being said, if you’re ever in need of our assistance just know that we will provide the top-notch service to help restore your contents to preloss conditions. We try and take the stress out of these situations so that our customers can focus on the recovery.

Our Transparent Way of Categorizing Water Damage

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Coming from personal experience flooding and the aftermath is a stressful obstacle to overcome. No need to stress because our professionally trained team will have it restored to the preloss condition in a jiffy! In this blog, we will give you a transparent outlook on how our project managers will categorize the type of flood you might be dealing with.

Category 1: Clean source, no risk of sickness

When a project manager labels water damage as a category 1 it means that they found the source of the flood is a clean source and it won’t create any unsafe environment. A category 1 water damage means that the water wasn’t standing for an excessive amount of time which didn’t cause major damage to the structure. Once the project has been classified as a category 1 the team can proceed with structural drying. It is possible to restore the structure to the preloss condition but the team will have to work rapidly to properly dry material, and by replacing materials with permanent structural damager. If the structure has an odor there is a strong chance that it is a category 2.

Category 2: Large Contamination

No need to stress out, once again, our trained professionals are prepared to handle any category. A category 2 is when the water has a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contamination. Some examples of category 2 would be aquarium leaks, waterbed leaks, toilet bowl overflows, dishwasher or washer discharges. This category has the potential to cause discomfort and shouldn’t be allowed to dwell in a structure for an extended period of time. When our production technicians approach a project of this category they will take special steps and procedures in order to return the structure to the preloss condition. These special steps include; cleaning procedures which must begin before the drying process can begin. Also, any affected carpet underlay must be taken out and disposed of. The carpet MUST be thoroughly cleaned using our hot water extraction method. Finally, our skilled team will employ antimicrobials to mitigate the growth of microorganisms, especially when there are porous materials that are to be cleaned and restored. By thoroughly cleaning and rapid drying the materials we ensure that there won’t be further damage.

Category 3: Dangerous Situation

Although this is a more serious situation you shouldn’t feel stressed because your SERVPRO professionals know exactly how to handle these types of situations, for example, Toilet traps, floodwaters, etc. Our number one priority in this situation is the safety of our production technicians. To ensure that they are completely safe in these situations we have them dress in full PPE: rubber gloves, respiratory protection, rubber boots, body covering, and appropriate eye protection. These technicians want to ensure that communication is constantly flowing so to ensure this they will mark and post areas that are potentially hazardous. To ensure the safety of those living/working in these situations we will evacuate individuals with compromised immune systems until it has been labeled as safe.

NAWIC & SERVPRO Event

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

This group of women all has something in common and that's the love and passion for the construction industry.

Focused on community involvement and engagement, the group of women that make up NAWIC is committed to being the best in the construction industry. NAWIC stands for the National Association of Women In Construction and bolsters those women to learn more about the construction industries while also creating a support group. We are honored to have a member of our own team, Michele Presley, Business Development Manager as a member of this group. She got to host a meeting at the warehouse which included a detailed tour and grill-out dinner. The group of women got to learn how our ultrasonic cleaning process works along with learning how we place equipment at jobs. The women who comprise our team are passionate and ready to help the community. We are proud to be a part of the NAWIC group. 

SERVPRO Strong - Commercial Cleanup in Des Moines

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

S – Service that exceeds the competition

E- Excellent communication throughout the process

R- Restoring property back into its preloss state.

V- Vow our pledge to meet customers’ needs

P- Professionalism displayed with all team members.

R-Respected and Recognized as the industries leader

O- Outstanding Customer Service

SERVPRO stands as one of the leaders in fire and water restoration with locations to assist across the country no matter the day or the size of the job. Our team is dedicated to helping businesses after a disaster. What makes SERVPRO continue to be a top player is our commitment to our wide variety of services by bolstering them with extensive training and certifications. Training is a vital piece of this industry where people’s personal belongings and homes are being dealt with. The team stays up-to-date on not only requirements but also the newest technology and software programs. The SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East team maintains several certifications under the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC). These include Water Removal technicians, Odor Control technicians, Fire and Smoke technicians, Carpet Cleaning Technician, and Health and Safety technicians among many others. This allows the team to be fully prepared for any scenario, highlighting our ability to assess the disaster to make it "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO has been able to tailor products and cleaners for a multitude of scenarios due to the team keeping ahead with technology and news. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East is committed to a solution-based mentality and continuing to grow our knowledge and certifications to help when the time calls.

What is a Squall line?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

A squall line is a narrow line of fast-moving storms. They have the ability to span hundreds of miles from top to bottom, yet are typically less than twenty miles across.

These storms can hold together for days at a time and cover multiple regions of the United States. Strong cold outflow winds help push these storms forward, which means tornadoes are usually not the main threat, but that doesn’t mean these storms aren’t dangerous. Relentless rain, powerful straight-line winds up to 90-mph, and intense lightning all typically accompany squall line storms.

Because squall lines tend to be accompanied by lagging smaller cell storms, flooding can be a common hazard. In the case of flooding for residential or commercial properties, our team of trained professionals is ready and eager to assist you with any size job. If a squall line does produce a tornado, it will usually be detected at the front of the line of storms. This is different from supercell storms, which tend to produce tornadoes on the rear side of the storm. Storms and other natural disasters can come at any time so you should always have a plan in place. Our goal is to help you get back on track as quickly as possible so we can all get back to enjoying our homes. Whether it's a fire or a storm, your safety is our first priority.

Source: ISCN

Download the app to keep up-to-date with important weather updates and information.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Services

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

As fire and water restoration specialists, we have the training, experience, and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business.

Our team of trained professionals works to maintain a restore versus replace mindset. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differ greatly and require a specific cleaning procedure. We are "Faster to any size disaster" and can be onsite in a timely manner to make sure you get the help you need. We come with all the necessary vehicles and equipment for your specific job. SERVPRO is ready to put your mind at ease and to help from the mitigation all the way to the reconstruction. Here are the steps we follow to get your home or business back in order:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Planning Ahead for Drying - Preventing Damage

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

We respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs no matter the size of the job.

Water damage can happen almost everywhere in your home or business. Our job as trained professionals is to come in and help you get your property back to preloss conditions. During the extraction process, it is sometimes efficient to plan for drying challenges.

If the structure is cold, then the area needs to be warmed. If a structure has high humidity, then the structure needs drier outside air or needs dehumidifiers to be brought in. This will help get the areas back to a state of dryness. Lastly, if there are strong odors at the job site that are cross-contaminating the unaffected area, then a containment needs to be set up to divide the areas and help the mitigation process move faster in the affected area. 

All these pieces are essential in making mitigation and restoration move smoothly for our team members. 

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists in Des Moines

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

In the case of storm damage, we make sure to be timely and efficient when handling your property. Our team members are all highly-trained restoration specialists and are ready to help.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration, mold, and biohazard. From initial training when employees first start on their first day with the company to ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility and then regular ongoing IICRC industry certification training, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.  Our employees are equipped and trained not only on the techniques of the industry but also on how to use the equipment and tools of the trade. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Continuing to learn and grow remain priorities for our team as we aim to be a resource for the Des Moines community.

How to Provide a Higher Standard of Clean at your Des Moines Office

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team of professionals brings a higher standard of cleanliness to the places we love, such as offices, restaurants, and stores.

Our team of trained professionals works to provide a higher standard of cleanliness. A new standard that goes beyond basic janitorial cleaning practices. We bring the necessary PPE and equipment to get the job done in a timely manner. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust our team and the program's three C's

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
  
  
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
  
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned with available collateral to represent the business's commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.

The Iowa Derecho - A Year Later

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

A year later, our team is able to reflect on the midwest derecho that rocked Iowa to its core. We were able to respond to hundreds of calls of those in need of help. We completed numerous board-ups and extractions to help families get back on their feet. Today, we are still working on the reconstruction of homes in Iowa as a result of the derecho. The devastation of this storm still is affecting families today, and our team is ready to help!

We are faster to any size disaster. We know the damage that can come with rainfall, high winds, hail, and so on. The damage can be overwhelming and stressful. Our team knows how stressful this can be, so we aim to be at your property quickly to assess and place equipment as needed. With the Derecho that tore through the state of Iowa, we are Here to Help as we have the equipment and team members to complete board-ups, tarping, water extraction, mold remediation, deodorization, and anything else that is needed. This can also include flood cuts, insulation removal, and content restoration. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are franchise professionals and we will work hard to restore the property and its contents to preloss condition.

Water Categories

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, our team comes prepared for the 3 different categories of water. Three? Yes, three different categories of water, These different levels represent the severity and toxicity of the situation. This spans from a normal mitigation job to biohazard.

There are three different categories that a water loss is classified in depending on the type of water. 

• Category 1 Water - Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows, or appliance malfunctions that involve water supply lines. Category 1 is from a source of water that does not pose a substantial threat to humans and is classified as "clean water". 
• Category 2 Water - Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure, and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines. This source is known as "grey water".Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to.  This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. 
•  Category 3 Water - This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or has remained stagnant may be re-classified as Category 3 Water. This is known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria, and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 categories are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. 

We Are Able to Help 24/7

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you find water from storm damage where you don't want it and you don't know how to remove it we are here to help. SERVPRO has several different forms of extraction equipment and is here to help. It is very important to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent further wicking into the structural materials of the building. Additionally, water needs to be removed in a timely manner to prevent microbial growth. Once mold starts to grow, our team has to complete mold removal on top of the normal mitigation work. It can be difficult to remove without the right equipment. Our team of trained professionals is here to help no matter the time of day since SERVPRO knows that storms can happen at all times of the day.

Mold Removal For Your Business

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

After water damage in a business, it is very normal for mold to grow very soon after, so our team can come in and aid with mold removal. Once our team locates microbial growth in your business, we will get the ball rolling on remediating the mold and reduce the potential for future mold growth.

What to Expect

The mold remediation professionals will have specific tasks to complete. They may include:

• Industrial Hygienist – develop a cost-effective removal protocol
• Containment – eliminate the potential for cross-contamination
• Air Flow Management – eliminate the potential for cross-contamination and provide data to support the effectiveness of containment
• Selective Demolition – remove impacted building materials
• Detailed Cleaning – remove contamination through HEPA vacuuming, scrubbing, and appropriate cleaning
• Ice or Soda Blasting – provide economical and thorough cleaning of building materials when a large area is affected.
• HVAC Cleaning – remove contamination from these systems.

Experienced a Fire? Call Our Team

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

In 2015 there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. A structure fire was reported every 63 seconds and caused an estimated $14.3 billion in property damage. In order to ensure you and your family’s safety make sure to have an escape route in place so if a fire is discovered, you can move quickly to evacuate to your designated meeting place. The aftermath of a fire can be just as devastating as the initial event. Your local SERVPRO is here to help minimize damage and save your content. Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to the fire without consulting a repair service and make sure your restoration company is IICRC certified. All of our production technicians are certified and trained in any situation that could come our way. There is a science behind effective cleaning. Proper methods and products must be used depending on the materials being cleaned to avoid further damage. When you choose SERVPRO, you can take comfort knowing your home and contents are in the hands of trained and caring professionals. If you are in need of help, make sure to call our office and we can answer any questions you might have.

Let Us Know How We Are Doing!

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we strive to provide the highest quality and most efficient fire, water, mold, and bio-hazardous services to our customers no matter the size of the problem. No matter what your expectations are our SERVPRO team will strive to exceed them.

Providing our customers with a positive experience after a disaster is our top priority. Getting your business back to normal is extremely important to us!

As a large team, we understand you want to know how great our employees are before choosing to use our services. If you have been serviced by SERVPRO but haven’t left a review yet there is still time. We would love for you to share your SERVPRO experience with our past, present, and future customers. Thank you for choosing SERVPRO.

You can click the link attached and leave a review for our team:

Customer Reviews | SERVPRO of Ottumwa and Grinnell (SERVPROottumwagrinnell.com)

Recovering Documents

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

In the case of a fire and with filed documents that are damaged by heat, soot, and/or smoke, the contents cleaner and customer can address how to prioritize these items. Working files are records that are accessed daily and therefore should be restored first. This is accomplished by removing any soot and trimming edges. This document is then placed in a copier to be reproduced and refiled. That way, clean and smoke-free files can be utilized. Any stored files, records that are accessed less frequently, are lower priority. Documents can be cleaned with a dry sponge, an art gum eraser, and crumbly dough cleaner. We assist with the pack out of wet books and papers as those can also be restored with our freeze-drying chamber.  We offer 24-hour emergency services, so if you ever experience a fire, our team of trained professionals will be there to help.

Throwback to a Fire Event

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

This is a broken CSST flexible gas line that ignited the gas and released a jet of fire.

Back in 2019, the Ankeny Fire Department along with EFI Global and our SERVPRO staff presented a live burn event to educate insurance adjusters and risk managers to have them gain knowledge to make informed decisions when processing claims. Several large boxes were built by our SERVPRO team with drywall to simulate an actual room complete with donated furniture. Before the live burns, adjustors were able to learn about the science behind how certain fires are started, analyzing the speed of separate fires. They also learn how different contents and structural materials are affected. One of the burns was simulated by a broken CSST flexible gas line that runs gas to appliances. A non-grounded line made a pinhole from an electric arc. The gas then leaks out and catches fire from the arc of electricity, igniting the gas and creating a jet of fire. It’s important for adjustors to know the effects of soot and smoke throughout the environment.

What Does Being an Active Homeowner Mean?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Being an active home owner is very important.  Things can change in a split second.  You want to check for any damage or leaks so that continued damage doesn’t occur.

What does being an Active Home Owner look like?

1. Walk around the exterior of your house after a weather event to look for exterior structural damage
2. If you have a lower level that you don’t go to daily take a moment every other day or again after a rain event to walk around the inside of the foundation looking to see if any water has entered
3. Go into your utility spaces and check the piping to your water heater and water softener for any leaks
4. Lift the float on the sump to make sure that it engages weekly
5. Open cabinet doors and look inside and check water fitting connections to make sure that they are not leaking affecting the interior of the cabinet.
6. Clean out dryer vent lines twice a year to clear lint

All of these actions are important as in todays society we have very busy daily lives. It is invaluable to prevent damage before it occurs or gets worse.  Most leaks can be caught in the early stages before they cause excessive damage.

Costs of Reconstruction – Do you have enough coverage

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

This year has seen an increase in building material costs. There have been many factors to this; company shut downs, lack of employees to produce materials, weather events affecting manufacturers, supply of materials to repair buildings after catastrophic weather events.  All of these have been a factor in the increased costs.

Building material prices have double or tripled in cost. With this the cost of reconstruction has increased.  Contacting your insurance agent to make sure your home or business is insured for the proper amount now is very important.  It will cost more now to rebuild then it did before and you don’t want to not have adequate coverage to cover the expenses of building supplies to bring your structure to preloss condition.  Having documentation of your structure is very important. This can be done by taking photos of your home or structure.  You can even talk with our team to do a matterport 360 complete visual documentation of the structure to have on file in the event of damage to your structure.

Protect Your Home

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Being an active home owner is essential to keeping a safe and protected place for you and your family. Things can change in a split second, so it is best to be prepared for whatever can happen. You want to check for any damages or leaks so that continued damage doesn’t occur. Make sure to check your sump pumps after heavy rain. In addition to this, make sure that the backup battery is charged and ready if needed. Another important piece is to remember to protect your personal contents placed in your house. In your basement, make sure to keep cardboard boxes elevated. If your basement becomes flooded, all the carboard boxes on the ground would then be damaged and unsalvageable. It is essential to be an active homeowner as to keep your property safe and protected.

Keep up-to-date on Iowa Weather

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

ISCN is 100% free and always will be. It is now the newest resource for all your weather needs and questions

When it comes to SERVPRO’s line of work, it is essential to know weather forecasts like it’s the back of our hand. Our team of professionals have to be prepared for any time of weather incident that could come to Iowa. You can also be prepared, with Iowa’s newest weather app. This app provides weather forecasts for the state of Iowa. Weather enthusiasts have built this application for those looking for a trustworthy resource. ISCN’s mission to keep Iowan’s informed and alert by providing current and relevant information and education. Live updates and notifications will make sure you’re prepared for any weather surge.

App Features:

• Current weather conditions transitioning to a 24-hour forecast
• 7-day forecast and long-range outlooks
• Life-saving watches & warnings
• Advanced radar with weather type depiction
• Lightning in the area alerts
• Storm Prediction Center Outlooks
• Personalized push notifications to your specific location
• Link to the weather blog
• Link to the live stream
• Photo upload

More about the app:

The biggest advantage to the ISCN Weather app compared to all other weather apps is it gives you an advanced warning before the National Weather Service issues an alert. Receive notification about a storm developing a tornado, or storms entering the area up to 25 miles away, or lightning detected within a 15-mile radius of your location. All of these things give you more time to prepare.

Laundry Safety

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Laundry can easily pile up, but it is essential to practice basic safety techniques to protect your home.

Not clearing your filter after each use can be dangerous. It is reported that there are over 17,000 fires related to home dryers each year.
Here are a few simple tips to follow to help prevent a clothes dryer fire.
-Clean the filter screen after each load to prevent lint buildup.
-An adult should be at home whenever the dryer is in use and the home should have working smoke alarms.
-Clean the vents outside twice a year to clean out any accumulated dust and lint.
-Commercial dryers should be cleaned out regularly because of their frequent use and shared venting system.
-Don't dry mop heads in the dryer. The dryer's heat can ignite the chemical residue on mop heads.
-Keep the surrounding area clean. The dryer's heat may ignite anything left too close to the dryer.
-The safety of your family is important to us and we hope that you don't encounter such a fire. Be sure you follow these steps to avoid a fire in your home.

With 2020 behind us, what does that mean for SERVPRO?

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

As a team of trained professionals, SERVPRO will continue to be "faster to any size disaster."

SERVPRO will still be the “faster of any size disaster,” and to further that claim, SERVPRO plans to expand! It means that SERVPRO will have more manpower for those larger disasters, and more manpower means getting homes and businesses back to working order, faster. Our aim is to provide exceptional customer service for each and every customer.

After the last year we have had, SERVPRO has adapted to the changes and conquered the roadblocks ahead. Disinfecting may still be a huge thing in 2021, and SERVPRO will be there again and again to disinfect and sanitize it all. And while people are still working from home, we will still be able to provide carpet and duct cleaning for the extra traffic, as well as any mold, flood, or fire damage. Whatever lies ahead, SERVPRO is ready.

Homemade Cleaners Around The Home

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

If the mess can’t be cleaned then make sure to call the professionals. Our SERVPRO team is here to help!

Homemade Garbage Disposal Cleaner

*3/4 cup baking soda

*1/2 cup salt

*1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap’

*1 lemon

After first 3 ingredients are mixed, grate lemon peel into mixture. Then cut lemon the lemon in half and remove the seeds.  Squeeze both halves into the mixture until lemon is fully incorporated.  Grab a sheet pan, spoon and some parchment paper.  Cover the sheet pan with parchment paper, use the spoon to mold in half rounds, and then tap them out onto the pan.  Allow the tablets to dry overnight.  Place dried mixture into a sealable container.

Clean Your Washer

*2 cups vinegar

*1/4 cup baking soda

*1/4 water

Pour mixture directly  into the machine’s drum.  Run a normal cycle at least twice.  Make another batch and use a brush and scrub the edges.

DIY Dishwasher Detergent

*2 cups of Borax

*2 cups washing soda

*4 packets of sugar-free lemonade Kool-aid.

All-Natural Homemade Floor Cleaner

*1 part water

*1 part white vinegar

*1 part 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

*A few drops of liquid dish detergent

*1/4 part lemon juice

This information was compiled from various on-line sources. SERVPRO is not responsible for any and all claims made by these sources. 

Deodorization Principles

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

We offer deodorization services for properties affected by fire damage. As seen in the image, the source of the fire has been removed .

There are four principles of deodorization that we follow when restoring an affected area after a fire. 

1. The first step is to remove the source. The charred material all needs to be removed first to start the process of deodorization. 
2. We then clean any contaminated surface to remove soot residue. This needs to happen as soon as possible to help minimize damage.
3. After removing the residue we then use different methods to remove odor.  This principle is called recreate the conditions of penetration.  We use many different methods to remove odor form objects.  We use ozone machines, hydroxyl machines as well as thermal foggers to remove odor. 
4. When necessary, we seal and encapsulate the odor using special sealing materials so that the odor does not penetrate the sealer and continue to produce an odor.

Detection Equipment

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Detection equipment is utilized before, during and after to make sure the structure is thoroughly dried.

With every job that is completed, there has to be some sort of preemptive scoping and detection to see what work needs to be completed. Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure affected by water and defining the extent to which the structure and affected contents have absorbed moisture. Detection before and after the job help ensure that the structure has been thoroughly dried. We utilize moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermohygrometers. Moisture sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls. Moisture meters are used to determine the actual moisture of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that allow team members to accurately monitor the whole drying process. Lastly, the thermohygrometers measure both temperature and relative humidity. These two readings are used with a psychrometric chart to calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure. All these pieces of equipment are essential to making the job process smooth and efficient.

Extraction Equipment

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands the importance of using the proper equipment for your disaster to help mitigate damage.

When pipes burst and a sudden flood overcomes your home, no matter if it's your basement or bathroom, our SERVPRO franchise professionals are able to help you extract clean or dirty water. The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is critical to respond quickly to water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can then usually be dried much faster and mold is less likely to grow. Extractors are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following a water damage. Extractors are essential to remove standing water and saturated floors. This step is essential in the drying process and then moves next to air moving so the rest of the structure can be dried out. 

We Offer Full Services After a Storm

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

We complete a flood cut to prevent water from wicking up the dry wall. This way the structure can be dried out properly.

We know the stress that unexpected storm damage can bring and we are here to provide the complete service of restoration and cleanup to remodeling and reconstruction. We offer these complete services to help you get through the difficult times no matter the day. When mitigating the initial damage, we utilize what is needed to get the job done efficiently. Our process may utilize deodorizers as odor treatments or EPA-registered disinfectants as antimicrobial treatments. We will remove and dispose of damaged materials and saturated insulation as needed for the structure. We make sure to check the extent of wet flooring, subfloors and walls before proceeding with equipment and any demolition. This is where it's time to see what is restorable versus replaceable. We are available at any time of day for your storm needs.

SERVPRO Commercial Leader

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an industry leader and we work with commercial and residential jobs to help anybody in need.

SERVPRO is one of the Industries leaders when it comes to commercial restoration and mitigation. With over 1,800 franchises nationwide we are able to assist with any size disaster. We provide 24/7 service, understanding the importance of providing quick and efficient response, allowing minimal down time, and minimizing loss of revenue. Fires, water incidents, or storms can leave structural damage. In any situation, we are equipped with a plethora of resources to accommodate the needs of your business. Providing clear communication with all parties throughout the process, we are able to build a solid relationship between the customer, insurance company, and SERVPRO.

As soon as it is safe to access a property, our team of trained technicians begin the mitigation process. Mitigation is the process of minimizing damage that can occur after a disaster. While restoration can also begin shortly after the disaster, it can be a much longer process even being completed in multiple stages depending on replacing vs repairing. Which again goes back to the importance of expediting the mitigation process.

Business Preparedness

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

It is essential that you and your business are ready for whatever could happen. We are ready to get suited up and help!

September is National Preparedness Month sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to FEMA, up to 40% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. It is a great time for business owners to review their emergency plan and put together a plan to help them get back on their feet. SERVPRO recognizes that this can be a bit of a stressor for most business owners and have put together the Emergency Ready program to help create an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), free of charge. The ERP combines important contact information, utility shut off locations and much more. Once the ERP is created, the business owner has access to the important information 24/7 either online or by using the SERVPRO app. For more information on the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Program visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com/ or call your local SERVPRO franchise Professionals and ask to speak with your friendly marketing representative.

The Iowa Derecho

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

We are able to remove wet insulation to help you get your home back to preloss conditions.

We are faster to any size disaster. We know the damage that can come with rainfall, high winds, hail and so on. The damage can be overwhelming and stressful. Our team knows how stressful this can be, so we aim to be at your property quickly to assess and place equipment as needed. With the Derecho that tore through the state of Iowa, we are Here to Help as we have the equipment and team members to complete board-ups, tarping, water extraction, mold remediation, deodorization and anything else that is needed. This can also include flood cuts, insulation removal and content restoration. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are franchise professionals and we will work hard to restore the property and its contents to preloss condition.

We Are Ready for Your Water Disaster

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

We are capable of handing any size job. We have the equipment for any water damage disaster.

SERVPRO understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in restoring versus replacing damage items and property. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform and help the customer in need. SERVPRO franchise professionals will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, and trained team members who are ready to help. Certainly, the right tools for the job are vital to timely mitigation. Especially in the case of water damage, mold can quickly grow if the source isn't handled. Our professionals thoroughly understand how to dry a structure and personal property effectively. We are trained and have all the needed equipment to assist you in your time of need. When we arrive on-site, we make sure to educate the customer on the services being done. 

We Can Handle Your Large Loss

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

We have the equipment needed for large jobs whether it requires air movers or air scrubbers, we have it all.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals blend customer service and accountability to help customers and managers with proven methods of mitigating water and fire damage for businesses. The result is 24 hour emergency services, damage restoration and more. We want to provide a professional experience that brings back the property to preloss conditions. We know how stressful and overwhelming disasters can be and we want to provide minimal interruption to the business to make sure you can continue with business as usual. We offer a trained group of team members who are ready to help you and your business, providing you all your commercial cleaning needs. We have over 50 years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider. If you are in need of assistance, call our SERVPRO team to help you.

10 Things That Cause A House Fire

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

It is important to be aware of what in your home can lead to a house fire. Call us if you need fire, smoke, and soot cleanup.

Every home faces the potential for a numerous assortment of risks with the most dangerous of these being a house fire. An accidental fire can occur from many common household items and can easily decimate a house in mere minutes if it is not properly and quickly handled. While proper insurance can help mitigate financial loss, it is better to understand and work to prevent the situations that lead to house fires on any kind. Most homes are stocked full with combustible items. This list is meant to help homeowners not only identify potential issues but also lower the risk of a house fire. Whether it’s a candle accidentally burning throughout the night, faulty cooking equipment or any other scenario, homeowners should be aware of the most common causes of house fires and work to minimize and prevent accidents before they occur. 

1. Cooking Equipment
2. Heating Equipment
3. Flammable liquids
4. Careless Smoking
5. Electrical Equipment
6. Candles
7. Children Playing with Fire
8. Inadequate Wiring
9. Christmas Tree
10. Barbeque

We are able to help mitigate fire, smoke, and soot damage. We offer 24 hour emergency services if needed. 

Heavy Rainfall = Heavy Damage

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

After the Iowa Derecho, our team had to help many homes with storm damage which included the removal of wet insulation.

In the case of a storm, heavy rainfall can infiltrate a home or business very quickly. Most of the time it is a problem in the lower level or basement of a home or in a crawl space. Water can seep in and penetrate under garage doors, around improperly sealed windows, and through cracks in the cement foundation or walls. It is important to note that water will always travel the least path of resistance. If you find water where you don't want it, and you don't know how to remove it, then call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. It is essential to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent further wicking into the structure materials of the building. It can be difficult to remove without the right equipment. This is where we, SERVPRO franchise professionals, come in. We will extract the standing water and then set drying equipment to remove moisture from the structure. Always remember to call right away when you see a problem for help.  Water is something you want to clean up right away so further problems don't occur.

What is the leading cause of house fires?

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

We have the necessary equipment to help bring your property back to preloss conditions, and we have 24 hour emergency services.

The leading cause of a residential structure fire is from cooking. Now what do you do if you have a fire inside the house? It may not look bad or maybe half the house is gone, no matter. Your next steps may be critical in saving irreplaceable personal items and restoring the remaining structure. Unfortunately many people never make a plan for unexpected disasters such as this.

At SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East, we are always Here to Help and will be there for you in your time of need. We do this with training, certifications, and continuing education for our team. We use the newest technology that is exclusive to SERVPRO. We take our technical training, technology, experience, and specially formulated products by our own in house chemist for fire damage cleanup and restoration.

Preparation is key and you can build and manage your own Emergency Ready Profile completely free of charge for your business. A SERVPRO representative can build a profile for your business property today and we do that at no charge to keep you prepared. Check out https://ready.SERVPRO.com/  then call our office and we can schedule a walk-through (30 min to an hour)

 https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires

We Can Handle Any Size Job

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

We have many vehicles that are stocked and ready to be dispatched as needed.

No job is too small or too large four our SERVPRO team. From a small water leak or wet floor to a roof being removed from the commercial structure due to immense winds. We have a team of trained professionals who are ready to respond at any time of day.  Our trucks are always loaded and ready to respond quickly to your property.  We have cars and trucks, sprinter vans, truck mounted water extraction trucks, and large loss straight trucks loaded with equipment and supplies and ready to respond at a moments notice. We also work with temporary labor companies that specialize in our industry and they can supply as much of a workforce as needed. We are ready to help you with your commercial clean up needs and you can trust that we know how important it is for you to get your business back as quickly as possible. Our team is Here to Help with any size disaster.

Be Prepared For Storm Damage

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

We know how unexpected storm damage can be, and that is why we have 24 hour emergency services for those unexpected disasters.

When most people think of the word "storm", they think about thunder, lightning, high winds and heavy rain. We, here at SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East, help monitor and prepare for these situations like any other, and they are contained to a few months out of the year. When monitoring and preparing for a “storm,” SERVPRO has to take into consideration any occurrence that is going to affect multiple homes or businesses in an area. For example, when the temperatures drop below freezing in the winter for a period of time, homes and businesses alike have the risk of their water pipes freezing and bursting and leaving a mess. Another great example of a “storm” situation that SERVPRO prepares for is Tornado season. In any situation, SERVPRO’s goal is to be prepared and ready to respond within minutes no matter if it's rain or freezing temperatures. We are Here to Help no matter the day or weather. 

How We Check for Water Damage

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Our equipment is stocked in our vehicles to help with any size disaster.

It is the water that you don't always see that can cause damage to your property and potentially lead to mold growth. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East uses some of the best meters, detectors, and monitoring devices to protect your home or business when water damage occurs. To make sure that the structure is dry and proper moisture progression is taking place, we utilize these tools when drying and monitoring a structure. We do daily monitoring while drying a structure as well as provide moisture checks for residences and commercial locations that have had water infiltration to make sure that the structure is dry and there is not water hiding behind structural materials. A FLIR camera is showing where there is water still trapped in below the flooring material. When you have water damage you can depend on SERVPRO to have the right tools to make sure your structure is properly dry.

What is Dry Ice Blasting?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready 24/7 for any emergency that may occur where you would need our assistance.

Vandalism and graffiti can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property, and it can be very upsetting and overwhelming Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. Dry ice blasting is a specialized form of cleaning, where dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, is pushed through a pressurized air stream in order to help clean surfaces. This can be done along with media blasting which uses an abrasive material to take off paint. We also have a system where we apply our graffiti remover product and power wash it off. Here at SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East, we have the capability to help with this property damage. We can do a board-up which is done after a storm, fire or vandalism incident where the building is exposed. This can prevent further damage from happening to the facility.

We Help No Matter the Weather

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

We know storm damage can be unexpected and stressful. We want to help take some of that stress away and provide and thorough/professional services.

As a business, it is your job to weather any storm that comes your way no matter the type or size. Sometimes physical storms are unexpected and can be quite devastating and detrimental to a business. Here at SERVPRO of Iowa Des Moines SW & East, our job is to give some peace of mind and help instigate water and fire damage cleanup and restoration. We are capable of traveling anywhere to help get the property back to preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals have access to a semi-trailer that is meant to stock up for any disaster that could strike your business. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year for whatever could happen. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come ready for whatever disaster occurs. No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.

The Do's and Do Not's for Fire Damage

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

We offer several options for cleaning smoke and soot to help you get back to preloss conditions. We want you to know that we are "Here to help."

If you have fire and smoke damage to your property, home or business, it is hard to not start cleaning yourself. If this situation arises, please let our SERVPRO franchise professionals assist you. Here are some tips for those who experience fire and smoke damage in their home or business. The Do's are meant to help you minimize damage. Please keep movement in the building at a minimum.  Minimal movement helps keep particles from becoming embedded in carpet and fabrics. Make sure to wash your hands a lot and be cautious not to transfer or wipe soot onto something. It can make it damage the item more. If electricity is off, then empty fridges and freezers and prop doors open to prevent odors. It is beneficial to change your furnace/air conditioner filter, but don't let the system continue to run. Be certain to turn it off. The Don'ts that are stated should be left to professionals to help you get back to preloss conditions. Do not try washing anything yourself. You could further rub the soot into the item. Don't shampoo your carpet. We recommend that you take the time to talk to a professional first. Don't clean any electronics without contacting a professional. Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been affected by the fire, soot, or smoke. Additionally, do not use toiletries as they can also be affected by fire, soot, or smoke. Do not turn ceiling fans on, because this will stir up the soot residue. Our SERVPRO team is available for 24-hour emergency services.

The Different Types of Mold You'll Encounter

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Mold prospers in warm, damp area and it will continue to spread with a continuous water source. Call our professionals to help with mold remediation.

There are different types of mold.  The most common are aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold). Aspergillus and Cladosporium are nontoxic to humans but it can aggravate allergy symptoms. It is important to note that not all mold is dangerous. In fact, it is all around us, but some mold should be removed by professionals. It is found in foods and in air conditioning systems. This is found as a black or green mold that grows in little dots in bathrooms, on painted surfaces, and in flexible air ducts. Black mold should be removed for safety reasons. Call our SERVPRO franchise professionals to remove molds such as black mold. This type of mold grows on building materials with a water source available. To prevent mold growth, make sure that water leaks are dried up quickly and humidity levels are maintained in your home or business. Mold thrives in warm, damp conditions. Our SERVPRO franchise professionals are certified to test for mold.  We do visual inspections, air sampling, as well as we have a bore scope that can go inside areas that are not normally visible to look for mold.  When air samples are taken, 3 samples are taken and sent in to be analyzed. The results take about 5 to 7 days to return.  If the air samples come back positive for mold then we will do further investigation to locate the source of the positive result of the air samples. Call us for pricing if you believe you have mold present and we will help you maintain your healthy home remediate mold.

The Do's and Do Not's for Water Damage

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

We are fully stocked for any amount of water damage. As franchise professionals, we can help you get toward preloss conditions.

Water damage can happen at any point for anyone, home or business, resulting in sometimes irreversible damaged property. These do's are only for clean water and do not’s pertain to sewage water. Sewage water is treated differently since it causes different damage and requires a different cleanup process. We, the team of SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East, know the importance of having professionals helping you properly dry out your home after water damage. With the right tools and pieces of equipment our SERVPRO franchise professionals can safely dry out your home or business and the contents within it. If the proper methods are administered then it minimizes the removal of materials such as drywall (this is also dependent on how soon the water damage is being dealt with. To minimize the damage, make sure to shut off the source of water and turn off the electricity. It is essential to remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and soaking up with towels. This is especially important for wood furniture. To ensure that more damage isn't sustained by the furniture, place aluminum foil in between furniture legs and the carpet. While these are good steps, your safety is important, so make sure to NOT enter a room with standing water since there could be a risk of electrical shock. We take safety very seriously and we want to ensure your safety along with our own. Make sure to disconnect all power first. It is recommended to NOT leave rugs and furniture upholstery wet against one another, because the fabrics have the potential to bleed between each other. It is important to note that you should not be utilizing your household vacuum to try and suck up any water. If these tips are followed, then damage can be minimized and you will be better prepared for help to arrive. Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth.

Large Loss Response Team

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

We, as professionals, want to ensure your safety. We will work to get the business back preloss conditions with our 24-hour emergency services.

We are currently the only certified Large Loss Response Team in the state of Iowa.  We have the equipment, employees, and connections to help in even the largest disaster. We promise to be ready when you need us. Our equipment is always fueled, tested, loaded.  We have on call staff 24 hours a day for your emergency.  We have a trailer loaded with our desiccant and a dedicated generator to run it at all times. This desiccant is a 5,000 cfm piece of equipment for dehumidification. We have air movers and large portable dehumidifiers for drying a structure. We have large air scrubbers and different ozone machines for removing odor. A large loss is a loss valued at over $50,000 in mitigation or remediation work.  Every loss is managed by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation for your large loss. Our employees are trained residential and commercially for any size disaster.

We Can Weather Any Storm

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

We will make sure to help you and your home or business no matter the weather. We know how stressful these times can be

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East remains a reliable option for homeowners and business owners during disasters. Our goal is to make any disaster disappear "Like it never even happened." We offer 24-hour emergency service because we know that storms, fires and water issues can happen any day at any time. We want to help you get back to preloss conditions no matter the situation. Whether it’s two in the afternoon or two in the morning, we will respond to your disaster quickly to get you back to a safe and functioning space. This includes hazardous mold mitigation, water damage mitigation, biohazard cleanup, and fire cleanup. We know the stress that these situations can bring, and we are here to help the process move smoothly and efficiently. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come ready for whatever happens. No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.

Building a kit for an emergency

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change and don't forget to replace expired food.

After an emergency, it may be necessary to build a kit that can last up to 3 days. We know how stressful unexpected storms can be and we want to help you prepare for any scenario.   To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. It should be noted that the supplies in a kit can be different based on your own personal needs, but the list recommended by ready.gov is a great place to start.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

You can use ready.gov for additional kit supplies ideas as well as how to maintain your kit and where to store it. Again, we want to help you prepare to weather any storm. If storm damage ever damages your home, you can call on SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW to be there to help.

*Source: Ready.gov

We can make fire damage "Like it never even happened"

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are often unexpected, and we want to create peace of mind as we are able yo help get the property back to preloss conditions.

The first 24 hours after fire damage make the difference between restoring versus replacing the property. SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from smoke and soot removal to contents claim inventory and document restoration. We offer a large amount of options in the case of fire damage. We can either utilize a dry or wet technique to completely remove soot off of surfaces like the walls and ceiling. Additionally, media blasting is used soot, mold, or paint removal. It is done by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material to smooth the surface. Lastly, thermal fogging recreates the act of penetrations and follows the same path of the smoke from a fire to deodorize. It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as a fire, never reopen. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them have a preparedness plan in place. Whether it’s a home or business, SERVPRO is a lead in fire damage response and can help you quickly get the property back.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - a defensive cleaning program

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

•     Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
•     Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
•     Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW today for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Emergency Readiness Profile

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Our application can be used for almost any device and can come in handy if a disaster strikes.

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, and we would like to help take some of the stress away. Call us to find out about our cost-free Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) and how they can help you, especially during this time. We are continuing to operate at this time and are here to help. We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their property at no cost.  We offer a free app for all phones  to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically prior to any incident or unexpected disaster. Everything  can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes. This information can be shared very easily with staff and whoever else needs to be ahold of the information and contacts. An ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. If also details the location and directions for the different parts of the building. This is essential since every building is different in  one way or another.  We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs.  We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We here at SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW stand by being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation.  These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our team members to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

What Is A Desiccant?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

This large scale dehumidifier is meant for large loss scenarios.

Our desiccant helps the process of bringing the affected area back to a state of dryness and is mainly used for commercial losses. More specifically, it helps mitigate water damage. For larger scale losses, it acts as a large dehumidifier utilizes a generator to help with the process. These use an absorbent material to extract water from the air. The material is heated to drip the moisture into a water tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers are designed to work more effectively in lower temperatures. Dehumidifiers are designed to keep a room’s humidity levels in check, so the air is more comfortable and fewer physical signs of damp air are noticed, helping minimize the chance of mold. The desiccant can be utilized if your home has been flooded, especially if the wood is soft to touch in that area. Softwood can indicate rotting and windowsills are particularly vulnerable. If you notice mold or mildew then SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW can use the desiccant to help get the moisture in the air and materials to a more stable level. Desiccants are used on a larger scale water loss to remove moisture from the air.  We used these as a tool in our balanced drying system in place or alongside dehumidifiers on a larger scale project. Desiccants operate differently than dehumidifiers. Desiccants do not collect water through condensation. They vent moisture-laden air from inside the structure to outside the structure using a ventilation system. Desiccants are usually large units and sit outside the structure with venting tubes and air input tubes from and to the structure. They create the greatest vapor pressure and are best used when trying to dry wood flooring, plaster, or concrete. They work on the principle of sorption rather than condensation. Water vapor in this process is adsorbed by a silica gel and then that silica gel is reactivated by energy causing the desiccant to release its moisture to the outside air.

How To Handle Water Damage

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Our team consists of franchise professionals and are capable and prepared for water damage.

Water damage can happen at any point for anyone, resulting in sometimes, irreversible damaged property. These do's are only for clean water and does not pertain to sewage water. Sewage water is treated differently since it causes different damage. We, the team of SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, know the importance of having professionals helping you properly dry out your home after water damage. With the right tools and pieces of equipment our team can safely dry out your home or business and the products within it. If the proper methods are administered then it minimizes the removal of materials such as drywall (this is also dependent on how soon the water damage is dealt with. To minimize the damage on your property, make sure to shut off the source of water and turn off the electricity. It is essential to remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and soaking up with towels. This is especially important for wood furniture. To ensure that more damage isn't sustained by the furniture, place aluminum foil in between furniture legs and the carpet. While these are good steps, your safety is important, so make sure to NOT enter a room with standing water since there could be a risk of electrical shock. Make sure to disconnect all power first. You shouldn’t leave rugs and furniture upholstery wet against and sitting on carpets, because the fabrics have the potential to bleed between each other. It is important to note that you should not be utilizing your household vacuum to try and suck up any water. If these tips are followed, then damage can be minimized and you will be better prepared for help to arrive. Remember to stay safe!

Are you Ready?

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

This application is accessible on any device and can be used in case of a disaster.

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, and we would like to help take some of the stress away. Call us to find out about our cost-free Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) and how they can help you, especially during this time. We are continuing to operate at this time and are here to help. We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their property at no cost.  We offer a free app for all phones  to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically prior to any incident or unexpected disaster. Everything  can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes. This information can be shared very easily with staff and whoever else needs to be ahold of the information and contacts. An ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. If also details the location and directions for the different parts of the building. This is essential since every building is different in  one way or another.  We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs.  We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We here at SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW stand by being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation.  These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our team members to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

Our Largest Addition

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

We have our semi stocked for any large loss. We can travel anywhere to help no matter the size of the disaster.

Our biggest addition to the SERVPRO team is our semi trailer. This trailer is stocked for any large loss scenario. Stocked as a rolling distribution center with equipment, consumables, and tools to clean up any disaster. Whether it’s a storm or fire, SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW has the capability to mitigate any size disaster with the new addition. The new semi trailer can handle any large losses that affect places such as apartment complexes, hotels and other businesses. Storms and fires can be unpredictable and difficult to prepare for. We here at SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW are here to help be “Faster to any size disaster” and to help relieve some of the stress that large losses can bring. The sooner help is called then the sooner and more efficiently our team can work to get the space back to preloss conditions. The semi trailer can hold enough machines for large scale scenarios. Our team is prepared to help mitigate any disaster. We have team members specifically named our “Disaster Recovery Team '' for the large losses.

What is the IICRC?

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Education is essential so our franchise professionals can help you when you need it most.

What is the IICRC? Institute of inspection cleaning and restoration certification is a nonprofit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW team members study IICRC best practices guidelines for fire damage, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. It is a certification and standard-setting organization. IICRC standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. There are many certifications that  our team members earn and our team, SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW, makes sure to keep up with the certifications as technology and material changes. Our team members take the certifications to be prepared for any situation and to properly address the problem and apply efficient and thorough mitigation. Our goal is to be ready for any size disaster and our team is trained to take on these jobs.

Got Storm Damage? No Problem

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

We know that storm damage isn't predictable, and we want you to know we are prepared for any disaster and we can help you when you need it most.

We are currently the only certified Large Loss Response Team in the state of Iowa.  We have the equipment, employees, and connections to help in even the largest disaster.  We promise to be ready when you need us.  Our equipment is always fueled, tested, loaded. We have on call staff 24 hours a day ant day of the year. We have a semi trailer loaded with our desiccant and a dedicated generator to run it at all times. This desiccant is a 5,000 cfm piece of equipment for dehumidification.  We have air movers and large portable dehumidifiers for drying a structure.  We have large air scrubbers and different ozone machines for removing odor.  Every loss is managed by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. Our employees are trained residential and commercially for any size disaster. The semi trailer can hold enough machines for large scale scenarios. Our team is prepared to help mitigate any disaster. We have team members specifically named our “Disaster Recovery Team '' for the large losses. We have capabilities to mitigate any size disaster with access to all the necessary supplies. Call on SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW whenever storm damage strikes.

What ultrasonic cleaning can do for you!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

This ultrasonic tank can be utilized on a wide variety of products that range in size.

Our Ultrasonic Machine system is utilized to clean many different items including items damaged by mold or soot, mainly being used with fire damage. An ultrasonic tank and dryer are paired together to help create a complete drying process. Contents are cleaned in our ultrasonic tank and then they are placed in the dryer to complete the system. This dual system allows for contents to be cleaned efficiently and thoroughly, expanding our range of restorable contents. We can clean some electronics, jewelry, guns, family heirlooms, light fixtures, porcelain dolls, etc. All this is done quickly and efficiently. We can clean a whole assortment of contents as it offers a deep and even clean for even the most delicate items. This system utilizes minimal chemicals and high speed and energy efficient cleaning. Ultrasonic works with high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, along with the special cleaning solutions to create the effect of millions of tiny bubbles which break down contaminants off the target surface without the need for scrubbing. Even if you don't have fire and water damage in your home and you just need an item deep cleaned, feel free to bring it in and we will be happy to clean the item quickly and thoroughly for you. With our ultrasonic dryer, contents are cleaned in our ultrasonic tank and then placed in this dryer to complete the process.

Mold: What you need to know

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

We come prepared to remove the different types of mold and come with the needed PPE.

Molds are a type of fungus that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, ranging in different forms and level of hazard. With that being said, mold can seriously affect people's health at any age.  People most susceptible to mold are people with compromised health, infants, young children, people with chronic breathing issues such as asthma and allergies, and the elderly. Thusly, mold can cause health effects. Mold lingers for an excessive amount of time. Additionally, mold spores can be easily transferred from one location to another location or person. So if you are aware of mold being present, then we are “Here to help.”  Mold spores spread and grow rapidly, so if you visibly see mold give us a call right away. Mold can grow in areas of the property that are wet and aren’t properly dried. This part is essential and it is why using a professional with proper personal protective equipment is a good idea. With cases of serious mold, it could be to the point where the materials have to be removed altogether to remove the spores and mold particles. If you would like air samples taken or mold removal done, call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW to do the job.

We will help you get back on your feet

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Air movers can be used after a storm to dry materials, allowing them to still be usable and to get the business back up and running.

We maintain a promise to our clients: we are ready and prepared at all times. We have staff on call at night and on the weekends to make sure that when we are needed we are ready as we aim to be “faster to any size disaster.” We are available 24 hours a day, any day of the year which includes holidays.  We have different size vehicles all stocked and fueled ready to leave at a moment's notice. We even have a new semi trailer available for any large losses. No matter the size, we can help with the emergency. We have a mobilized fleet accessible for your emergency.  We have a highly trained staff with crew leaders with over 90 years of combined experience in the mitigation and restoration business.  Our team at SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW maintains certifications in residential and commercial approved structural drying, fire and smoke restoration, odor control, water damage restoration, carpet and duct cleaning, and biohazard. We also keep updated on materials and new methods to ensure we are giving you the most efficient and effective solution for your situation.  Our team is ready to help you.

We Are Always Here To Help

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to service you no matter the size of the disaster.

We know these times have been trying for each and every one of us. There are many unknowns and we want to help provide peace of mind. We are still open 24/7, helping with any disaster that hits your home or business. We, here at SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW, want to help you no matter the size of the disaster. We are IICRC trained and ready with whatever is needed for fire, water, and mold damage. Our team has 24 Hour Emergency Service for when problems need to be dealt with immediately. With this time of uncertainty, we are continuing our cleaning and sanitization services. We offer a ULV fog to disinfect service as it quickly and efficiently covers surfaces. The product’s dwell time is only 10-15 minutes, but we recommend that you are out of the facility for four hours to let the product settle and have the scent dissipate since it is a cleaning product that is dispersed all throughout the property. We also offer sanitizing services for porous surfaces such as carpets/rugs, and we offer disinfection services for nonporous surfaces. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Our SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfecting by calling 844-965-0001.

We Are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

We are "Ready for whatever happens" and can help clean any place.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

•     Kitchen/Food Areas
•     Bathrooms
•     Schools/Classrooms
•     Offices
•     Retail Spaces
•     Water Fountains
•     Shelving/Racks
•     Sales Counters
•     Carpets and Rugs
•     Stair Handrails
•     Elevator Cars
•     Playground Equipment
•     Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East, 844-965-0001

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

24 Hour Emergency Service

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

We come prepared for any disaster.

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East remains a reliable option for homeowners and business owners during disasters. Our goal is to make any disaster disappear "Like it never even happened." We offer 24-hour emergency service because we know that storms, fires, and water issues can happen any day at any time. We want to help you get back to preloss conditions no matter the situation. Whether it’s two in the afternoon or two in the morning, we will respond to your disaster quickly to get you back to a safe and functioning space. This includes hazardous mold mitigation, water damage mitigation, biohazard cleanup, and fire cleanup. We know the stress that these situations can bring, and we are here to help the process move smoothly and efficiently. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come “Ready for whatever happens.” No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.

We Care About the Community

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team helped DMARC collect food for those in need.

Our SERVPRO team is dedicated to building a strong community, giving back when we can. Last month, SERVPRO of Des Moines SW/East volunteered with the Des Moines Area Religious Council to collect food donations to the DMARC Food Pantry Network for their Halloween on the Hill event. Overall, six pallets of food were collected for those in need. This event was also in collaboration with Historic Sherman Hill, Principal Financial Group and Young Professionals Connection to give back. SERVPRO also participates in many other community and volunteering events throughout the year. This list includes being a part of Houses into Homes, hosting a blood drive, donating school supplies for students going back to school, being a part of multiple food drives and sponsoring Iowa Children’s Museum events. We work to not only support businesses and residents experiencing mold, fire or water damage but also the community as a whole, growing as a team. Our SERVPRO of Des Moines SW/East team is dedicated to the community and our customers, making us a reliable option for any disaster that could happen to your home or business.

We Strive to Continue to Learn

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Training helps to make sure that you are getting the best possible service.

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW can assist with a large variety of disasters including water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, storm damage, and cleaning services. Our SERVPRO team strives to constantly be prepared for any situation by doing the proper training for equipment and products. We, here at SERVPRO, make sure to give our team the necessary tools to be successful out on the job and one of the biggest tools is the knowledge, information, and ability needed to complete the task at hand. Team members maintain several certifications under the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC). These include Water Removal Technician, Odor Control Technician, Fire and Smoke Technician, Carpet Cleaning Technician, and Health and Safety Technician among many others. Training aids in improving employee performance, enhancing team morale, and promoting innovation in new strategies and products. All lead to service that exceeds the competition. We strive to be as knowledgeable in our field as we can be to provide exceptional customer service. Our SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW is committed to a solutions-based mentality and continuing to grow our knowledge and certifications to help when the time calls.

The Importance of a Live Burn

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

This is a broken CSST flexible gas line that ignited gas and released a jet of fire.

Last week, the Ankeny Fire Department along with EFI Global and our SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW franchise helped set up a live burn for insurance adjusters and risk managers to help them gain knowledge to make informed decisions when processing claims. Several large boxes were built by our SERVPRO team with drywall to simulate an actual room. Furniture was donated to help show how different fire scenarios can alter a home. Before the live burns, adjustors were able to learn about the science behind how certain fires are started, analyzing the speed and power behind the separate fires. One of the burns was created by a broken CSST flexible gas line which is utilized to run gas to appliances. The situation brought about a non-grounded line that developed a pin hole from an electricity arc. The gas then leaks out and catches fire from the arc of electricity, igniting the gas and creating a jet of fire. Another scenario was meant to show how quickly fires in a corner with several pieces of furniture next to each other erupt. Live burn events are beneficial to understand the effects of the fire, analyzing the speed of fire as well as the way it spreads and how different contents and structural materials are affected. It’s also important for them to know the effects of soot and smoke throughout the environment and how different fires start from separate structural materials.

SERVPRO at Your Commercial Business

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

As the winter season approaches, be sure to have your business ready for whatever happens by making sure SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW is your first call when disaster strikes. Programming our phone number 515-244-5511 into your cell phone gives you the number you need at a quick button click on your phone. We understand firsthand how critical it is to get your commercial space back up and running after a water loss or fire loss. At SERVPRO, we are ready to respond fast to any size disaster and get your commercial space back to "Like it never even happened." We use state of the art technology to map moisture and set drying equipment quickly to mitigate any size loss day or night. We have technicians ready at a moment’s notice to respond to your commercial space quickly and start the cleanup process. We are the trusted leader in storm and water restoration. Call 24/7, 365 to get emergency cleanup service for your commercial space.  Getting your business back to working and reducing business interruption is important to us too.

Fire Clean Up By a Trained Crew

10/5/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire strikes your life you need to have a trusted company cleanup the damage properly. SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW is the trusted leader in fire cleanup. We are a preferred vendor for many insurance companies making the process that much easier for you. We can handle everything from pack out to overseeing reconstruction services. We specialize in Fire and Smoke restoration and spend hundreds of hours training our techs the extensive cleaning processes.  No fire is the same. We are faster to any size disaster and can make your fire loss "Like it never even happened." At SERVPRO we use a restore vs. replace mentality meaning you can get your original items back in most cases and your structure restored quicker. Call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW if you have fire or smoke damage today!  Our crews will respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Ready To Help You Clean Up - Large Loss Truck

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Inside our Des Moines Large Loss Truck. This truck is stocked all the time and ready to roll.

We have added another large loss truck to our fleet this truck is located at our Des Moines shop and is stocked and ready for whatever happens. SERVPRO is here to help with your commercial water and fire mitigation projects with our fleet of equipment. SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW is ready with equipment and materials stocked all the time and ready to roll in a moments notice.  Our shop located on the SE side of Des Moines is located in a great location for us to be to any part of Des Moines in 30 minutes or even to areas around the state with in 4 hours.  With equipment ready all the time and the truck gassed up we can leave with just a moments notice. Here to help you with fast mitigation services.  It carries over 120 air movers, 10 dehumidifiers, and 4 flood pumpers. This will be one of the first trucks to a large commercial loss followed up by our new 53’ semi trailer that  is fully stocked and ready to roll as well with equipment and consumables. 

Halloween Fire Safety Tips by the Fire Clean Up Team - SERVPRO

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Use these pumpkin glow sticks in your pumpkins and decorations for a fire safe haloween.

Halloween fire safety is very important and SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW is here with these safety tips.

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Halloween fire facts

• From 2009-2013, decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 860 reported home structure fires per year.
• Nearly half of decoration fires in homes occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source.
• These fires caused an estimated average of one civilian death, 41 civilian injuries, and $13 million in direct property damage per year.
• Forty-one percent of these incidents were started by candles; one-fifth began in the living room, family room, or den. 

 Source: NFPA Applied Research

If you have an accidental fire in your home or business you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW to help with your clean up needs.

When it Rains, It Pours - Water Clean Up Service

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Rain can cause unseen damage getting into small cracks in your foundation or flooring, around windows, or even from non functioning sump pump systems which can lead to all sorts of damages if not addressed timely. Here at SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW we understand how frustrating it can be to discover rain related water intrusions which are a leading cause of water damage to a home. The sooner mitigation and extraction of the standing water begins the better to prevent further damage.  Identifying the source and preparing it is extremely crucial. We are a 24 hour, 7 day a week company and will work hard to get the issues resolved in a timely manner. With our professionally trained and certified team we are here to help and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Inspecting common leak sources routinely and looking at your exterior foundation can help prevent rain and surface runoff intrusions. 

Storm Preparedness Tips -

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW is here to help clean up any storm related damage you experience. We are here to help though ahead of time to hopefully prevent damage from occurring. Storms often come quickly and without much notice, being prepared is crucial to avoid any unexpected storm damages.

Storm Preparedness Tips

• Protect Pipes from Freezing
• Caulk and weather strip windowsills to keep water and cold air out
• Get your heating source serviced and cleaned before the cold weather hits.
• Have a plan with your family as to what to do if a storm warning is issued.
• Bring your furry friends inside if possible.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
• Keep dry clothes available for all family members.
• Check on friends and family and neighbors.
• Bring in any outdoor furniture that could possibly fly around.
• STAY CALM

Once the storm has past checking structural elements and utility services should be done as soon as safe to do so. If you notice any damages call a professional to assess the possible damages and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage from occurring.

Winter Weather Is Coming - Be Prepared With SERVPRO

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW recommends doing these steps to help prevent winter water damage.  Winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to start preparing your home or business for cold temperatures. 

• If you live in a modular home or a home with a crawl space, make sure your water pipes have a working heat trace system and your crawl space is properly insulated.
• Turn off water to all outside spigots and open outside faucets to drain water from water pipes.  Make sure all hoses are disconnected from the outside spigots.
• Make sure your gutters are clean of all debris and leaves. This will help prevent ice jams from forming during warmer winter weather when the snow and ice are melting.
• If you have a basement, take a walk around the outside of your home, if the dirt is separated from your foundation in any area, take the necessary precautions to fill the gaps and encourage drainage away from the foundation. This will help water from seeping into your basement from the walls.
• Cover any window wells on the outside of your home to help prevent snow and ice from building up inside of them.

If winter water damage does occur in your home or business, please call SERVPRO immediately. The longer you wait to have the water remediation completed, the more damage you may have.

Protecting Your Personal Belongings From Water Damage

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

In the event you have experienced any kind of water damage in your home or business, there are steps that you can take to protect your personal belongings.

While you wait for SERVPRO to arrive you should:

• Move any furniture with wooden feet or legs that you can safely carry out of the affected area.  You can use a non-porous object such as coasters, plastic wrap, Styrofoam, aluminum foil, etc, to block the furniture and lift the legs out of the water. At SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW, we use styrofoam blocks to lift furniture out of wet areas.  However, it is okay to be creative as a homeowner to find other household items that can serve the same purpose. The important thing is preventing water damage to your furniture.
• Store any belongings in plastic totes. If your belongings are stored in cardboard, move any wet cardboard boxes to a dry area. It’s also a good idea to dry off items that are wet before placing them in storage.
• Move electronics that have been saturated by water to a dry area and wipe down with a clean, dry rag.
• Take pictures! Our staff takes pictures for your insurance company when we arrive, but if you do happen to move anything or have something that is really damaged, make sure to take pictures of those items.

The more contents you can move yourself, the less damage you will have to your furniture and personal items. This will also help our SERVPRO team get to work immediately extracting water and setting drying equipment.

Water Clean Up In A Commercial Business

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows the muddy water spread out on the floor of a commercial building that we were called in to clean up.

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW received a call for a commercial water damage recently. The caller said they needed water extracted in a 100,000 square foot refrigeration factory and they wanted emergency services. 

In 30 minutes, SERVPRO was on site accessing the situation. A main line to the fire sprinkler system had burst under the concrete and an estimated 150,000 gallons of water and mud had flooded the warehouse.

Within a matter of hours our crew had set up extraction equipment and called in a truck load of floor scrubbers to clean the mud. By Monday, SERVPRO had the factory up and running at 75% capacity.

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW helps commercial properties get back to business faster.

If you own, operate, or manage a commercial property call us and ask about our FREE ERP (emergency ready profile) and how it could help your business. This profile contains emergency shut off and contacts at your finger tips available as an app on your electronic device, on a computer, or a printed copy.

Water Cleanup by The Best

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

If you experience an inconvenient water intrusion in your home or business the highly-trained and trusted specialists at SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW can assists in getting you back to "Like in never even happened." At SERVPRO we are ready for whatever happens by keeping our technicians trained and armed with the latest in moisture mapping technology. We invest to make sure we can provide our communities with the top of line dehumidification and drying equipment in the industry. We also have experience in document restoration. If ever water enters your home or business and compromises important photos, passports, bank papers, titles. We are ready to help you when you need it. Our drying techniques and practices are backed with years of success. Call us 24/7, 365 whenever you need us and we will be there. We armed with trained technicians toting with them the best equipment and testing tools in the industry.

Winter 2019 - 2020 - Things to do to avoid winter storm damage

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Winter this year is predicted to be a “Polar Coaster”! With that being said now is the time to start preparing.

Some of the things you can do to protect your home are disconnecting your garden hose from the hose faucet this will help prevent it from freezing and bursting.

Clean your gutters to insure you have proper drainage for the snow as it melts off your roof and preventing an ice dam.

Insulating water lines that run along exterior walls to keep them from freezing.

Cut away tree branches hanging above your house with added weight from snow and ice, they could fall on to your roof causing damage.

If you have a fireplace it’s a good idea to have the chimney and flue inspected annually.

As always it’s a good idea to stay weather aware going into winter and not get caught unprepared. If SERVPRO is needed you can depend on our team to be there when you need  us most and be "Ready for what ever happens."

Commercial Clean Up

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

No job is too small or too large.  SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW can handle any size loss.  From a small water leak or wet floor to a roof being removed from the commercial structure due to wind. We have a team of professionals ready to respond.  Our trucks are always loaded and backed into the building, ready to respond quickly.  We have over 55 vehicles from cars and trucks to sprinter vans, truck mounted water extraction trucks, and large loss straight trucks loaded all the time with equipment and supplies and ready to respond at a moments notice. SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW has around 60 trained employees here to help.  We also work with temporary labor companies that specialize in our industry and they can supply as much of a workforce as needed.  We are ready to help you with your commercial clean up needs and you can trust that we know how important it is for you to get your business back to business as quick as possible.

SERVPRO Uses the Latest in Microbial Remediation

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW we are using the latest in microbial remediation technology to give you the best options available to get you back to "Like it never even happened". Using a qualified company is important when having mold removed in your home or business. There are a lot of “home remedies” found on the internet that may end up masking and making the underlying microbial issues worse. One process we use is a series of measurement tools to map moisture and find the source of the problem to help you better get your property back like it never even happened.  Did you know that microbial growth spores are so small that you can’t see them in the air? At SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW we use true HEPA Air Filtration Devices, HEPA Vacuum Cleaners and Containment procedures to ensure you and your family or business remain safe. This HEPA process catches 99.97% of airborne particles and the containment procedures ensure no cross contamination happens. We look to organizations such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Restoration Sciences Academy to learn proven techniques that work. Call our office today to learn more.

Mold Removal

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mold The four-letter word no one wants to hear. From the ordinary fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms are harmful. Intrusion of water into our homes and business can result in mold growth. Long standing leaks and poor humidity control are often the cause of microbial growth. Signs and symptoms to watch and smell for included the visible presence of mold growth, strong musty odors, poor air circulation, and excessive humidity. SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW have trained and certified mold remediation techs who take the steps to ensure the mold does not spread throughout the structure by setting containment and negative air filtration systems. Once the mold has been removed our certified technicians will apply an antimicrobial to the structure to ensure the microbial growth does not return.       

Mold - When Water Damage is Not Properly Mitigated

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water in the dark blue on a FLIR camera. This water wasn't seen with the naked eye but with a FLIR you can see the infiltration from the other side

Mold. Scary word when you don’t know what it is exactly. To the untrained eye mold or microbial growth as we refer to it can be very intimidating. Choosing the right company for the remediation is key in successfully removing the microbial growth and making sure no spores contaminate the remaining area. Did you know that microbial growth spores are so small that you can’t see them in the air? At SERVPRO of Des Moines East / SW we use true HEPA Air Filtration Devices and Containment procedures to ensure you and your family or business remain safe. This catches 99.97% of airborne particles and the containment procedures ensure no cross contamination happens. We receive calls all the time where an untrained person has attempted remediation and cross contaminates the unaffected areas putting everyone at risk. At SERVPRO our technicians are certified and we continuously train to stay up to date with all the current procedures, technology, and practices that keep everyone safe. When you choose SERVPRO you can rest assure that you, your family, and your business are in good hands. When water damage occurs call a professional to properly mitigate. Mold can be the result of improperly mitigated water damage.  Below is a link to the EPA’s “Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.

 https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf

Quick Mitigation Reduces Business Interuption

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW is faster to any size disaster rather it be a flood, fire, or storm related damage we have the experience, tools, and staff to mitigate any size disaster faster. The faster a disaster is mitigated the better. It's not only better for the contents and structure but faster for the business to resume normal operations limiting interruptions to operations. Getting staff back to work and services / products back to producing is important. We understand lost revenue and we are here to help get you back to business quickly. Having the resources needed is key to this process. With a wide network of subcontractors, equipment, and staff we are here for you. We have the ability to call in additional resources and staff from a large network of SERVPRO locations making sure that your business is taken care of. We are ready for whatever happens.         

We Are Ready When You Need Us

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Most people will luckily never have to experience a catastrophic storm. Be it a hurricane, tornado, flooding, wild fire, or a combination it can be really scary and knowing what to do next can be critical to saving your property. In 2018, there was the California wild fires that cost an estimated $24.5 Billion and hurricanes Florence and Michel that combined estimated over $40 Billion in damage[1]. Closer to home we had the June 30^th Event where our franchises took over 500 calls in central Iowa alone. The team at SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW was able to mobilize people, equipment, and all various resources efficiently to help homeowners and businesses get back to normal life. At SERVPRO we can activate our STORM teams all over the continuous United States. Pulling from over 1700 franchises we can handle anything that Mother Nature throws our way. At SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW we are Ready for Whatever Happens!

[1] https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/events/US/2018

Lead Testing May Be Necessary After A Fire Damage

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Before 1978 lead was very common in construction. Lead paint is very uncommon in new construction these days but may still occur. When necessary testing may need to be done before any removal of affected materials occurs.

At SERVPRO, we invest in our technicians with the training and certifications to provide you with the safest mitigation project we can. We always work “lead-safe” and follow all laws and regulations. For more information on lead please visit https://www.epa.gov/lead

At SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW we typically find lead based paint after a fire and/or water loss has occurred. Used in more than 38 million homes lead is something we must be very careful about to keep you and your family safe. Protecting the health and safety of our clients is very important to us. Lead dust is the most common way lead exposure occurs.  At SERVPRO we invest in our technicians with the training and certifications to provide you with the safest mitigation project we can. We always work “lead-safe” and follow all laws and regulations. For more information on lead please visit https://www.epa.gov/lead

Water Damages Are Not All Treated The Same

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East is here to help when water damage happens.  Our IICRC trained staff will take many steps in cleaning up the damage. The first step is to determine the cause of the water damage and select the Category of water. 

There are three different categories that a water loss is classified in depending on the type of water. 

• Category 1 Water - Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows, or appliance malfunctions that involve water supply lines. Category 1 is from a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "clean water". 
• Category 2 Water - Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure, and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines. This source is known as "grey water".Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to.  This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. 
•  Category 3 Water - This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. This is known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. 

Training and Technology Set SERVPRO Apart

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Our biggest piece that sets us apart when doing mitigation and restoration work is our detailed moisture mapping, documentation, and thorough inventory processes. We have great people who make these things work behind the scenes and it makes the difference if you were to compare. See more by visiting https://tinyurl.com/y42okayc

At SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East we are using the latest in moisture mapping technology to give you the best options available to get you back to "Like it never even happened."  This process is done with moisture meters, carpet probes and infrared cameras.  With these tools we can even find the water that is trapped behind structural materials. 

We also do in house training on a regular basis to keep even our senior technicians fresh in the field. SERVPRO offers excellent training modules for our staff. We look also to organizations such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Restoration Sciences Academy to learn proven industry standard techniques that work.

5 Tips On How To Prevent Storm Damage

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

5 quick tips from SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East on how to prevent storm damage to your home this summer

Clean your gutters. - Clogged and damaged gutters are what often lead to roof leaks and foundation leaks. When your gutters are full of leaves and debris it prevents the water from draining down the down spout and away from your house causing water to pool on the roof and around the foundation.

Check your foundation. - If you have cracks or large gaps in your foundation water could seep into your home during a heavy rainstorm causing water damage. Water is crafty and will find any source inside it can. Its also a good note to check the drain in basement egress windows this can become clogged with debris and act like a bucket filling with water and leaking around the window.

Pack up all outdoor furniture. - Often times outdoor furniture is made from light weight materials and in a strong wind guest can rip it right off your patio and launch it into your home or vehicles causing significant damage.

Know how to shut off your utilities. If storm damage happens to your home you may need to shut off the utilities. It’s a good practice to locate all utility shut offs and know how they work before a storm hits.

Inspect your property - Look for dead or damaged trees often times in a storm the trees can get knocked down or limbs torn off that are damaged or dead. Call a licensed arborist for help with this inspection.

Kitchen Fire Cleanup - I smell smoke, dinner must be done!

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know from 2012-2016 more than $6.5 billion dollars in direct property damage was caused by fire? The leading cause of a residential structure fire is cooking[1]. Hopefully for most people they will never have to experience a house fire and the related cleanup and restoration that follows. I want you to think for a second to a time where you were sitting at a campfire. Now, regardless of how long you sat there you will likely have an odor on you now and you can even smell it while you read this maybe. Some more than others know exactly what I mean. That absolutely unmistakable smell of wood smoke, burning leaves, or a grass fire. It’s not exactly pleasant the next day if you wear the same coat, hat, and your shoes. This is a simple fix, wash it.

Now what do you do if you have a fire inside the house? It may not look bad or maybe half the house is gone, no matter. Your next steps may be critical in saving irreplaceable personal items and salvaging the remaining structure. Unfortunately many people never make a plan for unexpected disasters such as this.

At SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East we are always Ready for Whatever Happens and will be there for you in your time of the unexpected to help make it "Like it never even happened." We do this with training, certifications, and continuing education for our team. We use the newest technology that is exclusive to SERVPRO. We take our technical training, technology, experience, and specially formulated products by our own in house chemist and willingness to help people and make an otherwise devastating disaster better.

We have a way to help prepare before the disaster happens. Want to be Ready for Whatever Happens? You can build and manage your own Emergency Ready Profile completely free of charge. Do you own or manage commercial properties? A SERVPRO representative can build it for you today and we do that free of charge to keep you prepared. Check out https://ready.SERVPRO.com/  then call our office and we can schedule a quick walk through to help build your profile. On average this process takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

[1] [1] https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires

What does the word “Storm” Mean to SERVPRO?

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

When most people think of the word storm, they think about thunder, lightning, high winds and heavy rain. As SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East does monitor and prepare for these situations like any other, they are contained to a few months out of the year. When monitoring and preparing for a “storm” SERVPRO has to take into consideration any occurrence that is going to affect multiple homes or businesses in an area. For example: when the temperatures drop below freezing in the winter for a period of time, homes & businesses have the risk of their water pipes freezing and busting leaving a mess. Another great example of a “storm” situation that SERVPRO prepares for is Tornado season. In any situation, SERVPRO’s goal is to be prepared and ready to respond within minutes.

Whoever smelt it dealt it… Or did they?

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows mold growth behind the dry wall. We are hear to help with inspections to find the source of the odor.

It’s a Friday night and you’ve just gotten in your comfy clothes now you’re ready to Netflix and chill right? Well before you start making the popcorn you catch a whiff of something new. Not a good new either. You blame the garbage and go on with popcorn. Saturday is here and you realize it’s even worse. So now what, Laundry, garbage, pets, kids, your significant other... These things all can create unpleasant smells. What do you do when you have checked everything off? Everything is clean and that smell is still there.

 Did you know that on average your HVAC system is built to last 10-20 years[1]!? During that time most of us will go day by day not thinking twice about the nice warm heat or the cool A/C running. 1/6 Allergy Sufferers can directly tie their symptoms to the dust and dirt inside the HVAC system[2]! Now everyone knows to replace the filter regularly according to manufacture specifications but did you know that the inside of your HVAC system still collects dirt, dust, and dander inside!?

 If you have ever experienced a water loss, microbial related issue, or even rodent/insect infiltration and the structural materials were not properly mitigated and restored you may have found your odor issue. Compromised HVAC systems that are not properly addressed will create these issues down the road.

 Your local SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East technicians are trained and ready to inspect and help identify the source of odor! We use state of the art technology to pinpoint moisture and compromised materials in order to eliminate all things smelly and dirty to make it “Like it Never Even Happened”!

[1] https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-long-things-last

[2] http://woodacrehvac.com/4-indoor-air-quality-facts-to-keep-your-home-air-healthy-and-clean/index.html

Red Cross Sound the Alarm Campaign

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

On Friday May 3^rd, SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East hosted the American Red Cross and about 50 volunteers for the Sound the Alarm Event. The event focused on installation of smoke alarms and fire safety in the Ewing Trace, Glenwood, and Southland Mobile Homes Parks we have Installed 180 Alarms and made 82 Homes Safer!  This is an annual campaign of the Red Cross with a goal of reducing fire related death and injury by 25%. In the four short years since the campaign started volunteers have installed 1,651,273 free smoke alarm into 684,260 households nationwide. Here in Iowa, we have installed more than 13,190 free smoke alarms into 5,102 households making them safer. This campaign has helped save the lives of 15 Iowans. One family from Dubuque credits them with saving their lives just days after the smoke alarms where installed. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East is proud to support the American Red Cross with sound the alarms and many other events annually!

Sprinkler Systems Are Common Causes of Water Damage

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are commonly installed in commercial and industrial buildings. They save life and structure when a fire occurs. They do cause water damage though when putting out the fire or when the system malfunctions.  This is when SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East is here to help. We come in and dry the structure when a system malfunctions. Fire sprinklers are activated when the mercury liquid filled bulb bursts between 135 and 165 degrees. It is thought by many that they are triggered by smoke.  They are actually activated by heat. Failures occur with sprinkler heads commonly when the line freezes from cold weather or the head gets hit or pulled on by something.  We are here to help when you need it most and want to help prevent issues before they arise. It is always a good idea to know where your sprinkler line shut off valves are located in case you have a malfunctioning system and know who services these systems for your facility.

SERVPRO partners with the local Red Cross

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

We believe in prevention and preparation.  It is a natural fit for SERVPRO to work with the local Red Cross chapters.  Both SERVPRO and the Red Cross have the gift to be able to help people in their time of need so it is a natural fit for us to support each other.  SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East is hosting the 2019 Sound the Alarm Campaign at our location in our Des Moines office at +33 SE 5th Street on May 3rd.  Please come out and volunteer.  You can register from our Facebook page.  The Sound the Alarm Campaign is a program to install free smoke detectors supplied by the Red Cross in peoples homes.  SERVPRO staff and others will be going out to install these detectors.  Smoke detectors save lives and we are so lucky to help with this great initiative. 

Specialty Floor Drying Systems

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

When your building needs specialty drying services you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East to have the systems needed to help when you need it most.  We have specialty floor drying systems to dry hard wood floors. This picture shows a hard wood floor drying system for a gym floor. Gym floors can cost a significant amount of money to replace. When they are affected by water damage the faster the water can be extracted and specialty drying equipment can be installed the better. Wood can easily warp and separate. This system uses tubes to pipe the warm dry air under the floor and exhaust the moist air back out. We also have another type of system were we can install mats on top of the hard wood flooring system.  Depending on the infiltration, the type of wood flooring and the type of install we decide on the best course of action to treat the situation.

Fire Damage Clean Up

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your home or business SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East is here to help.  We have IICRC trained technicians that specialize in structure and content cleaning. One of the first processes in structure cleaning is to remove soot residue. We use dry sponges to remove the soot from the affected materials. In order to reach the high areas in the home we will attach the dry sponge to an extendable pole to reach. Then the sponge can be used to wipe down ceilings and walls of any soot that might be on the structure.  Soot residue has to be removed in order for the structure seal coat to stick. You can depend on SERVPRO to have the right training and tools to get the job done.

Wet Washing After A Fire

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

When fire damage occurs there are different techniques of cleaning depending on the type of fire that occurred. You can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East to help your business or home after the fire has occurred.  We will scope the situation and determine the best plan of action. There are different techniques. One of those techniques and processes is wet washing. This process is not to be used for every fire as it can smear the soot verses remove it.  The picture shows our team wet washing a section of soot damaged area and the improvement it has made on this particular fire. We are here to help when you need us most. If you have had a fire in your home or business give our team of professionals a call.

How To Check For Water Damage

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

It is the water that you don't see that can cause damage. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and East uses some of the best meters, detectors, and monitoring devices on the market to protect your home or business when water damage occurs. To make sure that the structure is dry and proper moisture progression is taking place we use these tools when drying a structure. We do daily monitoring while drying a structure as well as will provide moisture checks for residences and commercial locations that have had water infiltration to make sure that the structure is dry and there is not water hiding behind structural materials.   This picture shows a infrared camera, called a, FLIR camera. This camera is showing where there is water still trapped in below the flooring material. When you have water damage you can depend on SERVPRO to have the right tools to make sure your structure is properly dry.

Hard Wood Floor Damage

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

When you have hard wood floor damaged by water you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines SW to have the specialty drying systems needed to be able to help possibly restore your flooring. Hard wood floor drying systems include mats, air movers, and dehumidification equipment to be able to remove the water trapped by the flooring.  The trick to being able to save the flooring is speed.  Quick extraction of standing water and quick setting of the floor system is key. If too much warping of the wood has taken place it is hard to bring the wood back to its original state.  When water damage occurs to any hard wood flooring it is best to call SERVPRO and have them do a moisture check of the floor and make sure the flooring is dry and there is not any unwanted moisture trapped under the floor to prevent further damage days later.  SERVPRO has the equipment for residential losses or even large commercial wood floors like those that are installed in gymnasiums. 

Water and Fire Referral Cook Outs

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW's General Manager, Billy, knows how to turn up the heat. We enjoy cooking and thanking those that refer clients to us. When water or fire damage affects a clients home it can be a devastating experience. We have built fantastic relationships with wonderful insurance companies, realtors, fire departments, property managers, and others that will refer their friends to us when damage happens.  They put their trust in us to take care of them when it matters most. We thank those that refer work to us by providing lunch. We know that they appreciate our trained staff quickly and efficiently taking care of their friends and we appreciate them for referring the work to us. We love to get behind this large grill and cook up some great food.

We Have A Cleaning Product For Any Situation

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW has a cleaning product for any cleaning situation. Weather you have a sewage job, a fire job, a mold job, a carpet cleaning job, a job that might have some blood, or a job that has graffiti. We have a product specialty formulated by our scientists at SERVPRO that will be able to help remove that stubborn situation. We are here as your premier cleaning company to make it "Like it never even happened." We have products stocked and ready on our shelves all the time and our trained technicians know how to safely and properly use these resources to treat the most stubborn of situations. We have environmentally friendly "green" products as well. We have deodorizes and air fresheners also. You can depend on SERVPRO to take care of you, your home, business, carpets, upholsteries, etc. Give us a call today with your stubborn cleaning needs.

We Believe Training Is Vital In The Restoration Industry

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

Members of our team recently received training from our Program Coordinator, Nita.  Training is vital in our industry. Things are constantly changing. Our team needs to stay up on the newest technology as well as the newest information and requirements from insurance companies. She trained on the use of our proprietary software program that we utilize in the field to collect and record data in regards to clients losses. This information forms the story of the loss for insurance companies and the client for documentation. It is vital to record the information in regards to affected materials and the process of restoring the affected materials. Our team has weekly Monday production meetings to go over any thing of importance but we also do more in depth trainings like these as needed to keep us up to date on information and well informed to make sure we are always ready to help our clients with the most up to date information.

Water Damage Clean Up in Des Moines Requires Air Flow

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

When your business or home are affected by water damage and you don't know what to do you can trust that SERVPRO of Des Moines SW has the equipment necessary to provide the mitigation services you need. When you find water damage call our office right away and we will be out to provide a plan of action and start providing services to stabilize the structure to minimize any further damage from occurring. A big part of properly mitigating a water damage is air flow and providing the right amount of air flow for the affected square footage.  With our trained technicians taking measurements and assessing the situation this is figured out.  We can then provide the right amount of equipment to properly mitigate the situation.  This picture shows a few different types of air movers we have on the same job and how we affectively space them to provide airflow to affected materials.  The metal silver fan in the front corner is the clients on this job. You can see the difference on this job of what was actually needed for air flow.

Clean Up For A Water Loss - At A Theater In Des Moines

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

When water affects a theater the show must go on. The show and the guests are looking forward to the event.  Tickets have been sold and other shows are depending on the schedule. The event can not be changed.

The water intrusion at this location was caused by a roof leak during a very fast moving heavy rain storm that moved through.  To keep the show on track and guests not knowing that there was a problem our crews set up equipment and then took it down just a few hours before the show and then reset it right after the show was over each night. This was very labor intensive as there was lots of equipment to set up and take down in a short amount of time to be able to dry the structure properly but we understand that the show must go on. Our employees worked long hours and at odd times to make sure that the guests never experienced any hiccups when coming to experience the show.  We work hard to make it "Like it never even happened" during and after the dry out process.  When you see these green trucks you know that help has arrived and you can depend on us. The Show Must and Will Go On!

Odor Removal after Fire Damage

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW does content cleaning.  After a fire contents can be affected by odor and soot.  Our trained professionals will come in and assess those contents and decide which ones are save able and which ones have to be disposed of.

Different contents absorb soot and odor differently based off of the materials they are made of.  The first step of removing odor is to remove the source of the odor which is the soot. We will clean the item using different methods based off of the material and amount of damage to the item. Then after the soot is removed we will tackle the odor.

To remove the odor we will put most items inside of our ozone room. The picture below shows half of our ozone room. Our ozone room contains wire racking as well as plenty of room for free standing larger items. The items will remain in the sealed room for several hours while the ozone machine runs. 

We work hard to return your items to you and make it "Like it never even happened."

Content Pack Out Services After A Fire In Des Moines

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home or business you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines SW to help.  We provide a service while the clean up process occurs to pack out the contents in your home or business that might be either affected or be in the way why mitigation and clean up services occur. We will pack up those contents, clean them, and/or store them if needed.  We label the boxes and photo graph all items inside the boxes for easy identification and location if needed during the process.  The picture below shows how we keep the contents labeled and in a crate for easy identification and organization in our warehouse.  You can depend on SERVPRO to help during your clean up process.

Drying Up After Water Damage In Des Moines

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

When water affects your business or home SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is here to help with equipment and trained staff.

This business had water damage after a heavy rain storm in a short amount of time. The water came into their building and affected the entire location. We extracted the standing water and set equipment. We set a total of 387 fans on this particular job, as well as desiccants and generators as you can imagine it took lots of power to run all this equipment. We have the means to be able to dry the structure.  Air flow is a big part of the drying process. Having the right amount of air flow is crucial to the drying process.  We use calculations to figure the right amount of equipment needed to properly dry the structure and contents in a facility.  We are here to help you with our trained professionals when disaster happens to get you back to your home and business faster, making it "Like it never even happened."

Storm Damage Clean Up In Des Moines

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, we can clean it up. We are here to help and have 24/7 staff and equipment. If you have water damage from flash flooding, structural damage from high winds, or smoke damage from a lightening fire. We are here to help. Our trained staff are here to assess the situation and stabilize your structure for you.  We can help you find the resources you need to quickly clean up any situation weather you have a large tree that has come down or a roof that needs repaired. We have business relationships with contractors and vendors that we partner with that are here to assist even with things we are not able to do ourselves. We are able to bring in large equipment if needed to solve any problem that you have.  We are here to help be that resource for you in that time of need when a disaster happens. You can turn to SERVPRO and know that we are here to help.  We know that your family and/or business are important to you and it is important to get things back to normal quickly.  We work hard to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Clean Up In Commercial Business In Des Moines

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Desiccant Set Up In Des Moines Drying Commercial Building

Drying a large commercial space takes special equipment. SERVPRO has that equipment ready and available.  When drying 1000's of square feet of space it takes specialized equipment.

Desiccant drying systems are brought in to assist in the mitigation process. Desiccants operate differently then dehumidifiers and operate to a lower temperature as well. 

The first step in any mitigation process is to extract the standing water. Then the steps of drying the structure begins. To dry the structure if there is a lot of square footage affected a desiccant will be utilized because air flow tubes can be utilized through the building.  The moisture can then be exhausted outside the building. 

We are here to help with your Commercial Building drying needs. We have the equipment necessary to help clean up the mess and work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Clean Up In Des Moines Office Building

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

This office building in Des Moines was heavily affected by water damage after a floor drain backed up affecting all 50,000 sqft of the flooring of the building.  Des Moines experienced a heavy rain storm that the drain system could not keep up with causing the drain to back up. They immediately called SERVPRO to help. We extracted the water and started to bring in the equipment to dry the structure and contents. When a building this size, with this many square feet affected has to be dried it was decided to utilize desiccant drying systems and air movers. The picture shows the tubing for the desiccant and the air movers as well.

When water affects your commercial space you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines SW to have the right equipment and trained employees to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Clean Up In An Office Building In Des Moines

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

This office building in Des Moines was heavily affected by water damage after a floor drain backed up affecting all 50,000 sqft of the flooring of the building.  Des Moines experienced a heavy rain storm that the drain system could not keep up with causing the drain to back up. They immediately called SERVPRO to help. We extracted the water and started to bring in the equipment to dry the structure and contents. When a building this size, with this many square feet affected has to be dried it was decided to utilize desiccant drying systems and air movers. The picture shows the tubing for the desiccant and the air movers as well.

When water affects your commercial space you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines East/SW to have the right equipment and trained employees to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Removal From Basement After Storm In Bondurant

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up Water After A Rain Storm In A Basement In Bondurant With One Type of Extraction Equipment

Heavy rain fall can infiltrate a home or business very quickly. Most of the time it is a problem in the lower level or basement of a home or in a crawl space. Water can seep in under garage doors, around improperly sealed windows or through cracks in the cement foundation or walls. Water will always travel the least path of resistance.  Heavy fast rainfall can cause issues very quickly and keep sump pumps from keeping up in a storm.

If you find water where you don't want it and you don't know how to remove it we are here to help. SERVPRO has several different forms of extraction equipment and are here to help. It is very important to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent further wicking into the structure materials of the building. It can be difficult to remove with out the right equipment. This is where we come in. We will extract the standing water and then set drying equipment to remove moisture from the structure. Always remember to call right away when you see a problem for help.  Water is something you want to clean up right away so further problems don't occur.

Water Removal After Storms

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Crews Loading Up The Vans

Today in the Des Moines area we received a very large amount of rain in a short amount of time. Our crews as soon as the rain started falling in central Iowa were making sure the trucks were loaded and ready. This happens every day though. We make sure we are ready to help when the help is needed. We are able to dispatch the teams quickly to your home or business. We can help you extract the water when your sump pump fails, water infiltrates your foundation, or your sewer backs up.  We can dry the structure of the building or even do demo of the affected materials so that the reconstruction can start that much quicker. It is all about getting you back to normalcy as quickly as possibly. Disasters happen but it doesn't have to be that way for long. Let the professionals help.

Helping to restore your house back into your home.

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Home: (noun) 1. The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household. 2.  Any place of residence or refuge.  

You have worked hard to turn your house into a home. You have so many memories in your home and when disaster strikes you want to preserve those memories. At SERVPRO of Des Moines SW, we are here to help you restore your home and personal contents. We are diligent and work hard to get you back into your home.

Our warehouse cleaning technicians take good care of your contents to make sure they get back to you restored and “Like it never even happened.”

Give us a call at SERVPRO of Des Moines SW when disaster decides to strike on your home.

Document Restoration for Businesses

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Businesses have lots of important documents and vital records. When water or fire damage occurs you can depend on SERVPRO of Des Moines SW to be able to help restore these items.  It is vital to bring in professionals right away for document restoration services.  We restore tax records, historical documents, books, photographs etc.  In commercial business spaces there are so many things that can cause water damage to documents.  Documents that are years old but important and need to be maintained are often kept in the basement of a facility.  These areas are subject to water infiltration, sump pump failures, sewer back ups, mechanical room or line failures.  We are here to help if these type of situations occur.  Fire or soot damage can also ruin documents.  We are here to help with those as well. 

We have specialized freeze drying and cleaning equipment that we utilize.  If you are ever in need of having vital documents restored give us a call. We are here to help.

Storm Response Teams

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has storm response teams.  When a large natural disaster occurs and you think how can there even begin to be enough resources to clean it up, that is where SERVPRO comes in.  We have strategically placed storm teams around the country and franchises partnered with those storm response teams to be able to mobilize and get boots on the ground and equipment to assist those affected by the natural disaster quickly.  SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is a responding franchise. As Iowa's Large Loss Response team we have the staff and equipment to respond to any size disaster and we work with these storm teams. This allows us if a disaster happens in Iowa we are ready to call in the resources to assist very quickly if it is a very large disaster and beyond something just our franchise can handle. Such as multiple buildings affected in a large area.  You can know as a home owner or business owner that we are ready to help you get your property taken care of.  Give us a call and let us worry about getting the resources to you. We are an independently owned franchise with the strong backing of over 1700 additional franchises across the county, storm team franchises, and a fantastic corporate office all to assist bringing in the resources to help our friends and neighbors.  You can depend on us here at SERVPRO.

Storm Damage Clean Up Services - We Are Ready

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

The thing about a disaster is they are unexpected. Storm damage is even a larger disaster then a fire or water damage at a home or business because it is not just contained to one building. Storm damage is usually affecting multiple buildings, multiple residences, and/or multiple businesses.  SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is ready to help. Our 24 hour, 7 day a week on call staff are trained and ready with equipment fully ready and waiting at our facilities to roll out the minute we get the call to help. We can secure a building after wind damage, remove debris from trees, we are able to extract water that has infiltrated areas that it is not supposed to be, or clean up a back up that has occurred from storm water.  We provide services to both residential and commercial businesses and we have the resources to handle multiple calls all at once.  We are here to help ease some of the stress that occurs when a disaster happens. Know that when you make the call to SERVPRO we are making it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Before the Storm

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes and storms cause over 25 Million dollars in damage a year.  It is a necessity to be prepared.  Tips for being prepared for a storm, as you never know when one might hit, are below.

-Keep the gas level in your car above 1/4 of a tank.

-Record the dosages and names of medications you take and keep in a grab and go place, such as in your purse.

-Keep your purse or wallet in an easy to get to place and if you have to go to the basement in a storm take it with you.

-Test the batteries in your flash lights monthly like you do your batteries in your smoke detectors.

-Keep all emergency information in a safe place and make multiple copies.

-Have your insurance companies contact information saved in your cell phone including policy number and agents name.

-Keep electronics/phones charged at least above 20% so incase the power goes out you have a little reserve left.

These are a few items in the restoration industry we here of that people comment on that might have been helpful in a storm damage and they are the little things.

Board Up After Storm Damage

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

When storm damage occurs we are here to help you maintain the safety of your home or business.  We provide board up services.  If your home or business is affected by wind damage, broken windows, tree damage, lightening damage, etc give SERVPRO of Des Moines SW a call.  We have the materials on hand to secure the building and prevent further damage to the structure or the contents until repairs can be made.  We have staff on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We work with insurance companies and take photos before and after the board up process for documentation.  It is vital to maintain the structure of a building so further damage does not occur after storm damage.  We work hard every day to help our clients recover after a disaster and make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Business Clean Up Services

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

We work for all types of commercial businesses for all types of losses. We at SERVPRO of Des Moines SW has helped business get back up to normal for educational facilities, churches, financial institutions, restaurants, hotels and apartment buildings to name a few. When water, fire, or mold, etc occur and you don’t know how to clean it up we are here to help. We specialize in getting business back up to normal. Let us bring our equipment and trained staff in to help. We will scope your loss, provide an estimate and get to work for you right away. When the work is completed we will provide all documentation including drying logs and pictures of work progress for documentation that you might need. We provide service for all size losses small to large. We are equipped to handle any size commercial facility as the large loss representative for the state of Iowa. You can trust SERVPRO to help your commercial business.

We are Trained Fire Cleaning Specialists

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is here to help when fire affects your home or business. We know that you don’t experience this everyday. We specialize in fire restoration cleaning and mitigation. We are here to help when a fire affects the structure and/or contents.  We are a full service restoration company. You can depend on us to help you make advised decisions as you work through the process. We clean structure and contents. We provide demolition services. We will media blast and seal structure. We work with dependable subcontractors to help in the rebuilding process. We work with and communicate all documentation with insurance programs and the insured to make sure all know the status and progress of the job. We are here to help when a fire occurs.

Cleaning After A Fire

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

When cleaning after a fire don’t use water initially. Soot should not be cleaned up with water first. Soot should initially be removed with dry sponges. Dry soot cleaning sponges are used to remove soot and dirt where you don’t want the surface to get wet. It is made of a natural rubber and is used like an eraser. Once the surface of the sponge is dirty it has to be thrown out. They can not be reused. The sponges hold a remarkable amount of soot in the pours of the sponge. After wiping the fine particles of soot off the surface the surface can be wet washed. This process needs to be done by a professional. If not done properly surface damage can occur. There is a science to fire cleaning and you should trust and hire a professional if you have fire clean up that needs to occur. We work hard and have trained professionals ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Benefits of Using A Trained Professional To Clean Up Mold

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is here to help when mold affects your building. Mold will grow under certain conditions. Mold is a living organism and needs air and moisture to live.  When conditions are ideal mold will grow. It is important to use a trained professional to properly clean up mold. A trained professional when remediating mold will set up containment, use HEPA vacuums, use antimicrobial, seal if necessary and take air samples when completed to make sure it is remediated properly. Before the work is completed photos will be taken and after the work is completed additional photos will be taken as well for documentation. We are here to help improve and take care of your property. We work hard and take pride in making it "Like it never even happened."

AMRT Trained Staff To Clean Up Mold

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Our staff at SERVPRO of Des Moines SW that lead the crews and provide mold remediation services are IICRC AMRT Anti Microbial Remediation Training certified. This is vital to make sure that services are provided properly. A lack of training and education can be harmful to the structure, occupants as well as our employees. This is why our staff are trained in this skill set before performing services.  Protecting the health and safety of all involved while dealing with microbial growth is important.  Trained technicians know how to perform testing, set up containment, use HEPA filtration equipment, and keep cross contamination from happening. You can trust our team to properly remediate your mold situation and concerns and trust that our staff that are performing the work are AMRT certified.   

Spring Cleaning will be a breeze when you contact SERVPRO of Des Moines SW

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Take a minute and smell the flowers this spring!

The wonderful first day of spring where you open your windows after having your house boarded up all winter. That wonderful spring day can also be an eye-opener because of how much spring cleaning you might need to do. Let SERVPRO of Des Moines SW help with some of that cleaning. Spring Cleaning can be a hefty job and can be overwhelming to try and get everything done. Let us help lighten the load! We provide carpet cleaning, odor removal, air testing, and mold remediation that can help get your house sparkly clean. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW makes it “Like it never even happened.” Take a minute and smell the roses on a lovely spring day and let SERVPRO of Des Moines SW do your household spring cleaning.

Want to help commercial businesses after a water or fire loss?

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Join our SERVPRO green team today!

We work hard to ensure our residential and commercial clients get the help they need in their time of need. Our commercial clients know to call green to get it clean. If you want to become part of the team that makes it "Like it never even happened.", you are in luck!

We are hiring for multiple positions. We are currently hiring for Production Technicians in our Iowa City and Des Moines locations. We are also looking for a Project Manager to oversee every aspect of a job that comes in. 

If you would like more information about our current job openings please go to: 

https://SERVPRO.careerplug.com

We are always accepting resumes and you can submit yours to andrea@SERVPRO.me.

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW helps to make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold & Microbial Growth Testing

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW offers Microbial Growth Assessments.  If you believe you have something that you think might be mold have it tested by a professional. It is better to be safe than sorry. We are here to help you.  Our employees are trained and certified.  We will perform the testing. Send in the samples. If mold is confirmed we will set up a remediation plan and go over the estimate.  Proper containment will be set up. Mitigation will occur and then finally another set of testing will occur to make sure that all of the microbial growth has been removed.

Microbial growth is more present in facilities than ever before as we build more efficient, tighter buildings. Everything we do produces moisture. Buildings need to breathe.  We are here to help you protect your health and safety if you believe you have mold give SERVPRO a call to perform a microbial growth assessment.

Mold Cleaning for Your Health

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

When cleaning after a mold remediation job SERVPRO of Des Moines cleans for the safety and health of our customers using multiple techniques. 

• We use HEPA vacuums.
• We use HEPA air filters in our air filtration devices during the process.
• We use microfiber cleaning cloths and change them out after cleaning so much of an affected area reducing cross contamination.
• We set up containment before starting work so that during the process contaminates are not spread to uncontaminated areas.

We clean for health and safety first and then you just get an outstanding appearance.  It is so important to contain contaminants when performing mold remediation services and cleaning. We work hard every day to make it "Like it never even happened."

April Showers bring May flowers and the possibility of flooding to your Des Moines area home.

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

April Showers do bring May flowers but they also bring flooding. Taking precautions can help minimize the damage that occurs at your home. The first thing you need to do is check with your insurance to make sure that you are covered. Coverage options vary depending on the insurance company so it is always a good idea to check and see what is available to you. Second, have your sump pump and chimney checks yearly and make sure your gutters are clean and attached properly. If water does get into your home it needs to be removed quickly and dried out properly so you don’t have mold growth in the future. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW will respond to the problem and extract the water and start the remediation process to prevent mold growth at all affected levels.

SERVPRO's ERP Helps Office Buildings Mitigate Fire, Water, and Mold Damage in the Des Moines Area

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

The ERP Helps Many Des Moines Area Businesses Minimize Water Losses--Call SERVPRO for a Free Consultation 319-338-8550

Many Institutions and Commercial Enterprises Rely on SERVPRO to Help Prevent and Mitigate Water Losses

For some damage restoration companies, conducting large-scale water damage repairs on office buildings in Iowa can be very difficult. In the event of a sprinkler malfunction, upper floor flood, or other disasters, the vertical nature of many office spaces can pose a significant challenge even for experienced restoration professionals like SERVPRO. However, with the help of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile system, you can make sure that your office receives the care and treatment it needs while we deal with mitigating your disaster.

The Emergency READY Profile is a mobile app that allows businesses in Des Moines to prepare for and mitigate disasters as soon as they happen and provide details to ease the communication between multiple entities.

Our marketing team will help set up your account for you! We want to take the hassle out of a disaster and help your company thrive. If you own or manage multiple locations, we can set it up so you can see and manage all locations information. We will come and do a walk through with you, take pictures and document the location of the utility shutoffs

Creating an Emergency READY Profile for your business allows you to operate your company with a higher degree of security and peace of mind. When disaster strikes help is only a click away. The ERP is formatted to be a preventative tool, we help you identify hot-spots, and areas of concern. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Should water, fire, or mold damage happen to your building, you can alert SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and have our IICRC certified technicians sent out with only the push of a button. Your emergency information will be available at your fingertips 24/7 helping to reduce time figuring out who you want to contact.

Estimating your fire loss in the Des Moines area

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Our estimator looking at a loss before writing an estimate for the client

Our skilled and knowledgeable estimators walk through the property looking at multiple variables such as WATER DAMAGE from extinguishing the fire, WALLS AND STRUCTURE DAMAGE checking the structural strength of your home or business, SOOT DAMAGE by removing the soot and deodorizing the smoke smell, CONTENT CLEANING so you get your possessions back without soot damage or smoke smell. All of these things are looked at and factored in when doing a complete and thorough estimate to perform restoration mitigation services after a fire or soot damage.

To help make things easier for you it is always good to have a log of your insured contents so if a fire does occur you can easily tell what is accounted for and what you might need to throw away. Many insurance companies have a content inventory checklist so check and see if your insurance company has one. This helps you know what you have for contents and assign a value to your contents.

Our estimators also talk with your insurance and have an open line of communication to help make sure when we are done we make it “Like it never even happened.”

When Mother Nature makes a roaring entrance SERVPRO of Des Moines SW makes it “Like it never even happened.”

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Make March memorable and make a roaring entrance!

“In like a lion out like a lamb.” As we head into March we are still in winter and then we slowly transition into spring. Iowa weather is so incredibly unpredictable we can go through three different seasons in one day! No matter what the weather brings know that SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is here to help. Whether there are heavy winds that require us to securely board up your home, excessive rainfall that floods your basement and damages your contents, or your neighbor has a sump pump or sewage back up that flows into your basement. Feel free to give us a call when a disaster or Mother Nature strikes. With the winter we have had you can look forward to spring starting on March 20^th.

"We're all mad here."

2/15/2018 (Permalink)

When you have severe water damage at your home you might go MAD trying to coordinate everything with insurance, mitigation, content cleaning, and then you might have to worry about reconstruction. One thing that you might not think about is all of your important documents and pictures that might have been damaged. You wouldn’t want your marriage license or your Great Grandma’s bible to grow mold because you forgot it had gotten wet in all the hustle of the water damage. We can dry your books, pictures, paintings, and important documents for you.

The Mad Hatter said “No wonder you’re lat. Why, this watch is exactly two days slow.” You don’t have to worry about our clocks being slow because we are a 24/7 company.

Let us help keep the romance lit in Des Moines

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is working to ensure that your romantic plans don't get interrupted.

You have been planning this day out for weeks. The flowers have been delivered, the table is set, and the wine is poured. You are sitting down with your significant other for a romantic candlelit dinner at home. Right before you put dessert on the table you get a smell of something very unpleasant. You search your home to find where the stench is coming from and it is a sewage backup in your bathroom. Sewage back up can occur for a variety of reasons. Don’t let it ruin your romantic night in. You won’t want to clean up the mess yourself put your trust in SERVPRO of Des Moines SW and give us a call. We will come in, extract the water, deodorize, clean your damaged contents, and restore carpets and floors.

Call us today to help make sure your romantic night can resume.We work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is your statewide Large Loss Response Team

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your cleanup and restoration company for the state of Iowa!

Winter, spring, summer, or fall all you have to do is call…SERVPRO of Des Moines SW when disaster strikes. Did you know that SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is the only Large Loss certified franchise in the state of Iowa? What does it mean to be large loss certified? Glad you asked! Being a certified large loss franchise means that we can respond to any loss across the state. We are equipped for residential and large commercial losses. You will know we are on the scene with the bright green machines but you will also know who our employees are by their uniforms and id badges.  We understand the importance of getting your business back up and running after a disaster and we work hard to make that happen. SERVPRO of Des Moines SW is here to help with any size disaster.

SERVPRO Emergency Green Vehicles are equipped to cleanup your emergencies.

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SERVPRO of Des Moines SW for your emergency water and fire cleanup needs.

Green is on the Scene with our many different types of vehicles. During emergency water and fire calls we respond with our trucks all ready to go! Thanks to some of our amazing staff these trucks keep stocked

We have a water truck that we bring to the job site to extract water right on the premises. This helps to ensure that the drying process can start quickly so your water emergency can get cleaned up. We also have other vehicles that are designated for large loss jobs and removing your affected content for cleaning at our shop. When you see the green SERVPRO vehicles you know we are helping you, your neighbors, and your local businesses get back to everyday life quickly and efficiently.   

Fall Maintenance Checklist

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help.  Take the time to reduce property damage by doing these things this fall to prevent property damage.  Winter is around the corner and Iowa winter temperatures are cold and harsh.  Be prepared by taking  a little action now by doing a little fall preventative maintenance.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

• Stow Your Mower
• Store hoses and turn off outdoor water
• Drain and turn off sprinkler systems
• Seal cracks around doors and windows
• Clean your gutters
• Inspect your roof
• Direct drainage away from your house
• Get your furnace serviced
• Prune your plants
• Look up the chimney for any blockages and check the dampers to make sure they are working

When damage happens though know we are here to help make it " Like it never even happened"

Items In An Emergency Supply Kit

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Des Moines East/SW believes in being READY.  One of the first ways of doing this is to have an emergency supply kit.  It may be different depending on what type of disasters you are likely to encounter but this is a good starter list. 

• Water ( one gallon water per person per day)
• Food ( non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Battery-operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal help
• Dust mask
• Hygiene items
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Local Maps
• Cell phone with chargers
• Cash
• Important documents
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches

Put this emergency kit in a safe place that easily able to be found by all members of your family. 

Water Clean Up in Des Moines, Altoona and Surrounding Areas

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

When water damage happens in Des Moines, Altoona, and the surrounding areas don't hesitate with who to call.  Call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, Ottumwa/Oskaloosa, Des Moines East & SW.  We are the largest SERVPRO in the state of Iowa but we are here to handle everything from a small water leak to a large flood.  We can clean up fresh water from a water line break from a washing machine, dish washer, sink, refrigerator, or even water from an air conditioner condensate line.  We can clean up water that has backed up from a drain line or from a sump pump that has quit working. 

It is so important to call us right away.  It is the water you don't see that can cause the most damage.  We do free estimates and free moisture checks.  Don't hesitate to call. 

We have equipment loaded and ready to go and crew that works 24 hours a day to help you and respond to your loss right away to start extracting water and we will set dehumidifiers and air movers if needed as soon as we can to keep the water from wicking further into the structure. 

You can trust us. With our three locations to have staff ready to help you 24 hours a day. So when you have water to clean up we are here to help you.  Thank you for trusting us.

Removing water from Carpet in Ankeny

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Our Des Moines Employee, Nick, Removing Carpet and Pad from a house in Ankeny

After a water intrusion we will use this type of equipment to remove the water from carpet and pad.  In order to save the carpet and pad it must be a clean water loss. Meaning the leak had to come from a fresh water line.  We use this equipment or something similar to extract the water.  This machine is called a rover but we will also use a machine called a hydroX. They work the same way.  You stand on both types of machines and the weight of the machine and the employee standing on the machine helps to squeeze out and suck up the water. The machine is self propelled using controls on the handle.  The water is then pumped through tubes into a truck mounted holding tank to be disposed of.  Air movers and dehumidifiers are still needed to remove moisture but this will remove the majority of excess water.  We attempt when ever possible to save the carpet and pad but many times if not attended to fast enough delamination occurs. This is why it is so important to know who to call if you ever have water damage and to do it right away. This will minimize cost for the dry out process and minimize property damage.

Home Contents Inventory-Why it’s Needed in Case of a Fire

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Imagine having a total loss of your home due to a fire and having to recall every item that was damaged… could you do it? Would you trust yourself to remember each individual item that was in your home, especially the rarely used ones? Without a photographic memory most of us would find some difficulty with this task in an already stressful time. In the event of a fire, your insurance company will expect you to provide a list of all your personal property that was damaged. By having a pre-assembled Home Contents Inventory you can have piece-of-mind knowing that all of your contents are documented and can then be properly replaced according to your insurance policy. There are several methods to complete your Home Contents Inventory whether on paper or digitally (you can contact your local SERVPRO for a blank copy of either). You will want to make sure to list each item, its value, and include any receipts and photographs along with it. It’s a good idea to update your Home Contents Inventory list annually to include any new items you have added to the home and remove items you no longer have. Make sure to keep a copy safe in a fireproof container or safe deposit box and you can always file a copy with your insurance agent as well.

Emergency Fire Tips

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

In 2015 there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. A structure fire was reported every 63 seconds and caused an estimated $14.3 billion in property damage. In order to ensure you and your family’s safety make sure to have an escape route in place so if a fire is discovered, you can move quickly to evacuate to your designated meeting place. The aftermath of a fire can be just as devastating as the initial event. Your local SERVPRO is here to help minimize damage and save your contents. Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to a fire without consulting a repair service and make sure your restoration company is IICRC certified (all SERVPRO techs are!) There is a science behind effective cleaning. Proper methods and products must be used depending on the materials being cleaned to avoid further damage. When you choose SERVPRO, you can take comfort knowing your home and contents are in the hands of trained and caring professionals.

Emergency Water Tips

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Suffering a water loss can be a hectic and stressful time. Emotions run high and often times you don’t even know where to start! The first step should always be to identify the source of incoming water then shutoff or stop the water source if possible. Next make sure to turn off all electrical appliances around the affected area to reduce electrical hazards and turn off the circuit breakers supplying electricity to the wet areas. You will want to remove excess water by mopping or blotting and make sure to never use a regular vacuum to remove water! Keep furniture safe from additional damage by placing aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting/flooring and make sure to call your local SERVPRO to come assess the damage and get the drying process started immediately.

Commercial Restaurant Loss & Getting you Back to Business

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

In 2015 Restaurants across the United States suffered a total of $116 million dollars in damages, the average loss being $23,000 (not including revenue loss from business interruption) finding prime days for damage occurred on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We know that even the smallest losses can impact business functionality and cause revenue loss which is why we are here to get you back to business quickly! SERVPRO of Iowa City/Ottumwa/Des Moines is a large loss certified franchise with trained crews and commercial grade equipment that can respond to any size loss within hours. Regardless of the type of loss we understand the urgency of getting damages taken care of… after all an empty restaurant will COST you money. Once emergency cleaning is completed, our professional team can also offer regular maintenance services such as hood kitchen exhaust cleaning helping to ensure your restaurant is always clean and ready for business!

Disaster Preparedness for a Storm

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

With the fluctuations in weather, Iowa has been known to experience its fair share of severe weather and storms. Two elements that cause a thunderstorm are moisture and rapidly rising warm air, which is why severe thunderstorms occur most often in hot summer months. Thunderstorms produce lightening which can severely hurt people and damage property. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and high winds can damage your home and blow down trees and utility poles. If you happen to get caught unprepared, storms can threaten both your property and your personal safety. Make a list of items to bring inside during a storm and ensure pets are safe and any outside housing is secured. Be sure to discuss a safety plan with your family including a safe place in your home away from windows and glass to gather during a storm. Have an emergency kit including water, non-perishable food, towels, garbage bags, and first aid kit supplies and remain indoors until after the storm has passed. After a storm you can contact your local SERVPRO 24hours a day to assist with any immediate board ups needed to protect your home.

Summer Weather and Your Appliances- Fire Hazards at Your Business and at Home

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Often time people overlook the fact that summer weather can have an impact on your appliances. Extreme Heat, Summer Storms, and Power Outages can be hazardous and increase the chances of a fire in your home or business. Be cautious of over-working compressors from refrigerators and freezers, they can get extremely hot and cause a fire. Improperly used extension cords not designed to carry the proper electric load can heat quickly and also cause a fire and considerable damage. During a Summer Storm do not use electrical appliances that have been wet or potentially shorted from a lightning strike, these can be a major fire hazard. To be sure no fires have started it’s a good idea to check your appliances during and after a storm. If you experience a power outage never run cords from generators or other appliances under carpet or rugs where heat could build and cause damage or fire. Being aware of the potential hazards can save you, your business, and your home.

Extreme Heat- How it can Affect you

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

We all know Iowa summers bring extreme heat! Extreme heat is caused by higher than normal temperature and humidity. Children, ages infant to four are at higher risk for heat related illnesses and need extra fluids compared to adults. Symptoms of heat related illness include faintness, exhaustion, nausea, muscle spasms, and fever. In the United States more than 600 people die every year due to extreme heat. During these heat waves it’s better to stay inside and stay cool if possible. Air conditioning is the highest protective measure against extreme heat illnesses. HYDRATION is also extremely important! Drink plenty of water and if you’re in prolonged heat it’s good to utilize sports drinks to replenish your body with electrolytes. If you must be outdoors you should also avoid strenuous activities, wear lightweight light colored clothing, and take breaks in the shade or a cool environment.

The Process of Mold Mitigation and Remediation in Des Moines

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Our Technician Matt setting up to do air testing for microbial growth in a basement in Des Moines

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking waterline, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. It is the water you can't see that may cause the most damage. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, we are here to help and have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call Professionals - SERVPRO of Iowa City/Ottumwa/Des Moines

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our office. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment will be set in place that captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. Our technicians use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. We understand mold and mold growth and have the raining and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

We use HEPA filters when we Clean Up Mold

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

These vacuums are used during the Mold Remediation process

When doing different types of restoration work we will set in the space what we call air scrubbers.  These air scrubbers are HEPA filter units that collect air borne particles that their size is 300 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. To a HEPA filter, catching a one-micron particle is like stopping a cotton ball with a door screen.  When doing mold remediation we use these air scrubbers but we also will use HEPA vacuums to clean surfaces and trap the particles. 

HEPA filters were invented during World War II to remove and capture radio active dust particles that would present a health hazard to researchers. It was invented to protect the human respiratory system.  HEPA filters are the top form of air filtration.

Des Moines - We Do Carpet Cleaning

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

We are a premier cleaning company.  We specialize in carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, drapery cleaning, rug cleaning, and furniture cleaning.  We do carpet cleaning for residential and commercial customers. We have licensed technicians who are trained by the IICRC in the proper methods to clean different types of carpets and fabrics. We pretest fragile fabrics and make sure that we take the best care of your home or office that we can.  We clean carpets for general cleaning, after water damage, after fire damage, to remove odors, to remove stains, and to clean up after pets.  We pride ourselves in a job well done.  We do stair cleaning as well.  We have the right equipment and the right products to keep your carpets and fabrics safe.  Our estimates are free and we do our pricing based off of square footage.  Give us a call today. 

Weather Radio - Everyone Should Have

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Everyone should have a weather radio. A weather radio keeps you informed of inclement weather. Early warning is your best plan to prevent damage or death from a storm.  Storms can change direction, grow in intensity, and change people's lives in a second if they are not informed promptly.  The nice thing about weather radios are that when an update comes out from the National Weather Service they immediately alert you.  You only get the information that you request based off the programming of your weather radio.  When purchasing a weather radio make sure you get one that runs off batteries and a/c power.  Make sure you check the batteries once a month and make sure that you change them once a year.  In the event of a power loss you want to be informed.  Yes they are loud and will wake you up when you are sleeping but if there is a bad storm heading your direction keep your family safe by waking up to your weather radio.

Dehumidifiers

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

We use dehumidifiers as one piece of equipment during our balanced drying system we use when we are cleaning up after a water loss.  Dehumidification helps to minimize secondary damages.  Dehumidifiers alone are not the only piece of equipment we use. These units are used to capture evaporated moisture in the air. We have to get the moisture out of the material and we use air movers and energy to get the water to evaporate.  Once evaporated the vapor can be removed from the air with a dehumidifier.  "Dehumidifiers are a sealed refrigeration system with defrost mechanism, fan, and water collection system.  The dehumidifier removes energy from the incoming air, then returns this energy as sensible heat to the exiting air.  During this energy removal process, water vapor condenses on the evaporator (cool) coil and is collected." - From Disaster Academy Training Manual

Desiccants

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Desiccants are used on a larger scale water loss to remove moisture from the air.  We used these as a tool in our balanced drying system in place or along side dehumidifiers on a larger scale project.  Desiccants operate differently then dehumidifiers. Desiccants do not collect water through condensation. They vent moisture-laden air from inside the structure to outside the structure using a ventilation system.  Desiccants are usually large units and sit outside the structure with venting tubes and air input tubes from and to the structure.  They create the greatest vapor pressure and are best used when trying to dry wood flooring, plaster, or concrete. They work on the principle of sorption rather then condensation.  Water vapor in this process is adsorbed by a silica gel and then that silica gel is reactivated by energy causing the desiccant to release its moisture to the outside air.

Can We Save Your Structure

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

In a lot of cases yes we can. A lot of building materials are made to get wet but NOT maintain wetness.  It is very important to have a balanced drying system and start that system very quickly after water damage.  Problems with saving materials occur when the water infiltration is caused by contaminated water.

Drywall can be saved if it is a clean water infiltration.  Drywall is fragile when wet but when dried it is very strong.  If seems are intact and there is no swelling or microbial growth then the drying process can begin. 

Paneling and wallpaper are difficult to dry but cavity drying systems can be attempted if the material can not be replaced and it was a clean water infiltration. 

Lath and Plaster require a very controlled drying process with aggressive evaporation and low humidity air but can sometimes be saved. 

We use many different systems to dry different materials in different spaces.  We have floor drying systems, cavity drying systems, and general drying systems. 

We are here to help you.  "Like it never even happened."

Commercial - The Benefits of an Emergency Ready Plan

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Statistically 50% of businesses will not reopen after a water or fire loss.  Reason being they do not have a plan in place.  If no plan is in place, there is extended amounts of time where revenue is not made.  This hurts the business and then they close.  We understand this need to be prepared.  We have a completely FREE service where we come and help you put a plan in place with emergency contacts, shut offs, and pictures all in a easy to use app that can be accessed on a phone, tablet, or computer.

With a plan in place you know contacts and locations of things to be able to reduce property damage in the event of a fire or water loss.  You know who to call and help can be there faster.  We are a firm believer in don't wait until disaster strikes. Contact us today to help you be "Ready for whatever happens"

Have A Safe Place

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

When a storm is approaching always have that safe place.  Always forward think.  Take the time even when you are driving down the road where is my safe place if inclement weather would approach.  Have that safe place at home.  Make sure everyone in your house knows where that place is.  It will make the situation go smoother in the event something were to happen. Control the situation as much as you can.  Does your family know where to go in the event of a disaster? Make a plan now it will help if something were to happen.  If you are using a neighbors house, a place down the street or another family member across town just have a plan and make sure everyone knows what the plan is.  Have a plan for a storm, have a plan for a fire, have a plan for a medical emergency. 

We Do Biohazard Work

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

Most people don't realize but we do Biohazard work as well.  Biohazard clean up is:

• Unattended Death Clean Up
• Blood Clean Up
• Homicide and Suicide Clean Up
• Crime Scene Clean Up
• Industrial Accidents
• Animal Clean Up

We have 5 trained technicians with many years of experience in this profession. They have a great bedside manor and have an incredible amount of empathy for our clients.  Biohazard work is something we take very seriously. We pride ourselves in being desecrate while we do the work.  We work with police departments, fire departments, funeral home directors, medical facilities and home and vehicle owners.  We have worked for commercial and residential locations.  We pride ourselves on being your local option to help in your time of need. 

Understanding our Commercial Customers Needs

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

We pride ourselves on understanding our commercial customers needs.  We understand that every minute you are closed and/or not fully open for business you are loosing valuable revenue.  We guarantee that when you make a call into us that within an hour no matter the time of day we will contact you and set up arrangements to be on site.  We then will do everything in our power to very quickly decide what needs to be done and how we are going to do it so that you get back up and running as quickly as possible. 

If possible we will set up containments or set up specialized air cleaning equipment to get your business back up and running immediately while we work so you can work.   We know that your business is very important to you because our business is very important to us and we are lucky enough to have the trained staff and the equipment to help you and your business.

Types of Commercial Businesses we have worked for

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

We have worked with many different types of commercial properties.

We have worked with schools; cleaning contents after a storm, drying out a water loss to reduce further damage, drying gym floors to avoid costly replacement, and cleaning after a fire.

We have worked with banks; cleaning sewage from basements, drying out and restoring important documents, and cleaning carpet to name just a few.

We have worked with many commercial retail locations; cleaning soot and removing odor after a fire, cleaning contents, removing grease from surfaces, and drying out after a sprinkler head or a water intrusion.

We have worked with many property management companies on apartments and hotels; Removing mold, removing odor, cleaning carpets, cleaning after a fire loss, drying out after a water loss.

Either way we have a proven track record of working with Commercial Businesses and getting them back and running as QUICK as possible to prevent excessive revenue loss. We even offer Emergency Ready Profiles for no charge on a handy app so that businesses have all their important information in the event of an emergency right in front of them all the time.

Ask our staff how we can help your business.

Be Ready For A Storm

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

You know storms are going to happen.  Rather it be snow, rain, wind, etc. They are going to happen.  To be prepared is a must.  The following list is what is recommended at a minimum to be ready in the event of a storm.

• Flash Light
• Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Cellphone
• Canned Food
• Manual Can Opener
• Bottled Water
• Blanket
• Fire Extinguisher
• Battery Powered Weather Radio

Being prepared will help keep panic at a minimum. These items kept in a safe place where you go in the event of a storm for easy access is also necessary.  Keep where you go in the basement or in possibly a bathroom closet if your home or business does not have a basement.  Pick food items and bottled water that have long shelf lives.  Make sure to test your batteries every month or so in your devices.

SERVPRO has its own Meteorologist

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's corporate office maintains and has on staff our very own SERVPRO Meteorologist.  She helps our franchises with Storm forecasts and alerts so that we are ready and informed.  Storm alerts are vital she says because she has witnessed and experienced storm chasing.  She went out and chased storms and felt the power of super cells building in the Midwest.  She knows the power of weather and why it is so important to be informed and ready in our industry.  Her being a part of our team is a vital key as she helps us know where and when we need to activate our teams to different areas to help out those affected by the storm.  Being knowledgeable about the weather which is such a key factor in our industry empowers us to be ready for you. 

It is important to dry up the water

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage due to an intrusion, long standing leaks, or from high humidity need to be addressed right away.  Mold feeds and grows in high moisture and warm environments.  Mold is present every where.  There are good forms and bad.  It is very important to start the drying process right away to prevent mold growth.  Organic materials found inside a building; wood, paper, drywall and insulation are great sources of food for mold.  Different types of mold are health threats.  It is very important though to remember that if you see visible mold spores to not put air flow directly across the mold. It can send the spores airborne causing more damage.  This is why it is so important to call a professional right away to make sure all areas are brought back to acceptable moisture levels inside a home after water damage.

Testing For Mold

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

We are certified to test for mold.  If you believe mold is present either by visually seeing something you think is mold or by smelling something musty call a professional.  We do visual inspections, air sampling, as well as we have a bore scope that can go inside areas that are not normally visible to look for mold.  When air samples are taken, 3 samples are taken and sent in.  The results take about 5 to 7 days to return.  If the air samples come back positive for mold then we will do further investigation to locate the source of the positive result of the air samples.  Call for pricing if you believe you have mold present and we will help you maintain your healthy home.

Health Effects of Mold

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can effect people's health.  People most effected by mold are people with compromised health, infants and young children, people with chronic breathing issues such as asthma and allergies, and the elderly.  Any one can experience health problems from mold though.  Possible health effects are runny nose, cough, sneeze, abnormal accelerated problems with asthma, sore throat, or sinus inflammation.  This sounds like a common cold but problems from mold linger for excessive amounts of time.  Mold spores grow very quickly so if you see mold give us a call right away so health concerns don't accelerate.  Cleaning the affected mold areas when you are already showing signs of illness can increase this level of sickness for yourself so this is why using a professional with proper personal protective equipment is a good idea.

Types of Mold

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

There are different types of mold.  The most common are aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold).

Aspergillus is non toxic to humans but it can aggravate allergy symptoms.  It is found on foods and in air conditioning systems.

Cladosporium is non toxic to humans but can aggravate allergy symptoms.  This is found as a black or green mold that grows in little dots in bathrooms, on painted surfaces, and in flexible air ducts. 

Stachybotrys is commonly called black mold. This should be removed to prevent health issues.  Call a trained professional to remove.  This type of mold grows on building materials.

To prevent mold growth make sure that water leaks are dried up quickly and humidity levels are maintained in your home or business. Mold thrives in warm damp conditions.

Our Customer Service Response Times

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Customer service is top priority for us on any loss but especially on a commercial job.  We want to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible following a loss.  Our service response guidelines are as follows.

With in 1 hour of your initial call to us we will return your call and arrange a professional to provide service.

With in 4 hours of your initial call a professional will be on site to evaluate the loss and start mitigation services.

With in 8 hours of your initial call we will be able to give you a briefing of what we are doing and how we need to do it  and provide that scope to the appropriate people.

We are here to help you and we know that prompt service is needed when an emergency happens.  You can trust us.

Commercial Large Loss Team

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

You can depend on us to get your commercial business back up and running.  You are lucky enough to have us be a SERVPRO qualified Large Loss Response Team. We are right here in your back yard. What this means for you is that we are a part of an elite group of SERVPRO's that are strategically positioned throughout the United States with trucks and equipment ready to be mobilized to your loss.  The benefits to businesses that are so vital are that you know that we have a trained workforce that has under gone back ground checks, our employees are uniformed and carry id badges all the time, we are trained by IICRC in our industry, and the management programs and corporate communication we have in place are all vital for businesses to know that the people doing the work for you are professionals. We have a promise of satisfaction and a promise of professionalism.

Smoke Alarms and Fire Emergency Plans

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. They are the tool most valuable in saving peoples lives.  Smoke alarms should be near every bedroom. It is very important to check them often and make sure the batteries are in good working condition.  Test the alarm beep every month.  Change the batteries every year and the unit may need replaced every 10 years.  If you need help with your smoke detectors, installing, servicing, or testing contact your local fire department. 

Be sure also that your home has a Fire Emergency Plan in place. Make sure everyone knows where to go and how to conduct themselves in the event of a fire.  Show children how to open windows and how to test doors to see if they are hot.  Make sure everyone knows where the safe place to meet outside the home is.  A practice fire drill with your family is always a good practice once a year.

Principles of Deodorization following a Fire

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

There are four principles of deodorization that we follow when restoring an affected area after a fire.  The first step is to remove the source.  The charred material all needs to be removed first to start the process. 

We then clean contaminated surfaces to remove soot residue.  This needs to happen as soon as we are able to. This will help minimize damage.

After removing the residue we then use different methods to remove odor.  This principle is called recreate the conditions of penetration.  We use many different methods to remove odor form objects.  We use ozone machines, hydroxyl machines as well as thermal foggers to remove odor. 

When necessary we seal and encapsulate the odor using special sealing materials so that the odor does not penetrate the sealer and continue to produce an odor.

List of items to be maintained by the customer following a fire

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

In the event of a fire and it is decided by the customer, insurance adjuster, and SERVPRO that SERVPRO is going to do a content pack out of the affected belongings while the home/business is restored there are a few items that the customer should maintain.  These items SERVPRO prefers are sorted out of the belongings before we come to pack up the others for cleaning and storage. 

-insurance policies

-licenses, birth certificates, passports, tax documents

-school and medical records

-checkbooks, credit cards, ID cards

-irreplaceable videos, media, or pictures

-few special toys; baby items

-pet foods and inside pets

-cash

-prescription drugs

Our pack out process if very organized and recorded for easy access of any items that are needed while in our hands but these are a few items that are usually needed very quickly.

Sign Up for our Periodic Newsletter

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

3/3/2017

Click the below link to sign up for our periodic informational newsletter.  We send out our newsletter frequently. The newsletter is an informational tool that we use to stay in touch with our SERVPRO friends.  The newsletter provides information about how SERVPRO is different from other restoration/mitigation companies.  We include content on the equipment we use, how we do the work we do, things that are going on in our community, and provide you information to help you be prepared in the event of a disaster. There newsletter also links you quickly to our website for easy access to blog information and before and after pictures of the work that we do. There is also a quick link to our services page so you can learn more about what we do and how we can help you or someone you know when you need us most. Please take the time to click Sign Up and we will put your email on our newsletter list.

Fire Do's and Don'ts

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

If you have fire and smoke damage to your property it is hard to not start cleaning yourself.  Please let the professionals help you. 

The Do's

-Keep movement in the building at a minimum.  This helps keep particles from being embedded in carpet and fabrics.

-Wash your hands a lot and be careful not to transfer or wipe soot onto something. It can make it damage the item more.

-If electricity is off empty fridges and freezers and prop doors open to prevent odors. 

-Change your furnace/air conditioner filter but don't let the system continue to run. Turn it off.

Don'ts

-Do not try washing any thing yourself.  You could further rub the soot into the item. 

-Don't shampoo your carpet. Talk to a professional first.

-Don't clean any electronics without contacting a professional.

-Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been effected by the fire, soot, or smoke.

-Do not turn ceiling fans on. This will stir up the soot residue. 

Water Damage Do's and Don'ts

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage from clean water is much different then contaminated, sewer water.  These do's are only for clean water.  It is important to hire a professional to help you dry out your home after water damage.  With the right tools and pieces of equipment we can properly and safely dry out your home or business and the products with in it.

Do's

-Shut off the source of the water. 

-Turn off electricity

-Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and soaking up with towels. 

-Wipe excess water from wood furniture.

-Put aluminum foil in between furniture legs and carpet. 

Don'ts

-Enter a room with standing water. There could be a risk of electrical shock. Disconnect all power first.

-Leave rugs and furniture upholstery wet against and sitting on carpets.  The fabrics could bleed between each other. 

-Turn on your television or any other electronic.

-Do not use your household vacuum to try and suck up any water.  They are not made for this.

Hydroxyl vs Ozone Machines

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl and Ozone machines both work to eliminate lingering odors, gases, and organic pollutants from the air. We are lucky to have both types of machines.  We put them in homes and businesses to remove pet odor, smoke odor, odor from mold, cooking odor, etc.  There are benefits and draw backs to both types of machines. 

Hydroxyl machines are able to run with living things in the same room.  They remove odor slower then when using ozone machines but you can live and work around a running hydroxyl machine.  Ozone machines can not run with living organisms in the same space.  Ozone machines will work in a few hours where a hydroxyl will need to run for a few days depending on the extent of the odor.  Ozone machines can also bleach wet fabrics and effect rubber. 

Depending on the type of odor you have we will chose the best type of equipment to work best to eliminate the smell. 

What is a Biohazard Event

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

A Biohazard Event is something effected by human blood, human blood itself, animal waste, human body fluids, microbiological waste, pathological waste, or sharps waste.  Many events that are biohazard related are very emotional.  We take pride in being a locally owned franchise here to help our neighbors.  We clean up after hoarders,  a homicide or suicide, an unattended death, bodily fluids in a vehicle, etc. 

We are here to help you handle these situations safely. We have 5 certified staff to help in properly and discreetly cleaning up and disposing of this material.  Most of our biohazard events are cleaned up at night.  This helps in keeping on looking eyes from becoming too much of a problem.  We use special equipment to find and locate all traces of biohazard material and completely clean up the materials.  You can trust our staff to clean up after your biohazard event in a caring manor.

Ready At All Times

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

One of our many van trucks.

We have a promise to our clients. WE ARE READY at all times.  We have a staff of over 40 people ready to help after any size disaster. We have staff on call at night and on the weekends to make sure that when we are needed we are ready.  We have different size vehicles all stocked and fueled ready to leave at a moments notice. We have a very mobilized fleet.  We have cars, trucks, trailers, and van trucks. We have a highly trained staff with crew leaders with over 90 years of combined experience in the mitigation and restoration business.  They maintain certifications in residential and commercial approved structural drying, fire and smoke restoration, odor control, water damage restoration, carpet and duct cleaning, and biohazard.  Our staff is ready to help you.

Large Loss Response Team

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

We are currently the only certified Large Loss Response Team in the state of Iowa.  We have the equipment, employees, and connections to help in even the largest disaster.  We promise to be ready when you need us.  Our equipment is always fueled, tested, loaded.  We have on call staff 24 hours a day.  We have a trailer loaded with our desiccant and a dedicated generator to run it at all times.  This desiccant is a 5,000 cfm piece of equipment for dehumidification.  We have air movers and large portable dehumidifiers for drying a structure.  We have large air scrubbers and different ozone machines for removing odor. A large loss is a loss valued at over $50,000 in  mitigation or remediation work.  Every loss is managed by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

Our employees are trained residential and commercially for any size disaster.

Ultrasonic Machine

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Ultrasonic Machine

Our Ultrasonic Machine is located in our Iowa City office. This machine is used to clean many different items including items damaged by mold or soot.  We can clean some electronics, jewelry, guns, family heirlooms, light fixtures, porcelain dolls, etc. 

The benefits of Ultrasonic cleaning are;

Offers a deep and even clean

Very delicate cleaning for those delicate items

High speed and energy efficient cleaning

Minimal chemicals

Ultrasonic works with high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, along with the special cleaning solutions, to create the effect of millions of tiny bubbles which breakdown contaminants off the target surface without the need for scrubbing.

If you have an item that you would like to have deep cleaned with our ultrasonic machine just let us know.

Even if you don't have fire and water damage at your home and you just need an item deep cleaned, feel free to bring it in and we will be happy to clean the item quickly and thoroughly for you. 

Hiring for Sales Marketing Representative

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Marketing Representative

SERVPRO of Des Moines East/SW a cleaning & restoration Company specializing in water & fire mitigation, is currently hiring for a Marketing Representative.

Responsibilities

Primary Role:  Promote and communicate franchise services in business to business interaction to achieve increased use of, and profit from, our services for residential and commercial losses. Grow and develop residential and commercial customer base by utilizing a systematic process to identify new prospects and to routinely contact and follow up with customers or COI (Center of Influence). Build relationships with such clientele as insurance agents and become acquainted with local law enforcement and fire departments. When losses occur, this clientele should feel comfortable calling you.  Daily travel is required.  This job requires occasional overnight/weekend stays and, depending on event duration, (ie: conventions, trade shows, etc.) may require extended stays.  Conduct repetitive contact calls as follow up to losses and continue to build relationships and educate the customer as to why SERVPRO is the best cleaning and restoration company in the industry. Utilize SERVPRO marketing materials and tools to educate potential residential and commercial customers of the benefits from choosing SERVPRO and gain maximum exposure to the public.  Grow public relations by attending scheduled marketing events within the community and help orchestrate such events as assigned by existing marketing team, ie: continuing education courses in various fields related to our clientele, public relations events and community outreach.  Attendance at certain Chamber and community events will be required.  You will schedule and present Lunch and Learns for larger groups.  You will also work in conjunction with existing marketing team to provide administrative help and put together Emergency Response Profiles for commercial accounts.

Results Expected: Continual increased usage of SERVPRO’s services throughout the assigned territory. New customers are routinely added and customer base is diverse. Both internal and external communications are timely and effective.

Minimum Requirements

• HSD/GED and 1 to 2 years preferred in sales/marketing and customer service

• Valid Driver license

• Pass background check and drug test

• Subject to verbal and written scenario testing

• Understand production and estimating processes

• Complete documentation, as appropriate

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including proper punctuation, grammar and use of courteous and professional tone, via voice, email or text at all times

• Ability to meet people in new or difficult situations and build rapport

• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail

• Very self-motivated and goal-oriented

• Ability to multi-task

• Capability to work in a fast-paced, team oriented office environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (ie: Outlook, Word, Excel)

• Ability to produce well worded emails and social media posts.  Will be primary social media handler (ie: Facebook, Twitter, Webpage)

• Ability to brainstorm and bring new ideas to the table to help SERVPRO remain one of the leading restoration providers in our area

• Attend marketing meetings at least quarterly and production meetings once a month

Hours

• 40 hours/week, with the flexibility to work overtime when required, afterhours and on weekends.

 Pay Rate

Competitive base with commission, based upon qualifications and discussed during interview

 TO APPLY: E-mail your resume, along with salary history to our HR department andrea@SERVPRO.me

SERVPRO® specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage situation. So, when disaster strikes, homeowners, businesses and insurance providers will rely on us to respond with unparalleled service excellence. As a nation's leading fire and water cleanup and restoration company with more than 1,600 Franchises nationwide, we are growing rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for "A Level" talent.  We have recently gained status as a Large Loss Response Team franchise, therefore, we travel statewide for large commercial losses.  We are also an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Emergency Ready Profile

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their business at no cost.  We offer a free app to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically in advance, where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes, also free.  This information can be shared very easily with staff.   This ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more.  We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs.  We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees.  We believe in being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation.  These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our great staff to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

2017 CE Classes in Iowa City/Coralville Areas

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

We are excited to announce that our CE Classes for Spring AND Fall are now available and waiting for you to get signed up!

We are offering more classes this year (morning and afternoon options) and also options for all-day classes to better accommodate you and your schedule! We hope to see you this year!

The website link can be found below, but here is a breakdown of our classes in the Iowa City/Coralville area this year:

http://SERVPRO2017ceclassschedule.eventbrite.com

1)  Course Topic: Ethics & Truth (SPRING Morning   Session) (9:00am-12:00pm) 

Date: Wednesday, April 12th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Coralville Marriot Hotel

                300 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241

2) Course Topic: Winners & Losers: The E & O Story (SPRING Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)

Date: Wednesday, April 12th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM

Credit Hours: 4

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Coralville Marriot Hotel

                300 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241

3) Course Topic: Cowboy Ethics (FALL Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)

Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Coralville Radisson Hotel

                1220 1st Ave, Coralville, IA 52241

4) Course Topic: Winners & Losers: The E & O Story (FALL Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)

Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM

Credit Hours: 4

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Coralville Radisson Hotel

                1220 1st Ave, Coralville, IA 52241

Lunch is provided for all attendees (12PM-12:30PM)—come half an hour before for registration

There are afternoon options available on the same dates as the morning sessions at the same location. If there is an interest to participate in a whole day of CE Class sessions, remember to register for both the morning and afternoon classes (a whole day session is $50.00)

2017 CE Classes in the Ottumwa Area

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

We are excited to announce that our CE Classes for Spring AND Fall are now available and waiting for you to get signed up!

We are offering more classes this year (morning and afternoon options) and also options for all-day classes to better accommodate you and your schedule! We hope to see you this year!

The website link can be found below, but here is a breakdown of our classes in the Ottumwa area this year:

http://SERVPRO2017ceclassschedule.eventbrite.com

1)  Course Topic: Ethics For Dummies (SPRING Morning   Session) (9:00am-12:00pm) 

Date: Tuesday, June 6th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Bridgeview Center

                102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501

2) Course Topic: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire (SPRING Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)

Date: Tuesday, June 6th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM

Credit Hours: 4

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Bridgeview Center

                102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501

3) Course Topic: Ethics & Truth (FALL Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)

Date: Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Bridgeview Center

                102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501

4) Course Topic: E & O Mock Trial (FALL Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)

Date: Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM

Credit Hours: 4

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Bridgeview Center

                102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501

Lunch is provided for all attendees (12PM-12:30PM)—come half an hour before for registration

There are afternoon options available on the same dates as the morning sessions at the same location. If there is an interest to participate in a whole day of CE Class sessions, remember to register for both the morning and afternoon classes (a whole day session is $50.00)

2017 CE Classes in Des Moines/Ankeny Areas

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

We are excited to announce that our CE Classes for Spring AND Fall are now available and waiting for you to get signed up!

We are offering more classes this year (morning and afternoon options) and also options for all-day classes to better accommodate you and your schedule! We hope to see you this year!

The website link can be found below, but here is a breakdown of our classes in the Des Moines/Ankeny areas this year:

http://SERVPRO2017ceclassschedule.eventbrite.com

1)  Course Topic: Cowboy Ethics (SPRING Morning   Session) (9:00am-12:00pm) 

Date: Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: Glen Oaks Country Club

                1401 Glen Oaks Dr., W Des Moines, IA 50266

2) Course Topic: Insurance Claims for Water, Mold, Crime Scene & Biohazard (SPRING Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)

Date: Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM

Credit Hours: 4

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: Glen Oaks Country Club

                1401 Glen Oaks Dr., W Des Moines, IA 50266

*To gain access to the Glen Oaks Country Club facility: At the security gate, let the personnel know you are attending the SERVPRO CE Class* 

3) Course Topic: Ethics for Dummies (FALL Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)

Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Ankeny Courtyard by Marriot

                2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021

4) Course Topic: Industry Hot Topics (FALL Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)

Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 2017

Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM

Credit Hours: 4

Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC

Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing

Cost: $25.00

Location: The Ankeny Courtyard by Marriot

                2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021

Lunch is provided for all attendees (12PM-12:30PM)—come half an hour before for registration

There are afternoon options available on the same dates as the morning sessions at the same location. If there is an interest to participate in a whole day of CE Class sessions, remember to register for both the morning and afternoon classes (a whole day session is $50.00)

Hiring Production & Cleaning Techs

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

We're hiring for all locations, Iowa City/Coralville, Ottumwa/Oskaloosa, and Des Moines East and SW - Full Time production and cleaning techs!  HS diploma/GED, valid driver's license required, competitive pay/benefits. Full description/application at www.SERVPRO.careerplug.com or send resume to andrea@SERVPRO.me

We believe in a team environment.  We support each other and cross train when needed.

We offer a health insurance option to our full time staff. 

We believe in training and supporting our staff. There are many areas of advancement in house.  Our production and cleaning staff are a big part of helping people after a disaster help put their lives back together.  All of our employees have a lot of empathy for our clients. If you have a big heart  and desire to help people this is the place for you.