Cell Phone Fire Risk

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

Know the fire risks charging cell phones can pose to help keep your and your family safe!

SERVPRO® has responded to multiple home fires that were caused by cell phone chargers. Now days it’s hard to find a home that doesn’t have a cell phone in it, and if there is a cell phone then there will be charger.  Our phones are major part of our day, and we have them will us all the time. I personally have mine on me 24/7, and I charge it on my night stand next to my bed.  Did you know that chargers produce a large amount on energy? One fire we responded to the cell phone charger caught a mattress in a child's bedroom on fire. He are some tips to help keep you safe from a cell phone charger fire.

1. Only buy and use devices that are listed by a quality testing laboratory.
2. Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instruction.
3. Only use the battery and charging cord that’s designed for you specific device.
4. Do not charge your device under a pillow, on your bed, on a couch or in a location that’s exposed to direct sunlight.

Your Fire Professionals here at SERVPRO® are always here to help if your home or business has experienced a fire. We are ready to help 24/7.

When a storm hits, call SERVPRO®

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO®, we are ready for the storm!

8/2/2017

SERVPRO of Salem West technicians maintain certifications from the IICRC this allows our team to handle weather related damages to residential and commercial properties.

A snow storm in Bend, Oregon caused property damages and our team was dispatched to the area.

Here is an example of the certifications our team members have;

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively. 

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

Technicians with AMRT certification learn safety practices and mold/ sewage remediation techniques. 

Let our trained and qualified employees take the stress and worry away from storm damages by keeping you up to date with the process, with our fast and efficient work to get your home or business back in order, and with our courteous and polite employees.

SERVPRO of Salem West is "Faster to Any Size Disaster". Call (503) 393-9999 for an inspection.    

For more training and certification requirements check out our website.

What makes SERVPRO different?

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

The Character and Dedication of your local SERVPRO Team makes them stand out above the rest!

Whether it’s drying out a water loss, cleaning and reconstructing post a fire, or remediating mold in an attic. In our industry, dedication and character are everything. Once you begin a difficult job, it’s easy to hit a wall, get overwhelmed, feel stressed, and make the choice to throw your hands up and quit.
What is it that is going to get someone in a crawlspace full of sewage?
What is it that is going to get us to leave our warm snuggly beds at 2am, and drive across town to provide water extraction and stabilization at a loss?
What is it that drives us to voluntarily spend all day in the woods, cleaning up bio-hazardous abandoned homeless encampments?
What is it that motivates a person to put a customer, a team, and a job first?
Dedication and Character.
Dedication can be trained, learned, and achieved. It can even be faked.
Character can’t.
Character is what is going to take a person out of there bed at 2am to help someone.
Character is going to give someone the mental strength to set aside the “ew” factor, and clean up that sewage riddled crawlspace.
Character is going to take you into the woods, to piles of abandoned garbage that accumulate to tons, and it is going to give you the visualization of what those trees, moss, earth, and landscape will look like once you have finished clearing the job…and you roll up your sleeves.
Character is going to make you ask yourself questions like these:
How is my customer feeling? How can I serve this customer to the best of my ability?
How is my team working together? Am I doing my best to contribute to the success of my team?
How can I get the best possible outcome at this job for my customer? How am I going to get there?
Character: The trait that means everything.
I think it’s this trait in SERVPRO® technicians that makes them passionate and proud about the job and services they provide.
It's this trait that takes a newly hired technician from viewing restoration work as “A Day Job” or a “A Temporary Job” and gets them thinking about it as something they can be proud of for being a part of, and something they want to continue to be a part of.
The SERVPRO® values that our team is given as a standard. It sets them on a path to being a success in the industry. Character is the most valuable tool a SERVPRO® team member can have.
If you suffer a loss and your life is turned upside down, it takes a certain kind of person to navigate that loss and provide the knowledge, guidance, and dedication to serve the customer.
SERVPRO® prides itself on seeking out employees that can exemplify the values SERVPRO® is about, and add character and dedication to our team. When the need arises, call us today at 541-745-2097, and we will make it "Like it never even happened.®"

Why SERVPRO® for your Commercial Needs?

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® has professionally trained Technicians to handle all your Commercial Loss needs!

Why choose SERVPRO?

A commercial loss is much different than a residential loss. When it comes to SERVPRO® responding and mitigating a commercial loss, we have to take into account that there are many more parties of interest involved, and documentation of the job and proper communication about job progress and emergency response efforts may have to be distributed to multiple owners, managers, and insurance companies throughout the process.

SERVPRO® has worked within commercial buildings for over 20 years. We are used to navigating the delicate balance between communications with multiple owners, while also working with multiple vendors, to bring the structure back to preloss condition.

Experience really is key to when it comes to responding to a commercial loss. We prioritize what is most important to our customers and we get to work stabilizing the building as soon as possible. Each day a commercial property isn’t operating it is costing our customer money. As a longtime restoration vendor, we know that getting the facility/structure operational as soon as possible is key for customer satisfaction.

A large part of handling a commercial loss is efficient and frequent communication with the right parties at the right time. Our team at SERVPRO® keeps communication and customer satisfaction at the forefront of our job responsibilities at all times.

So when your business or facility has a loss, you can feel confident calling SERVPRO®. We will be able to respond to the disaster and get the situation under control faster than any other restoration company in the Willamette Valley.

We have the experience, the knowledge, the connections, and the communication and dedication to see commercial restorations come to a smooth and timely completion.  Give us a call today at 541-745-2097.

The Importance of ERPs

8/9/2023 (Permalink)

An ERP is an extremely useful 'just in case' tool your local SERVPRO® Representative can prepare, to help you be better prepare for the unexpected

Being a business owner can have many responsibilities, and you may have to take on multiple roles.

In most cases, disaster is the last thing you are thinking about. But every business owner, regardless of how new or old your business is, should have a plan and guide for what to do in the event of a disaster.

SERVPRO® offers a free community service called the "Emergency Ready Plan", or an ERP.

ERPs are handy little guides that we make at SERVPRO® that contain basic information regarding your property, who owns the property, and where your emergency shut off locations are.

We document and photograph where your electrical, water, and gas shut offs are, as well as your sprinkler system and security system. We also have the contacts for those utilities companies in the event that you must make contact.

Key contacts are also listed in the ERP, such as the owner, the insurance agent for the property, your SERVPRO representative, and the managers of the building.

The emergency contacts and services page has the fire department and police department's emergency and non-emergency numbers as well, that way, if contact is needed, you know where to find all those phone numbers and contact points.

It's very beneficial to have an ERP because although the business owner might know where everything is and who to contact, your employees might not know. Having a guide like this can help so much if the business owner is not present.

ERPs are very convenient as well, we are able to provide a paper copy, and we can provide a digital version on the Ready Plan app! Which makes ERPs very easy to access in times of need.

When you run a business, it's good to prepare for not just the next day's shift, but for the things that happen unexpectedly.

You can always count on SERVPRO® being here to help!

Faster to Any Size Disaster

8/9/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can get worse the longer you delay calling for help

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO® arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –541-745-2097

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO®

SERVPRO® specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at our SERVPRO® Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

After the Fire

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Fires cause tremendous damage throughout your home. Contact SERVPRO® for all your Fire Restoration needs.

When returning to a home after a fire, there’s a lot to consider. Many homeowners will begin by assessing the damage caused by heat and soot. However, water damage comes hand in hand with fire damage. Before determining if it’s safe to return to your home, make sure you know how the water used to put out the fire may have affected your house. SERVPRO® of Benton County can help you determine the extent of the damage and repair fire and water damage. Here are some things to watch out for when you return to your home for the first time after a fire.

Structural damage

If water has collected in your ceilings or walls, it could create a dangerous situation. Many homes have plywood subflooring, which will separate when exposed to extreme moisture. This could result in unsightly floor buckling or a dangerous weakening of your floor’s structural integrity.

Mold

As your house dries out from the water used to put out the fire, mold can begin growing. In fact, it happens fairly quickly: Mold spores can start developing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after the fire occurs. You can remove saturated carpets and furniture, but mold will grow in any areas of excess moisture – including places you can’t see, such as inside walls, ceilings or air ducts.

Poor roof drainage

If firefighters needed to direct water to the roof of your house, make sure it drained off properly. If that water poured into the yard too close to the house it could cause shifting, cracks and eventual leaks in the foundation. Inadequate roof drainage can also send water spilling into the ceilings and crawl spaces of the home.

Before returning to your home, call the experts at SERVPRO® for an inspection. We can deal with all the different kinds of damage that is associated with fire and water. We look forward to working with you to restore your home and make sure it is safe for your whole family.

Candle Safety

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Candles are beautiful, but can easily lead to house fires

Candles may be pretty to look at, but they are a common cause of home fires. Remember – a candle is an open flame. This means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Here are a few simple tips to help you safely enjoy burning candles in your home:

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom, or other areas where people are likely to fall asleep. Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
• Keep candles at least 1ft away from anything that may burn
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and less likely to tip over.
• Place candles on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. More than half of all candle fires start when things that burn are too close to the candle.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children
• Never use a candle is oxygen is used in the home.
• Consider using flameless candles in your home. Newer ones look and even smell like the real thing. 

Candles are appealing because they can create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Following the above tips can help you and your family safely enjoys candles in your home. And, if the unexpected happens, know that you can count on your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO® to help make it “like it never even happened”.

Taking Care of Your Commercial Cleaning Needs!

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

You run your business, let SERVPRO® worry about keeping your facilities clean

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on local SERVPRO® Team to make your workspace look its very best.

Specialty Cleaning Services

We offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Their cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Drapes and Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism
• Interior/Exterior Painting

Your local SERVPRO® Professional will get the job done right and get it done quickly.

Have Questions? Call Us Today! 541/745-2097

Even small leaks can spell BIG disaster

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes under a sink can spell big trouble

No matter what time of year it seems like kitchen sink pipes like to leek. We, here at SERVPRO® get many calls about leaks from kitchen sink pipes. One recent call we received was a kitchen sink pipe leaking. Unfortunately, the home owner was not aware of the small, slow leak until it had soaked through the bottom of the cabinet, through the flooring and on into their daylight basement! This ruined the bottom of the sink cabinet, the subflooring, insulation, and ceiling dry wall.. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to avoid this situation.

1. Make sure you check once month under you sink for leaks.

2. Don't keep a lot of stuff under the sink, so it hard to notice if a leak is happening.

3. Line your cupboard with cupboard liner, so that it can protect from moisture.

4. When the weather is below freezing leave you cupboard open it bit to allow heat under the sink, to prevent frozen pipes.

5. Do simple moisture checks once a month to make sure the wood/plywood is not wet, not any visible water drops coming off your pipes.

If you run in to a kitchen sink leak that has cause damage SERVPRO® can help. All you need to do is call!

Design tips to help minimize flood damage in basements

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

An Epoxy Coated basement floor not only looks beautiful, but it can help protect your home in the event of basement flooding

Finding a home with a basement here in Oregon is almost as rare as seeing Sasquatch. When we do find a basement, our excitement is hard to contain as the possibilities are endless! This extra square footage could be ideal for storage, a guest bedroom, a playroom for the kids/grandkids, a den, a room for entertaining...the list goes on and on. But before we make any final decisions on what to do with this extra space, we must keep one thing in mind: basements are rare here because our ground gets very wet. Wet ground can lead to water leaking into you home. While there are steps you can take to help prevent water from gaining access to your basement, there are also a few simple flooring ideas that can help minimize damage IF water ever did get into your home.

AVOID CARPETING It may seem appealing to have a softer floor covering if you plan to turn this space into a cozy room for relaxing, or a playroom for children. But, unfortunately, carpeting and its padding soak up any moisture that may come into your home, and can become a breeding ground for mold.

Epoxy Coating a concrete basement subfloor with epoxy will make it waterproof and durable. Available in a variety of colors, epoxies can easily be applied over a weekend.

Concrete Stain Stains can dress up concrete floors with very little cost an effort. Unlike some other types of concrete coatings, stain is resistant to chipping or flaking. Stains also come in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to match your décor.

Ceramic Tile Affordable and timeless, ceramic tile can easily be applied directly over a concrete slab. Tile is also resistant to water and humidity, making it a good choice for basement flooring.

Painted Concrete Paint is easy and the least expensive solution.  Do your research, and be sure to get a latex based paint that is resistant to humidity and cooler temperatures.  Use a roller to apply at least 2 coats directly to the floor. You may have to touch up the floor every few years.

You can always accessorize for comfort by using area rugs. These not only look nice, but can easily be replaced if any water damage does occur. If you ever do find yourself with water damage in your basement, do not hesitate to call your Water Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®. We are on-call 24/7 and ready to help you get back to enjoying your basement.

Why YES! We can even clean your VEHICLE!

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

We can deep clean your vehicle, too!

SERVPRO® is well known for our Fire and Water restoration, but we do plenty of cleanup jobs all throughout the communities we serve.

Primarily, when someone thinks of the cleaning services we provide, they envision home cleaning, commercial cleaning services, vandalism…we even get called in for various clean-up jobs for Cities & Municipalities. But every once in a while, we get the opportunity to clean vehicles!

Here in Oregon, we receive so much rain, mold and mildew is a constant battle and concern. Vehicles can develop condensation along vinyl and plastic surfaces, which then seeps into the fabric surfaces throughout the entire vehicle. This creates a very welcoming environment for mold and mildew to grow.  We can treat your car or truck with the same thoroughness and professionalism we treat mold/mildew growth found in homes

The wet weather also cause rodents and other smaller animals to seek shelter. Rodent infestation is surprisingly a common occurrence for vehicles parked out-of-doors. They can nest in between your outer and inner door panels! In addition to animal waste, sometimes they parish – both of which lead to nasty lingering odors. SERVPRO® Professional are well trained in removing the odors for good!

We are also ready and available to help in the event there is a biohazard, like blood from an accident or someone gets car sick, excessive amounts of dirt, or smoke damage from smoking in the vehicle, or a garage fire. We’re here to help when the job needs to be done!

SERVPRO® has all the equipment necessary to clean pretty much anything, including vehicles!

Know your flood risk

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

The flooded Willamette River. Know your flood risks

We love living the numerous beautiful rivers in the Willamette Valley. However, for current and soon to be homeowners, it's important to know if you are in a flood zone and if your home is at risk from damaging flood waters. 

Flood maps show us where flood risk zones are and their boundaries.

In case of a flood, it's important to move your electronics up high, shut off all power in your home and have an emergency escape plan with exit routes.

In the event your home IS impacted by rising waters, SERVPRO® has top of the line equipment and trained employees who have the necessary skills to repair your home, business, and belongings making things look "Like it never even happened."

The best part about SERVPRO® is we are 24/7/365 because we know disasters don't wait for normal business hours.   

For a flood estimate or water damage inspection call SERVPRO® today at 541/745-2097

Know your flood risk :

https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps

Preparing for the Storm

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Know what to do during an impending storm can help reduce harm to your family and your property.

Storms can be frightening, and cause a lot of damage to our personal property.  Thankfully with today's technology, we generally do get some warning, which can give us a chance to prepare.

   What to do as storm approaches:

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.

- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

-- Clear gutters of debris.

-- Reinforce the garage door.

-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

-- Fill a bathtub with water.

-- Get a full tank of gas in one car.

-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.

-- Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.

-- Have a current inventory of household property.

-- Leave a note to say where you are going.

-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for the residence.

We can only do so much to prepare for an incoming storm, and our primary concern is to keep our loved ones safe.  If you experience property damage during any kind of storm, do not hesitate to call upon our Team here at SERVPRO®. Our Cleaning and Restoration Specialists will help make it "Like it never even happened.”

Storms can bring flooding

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can bring heavy flooding - knowing what to do can save you and your family a lot of trouble

Storms can bring rain and flooding.  Would you know how to protect your family in the event of a flood? Did you realize that in addition to structural damage, a flood can pose a health risk to your family, as well?  Being aware of a few simple things can help reduce the risk to you and your family.

Evacuate if instructed to do so. Do not try to wait out the flood in your home if you are advised to evacuate.

Floodwaters often contain sewage and toxins, especially in urban areas.  Avoid contact with the water.

Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and mold. These can become airborne, and pose a health risk if inhaled.

Identify vulnerable populations – such as elderly, children, immunocompromised, those with asthma, or any other airway diseases, and keep them from the flood waters until area has been dried.

Turn off gas and electric before entering a dwelling that has standing water.

Make sure any workers assisting in clean up wear protective gear, this includes gloves and goggles to prevent exposure to harmful substances.

When in doubt, toss it out – damp buildings and furnishings promote the growth of bacteria, dust mites, and mold.  Anything that cannot be cleaned and dried must be discarded.

CALL YOUR Storm and Water Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®! Our professionals are experienced in Storm and Water Clean-up and Restoration. We are ready to help, and have the  tools to safely get the job done.  Call us today!

Keeping Storm Drains Clear

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Clogged storm drains do not allow excess rain water to leave the roadways, which can cause flooding of nearby homes and businesses

The Central Willamette Valley region of Oregon is hit with rain storms every year. Beginning in late August the leaves from trees start to drop, which is a leading cause of clogged storm drains.

While, yes, it is primarily the city’s responsibility to maintain our streets and sidewalks, storm drains near a residential or commercial property can become a hazard if clogged during a storm. As the fallen leaves cover a drain, the rain water collects in the streets, and can cause small rivers, which then wash even MORE debris down streets which can completely block up the drains. The increased water build up can flood streets and rise to impact nearby structures. Anytime water damage occurs from flooding, even with minimal flooding, the water needs to be extracted.

Standing water along a street can even weaken the ground surrounding tree roots, putting everyone at risk for a fallen tree! So, if you notice a storm drain covered in leaves and/or debris near your property, help keep your property safe by carefully clearing it off.

If water damage does occur after a storm, SERVPRO® technicians are highly trained in water mitigation. They use state-of-the-art equipment such as powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuums that will remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO® is quick to respond and prepared for anything. In case of a water disaster call 541/745-2097

We're here to weather the storm!

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can cause damage across the board, including heavy rains and flooding...SERVPRO® is here to help

SERVPRO® specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained to IICRC standards, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage by limiting further damage, and helps reduce the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Storms and Floods

When storms hit the Willamette Valley, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 2,000 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Call SERVPRO® at 541-745-2097, today!

Residential or Commercial, SERVPRO handles it all!

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Large manufacturing companies operate complex machinery and deal with hazardous materials, which can increase the risk of disasters like fires, water damage, and chemical spills. At SERVPRO, we understand the challenges that these companies face and are trained to handle any disaster, no matter how big or small.

Our team of highly trained professionals is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide efficient and effective restoration and cleanup services. We have experience working with large manufacturing companies and understand the importance of minimizing downtime and getting the facility back up and running as soon as possible.

Whether it's a space heater fire, a burst pipe, or a manufacturing meltdown, SERVPRO has the expertise and resources to handle any situation. We understand that every minute counts in these situations, and that's why we provide 24/7 emergency response services to get your facility back to preloss condition quickly.

We also understand that the safety of your employees is paramount, and we take every necessary precaution to ensure their safety during the restoration and cleanup process. Our team has extensive experience working with hazardous materials and is trained to follow all safety protocols to prevent any further damage or accidents.

At SERVPRO, we believe that communication is key to ensuring a smooth and successful restoration and cleanup process. Our team will keep you informed every step of the way and work closely with you to develop a customized plan tailored to your specific needs.

Large manufacturing companies face unique challenges when it comes to disasters, and at SERVPRO, we are equipped to handle any situation. Contact us today for more information on our commercial restoration and cleanup services, and let us help you get your facility back to preloss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.

From Grease Fire to Restoration: How SERVPRO Came to the Rescue

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Fires are unpredictable and can be incredibly devastating, causing immense damage to homes and businesses alike. A common cause of household fires is a grease fire, which can quickly escalate out of control and spread throughout a home or business. Unfortunately, these types of fires can be difficult to put out and can cause significant damage before they are extinguished. Let's explore a real-life story of a grease fire and how SERVPRO went to help.

It was a typical Wednesday evening, and the Rodriguez family was enjoying a nice family dinner at home. Mrs. Rodriguez was cooking up a family meal, and the smell of delicious food wafted through the air. As she was frying chicken in a pan, the oil suddenly caught fire, and before she knew it, flames were rapidly spreading throughout the kitchen.

In a matter of seconds, the fire had spread to the curtains and cabinets, and thick black smoke filled the room. Mr. Rodriguez immediately called the fire department, and within minutes, the firefighters arrived on the scene. They quickly assessed the situation and were able to extinguish the fire, but the damage had already been done.

The kitchen was a complete mess, with charred cabinets and walls, and a thick layer of soot covered everything. The Rodriguez's were devastated, and they had no idea where to turn for help. That's when they remembered SERVPRO, a professional fire and water damage restoration company that they had heard about from a friend.

The Rodriguez's quickly called SERVPRO, and within hours, a team of experts arrived on the scene. They immediately assessed the damage and got to work, using specialized equipment to remove the soot and smoke from the kitchen and surrounding areas. They also used industrial-strength cleaners to sanitize and deodorize the affected areas.

Within days of grease fire, the SERVPRO team had restored the Rodriguez' kitchen to its pre-fire condition, and the family was amazed at the quality of workmanship and attention to detail that the SERVPRO team had provided. They were so grateful for the prompt and professional service that they had received, and they knew that they had made the right decision in choosing SERVPRO for their restoration needs.

Grease fires can be a terrifying experience, but it's essential to know that there are professional restoration companies like SERVPRO that can help. In the event of a fire, it's critical to act quickly and call the professionals to ensure that your home or business is restored to its preloss condition. With their years of experience and state-of-the-art equipment, SERVPRO is a name that you can trust to get the job done right the first time.

From Ashes to Beauty: How SERVPRO Helped Restore a Home Damaged by a Cigarette

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

It was just another typical evening for the Johnson family. Mr. Johnson had come home from work, and the family had just finished dinner. After a long day, Mr. Johnson decided to unwind by having a cigarette on the front porch. Unfortunately, this one small act of relaxation would soon have catastrophic consequences.

As Mr. Johnson flicked the cigarette butt into the grass, he didn't realize that it was still lit. The dry grass quickly caught fire, and the flames spread rapidly. Before he knew it, the entire front lawn was ablaze, and the flames were quickly moving towards the house.

The Johnsons' neighbors quickly called the fire department, and they arrived on the scene within minutes. The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it completely consumed the house, but the damage had already been done. The fire had caused extensive damage to the exterior of the house, and the smoke had permeated the interior, leaving behind a layer of soot and ash.

The Johnsons were devastated. Their once-beautiful home now looked like a charred shell. A friend recommended SERVPRO, a professional fire restoration company that specializes in cleaning up and repairing homes damaged by fires.

The Johnsons called SERVPRO, and they arrived on the scene within hours. The SERVPRO team quickly assessed the damage and got to work. They used specialized equipment to remove the soot and ash from the interior of the house, and they worked tirelessly to repair the exterior damage.

Despite the extensive damage, the SERVPRO team was able to restore the Johnsons' home to its former glory. They worked quickly and efficiently, and the Johnsons were amazed at the results. They were so grateful for the excellent work done by the SERVPRO team, and they knew that they wouldn't have been able to get their home back to its original condition without them.

The Johnsons learned a valuable lesson that day. They realized that a single act of carelessness, like flicking a cigarette butt into the grass, can have disastrous consequences. However, they also learned that there are professional companies like SERVPRO that can help when disaster strikes.

In the end, the Johnsons were grateful for the quick response of the firefighters, the expertise of the SERVPRO team, and the support of their friends and family. They were able to move forward from the experience with a renewed appreciation for the things that truly matter in life – like family, friends, and the kindness of strangers.

Call SERVPRO today if you need restoration support!

Fire Safety in the Home: Protecting Your Family and Restoring Your Home with SERVPRO

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Fire safety is an essential aspect of home ownership, yet many homeowners neglect it until it is too late. Fires can cause significant damage, both physically and emotionally, and they can occur in a matter of seconds. However, there are steps that homeowners can take to prevent fires and keep their families safe.

The first step in fire safety is prevention. Homeowners should make sure that their smoke detectors are working correctly and that they have one on each level of their home. They should also check their carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Homeowners should also be careful when using appliances that generate heat, such as stovetops, ovens, and space heaters. They should never leave these appliances unattended, and they should be kept away from flammable materials.

Homeowners should also have their heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that they are working correctly and not posing a fire risk.

In case of a fire, homeowners should have a plan in place. They should make sure that everyone in their family knows what to do in case of a fire, including how to exit the home safely and where to meet outside. Homeowners should also have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.

If a fire does occur, homeowners should call 911 immediately and evacuate their home. Once the fire has been put out, homeowners should contact a fire restoration company to assess the damage and begin the restoration process.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

SERVPRO is a leading fire restoration company that specializes in restoring homes that have been damaged by fire, smoke, or water. They have the experience, equipment, and knowledge necessary to restore homes to their pre-fire condition.

When homeowners contact SERVPRO, they will send a team of experts to assess the damage and develop a plan for restoration. They will also work directly with insurance companies to ensure that homeowners receive the coverage they need.

SERVPRO's restoration process includes removing damaged materials, cleaning the affected area, and restoring the home to its pre-fire condition. They use advanced equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from the air and surfaces and restore damaged materials.

In case of a fire, homeowners should call 911 immediately and evacuate their home. Once the fire has been put out, homeowners should contact a fire restoration company like SERVPRO to assess the damage and begin the restoration process. SERVPRO has the experience and equipment necessary to restore homes to their pre-fire condition, and they work directly with insurance companies to ensure that homeowners receive the coverage they need.

Maintain a Clean and Safe Commercial Building with SERVPRO's Professional Cleaning Services

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings are essential for businesses, organizations, and communities. These structures are designed to accommodate various functions and activities, from offices, retail stores, and restaurants to warehouses, factories, and medical facilities. However, maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of commercial buildings can be a daunting task, especially for large and complex structures. This is where professional cleaning services, such as SERVPRO, come into play.

SERVPRO is a leading provider of commercial cleaning and restoration services in the United States. The company has over 50 years of experience in the industry and has a proven track record of excellence and customer satisfaction. SERVPRO offers a wide range of services to meet the specific needs and requirements of commercial buildings, including:

1. Deep Cleaning: SERVPRO's deep cleaning services are designed to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from surfaces, equipment, and fixtures. The company uses state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning agents to ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

2. Carpet Cleaning: Carpets are one of the most common surfaces in commercial buildings, and they can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and stains over time. SERVPRO's carpet cleaning services use specialized equipment and techniques to remove even the most stubborn stains and restore the carpet's appearance and freshness.

3. Air Duct Cleaning: The air ducts in commercial buildings can accumulate dust, mold, and other contaminants, which can affect indoor air quality and lead to respiratory problems. SERVPRO's air duct cleaning services use high-powered vacuums and brushes to remove all the debris and improve the air quality in the building.

4. Odor Removal: Unpleasant odors can be a major problem in commercial buildings, especially in food service areas, restrooms, and waste disposal areas. SERVPRO's odor removal services use specialized techniques and equipment to identify and eliminate the source of the odor and restore a fresh and clean scent.

5. Disaster Recovery: Commercial buildings can be affected by various disasters, such as floods, fires, and storms. SERVPRO's disaster recovery services are designed to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency situation and restore the building to its pre-disaster condition as soon as possible.

Overall, SERVPRO's commercial cleaning services can help businesses and organizations maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for their employees, customers, and visitors. The company's experienced and certified technicians can work around the clock to ensure that the cleaning process is completed efficiently and effectively. Moreover, SERVPRO's services are customizable to meet the specific needs and budgets of each client, ensuring that they get the best value for their investment.

A commercial building cleanup serviced by SERVPRO is an excellent solution for businesses and organizations that want to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for their employees, customers, and visitors. With SERVPRO's wide range of cleaning and restoration services, businesses can focus on their core operations and leave the cleaning to the experts. SERVPRO's commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovation makes it a trusted partner for any commercial cleaning needs!

From Flooded to Functional: How SERVPRO's Commercial Clean-up Services Saved the Day

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

When a commercial building experiences flooding, it can be a devastating and overwhelming experience for the property owner. Not only can the water damage ruin equipment and inventory, but it can also cause long-term structural damage if not properly addressed. That's where SERVPRO comes in - they are a leading provider of commercial water damage restoration services, and have a proven track record of successfully restoring flooded buildings to their preloss condition.

Recently, a commercial building owner in the Willamette Valley contacted SERVPRO after their property experienced significant flooding due to heavy rain and a malfunctioning sprinkler system. The building housed expensive machinery and equipment, and the flooding had caused extensive damage throughout the building.

Upon arrival, the SERVPRO team quickly assessed the situation and developed a plan of action. The first step was to remove the standing water from the building using specialized equipment such as pumps, vacuums, and dehumidifiers. They worked around the clock to ensure that the water was completely removed, which helped to prevent further damage and the potential for mold growth.

Once the water had been removed, the team began the process of drying and dehumidifying the building. This involved setting up large fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air throughout the building and remove any excess moisture. They also used moisture meters and infrared cameras to identify any areas where moisture might be lingering, which helped them to ensure that the building was completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Next, the team began the process of cleaning and sanitizing the building. This involved removing any damaged materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpeting, and then cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces with industrial-strength cleaning products. They paid special attention to areas that were at risk of mold growth, such as corners, crawl spaces, and areas with poor ventilation.

Finally, the team worked to restore the building to its preloss condition. This involved repairing any damage to the structure, such as replacing drywall and insulation, and restoring any damaged equipment and inventory. They also worked with the building owner to develop a plan for future flood prevention, which included installing a more reliable sprinkler system and implementing regular maintenance and inspections.

Overall, the SERVPRO team was able to successfully restore the commercial building to its preloss condition, and the property owner was thrilled with the results. Their fast and efficient response helped to minimize the damage caused by the flooding, and their expertise and attention to detail ensured that the building was fully restored and ready for use once again.

If you're ever in need of commercial water damage restoration services, SERVPRO is definitely a company you can trust to get the job done right.

SERVPRO: Your Go-To Provider for Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup Services

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for any homeowner or business owner. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a flood, or any other kind of water damage, the effects can be devastating. That’s where SERVPRO comes in - a leading provider of water damage restoration and cleanup services.

They have a team of highly trained professionals who are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and start the restoration process right away.

When it comes to water damage, time is of the essence. The longer the water sits, the more damage it can cause to your property. That’s why SERVPRO offers a quick response time and uses state-of-the-art equipment to extract water and moisture from the affected area.

The first step in the water damage restoration process is to assess the damage and come up with a plan of action. SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect any hidden moisture in walls, floors, or ceilings. This helps them to determine the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive plan to restore your property.

Next, the team at SERVPRO will begin the water extraction process. They use powerful pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected area, including carpets, furniture, and other belongings. This helps to prevent further damage and reduces the risk of mold growth.

After the water is removed, SERVPRO will begin the drying process. They use high-powered fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area completely. This helps to prevent any remaining moisture from causing further damage and minimizes the risk of mold growth.

Once the area is completely dry, SERVPRO will begin the restoration process. This includes repairing any damage to walls, floors, or ceilings and replacing any damaged materials. They will also clean and sanitize the affected area to ensure that it is safe and free from harmful bacteria.

In addition to their water damage restoration services, SERVPRO also offers mold remediation, fire damage restoration, and other cleaning services. They are a one-stop-shop for all of your restoration and cleaning needs.

Overall, SERVPRO is an excellent choice for anyone dealing with water damage. Their quick response time, state-of-the-art equipment, and highly trained professionals make them the go-to provider for water damage restoration and cleanup services.

If you’re dealing with water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO and let them take care of the problem for you.

Why SERVPRO is the Best Choice for Customer Service in Your Community

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, it's important to have a company you can trust to help you get back on your feet. That's where SERVPRO comes in. SERVPRO is a customer service-focused company that has been helping communities for over 50 years. In this blog, we will discuss why SERVPRO is the best choice for the community when it comes to customer service.

SERVPRO has over 1,800 franchises across the United States and Canada, making it one of the largest restoration companies in the industry. With more than 50 years of experience, they have seen it all, from small water leaks to major natural disasters. SERVPRO's team of highly trained professionals has the expertise and experience needed to handle any job, big or small.

24/7 Availability

Disasters don't happen on a schedule, which is why SERVPRO is available 24/7. When you call SERVPRO, you can expect a quick response and immediate action. Whether it's the middle of the night or a holiday weekend, SERVPRO is always ready to help.

Customer Service

At SERVPRO, customer service is their top priority. They understand that dealing with a disaster can be stressful and overwhelming, which is why they strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. SERVPRO's team is courteous, respectful, and always puts the customer first. They are committed to ensuring that their customers are satisfied with the work they do.

Advanced Technology

SERVPRO utilizes advanced technology and equipment to ensure that the job is done right. They use state-of-the-art equipment to dry and restore homes and businesses after water damage. They also use air scrubbers and HEPA filters to remove contaminants from the air, making the area safe to breathe again. SERVPRO's commitment to using the latest technology ensures that their customers receive the best possible service.

Community Involvement

SERVPRO is committed to giving back to the community. They partner with organizations such as the American Red Cross to provide assistance to those in need. They also offer scholarships to students pursuing a career in the restoration industry. SERVPRO's commitment to the community goes beyond just restoring homes and businesses; they are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.

SERVPRO is the best choice for the community when it comes to customer service! With their expertise, 24/7 availability, commitment to customer service, advanced technology, and community involvement, they are the ideal company to call when disaster strikes.

If you need restoration services, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO for the best possible service.

5 Reasons Why SERVPRO is the Best Remediation Company

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, whether it's due to fire, water, or mold, the aftermath can be overwhelming and devastating. That's where remediation services come in, and among the many companies out there, SERVPRO stands out as the best. Here's why:

1. Experience SERVPRO has been in the remediation business for over 50 years. They've handled all kinds of disasters, big and small, and have the expertise to assess the situation, create a plan of action, and execute it efficiently. They have over 1,800 franchises across the US, so they're never far away when you need them.

2. 24/7 Availability Disasters don't wait for business hours, and neither does SERVPRO. They offer 24/7 emergency services, which means they'll be there when you need them most, no matter the time of day or night. Their prompt response time can help mitigate the damage and save you time and money in the long run.

3. Comprehensive Services SERVPRO offers a wide range of remediation services, including fire and smoke damage restoration, water damage restoration, mold remediation, and more. They have the equipment and expertise to handle any situation, big or small, and will work with you every step of the way to get your property back to its pre-disaster condition.

4. Advanced Technology SERVPRO uses the latest technology and techniques in the industry to provide the best possible service. They have specialized equipment for drying, dehumidifying, and cleaning, as well as thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture and mold. They also use EPA-approved cleaning agents to ensure a safe and thorough remediation process.

5. Professionalism SERVPRO's technicians are highly trained and certified professionals who will treat you and your property with the utmost respect and professionalism. They'll explain the process to you in detail, answer any questions you have, and keep you informed throughout the remediation process.

If you're ever in need of remediation services, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO. They'll be there to help you get your life back on track.

Preparing for the Storm: How to Protect Your Property and Why SERVPRO is There to Help

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can be frightening and destructive, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Preparing for a storm is crucial to ensure the safety of your family and property. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a storm and how SERVPRO can help if something devastating happens.

1. Create an Emergency Kit

Creating an emergency kit is one of the most important steps to prepare for a storm. The kit should include essential items like water, food, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and a radio. It's also crucial to have a plan in place for your family to follow during a storm.

2. Secure Your Home

Before a storm arrives, secure your home by ensuring that all windows and doors are properly sealed. If you have shutters or storm windows, make sure they are securely in place. You may also want to move outdoor furniture and other items inside or secure them in place.

3. Backup Your Data

Storms can cause power outages, which can lead to data loss. It's important to back up all of your important data and files, so you don't lose anything in case of a power outage.

4. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and stay informed about any warnings or alerts in your area. If there is an evacuation order, follow it immediately and leave the area as soon as possible.

5. Contact SERVPRO

If your property suffers damage during a storm, SERVPRO can help. SERVPRO is a leading restoration company that specializes in storm damage cleanup and restoration. They offer a range of services, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and more.

Their team of experts is available 24/7 to provide emergency services and help restore your property to its pre-storm condition. They use advanced technology and equipment to quickly and efficiently clean up and repair storm damage.

Preparing for a storm is essential to ensure the safety of your family and property. If something devastating happens, SERVPRO can help you with their expert storm damage restoration services.

Restoring a Commercial Building After an Electrical Storm: How SERVPRO Made It Look Like Nothing Ever Happened

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

An electrical storm can be a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, but it can also cause catastrophic damage. This was the case for a commercial building in a small town in the Midwest. The electrical storm that hit the area caused a fire to break out, and the building was left with extensive damage. Luckily, the business owner had the foresight to call in a disaster restoration company, SERVPRO, to restore the building and make it look like nothing ever happened.

The fire caused by the electrical storm was devastating. The roof of the building was damaged, and the walls were charred and blackened. The business owner was devastated, as the building was the home of their livelihood. The owner knew that time was of the essence and contacted SERVPRO immediately.

SERVPRO is a well-known disaster restoration company that specializes in fire damage restoration. They arrived on the scene quickly, assessed the damage, and got to work. The team worked tirelessly to restore the building to its pre-fire condition. They began by removing the debris and damaged materials from the site. Once the debris was removed, they began the cleaning process.

The cleaning process was intensive, as soot and smoke damage had covered the entire building. SERVPRO used their specialized equipment to clean and deodorize every inch of the building. They used HEPA vacuums to clean the air, and ozone machines to remove the smoke odor. They also used specialized cleaning agents to remove the soot and smoke damage from every surface in the building.

After the cleaning process was complete, SERVPRO began the restoration process. They repaired the damaged roof and walls and replaced the damaged materials. They also repainted the entire building, matching the original color perfectly. The owner was amazed at how the building looked after the restoration was complete. It looked like nothing had ever happened.

SERVPRO's dedication to their work and attention to detail is what sets them apart from other disaster restoration companies. They understand the importance of restoring a building to its preloss condition, and they work tirelessly to achieve that goal. The owner of the commercial building was grateful for their work and happy to have their livelihood back.

If you ever experience fire damage, it is important to call in a disaster restoration company like SERVPRO to restore your property and make it look like nothing ever happened.

Restoring a Child's Room: How SERVPRO Helped Repair Water Damage Caused by an Aquarium

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by an aquarium can be a problem for homeowners, especially those who have aquariums in their child's room. While aquariums can be an enjoyable addition to any home, they can also pose a risk of water damage if not properly maintained or if a mishap occurs.

One family experienced such a mishap when their child's aquarium broke and spilled water all over the carpet, walls, and furniture in the room. The family quickly took action by shutting off the water source and calling a professional restoration company, SERVPRO, to assess the damage and begin the restoration process.

Upon arrival, the SERVPRO team first assessed the extent of the damage and determined that the water had seeped into the carpet and padding, causing potential mold growth. The team then began the restoration process by removing the damaged carpet and padding, and thoroughly drying the affected area to prevent any further damage or mold growth.

Once the area was dried, the team moved on to repairing the walls and any furniture that had been damaged by the water. They worked diligently to restore the room back to its original state, taking care to ensure that all the repairs were completed to the family's satisfaction.

Thanks to SERVPRO's swift and thorough response, the family's child's room was restored back to normal in no time. The family was extremely satisfied with the results and grateful for the quick response of the SERVPRO team.

In conclusion, water damage caused by an aquarium can be a stressful situation, but with the help of a professional restoration company like SERVPRO, it is possible to restore the affected area back to its pre-damaged state.

If you ever experience water damage in your home, it is important to act quickly and contact a professional restoration company to prevent further damage and ensure a successful restoration.

SERVPRO's New 100,000 Sq Ft Commercial Building in West Salem to Provide Priemer Restoration Services to the Community

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO in West Salem, Oregon has recently opened a new commercial building that is sure to make a significant impact on the community's restoration needs. The building is an impressive 100,000 square feet and has been designed to accommodate the various restoration services that SERVPRO provides. This new facility boasts state-of-the-art technology and equipment, ensuring that every restoration job is completed to the highest standards.

The new SERVPRO building in West Salem has a devoted staff who are ready and waiting to assist the community with all their restoration needs. The team is made up of highly trained professionals who specialize in various areas of restoration, including fire, water, and mold damage. With their extensive knowledge and experience, the SERVPRO team is well-equipped to handle any restoration job, no matter how big or small.

The building is designed to be spacious, with ample room for equipment, vehicles, and supplies. This ensures that the team can respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently, minimizing any potential damage. Additionally, the building features the latest in security technology, including 24-hour surveillance and secure access points, ensuring that the equipment and materials inside are safe and secure.

The SERVPRO team is dedicated to serving the community and restoring homes and businesses to their pre-damage condition. The opening of this new building is a testament to their commitment to providing the best possible service to their customers. With their new state-of-the-art facility, the SERVPRO team is now better equipped than ever to provide fast, efficient, and high-quality restoration services to the West Salem community.

The opening of this new SERVPRO building in West Salem is fantastic news for the community. It's a clear indication that SERVPRO is committed to serving the community and providing the best possible restoration services. With their devoted staff, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and spacious new facility, SERVPRO is well-positioned to continue to provide top-notch restoration services for years to come.

Building Connections Through Community Involvement: The SERVPRO Way

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

As a company that specializes in restoration services, SERVPRO understands the importance of being present in the communities it serves. But for SERVPRO, community involvement is more than just a marketing tactic or a way to promote its services. It's a way to build relationships and connections with the people who make up those communities.

From sponsoring local events to volunteering time and resources, SERVPRO has made it a priority to be actively involved in the communities where its franchises are located. Whether it's supporting a local charity, helping out at a community event, or simply being a good neighbor, SERVPRO believes that community involvement is an essential part of its business.

At SERVPRO, the focus is on building relationships, not just restoring properties. By getting involved in the community, SERVPRO franchises can connect with the people who live and work there. They can learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the community and find ways to contribute to its growth and well-being.

For example, SERVPRO franchises often participate in local disaster preparedness events, providing information and resources to help people prepare for emergencies. They also support local fire and police departments, providing equipment and resources to help keep the community safe.

But SERVPRO's commitment to community involvement goes beyond just responding to emergencies. Franchise owners and their teams are also involved in a variety of other community events and initiatives. For example, they may sponsor a local youth sports team, participate in a charity walk or run, or help out at a food bank or shelter.

By being present and actively involved in the community, SERVPRO is able to build trust and establish itself as a reliable and caring partner. This can be especially important when a disaster strikes. People are more likely to turn to a company they know and trust when they need help, and SERVPRO's community involvement helps to establish that trust.

In addition to building relationships and connections, SERVPRO's community involvement also helps to raise awareness about its services. By sponsoring events and participating in community initiatives, SERVPRO can showcase its expertise and capabilities. This can help to increase brand recognition and establish SERVPRO as a leader in the restoration industry.

But for SERVPRO, community involvement is about more than just promoting its business. It's about giving back to the community and making a positive impact. By being actively involved in the community, SERVPRO franchises can help to make their communities stronger, safer, and more resilient.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of SERVPRO's business. By building relationships and connections through community events and initiatives, SERVPRO franchises are able to establish themselves as trusted partners and caring neighbors. This approach not only benefits SERVPRO's business, but also helps to make the communities it serves stronger and more resilient.

Fire Prevention

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

House burns down!

Summer is a great time to enjoy the PNW weather and spend time with friends and family. However, it is also a season where property fires are more prevalent. At SERVPRO, we believe that prevention is key to avoiding disaster, and we encourage the Mid-Willamette Valley community to be proactive in keeping their homes safe.

One of the easiest ways to prevent property fires is by maintaining your landscaping. Lawn maintenance is essential in the grass seed Capitol of America. Not only does grass grow well here, if unmanaged it burns well! Furthermore, keeping your yard well-maintained and free from dry leaves, dead plants, and debris reduces the risk of fires starting on your property. Additionally, having proper spacing between trees and plants can prevent a fire from spreading quickly.

Another way to prevent fires is by checking and changing the filters in your home's fans and air conditioning units. A dirty filter can cause the motor to overheat and potentially cause a fire. It's also essential to clean out any dust and debris from your dryer vent and kitchen hood filter regularly.

Small engine machines like lawnmowers and generators are also a common cause of property fires during the summer. Make sure to maintain them properly, check for any leaks, and store them in a safe place when not in use. It's also essential to keep any flammable materials away from these machines.

Other precautions you can take to prevent fires include regularly testing your smoke alarms, being mindful of lit candles and smoking materials, and having a fire extinguisher in your home.

By taking proactive steps to prevent fires, you can protect your property and loved ones from potential harm. Contact us today for more information on fire prevention and to schedule a consultation for fire damage restoration and cleanup services.

Why Kitchen Water Damage is Often the Most Costly!

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

When we think about the kitchen in a home we think about cooking, food, dishes, and appliances.

Often these days we also think about the finishes in the kitchen. It’s fairly common for counters to be made of Quartz, Marble, or Granite. Also cabinets have become more costly in the last decade, and even more costly in the last year with the lumber prices skyrocketing. Often the thing people splurge on is the appliances in a kitchen, which can run anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

The average cost of a kitchen renovation today in America is $22,184 dollars. Or roughly $150 dollars per square foot! This makes the kitchen the most expensive square footage in your home. With bathrooms only coming in at $18,000 (Master Bath, much less for guest bath).

So taking all the costs into account, it’s easy to understand how a customer can be very upset when we arrive onsite at a water loss in a kitchen. Many times water losses in kitchens means we have to take out all flooring and cabinets to dry the underpayment (and sometimes subfloor!) Most of the time water losses in kitchens are due to dishwashers, refrigerators, insta-hot devices, and freezers. Sometimes kitchen losses are due to an adjoining laundry room having a water loss from the washer.

This is why our SERVPRO technicians will try and dry wooden floors in place if possible. It saves the homeowner time without a kitchen if it can be achieved, and also many times saves the customer from having to file a costly claim with their homeowners insurance.

If the water is contaminated, that is another situation entirely, and SERVPRO always recommends that the flooring be removed and replaced if saturated beneath the surface area.

A Team that Responds Like Family!

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Here at our SERVPRO we are often getting many kudos and heart felt welcomes. Here are a few from this past week;

Best team ever! Kesha and Cody were AMAZING! They are so friendly and were comfortable to be around and funny! Such a good team! Very willing to do anything that was needed such as moving my furniture a couple time lol THIS TEAM IS AWESOME! Awesome staff and service! SERVPRO did such a great job with communication and has an extremely kind and professional staff. They would even communicate over the weekends if we had any questions. This is the second time we used them in a disaster situation, and they were just as great as the first time. A+ service and would highly recommend them to anyone! Residential Service. Mindy and Hope were awesome! Efficient, hardworking, considerate. This SERVPRO team exceeded expectations.

This starts at our Company Culture Level. Here at SERVPRO we individually work hand in hand with each of our team members to see that they are growing and feeling their importance of contributions to our work family. We pour into them the skills and listen to their needs.

Open communication allows our crew to be AMAZING at what they do and thus has the ripple effect onto our customers. Choose the team that responds like family!

What to DO, and NOT to do, FIRE Damage!

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Soot Damage Due to a fire is Ravaging!

While we hope that you are never in an emergency situation caused by a fire, SERVPRO
specializes in Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration. We have over 1,600 franchises in 48
states, and we pride ourselves in making it “Like it never even happened.” In the event you ever
need our services for Fire and Smoke damage, here is a list of Emergency tips to assist you
while waiting for us to arrive.
Do:
- Limit movement in the house to prevent soot particles from being embedded into
upholstery
- Keep your hands clean. Soot on your hands can soil upholstery, walls and wood
- Place dry towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas
- If electricity is off, empty the fridge and freezer to prevent odor
- Wipe soot from chrome faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a
light coating of lubricant
- Change HVAC filter, but leave the system of until a professional check it
- Tape cheesecloth over the air registers to prevent soot particles from getting in or out of
the HVAC system
Don’t:
- Attempt to wash any walls or painted services
- Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstery
- Attempt to clean any electrical devices (TV sets, radios, etc.)
- Consume any food or beverages that were stored close to the fire
- Turn on ceiling fixtures, electrical may be damaged
- Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning can cause more damage

Did you know?

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Clean never looked better!

SERVPRO offers cleaning services for both big and small buildings. Whether you need a quick clean on a messy office, or just simply don’t have the tools to clean your commercial building, your local SERVPRO has all the tools to get the job done. Most people are surprised by the fact that we offer a wide variety of cleaning services, and thought we were just a restoration company. 

• Carpet and Upholstery 
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors 
• HVAC Cleaning
• Biohazard
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Interior & Exterior Power Washing 
• Emergency Services

Those are just a few of the services we can offer in order to get your space looking as good as new! Call your local SERVPRO today to find out more about how our trained professionals can help you! (541)-745-2097.

Certified: SERVPRO Clean!

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Certified Clean Approved!

SERVPRO® of Benton County and Linn County is qualified to clean and properly apply disinfectants according to the CDC’s protocols. 

Why Choose SERVPRO? We have over 50 years of experience in cleaning and disinfecting contaminants, including biohazards. We have trained professionals and the proper equipment to go beyond standard cleaning services. We also have training certifications in COVID-19 decontamination. 

We clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as: 

• Counters and tabletops 
• Doorknobs 
• Light switches 
• Toilets & other bathroom fixtures (faucets, handrails, tubs & showers) ? Tablets, keyboards & other office (home or business) equipment 

We also clean soft surfaces such as: 

• Carpets & rugs 
• Upholstered furniture 
• Exercise mats 

The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting the following areas: ? Kitchen & dining areas 

• Bathrooms 
• Schools, classrooms, conference rooms 
• Retail spaces, including 
• Sales counters 
• Racks, shelves 
• Hand-rails & elevator cars 
• Flooring, regardless of material 
• Water fountains 
• Carpets, rugs 
• Fitness equipment 

We Can Get The Job DONE!

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Benton & Linn County knows how to not only start a job, but to finish the job as
well. With ease we can go from mitigation to reconstruction. Did you know we have an in house construction company? Our construction team is made up of several project managers, carpenter teams, and a painting crew. Each project managers walk with you through the process of reconstruction. Pulling permits, discussing changes and working hand in hand with you and your insurance company. Our team is very talented, and will ensure the job is completed to your standards. We pride ourselves in making your home look “Like it never even happened.” Whether it’s a water loss, mold, smoke or soot
damage, we can help will all of it!

Here to Help!

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals here at SERVPRO work on the firm mindset of "Here to Help"! This is why people continue to trust SERVPRO Franchises to take care of their most prized possessions and investments, their home and businesses. 

We strive to make sure that our crew, production managers and all that are part of the SERVPRO Franchise trained to have the heart to help and excel in their line of work. 

Our team members are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration. In addition, we offer continuing education classes for all agents and property managers to learn more about our services. 

As a 24/7 365 days a week service provider we are always ready to assist in you fire, water, mold, biohazard or reconstruction needs. 

This is why people continue to choose SERVPRO! 

Did you know SERVPRO cleans cars?

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not only known for their Fire and Water restoration, but we do plenty of cleanup jobs in our community.

Mostly, we do home cleanup, or business cleanup, but every once in a while, we get the opportunity to clean vehicles.

Recently, we had the honor of cleaning out a police cruiser for one of the local police departments in our area, it was pretty fun seeing it in our warehouse getting cleaned.

People will need car cleaning in the event there is a biohazard, like blood from an accident or someone gets car sick, excessive amounts of dirt, or smoke damage from smoking in the vehicle. We also do mold remediation on cars. We’re here to help when the job needs to be done!

Your house is damaged by water… What do you do?

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

It is vital to act quickly, before more damage occurs. First you must stop the water source or intrusion. Once stopped, mitigating, or keeping more damage from happening, is where service professionals like SERVPRO of Benton County. SERVPRO can come out to your house, assess the damage, clean and dry the area affected, and restored. 

Professionals, like SERVPRO of Benton County can identify water damage in obvious areas, classify the type of water doing the damage, and put together a plan of action to mitigate and restore the affected area. In addition, restoration professionals find areas unseen that have been affected and create access, or use professionally designed equipment, that allows the drying and restoration process to occur.

Whatever type of water damage you may have, whether it is a clean water break, a leaking washing machine, or a sewage leak, it is still very important to address it quickly before further damage occurs. SERVPRO is equipped to handle whatever the situation, whether large or small.

Permanent damage happens quickly, from wood surfaces deteriorating, carpet de-laminating, or mold beginning to appear because of the moist conditions. This is why it is so important to act quickly.

While you are waiting for your restoration professional to arrive, here’s a few things you can do:

1. Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
3. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
4. Remove any newspapers, magazines or colored material that may bleed onto carpets.
5. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
6. Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

To prevent future water damage, it’s a good idea to make sure that you regularly maintain your plumbing and roofing. In your bathroom and other rooms, you should make certain that you have good ventilation, and you should use good insulation in your windows and walls – especially your basement. Make sure as well to clean your gutters regularly and to make sure that there is no overspill. If you are buying a new home, make sure to research the area first to avoid houses on flood plains.

You can also prepare for potential water damage by making sure you keep your most important belongings up high and away from basement level. You should also make sure you have the number of a 24-hour emergency water damage restoration service, like SERVPRO of Benton County, in your phone at all times and you should have good insurance coverage for your home and for your possessions to cover the restoration services and items that needs may need replacing.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO

Water Damage? Act Fast!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, SERVPRO is the company to call! We take pride in restoring your property to its pre-damage condition. We take several steps to ensure no more damage occurs, and that the damage that has happened is taken care of as quickly as possible. 

• Initial Emergency Contact: We are available 24 hours a day, if you have an emergency, call us right away!
• Inspection and Damage Assessment: When we arrive on scene, we will do a detailed inspection of the damage 
• Moisture Extraction:  If necessary, we will bring in pumps to extract excess water, and reduce drying time 
• Dehumidifying and Drying: Once the excess water has been removed, equipment will be placed to speed up the drying time and help the moisture evaporate 
• Cleaning and Repair: Items that can be saved will be professionally cleaned, anything non salvageable will be replaced or repaired 
• Restoration: This is wear we restore your home to its pre-damaged condition. This includes replacing flooring, drywall, trim, and painting. 

House Fire? Call SERVPRO!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

One of the scariest things you can go through as a homeowner is having a house fire. Not only
is the fire itself scary, the aftermath is even harder to deal with. Whether it was a small grease
fire in the kitchen, or a severe fire that caused damage to the entire house, it affects many
aspects of your life and your family’s life. SERVPRO specializes in Fire & Water - Cleanup &
Restoration, no matter how big or small the job, we can help from start to finish!

- Mitigation Services

- Property Protection

- Heavy soot

- Smoke damage

- Structure damage and more!

We have all the tools and cleaning supplies needed to return your home to its original state.

“Like it never even happened.” Let our trained professionals help you today!

Commercial Buildings Should Have SERVPRO as a Preferred Vendor!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings require many maintenance and upkeep requirements.

If you have a property manager that does not take keep a property in topnotch, you could have a pipe burst or an electrical fire. Commercial buildings are also prone to accidents, as you have a magnitude of different people in one structure. 

Water and fire claims are items we service mostly on commercial buildings for mitigation services. 

This past year we have had cooking fires, clogged toilets, over filled bathtub water damages, dishwasher failures and electrical fires. These damages can be and are often spendy. The longer a structure has damages, the possibility of secondary issues arise such as mold. 

There are also many parties involved. Property owners, property management, tenants, insurance companies, public municipals, mortgage companies, mitigation and reconstruction companies.

Here SERVPRO we have trained professionals able to work with you and all those involved in your Commercial property loss.

Kids and Fire Safety

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Home fires can start quickly, and spread at an incredible rate.  Studies have shown that once a smoke detector goes off in your home, you only have about 2 minutes to get out safely! When you have young children in the house, that thought can be overwhelming and frightening.  Altho we cannot always prevent a fire from starting, there are things we can do to help our families get out safely if a fire occurs.

Working Smoke Detectors/Alarms are of utmost importance!! Altho you only have about 2 minutes to escape once the alarm sounds, smoke detectors in the home have been shown to reduce fire-related deaths by 50%.  Considering half of all home fires occur between 11PM – 7AM, when most folks are sleeping, a working smoke detector sounding the alarm can make all the difference. As well as with so many fires starting during the night time, it is a good idea to have working alarms in each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms. This way, when one goes off, they all sound.  Practice a few times with the alarm actually sounding, to ensure that your child is not afraid of the sound, and that they know what they should do when they hear the alarm

Also, practice escaping out of every room of your home.  Make a game of it, see how many different ways you can get out to your designated ‘safe space’ and meeting area. Even have your kids help draw a map of your different escape routes. They will have fun. Drawing a map also helps ingrain it into their minds, making them more likely to remember what to do in the event of an actually fire.

Teach kids to not play with matches and lighters.  Make a habit of storing these items up and out of reach of young children. Teach children that if they happen to find a match or lighter, to take it to a trusted adult immediately!

Fires can be devastating, and sadly, we cannot completely fire-proof our world.   But just a little bit of planning can make a big difference for your family. And if you ever do experience a fire, do not hesitate to call upon your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO! We are always here to help.

Common Fire Hazards

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

While there are many reasons why a fire can start, many business fires start as a result of not paying attention to many different fire hazards in the workplace. 

While every workplace is different, there are some common fire hazards to watch for in your business.

Heat Generating Machinery

Hot machinery and heavy equipment can pose a fire risk. Be sure material that is combustible is kept away from sources of heat and are unplugged when not in use. Never leave equipment on overnight.

Broken Electrical Equipment

Fires caused by faulty equipment are the most common type in the workplace. Be sure to look out for loose or damaged wires. They need to be replaced immediately. Also keep your equipment checked and up to date. 

Faulty Fire Alarms

Be sure to check fire alarm systems and equipment often to make sure they are still in working order. If batteries run out your fire alarms will not sound in the case of a fire or smoke. It is important to make sure you have functional fire alarms in your office. 

Overloaded Sockets

Having too many things plugged in the same socket can be dangerous. Be sure to put one plug per socket and do not exceed 300 watts in the entire socket. This can reduce the risk of a fire in your workplace. 

Water Conservation Tips

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Conservation can come in many forms. Water is a very important resource to us and we have to be sure to turn off faucets and conserve water when we are able to. Here are some tips for your family and children to follow when it comes to conserving water from SERVPRO of Linn County.

When it comes to water conservation, making the matter apparent to your children will have many benefits. It will begin to teach them the value and practices of conservation early on in their lives, a lesson that will hopefully stick for long into the future. Kids are sponges – chances are if you teach your child a way to save water in an interesting way, he or she will relay the message to classmates or friends.

Turning off the tap: minimize water use in the shower by turning off the shower head while shampooing and conditioning. Depending on where they live, this practice alone could save the average family up to $100 and 3,200 gallons of water per year (*based on a family of 3).

Sometimes you or your kids will pour more water than they wind up drinking. Instead of dumping this water down the drain, use it to water your plants, pour it into your pet’s water bowl, into your teapot or another practical use that will eliminate having to use the faucet. The same goes for ice cubes left at the end of your water glass.

Avoiding toys that require a constant stream of water as opposed to those that you fill can make a major difference when it comes to water usage. If it’s just too hot, limiting their time playing in the sprinkler can keep tabs on the situation. Also reminding your children to not play in the running water faucets and keep water use to just the needed usages.

Once you start conserving, expose your children to the struggles for clean water around the world. What they’re doing at home may translate into wanting to do more to help others.

How to deal with a flood

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

After your home has suffered a water damage such as a flood it is important to get into your home and address the problem as quickly and safely as possible. SERVPRO can help you get the water damage fixed and salvage the furniture and goods that were damaged. Here are some things to look out for:

Re-entering your home

• Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
• If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
• Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
• The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.

Ensure building safety

• Make sure the building is structurally safe.
• Look for buckled walls or floors.
• Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Water

• Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
• If through colour, odour or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, don't drink it.
• Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local regulations.

How can SERVPRO help after a tree damaged your home….

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Salem West is in the heart of the pacific northwest. The pacific northwest can experience high winds all through the year. The pacific northwest is also full of beautiful large trees. Trees and high heavy winds don’t mix well. SERVPRO of Salem West has experience with handling situation on which a tree damages homes.  When trees fall on homes they don’t just damage the roof, and structure of the home. The damage can also include water getting in to the home from rain which can cause insulation and drywall issues.

SERVPRO of Salem West can come out and tarp up, and board up the affected area, and help you deal with you insurance company to help take some of the stress of you. SERVPRO of Salem West can  make it “Like it never even happened.” We are here for you and your home 24/7.

Top 5 things you need to have on hand to prepare for a storm.

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Living in the Pacific Northwest we get the occasional storm that will knock out power for a period of time. These 5 thing will come in handy in a time of a storm that cause power loss.

1. Canned goods and a manual can opener

Now everyone knows in a natural disaster that canned fruits, vegetables and even things like canned beans are a great food supply. They will last a long time and offer you the nutrients you need. 

However, opening a can without a can opener can be difficult and sometimes not possible. Make sure to add a can opener to your set so in a time of disaster you have access to canned goods. 

2. Batteries (big and small)

 One of the most important things you’re going to need in the event of al storm or hurricane is power and if you don’t have a generator, you’re going to be relying on batteries to get you through the day.

Not only are they going to be powering the flashlights you’re using to see at night, but they’re going to be powering other things as well that you’ll have to remember. For example, don’t forget to stock up on your hearing aid batteries if that’s one of the things you use.

3. Water

 The most important thing, and everybody pretty much knows this, is you want to have drinking water on hand but what everybody doesn’t really know is how much do you need?

The American Red Cross recommends that you have one gallon, per person, per day in the event of a natural disaster. So that means a family of four, over five days is going to need 20 gallons of water.

5. Cash is King

 When the power is out, credit cards and ATMs are a no-go so cash is a must have. Always keep a handy amount ready to go in case the storm fallout lasts longer than you anticipated and you need to get more supplies or fill up your gas tank.

We Repair Storm Damage

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Winter storms are not a common occurance in Salem West, but it can can happen with little or no advanced warning. Snow and ice buildup on the roof or other building structure can cause water intrusion damage to your home or commercial property. SERVPRO^® of Salem West wants our community to know that we are ready to respond to your storm damage call and will begin the cleanup and restoration process immediately. We have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment needed to restore your business or home back to pre-storm condition. Here are some of the storm and related services we offer:

• Storm & Flood Services
• Water & Storm Damage Tips
• Disaster Recovery Team
• Water Restoration Process
• Caring For Your Belongings
• Mold Remediation
• Sewage Cleanup
• Carpet Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Building Services
• Commercial Storm Damage

We hope you never experience winter storm damage but if you do, we want to help. We know that every minute counts when it comes to preventing storm damage repairs from becoming costly. Our team of highly trained professionals is on call 24 hours a day every day

6 Steps to Water Mitigation

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your property incurs water damage, acting quickly is important

When you discover water damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Benton County and Linn County six-step restoration process to truly restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
   • You can call us 24 hours a day to begin the water restoration process because taking immediate action is crucial after water damage occurs. When you call us, we will ask you questions to get an overview of the damage and to help us determine what resources to dispatch to you.
2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
   • When we arrive on the scene in response to water damage, we will do a detailed property inspection to assess the scope of the damage and to develop a thorough plan of action. We will identify the water source, the category of water, and check for safety concerns.
3. Moisture Extraction
   • The water extraction process will remove the majority of moisture via our extraction and pump units. We will start this process as quickly as possible to lessen the likelihood of more damage occurring and to reduce drying time. We can also help you move out of your belongings in the event that they might be damaged as well.
4. Dehumidifying and Drying
   • After the excess water has been removed, we can begin fully drying all porous materials that have absorbed water. Our industrial-grade equipment moves air quickly and helps moisture to evaporate as fast as possible, which will dry out floors, walls, and carpets as well as discourage mold growth.
5. Cleaning and Repair
   • After sustaining water damage, impacted surfaces will typically require professional cleaning. In addition to structural cleaning, we will clean your belongings that are able to be restored. We will also do odor removal to prevent the musty odor that water-damaged objects often develop.
6. Restoration
   • The final step is ensuring that your property is restored to its pre-water condition. This will involve things like drywall and flooring repairs or even reconstruction. By working with us, you are working with a company that can handle all elements of the restoration, including the difficult reconstruction parts that truly restores things back to their pre-damaged state. We also handle restoration and construction.

The Dangers Of A Slow Leak

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Slow leaks can devastate the condition of the materials in your home that come into contact with them.

A slow leak is an extremely inconvenient occurrence that happens constantly in the residential homeowner’s world. Slow leaks can go on for weeks or even years without being noticed. Thus they can cause so much more damage than an average leak that is addressed right away and discovered right away. Water that sits for a while without being addressed can cause mold or dry rot to happen.

Water that does not sit and is taken care of right away completely prevents mold and the possibility of dry rot occurring from the water loss. Water, even if it is from a clean source such as a supply line, can become contaminated if it sits for long periods of time un-mitigated. For example, if clean water runs into a crawl space, but there are rodents in that crawl space and feces from the rodents spread throughout the space, the job automatically fits into a Biohazardous one because of the extreme contamination of the water, especially if it sits for a while.

Another example of clean water becoming contaminated is if it slowly leaks between vinyl and the underlayment, damaging glue and adhesive from the vinyl. Many times the vinyl contains chemicals and even asbestos, the older the home the more likely it is to contain hazardous building materials.

Here are some examples of slow/long-term leaks in residential homes that we have encountered. A slow leak behind the valve in a stand-up shower. This was impossible to detect due to a full shower surround and a wall on the other side of the leak. The slow leak was spraying onto the drywall behind the shower surround. This caused black mold to grow and required demo of the shower and replacement of the drywall affected as well as the flooring.

Another example of a slow leak was in a high-end home. The owners noticed the flooring starting to buckle in a single place in the kitchen area, then not long after they noticed it buckling in other areas of the home. Finally when we were called in, we found a hot water supply line in the crawl with a minuscule pin-hole leak that was off-putting a small amount of steam each time someone in the house used the hot water. It is crazy to think that one small leak (smaller than a pinhead) can cause mold to grow throughout a 2,000sqft crawlspace. But that is exactly what happened. This was exacerbated also because the customer ignored the first signs of loss with the floors in their home. The subfloor and underlayment became fully saturated, and all the floors had to be replaced in the home due to warping of the laminate backing.

So if something seems off within your home, there is a musty smell, the floors have started showing discoloration or warping, or you spot a water stain on the wall or ceiling, take action and call SERVPRO! We are here to help and even a single day can prevent the damage of hardwood flooring throughout a home. So never hesitate to take care of you home, it is one of your biggest investments.

Are Large Water Losses More Likely In Commercial Properties?

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Properties Suffer Large Losses More Frequently Than Residential. Can You Guess Why?

The short answer here is yes.

This is partly due to commercial structures being so much larger than the average home. Commercial buildings constructed since the year 2000 in the US have an average size of 19,000sqft. The average American home constructed since the year 2000 is 2,261sqft. The vast difference in sizes between a commercial structure and a residential structure is a huge factor in the restoration industry.              More space = more space that can be damaged by water, fire, or any other damages.

Also, commercial properties have more pipes for multiple bathrooms and even multiple kitchens. The hours a commercial structure is occupied also plays a part, usually a commercial building is closed at night. Water damage happens all around the clock, night, morning, and afternoon.

The numbers: The average cost of a water loss in a commercial structure is $24,000 dollars, the average cost of a water loss in a residential home is $7,000. Quite a bit of a difference huh?

A large loss in the restoration world is considered anything that surpasses $50,000. You can see from the numbers that it is much easier for a commercial building to surpass that amount quickly as opposed to a residential property. Overall water losses costs nationwide total in the Billions of dollars and are climbing.

SERVPRO specializes in large loss disaster response as well as residential single family losses. Never hesitate to call a pro if water has affected your home or business!

“Yay! Time to call SERVPRO!” said no one…ever.

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

A property damage/loss can be one of the most inconvenient times in a customers life. We approach each job with a "How can we help?" mindset.

No property owner looks forward to having a loss in their home or business. But the reality of the situation is damages and losses happen every single day across the nation. No one looks forward to calling us. When we pick up the phone and it’s a customer calling to schedule services we never hear “I’m so excited! There is sewage all over in my house!” that is not the normal phone call we get from customers. We deal with customers every day that are experiencing one of the greatest inconveniences of their life. Some are displaced from their homes, almost all are stressed, some are angry, some are sad, but all of them need help!

That is what SERVPRO is here for.

Our work is vitally important to home and business owners throughout the Willamette valley and nationwide. We hear jokes all the time from property owners like “Well this loss is bad for me, but it’s good business for you guys!” They are right. The fact of the matter is, disaster clean-up and restoration is a huge industry and a much needed service across the nation. Yes, this is how our SERVPRO team members earn their living, but we get to help people every single day while earning our living…and that makes for a pretty spectacular job.

We strive to leave each and every one of our customers in a better place than we found them in with each interaction. We want our customers to feel comfortable and confident in their choice to use SERVPRO throughout the mitigation and restoration process. So call SERVPRO to help when the need arises, we will strive to provide comfort and peace of mind in what can be a very stressful time in a property owners life.

What Does SERVPRO Offer?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Let’s face it, this is an interesting line of work, Disaster Clean-Up & Restoration.

It’s not for everyone, squeezing into crawl spaces one day and responding to crime scene clean-ups the next.

I think the driving force for any employee who comes on at our franchises is an appreciation and drive for helping people.

Helping people is indeed something we do each and every single day at SERVPRO.

Also, the wide variety of services we specialize in can transfer across the board when it comes to this industry.

Someone may start at a water technician and find that they excel and enjoy being a part of the fire team more. We have employees find their passion in areas that they did not start in all the time.

In case you are curious about the kind of work we perform and the diverse services we are trained in, here is a list of our more common services:

-Water Mitigation

-Fire Restoration

-Mold Remediation

-Biohazard Clean-Up

-Crime Scene Clean-Up

-Carpet Cleaning

-Duct Cleaning

-Furniture & Contents Cleaning

-Document Drying, Recovery, and Restoration

-Reconstruction

-Complete Re-Builds

-Hazardous Materials Testing

-Commercial Large Loss

So if you are looking for a job that helps people each and every day consider joining our team of SERVPRO Heroes.

Storms, Storms, and more Storms!

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires have hit in historic forces these past few years. SERVPRO has been there to respond and help.

SERVPRO is a professional at responding to storms both local and nationwide.

From freezes, to snowstorms, to floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, and extreme wind…we got it handled and we are trained to respond quickly and effectively.

Our teams across the nation respond to large storm events such as hurricane Katrina and the historic wildfires that devastated northern California in the recent years, like the Dixie fire in 2021 that was the largest single source wildfire in California history.

Storms are literally a force of nature, unpreventable, unpredictable, and will always be a source of large loss events nation (and world) wide!

Most of us have experienced a storm event, or been close to someone who has.

What is the first thing that comes to mind in those moments after the smoke settles?

After the wind dies down?

After the water recedes?

“What do I do now?” Is the most common question people ask.

SERVPRO can walk you through the next steps in the process of what happens next. We have so much experience helping property owners navigate losses that there is a wealth of knowledge that we can share to help the experience go as smoothly as possible.

The days following a storm can be very overwhelming and difficult to endure. SERVPRO’s goal is to set clear expectations and an overview of steps that will need to be taken so it’s less of a “guessing game” and more of a process that we can walk the property holder through together.

Nationwide there is no other brand more trusted than SERVPRO in the restoration industry. You can be confident calling SERVPRO if a storm event strikes and you need help in the process of putting your property back to preloss condition.

Frozen

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

When a sudden freeze happens the earth becomes covered by a thick sheet of ice, this can cause trees to fall, and traveling to become near impossible.

During a freeze Oregon experienced in 2021 customers described hearing the storm outside and inside their homes. They described the experience of listening to the historic storm as hearing a “cracking” “breaking” or “rumbling” noise. This was due mostly to trees, but also to gutters on their house, pipes within their home, fixtures on the exterior of their home, and the rumbling noises were mostly trees falling or being uprooted throughout the community.

Some of our customers were awakened in the night to the sound of a scary force and noise crashing onto their roof…or through their roof. This of course was due to fallen trees.

We had a historic power outage as well during the freeze, and many people in the valley saw their basements flood due to their sump pumps not functioning. This caused a record number of flooded basements and water pumps needed when responding to these losses. Many of the homes affected had their power out for over a week, some even went 10-14 days without power.

People bought out every single generator at stores throughout the valley. And hotel rooms were booked up due to people not wanting to go a week without power. Insurance claims skyrocketed, and power companies worked around the clock to fix all the downed lines throughout the valley.

When power goes out in modern day America everything gets placed on-hold. Without electricity there is no “screen time” and the average American spends over 7 hours in front of a screen each and every single day.  Much more if they have to sit in front of a computer screen at work as well. Kids ages 8-18 also spend 7.5 hours every single day in front of a screen.

Many Oregonians missed work and took time off during the freeze to visit friends of family that still had power. Many of our neighbors took in family and friends that had no power for days at a time. Once the power was finally restored, SERVPRO was able to start tackling jobs quickly and efficiently. SERVPRO helped a record number of people in the Willamette valley in the winter of 2021, we are proud to be trusted nationwide.

The Statistics Of Fire in the USA

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Flames in residential homes can spread quickly due to personal belongings and many furniture items.

The Fire Statistics: House-fires are more common than you think…

According to FEMA the number of house-fires in from 2015-2019 was 346,800.

That is actually a 3.2% decrease from 10 years prior.

Fires cost an average of 14.8 billion dollars’ worth of damage to properties per year. This is over a 74% increase from 10 years prior.

Fire deaths are also at a 10 year high at over 3,700 fire related deaths reported in 2019.

Here in Oregon we have 308 registered fire departments.

So far this year (as of May 1^st), we have 7 reported deaths due to house-fires in the state of Oregon.

We also lost beloved firefighter Austin Smith during a barn fire in February of this year, he was from the St. Paul Fire District. He was just 30 years old.

Cooking remains the top cause of house-fires at over 50%.

Cooking accounts for approximately 30% of commercial fires.

Education of prevention and the top causes of fires is more important than ever. Especially considering almost 8% of house fires were started due to negligence (not arson). This means that over 27,000 house-fires were completely preventable.

Here is a wonderful tool that you can use for your home whether you own or rent. Print it out, hang it up, go over it with your kids, or anyone that lives in the home with you. Fire Safety Checklist: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/up_in_smoke_home_checklist.pdf

Resources: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/index.html

More resources: www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html

Backdraft, Not Just A Movie.

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

One of the biggest warning signs of a possible backdraft is black smoke.

Do you know what a backdraft is?

You may know what it is, or what it looks like, but do you know what causes it?

We have all seen the movie, whether you loved it or not…you remember the epic scene at the end.

Here is a great overview of what backdraft is from Wikipedia: A backdraft (North American English) or backdraught (British English) is the abrupt burning of superheated gasses in a fire, caused when oxygen rapidly enters a hot, oxygen-depleted environment; for example, when a window or door to an enclosed space is opened or broken.

Firefighters are taught to recognize backdraft conditions, due to space fire is contained in, smoke emitting from the fire (how dark is it? How fast is the fire burning?), no visible flame (fires often suffocate in this stage of burning due to lack of oxygen), the biggest sign I think of is the sudden movement of air inward when an opening to the affected space is finally made.

You can learn about all the signs of backdraft more here: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/cb-051920.html

When Water Damages Affect Businesses

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Interruption to business due to water losses can be costly!

Businesses in the Willamette Valley have been through a lot over the last couple of years. We lost many small businesses here in Oregon due to the pandemic and the closures. Then came the measures enforced and constantly updated on what it took to keep businesses open. Through this, we still responded to many water losses in commercial structures. Many caused by pipes, toilets, or even the drains in the floors.

Working with small businesses is a huge source of pride for SERVPRO. Helping a small business get back on its feet and reopen its doors after a water loss is a thrilling and fulfilling moment. At SERVPRO we understand the importance of time lost when a business cannot keep its doors open. Time is of the essence, and it helps that we are a 24 hour company with nationwide resources.

Upon arrival to a water loss at a business, one of the first things a SERVPRO Technician does it determine any safety hazards. They may ask the following questions;

-Is the water clean water? Or is it contaminated? This determines how much PPE our technicians will be required to wear.

-Has the electricity been turned off to the structure that is affected? If not, where is the electric shutoff?

-Has the source of the water been fixed? Or is the water still running? If the water is still running, where is the water shutoff?

-All water losses have slip hazards, our technicians need to be sure that our team is equipped with the proper foot attire. Flip-Flops are not appropriate.

-Each one of our technicians will ask the question “How can I stabilize this loss best?”  The stabilization of a loss is what it takes to stop any further water damage to the area. In most cases this starts with the removal/extraction of any surplus water from affected materials. It can also include the removal of materials that will not properly dry (carpet pad, insulation, warped laminate flooring, warped trim, etc.).

All of these questions set up a commercial loss response for being successful. Time is of the essence, so our SERVPRO Technician will want to start work right away after addressing any concerns the business owner may have.

Remember calling SERVPRO is the best choice you can make if your business suffers a water loss. We are truly “Faster to any Disaster!”

Working In Rented Commercial Structures

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial losses affect both owner and tenant.

SERVPRO works in many commercial structures throughout the country. One of the things we frequently encounter is working within a commercial building that has active tenants or businesses renting the spaces within them. We have worked for many property managers to help return their spaces to preloss condition, and help resolve any concerns that the tenant has about the loss.

Many tenants or businesses that are leasing their commercial space instead of buying, have concerns with business interruption, inconvenience to their clients and customers, noise from the SERVPRO machines may present an inconvenience to any persons that are within the affected area.

Obviously some losses cannot allow the businesses or renters to remain in the area while SERVPRO performs the disaster clean-up. In cases such as this, we understand that the top priority of the commercial building owner or property manager will be getting the businesses or tenants back into the area so they can return to paying the lease for that rented space.

Many times commercial insurance may cover costs of loss of use of space, but many times it is not cost affective to file a claim if it is a smaller loss. Many water losses are small in nature, but it takes time and machines to dry the materials correctly and efficiently.

Fire damage often can affect an entire unit after only a few minutes of smoke. Fire losses may also have water damage due to sprinklers being triggered during the loss.

Any kind of Biohazard loss includes the evacuation of people from the affected area. Biohazard includes everything from sewage to blood borne pathogens. These losses must always be handled with attention to detail and the diligent work of our SERVPRO technicians to remove any contaminants in the affected space.

SERVPRO takes our job very seriously when called out to a commercial building that has occupants or tenants. You can feel confident calling SERVPRO to handle all of your commercial clean-up and restoration needs.

Swamps are perfectly normal, but NOT in your house!

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Trees like these are used to withstanding water, your furniture? not so much...

Imagine coming home to a swamp in your living room?

Take a few seconds to visualize everything that would be affected if this happened to you, the couch/furniture, the carpet/flooring, toys, electrical equipment, the walls...it’s a mess right?

When we arrive on-scene at a loss like this, the first thing we do is remove and standing water (suck out the swamp!) now depending on where the water came from and how long it has been sitting, we can salvage contents. Best case scenario, the water was fresh, cold, and recent. If water is hot it breaks down materials faster, if water is contaminated by sewage or other sources (if it was a drain line instead of supply) the contents may be very limited as to what we can save.

Next step will be removing all items that can be salvaged and leaving all contents that can be cleaned and dried in place. Cleaning items in place is possible with a clean water source (such as a supply line) most likely losses this large are from supply lines and many have to have the main water to the house shut-off until the source of the leak is fixed. Drying items in place can sometimes be achieved, even with carpet. Most often we will remove the affected carpet pad and float the carpet with air beneath it to dry it out (This is only if the water source was clean).

A house-turned-swamp can be a big hassle and a huge inconvenience, but SERVPRO can return you home to the sanctuary that it was before the water invaded, and we can help you every step of the way in addressing and answering you questions and concerns about the loss.

Why SERVPRO is your best choice!

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, we help people. Each and every day.

There is a reason that SERVPRO continually rates as the highest ranking restoration company in the nation. We are consistently elected the number one trusted restoration brand by consumers, and we pride ourselves on not only taking care of our customers, but taking care of our employees.

-We believe great customer service comes from happy employees. An employee that is unhappy at work, will not take as careful and caring steps during a disaster response.

-Making our workplace welcoming and fun is a top priority. SERVPRO wants to be a place that people want to work at, and can grow and achieve the success that they want at our company.

-Benefits and time off. SERVPRO offers both paid vacation, sick days, and offers medical and dental insurance coverage.

-We help people, every single day. Our company is best suited for those with a heart for service. We pride ourselves on the care and attention to detail with each loss we respond to.

-Learn valuable skills with on-the-job training. SERVPRO takes the time to train our technicians and employees so they feel confident in their skill set and have the correct methods to effectively handle a loss.

So whether you are someone with a heart of service, and you want to join a team that helps people every single day, or whether you are a property owner who has had a disaster strike their home or business, SERVPRO can help you find your way back to a fulfilling career, or a comfortable home.

Give us a call, we would love to be a part of your journey.

We are always open, always here to help, and always looking for fantastic people to work alongside us.

Large Losses In Commercial Structures

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Large Commercial losses are one of our specialties here at SERVPRO!

A large loss in a commercial structure is much different from residential and that changes the entire way we manage the job process.
First off, A commercial property has more parties with irons in the fire. Many times commercial properties have various people who are invested involved and effective communication is a must!
-Property Owner (Our customer).
-Property Manager (In some cases, the property owner will delegate the communication of a job to his property manager).
-Tenants (in some cases, either business or residential tenants are affected by the damaged space, communicating effectively and only disclosing what the property owner wants is important. Remember, the building owner is your customer.
-Tenants (tenants can also become customers of ours, due to their personal belongings being damaged in the loss and them filing a claim with their insurance to get them cleaned or replaced).
-Insurance (large loss commercial property adjusters are who we work with on these jobs to get approvals for work needing performed, and payment once process is complete).
-The City (Commercial Property large losses often require permits and we work to get the approvals from the cities building department).
-Neighbors of affected property (whether business or residential, neighbors next to a large loss can deal with more foot traffic, actual traffic, noise, and overall inconvenience than usual).
SERVPRO is well trained and very knowledgeable in large commercial losses. You can feel comfortable and confident that we handle each loss with the utmost care and due diligence that it deserves.
So if you need us give us a call, we can work confidently and professionally with all parties involved, and help restore your space to preloss condition.

How Hot Is Too Hot?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Drywall that has been affected by the severe heat of a house-fire.

How hot is Scorching?
Did you know that “Scorching Hot” is slang?
There is indeed no clear cut answer to what temperature is considered Scorching.
It can be defined as a temperature that can burn you if you come in contact with it (like a hot pan on the stove), or a weather temperature that humans are uncomfortable being outside in for any period of time.
Have you ever seen a picture of heat affected drywall taken after a house fire? That is what comes to mind when I think of scorching.
Weird things happen when drywall has gotten so hot, it has almost caught fire…Drywall in this condition is usually black and the paint/sealant on the drywall is bubbling. Drywall and the minerals that make drywall start to damage at around 175 degrees F, drywall can spontaneously catch fire at 350 degrees F.
There is such a great heat fluctuation in house fires that at floor level it may be 100 degrees F (which is why humans are told to get low or crawl in the case of a fire), at ceiling height it can easily reach 1500 degrees F. No human can survive in that type of heat. In fact, the hottest temperature humans can withstand (short-term) is 248 degrees F.
Our human bodies are made up of water and other elements that heat can affect severely.
It’s a delicate balance to keep our bodies at an optimal temperature. Even if our internal temperature fluctuates a few degrees our bodies respond with flu-like symptoms.
Fire safety is so important. Many fires can engulf and destroy entire houses in a matter of minutes. With each changing season check your smoke alarms, have an exit plan, and educate your family and loved ones on the importance of fire safety.

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind. How Common Is Hidden Mold?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Taken from a crawl space, homeowner stepped through bathroom floor due to shower leak, Mold is seen growing around the hole.

Mold often grows in parts of the home that are not visible to the everyday eye.
Here are a few examples of where we have discovered mold growth over the past few months.
-In an under-stairs closet, completely out of sight to the homeowners due to the closet being used for storing boxes and out of season clothes and decorations.
-In the corner of a walk-in closet, behind a storage box, due to a slow leak in the adjoining bathroom.
-Attic, our attic mold jobs are a constant and steady task for our team. This is oregon, and moisture in attics leading to mold growth is very common.
-Water heater closet. Hot water causes mold to grow faster than cold water. Mold loves warm, wet, and moist environments and thrives when there is a hot water heater loss.
-Crawl spaces are another large source of mold growth. We have seen slow leaks and large burst pipes that both have caused mold growth under homes. As well as water table issues under homes.
-Garage doors, the backing of garage doors at the base can grow mold due to the wet weather months Oregon faces, but also due to no proper closure at the bottom of the door, or if the bottom of the door is sitting on a surface that has grass, dirt, or moss, instead of cement/asphalt.
-Mold on bathroom ceiling. The mold that we often see growing on a bathroom ceiling is usually due to lack of proper ventilation when showering. Here in the Pacific Northwest it is important to always have your bathroom fan running and operating well while you are using the shower. Leaving your bathroom fan on for 30-60 minutes post shower is also recommended, especially if your mirrors get fogged.
-A water loss is the number one source of mold growth in homes and businesses hands down! Water penetrating materials that it shouldn’t spurs microbial growth to flourish in that material and it spreads the longer the materials stay wet.
So the takeaway about hidden mold is that it is very common. As a home or business owner check your closets, crawl, and attic often for issues or evidence of moisture intrusion. If you do find mold, give SERVPRO of Salem West a call! (503) 393-9999.

When Water Damage Displaces A Family

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

One of the things we at SERVPRO have seen repeatedly is a water loss displacing a family. This can be due to several factors, but it is always extremely difficult on the family to be displaced from their home while dealing with a traumatic water loss.
One of the main reasons homeowners have to find temporary housing outside of their homes is due to no bathroom being usable in the current house due to a water loss. When a water loss happens in a 1 bathroom home and the flooring and the toilet need to be removed, it is cause for displacement of the homeowners due to the lack of usable facilities at the home.
Another reason that homeowners are displaced is when a kitchen water loss happens, sometimes the cabinets, stove, fridge, and flooring need to be removed in order to effectively dry the area. A house with no usable kitchen is a common cause of customers finding temporary housing outside of their home.
Unsafe living environments. Unsafe living environments can mean a few different things, the first and most common is mold infestation. Homeowners are sometimes temporarily displaced due to mold that needs to be remediated that has been uncovered/discovered during a water loss. Sometimes the extent of the mold infestation warrants the homeowners to relocate until the mold can be safely and effectively remediated.
Inconvenience. Sometimes homeowners relocate due to the large inconvenience that comes with a water loss. Sometimes flooring, ceiling, walls, and personal belongings are affected due to a water loss. Homeowners may not want to deal with the noises of dehumidifiers, air movers, and the noise that comes with the demo and reconstruction needed at times during a water job, and therefor opt to relocate until the water loss and reconstruction has been finished.
Odor in the home from the water loss. Sometimes water losses can cause odors to emit from the materials that they affect. Sometimes water losses are also from drain lines or sewer lines that cause a strong odor to be present until they are cleaned and dried. Homeowners are often displaced temporarily due to odors.
So the reasons vary for homeowners to vacate during a water loss, but it is much more frequent than you would expect. Depending on the location and the extent of a water damage, homeowners can be displaced for days or months at a time.

Most Think They Are House-Fire Prepared, But Are They?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

You have read about house fires, and if you are safety prepared you have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors in your home, but do you have a plan?
House fires can happen for many reasons, but each one starts incredibly small…like the burning of a tea candle, or a spark from faulty wiring, or a toaster oven overheating, or (the most common) cooking fire from unattended food on the stove.
If something as small a spark can destroy an entire home, you would think we as homeowners and renters would be more prepared for it. But the sad truth is, less than half of the 80% of the US population who believes they are prepared and know what to do in the case of a fire…don’t have a plan in place if an actual fire happens.
In order to have a plan in place you should ask yourself and your family members these questions:
Do you know where the fire extinguisher is?
Do you know how to operate the fire extinguisher?
Do you know what exit points we have in the house depending on where the fire is located?
Where are we meeting outside? (By the big oak tree, by the mailbox, next to the tulip bed, etc)
Do you know what to do if a fire starts and your Mom/Dad and I are not here? (For older kids)
Do you know the hazardous ways that fires most often happen in homes?
Getting out of the house and to a safe place is always the first priority!
In case you are curious, here are the top reasons house fires start:
1: Appliances & Equipment (stoves, curling irons, cooking devices, etc)
2: Candles (proof you should never leave a burning candle unattended)
3: Holiday Decorations (we all love the twinkling of Christmas lights, just make sure to water your tree!)
4: Electrical Systems and Devices (old or shoddy electrical work, as well as loose wires are dangerous)
5: Smoking (more specifically negligent smoking)
For more information you can visit this Red Cross webpage: Prepare For House Fires

Flooding caused by storm drains!

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician is pictured standing in a flooded parking lot. A clogged storm drain was the culprit of this water issue!

When the rain gets heavy, the standing water can build where it shouldn't!

We have had record calls from homeowners and businesses this past year about standing water in their parking lots, and overflowed storm drains.

Many times this can happen due to debris being built up in the drain filter. Cleaning it out is hard physical labor, but regularly necessary. 

Also, sometimes storm drains simply cannot keep up with heavy rainfalls and downpours. If you notice a storm drain in your town that is flooded and not draining properly, you can reach out to your local public works department at the city and report the problem.

If the storm drain is located on your private property you are responsible for servicing the storm drain yourself. Most likely it is a build up of debris in the upper portion of the drain filter, but sometimes it is a failure of the line that runs undergroud. the later is a much more significant cost to fix.

Plumbers have specialty equipment to clear drains. SERVPRO has provided such services, but if the problem is more than a clogged drain filter, a plumber and excavator company will most likely be needed. 

You can check your storm drains with a flashlight periodically when they are free of standing water and see if you can spy any clogging or build-up of leaves and rubbish that is preventing the drain from working optimally.

SERVPRO unclogged our own parking lot storm drain this past year, it was due to leaves and branches and dirt build-up. Often times it can clog very suddenly. So best to inspect seasonally if possible. 

Snowstorms Aren’t Salem’s Norm, But Quick Response Is Still SERVPRO’s

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

This past week we have seen snow hit the Salem area and cause bridge and road closures, but what we have also seen it do is expose leaky roofs. Even roofs that are new have reported leaking. Our climate here in the pacific northwest is famous for its rain, but snow? Not so much.

Snow is more prone to cause car accidents than home damages. But we did see a loss that was due to frozen pipes…but not how you’d expect. The pipes did not indeed freeze, but they clogged. The homeowner left their faucet running due to fear that the pipes would become frozen.

This was a calculated and responsible action of the homeowner. What the homeowner did not expect was for the pipes to clog and the water to flood the home for 2 days while the homeowner was out of the house.

A loss like this can show anyone that although you are being a responsible homeowner, losses can still happen. Losses can happen in ways that you didn’t expect or prep for. We responded to this customer’s call and were out onsite within 2 hours. We then stabilized the home and set drying equipment after cleaning of the area and ventilating the walls.

If you are looking for a dependable company to turn to when all your planning and safety precautions have not been enough due to factors like the one above? Give SERVPRO a call! We respond quickly and treat each loss with the professional attention it deserves.

The importance of Locally Owned & Operated

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

As the months and years pass, many businesses here in Salem and Oregon are operated and owned by out of state investors. Many of the homes that are bought outright in cash are sold to California transplants. Our State is attracting more and more people who want to relocate here, our state is also one of the most heavily costly to live in due to people wanting to move here.

What is the importance of buying local and using local services? Have you ever wondered why the cost of goods is more costly at a small general store than at a local Walmart? This is due to the big corporate businesses like Walmart being able to buy in bulk for dirt cheap prices (because they are buying so much).

The difference between goods and services is that services tend to be along the same cost whether or not they are a large or small business. But using local services that are owned and operated within your area is highly beneficial and cost effective. Local vendors have more information on current conditions within your area, laws about services you are requesting, rules for planning the services, and locally specific management perspectives than that who are out of state owned or new to the industry. Using local vendors also helps support community within your area.

When we think about community we see small shops, banks, and grocery stores, where a mother of two can talk to Mr. Policemen on the corner, call him by name, and ask how his mother is? If you take away the local human community element…all you have is a big empty corporate suit selling you goods.

Our SERVPRO franchises (SERVPRO of Salem West & SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties) have been locally owned and operated for the past 20 years. The family that owns this company still oversees operations and shows up to work each day.

The difference between a small business and a large business is that in a small business you can usually go to the owners office and knock and enter to ask a question. You can’t do that at Walmart.

We should love buying local and sourcing local goods and services. It builds your network, encourages strength in small businesses, and is beneficial to the dying art that is small business ownership.

Plus, if something comes up that you need help with, you can call and get an answer. Rather than speaking to someone overseas after being on hold for 15 minutes.

Preparedness of a Fire Restoration Technician

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

There are many different dangers for a SERVPRO of Salem West Technician to consider when responding to a fire loss.

Our team has to take into account prevention of cross contamination, possible toxic levels of smoke and Ashe in the air, and whether or not the structure can be cleaned or not, and much more.

Each Fire Technician responding to a Fire loss needs to make sure they have the following items on hand:

-Respirator (with carbon filters)

-Shoe covers (multiple pairs for going in and out of the structure)

-White Suit or Coveralls (Ashes that may still be floating in the air are highly acidic)

-Protective glasses

-Camera (For capturing pictures of surroundings)

-Laser Tape (if measuring is needed)

-Gloves

-Cleaning Supplies (To decontaminate any items before packing them into vehicle)

-Cell Phone (to update team on findings or in case back-up is needed)

-Sponges (For smoke testing)

That is just the start of a long list of items to consider.

There are other things to consider when responding to a fire loss.

Here are some key questions our Fire Restoration Technicians need to ask themselves:

-Has the site been cleared by the fire department for entry?

-Are other vendors onsite or being called out to estimate loss?

-Is there water damage from fire fighting efforts? How extensive is it?

-Will I need to determine if contents are salvageable or not?

-Am I prepared to enter this structure and gather the pictures and measurements needed to create a proper estimate of damages if it is requested before work beginning?

Being prepared comes with the job. A Fire loss is one of the most heavily toxic environments we encounter. Facing a fire damage it is always crucial to be prepared for the worst case scenario. At SERVPRO of Salem West our technicians approach each fire with training and preparedness.

Commercial Jobs Present More Obstacles Than Residential

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

A commercial loss is much different than a residential loss. When it comes to SERVPRO responding and mitigating a commercial loss, we have to take into account that there are many more parties of interest involved, and documentation of the job and proper communication about job progress and emergency response efforts may have to be distributed to multiple owners, managers, and insurance companies throughout the process.

SERVPRO of Salem West has worked within commercial buildings for over 20 years. We are used to navigating the delicate balance between communication with multiple owners, while also working with multiple vendors that many times it requires to bring the structure back to preloss condition.

Experience really is key when it comes to responding to a commercial loss. We prioritize what is most important to our customers and we get to work stabilizing the building as soon as possible. Each day a commercial property isn’t operating it is costing our customer money. As a longtime restoration vendor, we know that getting the facility/structure operational as soon as possible is key for customer satisfaction.

A large part of handling a commercial loss is efficient and frequent communication with the right parties at the right time. Our team at SERVPRO of Salem West keeps communication and customer satisfaction at the forefront of our job responsibilities at all times.

So when you business or facility has a loss, you can feel confident calling SERVPRO of Salem West. We will be able to respond to the disaster and get the situation under control faster than any other restoration company in the willamette valley.

We have the experience, the knowledge, the connections, and the communication and dedication to see commercial restorations come to a smooth and timely completion.

When you see the GREEN, you know it’ll be clean!

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

A Green SERVPRO Van is shown arriving onsite at the new Salem Police Department.

When something happens to your business or home that is outside of the usual, it turns your whole world upside down. Disasters within the home or business include, but are not limited to:

-Flooding/Water Damage (caused by leaking of roof, burst pipe, accidentally leaving the faucet on, storm water intrusion, appliances with failed water lines, rodents chewing through supply lines, sewer backup, toilet overflow, and many more).

-Fire Damage (caused by electrical malfunction, wildfires, cooking, candles left burning, electronics shorting or overheating, unsafe use of matches, fireplaces, arson, and many more).

-Bio-Hazard (caused by trauma or crime scene, sewage overflow from toilet, contaminated storm water, exposure to dangerous chemicals or pathogens, bodily fluids, hypodermic needles, and more).

-Mold (caused by overly saturated structure materials that were not dried soon enough or well enough, too much moisture in a space, not enough ventilation in a space, unhealthy or unsanitary living conditions, neglected water damage, and more).

-Storm Damage (caused by high winds, fallen trees, flooded homes, snowstorms, ice storms, and more).

No matter the cause of the disruption in your home or business, when you see the GREEN, you know it’ll be clean!

Our SERVPRO Technicians are IICRC certified and trained to handle all of the above listed disasters and more!

Our crew leads, project managers, and crew chiefs are cross-trained in all facets of the restoration business.

SERVPRO of Salem West has been a staple in the restoration industry for over 20 years in the Willamette Valley. We have been family owned and operated since being founded.

If you are seeking a knowledgeable, educated, and trained response team…look no further than SERVPRO of Salem West. We also own SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties.

Homeless Encampments: Preparing for the Clean-Up!

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team member Johanna Allen, stands amidst the chaos of a Salem Homeless Encampment Clean-Up.

People within our community are struggling. Struggling with mental health, with physical health, with addiction, and many are struggling with money. Oregon has the 4^th highest rate of homelessness per capita among the United States. You may have already guessed the 3 states with higher homeless rates, they are (California, New York, and Hawaii).

If you look at the cost of living in America today, you will see Oregon is listed at number 4 on the “top 10 list of states with the highest cost of living” So what are the top 3 states with the highest cost of living? (California, New York, and Hawaii).

As the last few years have gone by, SERVPRO of Salem West has been called upon to perform Homeless Encampment Clean-Ups. These are highly contaminated jobs and physically exerting. So, Why? Why does SERVPRO take these on? The answer is simple, as needs change so does our job descriptions. We are a company that has always tackled Bio-Hazardous jobs, and homeless encampments are just that.

Preparing to take on a job like this is not only physical, but mental as well.

Physically, you need to be trained in proper pick-up and disposal of bio-hazardous materials (such as used hypodermic needles), you need to have the proper PPE (N95 or respirator, non-penetrable gloves, solid boots, long thick pants, an eye protection), you also need the right gear (sharps containers, tools for the removal of needles, industrial garbage bags, trucks or trailers for transport of waste, man power to collect garbage and get it to trucks or trailers, but the most important thing to have is a safe and steady pace.

Keeping a safe pace as you pick up garbage in a homeless encampment is a must! Due to the high amounts and piles of waste and garbage you must stay extremely vigilant and assume each handful of garbage contains something sharp within it…because often it does. “Working smarter, not faster” is a good way of viewing the clean-up of a homeless encampment.

Mentally preparing yourself for the viewing of homeless encampments is important, because they are hard to see up close. They can be disturbing and heartbreaking at the same time. Viewing a homeless camp from a distance (a street or road) only paints the picture of a group camping site…with more than average garbage. Up close, you are exposed to the severely toxic levels of rotten food, human waste, garbage, and unsanitary conditions. In each and every homeless site we have come across, we always find needles, drug paraphernalia, human feces and urine, rotten food, and most of all…garbage.

Garbage pick-up or storage is not something that is a priority or part of the day to day life at most sites. Garbage, is not a concern for a person struggling to get from one day to the next.

So preparing yourself mentally to see the level of uncleanliness in homeless encampment environments, is by far the hardest thing about cleaning these camps. You see the aftermath that comes when one of the most basic of human comforts ( keeping the body clean and sanitary)…is no longer a motivation or a priority.

There is hope, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may seem like conditions and homeless populations are growing and getting worse…but statistically, that is not the case. Oregon in the year 2020, had the biggest drop in homelessness nationwide, and saw a decline of homelessness by 8%. With the many resources and amazing Organizations within the State of Oregon, this is great news. There is help, and people continue to accept it. Every. Single. Day.

Superman isn't the only one with super sight capabilities!

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

A water Technician is shown at a much warmer (yellow) temperature than the water she is extracting (purple).

Thermal Imaging in Water Restoration can be a very useful approach during large water losses.
Human beings have a body temperature averaging 98.6 degrees. Water reads cold in average room temperature comparison. 

Unless a water loss is actively spraying from a hot water heater, the water will show up colder than the average human body because water adjusts to the temperature of the environment it is surrounded by (it freezes in cold, it melts in heat).

(Featured Picture) As you can notice from this picture, taken using a thermal imaging camera, the SERVPRO technician extracting water from the carpet is at a much warmer (yellow) temperature than the water she is extracting.

The water in the photo shows up darker (purple).
Deeper purple hues show up on a thermal imaging camera when cooler temperatures, water, and moisture are present.

Thermal imaging cameras are a wonderful tool, especially when looking at high areas out of immediate reach, and capturing how wet an area is that may appear more dry from simply looking at it with the human eye.

This technology can help our team map where the water has migrated more efficiently throughout a loss. It serves as a pair of water and temperature goggles when viewing a loss.

Thermal Imaging cameras are a great asset for our SERVPRO team in the field! They were not commonplace to use in water restoration until the last handful of years in the industry. Once water restoration technicians started using them, they saw the uses and benefits and soon became widely popular through SERVPRO franchises.

Fleas Up To Your Knees

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Our technician didn't realize it until he seen all the fleas on his pants

That is a literal statement and it is certainly made clear, there are a lot of fleas crawling around and up this technician's pant leg.

You could only imagine what was going on in this apartment building but we know there were a few fleas. After speaking with the manager, it was determined to declare this unit unfit for habitation in its current state. 

SERVPRO of Salem West maintains a fully stocked cleaning products room and we have thirty two cleaning protocols to handle your cleaning needs.

From inks, dyes and Kool-Aid, to fuel spill, oil, gum, wine and fire extinguisher dust, we have a process and protocol to clean it up.

For any specialty cleaning needs you may have, call us (503) 393-9999

Don't swing the golf clubs inside!

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

FORE!

Just by the title, maybe this tee’d up the content of the article? Or maybe not. A few years back our team at SERVPRO of Salem West, located in Oregon was contacted by a client from a college town. They suffered a major water damage in their four-story apartment building, with the source location on the top floor.

As the story goes, a college student living the life in a very nice, two bedroom apartment in a newish apartment building was taking practice swings in the apartment. This building, newer in age with a fully installed fire sprinkler system was about to be put the test. A test not created by design but through human error and lack of judgment.

With the great swing of the titanium driver, that little sprinkler head didn’t stand a chance and a millisecond later water sprayed out in a beautiful umbrella pattern.

The golfer must have felt like, “Oh wow, I can’t take a mulligan on that one!”

With gallons of water pouring in the fourth floor apartment, the renter had to notify the building manager, which takes this little story for another turn. Upon being notified the building manager, with limited experience wasn’t sure what to do except call the fire department.

The fire department quickly responded and was able to locate the riser room to shut off the sprinkler system. Total time for the sprinklers to be shut down was about twentyfive minutes.
As would be, water ran for 25 minutes into the building affecting all three levels below: multiple apartments, common areas and hallways.

While we can’t help with your golf swing, we can make water damage, “Like it never even happened.” We went to work as fast as possible drying a restoring the property to preloss condition.

What's In A Name?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

How are Storms Named?

Have you ever wondered who names storms and how names are chosen and what even qualifies a storm to be named?

Well, not all storms are named and as a matter of fact, a storm must be of a significant size to be named as noted by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s website.

Here’s a brief as mentioned by NOAA. Tropical Storms and hurricanes were tracked by year and order throughout the year which would make archival and information retrieval a little more cumbersome. So that’s where the idea of naming storm became the more better solution for reference.

In 1953, the USA began using female names and by 1978 male names were added.

There is a strict procedure established by the World Meteorological Organization on the specifics names given to a storm. The names do have meaning though just as a VIN# on a vehicle denotes details.

Read more about storm naming by clicking here.

What's in the fire extinguisher?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Extinguish that fire!

 Extinguishing a fire is the process of stopping the open flame and burning affect.

The material to extinguish a fire can be anything from, water, foam, fire blanket, or to what is commonly used in modern portable fire extinguishers; monoammonium phosphate or potassium bicarbonate.

These powders are great at putting the flame out for sure. There is also something else that’s important to know.

Cleaning up fire extinguisher dust is vitally important as well. The powders can be corrosive to metals and may lead to damaging items that were not directly impact by a fire.

If you’ve discharged a fire extinguisher in your home, take the following steps to clean up.

#1 Start clean-up as soon as safe to do so, but quickly as possible.

#2 Vacuum up all visible dry powder from all surfaces.

#3 Use a dry cloth to wipe up powder from surfaces.

#4 Use a wet cleaning method to help release the powder from oily or dirty surfaces.

#5 Rinse if needed with clear and clean water.

#6 Sanitize any food prep areas with SERVPROXIDE.

You’ll also want to dispose of any food that has come in direct contact with the powder as it will be unsafe to consume.

SERVPRO of Salem West is here to assist you in your disaster cleanup needs anytime, day or night.

Back Deck BBQ Fire in West Salem

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Warped Vinyl Siding

It's summer in the Willamette Valley and Outdoor cooking and grilling are at the highest point of the year. Who wants to cook inside and heat up the house when it's 90+ degrees out? Not me! But as a responsible griller, it's important to always be safe while you cook outdoors. 

A recent inspection in West Salem found scorching and discoloration on the vinyl siding on the back of the home. It did not appear to be widespread, just one area. The homeowner mentioned that it had happened twice over the past year or so, and that it was from a BBQ being too close to the house. What looked to just be discoloration, turned out to be warping of many of the vinyl siding pieces (most likely due to the hot steam and smoke being vented directly at the house when cooking).

The heat had warped some of the panels so greatly that they were no longer effective at keeping moisture out. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you think about siding…what is its main purpose? To protect the house from outside elements, especially moisture. So, if the siding becomes compromised, it can no longer perform its main purpose. That is why it is so important to fix broken, cracked, or damaged vinyl as soon as you can after spotting it.

Keeping moisture out of your house should always be a top priority. Moisture intrusion can cause mold to grow quickly because it gives it a nice moist place to multiply.

Some smaller jobs, when it comes to vinyl siding replacement, can be done by the average American homeowner. Please see this Replacing Vinyl Siding. Where Shannon, from House Improvements, uses his YouTube channel to show you how to replace your own vinyl siding on your home, even if it’s in the middle of the wall. He also gives you the link to buy the tool you will need in the comments!

Multi-Unit Water Damage in Salem Apartments

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

A moisture reading shows that the drywall around the bathroom vent is fully saturated with water.

Imagine you wake up to start your day, you flip on the light in your bathroom and find the floor soaked with water and dripping from the ceiling...it happens more often than you think. Especially in multi-unit housing. 

We were recently called out to an apartment building where the ground floor tenant complained of water coming out of the vent in her bathroom ceiling. Upon inspection we found that the water had fully saturated around the vent and had also run down the interior of the wall and gotten under the vinyl flooring in the bathroom. We followed the moisture trail also to an electrical breaker box in an adjoining room closet (Very scary stuff).

Upon even further inspection the water had dripped into the crawl space as well. It was clear at this point that the water was coming from a pipe in the upstairs unit. But we could not gain access to the upstairs unit due to no one being home and no notice given. Apartments are always complicated jobs, because we are working with the tenant, the property manager, the property owner, and sometimes the adjoining apartments tenants as well (like in this case).

That’s why it is so important for renters to carry insurance. Renters insurance is affordable (about the cost of 2 coffees) and covers all your belongings should something happen to them. Things happen that are beyond your control when you share walls with other people. Water damage, Fire damage, Smoke damage, Mold damage, bio-hazardous contamination…we have seen multi-unit losses for all the above and more. Of course, we are able to help the tenant in the upstairs apartment as well as the tenant of the unit we inspected, but this is just a reminder to be prepared and have your belongings insured. It’s not worth the risk to leave yourself fully exposed to unfortunate occurrences that are beyond your control, or due to another tenant’s negligence.

Here is an interesting article found on mysmartmove.com on why renters insurance is not only beneficial to the renter, but the landlord as well. It also includes details on what renters insurance covers! Why landlords should require renters insurance.

Hundreds of Flooded Basements in Salem, OR

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture meter shows how high the drywall is affected past the point the water flooded to.

The ice storm last February was unlike anything most Oregonians have ever experienced. It wreaked havoc on the outside/exterior of homes with damage to (trees, plants, out structures, and tile roofing). It also caused massive structural damage from trees on homes). The storm also did a massive huge amount of interior damage, this came in the form of flooded basements. Flooded basements happened when the electricity went out, the basement sump pumps shut off, and while this is normally not a large problem…in this case, the electric stayed out for 7-10 days for thousands of homeowners. The sump pumps could not pump out all the water that continued to flood into their basements.

Here at SERVPRO, a flooded basement was the #1 call received. A close second was trees on homes. I will tell you an interesting fact when it came to inspecting these basements, by the time we arrived and inspected there was very little standing water left. One home I’ll never forget, the owner had used painters masking tape (brilliant idea) to mark out where the water came up to on the basement walls. You could also see the water line in many areas of the basement, but she was surprised to see how far up the wall the drywall was soaked past the point the water filled up to.

Drywall will hold water and expand; water will travel up inside of drywall much like a spider would on the outside. So, what looked like a foot of saturated drywall was over twice that amount. The finished product of this job was great though, we were able to return the homeowners basement back to a dry and safe environment.

We accomplished this by packing out and sanitizing first. We then did minimal demo, dehumidification, and airflow. We also deterred growth of microbes by applying anti-microbial products to any areas that met the storm water.

Part of the reason this job had the great outcome it did was that the homeowners took initiative! They invested in a generator right after the storm hit and flooded their basement, within a 24-hour period they had pumped out any standing water all by themselves! What Rockstar's!

If you would like to see pictures and read up on this historic Ice Storm, below is a link to an article The Stateman's Journal published and pictures they captured. Ice Storm Article.

"You wouldn't believe how LOUD it was!"

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Attic space shows that a tree has punctured through the roof.

Trees were hit hard this past February...when the Ice Storm hit Salem and the surrounding areas hard. Most people with vegetation on their land lost trees, if not to the wind, to the broken branches and trucks giving up due to the heavy weight of the ice pulling them down.

SERVPRO responded to loss here in Salem, that had the occupants still living there, but they had a tree on their roof…in one place, they had part of the tree through the roof. It punctured through the shingles and plywood without any trouble at all. The shear force of the tree smashing through the roof was shocking. The homeowners described it as “Louder than anything they had ever heard” and “Scary”. The water intruded through the broken roof, down through the insulation, saturated the beams and back of the drywall on the ceiling and finally ran down the interior walls in the family room.

The water made its way through the attic, the family room, and finally ended in the garage. The wall in the family room was paneled and painted…the water warped the paneling beyond repair and the paneling and drywall in the family room had to be replaced. The garage also had part of the drywall of the ceiling removed to treat/dry behind.

Overall, most of the damage was secluded to the roof, family room, and garage. Once we got the non-salvageable materials removed and dry, it was just finishing touches from there. As you can imagine, we had to wait until the roof was secured/not leaking before we did any work. Throughout this time, we stayed in touch with the customer, the insurance, and the vendors involved. This home had good insurance in place that covered the losses due to the storm. If you haven’t checked up on what your policy covers, ask for a review with your agent. Going into a storm and dealing with damage from a storm is much more manageable when you know how the process goes, and what you are covered for.

Below is a press release issued by oregon.gov and includes insurance tips for ice storms/winter storms.

Oregon.gov provides insurance tips after Ice Storm

Water, Water, Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink.

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Elementary School gymnasium flooded with muddy water in Salem, Oregon

You may think the title is a bit weird for a disaster cleanup and restoration company blog. And for the most part you are correct.

But let me ask you, does the title of this article ring a bell? Does it bring back a bit of gleeful nostalgia? Well, either way it’s from an old English poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

In the poem the ship was driven by a strong storm towards the South Pole, from there she made her course to the tropics of the Great Pacific Ocean while finally docking back at port in her own country.

Commercial property restoration carries a similar journey and in Salem, Oregon or team is filled with captains, crew members and administration. Should a commercial property experience an unexpected burst pipe or other event which causes water to enter the building, we go to work immediately.

It’s interesting to us to see the disaster restoration industry grow, change and evolve over the years but some how we end up back at port, the basics. We’re able to bring a property back to preloss condition by following standards.

- A clear scope of work.

- Plan and strategy following a charted course.

- Fully trained crew members consisting of a crew chief, and technicians.

In June of 2021, we had a commercial client call us because an exterior water main burst. The water pressure from the burst pipe was able to force mud into the school building that affected 24,000 square feet of floor space.

By the time we showed up, water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.

By the time we left, the building was cleaned and sanitized, making it "Like it never even happened."

The Impact Storms Have On Your Building

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

There is nothing you can do about the impact a storm will have on your building.

But you can certainly prepare a response plan for cleanup.

Commercial properties damaged by storms are always very difficult and tough to go through and experience. When large storms impact an area, they usually affect multiple properties which can cause some lag in the response time to get on site.

So, what can property owners and tenants do before hand to ready themselves and their tenants incase a natural weather event falls hard on an area?

• Discuss business continuity planning which increases the opportunity for the business to still operate even at limited capacities.
• Meet with selected vendors and establish a working relationship before you need them. Also ask about service level agreements for preferred treatment.
• Discuss the mission critical aspects of your business.
• Decide on team member decisioning capabilities.
• Document your plan and make it readily available.

By the way, SERVPRO of Salem West offers resources to make the disaster response planning process less cumbersome. It’s a system that ask the questions and provides “fill in the blanks” for the most important questions in a free business continuity plan.

It’s called the Emergency Response Plan or ERP for short. You can create your own by clicking ERP.

The best part about the ERP is it covers the basic necessities for an facility disaster response plan and it’ll help guide the conversation around who and what.

If you want assistance, reach out to one of our team members who can provide a site assessment.

Oregon may see "Dry Thunderstorms" as fire season builds.

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Map shows areas in Oregon where Dry thunderstorms are predicted to happen.

You may have noticed the lightning and thunderstorms we had here in the Willamette valley this past week.

Lightning and thunder are a normal occurrence that happen frequently throughout the country. It’s not an occurrence that happens often here in the Willamette valley. So, are thunderstorms dangerous? Yes, but the level of danger varies depending on where you live.

Thunderstorms have a much higher rate of being accompanied by tornadoes and strong winds if you live in the southern states. Tornado warnings don’t happen very often here in Oregon. But the storms here that have lightning and thunder can still bring strong winds, hail, and lightning bursts that can fall trees and fry electrical systems.

There is also a chance of dry thunderstorms taking place over much of Oregon this week. See photo of areas where potential dry thunderstorms might hit. Dry thunderstorms don't have much moisture and are heat driven, making them extremely dangerous in fire season.

So how do you stay prepared and protected? Here’s some tips from Ready.gov on ways you can prepare for the storm!

-If it starts to thunder and lightning, go indoors.

-If there is thunder and lightning outside, stay off electrical devices connected to the wall with a power cable.

-Strengthen your home by keeping up on home maintenance and roof repairs, also cutting any close trees away from your house.

-If a road floods, don’t try and drive through it, turn around.

-Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts.

-Lastly, make a Preparedness Plan (this helps you and your children be more safe and secure in the event of a strong storm). Link: Emergency Plan.

Again, storms can be frightening at times. They are also a force of nature to watch, so watching and chasing storms is something that people do. If you are fascinated by storms, please watch from a safe distance and from the cover of your vehicle or home. Stay Safe and Stay Prepared.

Trooper, Chaser or Responder

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Heroes respond nationally to storm events to assist in recovery and cleanup.

Storm Troopers, Chasers and Responders.

Weather is awesome!

When you think of the word storm, how do you think about it? What visuals come to mind?

Maybe you think of Star Wars and the Stormtroopers, who for all intents and purposes are bad guys.

How about storm chasers, the adrenalin junkies whose vehicles are decked in expensive gear with the sole purpose to place themselves smack in the middle of a super cell. The kind of storms that pulled Dorothy and Toto out of Kansa and pushed them through the portal to Oz?

Isn’t interesting that the word storm is used in multiple contexts? The word is even used as a mascot for sports teams.

It has a very wide range of use for sure. But for the most part, storm as in weather patterns and events is the most fascinating of all. They impact just about every corner of the world.

Although destructive, the natural beauty, power and sheer size of storms are something to stand in awe of.

From the air, land and water storms can form in various fashions which is why they’re so interesting. There are never two storms alike, even though the makeup may be similar.

How they start, travel and stop is just amazing.

Weather is awesome but let’s chat about what’s really awesome. The people who respond to storm events.

There are multiple thousands of people across the country who respond to locations affected by large storms. These teams of people work tirelessly to aid those in peril. From civic organizations, volunteer groups like the Red Cross to small and large companies.

SERVPRO Franchises respond and dispatch crews to large storm events across the United States of America. We're always ready to help.

We haul millions of dollars in resources to help communities recover post event and we’re grateful to be a part of the restoration and recovery of communities nationwide.

We are Storm Responders, the good guys in every community we show up in.

The Importance of Customer Service in the Restoration Industry

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Where has customer service gone? SERVPRO has never lost it.

Do you ever feel like customer service is a dying art? I’m not just talking about waiting on the phone for 45 minutes trying to get through the “automated system” and talk to an actual human being, I’m talking about human interactions with businesses that make you want to return to that business, and recommend that business to friends and family who inquire.

In the restoration industry, word of mouth and return customers mean the world to us. It’s not only the confidence in knowing that we cared for them the right way the first time, but it’s a customer entrusting us to care for them again…that is what really reassures us that we are doing a good job.

So when did customer service start to be less important? When did people stop caring so much about the entire experience the customer is having, and look at them as someone who they are obligated to “Take care of” or “Help” I think many customer service skills have become less important due to more and more interaction via the internet and remotely working.

At SERVPRO, we cannot do Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Mold Remediation, and Bio-Hazard Clean-up from a remote location. We have had to stay front and center in peoples lives, always, even through a pandemic. We are very much a hands on company, both literally and figuratively.

What we hope to hear as a small business serving the Willamette Valley, is that our customers had a good experience with our services. Because when we come into a home or business that has experienced a loss, we want to leave our customers in a better mood than we found them in…at every single visit.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West we are in the business or caring for peoples homes and businesses, and in a way we are very much in the business of caring for and helping people. There aren’t many jobs that see what we do, and we consider it a privilege to serve our customers day in and day out for the past 20+ years.

Commercial Property Water Damage in Independence, Oregon

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Water Damage in Independence, Oregon

 Most people don’t expect a property damage to occur, and that’s why there’s little to no evidence of having a response plan in place.

Very few property owners and facility managers invest their time into planning and discussing as many What-If scenarios should something happen.

“What would we do, if…”

By starting with that basic question and filling in the blank with a plausible scenario, decision makers can better respond to most every situation that could occur in a building.

This doesn’t make a property damage not occur, but better equips the building occupants to make decisions, the first of which is always safety.

Most buildings will experience some level of water loss during the life cycle of the building. But most occupants may not know what to do. So, here’s a short list of immediate steps to take.

1. Knowing where the water shut-off is located. Is there a main riser room or does each individual suite have its’ own shut-off?
2. Do you need a special tool to turn the valve?
3. Who do you call for immediate extraction and drying services?­
4. Who is responsible for any other necessary remedies?

To assist owners and building managers create a plan, there are tools such as the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile. This simple app-based tool is easily downloaded to mobile devices and walks the user through setup, start to finish.

Once all the key details, contacts and vendors are input into the system, the app can be shared with others. With the pictures, and location descriptions for all utility shut-offs in a building, users and occupants will be equipped to be their own first responder while reducing time to shut off. Which ultimately means less damage, shorter downtown and less cost.

Being prepared makes good business sense.

Go to www.ready.SERVPRO.com to create your Emergency Response Plan.

Why kitchen water damages are often the most costly!

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

When we think about the kitchen in a home we think about cooking, food, dishes, and appliances.

Often these days we also think about the finishes in the kitchen. It’s fairly common for counters to be made of Quartz, Marble, or Granite. Also cabinets have become more costly in the last decade, and even more costly in the last year with the lumber prices skyrocketing. Often the thing people splurge on is the appliances in a kitchen, which can run anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

The average cost of a kitchen renovation today in America is $22,184 dollars. Or roughly $150 dollars per square foot! This makes the kitchen the most expensive square footage in your home. With bathrooms only coming in at $18,000 (Master Bath, much less for guest bath).

So taking all the costs into account, it’s easy to understand how a customer can be very upset when we arrive onsite at a water loss in a kitchen. Many times water losses in kitchens means we have to take out all flooring and cabinets to dry the underpayment (and sometimes subfloor!) Most of the time water losses in kitchens are due to dishwashers, refrigerators, insta-hot devices, and freezers. Sometimes kitchen losses are due to an adjoining laundry room having a water loss from the washer.

This is why our SERVPRO technicians will try and dry wooden floors in place if possible. It saves the homeowner time without a kitchen if it can be achieved, and also many times saves the customer from having to file a costly claim with their homeowners insurance.

If the water is contaminated, that is another situation entirely, and SERVPRO always recommends that the flooring be removed and replaced if saturated beneath the surface area.

Whatever the loss and whatever the cause, trust SERVPRO of Salem West to help you through the stressful time of a homeowners loss. Our employees are capable, trained, and want to provide our customers with the best possible outcome in the end.

Mold Remediation In Rental Units

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

If an apartment complex reports a mold situation in the bathroom, you expect the property manager to deal with the remediation and the repairs following. But, let's say that after the property manager inspects the apartment, they find that the vent in the bathroom has been broken for over 2 months, and the tenants did nothing to remedy the situation, like filing a request for repairs or calling the office to report the fan being inoperable.

Many times, mold remediation can be in the thousands of dollars range. So it is always a good idea to report mold as soon as you take notice of it within your rental. If you don’t, or if you neglect to report an issue that may be causing the mold in the first place (example: leaky pipe, inoperable bathroom fan, broken toilet seal) you the tenant could be held liable for the mold remediation and any repairs that need done after the remediation takes place.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West, we do our best to find the cause of loss at each job we show up to. Identifying the cause, we can prevent the issue from reoccurring once the mold has been remediated. Whether we are called by a renter or a property manager, we will be upfront with our findings and give our customer real solutions and pricing (we also partner to provide financing, should a customer need it).

Bottom Line: Always report something that is broken or inoperable in your apartment or rental home. You should also make a copy of the report and keep one for your file. A email chain is a great way to communicate between tenant and landlord, because it leaves an open paper trial on both ends and eliminates miscommunication of “he said, she said” when phone conversations take place.

Locally Owned And Operated For Over 20 Years!

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

When people think of the SERVPRO brand they think of a large, nationwide corporation. What is largely unknown is that SERVPRO is franchised, so each location is unique and it’s own separate business. SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties are both owned by a local family here in Salem. This same family has owned these franchises for the past 20+ years. The owner still hows up each day at the office and shows passion for the business.

Some of our employees have been apart of our business for the past 15+ years. We have many people that have been here for 5-10 years. Our core team at SERVPRO of Salem West is passionate about our goals and our customers. We are always looking for good people who show interest and compassion when it comes to working with people suffering losses to their homes or businesses.

SERVPRO is more than just a brand, we are a community of dedicated technicians who live within the SERVPRO ideals and values. It usually happens pretty fast when a person decides if this job isn’t for them, it’s usually on a crawl space job, or an extra strenuous job that some people are just not cut out for. That is okay too. We are not for everybody, but it’s exciting when we find someone who truly enjoys and is passionate about working in the restoration industry.

Many come to us with no on-the-job restoration experience, that is why SERVPRO offers our training programs in-house called ECTP (employee certification training program) this is a why a new technician can learn about their industry and their responsibilities before they even set foot within someone’s home or business. If an employee passes these tests and shows enthusiasm when out in the field and has a passion for our work, many go on to attend an IICRC program to get nationally certified in the industry.

Lack Of Rains Effect On The Willamette Valley

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest we get lots of rainy days, but we get more sunny days than people living in other states might think. Oregons stormiest and wettest months are coming to a close, and as we move into mid-may we approach the warmest and sunniest days of the year. Many of us saw an unprecedented last year in storms and climates affected by wildfires.

The wildfires, although not a storm, were spread easier and wider due lack of precipitation in the willamette Valley from January-September 2020. The dry conditions caused a small wildfire to grow exponentially and violently across any area they were started in.

We also saw an ice storm this past winter that was unlike anything we have seen in the region before, this storm took out the electricity for many Salem residents for more than a week, it also caused a vast amount of damage in the area due to trees on homes, and sump pumps failing in basements (that are widespread within oregon as we have many mid-century homes).

On average in Oregon we have 152 rainy days a year. This year so far we are listed as “Much less than normal” when it comes to precipitation. There have been more severe or usual weather occurrences, but not more rainfall over the past 12 months.

It important to note that we may need to start researching methods to better handle a heavier wildfire season than average. After seeing the devastation from last year hopefully this year we are a bit better prepared.

Here is some great information about wildfire safety and prevention tips: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Wildfire/Wildfire.pdf

Remember the biggest cause of wildfires is humans, most wildfires are completely preventable. Let’s be extra careful this season with our awareness when it comes to campfires, burning bans, cigarette disposal, and the setting off of fireworks. It only takes a moment that can cost hundreds of acres of burning with the right weather conditions.

How The Past Winter’s Weather Has Made Us A Better Restoration Team!

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

The ice storms that hit the willamette valley this past winter were unprecedented. We had so many people calling us, and so did every single other restoration company in the area. At first it was daunting, overwhelming, and trying to keep up was a task that took our team well into after work hours. We had people calling us with trees through their roofs, we had people calling with flooded basements, damaged windows, and no access to electricity. All the generators in the area sold out in a matter of hours. People couldn’t drive on the icy streets (Us included the first 12 hours).

We were too busy! Not just as a company, but as a industry within the entire area. There was not enough help to get to everyone that needed it, when they needed it. It took a couple days, but we fell into the rhythm of knowing how to have that first conversation with a distraught customer. Most were completely understanding and just happy that we could help at all, even if it wasn’t right away.

We had companies calling us saying they were referring clients to us, we had to give them the same answer that we did so many others, we have a waiting list in place for customers and we will get to you as soon as we possibly can!

It’s not easy to know how to navigate a situation like that as a company that is here to help. We are programmed to get to losses as quickly as possible, however getting to many properties quickly was just not an option overall.

If such an occurrence happens again, and hopefully it won’t for a long, long time, but if it does…as an industry and as a community I think we will be able to face the aftermath of such an event in a much less fearful way. After all, knowing we have gotten through it before gives us strength when it comes to facing the same obstacle again.

Individual Cleaning Standards: What is Clean?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

I think it’s important to note that everyone has different standards of clean. I met a man once who said he kept his home meticulously clean…and he was half right. His home was very clean, in the sense that it was clean of disorganization and clutter. But there was dust covering all horizontal surfaces within the home. So is clean “organization”? Or is clean “free from contamination & dust?” The answer is the later. If a space is well organized, it can still be filthy. But a “messy” house, with toys, books, clothes, and clutter everywhere…can be completely clean!

So how clean is your home? Most spaces appear clean until more detailed inspections take place. SERVPRO keeps our standard of clean as “Sparkling, dust free, sanitary, organized” organization matters when it comes to keeping a clean home. It’s also easier to maintain a clean home if it isn’t constantly covered with clutter. But it is interesting to note, that a space can appear messy as can be, but be completely clean.

Regular and proper cleaning is good for indoor air quality and health. Keeping the dust at bay is good for people with lung conditions such as mesothelioma and asthma. Airing out your home is very important, especially if you have no central air. Moving stale air out of a space, and inviting fresh air into the space, can give your house a crisp and fresh feel.

As spring is coming to an end, many of us are feeling the push to finish (or start) our spring cleaning list. So here are some tips on keeping your house clean, organized, and full of fresh air!).

-Make the beds daily (and keep bedding laundered weekly)

-Do laundry as it accumulates, don’t save all the laundry for one day of the week

-prioritize chores and tasks (dishes are more important right now than organizing the bookshelf)

-Be happy with 80% clean, if you get your home to 80/20 you are doing a pretty good job! Try not to obsess over the details and look at it as a 100% or nothing scenario.

-Declutter! Haven’t used it in the last 12 months and aren’t planning on using it in the next 12? Donate or throw out or sell that stuff!

-vacuum every day (or every other day if carpet is not a heavily trafficked area).

-sort and recycle paper ASAP! (Mail, magazines, bills, etc)

-Use doormats!

-Keep a cleaning schedule (Tuesday bathrooms get deep cleaned, Wednesday is dusting, etc)

-Try to wash dishes right after meals, and keep counters clean by the end of the day!

-Do a 15minute pick-up/organize routine at the end of each day!

-Air out your house often when the weather is clear and air quality outside is good.

Happy Cleaning!!

Handling Mold Correctly in a Commercial Enviroment

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

What are the most important things to focus on when handling a mold occurrence in your commercial area? If mold is discovered, do you know the next steps that you should take?

You arrive at work one sunny Monday Morning at 8am, and decide to finally pull out the fridge and retrieve your favorite pen that dropped between the fridge and counter 4 months ago. You use your massive muscles and move the fridge easily…those lifting sessions are really paying off!...but then, you see it! Behind the fridge, in a place that last had boring beige colored drywall, is now a large area of MOLD.

You start to think about what to do about it, you inspect it further, you think about the rest of your team coming in at 9am, especially Mrs. Zellner with the asthmatic episodes. You think about grabbing a bottle of bleach and going to work…but then you stop, and decide to look up mold removal. Up pops SERVPRO! You see that the brand it nationally known and certified in mold remediation, you also see that their mold remediation services prevent cross contamination, and they can also determine what is causing the mold (if there is no obvious reason present).

You call the number and schedule a tech to come out within the next 2 hours. In the meantime, you call your team and let them know the situation and that you are having it looked at this morning. You give Mrs. Zellner the option to remotely work since she is worried about exposure. You mention that you are having a certified company come out who will prevent cross contamination when they remediate the mold.

A few employees choose to stay out of office in the morning hours, the SERVPRO technician arrives before 10am and inspects the mold. She lets you know that the growth was due to a very tiny crease leak in the supply line to the fridge (That explains why the mold is so low to the floor, you look closely and see water impressions on a few places on the vinyl. You turn off the water supply to the fridge to stop further damage. The SERVPRO technician gives you a verbal working estimate and the option of a Not-to-exceed agreed upon price of remediation. You two talk about insurance, your deductible is more than the quoted amount the SERVPRO tech just gave you, so you opt to pay out of pocket and are thrilled when the SERVPRO tech says that they can do the work today!

Another team member shows up and you pay the bill upfront, they set containment and get to work. By the end of the day, you have the refrigerator repair man lined up to come out the next morning. And you now have that boring beige drywall again behind the fridge.

Best of all though, you have Mrs. Zellner coming back tomorrow morning with cookies of appreciation baked just for you!

Biohazardous Situations on our Salem Streets

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Let’s face it, today more than ever, we are faced with more bio-hazardous situations when we go out into public than even 5 years ago. Downtown Salem is very hard to navigate at times, and we have all come across bio-hazardous items on the street downtown.

What are the bio-hazardous items that might be dangerous that you have encountered?

For an example, any area that smells of urine is a telltale sign that the area is contaminated. It’s difficult to determine where urine is without a product to spray and identify the areas affected…so tread carefully. As a precautionary measure you can wash your shoes if you suspect you have walked in a urine contaminated space.

Fecal matter is also a common bio-hazardous item that unfortunately has become a common thing to stumble across when out and about in downtown Salem, this is an extremely hazardous occurrence and should be reported and cleaned up by professionals immediately. Don’t try to clean fecal matter up yourself, it’s much different from picking up poop with a doggy poop bag. It’s better to report it, and have a professional pick it up and decontaminate the area.

Any food items that have been half-eaten and discarded, and beverages that have been partially-drank and discarded, can easily have Bio-Hazardous materials on them from the saliva of the person last drinking and eating them (granted they are not as hazardous as fecal matter, but still should be avoided) if you choose to pick up and discard these items, make sure to clean your hands properly after handling them.

Needles, Sharp Objects, and Syringes. These should be avoided at all costs. If you see any syringe, needle, or sharp element, report it immediately. Do not attempt to pick up the item and discard it yourself. Precautions are in place for our technicians that are assigned with such a task for a reason, you can never be too careful when it comes to something that might be contaminated and can easily penetrate the human skin.

Bottom line, be aware and be careful when out and about. We look forward to the day that our streets are free from fecal matter and urine and garbage, but no one knows when that may happen. No one knows when a solution will be sourced, and until that day…take extra care when out and about. Carry hand wipes (disposable gloves if you regularly pick up garbage) and hand sanitizer. We will be able to enjoy the clean streets of downtown Salem again, but until that day, better safety measures should be taken.

House Fires and Youth Education

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Oregon is not usually listed nationally in the top 10 states with most House Fires, at least over the past handful of years. Fire data and safety statistics show repeatedly that New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania have all been in the top 5 over the past years…repeatedly.

If you have PulsePoint on your phone, you probably see the engines being called out constantly. Most of those, over 60% actually, are for medical response.

As a state, I think Oregon is very environmentally aware, therefor I think we have excellent fire safety programs. Like these youth resources from the Oregon State Fire Marshall: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Youth-Fire-Safety.aspx

No matter the circumstances, house fires are never an easy thing to think about happening. That is why talking about them is essential to education. Whether you have a child that is new to the idea of fire safety, or you yourself can practice better fire safety practices, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the latest safety protocols and prevention tips.

If you are interested in talking points to share about house fires with older kids, here are some great resources from FEMA: (printer friendly) https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/safety/fire-safety-home-students.pdf

It’s important to note to kids, that although the idea of house fires are scary, the better educated you are on fire safety and prevention, the lower chance you have of suffering a house fire. House fires (except under extreme wildfire circumstances) are preventable. Education, especially with children in the home, is a must.

A great resource for all disaster education and prevention tips continues to be FEMA. No matter your child’s age, there are different levels of topics and resources at this link: https://www.ready.gov/kids

Educating kids on fire safety, and disaster response safety is a powerful tool. And kids, no matter the age, can learn fire prevention tips.

Uncommon Appliances That Can Be A Huge Fire Risk!

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

When we think about house fires being started by appliances, we think about toasters, stoves, and lamps, things like that. What most of us don’t think about is the uncommon appliances that are actually huge fire hazards.

1: Dishwashers

-dishwashers can be a huge fire hazard. We don’t usually associate fire with washing things, because water in a fire deterrent. But dishwashers having heating elements, and the heating elements are very powerful. I’m sure you have noticed the extremes heat that comes out of the dishwasher when a cycle just finishes drying. Well, that’s the heating element working hard to make the interior of the dishwasher so hot that the water all evaporates from your dishes and pans.

(Safety tip: never turn the dishwasher on…and then leave the house).

2: Refrigerators

-refrigerators again are not an appliance we would normally associate with fires, but they can be extremely hazardous and fire prone under the right circumstances. Refrigerators have a compressor, and as long as that compressor is working properly all is well. It’s when the fridge raptor compressor overheats that it becomes a fire hazard. Also, refrigerators use lots of electricity, and an electrical short can also spark a fire quickly.

(Safety tip: If you notice a light bulb that never turns off, take it out of the fridge to prevent it from getting too hot until you have the problem fixed. Refrigerator lights aren’t meant to stay on for hours and hours straight like regular bulbs.

No matter the appliance, it’s always good to regularly check the wiring and take note if an appliance shows signs that something is wrong, lights flickering, or much noisier than normal when operating. The heavy hitters when it comes to appliances are also the ones we already know and expect: Stove, Toaster Oven, Dryer, and Microwave.

Smoke Detectors: The Facts

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Having working smoke detectors in your home in incredibly important and can save your life. Smoke spreads faster than fire within a home, but doors and different levels of a home can impede the path of the smoke. That’s why it is recommended that smoke detectors be installed in each bedroom and outside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home.

On levels without bedrooms, install smoke detectors in living room/family room, or near the stairway to the next level. Smoke alarms in the basement should be install on the ceiling near the staircase. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from each cooking appliance.

Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceiling. Never paint smoke alarms, this can impair the device from operating properly.

-For the best protection, connect all smoke alarms so when one goes off…they all go off.

-If you home is large, you may need to install more fire alarms than usual.

-Test your smoke alarms 1x a month for insuring the device is working properly.

-People who are deaf can use a different kind of alarm (a strobe light, or bed shaker for instance).

-Replace all smoke alarms after 10 years.

-Replace batteries in smoke alarms each season.

-On the market now are smoke alarms coupled with carbon monoxide detectors.

So the bottom line is, lets keep our batteries fresh in our smoke detectors. Let’s keep them positioned well within our homes. Let’s keep enough of them in our home based on the size of our home.

On average 2,620 people die from fires within their homes each year. 1 in every 320 homes will report a fire in a five year period. It has been reported that about 60% of those fires took place within a home that had a non-working smoke detector.

For more information you can visit:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/smoke_alarms.html

Or: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Smoke-CO-Alarms.aspx

Exposure to a Virus in a Commercial Setting

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Over the past year, we have seen more than ever, people afraid to touch doorknobs in a public place. We have started a avoiding touching anything unless absolutely necessary. We carry hand sanitizer, wipes, face masks, and face shields. We have taken a stronger path to fight germs than we ever have before in the history of our world.

Why is going out into public scary? For the simple fact that we do not control the cleanliness of that environment. We cannot control other people or make choice for them to stay home when they are sick. We don’t have the answers of who all has touched that shopping cart in the last few hours. Normally, this information wouldn’t seem pertinent, but over the past 14 months…there has been a shift.

So what do you do when a co-worker, an employee, a boss, or a customer gets sick and gets a COVID-19 positive test? Do you start cleaning? Do you close the doors to your business? Do you warn each person that comes through your door? Do you know how to properly inactivate a virus?

SERVPRO does. SERVPRO has been deactivating the COVID-19 virus for the last 14 months. We use our specialty products and procedures that keep us, and our customers safe during the performing of a job.

If you are planning to hire SERVPRO to do a COVID-19 cleaning within your business/facility, you should shut the doors as soon as you can without causing panic.

Call SERVPRO, be honest and let us know that your business has had an exposure to the COVID virus. It’s paramount you are honest about details, so we can clean the area properly. When we come in, it’s best to have the area clean so we can fog as well as wipe down solid surfaces.

After we are done, and you are cleared to return to the building, you now have the proof that you took the best measures in fighting this virus and making your building/business safe again for customers to enter.

Running A Business Is Tough!

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Let’s face it, running a business is tough, and unless your business is disaster cleanup and restoration, handling a water loss, fire damage, mold remediation, or bio-hazardous cleanup is extremely stressful. If you know who to call, and how the steps take place, it’s much less frightening. For all the business owners out there, you got this! You have made it through a tremendously difficult year. Here are some steps to take if a disaster ever strikes your business or place of work.

-Step 1: Make the Emergency calls. If needed, call the fire department, police station, or ambulance. If nothing is currently on fire and no one is hurt or in immediate danger, you can move on to the next step.

-Step 2: Check to see how you can contain the loss. If it’s a water loss and water is pouring out of the dishwasher, shut off the water to the dishwasher, remove items from the path of water. If it’s a smoke damage after a kitchen fire, remove yourself from the structure if you do not have proper respiratory protective equipment. If you have the proper respiratory equipment and there is no further danger from the fire, you can remove any valuables from the business that you are afraid might get contaminated from the highly acidic smoke. If it’s mold, see if you can identify what is causing it to grow? But do not disturb it.

-Step 3: Call your insurance to get advice or file a claim if needed. Your insurance will most likely have a recommendation on a disaster cleanup company as well. It is important to note, that you can choose whoever you wish to do the work within your business or home. Your insurance does not determine who you hire, and it holds no bearing on how much coverage you will receive. A first call also might be straight to a local disaster cleanup team, such as SERVPRO of Salem West!

-Step 4: Walk through the loss with the disaster cleanup team and/or your insurance. This is important, and don’t try to guess what it going on within your structure, leave it up to the professionals to determine what caused the loss. Volunteering information that is a guess, or not been proven to be true, causes an approach very different than a fresh pair of eyes approaching the loss for the first time. If you can clearly see what caused the loss, communicate that. But don’t guess or assume anything.

If all 4 steps are done, it will be time to hire a disaster cleanup team and start the restoration process. If it’s covered, you will be filing a claim and be responsible for your deductible. The process is less scary the more educated you are on the steps it takes to get through the loss effectively.

Water Losses Can Be More Expensive Than You Think...

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

So you have had a water loss…you have soaked up the standing water, it seemed just a small amount in the hallways, it had puddled out of the washing machine onto your hardwood floors. And it appears dry, but the next day you notice some buckling of the hardwood. You run your hand over the floor and confirm that it is popping up in a place that the water sat last night. Now it’s almost a trip hazard for you and your toddler aged daughter.

You call Water Restoration services (example: SERVPRO of Salem West). The company says that they will be out in the next couple of hours to inspect the loss.

When the SERVPRO Tech arrives they inspect your hallway area and take moisture readings with equipment. They determine that the water did indeed make it’s way under your water resistant engineered hardwood flooring, and it is now trapped under the flooring. Since the flooring is unison throughout your entire lower level, they tell you that they are going to try and “Dry the floor in place.” This service will be costing hundreds of dollars, as opposed to what taking up the floor and reinstalling the floor would be. You sign the authorization to start work and they begin.

They bring in equipment, an air mover (Giant Fan) and a dehumidifier to pull the moisture out of the air. Then, they tent the flooring area that is wet and hook the machines up and vent them into the area. It now looks like a big white balloon laying flat on your floor. The technician communicates that if this works, the job will be less than your home insurance policy deductible, so you won’t need to file a claim. If it doesn’t work, the job could easily surpass $10,000 and they will let you know when they know more after monitoring the area for a couple days.

On day three the SERVPRO technician takes off the tented plastic that has enveloped the wet hardwood flooring over the past 3 days, to your shock and happiness, the floor has returned to it’s regular size and place in the hallway. It is no longer sticking up and causing a trip hazard. The SERVPRO Technician communicates that water can swell wood, when the moisture content gets too high in the material, many times the wood will return to preloss condition if it is dried out quickly and efficiently.

Dependability, it’s what SERVPRO is all about!

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Let’s go over a few important reasons why dependability is so paramount in the restoration industry.

“Time.” Time is one aspect of dependability that is hugely important. Being on time and responding quickly is of utmost importance. The quicker we get to the site, the less damage the customer will have. The less damage the customer has, the better and smoother the job will go. Time is extremely important, and we are known as the company that is “Faster to any disaster” for a reason.

“People.” Being dependable is what puts our customers at ease, and communicates to the customer how much respect we have for their time and the job. Making our customers happy with our customer service is always forefront in our mind. Safety is always number one, if we aren’t safe we aren’t able to care for ourselves much less our customers.

As a disaster restoration company, being dependable when responding to a loss at a persons home or a persons business is extremely important. We need to show up, and go to work at once. Time is money for our franchise, and as our franchise is a small locally owned and operated business out of Salem, we care very much about the entire customer service experience.

If a customer cannot depend on their restoration company, they are not going to feel comfortable inviting that company into their home or business, and will question each step that the company makes along the way, this of course impedes the overall productivity and smoothness of the job at hand. It’s best to make a strong first impression and continue to impress along the way as the job progresses, because that way you will have a better chance of the customer trusting you to do what you need to without questioning each decision you make.

Dependability is an essential element to being a SERVPRO Team member, being dependable does not just mean that you are always on time, because sometimes you will not be on time. That’s ok, if you called and gave the customer a heads up that you are running late, that still shows dependability and good communication. Practice showing up and proving each day that you are someone a customer can rely on. If you do that day in and day out, you will have far superior results at the end of each job you oversee.

Phew, it’s over!..or is it?

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

When the freeze hit this winter many people in the area had flooded basements due to sump pump failure. Some people only had a flooded basement for a matter of hours due to the electricity being restored. So when the electric came back on, the water was pumped out and many people figured that was the end of it. They thought no further measures need be taken, and they got busy dealing with the immediate issues of concern like trees and debris throughout their property and yard.

What many homeowners started seeing within a week or so, was microbial growth starting to pop up in their basement. Microbial growth/mold thrives and flourishes in wet and damp areas. When a flooded basement happens, the sheetrock, contents, floors, and any other materials within the area are saturated with water, and that is not the usual case within the area. Just because the water recedes does not mean that the area will dry out efficiently, or at all without help.

We saw many spaces with little to no ventilation within them. Basements are already a highly concentrated area when it comes to humidity (water in the air). Mold growth usually happens when materials are not dried out to their regular/normal water content within a period of 2-3 days.

After the water receded and we got a good hold on all the basements that were flooded and performed water remediation and mold remediation, we got a second wave of a new type of customer. It was the customer that thought they were in the clear because the sump pump kicked back on and got rid of the water, only to walk into their basement a week later to find mold throughout the space.

With water, you can never be too careful with making sure that your space is dried out properly and quickly. So if you aren’t sure if a space will dry properly on its own, give SERVPRO a call and we’ll make sure you are good to go!

FREEZE!

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

After “The Freeze” we experienced this winter, we saw trees down all over Salem and the surrounding areas. Many lost power for long periods of time, longer than ever before. Hundreds were out of power for a week or more. Generators became scarce, and people tried their best to start cleaning up their properties on their own.

What were the calls SERVPRO got more than any other you may ask? It was the calls from the homeowners with a flooded basement. This was due to the power outage and substantial moisture over the course of the storm. Many homes in the Salem area have basements, and therefor have sump-pumps to keep that basement dry, but when the power goes out…electricity does not feed the sump pump and it becomes useless.

We saw home after home with finished basements buried in feet of storm water, we saw homeowners that carried the water out in buckets, that sucked up what they could with a shop vac, that went out as soon as the power flickered and bought a generator! It was the homeowners that took mitigation into their own hands that had the least amounts of damage. The homeowners that saw the water sitting in their basements for a week, were not so fortunate.

Insurance also came into play as an obstacle for many homeowners. So many policies only had a small amount of damage covered under sewer and drain. This caused some of our customers thousands and some large losses tens of thousands of dollars worth of uncovered damages.

We learned how to respond and respond we did, with each home we encountered that had damages from the freeze we gained a whole new perspective on how unique and substantial the event was. It was a hectic and heart pounding time here at SERVPRO, but we got to help a lot of people through one of the most unexpected events of their lives, and we all learned a lot along the way.

Fire: What makes it spread faster?

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever thought about what causes a fire to spread so fast? There are several key factors. You may know some of them, one of the most prominent ingredients that causes a fire to spread quickly WITHIN a home is the presence of chemicals and combustibles.

When fire comes into contact with certain chemical and products it causes the fire to burn faster and hotter than it would otherwise.

Another reason for fire to spread quickly vs. slowly is how open the space is. The very popular layout of homes nowadays is the open concept living, dining, and kitchen area. If a fire has less materials to burn through it will move quicker.

Another popular feature in todays homes in ventilation (HVAC) systems. HVAC systems invite fire to move smoothly between rooms and floors without obstruction.

Construction materials and what a home/structure is built out of is another factor to the way fire moves within an area. For example, concrete and steel are much more fire resistant than wood and particleboard. When the wildfires hit the canyon last September, the structures that went up in flames first and the quickest were the manufactured homes.

A good idea would be keeping chemicals and combustibles in a area that is fire resistant, like the garage that has a concrete slab floor, vs. a worse idea like keeping them under the kitchen sink. Why is the kitchen the last place you want to store your cleaning chemicals? The kitchen is the biggest source of fires within a home, with cooking being the biggest cause.

The biggest safety tip with fire prevention is to never ignore the potential source of a fire being started.

Like a spark when you flip the light switch, or the flickering of lights in a room.

Like leaving food cooking on the stove and leaving the room.

Like leaving candles burning when we are not using them.

Living life day to day we fall into a rhythm of comfort, we start to trick our minds into being comfortable with something we know is not the safest choice. Thoughts like, “Well, the candle burned fine yesterday for 3 hours while I was in the same room, so what difference does it make if I’m IN the room or not?

The bottom line is, stay safe, stay aware, and know the risks of fire within your home.

Spring Cleaning in Salem, Oregon

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

The official start of Spring cleaning is Saturday, March 20 2021. Are you excited for the beautiful weather Spring time brings to Salem, Oregon?

Well, the team at SERVPRO of Salem West is excited and we wanted to share a few tips with you about Spring Cleaning.

Since most people don't really enjoy cleaning which makes sense, we thought to write some to help with your enjoyment. Because, it's way better to have and be productive, than just productive.

1. Find your favorite style of music, and play it a little louder

2. Wear work clothes that you don't care if they get stained, painted or really messy.

3. When using any type of cleaning product, read the product label and be sure to use the proper PPE. 

So as Spring time approaches and the project list gets a little longer, make plan so you don't have to think about it.

Why Not SERVPRO?

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever contemplated what you would do if water suddenly started spilling out of your dishwasher onto your hardwood floors?

Most people have never dealt with a water damage, fire damage, or mold damage in their home. And dealing with one can be overwhelming and many have no idea who to call when it actually happens. Some call their insurance (a good option), a great deal of people search the internet for such services (another good option). The best option though, is having a company in mind already that you know will take care of your home.

Take a moment and imagine…imagine putting into the internet search engine, “water flooded home” it happens often, and happens more frequently than many people believe.

When choosing someone to come into your home to provide services you want a reputable company. You want a company who takes care of their customers and walks them through the process step by step. You want a company that is people oriented and compassionate. You want a company with experience and that is a licensed professional.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties we have been family owned and operated for over 20 years. Our technicians are certified through the IICRC Institute and our team is each given training and education on the SERVPRO standard we hold so important throughout each job. At SERVPRO we are people driven and proud of it. We call each other our teammates and consider ourselves “one team.”

We celebrate and share our victories and successes.  We fix, correct, and learn from our failures.

So if you are looking for a restoration company that is…professional, polite, sympathetic, educated, passionate, and reputable within the community…you don’t need to ask yourself “Why SERVPRO?” You need to ask yourself, “Why not SERVPRO?”

SERVPRO has grown over the years, our team has gotten bigger, and out name has spread throughout the community. SERVPRO of Salem West will be proud to care for your families home in your time of need. So give us a call, if you ever need us, we’re always open. We’re also always here to help!

Christmas Time Fire Safety

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Preventing House fires around the holidays includes simple steps and provides peace of mind.

This blog will give you some information and tips and guidelines on how you can reduce the risk of a house fire around the holidays.

At Christmastime there are many things that increase risks of house fires. Here’s a few…and also prevention tips following each risk listed!

~Increased Baking and Oven Use (Tip: always stay in the kitchen while cooking & baking, and follow instructions on baking temperatures).

~Increased Electrical Use (Tip: If a socket sparks, or if lights flicker on and off, you need to get your wiring checked. Also, Don’t overload your breaker with too many outdated Christmas lights).

~Use of outdated Christmas lights (Tip: Investing in low energy LED lights for your house and tree reduces the amount of electricity used, and also the newer versions of Christmas lights stay cooler than the vintage kind).

~Letting your Christmas Tree dry out! I cringe when I think about us kids leaving the tree up until it was brown and crispy growing up! (Tip: Get the tree in water within an hour of chopping it down, if you bought it on a lot, re-cut the trunk and then place it in water. See that it has water everyday, especially the first three days when it will drink the most!).

~Lighting candles and letting them burn unattended (Tip: when lighting candles always keep a watchful eye on them and be in the same room. If you cannot guarantee supervision of burning candles invest in some LED ones to give you a safe option that doesn’t require constantly being near).

~Not having your smoke detectors up/working/batteries installed (Tip: This is pretty simple, you just need to do the check on your smoke detectors monthly by pressing the test button as instructed. And...okay, so maybe you got up in the middle of the night and put the “battery-dying-beeping-detector” under the couch cushions and threw every blanket you had on top! This morning is a new day, and you need to run to the store and buy those replacement batteries!!).

~Christmas presents piled high! (Tip: Too many presents only happens when they cause a blockage of a entry or exit point in the house, or if the presents are near a fire hazard or fireplace…also, if you can’t get to the base of the tree to water it!).

I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips!

Enjoy this Christmas and may it be magical and joyous for you and your loved ones!

Unsuspecting Office Worker

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Late at night, you may be the last one in the office…it’s quiet, it dark outside, and you begin to tidy up your desk to head home. Only when you turn off the faint noise of your 80’s music playing on your laptop do you hear it, you hear something…It sounds like a water fountain. Only you know that your office doesn’t’ have one of those…hmmm…you make the decision that each doomed horror movie expendable character makes, and you start to look and see what the noise is.

As you get closer to the source of the noise, your shoes begin squishing on the carpet below…you look down and realize you’ve walked into puddles of water. You round the corner in the hall and find the culprit!! A single solitary sprinkler head spraying water in an awkward fashion onto the floor and surrounding walls. You don’t know what to do?? You worked late, and it’s now after business hours. You try to reach out to your boss, no response. You think of what to do next, and you remember the facilities man that was in to fix the overhead lights last month. You rush to the company call list and find his name and title. You try calling the manager of facilities. He picks up right away.

When you tell the facilities manager what is happening, he instructs you to turn off the water. As he walks you through how to find the shutoff switch and how to turn it off, he says he will reach out to a contact he has within the community. Someone who deals with water damages like this all the time.

You let out a sigh of relief as the water stops flowing from the sprinkler head. A moment later, your phone rings and a SERVPRO technician gives you their ETA.

Shortly after you notice a bright green van pull up outside and several team members pile out and enter the building. They greet you, their hands full of what appear to be large green machines, with hoses and vacuum heads. Some of the other team members are carrying what appears to be large green fans.

After going over the process with you and confirming they have received the facilities managers signature to move forward, they get to work.

Like a well oiled machine they move throughout the soaked space, assessing damage, and extracting water where needed. A little while passes and the facilities manager shows up, he informs you that you can leave and head home now. He also said you did a great job calling him right away.

As you leave you feel relieved and yet a bit of adrenaline still courses through your body…it has been an exciting evening. Who ever knew companies like SERVPRO existed?

Stormy & Blaze Story

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Stormy & Blaze in Bobblehead form.

Stormy and Blaze are our SERVPRO Heroes. They are also a symbol and a sort of a mascot of our brand.

Stormy is a fierce female restoration technician, she has all the knowledge and know-how when it comes to water damage, storms, and all things related to disasters.

Blaze is a magnificent male restoration technician. He knows all things Fire damage related, and of course, all things disaster related in general.

Stormy & Blaze are a team. They work side by side, saving their customers from water, sewage, fire, storm, mold, bio-hazard…and many other disasters.

Together as a dynamic duo, these two restoration heroes are able to fix disasters both large and small. Whether it’s repelling down a building, preventing the spread of Covid-19, or removing toxic mold from a families home, these two never quit!

That’s why they have been deemed Heroes.

SERVPRO is a place where caring and strong people really shine, we have many men and women on our team who encapsulate what a hero really is. So as I am sitting at my desk and looking at these little bobble heads of our SERVPRO Heroes and who they represent, I think of all my teammates who are out in the field right now. Are they remediating mold? Are they inspecting a sewage drenched crawl space? Are they walking a home recently affected by a fire? The answer to all these questions, is yes. Because the SERVPRO team goes way beyond just the team at SERVPRO of Salem West. The SERVPRO team is nationwide and has thousands upon thousands of teammates.

So there is always a SERVPRO technician in a crawl space, or in an attic, or eliminating viral pathogens at a business…because we are one team. As a small business here at SERVPRO of Salem West, and as a nationwide service provider with the same values and mindset.

That’s who Stormy and Blaze are. They are each SERVPRO teammate, all across the country.

What Are “Secondary Damages”?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

What are secondary damages in Water Restoration?

Water damages that are left unmitigated quickly develop secondary damages. The most common secondary damage is mold growth. Mold growth can begin as soon as 3 days following a water loss. It’s extremely crucial for homeowners and business owners to get water damages properly mitigated as soon as they happen, because most insurance policies have zero mold coverage/secondary damages coverage.

Another secondary damage is dry rot. Dry rot is what happens when spores in the air combine with wood that is holding more than 20% moisture, so it’s most likely when the structural integrity of the wood is compromised due to prolonged exposure to water. Dry rot can affect the foundation of your home and present very expensive repairs.

Unmitigated water damage also can encourage rodent infestations. Many times, even in brand new buildings, one small supply line leak can cause mice to occupy the structure. Rodents follow water and will go where there is a steady supply. Rodents can also more easily chew through affected drywall and wood.

Corrosion is also a clear sign that a water damage has been going on longer than it should have. With metals like pipes and nails, if there is rust or corrosion buildup that is an indication that coverage may not be a guarantee on your insurance claim.

Bottom line, if your home or business suffers a water damage, it’s important that you take immediate action and call a restoration company like SERVPRO of Salem West to mitigate the damage and prevent further issues. It may be an expense to mitigate a water loss, but it’s far more affordable than paying for secondary damages!!

Fire and Heat...how they affect a structure.

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage alone is always difficult to remediate. But when you mix fire damage with extreme heat it can be impossible to bring the structure back to preloss condition. The hotter a structure gets, the more that will need replacement during the restoration process.

When heat reaches intense levels, it can permeate walls and surfaces rather than leaving a smoke/soot dusting on the surface. When heat causes soot and smoke to enter materials and bind with them…the materials become non-restorable.

So when a fire is small, but gives off a ton of smoke that affects the whole house, it will be easier to restore that house because the smaller the fire the less heat and adhesion.

When a fire gets large, heat starts to penetrate objects and materials, heat also can melt electrical and siding of homes as well as cause light fixtures, appliances, and engineered trim to distort and melt. Sometimes large fires don’t give off as much smoke, but due to the extremes of the heat they are just as detrimental to the integrity of the home.

Also, the source of the fire can cause how restorable the house may or may not be. For instance, a small fire that occurs due to a candle catching a newspaper is much less time consuming than a fire from cooking in the kitchen. Protein fires in the kitchen, while often confined to the stove, are extremely difficult to bring back to preloss condition. This is due to the oils that are often what started the fire. The residue that comes off of these fires is oily and difficult to remove from surfaces that it has affected.

So no matter the source of fire, or the size of fire, you can trust SERVPRO of Salem West to return your home to the sanctuary it once was again. With our knowledge and approach of restoring a fire affected home, you can expect the great results our customers have received for the past 20 years.

Consistency Matters!

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Consistency in the restoration industry is of utmost importance. People need to have a restoration that they can depend on to take care of their home or their business.

What also is one of the foundations of our company’s success is handling issues and concerns as they arise and making it right again. This is paramount for a company to survive and thrive in the modern-day business world.

Consistent and well performed services are something that our customers here at SERVPRO have grown accustomed to. That is one reason that SERVPRO of Salem West, and SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties, get so many repeat customers.

From our office personnel to our account managers, from our water restoration technicians to our project managers, we all understand the importance of seeing a job through and paying attention to details along the way. That way, if a problem pops up, we can handle it quicker and more efficiently.

What we do here at SERVPRO is really a science, and a key element for science experiments to be successful time and time again is consistency.

Consistency in the way we dry wood, as opposed to drywall. Consistency in how we go about cleaning a structure affected by a fire…cleaning top to bottom to prevent recontamination of the area.

So once again, consistency matters. It builds trust, builds perseverance, and sets the standard at the right place from the beginning of a job to the finished product.

Local & Nationwide Heroes

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

As a franchise, each SERVPRO branch feels like a small community. We all pull strength and knowledge from each other in order to excel at each job we take on. Each technician is trained and tested in-office before working within the field.

Proper Training helps to set an expectation and gain a knowledge of how restoration services are performed and what the result should look like. On the job training is also a big deal, reading and taking tests can be informative, but it is different to experience a loss firsthand. That is why our new technicians accompany a skilled and experienced project manager when they first start to go out on jobs.

Each of our technicians knows that we are coming into peoples homes and businesses that have recently suffered a loss, be it water, fire, mold or any other damage…they understand that they must treat each encounter with our customers in a professional and compassionate way.

It takes a certain kind of individual with a serving heart to be a part of the SERVPRO family. Our values and ethics are instilled in us from the moment in time we choose to be SERVPRO team members, and we know from day one that we are a part of the restoration industry that exemplifies the values and standards that shine time and time again.

SERVPRO is nationwide, and the training process for our technicians is the same throughout the corporation. It is up to each individual franchise, and each individual SERVPRO Team Member to practice and uphold those core values. SERVPRO also has a Storm Team, which is who we call when a loss is so substantial it falls outside of our local resources to mitigate and return to preloss condition.

Across America, local and nationwide SERVPRO Heroes are at the ready to serve and restore. Here at SERVPRO of Salem West, we hope you don’t experience a loss…but if you do we want you to feel comfortable reaching out to us to help you return your home or business to the space you love and feel proud of.

SERVPRO’s Work On Recent Wildfires

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

In the recent weeks every single restoration company in Oregon has been swamped, busy, overwhelmed, and stretched to maximum hours and employees.

At SERVPRO of Salem West, we are fortunate to have national resources to call in for back up when disasters strike and local resources aren’t enough to care for the magnitude of homes affected. We know when we have to turn our customer over to our Storm Team.

These wildfires, and the wind storm that accompanied it, were unprecedented. Many vendors try and help as many people as possible, it’s human nature to do so. But it takes integrity and experience to know when the right time is to step aside and hand a job off to someone who can take care of the customer quicker.

At SERVPRO of Salem West it’s been an honor to take on the Wildfire jobs we have, it’s been a long and hard process. But seeing the end result has been worth every minute spent.

SERVPRO of Salem West wants to reach out and say thank you to our customers.

You have been patient while we worked with your insurance to confirm approvals of our services, you have been patient also knowing that other customers were ahead of you on our schedule…and you waited…having already waited so much.

First, you waited and prayed for rain.

Then, you waited for roads to open back up to get to your house.

Then you called us and waited for our inspection.

You waited once more for us to begin services.

You waited at your in-laws house…

You waited at your brothers apartment…

You waited in a hotel room an hour away from your home with your kids and large dog…

You waited in an RV on your property, not wanting to leave your home…

You waited and knew that disasters like this do not have easy fixes.

You waited, and while you waited, you did as we all did…and continued to live each day.

I hope it helped know you could always call if you had any concerns or questions throughout this process.

Finally, after all your waiting…you got the word from us that you could go home.

You thanked us, and we thanked you for your patience.

That is about the best feeling in the world for us at SERVPRO of Salem West.

Hearing our customers tell us how happy and pleased they are to have a safe and clean home to come back to, and after an event like this it is a great source of pride.

Thank you customers, for allowing us to help you through this disaster.

We are proud to serve you!!

House Fires in American Homes

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

More House Fires During Winter!

You may think that house fires increase in the winter months, and you’d be right, but only ever so slightly (about 1% more than warmer months). When house fires actually increase a noticeable amount its not during the colder months or because of the temperature outside, but during certain hours of any given day within the year.

What are the peak hours during the day that the most fires happen within American homes you may ask? The answer is from about 4:30pm-8:30pm. Why?  Most of us are home by that time and should be able to catch a fire if it happens, right?  But most fires caused between that 4 hour period, are caused by homeowners themselves…and they are caused, by cooking dinner.

Cooking fires make up almost 50% of all household fires. And while many homeowners catch the fires before they cause substantial damage, many can get out of control within minutes…seconds even.

We cook with highly flammable materials and substances. Butter, oil, and fatty substances can catch fire and create a toxic coat of soot within the area in minutes.

When you are cooking, never leave something unattended and keep a fire extinguisher handy and close by. Make sure you know how to operate the fire extinguisher as well. Seconds and minutes can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a few hours of a smoky smelling house, and an entire home that needs fire restoration cleaning. If you have suffered a cooking fire, call SERVPRO of Salem West. We can help you return your space to it’s preloss condition.

What Is Water Damage?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding water damage is something that is more scientific than you may think. When we think about objects and buildings, we don’t think of them containing water…but they do. Most materials we interact with every single day have a moisture content within them already.

Even human beings are 60% water (H2O). You may think that the water in the human body is limited to the soft tissue, but it isn’t. Our bones even contain water, they are made up of 31% water. Water Damage can occur in the human body as well, over-hydration (water intoxication) can be detrimental to our health.

Now, when we think about our homes, what are they made out of? Wood.

The wood we use to build homes is made up of roughly 5%-25% of water. This number is affected by the density of wood, the age of the wood, the humidity in the air, and how long the wood has acclimated before being used/installed. Water damage occurs in wood, just like in the human body, if the wood absorbs more water than it’s natural resting water content.

What happens when wood absorbs too much water? The wood swells, it buckles, it rots, it begins to grow mold, it begins to lose it’s structural integrity. But, much like the human body, if water damage to the wood is addressed quickly and correctly, the wood can return to it’s natural state without long term effects.

Drying is one of the most important aspects of our job here at SERVPRO of Salem West. Our technicians are trained to monitor the moisture levels in affected materials and see that they are drying properly to their preloss condition. So if your home suffers a water damage, call SERVPRO of Salem West, we can get your house returned to its happy level of moisture content!

Mold Discovery In Commercial Properties

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

When mold is discovered in a commercial building, it’s paramount that the building owner has it remediated promptly. Known mold problems without remediation can lead to health effects, depreciation of property value, increased financial burden to remediate, and lawsuits against building owners from tenants.

The best thing you can do as a property owner/manager is maintain your commercial properties on a regular basis. This includes keeping a close eye on your tenants, seeing to it they know the proper procedures to keep the building moisture free, make sure they know that they need to report each water loss, leave fans on during and after bathes and showers, use a fan in the laundry area, report mold as soon as the first signs appear.

As a property manager, inspect your roof regularly, educate your tenants on caring for the building/residence, perform inspections as often as law allows, be proactive about addressing your tenants concerns. If your tenants feel comfortable reaching out to you to report problems, they will most likely report them as soon as they occur…and not wait.

Remediating mold can be costly, but not near as costly as ignoring the problem. If you or your tenants notice mold, try to figure out what is causing it first and get that fixed. If you can’t locate the problem, SERVPRO can help you figure it out. After the source of the mold has been fixed, SERVPRO of Salem West can get rid of the mold safely and efficiently.

Power Outages Preparedness

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Power outages can be particularly inconvenient if you rely on the electric for your heat, cooling, and cooking needs. If you have multiple days straight of power not being available, hundreds of dollars worth of food/meat could go to waste as well. There are options and measures one can take to be prepared and more equipped to maintain your lifestyle during such an outage.

1. Invest in a generator. Generators can be pricey and costly to run, but even if you only run them for a few hours a day, that’s enough to re-cool/freeze your fridge & freezer, take a warm shower, cook your meals, and cool or heat your home to a comfortable level. Generators are expensive, but for the particularly vulnerable to such power outages they could be worth the trade off.
2. If a generator isn’t an option you wish you explore, you can always invest in a large cooler & a propane camp stove. A large cooler, with bags of ice changed out daily, can rescue the food you have in your fridge. A propane stove can still allow you to cook homemade meals. But as far as cooling you or house, heating your house, or taking showers or baths…those will not be alleviated with the cooler and propane option.

There are multiple things you can do right now to prepare for such an outage.

-Buy canned food, ready to eat!

-Buy extra gallons of fresh water

-Buy wet cleansing wipes for refreshing when showers aren’t an option

-Know where your cold weather clothes are kept/sleeping bag

-Invest in a solar charger, so you can continue to charge your phone and contact family

There are many other things you can do as well, these are just some ideas. If you know someone at risk (a senior citizen, someone with a health condition, someone with small children) check in on them during a power outage. Being prepared yourself, allows you to be better prepared to help others.

Wind Damage...Rare, But Costly

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest we don’t get much wind damage, but when we do, it can cause serious damages. Our coastal region is more prone to stronger winds, but our coastal region is also more prepared for strong winds…being that it’s normal out there.

The main cause for concern with high winds is power outages and fallen trees. We have all seen the men from the city in their bucket trucks trimming limbs back from power lines. Keeping tree limbs clear of power lines and falling dead trees as soon as they are noticed prevents disasters due to trees falling into homes and over power lines.

If you notice a large tree next to your house or a city power line, it’s best to inspect it regularly to insure it’s healthy. Also, you will want to trim it, or have it cut back if it starts to impede the path of the electric line. Strong winds can take down even healthy trees, so be diligent about the height of the tree and weigh the risks of letting it tower above your house.

Most windows are storm resistant now, but many older homes still have single, or double pane glass windows installed. Broken windows due to limbs and high winds are often due to older windows not being replaced when needed.

An old roof is also cause for concern when it comes to wind damage. If a roof is already rotting or falling apart in places it needs to be replaced before high winds make the likelihood of wind and water damages more costly and inconvenient.

Commercial Structure Water Damage in Newport, Oregon

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial building water damages happen for various reasons.

One such reason has nothing to do with the system or component failures, but just one small mis-step.

SERVPRO of Salem West was notified by a hotel client who suffered such a loss.

While the HVAC company was servicing the above-head duct work, the technician took a small mis-step and put his foot through the ceiling of the lower floor while at the same time stepping upon a sprinkler head.

The sprinkler head broke off and began pouring water from the fourth floor down to main lobby, even the elevator was put out of operation.

They called us as soon as it happened and we were onsite in a short period of time. We extracted all of the standing water and placed 100 pieces of drying equipment on the first day.

We were successful in drying the hotel in place with minimal demo required in this newly renovated coastal hotel.

Check out the video we made by clicking

HERE

Evaporation is part of the process in water damage restoration

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Evaporation: The process of a liquid turning into vapor.

Did you know that evaporation is a key component of the water damage mitigation process? When Salem, Oregon homes or businesses’ suffer a water damage it is important to begin the drying process.

The sooner the building is dried out the greater the chances are of salvaging materials and not having to demo.

Air movers are an important tool in the process of drying homes, commercial buildings and contents.

Air movers speed up the process of evaporation by moving air across a wet surface. Air movement across a wet surface picks up moisture from the material and turns it to a vapor, thus making the air humid and the building material dry. 

Watch this video on How Air Movers Work which shows the evaporation process.

Thanks for watching!

The Atlantic Storm Season's Effect on the Pacific Northwest

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

The Atlantic Storm Season effects the Pacific Northwest too, here's how.

For the most part, the Pacific Northwest which includes Oregon, Washington and Idaho are not necessarily effected by storms in the Atlantic Region directly.

However, our industry which is called Disaster Cleanup and Restoration is impacted by storm events in other parts of the country from the South to the Eastern Seaboard.

When big events occur in other parts of the country, their own local resources are either rendered useless or non-accessible. Equipment and supplies can be damaged and no longer useful or functional. And that is why the Pacific Northwest is impacted.

The SERVPRO franchise system has operators in ever major metro market place. This means no matter the event or size, if there is property damage due to flooding, fires, storms, tornadoes or hurricanes the SERVPRO system can respond.

While Oregon doesn't generally have major weather events, we did have a fluke Tornado in Aumsville, Oregon that took the state and Willamette Valley by surprise.

The Risks of Neglected Water Damages

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Unaddressed water damages can cause much more damage than a person ever realizes. When water invades an area and isn’t addressed in a timely manner, it sits and begins to grow bacteria and become contaminated.

Water damages can cause a great deal of problems when they affect a house or business. Left unmitigated, water can sink deep into wood surfaces and even make its way into the crawl space. Water can become trapped under non-porous surfaces like linoleum and non-porous tile.

Trapped water cannot be dried from the outside. Trapped water leads to dry rot and mold growth. Dry rot and mold growth are far more costly to remediate than water. Dry rot can be hazardous given that it compromises the structural integrity of wood. Mold can be dangerous given the health effects it can cause.

Here in Salem Oregon, we have water losses that we respond to that have been sitting for weeks…sometimes even months. Usually in this case, insurance will not cover the water damage because the homeowner knew of the damage but did nothing to remediate it, which caused a far more costly situation.

Be proactive in protecting your home or business from secondary water damages, call SERVPRO of Salem West at the first sign of water damage, and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

For video click HERE.

Proactive Cleaning in Commercial Buildings

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon, and the surrounding areas have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants that had chairs jam-packed into their dining rooms prior to this year (due to high demand) have had to cut their occupancy drastically.

Salem is trying to accommodate this change by shutting down downtown streets over the weekends, so restaurants can have outdoor seating in the streets.

Not only have the restaurants given up the opportunity to make more profits, but they are spending more money on cleaning products and services in order to assure their staff and customers that they are being proactive about precautionary COVID-19 cleaning measures.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers our Certified: SERVPRO cleaned program to any commercial business that is interested in investing in a proactive approach to fighting the spread of this virus.

We have had great success and helped many businesses in the area get back to work safely and smartly.

If you are interested in finding out how to get our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned decal in your business window, reach out to SERVPRO of Salem West (503) 393-9999, we can get you back to business quickly and safely.

Being Prepared For COVID-19 Services

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West we are ready to take calls asking about confirmed COVID-19 cleaning services. Often a business calls after hours, or first thing in the morning and requests emergency COVID-19 cleaning for their business.

When taking the customers call it’s paramount that the right questions are asked and that the right details are given. When there has been a confirmed exposure in a commercial environment, we understand the importance of getting the doors back open as soon as possible.

In most cases our SERVPRO technicians can provide the cleaning within 24 hours. Each COVID-19 cleaning is a little bit different. It’s important to provide the correct number for the square footage and details on the last known exposure.

If you work in a building that has had an exposure risk recently, please reach out to SERVPRO of Salem West (your number 1 Restoration vendor) and we will walk you through the process and get your doors back open as soon as possible.

Storms in the Willamette Valley

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get rain more than anything else when it comes to storms. Rain, given enough of it, can cause major damages. When inches of rain fall within a short amount of time, even the storm drains in cities can’t keep up. Also, in residential areas, rain can backup along the side of houses and businesses. Rain coupled with heavy wind is detrimental to older roofs as well.

Water penetration into basements, lower floors of homes, attics, and through roof leaks can cause damages that are costly to repair. Storm water is also considered contaminated water, so it isn’t advisable to try and clean up water that has made its way into your basement (without the correct precautions).

Residents in Oregon talk about how the state wouldn’t be so beautiful if the rains didn’t come like they do. And they are right, the rain here in Oregon can be tedious, especially in the colder months, but it does keep our beautiful Oregon home green, lush, and beautiful.

If you have suffered an unexpected storm loss, reach out to SERVPRO of Salem West (503) 393-9999. We are available day or right and we want to bring your home back to preloss condition.

Protecting your belongings from storms

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve all done it, left something out in the rain that we weren’t supposed to. Maybe you’ve left the window down in your car overnight, and woken up to a soggy seat on the way to work. Maybe you forgot that book you were reading in the hammock as a storm rolled in and your sunny afternoon disappeared and you disappeared inside your house. Whatever the reason, you don’t think about rain affecting the belongings you keep IN your house…Right?

When we think about storms here in Oregon, we think about wind damage and flooding. Flooding is one of the things that can cause the most damage to your precious belongings. Flood water is also considered contaminated water (due to the unknown materials it had traveled through before it invaded your home).

Keeping your belongings safe in your home is pretty simple and here are some tips to get you started:

~When storing clothes, papers, or cardboard boxes, never leave them on the floor. Instead place them on shelving off the floor.

~Also, if you don’t have shelving, buy some storage totes with lids and use them in place of cardboard boxes…especially if you store things in a basement or garage with concrete flooring.

~Place your family pictures higher on walls.

~Store your valuables off the floor.

~Make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date on the value of your belongings.

~If a flood does happen, don’t place the safety of your belongings over the safety of your life, get to a safe place first! Then call emergency for help.

These are just some ideas to help you get started. Your belongings are something you are proud of and want to keep safe, the same as your home. If your belongings are damaged, call SERVPRO of Salem West (503) 393-9999, we have an amazing content restoration team and we are here to help!

Please tell us how we did on Google

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Google review image

Thank you for selecting SERVPRO of Salem West! 

Please review us on Google

We are so grateful and appreciative that you selected us to serve you in your time of need.

A property loss due to water, fire or bio-hazard can be hard to process and a challenge to move through from start to finish.

We serve our clients in the best way we know how, and we hope we’ve met your expectations for service and care?

Would you take a moment and give us a review on Google? It really helps us reach more people like you who need caring help during a property damage loss.

And of course, if we’ve missed the mark on serving you, please call us at 503-393-9999 to speak with a manager. We’ll work hard to resolve any issues.

So tell us how we did by going to our Google page.

A Moldy Situation...

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping mold out of your home or your business is difficult here in the Willamette Valley.

Mold is everywhere, the air we breathe, and the natural environment we surround ourselves with. It’s when mold grows to an unhealthy level, that it becomes a problem.

When mold crosses the barrier between normal and unhealthy…we see the evidence in visible growth, discoloration, and staining. We also smell the difference in musty air, and feel the difference at times in our sinuses and respiratory systems.

A few tips for keeping mold out of your home or business are as follows…

-Maintaining good humidity levels within your space.

-Fixing leaks from roofs, pipes, windows, and appliances quickly.

-If you have a leak/flood in an area, see that it is properly cleaned and dried (Call SERVPRO for these services!).

-When you shower, try to keep the vent on in the bathroom for at least 30 minutes after you are done, especially if the room has no windows.

Tips on dealing with mold contamination:

-If you find moldy items in your living space, remove them from the areas, they will need to be replaced.

-Mold indicates that there is a moisture problem within your space (make sure you have proper ventilation!).

As always, if you encounter a moldy situation in your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Salem West. We can provide quick, efficient, and safe remediation of mold so you can get back to living in a healthy and clean environment.

SERVPRO faces the worldwide pandemic head on!

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Community involvement and connection is so important to SERVPRO of Salem West. The community we have been a part of for the past 20 years has grown, both in size and ambitions. We have so many wonderful causes and foundations and sponsorship opportunities within the Willamette Valley.

SERVPRO of Salem West takes pride in staying community focused and engaged.

Over the years we have helped many non-profits and organizations with fundraising, volunteering, sponsorships, and donations. Our community is facing new obstacles when it comes to involvement.

Community is a word that seems almost foreign right now…but we still have community.

We are still striving to stay connected and nourish that sense of fellowship we share with other patrons of our society. Right now we all share a common goal, staying safe and healthy.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West we continue to provide essential services to our community everyday. Whether it’s an emergency water loss, or a smoke damaged business or home, or even a confirmed COVID-19 affected structure, we are still always available.

We have taken precautions and have incorporated measures to keep our team, technicians, office, and customers safe in this time of need.

We are proud to be a part of this community. I know that we will get to the other side of this pandemic, and when we do we’ll see each other sitting across a crowded restaurant and smile, we’ll bump into each other at the grocery store and share a hug, we’ll meet for coffee and laugh and catch up, we’ll attend an event in a large crowded and joyful place, and we’ll continue to show up at your door to help you during your time of need…but maybe in the near future you will be greeted by our smile, instead of a mask.

Right now, we are staying safe and healthy, and that is what we want for our community. SERVPRO of Salem West is always here day or night for all your disaster cleanup needs. We continue to do our work efficiently, and safely. We continue to serve our community. Our community is going to get through this!

Click HERE to watch video!

Storms...are you prepared?

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest we see a lot of rain, however strong winds and rains that cause major damage to homes and businesses are not as frequent. Overall, this is great for our us, our homes and our businesses. What we don’t focus on, or tend to forget about, is being prepared for a storm.
A heavy storm can wreck havoc. Structures, whether it business or residential, don’t stand a chance against heavy rains and winds that can take shingles off of roofs.
We see more losses during unusually heavy rainstorms than we usually see within a 24 hour period. Most of the losses we see are from flooded basements, leaky roofing, and fallen trees onto structures. Sometimes even storm drains can’t keep up with heavy flowing water, and the drains back up into yards, houses, streets, and businesses.
We need to consider what we will do if a large storm hits? Do we have supplies if the electricity goes out? How will we stay warm or cool if the electricity stays out for an extended period? Do we have enough fresh water and non-perishable food on hand if traveling isn’t advised?
If storms do hit your home or business and you need help remediating the loss and cleaning up the debris and water, call SERVPRO of Salem West. We are available 24 hours a day to help you in the occurrence of storm damage.

Leading Causes Of Water Damage In Salem, OR

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the Willamette valley we see water losses within homes and businesses everyday we are out and about in our line of work. Homeowners often come home from long weekends, vacations, or work…to find water running across their floor. What is surprising is the frequency of new high tech appliances being the cause of these water losses.
Here is a list that I have compiled by my observation of working within the Salem and surrounding areas in the restoration industry. You may find it interesting, and it may motivate you to forgo that fridge with the water dispenser and ice maker…
Leading causes of water losses:
- Old, Rusty, Decaying Piping (weakened piping often leads to pipes bursting in walls, ceilings, under sinks, or crawl spaces).
- Appliance Supply Lines (Dishwasher Seals & Supply Lines, Refrigerator Supply Lines, Washing Machine Supply and Return Lines).
- Toilet Overflow (sewage), Bathtub Overflow, Sink Overflow.
- Hot Water Heater Flooding (usually caused by an older/past due for replacement model).
- Storm Water Intrusion/Storm Flooding.
- Water damage and intrusion due to an old and failing roof.
- Human Error (Mr. Fix-it, Homeowners attempting to fix plumbing themselves, Contractors error).
Whatever the cause of water damage to your home or business, you can trust SERVPRO of Salem West to restore it. So call SERVPRO of Salem West to care for all your water loss and remediation needs. We have the knowledge, tools, and training to make it "Like it never even happened."

Small Business Losses in Salem, OR

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Small Businesses cannot afford to stay closed. SERVPRO of Salem West has handled many small business losses within Salem and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s a fire in a restaurant or a water loss in a Physical Therapy office, we respond quickly and diligently to all losses.

Commercial losses are devastating for many reasons.
1. Doors to the business close, and so does the revenue flow.
2. The employees lose hours and their paychecks take a hit.
3. The business owner still has the same bills to pay as they did before, but now there is no revenue coming in the cover the bills.
4. Interruptions to a persons way of life and their quality of life, affects us emotionally.
5. Many losses can take months to restore, at SERVPRO we’re realistic when setting expectations, but we also will do everything within our power to see that the job finishes as quickly as possible.
If your business has had the unfortunate experience of a loss, reach out to SERVPRO of Salem West. Our team is motivated, passionate, and understanding of the high stakes a commercial loss carries. We pride ourselves in getting the doors back open to customers and getting a fresh start for the business owner. We are here to serve all businesses, large and small, we are SERVPRO of Salem West…and together, we are faster to any disaster.

Odors In Commercial Buildings

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Nothing can drive away paying customers like an odor that is unpleasant. Patrons don’t want to walk into a restaurant and experience that moment when you wrinkle your nose and wonder if a water treatment plant is nearby. Patrons don’t want to go to the salon to relax and rejuvenate, but feel instead that they have wandered into a public restroom. Many different things can cause unpleasant odors to the human nose.
A top complaint we at SERVPRO of Salem West get is smelling a decaying critter, or experiencing a mildew/stale smell in bathrooms, we also have many losses where sewage is the source of odor affecting the structure.
SERVPRO of Salem West gets called out to odor inspections often, and we regularly remove decaying critters from crawl spaces, we find mold causing a foul smell in bathrooms, we find sewage that has been flooding a crawl space, we find all sorts of causes for odor to be present. Whatever the cause, SERVPRO of Salem West does a first rate job at remediating the problem.
Often times with odor, it can linger well after the source of odor has been removed. We have effective ways of dealing with this obstacle as well, we can get rid of the odors with ozone treatment or we can also use fogging to rid areas of odors. Whatever troubles or challenges may arise, we have solutions.
So if you notice an unwelcome smell in your business or home, call SERVPRO of Salem West and we can get your space back to a welcoming environment.

Water Losses In Keizer, Salem, And Beyond

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

When a pipe bursts in a home, it almost always guarantees a large amount of water will follow. Homeowners can minimize the amount of water that intrudes into their home if they know ahead of time where their water shutoff is. Even a few minutes of running water can drastically impact a water damage.

When responding to a water loss our team will always try and locate the source that caused the water intrusion. Sometimes the homeowner already has found the source, and has had it fixed…but sometimes it is not that simple, especially if the loss is behind a wall.
We have been to losses where the water isn’t turned off because the homeowner cannot locate the shutoff valve.
SERVPRO of Salem West proudly serves the Keizer and surrounding areas, we have mitigated many water damages and losses within the community. Being a locally owned and operated business we pride ourselves on quick response and customer satisfaction.
Tip of the day is to locate your water main shutoff if you don’t already know where it is, and if a water damage happens call SERVPRO of Salem West, we are proudly IICRC certified in Water Restoration and will handle your loss with the best care possible.

When The Exterminator Leaves...

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Critters and Creepy Crawlies are all around us. Our State of Oregon in the Pacific Northwest is full of bugs and critters of all shapes and sizes. Our home is a sanctuary from the outside world. When a family of mice, Nutria, Raccoons, Rats, spiders, fleas, etc, decides to invade a home…the effects are often catastrophic.
The first thing you do is hire an exterminator. He comes and gets rid of the critters with a trap, spraying, or with poison. So your home is once again yours…but the aftermath still exists.
~A decaying critter in the crawl space or attic causing odor.
~Damaged Insulation from where critters have burrowed and defecated.
~Mice can and often do, chew through water supply lines to your home, leaving water damage.
~Tiny Bio-hazardous rodent droppings in your home or attic can be toxic to your health.
Here is one reason why SERVPRO of Salem West is so much more than just a water and fire restoration company. We also do jobs just like this. Cleaning up after infestations is hard work, but our team has handled such losses before.
Whatever the havoc that an infestation has caused, SERVPRO can help you get your home back to being the safe and clean space it was before.
At SERVPRO we handle the aftermath of infestations in homes and businesses often, and are trained and safe at cleaning and removing the remnants of such situations.
So remember, if you are still struggling with the stress of an infestation after the exterminator has left, call SERVPRO of Salem West, we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Why Character And Dedication Are Important In The Restoration Industry

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it’s drying out a water loss, cleaning and reconstructing post a fire, or remediating mold in an attic. In our industry, dedication and character are everything. Once you begin a difficult job, it’s easy to hit a wall, get overwhelmed, feel stressed, and make the choice to throw your hands up and quit.
What is it that is going to get someone in a crawlspace full of sewage?
What is it that is going to get us to leave our warm snuggly beds at 2am, and drive across town to provide water extraction and stabilization at a loss?
What is it that drives us to voluntarily spend all day in the woods, cleaning up bio-hazardous abandoned homeless encampments?
What is it that motivates a person to put a customer, a team, and a job first?
Dedication and Character.
Dedication can be trained, learned, and achieved. It can even be faked.
Character can’t.
Character is what is going to take a person out of there bed at 2am to help someone.
Character is going to give someone the mental strength to set aside the “ew” factor, and clean up that sewage riddled crawlspace.
Character is going to take you into the woods, to piles of abandoned garbage that accumulate to tons, and it is going to give you the visualization of what those trees, moss, earth, and landscape will look like once you have finished clearing the job…and you roll up your sleeves.
Character is going to make you ask yourself questions like these:
How is my customer feeling? How can I serve this customer to the best of my ability?
How is my team working together? Am I doing my best to contribute to the success of my team?
How can I get the best possible outcome at this job for my customer? How am I going to get there?
Character: The trait that means everything.
I think it’s this trait in SERVPRO of Salem West technicians that makes them passionate and proud about the job and services they provide.
I think its this trait that takes a newly hired technician from viewing restoration work as “A Day Job” or a “A Temporary Job” and gets them thinking about it as something they can be proud of for being apart of, and something they want to continue to be apart of.
The SERVPRO values that our team is given as a standard, sets them on a path to being a success in the industry. Character is the most valuable tool a SERVPRO team member can have.
If you suffer a loss and your life is turned upside down, it takes a certain kind of person to navigate that loss and provide the knowledge, guidance, and dedication to serve the customer.
SERVPRO of Salem West prides itself on seeking out employees that can exemplify the values SERVPRO is about, and add character and dedication to our team. If you need restoration services, SERVPRO of Salem West continues to provide caring and knowledgeable help within Marion, Polk, and Lincoln Counties. Call SERVPRO of Salem West, we will get our technicians to your loss, and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

A Storm's Coming...

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm hits the area hard, SERVPRO of Salem West is on high alert. Heavy rainfall and high winds often means water intrusion into businesses and homes, and board ups to windows and structures due to wind damage causation.
It doesn’t always happen that way, but SERVPRO prides itself on being as prepared as possible for whatever may come during a storm. Storm water that intrudes a house, through the roof, the basement, the walls, or other points of entry, is labeled as category 3 water (Black Water) this is because there is no traceable way to tell what the water has ran through before it enters a place of business, or a personal home. This being the case, our technicians treat storm losses with care and increased safety measures.
Many home owners and business owners don’t know the dangers of storm water…especially when it comes to flooding. Storm water in cities and heavily populated areas is often referred to as “Polluted Runoff” this term is in reference to the water picking up any pollutants along it’s pathway. Whether the water ran through a construction site, picked up fertilizers from the ground, Oil and Anti-Freeze from cars, or bacteria from pet wastes and failing septic systems, it can carry and transport all sorts of pollutants directly into a home or business.
So if you find your space affected by a recent storm, you can have faith that SERVPRO of Salem West will take the necessary precautions and measures to restore it to a safe and clean environment. SERVPRO of Salem West is here to serve the community whether it be a flooded house from a storm, or a flooded house from a dishwasher. Call SERVPRO of Salem West. We Are Faster To Any Disaster!

Resources: https://doee.dc.gov/service/why-stormwater-problem

Multiplex Fires In Salem, OR

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

When dealing with a fire loss in a multiplex there are many different factors to take into consideration.

1. Who is the owner? Who is the tenant? Is there a property manager?
2. What was the source of loss? Has the fire department released the scene? Has insurance released the scene?
3. Does the owner and the tenant want to work with you throughout the mitigation and repairs process? Or just the mitigation?
4. How many units were affected by the fire? Directly, or through heat and smoke damage?
5. How do all parties involved want communication to go throughout the process? Email? Phone? In-person? How often do they want updates on progress?
6. Does the owner have insurance? Does the tenant have renters insurance?
7. Will the tenants need lodging during the cleaning and repairs process?
8. Gather all contact information available, owner, property manager, tenant, insurance, and any additional parties involved.
9. Get papers signed (from all involved) to begin the documentation process and open the job!
10. Set expectations and answer any questions or concerns all parties involved may have.

Those are just the first ten I could think of…
A significant fire loss is a process, but done right from the beginning, it can go smoothly and give you valuable experience on handling a large loss correctly and efficiently.
SERVPRO of Salem West has an amazing Fire Team. If your property has been affected by a fire, call SERVPRO of Salem West. We strive to provide the best possible service during such a difficult time.

House Fire Smoke...How Dangerous Is It?

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

“They say it’s the smoke that will get ya” I cannot recall the first time I heard that term, but it took me awhile to understand what it truly means. Here in Oregon we are exposed to smoke often, we have cookouts, we BBQ, we have campfires, we have burn piles when conditions allow, and all of us know what it’s like smelling like a campfire on a summer night.
You may ask what the difference is between campfire smoke and house fire smoke? The answer may surprise you, because both are very dangerous to the human lung. Campfire smoke is carcinogenic.
In fact, The environmental protection association finds that smoke from wood burning is 12 times more carcinogenic than smoke from cigarettes, and it stays in the human lungs and body up to 40 times longer!
The answer to why house fire and campfire smoke is so incredibly toxic and dangerous is simple. It is unfiltered. Particles and chemicals that have not been completely burned are inhaled and larger than any particle that even avid smokers lungs encounter.
When a house fire happens, the smoke is enclosed in a compact space, it is concentrated and can cause immediate acute respiratory effects.
The saying “Never go back inside a burning building” makes all the sense in the world when you think about it. You may rationalize, well the fire is in the bathroom upstairs, I can fetch something from the downstairs living room…in realty, if smoke is throughout the home, you need to remove yourself from the structure as soon as possible…and stay out.
House Fire safety and education is so important and can greatly increase your chances of surviving a house fire. The soot and residue that a house fire leaves behind is also a carcinogenic…even when the smoke has settled.
If you suffer the unfortunate occurrence of a fire to your home or business, entrust SERVPRO of Salem West to clean and repair the damage safely from the beginning.

Oregon Wildfires - dangerous and up to 90% preventable

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that up to 90% of wildfires are caused by humans?
The remaining 10% is usually lightning. Nature's fire starter.
In order for fire to happen, it needs fuel (this can be anything that is flammable or that will burn).
The second thing a fire needs to start is oxygen, no shortage of that.
The third factor, and really the key factor to what a fire needs to start, is a source of energy to kick-start the combustion reaction. In the summer months wildfires are more prevalent for many reasons, but it’s not because of the hot weather…the hot weather dries out trees and grass and landscapes, yes. It succeeds in making the environment more vulnerable to a fire once it’s started, but the starting of the fire itself…is mostly due to human negligence.
As we get outdoors in the Willamette valley this summer, remember to fully extinguish all campfires, remember to use fireworks only when allowed and gather the used fireworks and dispose of them in a non-flammable container, remember never to throw a cigarette on the ground. And yes, that includes from an open car window. This is not only dangerous, but a cigarette is not biodegradable. It won’t magically disappear, it won’t waste away over time, it will litter the ground and earth until a good Samaritan or a company like SERVPRO of Salem West is hired to clean up the area.
Let’s all take responsibility this summer to protect our environment and our neighbors from the dangers of wildfires. Let’s each do our part to keep our forests and homes safe. Let’s always remember to put the fire out, let's always remember to be responsible with throwing away cigarettes, let's use fireworks responsibly, and let's do what we can to educate and help our community stay informed on wildfire prevention.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

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 Cleanedreflects 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 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 Salem West today at 503-393-9999 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.

Commercial SERVPRO Services

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO team member working a water loss. Salem, OR.

Here in the capital city of Salem, OR, our community is growing!

With growth comes new jobs and new businesses. Here at SERVPRO Mitigating a loss in a commercial building is something we experience frequently, and we pride ourselves in getting our customers businesses back to operating condition as soon as we can.

We understand your business is your livelihood. We are committed as a company to provide caring, knowledgeable, and prompt responses and cleanups of whatever disaster has affected your business.

It gives our company great pride to help our patrons get back to work and back to serving our community. From Restaurants to Dental Offices, from Fires to Sewage losses, our team has navigated them all. We have been serving this city for the past two decades, and as a family owned and operated business ourselves, we know the importance of keeping your doors open! So if you have a disaster in your business or facility, call SERVPRO of Salem West, we love our community and would love to help you get your business looking "Like it never even happened."

Trauma & Crime

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Salem West we encounter many jobs that are difficult. Some of the most sensitive in nature are our trauma & crime scene cleanup jobs. Our trauma jobs usually involve Blood-borne pathogens or bodily fluids. These scenes can often include cleaning up after Crimes, Violence, Domestic Disputes, Accidental Injuries, or Suicides.

No one likes to talk about subjects like this…

Yet they happen within our community, and cleaning up after such an event is a much needed service. So much so, that SERVPRO has multiple Project Mangers IICRC-certified to perform and supervise the cleaning of such jobs.

These are the jobs that we can’t make it "Like it never even happened.”

What we can do, is take the burden and responsibility of cleaning up after such a happening, off of the property owner, business owner, or family, who has most likely already been through a great deal of trauma and stress. We can help them put their space back together.

Cleaning up blood or bodily fluids is a job that requires professionalism, focus, and emotional strength.

That is why we at SERVPRO of Salem West never make it mandatory that our technicians respond to such a loss if they choose not to. We have a wonderful Bio-Hazard crew that knows what a delicate and important job the cleanup of a blood-borne pathogen is. They take that job as an act of service and as something that they can be proud of, because it is a true service to people.

SERVPRO of Salem West is always available to serve our community and the people and businesses within it. Even in the toughest times imaginable…we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we are here to help.

Troubles A’ Cookin’

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve all heard it, and some of us live by it, the kitchen is the heart of the home.

We gather there to prepare meals together, bake birthday cakes, roast Thanksgiving dinners.

We also know that kitchen fires are some of the most prominent causes of house fires in the US.

It’s easy to see how most cases of house fires come from the kitchen…

With appliances and situations throughout the space that involve heat, open flame, and electricity.

Cooking Fires account for 49% of household fires annually, with thanksgiving being the peak day for first responders.

You can do so many things to prevent fires from happening in the kitchen. Including the following…

-Always monitor food being cooked/baked.

-Don’t use large amounts of unnecessary oil or cooking fat.

-Frying is a huge culprit for food ignition, use caution.

-One small fire from the kitchen can affect your entire home (Soot, Residue, and toxins).

-Educate your children on the safety of using small appliances (Toasters, Microwave, etc).

-Make sure your smoke alarms have batteries and are operational.

-Tie back your hair, roll up your sleeves, get loose ends away from hot surfaces!

-Keep flammable materials (dish towels, etc) away from kitchen counter surfaces and ranges.

-Always practice Common Sense (If you have to think about if something is a good idea or not, it probably isn’t).

SERVPRO of Salem West & Lincoln and Polk Counties has a team of highly trained and caring individuals who make up our Fire Team.

If you have a need for services such as cleaning of soot, restoration of beloved documents from fires, content disposal and inventory, Furniture and Content cleaning and restoration, call SERVPRO of Salem West. We are here to help, and we have been proudly serving the community for the past 20+ years.

Mold In Senior Living Communities: Protecting Our Elders

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

It’s the season where as a community we need to be more aware of the possible spread of germs.

In cities big and small Memory Care, Assisted Living, Retirement Living, and Senior Housing are all more susceptible to contaminants in their facilities.

In the small city of Dallas Oregon for example, there are dozens of senior housing options, residences, and facilities that house our older generations. In Salem, there are even more.

When we deal with a mold remediation job within a senior care facility it is paramount that we contain and remediate the mold without spreading spores into the unaffected areas of the facility.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West we service many senior housing facilities and have a team of highly trained and caring project managers and team members.

Safety of our customers and our team is always our number 1 priority!

In senior care, we are dealing with a great deal of people that have a lower immune system than younger generations. It is crucial to take the proper steps of containment when remediating mold in such a facility.

If you live in senior housing, work in senior care, have a loved one in senior care, you know how important proper and prompt remediation and cleaning of contaminants is. If you find mold or water damage call SERVPRO of Salem West, we are dedicated to protecting our community by properly cleaning and sanitizing areas that have been contaminated.

For The Love Of Water Restoration!

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians here at SERVPRO of Salem West have many details and tasks during the process of cleaning up a water loss. Water losses are prominent throughout the Salem area and something that our crew here at SERVPRO have navigated with care and professionalism for the past 20 years.

Whether it’s a leak from the roof, a slow leak from an appliance, a burst pipe, a failed water supply line, water intrusion from a storm, or many other causes of water damage…each one is handled with compassion and attention to detail.

Each water loss is different, each amount of affected area is different, each source is different…our team is trained to scope the extent of work, sketch the area, document the process, and most importantly, start stabilizing and mitigating the damage to our customers home, facility, or business.

Here at SERVPRO our crew are experts at taking a loss and returning the affected area to preloss condition. SERVPRO is passionate about restoring and saving as much as possible in a loss, this helps to minimize the interruption to our customers lives. Your home is your sanctuary, your business is your livelihood, if a water damage has disturbed that, call SERVPRO of Salem West!...we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Apartments Water Loss - Salem, Oregon  

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that it can take less than 30 minutes for water damage to affect multiple levels in an apartment complex?

SERVPRO of Salem West/Lincoln & Polk Counties recently were called to an apartment complex that was suffering from a toilet bowl overflow on the 4^th floor. Not only did the water migrate throughout the 4^th floor apartment, affecting 3 of 5 rooms, but it wicked through the drywall and ceilings of the 3^rd and 2^nd floor apartments directly below. Each unit had less affected rooms than the source unit due to the quick response of our Nationally Certified Technicians and knowing where the water shut off was.

Working floor by floor, our technicians rapidly created a plan for drying purposes in order to lessen the water migration of the already affected materials. Working with each tenant, yes, the units were occupied, they took great care of the contents within each unit.

No matter the size of damage or the size of property, our highly trained technicians can create and execute any plan to mitigate water damage. Our goal is to do as little demolition as possible, but let’s face it, there are instances that can not be avoided. Once we have finalized the execution of removing affected materials and properly drying materials that were not so affected, we can then send our repairs team in and let them do their magic work.

We are not only a fire and water restoration company, but we do in fact have a highly trained reconstruction crew that will come in afterwards and bring your property back to preloss condition.

Working with different teams is beneficial, meaning no outsourcing unless necessary.

If you are a property manager or owner and find your property suffering from water or fire damage be sure to call SERVPRO of Salem West/Lincoln & Polk Counties at (503) 393-9999.

Confidence and Compassion in Your Local Restoration Company

12/15/2019 (Permalink)

Confidence and compassion are key ingredients when choosing a Restoration Company. SERVPRO is nationally known for its immediate response and fast pace.

The confidence your insurance agents and adjusters have in our company continues to grow exponentially. Each person that works in our company has their own unique connection with insurance adjusters. This connection strengthens through each disaster. Working hand in hand with your insurance company, whether locally or not there is a strong understanding on both sides.

The compassion shines through our technician’s work ethic and ability to return your property back to preloss condition. Compassion continues through our dispatchers and their ability to schedule with you, find what works and are there to take your calls 24/7/365.

SERVPRO of Salem West/Lincoln & Polk Counties will light the way down the dark tunnel of the water or fire disaster you face. By walking with you, we continue to grow the relationships with your insurance company and yourself.

Confidence and compassion are two key goals we strive for as your local Restoration Company.

We are available every day, all day long when an unforeseen disaster strikes. Make sure to call us first (503) 393-9999.

Holiday Disaster Prevention

12/15/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is upon us and as you prepare for your safe travels, you also want to prepare your home.

Preparing your home is not something in the forefront of your mind, but creating a checklist is a good idea. In order to prevent a disaster at home consider the following:

• If no one will be staying in your home, turn off the main water supply. This will lessen the possibility of a water supply line bursting and causing extended water damage.
• Check your exposed pipes for possible leaks. Exposed pipes tend to crack more frequently due to not being insulated or protected from the elements.
• Turn off the lights on your Christmas tree and make sure the tree has ample water. Extended heat on a dry tree poses the threat of fire.
• Talk to your neighbors and see if they can watch your home. It is always a good idea to have a set of eyes on your property while you are away.

No one wants to return home from a family trip to find the aftermath of a disaster. Remember, SERVPRO of Salem West/Lincoln & Polk Counties is your local Restoration Company and even while you are away, we are available to take care of your property.

Call us today (503) 393-9999 if you find yourself in a predicament.

Coming Together To Brighten Keizer, OR

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Shawn Lapof, Commercial Marketing guru of SERVPRO of Salem West, aided in hanging the grand twinkling lights that will grace the Keizer Christmas Tree this December. This is an annual event for the Keizer Chamber of Commerce and Shawn.  Shawn spends a lot of his time working with the Keizer Chamber of Commerce to continue spreading community spirit.

The lighting of the tree brings our community together and brings great pride to SERVPRO of Salem West/Lincoln & Polk Counties. This event sparks the beginning of a bright and colorful holiday season, spreading joy and warmth throughout our community. Our pride, as a company is especially great during this season, knowing that we can aid those in the midst of a disaster that our customers often face.

This holiday season encompasses the passion for children’s smiles and laughter when Santa Claus arrives to light the tree. You could think of our technicians as Santa’s elves, even dressed in green. Just like Santa and his elves arrive on a sleigh, our technicians arrive in our own green sleighs. As Santa and his helpers spread cheer, we are there bringing hope and kindness. The cheer returns when we get our customer’s property back to preloss condition.

We continue to help the community behind the scenes, asking for no recognition. Our recognition is internal and the SERVPRO elves carry pride and compassion from property to property, customer to customer. We are your local SERVPRO of Salem West and Lincoln & Polk Counties, here to serve you.

During this holiday season if you find yourself faced with a disaster, no matter the size, give us a call (503) 393-9999 day or night. We are here around the clock.

Plumbing Mishaps in Turner, Oregon

11/29/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing mishaps like improperly installed pipes usually end in severe water spillage. A skilled plumber can perform repairs to get the plumbing working properly again, but it is your responsibility to clean up your home after the water leak and dry it out. Water can penetrate porous materials such as fabrics, wood and paper products leaving the clean up process tiresome. Cleanup efforts should begin as soon as possible in order to limit the damage.

Any number of rooms can have suffered from water damage, this makes the cleanup process time consuming, but in order to prevent further damage the following is essential: extract standing water, remove saturated furniture, carpets and other contents from the affected area. Items such as these tend to be non-salvageable due to the extent of damage. Other items such as plastic contents are salvageable. Depending on the weather, especially in the Fall/Winter seasons in the Salem, Keizer, Lyons and Silverton areas it is difficult to use outside air for drying purposes, turning up the heat system and using temporary fans are a big help.

When water has penetrated building materials such as drywall, wicking tends to happen if the wet materials are not removed or dried quickly. Wicking simply means that the water is migrating in any direction within the material. Our certified Water Restoration Technicians use various pieces of equipment to detect moisture within materials. Moisture meters are used to take surface moisture readings as well as penetrating moisture readings, this way we are able to pinpoint the damaged materials.

Portable water extractors are quite efficient when needing to remove standing water in a room, we use the extractor to remove water from both soft and hard surfaces. Our goal is to eliminate the moisture amounts before tearing into materials. Our drying equipment is then set in place if the damage is minimal.

Whatever the source is, whatever the size of loss our highly qualified team of Water Technicians are standing by to mitigate the damage. Our goal is always to return your property to preloss condition.

Call us at (503) 393-9999 for SERVPRO of Salem West and Lincoln & Polk Counties.

4 Signs of Water Damage - Stayon, Oregon

11/29/2019 (Permalink)

In general, a house is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. In order to protect that investment, you should vigilantly look out for household problems and address them before they worsen.

Homeowner’s dread the thought of water damage. If left unattended, residential water damage can detrimentally impact the structure or spawn other complications. Here are several methods for detecting water damage within your house.

1. Check the Floors
   No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will manifest signs of water damage. For tile and wood, look for cracked, buckling, cupping or warped flooring. When it comes to carpet, be wary of damp spots, gradual rises or soft spots.
2. Look for Stains
   Water stains on the floor around the bathtub, toilet or sink, as well as stains on ceilings and walls, are some of the most obvious signs of water damage. Unusual stains could indicate there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen and are soft to touch also may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.
3. Inspect Outside
   Observe the exterior of your house. What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that aren’t transporting water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters. Any of those issues could threaten the foundation of your house. Additionally, common signs of water damage on the roof may include pools of water; cracked, curled or missing shingles; or broken flashing.
4. Watch for Rust and Mold
   Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor. A rusted tank could indicate a slow leak. Additionally, corrosion around pipe connections could be caused by water seepage.

Multi-Level Home Fire Restoration in Willimina, Oregon

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes your property, we are your local restoration company to call. Damages caused by a fire need various forms of mitigation. When damage occurs, it can affect the structural integrity of your property and the contents within the structure. Residual odors of smoke are left behind when all the dust has settled.

SERVPRO was called to a property in Willimina, Oregon after a fire began in a bedroom on the main level and affected the basement. Our technicians immediately got to work creating a restoration plan with the homeowners.

Removal of the damaged materials is necessary prior to detailed cleaning. Our technicians removed the affected sheet rock, insulation and flooring in the source room. These materials contain high levels of soot, creating the lingering odor from a fire. Using safe demolition techniques and HEPA filtration vacuums we were able to remove the remaining soot from surfaces in the home.

Our technician work hand in hand with property owners and insurance adjusters, keeping strong lines of communication open.

During the restoration process, our technicians carefully handled and packed each content item in the affected rooms.  A strategic cataloging process is utilized including photographs of each item. The list that is created is given to the adjuster and homeowner.

As soon as the pack out process is completed, we send our technicians in to begin removing the remaining materials affected by the fire and then begin the drying process. There are many avenues that are required in order to have the structure back to preloss condition and ready for a rebuild. Once the drying and cleaning of surfaces left in the home were completed, we brought in a thermal fogger and an ozone machine. The two machines are used to neutralize odors throughout the property.

SERVPRO of Salem West/Lincoln & Polk Counties is available 24/7/365 for emergency services.

Emergency Window Board Up & Cleaning in Woodburn, Oregon

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Due to unexpected vandalism, a local dental office in Woodburn, Oregon suffered multiple shattered windows. The owner of the property called SERVPRO quickly and we were able to prepare supplies and dispatch a team of technicians to the property.

Our team was onsite within 45 minutes of the initial call. Tools and materials in hand we were able to take care of the windows. Once that portion of the clean up was done we had a second team arrive to clean up the interior of the building. Removing the shards of glass from the affected floor as well as taking care of the contents. Thoroughly inspecting each room with the owner before completing services.

Did you know that SERVPRO will perform building board-ups when necessary? After our team was able to remove all the unsafe materials they then went and got the needed materials to perform a board-up. This service helped the tenants to be at ease knowing their property would not endure further damage.

After suffering damage to your home or business property SERVPRO® of Salem West will be on scene to clean-up, board-up and restore the damage. In the event of damage give us a call (503) 393-9999. 24/7/365.

Don't Let Your Water Pipes Freeze This Winter

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

As the seasons change from fall to winter, there are more opportunities for water to freeze. The water in your home’s plumbing is certainly vulnerable to freezing. There are a few things that you can do to avoid a catastrophic issue in your home. Here is a small list to start with:

1. Insulate Pipes
2. Open Cabinets
3. Keep Garage Doors Closed
4. Let Faucets Drip
5. Seal Exterior Cracks and Small Openings
6. Keep the Thermostat Consistent
7. Open Interior Doors
8. Seal Crawl Space Openings
9. Use Heating Tape where needed

Hopefully with some wise preparation, you can avoid disaster, but if this does occur do not hesitate to call your local water damage company, SERVPRO of Salem West or SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties. We are available 24/7/365. Call us at (503) 393-9999

Who Are You Going To Call?

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our National TV Ads work!

We have some pretty amazing national TV ads. I know that the branding works as experienced last week when I was at the grocery store on my way home from work. The cashier saw my uniform and replied, "Like It Never Even Happened". The lady next to me started to sing the praises of our franchise for coming to her aid when she experienced a emergency water loss at her home the year before. Needless to say, everyone stopped and listened to our conversation! I felt proud to have been able to represent our franchise there in the grocery store. I made sure to mention our franchise name loud and clear, SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties, Ready to Help You When Needed!

Should you be faced with a water or fire damage and need service as soon as possible, be sure to call us. Here are a few more reassuring reasons to call us:

• Conveniently located
• 24/7 availability
• Professionalism
• Efficiency
• Honesty
• Experience

SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties is available day or night, 24/7/365 to serve you in time of need. We can be reached at (503) 393-9999 or (541) 265-7777

Our Team

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Our team of highly trained and certified technicians understand the best way to reduce the amount of damage from the beginning of any mitigation or remediation clean up. Not only does our team strive in water and mold damage, we also specialize in clean-up for fire damage and biohazard.

All your restoration needs can be completed by SERVPRO of Salem West and Lincoln/Polk Counties.

Our clients choose us because of our:

• Immediate response in your time of need. Our belief is simple, the faster the response the less damage occurs.
• Work hand in hand with your insurance company. We pride ourselves on genuine relationships with our clients and their insurance adjusters.
• Advanced technology aids in the discovery of water migration and organic growth within materials that have been affected.
• Commercial and residential services. Whether you are a property management company, homeowner, business owner or tenant we are here to serve you. There is no size of services we cannot handle.
• Our community is your community. Our office is located in Salem, but our team is from Lebanon to Keizer. We live where you live and strive to make our communities great.

Returning your property to pre loss condition is our goal. Working with you, our future client, easing your fears and helping you to understand our process is our top priority. Creating a strong relationship is key.

Having concerns with water, fire, mold or biohazard concerns we are available 24/7/365. Call us at (503) 393-9999 where a friendly voice will guide you through our processes.

Inclement Weather

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Inclement weather symbols

It is that time of year again, we all know the rains of the Pacific Northwest and how unpredictable they can be.

We are here not only to aid in the restoration of your property, but to provide some tips and tricks during the storm seasons. Our company is able to offer advice when you are looking for it.

Tricks & Tips:

• When in doubt, gather sandbags and place them at door openings
• Make sure all windows and doors are closed tight
• Clean gutters
• Have your roof inspected before the weather turns
• Soak up water that has intruded
• Turn on your heater

Here is what we can help with:

• Extracting standing water from surfaces
• Packing out your contents and properly dry them
• Removal of damaged building materials from the water
• Repairing your property

Remember SERVPRO of Salem West and Lincoln/Polk Counties if you find yourself in an unfortunate disaster. (503) 399-9999

Emphasis on Training

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Our Heroes are you’re Heroes. Anytime, anyplace

With any water or fire loss that you might encounter, our technicians will do their best to assist you during any unexpected challenge. We like to think of our SERVPRO men and women as Heroes as they come to your assistance during those difficult times with your home.

We have a structured training system called the HeroReady Training Program. It contains a targeted learning path for our production technicians based on the roles and responsibilities for their position.

The program starts with Production Foundations which will include Orientation, General Safety, and Equipment and Facility Maintenance.  From there a fork in the road would lead them to Water Restoration 101 or Fire Restoration 101 depending on the department they are assigned to. 

We believe in investing into our employees all of the training that they deserve to be the best possible technician to handle most any work scenario as we take care of our high value customers.

Building Damage & Asbestos in Salem, Oregon

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Building owners need to be aware of the law concerning demolition, remodel and restoration where asbestos and lead may be present.

Our SERVPRO of Salem West team is restoring an 8-unit apartment complex that was nearly totalled due to a fire. The saving grace which kept the structure standing and intact was the lathe and plaster from the 1950's and of course our local Salem fire department.

When performing any type of commercial property restoration it is important to have the building surveyed for lead and asbestos, as both create health hazards when inhaled or injested.

Using a certified inspector is the law when taking samples along with notating each sample and location it was pulled from.

Once the samples are pulled and tested, we receive a comprehensive report which list every sample and if the results are postive or negative. In this case negative is good.

Some quick hints about asbestos. If the material hasn't been tested, it is assumed to be positive for it. There are listed materials that need to be tested which can be found on State DEQ websites. You can also contact your locally certified testing company for more information and training.

If your building sustains water or fire damage which require demolition to be performed, have it inspected first.

SERVPRO of Salem West is available day or night, 24/7/365 to serve you in time of need. We can be reached at  (503) 393-9999

Gutters: Why It’s Important to Clean Before Winter Storms Arrive

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Time to clean your gutters!

Fall is a beautiful time of year. Leaves from the trees change from green to yellow or red. Then there is the aftermath of leaves that make their way into gutters. If you aren’t part of the growing numbers of homeowners that are replacing their gutters with guards that block the leaves here are a few of the reasons you may want to get those gutters cleaned before the winter storms hit:

Gutters themselves can become damaged over time from not being cleared:

Aside from becoming an eye sore, as things can grow out of the gutters as the leaves break down, the weight of the gutters can increase with the buildup of organic matter that breaks down from the leaves. This could lead to the gutters pulling away from the face boards on the roof line.

Crawlspaces or Basements can become flooded:

With a clogged gutter, the rainfall can run over the gutter and collect around the perimeter of the home. The water can then find its’ way through the foundation into the basement or crawlspace under the home. The foundation can become compromised overtime by becoming unstable due to settling or cracking. If not detected soon enough you may end up with further damages due to mold growth on any part of the structure under the home.

While we may not be able to clean your gutters for you, we here at SERVPRO of Salem West and of SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties can assist in the cleaning of your basement or crawl space from any water damage. Call us 24/7 at (503) 393-9999.

September Storm - 6" in 4 Hours

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water flowed under the doorway of this commercial building causing damage to the flooring.

Typically, the average rainfall that the Salem/Keizer area receives is between 1” – 2” in the month of September. Residents here are not accustomed to a significant amount of rainfall, but on September 10, 2019 a total of 6” of rain fell from the sky. The storm surged through both towns causing minor and major flooding.

                Without warning and time to prepare, residents were both left in the dark after power outages and water intruding from roofs, windows and doors. There is always a possibility for water damage during any storm, whether light or heavy rains occur. The customers’ we serve wasted no time reaching out to SERVPRO® of Salem West in their time of need.

                With quick response, our technicians were dispatched to multiple locations. Services performed that night ranged from water extraction to beginning the drying process in order to lessen the damage. We are available 24/7 365 days a year. Our team of highly trained technicians are ready to make it “Like it Never Even Happened” ™ and return your property to preloss condition.

SERVPRO® of Salem West/Lincoln and Polk Counties are standing by and are just a phone call away to serve you, our future customers. Remember to call us (503) 393-9999 for your mitigation services.

Fire damaged and contents

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Melted plastic

After a fire and before the restoration can begin.

The process of packing up your belongings can be long and tedious. SERVPRO® of Salem West takes that burden from your shoulders. You have enough to tend to, let us help with packing and unpacking.

Our restorer team is extremely detailed and accurate by inventorying each item. When your contents are packed they are then moved to a secure location at our business.

When it is time to begin the move out process you do not have to concern yourself with packing items as we come prepared with the essentials. SERVPRO® supplies sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap and various packing materials. Our team(s) set up packing tables in each room while also identifying each box per room.

Boxed items are small to medium size objects and are packaged accordingly.

Large items that can be disassembled to safely transport will be. If we are unable to disassemble then our team(s) will wrap the times with the necessary material and place moving pads around so other items do not cause damage.

Electronic items are not packed in boxes because they tend to need specialty cleaning, therefore are handled with extreme care and brought back to our location for storage.

Unsalvageable items are items that have sustained severe damage from the fire.

Documenting your contents is a high priority and we do it by hand and digitally. We have a move out checklist that the project lead will go over with you and list items in detail. When the project lead is back at the office, they will then record the information in a spreadsheet along with taking digital photographs and then uploading those to your customer file.

When the time has come that repairs and restoration is complete, we will then preform a move back. By bringing your items back, unload and unpack per room you will notice cleaned and restored items safely returned to their proper spaces.

If you find yourself in need of fire restoration or have question and concerns give us a call at (503) 393-9999 or visit us HERE. SERVPRO® of Salem West operated 24/7/365 with emergency services available.

Apartment Fire In Salem Oregon

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Salem Oregon fire damage.

In Salem, Oregon an apartment fire occurred during the evening. Fortunately there were working smoke alarms that alerted residents along with good neighbors who ensured everyone exited the building.

Here's a few tips to ensure safety during a building fire.

1. Think safety first and get out of the building.
2. Things can be replaced.
3. Take role call.
4. Once you're safe, set up lodging for the night with family or friends.
5. Call your insurance agent to start the claims process.

SERVPRO of Salem West is professional cleaning and services company, servince the Willamette Valley for 20 years. Our team members are trained and highlsy skilled in disaster cleanup and restoration.

From water, fire, smoke and biohazard, we can help you anytime day or night.

Calls us (503) 393-9999

When The Sink Overflows, Damage Spreads Quickly

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Dallas, Oregon sink overflowed.

Have you left the sink running in your bathroom or thought you did? Do you know what unfortunate damage water causes to your home?

In Dallas, Oregon a family of four prepared for a restful night. Once everything was said and done, lights out and quiet fell over the house, no one realized the bathroom sink was left on. Morning came and routines began, but unfortunately the family was struck by a wet surprise. Their bathroom floor felt wet and down the hallway was soggy carpet. In a panic the couple grabbed towels and a mop to soak up as much water as possible. Feeling defeated, the couple gave up and called SERVPRO® of Salem West.

The phone call came in at 6:44am and we sent a team out immediately to inspect the damage. After inspecting the damage, our team lead informed the homeowners that the water had gone into the drywall of the first floor. Water has the ability to seep into areas where it is not noticed by the naked eye.

After explaining the damage and locations, our team brought the equipment in to start the drying process. Our teams are highly trained in various drying techniques and chose the less damaging method. Rather than removing all the carpet to dry the water between the subfloor and carpet our team used a special drying method which floats the carpet allowing air to move under. Drying equipment is set in place and a thorough drying is started.

SERVPRO® of Salem West takes into consideration the customer’s needs and concerns. With that, we create a plan that offers a timely process and professional services.

If you find yourself with possible water damage or have questions concerning water contact SERVPRO® of Salem West (503) 393-9999 day or night. We have teams readily available to help in a disaster emergency.

Restoring Fire Damaged Property - Salem, Oregon

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

It does't take long for fire spread.

Let us do the work.

Once the fire department leaves you are left with the cleanup. The cleanup process of soot, smoke and flame may seem easy at first, call in the professionals to take on the job. Leave the worry and process up to SERVPRO of Salem West, our teams are IICRC certified in the proper techniques to bring life back to your property.

Soot damage remediation involves a lot more than scrubbing the floor and walls.

1) You need to inspect and address the damage caused by the fire.

2) You need to inspect your property that is damaged by smoke.

Between the initial fire damage and water damage from the firefighters extinguishing the fire, you may become overwhelmed with the damage. Call in the professionals to quickly and efficiently get the job done.


Smoke damage is not always visible to the eye. Did you know that smoke can seep through drywall impacting the insulation and drywall.

Soot has the ability to migrate into ventilation systems as well as electronics.   

Your local restoration company, SERVPRO of Salem West have highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment to return your home or business to preloss condition.

For more on smoke damage visit us at HERE.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today (503) 393-9999.

The Calm Before The Storm

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

Christian Andreas Doppler

It has been said, there's a calming before the storm rolls in but most times there's early warnings thanks to inventor Christian Doppler.

Christian Andreas Doppler, born Nov. 29, 1803 was an Austrian physicist who invented the Doppler Radar technology which is still in use today. 

Doppler radar is a tool specifically designed to measure direction , speed / velocity of objects such as rain drops in motion towards or away from a detector.

This technology is what allows millions of people across the United States to prepare for major weather events in their local areas. 

In years gone by, citizens would know a storm was brewing by looking up into the sky, now we have early warnings of what is to come and the potential danger level.

Should your property ever be damaged by a storm, feel free to call the teams at SERVPRO of Salem West (503) 393-9999 to help you walk through the cleanup process.

Oregon Fire Season

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

The 2019 fire season in Oregon is in full effect.

When the countryside dries and underlying brush act as fire starter and kindling, it is only time when an unexpected lighting strike, strikes up a fire.

These fires burn fast, hot and spread quickly with minor wind burst while jumping trenches, fire breaks and dirt roads.

in 2018 the cost to battle Oregon wildfires reached 514 million dollars according to an article in the Salem, Oregon Statesman Journal newspaper. Per the SJ the cost were so high because the fires took extended time to battle and conquer.

What can you do if you have a home in the outback, wilderness or near dry public lands?

#1 Think safety first.

#2 Have a pre-planned escape route.

#3 Talk to your insurance agent to ensure proper coverage.

#4 Take inventory of your personal belongings using your smart phone or video camera and back it up to the cloud.

#5 Plan a meeting destination.

Salem Oregon Apartment Building Fire

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

During the week of July 15th, 2019 an apartment buidling in Salem, Oregon suffered from a fire damage that displaced nine tenants.

The two story building which is 20 years old and consisted of three levels, suffered a fire that originated on the third floor. The fire grew quickly and burned extremely hot.

If there was a saving grace, there are two. All the tenants and pets escaped without injury and the interior finsish was drywall over plaster. The third floor took most of the fire damage while the lower leves had water, minimal smoke and cross containmination.

Plaster behind the drywall acted as fire barrier to the wood framing which in this case meant not needing a complete teardown to the foundation. With the plaster in place, demo will only need to be down the studs with odor remediaton and sealing, then rebuild can start.

The property owner maintained an excellent insurance policy which will him the property to be rebuilt to current code while offering a chance to redesign the building and bring it into 2019 for when the tenants return.

SERVPRO of Salem West is pleased to act as the mitigation and repairs contractor for this long time customer.

If need help with cleaning and restoration call us anytime day or night. (503) 393-9999

Infrared Cameras See Into Walls

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Infrared camera technology allows technicians to see what cannot be seen with the bare eye.

According to an article posted online by Flir Systems, Wilsonville - Oregon,

"An infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems."

Now think of the above article and related in to cool temparatrues which is how we see water damage.

You see this is why use the infrared technology on all of our jobs because seeing is not always believing.

When you contact us for any water damage related service, our team will use the best technolopgy we have to ensure your proerty is taking care of.

Call us anytime day or night for help (503) 393-9999

Water Damage and Hardwood Floors

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Can your hardwood floors be saved if you've had a dishwasher leak 50 gallons of water across your flooring?

The answer is, depends on how quickly you respond and start the drying process.

The sooner you respond the greater the likely hood of your floors being saved. This means call right now so the SERVPRO of Salem West team can respond within hours.

Hardwood fooring can be saved from the salvage yard and cause less disruption to your life when drying services are started sooner than later.

The longer you wait, the more cupping you'll have to your flooring which over a few days could damage your flloor beyond salvageability.

When you experience a water damage, call us now ay (503) 393-9999 so we can start the drying process the same day.

Where there's snow, there's potential for ice damage.

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

During winter season there are things homeowners need to do in order to protect their homes from potential damages. 

In this picture of the snow storm that happened in February of 2017, shows what happens when you don't clean out your gutters.

Under all snow is typically ice patches. The heat from your home rises causing the ice to melt. When the ice melts you have trapped water. Where does that water go? You guessed it; it seeps into your roof causing water damage in your ceiling and walls. 

This kind of damage is costly and if it isn't taken care of in a timely manner you run into more potential damages such as mold growth in as little as 48 hours. Save yourself some cost and call the professionals. 

Taking a little time out of your day to clean those gutters can prevent ice dams and save you money. 

SERVPRO of Salem West is 24/7/365. Call at any time for an estimate for all your storm emergencies. (503) 393-9999. 

Flooding in Salem, Oregon is a rare event

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in Salem, Oregon is a rare event, but when it happens it is a major event.

In an article posted in the local newspaper the Statesman Journal on 4/10/2019 titled Willamette River reaches projected high point, begins dropping, as Salem roads, parks remain closed.

This region isn't necesarily prone to major weather events like other parts of the country but when it happens, you can bet it's all front page news.

While the Willamette Valley's beauty stretches wide with vast agricultural land, close access to beaches and sandy deserts to the East, the Willamette Valley occassionaly gets hit with minor storm events.

Flooding mainly occurs near the waterways and occasionlay spills into neighborhoods and communities. When this happens you can rest assured knowing the SERVPRO of Salem West is here to help, any time, any day anywhere.

Call us when you need us (503) 393-9999

Keizer, Oregon - Commercial Water Loss

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Specialists

SERVPRO of Salem West has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about Learn more about our training and certifications..

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 day or night.

Call us anytime, day or night where ever you are.

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Salem West and other franchises will travel to where you are to help you.

From any major type of storm event or naturla disaster we will dispatch a crew fo qualified team members to help you, your family and the community through a touch time.

We have the experience and know-how to service residential and large commercial projects.

From fire, water, mold, bio-hazard and reconstruction, we can take care of your facility cleaning, mitigation and repairs projects.

We are one stop for any storm related damage.

You can call us anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999.

Salem, Oregon - Cooking Oil Fire

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire - Salem Oregon

Salem, Oregon – Cooking Oil Fire

Cleaning up soot and smoke after a grease fire in your kitchen can be a daunting task.

A grease fire in your Salem, Oregon home is an unexpected disaster and can create a significant amount of damage. Pouring water onto a fire is an initial reaction, but water mixed with oil creates a splash effect causing the fire to spread. The most effective way to snuff out a grease fire is with a fire extinguisher.

After extinguishing the fire in your Salem, Oregon home it is difficult to clean and restore your kitchen to its original condition. We want you to look to us, SERVPRO of Salem West as your neighborhood fast and friendly team to help turn things around.

Our team here at SERVPRO of Salem West will walk you through the whole restoration process making sure you understand and are comfortable leaving your kitchen in our hands. Communication is key with every job, especially yours. You chose SERVPRO of Salem West to make your kitchen look “Like it never even happened.” You experienced a grease fire disaster in your kitchen and we will be there to fix it the first time.

Life can throw unexpected curves your way and cause disruptions you never thought possible. SERVPRO of Salem West is here to turn that around and give you a reason to smile.

SERVPRO of Salem West is well versed in walking home owners through the process of grease fire recovery, cleaning. You can call us anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999 with any questions you may have.

Building Fire at Mattress World Northwest - Salem, Oregon

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

A Fire Sale is a term used to describe a "Sale" of items at extremely discounted prices.

That is not the case with this large Mattress Super Store located in Salem, Oregon that suffered fire damage, affecting every item in the store.

On the night of March 20th, 2019, Salem - Oregon fire fighters responded in full force to knock down and extinguish a fire at the store before it grew too large.

With a fast onscene response, our local fire fighters were able to contain the fire at the source and keep damage held back to a minimal number of properties.

We're grateful for the men and women who are there to help in time of need. These are some of the people risking their lives to save ours and our propery.

If the unthinkable happens where a fire strikes your Salem, Oregon business, contact us at  (503) 393-9999, we'll be there to answer any questions, walk you through the process and clean up the mess.

When A Fire Burns It All - Dallas, Oregon

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Anytime a fire strikes, it's devastating.

Most homeowners never really expect a fire damage to their own property. This Dallas, Oregon home experienced a fire damage to their home and vehicle.

In all instances of home and business fires, the most important thing to do is to keep, people safe first. 

The initial urge to run back in to grab a few things could cause harm to you and others who follow in after you.

Please exit the structure immediately and dial "9-1-1"

Your life and those you love is more important than any possession you have. It can all be replaced.

When you need help cleaning up the mess, please call us anytime, day or night. We're always here to help.

(503) 393-9999

Fire Damages 3 Commercial Businesses in Salem, Oregon

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes your neighboring business and yours suffers damage, what do you do?

One Froday night three different businesses located in Salem, Oregon had a severe fire that originated in the middle retail space.

The fire crept up the back wall and into the attic space of the middle business and then it spread from there. While the middle business suffered the majority of the structure damage, the adjacent businesses suffered from water, smoke and soot damage.

Beauty School Suffers Fire Damage.

One of the businesse is a long established beauty school, were 40 students take classes everyday to earn their licensing to practice their craft in beauty care. Water spread throughout the entire buidling, affecting each classroom. With an important class session scheduled for the following Monday which was to be taught be an industry expert, it was important tthey could open their doors bright on-time on Monday. Emergency Services started as soon as approvals were obtained and the SERVPRO crew worked deligiently. The results? Classes proceeded as schedled.

Italian Restaurant sustains smoke, soot and odor damage.

This local iconic Italian Restaurant, which has operated for 40 years was now having to temporarily close it's doors.

But the story continues. The owners are meticulous and they care about their customers and employees. They were emphatic about cleanliness and detail because afterall, the customer experience and food quality should not be sacrified just to open the doors a few days sooner.

When mattresses sustain major smoke and odor damage, they're discarded.

This local mattress store was the center of it all with others mentioned above. The fire started at the rear of the building, crept up the wall, into the attic and smoked out the entire buidling. All items from mattresses, sheets, pillows, floor models and computers sustained damaged. It was all deemed non-salvageable by the insurance adjuster. 

Here's the Take-Away

• Have a disaster recovery plan. You can start one for free by clicking Emergency Ready Profile
• Speak with your insurance agent to make sure you're properly covered.
• Communicate your plan to your staff so when the unimgineable happens, you'll what to do.

SERVPRO of Salem West has been serving the Willamette Valley in Oregon for 20 years. We're happy to be a part of this community and happy to serve.

Call us anytime, especially when you need us.

(503) 393-9999 24/7/365

Continuing Education Credits - Insurance Agents

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

2019 CE Class Schedule

Attention Insurance Agents:

Here we are at the start of a new year, are you in need of grabbing credits for license renewal? If so, SERVPRO® of Salem West has solidified the 2019 Continuing Education Class Schedule. Each month we off Ethics for 3 Credits as well as various 2 Credit classes.

Each class is uniquely designed to aide insurance agents in understanding what SERVPRO® has to offer as a water and fire restoration company. Come join us for free classes with lively discussions and enjoy some snacks.

If you have questions or concerns regarding CE information or general/emergency assistance call (503) 393-9999. We offer emergency services 24/7/365.

Vandalism - Woodburn, OR

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Vandalism before the clean-up.

SERVPRO® of Salem West was called to a commercial building on Saturday, December 15th for an emergency call to clean-up fire extinguisher powder. Our team was quick to respond and continued to work diligently from wiping down and removing the powder residue from all contents in this building, upstairs and downstairs. From vandalism to specialty cleaning services SERVPRO® is your local company to contact.

SERVPRO of Salem West utilizes advanced cleaning techniques and sound practices when performing fine powder clean up. Fine powder of any sort can be an irritant so our teams wears PPE when performing these services.

For fire, water, mold and specialty cleaning contact us at (503) 393-9999. Day or night, holiday or not we are here to help our customers. Our highly trained and professional technicians are at the ready and waiting.

Advanced Equipment to Restore Your Salem, OR Property

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Some of our equipment.

SERVPRO® of Salem West uses advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment to turn your loss around.

We have specialized equipment designated per category of loss. Our warehouse holds enough equipment to maintain and restore a hotel with a 45-room water loss. Not only does our warehouse contain equipment for large water losses, it also houses the various cleaning products produced by and are SERVPRO® certified. Additionally, we have various materials such as dry sponges used to remove smoke reside after your property has suffered a fire.

There are a multitude of equipment used to restore your property to like new condition that your typical cleansers and cleaning materials can not handle.

SERVPRO® of Salem West is available 24/7/365 to serve our customers. We are a highly trained water, fire, mold and biohazard restoration company with many services not typically covered by other restoration companies.

Call us today for your cleaning and restoration needs (503) 393-9999.

Cleanliness is Key - Keizer, OR Properties

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Example of our cleaning products.

As your local restoration company, SERVPRO® of Salem West carries a variety of professional cleaning products. We NEVER use the same cleaners that you can purchase at a store. SERVPRO® has specific product formulas that are designed exclusively for our franchises.

Our core products are used to decontaminate, deodorize, clean leather & wood, general cleaning and so much more. Each of our products are labeled and specify proper cleaning use. As our customers, for your knowledge and comfort our technicians carry the Safety Data Sheets per product.

Thorough cleaning is maintained through each job because we think of your property as our own.

SERVPRO® of Salem West is available 24/7/365 to serve our customers. We are a highly trained water, fire, mold and biohazard restoration company with many services not typically covered by other restoration companies.

Call us today for your cleaning and restoration needs (503) 393-9999.

Canned Food Drive - Salem, OR

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Salem West partnering with Marion-Polk Food Share

SERVPRO of Salem West is taking part in an In-House canned food drive. We are partnering with the Marion-Polk Food Share.

Did you know:

• 1 in 8 Oregon neighbors are food-insecure
  • Marion-Polk Food Share serves 40,000 neighbors, every month
  • 1 in 5 Oregon children are food-insecure
  • Marion-Polk Food Share serves 14,000 children, every month
• Senior food-insecurity is increasing
  • Marion-Polk Food Share greets and feed over 400 home-bound seniors, every day, through Salem-Keizer Meals on Wheels

You can ready more regarding the Marion-Polk Food Share here for more information.

Keep your eyes open for new updates including videos from our team and pictures. We are proud to have the opportunity to partner with the Marion-Polk Food Share this year.

Water Heater Line Sprung a Leak – Salem, Oregon

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage from a leaking water line.

SERVPRO® of Salem West was called out to a home in Salem, OR due to a water line to the water heater springing a leak.

The homeowner noticed water collecting around the water heater but did not realize the intensity until water was leaking into the basement. The homeowner jumped into action by trying to dry the floor with fans, then called SERVPRO® of Salem West to inspect the damage and begin the mitigation process. Our crew was onsite within a few hours with water extraction equipment at the ready.

The damage extended from the floor surrounding the water heater and through the ceiling above the basement. The homeowner knew the damage was extensive and was reassured that all would be taken care of.

SERVPRO® of Salem West brought out the infrared camera to spot the exact areas of the water damage. With the use of this tool, our team was able to efficiently dry the areas of water damage. Once dry, the process of replacing the materials began.

Our company never leaves the homeowner in a jam with an unfinished project.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate event of a water loss, no matter the size, make sure to call SERVPRO® of Salem West (503) 393-9999. We will return your property back to preloss condition quickly.

Water Damage Timeline – Salem, Oregon

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Drying equipment

One of the services that SERVPRO® of Salem West offers is water damage and mold mitigation. When an unfortunate and sudden water loss occurs, time is very much of the essence. Here is a general timeline for a water loss.

In Minutes

• Water rapidly spreads and penetrateseven the smallest of spaces, saturating everything in its way.
• Water is absorbed into porous materials including drywall, flooring, sheetrock, upholstery, and personal contents.
• Furniture finishes may bleed causing permanent discoloration on flooring.
• Paper belongings including photographs, books, and hard copy records become saturated, causing them to expand and become distorted.

1 – 24 Hours:

• Musty odors appear.
• Drywall and sheetrock begin to swell and crumble.
• Furniture begins to expand and fissure.
• Metal surfaces begin to discolor and blemish.
• Dyes and inks from textiles and paper goods that are saturated start to run, staining nearby surfaces.

2 Days - 1 Week:

• Paint begins to bubble.
• Wood flooring swells and buckles.
• Mold and mildew start to spore, thriving in the moist environment.
• Metal begins to oxidize and crumble.
• Furniture distorts and shows signs of mold growth on surfaces.
• Doors, windows, and structural studs enlarge and warp.

Longer Than 1 Week:

• Mold development and structural safety could be a great risk factor to occupants.
• Restoration time may be substantial (including replacement of affected materials and structural restoration), creating monetary expenses to increase drastically every day it is left untreated.

The sooner our highly experienced and trained team can get on-site and beginmitigationfor the water damage, the better; not only for you, but for the building and contents as well. Give our SERVPRO® of Salem Wests office a call at (503) 393-9999. We will quickly have your property and contents back to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

To Deep Fry Your Turkey or Not – Salem, Oregon

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Think safety!

Holiday seasons bring cheer and warmth when family gathers for good food and memories. Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and so much more fill the table and the air. How do you cook your turkey? The popular way is outdoors using a turkey fryer, but do you know how to operate the fryer properly?

Here are the do’s and don’ts of frying your turkey for the holiday.

Do:

• ONLY use a turkey that has completely thawed.
• Make sure the surface you are placing the fryer on is level and at least 10 feet away from any flammable materials, including buildings.
• Follow the instruction manual when using the fryer, paying close attention to the amount of to use.
• Frequently use and monitor the oil temperature with the appropriate thermometer.

Don’ts:

• NEVER use a frozen turkey.
• Do not overfill the fryer with oil. If the oil spills over and touches the heating element/flame it will combust and can possibly cause serious harm to an individual or the surroundings.
• NEVER use water to extinguish an oil fire. This will cause the fire to splatter and spread.

We all want to enjoy our holiday time with friends and family, eating amazing food and creating new memories. Safety is very important when you decide how to cook your turkey, whether it be in the over or outdoors in a turkey fryer. No one ever wants an unexpected visit from their local fire department.

In any case of fire when you are left with residual damage to your property SERVPRO® of Salem West is on the job. Any time of day or night, holiday or not we have teams to dispatch in your time of need. Call us at (503) 393-9999.

Local Salem, Oregon Small Business Board-Up

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Damage to the interior of this local Salem, Oregon small business.

SERVPRO® of Salem West answered the call of a disaster to a local Salem, Oregon business before dawn on November 14, 2018. Upon arrival our team inspected the damage; glass and metal debris both inside and outside of the building. The team got to work right away, safely removing the glass pieces in order to have a safe work area. 

Did you know that SERVPRO will perform building board-ups when necessary? After our team was able to remove all the unsafe materials they then went and got the needed materials to perform a board-up. This service helped the tenants to be at ease knowing their property would not endure further damage.

Tables and chairs were damaged, but no one was hurt. 

Even our General Manager was there, we had a terrific team!

After suffering damage to your home or business property SERVPRO® of Salem West will be on scene to clean-up, board-up and restore the damage. In the event of damage give us a call (503) 393-9999. 24/7/365.

Preparation of Your Water Pipes During Cold Weather

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Remember Us (503) 393-9999

Approximately 1 in 5 homes will suffer some form of water damage during frigid temperatures. The leading cause is frozen pipes not properly insulated. No matter the age of your home, before the cold weather strikes make sure to inspect your pipes. Catching the problem before it becomes a disaster will save your money and stress.

We all know that the freezing temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and if your pipes are not properly insulated, it can take only a few minutes for the water to freeze completely. If you find yourself with frozen pipes DO NOT use hot water! This will cause the pipe to burst from the sudden temperature change. 

During extreme cold temperatures it is best to maintain a slow drip from your water faucets. This will keep the water running and less likely to freeze. Standing water freezes faster because there is no movement. When you keep your faucets open you will be less likely to have a water disaster.

Broken pipes can cause varying degrees of water damage in your home or business. Make sure to take precautionary steps to limit the chance of damage.

SERVPRO® of Salem West is ready to go if your home or business is under a water attack (internal or external). We operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We are there for any size job! Call us (503) 393-9999 during or after a water disaster and we will restore your property quickly.

El Nino Forecasting for the Salem and Surrounding Areas

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Weather Updates

According to the Seasonal Climate Forecast Salem, Oregon and its surrounding areas can expect to have an  El Nino winter, warmer than normal. From “above-average cloud cover” leading to slightly warmer temperatures in November and December we can expect more rain than snow. Heavy amounts of rain can lead to varying degrees of water damage.

In case of water damage here is what to do:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

Now, here is what no to do:

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

For more information regarding water damage click here.

SERVPRO® of Salem West is your first call for fire, water, mold, biohazard and specialty cleaning services and restoration (503) 393-9999

Contents Management and Care – Salem and Surrounding Areas

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Jessica, our Contents Manager will go above and beyond your expectations to recover and restore your property.

Whether it is in-house cleaning or sending it to a specialist, Jessica and her team do amazing jobs. Content management can be a tedious task, but can set you, our customer back with emotions and concerns about your property. Rest assured we handle your contents with care and precision knowing they are sentimental to you and yours.

Here is a brief explanation of the various phases that can take place after a disaster:

1. When necessary, our team will safely pack up your property using the appropriate material per item. Typically, when the damage is significant enough to render remodeling such as dry wall needing replacement or flooring that is when our team will go in and protect your contents. Your contents are then safely stored the SERVPRO® of Salem West facility.
2. After your contents have safely arrived at our facility, the cleaning process begins on the items that have been damaged. Items that did not sustain damage are placed in a storage unit and labels appropriately. Our team then works on drying wet items, removing odors as well as simple wipe downs. Contents that have sustained a significant amount of damage are handled with extreme care by our highly trained restoration crew. If any contents are beyond restoration, they are classified as unsalvageable. When that occurs, Jessica will communicate to you and your adjuster to see what the next steps are under your insurance coverage.
3. Finally, once the restoration process is complete and your home or business is back to preloss condition it is time to return your contents. Not only do we repack your contents after cleaning, but we unpack and place the items in their original positions.

As your local SERVPRO® of Salem West, we strive for excellence with our customers as well as our employees. We offer many services that can often save you money and the hassle of subcontracting to a moving company.

We are here 24/7/365, including holidays, to better serve our community and customers in their time of need. Call us with concerns or questions (503) 393-9999.

Greeted with Compassion – Salem, OR

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Greeted with a smile and compassion.

SERVPRO® of Salem West takes pride in our ability to greet, calm and assist you when you are faced with a fire or water disaster. Not only a disaster but the residual effect from the disaster. Our amazing office team, Stephanie, Jessica, Melinda and Leah are here to take your phone calls. Whether you are calling about an initial loss, an ongoing loss or an emergency call our team will walk you through our informational process, gathering insurance information and answer any questions you may have.

Via telephone and in person our goal is to make sure you, our customer, understand our services and schedule with you accordingly. Our ladies make connections with your insurance agent or adjuster to discuss a plan to restore your home or business to preloss condition.

When they receive a call from you, rest assured that our ladies will take care of you from start to finish and communicate updates and scheduling.

If you are faced with a damage from a disaster call your local SERVPRO® of Salem West (503) 393-9999. We have your back.

Why choose SERVPRO of Salem West??

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

We work hard and enjoy what we do.

Make SERVPRO® of Salem West your 1^st call

Did you know…

• SERVPRO® of Salem West joined the Salem and surrounding area community in September of 1997.
• We have a standing A+ rating with the a Better Business Bureau and have kept that rating since 2003 when we became accredited with the BBB.
• There are 25+ amazing employees, 5 of those employees are U.S. Veterans.
• Our technicians work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. YES, that does include holidays.
• We have highly trained technicians and advanced technology to service your needs after fire or water damage.
  • Our technicians get down and dirty in crawl spaces, up in attics, cleaning properties that have biohazard conditions, and so much more.
  • Our Special Cleaning Services technicians work on both residential and commercial properties. They clean anything from carpets to upholstery to your ducts & HVAC to vandalism & graffiti.
• Mold is never a fun fungus to experience, with our professional cleaning products we can remediate the mold in your home or business.
• We work hand in hand with your insurance agent and adjuster when a claim has been filed. We also have many customers that self-pay for services.
• Afraid of where your personal property can be stored? We have secure vaults on site for your property and clean items that were damaged from the disaster.

No job is too small or too large for SERVPRO® of Salem West. We are part of your community, here to serve you and we are proud to be here.

If you ever find yourself in need of a professional company to help you through your crisis, remember to call SERVPRO® of Salem West 24/7/365 (503) 393-9999.

Dallas, Oregon. Professional Clean Up

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Board up, debris clean-up and safety in mind.

SERVPRO® takes your property from a fire loss and revitalizes it.

In the event of a fire or fire related disaster you will want to contact your insurance company and create a plan with your agent or adjuster. By doing this, you will have an understanding what is covered and not. SERVPRO® of Salem West works with our customers, their agents and adjusters.

SERVPRO® is a fire restoration company that can restore, clean and monitor your property. Our company uses various methods to clean and restore your property and contents.

When you see the green vehicles roll up that means you have put your trust in your local team at SERVPRO® of Salem West. Our top priorities are to access and prevent further damage to the property and contents and to prepare and maintain the safety aspects for our customer(s) and team(s).

Some of the services we provide following a fire are:

• Inspect and evaluate the loss site by conducting an initial inspection.
• Secure the property by boarding up any points of access (i.e. windows, doors, etc.).
• Use proper equipment to dry the remaining water and moisture used to suppress the fire.
• Set up and possibly use outside resources for emergency electricity use.
• Remove strong odors from the structure to keep our team(s) safe.
• Conduct the initial cleaning and packing up contents and moving them to a secure location while our customer(s) find temporary housing.
• If necessary, conducting pest extermination.

Do’s and Don’ts of self-cleaning

• Don’t attempt to wash the wall of the structure.
• Don’t attempt to clean the carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Do use linens or materials that will not bleed color onto furniture and carpets to decrease further damage.
• Do limit walking around or moving objects and furniture.
• Do keep your hands clean. By doing so you will lessen the chances of transferring soot particles to surfaces.
• Do turn the electricity off. Empty the freezer and fridge while propping the doors open to limit odors.
• Do carefully clean chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms with a light coating of lubricant.
• Don’t send clothing or materials affected by the fire to a dry cleaner.
• Do wash all sides of plants with water.
• Do change furnace filters and tape pieces of cheesecloth over air registers. This will allow the HVAC system to run and clean itself without adding further residue inside the structure.

You can find more information regarding SERVPRO®’s fire restoration process HERE.

Day or night, SERVPRO® of Salem West is available to lend a hand after a disaster. Call us at (503) 393-9999 if you have questions or concerns.

Commercial Post Construction Cleanup - Woodburn, Oregon

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

You start it.....SERVPRO of Salem West will finish it.

Finally, the floors are down and the drywall is up, where do you turn to remove the debris and dirt before laying flooring and returning the business back to operating shape? SERVPRO of Salem West is here to help!

Our team of professionals can provide cleanup services so you can focus on interior decoration ideas. We want your business up and running as quickly as you do. 

SERVPRO of Salem West offers post construction cleaning in your home or business with the best skill, techniques, and customer service. Let SERVPRO get it done the right way. Call for a quote (503) 393-9999. SERVPRO is here to help, day or night 24/7 365 days.

Floods in Salem, Oregon

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon

For current and soon to be homeowners, it's important to know if you are in a flood zone and if your home is at risk of damaging flood waters. 

Flood maps show us where flood risk zones are and their boundaries. Here you will see the flood zones for Salem, Oregon. Know where you stand and be prepared.

In case of a flood it's important to move your electronics up high, shut off all power in your home and have an emergency escape plan with exit routes.

SERVPRO has top of the line equipment and trained employees who have the necessary skills to repair your home, business, and belongings making things look "Like it never even happened."

The best part about SERVPRO is we are 24/7/365 because we know disasters don't wait for normal business hours.   

For a flood estimate or water damage inspection call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999.

For more information on the City of Salem floodplain click Here. 

Interior Damage Caused from Snow Storm

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen damage from snow & water

Snow storms can cause multiple damages to your home or business, most of which cause water damage. 

Water damage is stressful enough but letting it go more than 48 hours can cause mold to start growing. 

A small amount of water damage is easier to deal with for you and your wallet.

SERVPRO of Salem West have employees that have the tools and resources to find the signs and cause of water damage.

This older style home in Bend, Oregon was affected by water damage from melted snow. 

SERVPRO of Salem West was called out to fix the damages before they got worse. 

We all know that with winter comes heavy rainfall and snow. Make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your property like cleaning out your gutters, protect your pipes, and make sure your windows and doors are sealed. 

In any home disaster situation, fire, water, mold, or storm call (503) 393-9999 for 24/7/365 inspections and estimates. 

Windstorm Cleanup - Lincoln City & Newport, Oregon

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Windstorm causes residential board up

Oregon’s coastal region is no stranger to extreme windstorms. Windstorms can create minimal to severe damage to residential and commercial properties. Are you prepared for the after effects of a storm? SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties are ready to dispatch crews in any given situation. We can perform property board ups, keeping further damage from happening to removing residual damage and cleanup efforts.

Our technicians are IICRC certified allowing our team to handle weather related damages to both residential and commercial properties.

Some of the certifications our technicians have are;

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

Technicians learn proper techniques and protocol to handle water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

Technicians learn the proper techniques to dry water-damaged structures effectively and efficiently.

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

Technicians with AMRT certification learn safety practices and mold/sewage remediation techniques.

Our qualified technicians can take the stress and panic away from storm damages by keeping you informed with the process and progress. Our professional employees will quickly have your home or business back in order.

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster.” Call (503) 393-9999 for an inspection after any disaster.

Rains Storms Cause Damage in Basement, Keizer Oregon

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Fall and winter seasons can bring lots of rain. If you have a home with a basement, make sure it's protected.

The last thing any homeowner needs is a flooded basement, by even a few inches. There is a high probability that the City of Keizer's sewer system will back up. When a sewage disaster strikes from a rain storm a combination of water and sewage can seep through the foundation of your home. 

Here are a few examples of basement flooding dangers:

• personal property loss or damage
• mold growth

In the event of water damage, call SERVPRO of Salem West to restore the damage. Our highly trained technicians and  state-of-the-art equipment will turn the disaster to "Like it never even happened." 

For more information click Here.

SERVPRO of Salem West is available 24/7/365. We are here for you.

Tsunami Preparedness - Oregon Coast

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Are you prepared?

A tsunami is caused by an underwater disturbance such as earthquakes. It is a series of waves that can vary from minimal wave height to turbulent waves several feet high.

Tsunamis that occur locally can take up to 20 minutes to form after an earthquake. A tsunami that occurs farther out in the ocean can take up to 5 hours to arrive on land. There is more time for an official warning from the national warning system, NOAA. Evacuation zones and routes for the Oregon Coast are important to know in case of mandatory evacuation notice.

You never know when a disaster such as a tsunami will strike and it is important to be prepared. Create a Family Disaster Plan and review it with your family members. This will aide in a household evacuation and by setting up a specific location to meet after your home is evacuated. By creating an emergency kit, you and your family will have the necessary items to stay safe if an evacuation notice is not needed.

Being prepared will keep you and your family safe, but what happens when you return home and see standing water and damage from the tsunami. SERVPRO of Salem West serves the Oregon Coast and is available with certified crews ready to inspect and being to restore your home.

Our technicians are certified from the IICRC, which allows them to handle weather related damages to residential and commercial properties.

SERVPRO of Salem West (503) 393-9999 for an inspection and questions you may have about preparing for a disaster.

Storm Drains - Keep Them Clean

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Free of debris

The coastal region of Oregon is hit with rain storms every year. Beginning in late August leaves from trees start to drop which is a leading cause of clogged storm drains.

Storm drains near a residential or commercial property that become clogged are apt to cause water damage to the structure. The increased water build up can flood streets and rise to a standing structure. When water damage occurs from flooding, even minimal flooding the water needs to be extracted.

SERVPRO of Salem West technicians are highly trained in water mitigation. They use state-of-the-art equipment such as powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuums that will remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO of Salem West is quick to respond and prepared for anything. In case of a water disaster call (503) 393-9999.

SERVPRO water damage services

Dallas, Oregon Business - Document Restoration

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Contents removed for document restoration

After a disaster strikes, some of your personal contents such as – photographs, artwork, books and documents could be lost forever. SERVPRO has highly skilled individuals who can restore your contents back to new condition. With state-of-the-art technology and method, the restoration professionals at SERVPRO will recover and store your contents before more damage occurs.

The document restoration process begins with your local SERVPRO arriving on site, gathering information about the disaster and carefully removing all paper contents from the site. Contents are placed in boxes and transported to the local SERVPRO facility where a crew quickly unloads and begins to separate the contents. The paper contents are then frozen to stop further damage from occurring. Then the sterilization process begins; removing soot and damaged edges of the contents. The use of digitalization of each document, especially those in files are created. SERVPRO digitalizes documents in order to keep an accurate inventory of your documents.

SERVPRO has the ability to accommodate small residential jobs or large commercial losses.

SERVPRO of Salem West did just that after the fire was put out at a Dallas, Oregon business. After our crew arrived on scene they began carefully boxing documents that were in the line of fire. We left with approximately 50 sq ft of contents. Once the pack up was completed, our crew returned to our facility and began unloading and separating the contents. Our crew stays in communication with our document restoration crew as well as the property or business owner.

If you find yourself needing documents restored call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999. We have crews available 24/7/365.

SERVPRO of Salem West & West Salem ATA Martial Arts

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO bounce house

In July, SERVPRO of Salem West took part in supporting the West Salem ATA Martial Arts School by providing a bounce house. The Riverfront Park in downtown Salem was packed with families and students from the school.

From water gun fights, a dunk tank, a bounce house to a massive barbeque, the sound of laughter filled the park. The bounce house was a great hit and saved the school enough funds to bring in the dunk tank. All of the instructors took part in the dunk tank and then toward the end of the night students took part in being dunked.

We, here at SERVPRO of Salem West take pride in supporting our community and bringing smiles to those around.

Interested in having SERVPRO of Salem West be a part of your event or organization, call (503) 393-9999. 

Home Siding Staining - Salem, Oregon

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Water staining on the exterior of a home

Unsightly discolored stains on the exterior of your home, call SERVPRO of Salem West and we will take care of you.

Water staining on the exterior of this Salem, Oregon home was caused by a buildup of moisture. We all know the North West region becomes humid and rains quite often, this causes moisture buildup. The winter season you will see more signs of water staining on your home’s exterior. This is exactly what the homeowners experienced.

Rather than going through the cleaning process themselves, the homeowner’s called SERVPRO of Salem West and discussed cleaning techniques. We dispatched a team to inspect and find the source of the staining. Our teams are always prepared and had on hand the proper treatments to remove the discoloration. After the cleaning process was completed the homeowners of this Salem, Oregon home were pleased with how quick the job was done and the end results.

When you are faced with water damage, even water staining our teams at SERVPRO of Salem West will inspect and create a plan with our customer(s). If you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to give us a call at (503) 393-9999.

Newport, Oregon Flood Map

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Newport, Oregon

For current and soon to be homeowners, it's important to know if you are in a flood zone and if your home is at risk of damaging flood waters. 

Flood maps show us where flood risk zones are and their boundaries.

In case of a flood it's important to move your electronics up high, shut off all power in your home and have an emergency escape plan with exit routes.

SERVPRO has top of the line equipment and trained employees who have the necessary skills to repair your home, business, and belongings making things look "Like it never even happened."

The best part about SERVPRO is we are 24/7/365 because we know disasters don't wait for normal business hours.   

For a flood estimate or water damage inspection call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999

For more information on the Newport, Oregon floodplain zone click Here.

Clogged sinks end in water damage - Otis, Oregon

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Appropriate drying methods put to use

Hair clogs are the most common cause of a bathroom sink clog. Over time, the hair follicles bind with the soap scum that has corroded for interior of the pipes.

The second floor bathroom sink became clogged; unaware of this the homeowner’s of a newly renovated home in Otis, Oregon woke to water damaged flooring. When the clog occurred, the sink overflowed and the water continued to run for 5-6 hours, overnight.

Water damage can happen quickly, especially if the source of the problem is not taken care of promptly. The homeowners thought the damage was only to be second floor bathroom, but did not realize how quickly water can seep into porous material. In this case, the water seeped through the tiled floor, through the subfloor and settled on the ceiling of the first floor.

The homeowners called SERVPRO of Salem West and we sent a team out immediately to inspect the damage. After inspecting the damage, our team lead informed the homeowners that the water had gone into the drywall of the first floor. Water has the ability to seep into areas where it is not noticed by the naked eye.

After explaining the damage and locations, our team brought the equipment in to start the drying process. Our teams are highly trained in various drying techniques and chose the less damaging method. Rather than removing drywall to dry the water between the walls our team used a special drying method which uses small holes along the damaged walls. Drying equipment is set in place and a thorough drying is started.

SERVPRO of Salem West takes into consideration the customer’s needs and concerns. With that, we create a plan that offers a timely process and professional services.

If you find yourself with possible water damage or have questions concerning water

SERVPRO 10th Annual Charity Golf Event - Salem Fire Foundation

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Join us Friday, Sept 7, 2018

Come one, come all to Salem Golf Club Friday, September 7th, 2018.

Join us this year in supporting the Salem Fire Foundation in their mission. Salem/Keizer school district 8th grade students are given the opportunity to learn life saving techniques including how to operate an AED machine.

Proceeds from our Charity Golf Event go directly to the Salem Fire Foundation and their goal of distributing AED machines throughout Salem & Keizer.  

We are currently looking for sponsorship opportunities and teams of 4 who want to enjoy the sun and play a round of golf.

Sunshine, laughter, drinks, food, people you know and people you don't. Here's your opportunity to help support the Salem Fire Foundation and have a fantastic day. 

Contact SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 with any questions you may have or when you choose to sponsor or be a team.

Top 9 FAQs About Mold – EPA

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

Call your local professional company, SERVPRO of Salem West

When a residential or commercial property suffers a water damage disaster, mold spores begin to appear within 48-72 hours. SERVPRO of Salem West has the training and experience to properly execute the resolution of mold growth. In the case of mold growth in your Salem residential or commercial property SERVPRO of Salem West can inspect, determine the cause and remediate your property.

According to the EPA, here are the top 9 things you should know about mold.

1. Learn to control mold growth indoors. Maintain a low humidity level, especially high moisture in the bathroom and kitchen.
2. Immediately clean and eliminate the source of mold. If you are unable to or unsure, call in the professionals.
3. Repair or replace the source of water leak or problem.
4. Maintaining bathroom vents, dryers, and range hoods will lessen the possibility of mold growth. Be aware during hot weather when running your air conditioner units that there is no water spillage.
5. Immediately dry any water damaged surface or materials.
6. Use a combination of water and detergent to clean mold off of surfaces. This is less toxic than bleach and will not cause further damage to the surface.
7. Maintaining insulation properly (i.e. window ceils, door jams, crawlspaces, attics) will reduce the collection of condensation.
8. Carpet should never be installed in bathrooms or kitchens due to the high moisture and humidity.
9. Inspect surfaces and object that have set in water damage, mold can grow on any surface including but not limited to cardboard, furniture, water fountains, and food.

If you have questions or need help with your Oregon residential or commercial property, you can call SERVPRO of Salem West anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999.

Water turns to Ice overnight - Woodburn, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Chipping away in freezing temps in Woodburn, Oregon

When a water line breaks in a house it is easier to mitigate and repair versus a water line breaking in a frozen food distribution warehouse. Over the course of one night the amount of water released from the line froze 46,824 sq. ft. of concrete which is ¾ of the total 90,000 sq. ft. of the property. Our technicians worked in -5 degree Fahrenheit temperature for 4-5 weeks, with safety being a top priority.

Freezing temperature for water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It can take 2-6 hours in a household freezer for water to become solid. With the temperature at -5 degrees Fahrenheit the water leak froze instantly when it hit the concrete flooring.

A water removal and water cleanup of this magnitude can take up to one and a half months to restore. SERVPRO of Salem West is efficient and professional in any situation.

When you are faced with any type of water damage SERVPRO of Salem West is here to help. Our technicians are trained in safety and have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. Before services are started we will walk you through the water removal and water cleanup process so you understand what is happening.

If you are concerned about possible water damage give SERVPRO of Salem West a call for an inspection today at (503) 393-9999.

Water damage to Hardwood Flooring, Monmouth, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Cupping and warping created by water

Prolonged exposure of water to hardwood floor caused the homeowners in Monmouth, Oregon to panic. The water damage from the hot water tank failed and was not noticed immediately even though it occurred in the homeowner’s garage. The damage was significant and caused the affected areas to be demoed and reconstructed.

The faster the water is removed, the less damage occurs. In this case, the water settled under the flooring for 2 weeks. When hardwood flooring is affected by water the boards will warp. The boards will begin to expand and push against each other affecting the joints. When water settles under the flooring it creates a cupping effect where the edges begin to raise. Cupping and warping can before permanent causing the flooring to be unsalvageable.

SERVPRO of Salem West will come to your home and extract the water and restore the damage “Like it never happened.” Whether the restoration process requires reconstruction or water extraction SERVPRO of Salem West is on your side.

If you are concerned about possible water damage give SERVPRO of Salem West a call for an inspection today at (503) 393-9999.

Washing Machine Floods Crawlspace - Keizer, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Structural water damage - Keizer, Oregon

A broken hose from the washing machine in a Keizer, Oregon home created severe water damage that seeped through the flooring into the crawlspace. The amount of water that can spill out of a washing machine hose is 160 gallons per hour. The homeowners called SERVPRO of Salem West with 2 hours of the incident.

Severe water damage affects not only the initial point of contact but structural supports and rooms underneath. The homeowners were quick to call but unfortunately were unaware of how quickly the water seeped through the flooring into the crawlspace of their home. In this instance the floor, subfloor and insulation in the crawlspace were affected.

In a crawlspace, it is important to extract standing water quickly. The atmosphere in there is a great breeding ground for mold. Insulation typically needs to be removed when severe water damage occurs. Once the insulation is removed our technicians place drying equipment throughout the damaged area and monitor until the drying process is complete. When the drying process is completed our team will reinstall the insulation and repair the flooring.

Whether the water damage is minimal or severe our highly-trained team at SERVPRO of Salem West will walk you through the initial plan and continue contact through each phase of the restoration process.

Never hesitate to call about possible water damage concerns. Your local SERVPRO operated 24/7/365. Contact us today at (503) 393-9999 if you are ever faced with a disaster.

Cracked Toilet Float - Salem, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Overflow toilet tank causes damage throughout the home

A clogged toilet occurs more often than you think. The inner workings of a toilet are simple and maintenance will keep you from spending excess money. A homeowner of a 2 story home in Salem, Oregon overlooked the cracked float which maintains the water level in the tank. The crack caused the tank to continue to fill with water and spill onto the bathroom floor.

The combination of a clog and cracked float caused water damage to the flooring and walls on the 2^nd level while causing the ceiling on the 1^st floor to show water damage. SERVPRO of Salem West was notified of the water damage and responded.

When water damage or a leak is spotted, call on SERVPRO of Salem West, your professional company who has water certified technicians to extract and cleanup the damage. We operate 24/7/365 and offer all of our services because when disaster strikes, it waits for no one. Give us a call at (503) 393-9999 and we will ease the burden you are faced with.

Sneaky Mold In Your Silverton, Oregon Home

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Silverton, Oregon where mold is playing hide and seek in the kitchen

Silverton, Oregon homeowners found mold in their kitchen behind the lower cabinets. Mold damage can range from fungus to mildew. When the atmosphere is right, you can usually find a lot of moisture in your kitchen, hidden. A few examples of how moisture builds include leaky pipes or faucets or steam from boiling water on the store. Moisture and food are great examples of where you can find mold growth in your kitchen.

Especially in the kitchen, the humidity levels increase and that is a strong breeding ground for mold. For example, using a liquid cleanser where the cabinet and stove meet is almost impossible to dry all of the liquid. Sometimes it spills between the two no matter how careful you are.

A way to decrease the levels of humidity especially when cooking over the stove is to turn on the hood vent which has a fan that will pull the steam upward and outside. Another good use in your kitchen is the ceiling fans, if there are any. Air circulation will decrease the probability of mold growth when moisture is present in your kitchen.

Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 This one step alone could be the difference in overspending for services you may not need. Plus a highly skilled technician can walk you through the process from start to finish. And having knowledge on the Do's & Don'ts of mold clean-up makes all the difference.

Mold Remediation in the Training Room - Salem, Oregon

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Stages of Mold Remediation, Salem, Oregon

In commercial buildings like a jail mold can easily grow just like in a residential building and can sustain damage in similar ways.

No matter the size of the building, the risk of mold growth is simple if the conditions are right. Humidity, limited air flow and poor maintenance of a room are just a few conditions for mold growth. Moisture and poor maintenance was the cause of the mold in the training room. In order to remove all mold spores it is possible that dry wall and/or insulation will need to be removed. Our technicians are trained in demolition and repairing.

Once you notice mold growth in your building or residence take action and have it professional cleaned. SERVPRO of Salem West has highly trained technicians in mold remediation and will return your structure to preloss condition.

Mold Causes Damage in Salem, Oregon Bathroom

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on water pipes in a bathroom - Salem, Oregon

When water leaks occur within walls the expectancy of mold growth is higher than if the leak came from a sink.

Inside this Salem, Oregon residence a water leak occurred due to improper installation of new pipes. The water leak went on for a week before it was noticed by the new homeowners who had yet to move in.

Initially, the homeowners thought the damage was minimal until a plumbing company came for an inspection. The results of the damage required the removal of the shower surround, drywall around the shower as well as portions of insulation.

Due to the water molecules not being properly dried the homeowners received unexpected charges.

Mold growth can occur within 48-72 hours if not caught immediately.

The sooner you call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for an inspection and estimated the sooner the dry-out can be completed. There is a number of benefits to starting the mitigation process sooner one of which is reducing the chance for mold growth.

SERVPRO of Salem West can be reached anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999.

Mold Containment - Salem/Keizer Oregon

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

In all clean-up work and especially microbial (mold growth) it is important to consider the environment of where the work will take place. Sometimes the work is in a location where occupants may not be impacted. Other times the location is right in the middle of the main living space of the home.

What can be done to stop microbial growth from spreading to unaffected areas?

With the installation of containment in this Salem Oregon home, SERVPRO of Salem West was able to provide the homeowners and occupants with peace of mind knowing the work we performed was not going to cause damages in other parts of the home.

We also installed Air Scrubbing equipment to expel the dirty air from the work area directly to the outside of the home, thereby keeping our works in a clean environment during the work process.

If you have questions or need help with your Oregon home, you can call SERVPRO of Salem West anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999

Mold Ridden Closet & Personal Items, Salem, Oregon

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on your personal belongings

After returning from vacation you open your closet and to your surprise there is mold! In a frantic mode you try to figure out the best way to remedy the situation. SERVPRO of Salem West is on your side and a quick phone call away. 

Can you remove your clothes? Yes you can, they are your clothes. However, we would advise you to put your clothes in plastic bag and use the appropriate cleaning methods to restore your clothes. The plastic bag provides an encapsulation to prevent mold spores from spreading into other areas of the room or home.

Clean and scrub the affected wall? This depends on the severity and amount of mold damage. You should seek advise prior to cleaning the mold as spores can spread fairly easily with a little bit of air movement and agitation.

Call a contractor only if needed. Sometimes the amount of mold damage is just surface level and other times the growth as penetrated through the drywall. Only call a contractor if needed as sometimes the mold can be cleaned with professional products and skilled technicians.

Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 This one step alone could be the difference in overspending for services you may not need. Plus a highly skilled technician can walk you through the process from start to finish. And having knowledge on the Do's & Don'ts of mold clean-up makes all the difference.

The team at SERVPRO of Salem West, located in Salem, Oregon has the tools and knowledge for all clean-up jobs. From water, fire, mold and bio-hazard cleanup. We can be reached anytime, day or night.

Dishwasher Leaks Causes Damage To Kiezr, Oregon Kitchen

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Damage caused by a dishwasher leak.

6/22/2018

Did you know that water damage from your dishwasher is more common than from your water heater?

The biggest sign of your dishwasher leaking are puddles of water surrounding the base of the cabinets. If the lead has been ongoing for some time, the flooring becomes compromised. Laminate and wood flooring will begin to warp or buckle and this means immediate professional assistance.

At SERVPRO of Salem West, we are invested in quickly finding the source and amount of water damage. Our focus is being able to bring you back into your home with a peaceful mind.

Restoring water damage quickly and properly will save you money when you go with SERPVRO of Salem West.

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24/7/365 so we can help prevent further damage from occurring. For an inspection, call (503) 393-9999

Water Damage In This Salem, Oregon Bathroom

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage from the Bath Tub

Disasters such as an overflowing bathtub, broken seal around the toilet or broken water pipe can happen when you least expect it. When it happens to you, don’t panic. Remember, SERVPRO of Salem West is just a simple phone call away.

If you find yourself with a second-floor bathroom leak you might think it was all taken care of after you sopped up the standing water with the nearest towel. Unfortunately, water damage can go unnoticed for a length of time, causing more damage. Water bubbles under laminate or wood flooring if not dried properly and quickly. This will result in buckling or warping leaving gaps in the flooring. The subfloor can them become compromised, creating mold and weakening of the structure.

Second-floor leaks pose a greater issue with water seeping through the flooring and creating further damage to the ceiling of the first floor. If the residual water is not professionally removed and cleaned promptly then the expense budget you planned with grow. Using the right company, the first time not only takes the burden from you but eases the weight of your pocket book.

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24/7/365 so we can help prevent further damage from occurring. For an inspection, call (503) 393-9999

The Willamette River & Keizer, Oregon

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

River water meets homes

No matter how prepared you are, disaster catches you off guard. The Willamette River runs through Keizer, Oregon. Like many areas with a river there are homes nestled close by. There comes an unexpected day when the river rises and water enters your home. Your property becomes damaged and you fear the worst.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West we specialize in water damage, clean up and repair. We get things back to normal looking “Like it never even happened.”

We have the equipment to clean out any water left behind and get your home contents dried.

In a situation like this we pack up all of your contents, bring them back to our warehouse where trained employees, and top of the line equipment dry out your belongings. Once your home is repaired and back to normal we bring your contents back.

You know you’re in good hands with our highly trained professionals working around the clock 24/7/365 to service any disaster.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers no-cost Emergency Ready Profiles which is part of a disaster preparedness plan. Call today at (503) 393-9999.

Mold In The Attic - Keizer, Oregon

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Attic mold stain removal....."Like It Never Even Happened"

6/22/2018

Often when you think of mold growth water leaks pop into your mind.

This is true, but mold growth can happen without a leak. Think about your attic space in your home….your roof was just replaced. Attics are a great place for mold growth to occur. Material, time, temperature and water are the perfect combination for mold growth.

1. Organic Material- Any material that is organic and not coated with paint or others impervious product. Includes wood, linen, food, paper, etc.
2. Time- Mold growth can occur within 72 hour when all the right ingredients are present.
3. Temperature- Mold can grow in most environmental conditions.
4. Water- Mold requires water, moisture or humidity to grow.

The air in your attic space is heated and cooled multiple times a day. When heated air meets cool surfaces the result is condensation. Condensation allows for the opportunity for mold to grown.

It is important to visually inspect your attic at least once per year to ensure its not leaking and there are no early warning signs of mold growth.

If you see mold growth in your attic call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for a follow-up inspection and estimate for professional cleaning. In most cases a full attic cleaning and treatment can be performed in less than one day.

This Stayton, Oregon home experienced a fire damage.

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Garage fire in Stayton, Oregon.

This Stayton, Oregon homeowner suffered fire and smoke damage in their garage. An electrical malfunction started the dryer fire. The area of the garage surrounding the dryer became covered in soot and smoke residue. The fire was extinguished quickly with the use of a fire extinguisher, quick thinking on the homeowner’s behalf.

Fire damage leaves behind odors, smoke residue and soot which can be challenging for the homeowner to clean. By calling SERVPRO of Salem West the homeowner was at ease knowing the cleanup was being professional managed.

When you are faced with a fire disaster, remember SERVPRO of Salem West is by your side. We are have technicians that operate 24/7. Call SERVPRO of Salem West in your time of need at (503) 393-9999.

We can make it “Like it never even happened."

A Home Fire Damage Is Never Easy.

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Salem - Oregon House Fire

Fire damage to your Salem, Oregon home is never an easy experience. The challenges ahead to restore you home can be daunting. ButThe main objective for everyone involved is to be safe.

Please exit your home immediately and dial 9-1-1

Once the fire is put out you must be prepared to take action to restore your life and home. While the trauma is difficult the reality is you are the only one who can make the next move and the decision as to what to do next is yours.

SERVPRO of Salem West has helped thousands of home owners move past fire and water damage to restore their homes and belongings.

When you need professional help and assistance we are only a phone call away at (503) 393-9999. With highly skilled and trained technicians , we can make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Building Mold Damage - Salem, Oregon

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Mold Cleaning in Salem Oregon

Commercial buildings suffer from water and mold damage over time just like residential structures. 

The clean up process is the same. In Salem, Oregon a commercial property experienced mold damaged due to water leak on the west facing wall.

Where moisture exist, mold can grow. Learn what what to do when you see mold.

1) Identify the cause and location of water infiltration to determine appropriate steps to stop the water from getting in.

2) If you rent the space, contact the landlord. If you own the space, contact the appropriate company to stop the leak then call SERVPRO of Salem West.

Once the leak is fixed. Your friendly SERVPRO technician will perform a full inspection and provide you with a scope of services to remedy the situation. 

Our team is experienced in mold remediation and cleaning. We use industry best practices and protocols to ensure a complete and thorough cleaning job.

You can call us 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at (503) 393-9999

Large Scale Mold Cleanup - Salem Oregon

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Mold Cleanup - Salem Oregon

What do you do when a large building has mold damage?

The first step is to notify your team members of what the current situation isand then you call for expert help and consultation.

By calling the experts for cleaning and remediation of mold damage, you give yourself the opportunity to learn the extent of the damage and to plan next steps.

The building owner of this large Salem, Oregon structure called in SERVPRO of Salem West for expert advice, planning and remediation services. 

With the help of our team and open dialogue we were able to devise a plan to clean and remove visible signs of mold growth from the affected areas.

For all of your fire, water and mold cleaning needs call the experts at SERVPRO of Salem West (503) 393-9999

Water Loss at Large Salem, Oregon Business

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Drying equipment at Salem, Oregon business

Commercial Water Damage Doesn't have to put you out of business

Any sort of water or fire loss can adversely affect your business continuity. How quickly can you get back to business after a loss like that?

Planning ahead and creating an emergency plan will increase the odds of keeping the doors open. The following are some measures to consider in developing an emergency plan:

• Develop a business continuity plan by determining what is critical to survive and recover. What staff, materials and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business running.
• Understand your insurance coverage. Have a discussion with your insurance agent about coverages, loss of wages. When, not if, a loss occurs you don’t want any surprises and your agent really does want to make sure you’re covered the way you want.
• Prepare an emergency plan, document it and train your staff.
• Secure your facility and equipment. Know where the exits are, where fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors are located. Does your facility have an AED? Who has been trained to operate it?
• Who are your preferred vendors? Do you have a plumber or electrician you prefer to work with? Have you shared that with your staff?

SERVPRO of Salem West received a call from this Salem, Oregon business. Because they had an emergency plan, they knew exactly who to call when they discovered a sewer pipe had been leaking into the crawl space.

To work with a SERVPRO of Salem West consultant on your emergency plan, call us at (503) 393-9999.

Fire Affects Salem, Oregon Business

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Fire in this Salem, Oregon business burned pool tables, computers, even this chair

Fire Damage is Devastating.

But the cleanup doesn't have to be.

Vandals broke into this Salem, Oregon business, setting fires on top of the pool table, on the counter and vandalizing throughout the building as well late one evening.

The distraught owner called in SERVPRO of Salem West to assess the damage and see how quickly the clean up and repairs could be done. They wanted to be back in business as soon as possible.

A few of our technicians worked with the owner and manager to sort through items to determine if items could be salvaged or had to be put in the trash. There was damage to a couple of laptops.  We have electronic repair and cleaning for smoke and fire damage but in this instance, the damage was too great.  We had another crew working on mitigation, demolition and repairs. Although we were called in to help at a time when arson and vandalism had occurred, a great working relationship was built with the owner.  We were pleased to announce to him we were done with the work in just a few days so he could open the doors to customers.  His employees were back to work and business was booming once again. 

If you have a late night loss at your place of business, call the pros at SERVPRO of Salem West. We can be reached anytime at (503) 393-9999.  We’re always here to help!

Candles can cause home fires too.

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Proper cleaning of soot and smoke at Salem, Oregon home

Home fires are one of the most difficult things to go through.

This Salem, Oregon home owner suffered from smoke damage. A lit candle was too close to a curtain which started a home fire.  The room where the fire occurred had heavy soot and smoke.  Because smoke drifts through the air, there was smoke and soot at a lesser degree throughout the entire home.

The odor and soot should be removed and treated as soon as possible. These homeowners called SERVPRO of Salem West, knowing our experience and knowledge would provide the best possible result restoring their home and making it look “Like it never even happened.”

The process of taking care smoke odor is methodical and detailed. First, we treat the walls, floors and ceiling that have been damaged by the smoke with a special spray. The spray limits the amount of smoke molecules that get in the air. It contains penetrants and emulsifiers to slow down or stop the odor evaporation process. If the odor can’t get through, the smell won’t get through either.

Secondly, after the fire there are smoke odors in the air. Our technicians will spray a product to counteract those smells.  The last step in the smoke odor treatment is thermal fogging.  The product used will react with the odor-causing residues and eliminate the odor rather than just mask them.

SERVPRO of Salem West is available 24/7 and can be reached at (503) 393-9999.

2018 Continuing Education Class Registration NOW Open!

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon CE registration form

The SERVPRO of Salem West, CE schedule is jammed packed with classes for 2018.

There are two CE class every month for the year with a three credit hour Ethics Class followed-up by a two credit hour second class. Click the link to register for class.

REGISTER HERE

Commercial Fire & Water Cleanup in Salem, Oregon.

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon Fire & Water Cleanup.

Sometimes fires are accidents and sometimes they’re started purposely. Unfortunately, for this bar in Salem, Oregon the fire was set on purpose. Along with having some fire damage, there was also some water damage from the sprinklers that had been set off.  

No matter the situation SERVPRO stands today to help out whenever there’s a disaster. We have a great staff round-the-clock to get things back to normal any time of day. Our staff is well trained and ready to get the doors back open to your business as soon as possible.

Here at SERVPRO we take pride in our work, we work hard so you don’t have to, making it look “Like it never even happened.”  Our team is productive, skilled, informative, kind, and very courteous.

Make SERVPRO of Salem West your first choice for all your cleanup & restoration needs. Please call us 24/7/365 at (503) 393-9999 to schedule an inspection or cleanup.  

Volunteering For The Salvation Army in Salem, Oregon.

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Salem West ringing the bell at The Salem Center in Salem, Oregon.

If a bell rings, and no one is around to hear it, does the Salvation Army still help people?

The answer is YES!! The Salvation Army raises money to help those in need, especially during times like these when it’s too cold to be outside.

The Salvation Army helps homeless individuals with a place to stay, food, warm showers, and the means to get back on their feet and start a new chapter. 

SERVPRO is proud to have had the opportunity to volunteer and ring the bell this year. 

Did you know?

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign in Salem is made possible through the help of over 400 VOLUNTEERS EVERY YEAR!

You too can make a difference in our community. Volunteer today and register to ring today! Click Here

You can also help out in other ways too. Contact The Salvation Army today!

Email SalemKrocVolunteer@usw.salvationarmy.org or call (503) 798-4783 or click here to sign up!

Major Fire Damage in Salem, Oregon

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

House fire in Salem, Oregon.

Sometimes fires can be caught early when they are small and easy to put out, other times they happen when you’re not home or get to out of hand to put out yourself before it destroys most of your home.

In such a devastating time like this, you can look on the bright side of things and know your friendly, reliable team at SERVPRO of Salem West is here to help and is going to turn things around.

Not only are we going to make the damages look “Like it never even happened.” but we are also going to keep you feeling confident and comfortable throughout the whole process, with updates, new findings and the steps we take along the way to get the job done right the first time.  

Life can hits us with unexpected and/or unwanted problems, issues and complications, but in the end there is always something to smile about.

Get a quote and lots of smiles 24/7/365 with SERVPRO by calling (503) 393-9999.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning.

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon.

Routine Carpet Maintenance and Carpet Cleaning Frequency

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils in both commercial and residential settings. This is why all carpet manufacturers agree that the following actions will help extend the life span of a carpet:

• Regular vacuuming. (79% of soils are removed by vacuuming!)
• Spot removal.
• Pilating the carpet to stop it from matting.
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns.
• Using walk-off mats to lower the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet.
• Periodically deep cleaning the carpet.

The number of times a carpet should be vacuumed and cleaned depends on the level of foot traffic and any other conditions that bring soils into the environment.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers carpet cleaning in your home or business with the best skill, techniques, and customer service. Let SERVPRO get it done the right way. Call for a quote (503) 393-9999.

Mold, Mold, Mold!

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a Salem, Oregon home.

Mold can happen to anyone at anytime, in their home or business. Mold can be in places you never go, like in your attic or even in places you go often, like your bathroom. 

It’s best to get things checked out after being saturated, wet or exposed to moisture to look for mold growth. Mold is almost always a problem before it is even discovered and can start to grow after 24 to 48 hours.

SERVPRO of Salem West is here 24/7/365 to inspect, clean, treat, and remove mold. SERVPRO also handles water damage the right way, the first time, to make sure everything gets properly dried and treated to prevent mold.

If you suspect mold in your home or business, or have any kind of water damage, it can lead to having mold so call (503) 393-9999 and let the pros at SERVPRO take a look and make sure the problem gets taken care of right “Like it never even happened.”

Cooking Related Fires.

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 166,100 home cooking-related fires between 2010-2014 resulting in 480 civilian deaths, 5,540 civilian injuries and $1.1 billion in direct damage.
• Two of every five (43%) home fires started in the kitchen.
• Unattended cooking was a factor in one-third of reported home cooking fires.
• Two-thirds of home cooking fires started with ignition of food or other cooking materials.
• Ranges accounted for three of every five (62%) home cooking fire incidents. Ovens accounted for 13%.
• Clothing was the item first ignited in less than 1% of home cooking fires, but these incidents accounted for 18% of the cooking fire deaths.
• More than half of people injured in home fires involving cooking equipment were hurt while attempting to fight the fire themselves.
• Frying is the leading activity associated with cooking fires.

Information provided by NFPA. 

When fire strikes call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999.

CE & BBQ for NW Insurance.

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Thank you card from NW Insurance.

SERVPRO offers Continuing Education classes for insurance agents. Sometimes we even toss in a BBQ! 

NW Insurance was very thankful for our generosity.

If you're in need of some CE hours call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503)393-9999 to schedule. 

Ice Dam in Bend, Oregon

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Bend, Oregon

During winter season there are things homeowners need to do in order to protect their homes from potential damages. 

In this picture of the snow storm that happened in February of 2017, shows what happens when you don't clean out your gutters.

Under all that snow is ice. The heat from your home rises causing the ice to melt. When the ice melts you have trapped water. Where does that water go? You guessed it; it seeps into your roof causing water damage in your ceiling and walls. 

This kind of damage is costly and if it isn't taken care of in a timely manner you run into more potential damages such as mold growth in as little as 48 hours. 

Taking a little time out of your day to clean those gutters can prevent ice dams and save you money. 

SERVPRO of Salem West is 24/7/365. Call at any time for an estimate for all your storm emergencies. (503) 393-9999.  

Snow Storm Clean up

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Bend, Oregon

SERVPRO of Salem West technicians maintain certifications from the IICRC this allows our team to handle weather related damages to residential and commercial properties.

A snow storm in Bend, Oregon caused property damages and our team was dispatched to the area.

Here is an example of the certifications our team members have;

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively. 

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

Technicians with AMRT certification learn safety practices and mold/ sewage remediation techniques. 

Let our trained and qualified employees take the stress and worry away from storm damages by keeping you up to date with the process, with our fast and efficient work to get your home or business back in order, and with our courteous and polite employees.

SERVPRO of Salem West is "Faster to Any Size Disaster". Call (503) 393-9999 for an inspection.    

For more training and certification requirements check out our website.

http://www.SERVPROsalemwest.com/restoration-training-certifications

Damages Caused from Snow Storm.

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Bend, Oregon

Snow storms can cause multiple damages to your home or business, most of which cause water damage. 

Water damage is stressful enough, letting it go more than 48 hours can cause mold to start growing. 

A small amount of water damage is easier dealt with for you and your wallet.

SERVPRO employees have the tools and resources to find the signs and cause of water damage.

This older style home in Bend, Oregon was affected by water damage from melted snow. 

SERVPRO of Salem West was called out to fix the damages before they got worse. 

With winter comes heavy rainfall and snow make sure you take the necessary steps to protecting your property like cleaning out your gutters, protect your pipes, and make sure your windows and doors are sealed. 

In any home disaster situation, fire, water, mold, or storm call (503) 393-9999 for 24/7/365 inspections and estimates. 

Storm Drains

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Turner, Oregon

Storm drains serve a great purpose.

Storm drains create escapes for water run offs. This helps and reduces residential and commercial properties from flooding.

The City of Salem writes,

"During the most recent event in January 2012, some areas of south Salem received over nine inches of rain within a five-day period. Heavy rainfall combined with melting snow caused substantial flooding in the Battle Creek, Mill Creek, Pringle Creek, and Croisan Creek basins. Approximately 300 people were evacuated from their homes, and 64 city streets were closed due to high water".

Imagine, how much more water would collect with out storm drains. 

SERVPRO of Salem West is "Faster to Any Size Disaster" 24/7/365. Call (503) 393-9999 for you flood damage needs. 

Salem Flood Map

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon

Are you in the Salem, Oregon floodplain?

For current and soon to be homeowners, it's important to know if you are in a flood zone and if your home is at risk of damaging flood waters. 

Flood maps show us where flood risk zones are and their boundaries.

In case of a flood it's important to move your electronics up high, shut off all power in your home and have an emergency escape plan with exit routes.

SERVPRO has top of the line equipment and trained employees who have the necessary skills to repair your home, business, and belongings making things look "Like it never even happened."

The best part about SERVPRO is we are 24/7/365 because we know disasters don't wait for normal business hours.   

For a flood estimate or water damage inspection call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999.

For more information on the City of Salem floodplain click Here. 

Commercial Water Damage

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mt. Angel, Oregon

A commercial property in Mt. Angel, Oregon called SERVPRO of Salem West to repair some water damage they had found. In the process we uncovered asbestos in the work area.

In any commercial business that has just experienced some kind of damage, it can cause the business to close their doors temporarily.  

Our main focus at SERVPRO is to get those doors back open and business flowing as soon as possible.

Water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads and gets absorbed into floors, walls, product, and more.

Restoring damage quickly and properly not only saves your business money, it also makes you money.  

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24/7/365 so we can help prevent further damage from occurring. For an inspection, call (503) 393-9999.

Flood Waters After Math.

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

This is the after math of a flood that took place in Minot, North Dakota. 

Here at SERVPRO we specialize in water damage, clean up and repair. We get things back to normal looking "like it never even happened".

We have the equipment to clean out any water left behind and to get everything dried out. 

In a situation like this we pack up all the customers contents, bring them back to our warehouse where trained employees, and top line equipment dry out and clean your belongings. Once your home is repaired and back to normal we bring those contents back.

You know you're in good hands with our highly trained professionals working around the clock 24/7/365 to service any disaster.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers no-cost Emergency Ready Profiles which is part of a disaster preparedness plan. Call today at (503) 393-9999.       

Coastal Storm - Lincoln City Oregon

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Lincoln City, Oregon

Storms know no boundaries and all communities experience them during different seasons under various weather conditions.

An Oregon coastline city of Lincoln City experiences storms coming off the Pacific Ocean.

High winds and horizontal rain can cause damages including lifted roofs, blown off siding and water infiltration to residential and commercial properties.

This hotel had experienced some water damage; SERVPRO was then called in to provide services.

Are you prepared? Do you have a plan for, "What if this happened?"

For a no-cost commercial property preparedness plan, contact SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers Emergency Ready Profiles which is part of a disaster preparedness plan and inspections.

Click this link below to start your own Emergency Ready Profile plan now.

https://ready.SERVPRO.com 

Below Ground Water Infiltration.

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Independence, Oregon

Water damages can happen anywhere and at anytime. Some areas that have a high probability of water damage are located in the main shut-off location.

Due to its use and the amount of plumbing in the shut-off room, chances happen over time, thus causing a leak. But sometimes that's not the source of the leak.

Luckily this Independence, Oregon water shut-off was located below ground and housed in a concrete room. The concrete walls stopped water from entering other parts of the property. 

You could say this room acted like an indoor swimming pool. 

Extraction and sanitizing was all that was needed.

SERVPRO of Salem West operates 24/7/365 to serve our clients in Salem, Lincoln City and Newport, Oregon.

Call us when you need us (503)393-9999.

Water Damage Under Hardwood Flooring.

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

A customer from Keizer, Oregon came home from work one evening and noticed her beautiful hardwood floors had started to buckle. 

SERVPRO of Salem West was called out to preform a no cost inspection.

Our team at SERVPRO has all the right tools to investigate deeper in to the issue. 

The inspection revealed that there was in fact water damage. Our technician developed a plan and scope of work to submit to the insurance company. 

Water damage isn't always something you can see. Sometimes it's hiding underneath the flooring, or behind the walls. 

SERVPRO is here to help when you need it. No matter the day or time. 

Don't hesitate to call for an inspection on your home or business. (503) 393-9999

Hide and Seek Water Damage.

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Salem West handles many different calls for issues that happen in your home or business. 

We have many different tools and equipment to handle each individual job.  

In this specific case our SERVPRO team found some water damage in this Salem, Oregon home using our infrared scanner. 

The first thing to determine what's causing the damage is to figure out what's leaking. 

Then we look for visual signs like swollen base boards. After that we then bring in the equipment to confirm the affected areas.

Once the estimate and approvals are given, we then begin work to fix the damage from getting worse. 

Affected areas are dried out. If that fixes the issue our job is complete, otherwise our team will remove materials damaged beyond repair. 

For all your SERVPRO needs call (503) 393-9999.

Water Is No Friend To Hardwood Flooring.

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

Hardwood damage in Corvallis, Oregon.

When you’re struck with water damage it's best to handle it fast. 

After just a few minutes water damage can...

• Absorbed into walls and floors.
• Water can spread fast throughout your home, damaging everything it comes into contact with. 
• Photos, books, and other personal items begin to swell and warp.

After one, ten, fifteen or twenty four hours of water sitting and soaking in it can cause...

• Drywall to swell.
• Furniture starts to swell and crack.
• Odors become present.

More than 48 hours... 

• Mold may grow.
• Metal starts rusting and corroding.
• Furniture has signs of mold.
• Hardwood floors swell.
• Even biohazard contamination can occur.

Waiting more than a week to get the issue inspected and taken care of can...

• Cause you to pay more. 
• Having to replacing any contaminated materials or structural rebuilding can be pricey.
• With mold, contaminants and structure being a concern at this point, it can cause dangerous risks to the occupants. 

If you are concerned about possible water damage give SERVPRO of Salem West a call for an inspection today at (503) 393-9999.

Mold Remediation In A Salem, Oregon Apartment Building.

7/12/2017 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon Apartment Mold

Apartment buildings in Salem, Oregon are susceptible to mold growth too and here's why.

In apartment buildings just like residential and other commercial buildings can sustain mold damage in similar ways.

Due to the number of living units in apartment complexes, the risk for even small amounts of mold growth are higher across the spectrum of properties.

With multiple tenants, thousands of feet of plumbing lines, couplers, connections, elbows and consistent water pressure and usage, this creates opportunities for plumbing failures.

Once a plumbing line burst or sustains a pin-hole leak than you'll have moisture which is one of the ingredients for mold growth.

A burst water line is noticeable immediately whereas a pin-hole leak takes days before occupants realize there's a leak.

If you have a burst water line or find a pin-hole leak, contact SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for an inspection. We're always here to help.

When Mold Damages Your Woodburn, Oregon Home

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold and dryrot damage in a Woodburn Oregon home.

Mold Can Even Damage Your Home's Framing, Just Like This Woodburn, Oregon Home.

When given the chance, time and right conditions mold can even damage your home's framing. 

Water by itself is harmless but under the right conditions with other materials or substances, it will help foster microbial growth as seen in this Woodburn, Oregon home.

The smallest leaks can create issues over time that eventually damage some materials beyond cleaning and treating to full repairs and replacement.

The sooner you begin the process to dry out the material the better off you'll be. Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for an inspection and estimate to dry your home.

Our technicians are highly qualified in the services we provide and they're always ready to help.

Salem - Oregon Attic Mold

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Salem Oregon Attic Mold

"How does mold grow in an attic when I don't have a roof leak?"

There are four ingredients that help foster mold growth and all are needed.

1. Organic Material - Any material that is organic and not coated with paint or other impervious product. Includes wood, linen, food, paper, etc.

2. Time - Mold growth can occur within 72 hours when all the right ingredients are present.

3. Temperature - Mold can grow in most environmental conditions.

4. Water - Mold requires water, moisture or humidity to grow.

Your attic provides the right conditions even when you don't have a roof leak.

The air in your attic space is heated and cooled multiple times per day. When heated air comes into contact with cool surfaces the result is condensation. It is this condensation that allows the opportunity for mold grow.

It is important to visually inspect your attic at least once per year to ensure it's not leaking and that there are no early warning signs of mold growth.

If you see mold growth in your attic call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for a followup inspection and estimate for professional cleaning. In most cases a full attic cleaning and treatment can be performed in less than one day.

You Can Control Mold Damage By Drying Wet Materials Quickly.

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Woodburn Oregon

You can control mold damage by drying wet materials in your home promptly.

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Mold Causes Damages In Stayton Oregon

7/7/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that mold can grow in almost any environment? 

The inside of the wall pictured in this Stayton, Oregon home sustained water damage that trapped moisture inside the walls. Due to the time delay and not deploying the proper drying techniques this home required additional work to be performed.

When your property is affected by water damage or trapped moisture it is very important to start the mitigation services.

Mold can growth can occur within a 72 hour window.

The sooner you call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for an inspection and estimated the sooner the dry-out can be completed. There's a number of benefits to starting the mitigation process sooner one of which is reducing the chance for mold growth.

SERVPRO of Salem West can be reached anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999.

Moldy Walls In A Salem Oregon Closet

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon Mold Growth In The Closet

Mold grows in the right condition and sometimes the closet can be a great place.

If you opened up your Salem, Oregon closet and it looked like the picture above, what would you do?

• Quickly remove all of your clothes?
• Clean and scrub the wall with bleach and water?
• Immediately call a contractor to demo and repair the affected area?
• Determine the source?
• Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 for an inspection.

The answer you choose will make all the difference but the ultimate decision is up to the you.

Although you may chose multiple answers from the above list the order in which things occur is equally as important as what work is being performed. 

Can you remove your clothes? Yes you can, they are your clothes. However, we would advise you to put your clothes in plastic bag and use the appropriate cleaning methods to restore your clothes. The plastic bag provides an encapsulation to prevent mold spores from spreading into other areas of the room or home.

Clean and scrub the affected wall? This depends on the severity and amount of mold damage. You should seek advise prior to cleaning the mold as spores can spread fairly easily with a little bit of air movement and agitation.

Call a contractor only if needed. Sometimes the amount of mold damage is just surface level and other times the growth as penetrated through the drywall. Only call a contractor if needed as sometimes the mold can be cleaned with professional products and skilled technicians.

Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 This one step alone could be the difference in overspending for services you may not need. Plus a highly skilled technician can walk you through the process from start to finish. And having knowledge on the Do's & Don'ts of mold clean-up makes all the difference.

The team at SERVPRO of Salem West, located in Salem, Oregon has the tools and knowledge for all clean-up jobs. From water, fire, mold and bio-hazard cleanup. We can be reached anytime, day or night.

How To Stop Mold From Contaminating Your Entire Salem Oregon Home

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

Salem, Oregon Mold Containment

Stop Mold Growth By Containment.

In all clean-up work and especially microbial (mold growth) it is important to consider the environment of where the work will take place. Sometimes the work is in a location where occupants may not be impacted. Other times the location is right in the middle of the main living space of the home.

What can be done to stop microbial growth from spreading to unaffected areas?

With the installation of containment in this Salem Oregon home, SERVPRO of Salem West was able to provide the homeowners and occupants with peace of mind knowing the work we performed was not going to cause damages in other parts of the home.

We also installed Air Scrubbing equipment to expel the dirty air from the work area directly to the outside of the home, thereby keeping our works in a clean environment during the work process.

If you have questions or need help with your Oregon home, you can call SERVPRO of Salem West anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999

Fire By The Numbers

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial building fire in Silverton, Oregon

In 2015, there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,280 civilian deaths, 15,700 civilian injuries, and $14.3 billion in property damage.

• 501,500 were structure fires, causing 2,685 civilian deaths, 13,000 civilian injuries, and $10.3 billion in property damage.
• 204,500 were vehicle fires, causing 500 civilian fire deaths, 1,875 civilian fire injuries, and $1.8 billion in property damage.
• 639,500 were outside and other fires, causing 95 civilian fire deaths, 825 civilian fire injuries, and $252 million in property damage.

The 2015 U.S. fire loss clock a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds. One structure fire was reported every 63 seconds.

• One home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds.
• One civilian fire injury was reported every 34 minutes.
• One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 40 minutes.
• One outside and other fire was reported every 52 seconds.
• One highway vehicle fire was reported every 3 minutes 1 seconds.

Full details can be found by clicking the link to NFPA

Fire Damaged Artwork

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

What to do when your artwork has been damaged by soot.

With the investments made in high valuable artwork along with the sentimental value of some family pieces, it is important to come up with a plan to manage the process of protecting the art from additional damages while moving quickly to prevent secondary soot damage. Communication with the owner of the art is of utmost importance due to the nature of inks, paints and substrates.

The makeup of each art piece varies which determines the best methods of cleaning.

SERVPRO of Salem West is well versed in walking home owners through the process of artwork recovery, cleaning. You can call us anytime, day or night at  (503) 393-9999 with any questions you may have.

Fire Damaged Hutch

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

FIre Damaged Hutch from Turner, Oregon house fire

When it's not worth cleaning is the topic for this post. How do you know when an item should be cleaned, restored or replaced?

That depends on a number of factors, one of which is the actual value of the item. Another consideration is if the item holds sentimental value for the owner. There are some items that may not have a lot of cash value but the sentiments are irreplaceable.

Items handed down from generations like tools, clothing items, photographs and the like are all examples of items that may not have a high cash value but mean the world to it's owners.

What items do you own that may not have a high monetary value but mean the world to you?

Do you have plan for these items just in case you experience a fire or water damage? 

If you need help with planning feel free to contact SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999.

Dryer Vent Fires in Salem, Oregon.

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

For more information:

"Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines" report (PDF, 1.4 MB)

"Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines" fact sheet (PDF, 452 KB)

"Selected Published Incidents Involving Clothes Dryers" (PDF, 482 KB) 

If you need tips on how to clean your dryer vents visit https://www.consumerreports.org/clothes-dryers/how-to-clean-your-dryer-vent/

An excerpt from the National Fire Protection Associations 2017 report "Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines" states

"In 2010-2014, U.S. municipal fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 civilian deaths, 440 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage. As a percentage of all home fires and associated losses, fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines accounted for 4% of fires, 1% of civilian deaths, 3% of civilian injuries, and 4% of direct property damage. The estimates presented in this report are based on data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System and the National Fire Protection Association’s annual fire department experience survey."

SERVPRO of Salem West has compassionate, knowledgeable and trained employees when you fire, smoke and soot damage.  Call us anytime at (503) 393-9999 to assess the damage and create an action plan.

Pizza Hut in Salem Oregon

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

After Hours Pizza Hut clean up in Salem, Oregon.

When Pizza Hut in Salem, Oregon needed a company to come and perform clean up services, SERVPRO of Salem West was there to help.

SERVPRO of Salem West is a residential and commercial fire, water, mold and bio-hazard cleanup and restoration company. Services are available 24 hour per day everyday of the year. From small clean up projects to large facilities, we have the expertise to get to perform the services in the most effective manner possible.

That's why insurance professionals, property managers and building owners contact us. They have confidence in what we do.

We also offer a no-cost Emergency Ready Profile, which is an essential part of a disaster preparedness plan. You can start your by clicking HERE.

When you need us, call us. (503) 393-9999

Commercial Water Damage

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Building water damage in Salem Oregon

Commercial Water Damages Salem, Oregon.

What do you do when you're ready to work and you find that a pipe burst inside your building? Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 to get the clean-up process started immediately.

With water damage, there is a specific process we follow to ensure the most efficient cleanup services and least amount of down time possible. 

Here's the process:

1. Ensure a safe working environment.
2. Extract standing and excess water.
3. Place drying equipment in optimal areas for most efficiency.
4. Provide the owner with a full update and work scope for any remaining services remaining.

The most important thing to remember is to make the call immediately to start the process. The longer you wait the greater the damage from water migration.

SERVPRO of Salem West is "Always Here To Help" 

Fire Extinguisher Vandalism in Salem, Oregon

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Salem Oregon Church Suffers Vandalism

Vandals fully discharge a fire extinguisher inside an office.

You arrive at work, coffee in hand and ready to tackle the day, only to see the extensive damage done by vandals that have fully discharged a fire extinguisher and you see fine, white, powdery dust everywhere.  What do you do? Who do you call?

After you have contacted the local authorities, you call SERVPRO of Salem West for professional cleaning.

Fire extinguisher powder is great for putting out fires but when they're used to vandalize your office the concern of "What to Do Next" may be weighing on your mind. Should you find yourself needing professional cleaning services, contact your local pros to get your office clean again.

Professional cleaning starts with an assessment of what needs to be done and in what order.

With the right people in place and the right process in place, cleaning can be performed efficiently and effectively making it "Like it never even happened."

Office Chair Cleaning in Salem, Oregon

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Clean Office Chairs

Clean Those Office Chairs!

A clean working environment that includes the furniture makes a difference for customer and employees. 

That's why this Salem, Oregon business contacted SERVPRO of Salem West. Professional cleaning of office upholstery and furniture make the environment look clean and inviting.

The more furniture is used, the more the furniture picks up debris, lint and dirt.

Making a good impression for both your employees and clients is just good business and that's why SERVPRO of Salem West is always here to help.

We can clean anything. Our highly skilled and trained team members use specially formulated products that provide our clients top level service and cleanliness.

SERVPRO is available anytime, day or night at (503) 393-9999

More Equipment in Salem Oregon

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

More Equipment in Salem Oregon

When you need more equipment and resources...

Call SERVPRO of Salem West at (503) 393-9999 anytime day or night to get the cleanup and dryout performed sooner than later.

When our commercial client found a large amount of water in their office building located in Salem Oregon they called SERVPRO of Salem West.

The extent of the water damage is directly related to how quickly you make the call and the number of people and equipment that can be delivered to the jobsite.

SERVPRO maintains one of the largest available equipment resources in the Salem,Oregon area for quicker response, quicker dry-out and less cost for the building owner.

SERVPRO of Salem West technicians are highly skilled and trained in mitigating water, fire, smoke, mold and bio-hazards. Just remember, "We're always here to help"

Duct Cleaning on NOAA Ships

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning on National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Ships

We perform Duct Cleaning on NOAA Ships!

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them.

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.

Read more about NOAA HERE

SERVPRO of Salem West is disaster clean up and restoration company. We perform water, fire, mold and bio-hazard cleanup for industry and residential homes. We are available 24/7/365. Call us anytime (503) 393-9999

Marion County Emergency Management - Floods

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Keizer, Oregon aerial photo. Willamette River flooding.

Floods

Before a Flood

• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwaters from backing up in sewer drains, or buy large stoppers to plug sinks, showers, tubs.

• Obtain sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber and towels.

• Fuel vehicles in case evacuation becomes necessary.

• Monitor rapidly changing weather conditions.

During a Flood

• If there is time:

  • Disconnect all electrical and gas appliances. Shut off the water main to keep contaminated water from the water heater (a source of emergency drinking water).

  • Bring outdoor possessions inside.

  • Move valuables and essential items to upper floors.

  • Sandbags should be stacked well away from the building to avoid damaging walls. If major flooding is expected, flood the basement with clean water to equalize the water pressure on the outside of basement walls and floors.

  • Round up pets.

• Evacuation

  • Use travel routes recommended by local authorities.

  • Keep a radio on for news and updates.

  • Watch for flooding at bridges, viaducts, and low areas.

  • Be alert for thunder and lightning that may signify rain and more flooding ahead.

  • Don't drive over flooded roads. It's impossible to tell how deep the water is, or if portions of the roadway have been washed out. Vehicles may be swept away.

  • Never try to cross flowing water above your knees.

  • All passengers should abandon a stalled vehicle immediately and move as a group to higher ground.

After a Flood

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

• If there is major structural damage or there are utility breaks, have qualified specialists inspect your home and make repairs before you reenter.

• When inspecting your home on your own for the first time, use a flashlight, not a torch or lantern. Sniff for gas leaks. Wear rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves in case of severed electrical lines. Don't turn on electrical switches. Check electrical circuits only when electricity has been shut off.

• Don't use flooded electrical appliances until they have been repaired.

• Don't drink municipal water until the health department has declared it safe.

• Don't rush to pump out a flooded basement. If the water is removed all at once the walls may cave in because of the sudden pressure change. Pump out about a third of the water a day.

• Foods that have come into contact with flood water can be a serious health hazard. The only flood-damaged goods entirely safe for salvage are those in sealed containers.

• The following foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood water:

  • Open containers and packages of food

  • Unopened jars with paper seals under the lid (mayonnaise, salad dressing)

  • Spices, seasonings, flavorings, and extracts

  • Food in canisters (flour, salt, sugar)

  • Preserves sealed with paraffin (jam, jelly)

  • Fresh meat, fish and poultry

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Containers with non-sealed fitted lids (cocoa, baking powder)

  • Food in paper, foil, cellophane, or cardboard containers (cereal, pasta, rice, cookies)

  • Bottled carbonated beverages with encrusted silt in the lid

Commercial Fire Damage - Salem, Oregon

12/2/2016 (Permalink)

Our team working hard to clean up the smoke damage

When a commercial fire hits your building, having a game plan to stay in business during the cleanup process is very important as long as it's safe to do so. This furniture store located in Salem, Oregon experienced a fire that started on the outside of the building. The smoke migrated to the inside, which is a wide open space with tall ceilings. The smoke transfer and soot settled onto walls, flooring and furniture located inside the storage area. Luckily the smoke was mainly contained to the back storage area which meant by properly setting equipment, air filtration and containment barriers, the business would still be operational. 

If you experience a fire in your home or business, call us 24/7/365 and we'll be there to help to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Salem West is locally owned and operated. We can be reached at (503) 393-9999 or by email at office@SERVPRO8603.com

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

12/2/2016 (Permalink)

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Specialists

SERVPRO of Salem West has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about Learn more about our training and certifications..

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

American Pickers

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Can you spot the SERVPRO logo?

What do you get when you're a fan of SERVPRO and the T.V series American Picker? You get to see your SERVPRO logo on the T.V. show. When you think of a business opportunity or franchise system such as SERVPRO you'll learn that brand recognition is important. The SERVPRO franchise system has been featured in many leadning business magazines as a top tier franchise. With branding it is important that there is a system of uniformity as all are impacted by it. That is why the SERVPRO logo is easily to spot. Thank you to all of the team members at SERVPRO Corporate who work diligently to provide an atmosphere for entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed!

And remember, if you need help with fire, water, mold, and bio-hazard cleanup, call your friends at SERVPRO of Salem West 24/7/365 (503) 393-9999. We'll be there for you.

Attic Mold in Salem Oregon

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

When performing mold clean-up it is important to use personal protective equipment and exhaust air.

Attics are one of the most unseen locations inside your home or office. That is the exact reason to inspect your attic at least once per year, preferably after a heavy rain and snow season.

Trapped moisture in this attic space can collect onto building materials and creating the environment for microbial growth in all forms. The sooner repairs are made and moisture kept out of the attic the better.

Mold may cause illnesses with at-risk person and people with respirator and quick removal will reduce the likley-hood of spreading to unaffected areas in the attic.

Inspect your attics at least once a year and take note of any issues that may need repair. You can always call your friends at SERVPRO of Salem West for an inspection and estimate 24/7/365 (503) 393-9999

Dryer Vent Fires Cause $35,000,000

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Please clean your dryer vents and ducting regularly for safety. You're clothes will also take less time to dry.

In 2010 an estimated 16,800 home fires, involving clothes dryer occurred.

¦ An estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

¦ Clothes dryer fire incidence in residential buildings was higher in the fall and winter months, peaking in January at 11 percent.

¦ Failure to clean (34 percent) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

¦ Dust, fiber, and lint (28 percent) and clothing not on a person (27 percent) were, by far, the leading items first ignited in clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

¦ Fifty-four percent of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings were confined to the object of origin.

For more information click HERE

Bio-Hazard Cleanup in Salem, Oregon

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Taking care of our clients is what we do. Thank you Lorenzo for being a great team member!

Being a professional cleaning company requires an attitude of service. The entire team is responsible for safety as it is the first item on the checklist to review. Some job sites, require teams members to were specific safety equipment to protect themselves from jobsite hazards. In the photo our technician was performing bio-hazard cleanup in an apartment complex located in Salem, Oregon. From trauma scene, sewage back-up and decaying animals in the crawlspace, we can help you get it cleaned. All services are performed by trained technicians who are skilled at the work they do. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Call us at  (503) 393-9999 or reach us through email office@SERVPRO8603.com and we will be there for you.

The History of SERVPRO

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

Ted and Doris Isaacson launched SERVPRO in 1967 as a painting business in Sacramento, Calif. With a background in cleaning and restoration, however, Ted and Doris soon transformed the company into a franchisor of cleanup and restoration specialists.

After selling its first Franchise in 1969, SERVPRO continued to grow, acquiring the Bristol-Myers Domesticare Division and its 175 Franchises in 1979.

SERVPRO relocated the corporate headquarters from Sacramento to Gallatin, TN, in 1988 in a strategic move to place itself within 600 miles of 50% of the U.S. population.

At the time of the relocation, the SERVPRO System consisted of 647 Franchises.

SERVPRO Corporate quickly became a key contributor in its community, and in 1991 the Nashville Business Journal named SERVPRO the Small Business of the Year. In the meantime the company continued its impressive growth, selling the 1,000th Franchise in 2000. Learn more about our Awards and Recognition.

In 2005, SERVPRO moved to a 140,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Gallatin to provide more room for expansion.

More than 1,650 Franchises are operating nationwide, and SERVPRO continues to grow. The need for experienced, trained and professional cleanup and restoration experts is recession resistant, and the growth potential inside of a proven system presents an opportunity for prospective Franchisees.

With a proud history, a successful present and a bright future, SERVPRO will press on toward becoming the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.

Monmouth Independence Chamber Chat

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

Listen in as Chad Kerlegan, the Sales & Marketing Mananger for SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties is interviewed by Jean Love, the Executive Director for the Monmouth / Independence Chamber of Commerce. Hear stories about cleaning out a hoarder house while reclaiming lots of money scattered throughough the home. Some of the questions asked centered around our community involvement, years in business and areas that we serve. The Monmouth / Independence Chamber of Commerce is working hard in the community and provides a variety of usefull resouces for businesses to engage and connect in with others. That is is SERVPRO of Salem West is proud to be a member of the chamber and encourages other local businesses to joing too. You can click this link to watch the interview online. Video Link

Vocational Education & Training

5/4/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup Technicians hard at work. From Salem, Oregon to across the country, hard working people needed.

SERVPRO of Salem West is an industry leader in water, fire, mold and bio-hazard mitigation and restoration. Our industry is growing and we need people to grow with us. There are multiple opportunities available to meet the demand of this industry and we our developing a vocational education & training program to raise up the next labor force. We strongly believe that for a company to grow it must continute to develop people who believe in the same cores values as the company itself. We also believe that having a team of well trained people makes the customer experience special. That is why we are desiging an in-house training program for potential candidates. This industry offers so many opportunities and we want to share that with everyone we meet. If you are interested in learning more about this please email chad@SERVPRO8603.com

8th Annual Charity Golf Event - Sept 9th, 2016

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

Thank you players and sponsors! The 9th Annual Charity Golf Event is scheduled for Friday, Sept 8th, 2017. Call us for more details (503) 393-9999

On Sept 9th, 2016 - SERVPRO of Salem West will once again host our annual charity golf event. This event has proven to be a top-notch charity event with all proceeds going to a local non-profit, Friends of The Stayton Pool. Friends of the Stayton Pool is a volunteer non-profit that assist the Stayton Family Memorial Pool with resources, supplies and equipment. This group has been working tirelessly to support the Stayton community and it's citizens. SFMP is the only supporting two high school and multiple swim clubs. They were excited to learn that FOTSP was selected to be the beneficiary of the 8th Annual SERVPRO of Salem West Charity Golf Event. Thank you to all of the sponsors, golf teams and companies that donated raffle items for this year's event. Click HERE for updates, player registration and sponsorship opportunities.

7th Annual Charity Golf Event

11/19/2015 (Permalink)

The 7th Annual SERVPRO of Salem West Charity Golf Event raised over $15,000 for the Chris Dudley Foundation.

SERVPRO of Salem West parterned with May Trucking Company to help raise much needed funds for the Chris Dudley Foundation in the 7th Annual Charity Golf Event. Chris Dudley is a 16 year NBA veteran having played with the Portland Trailblazers. When he was 16 he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His diagnosis didn't stop him from chsing his dream to be an NBA player. In 1994 he started his foundation to help youth follow all of their dreams. This event has raised more than $15,300 through the work and effort of the SERVPRO of Salem West staff members and our business partners. We believe in giving back and supporting the community through various means and the golf event has proven to be a great opportunity to do it. Thank you to all of the sponsors and teams that played this year.

Charity Golf Info

Monmouth / Independence Chamber of Commerce Interview

3/3/2015 (Permalink)

Listen in as our very own Brian Richards is interviewed by Jean Love from the Monmouth / Independence Chamber of Commerce. It's informative and provides some insight into who SERVPRO of Salem West, Lincoln and Polk Counties is as a growing company,

Brian Richards interview with Chamber of Commerce