Secondary damage from a water loss

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

Wood floor

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of West Topeka handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc., we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information:

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker.
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to termites.
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

Odor Removal

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Nose graphic

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that sometimes odors happen and there can be any number of causes. Whether it be a rogue mouse that died in a wall, nicotine residue from years of cigarette smoke buildup, or a pile of your kids soccer jerseys that you forgot about in the trunk of your car.

SERVPRO is prepared to deal with any and all of these issues. The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as pros in deodorization, we're able to take care of it. Whether it’s a smoky smell in a vehicle, or a locker room full of stinky equipment, we’ve got odor solutions for any size job.

So if you have any questions about how SERVPRO can help out with odors in your residential or commercial property or in your car, just give us a call at 785-862-0550!

Commercial Building Cleanup

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Altar

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that water, mold, and fire damage can happen in any commercial property just as easily as any residential property. That is why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call. SERVPRO employs highly trained technicians who are ready to work on any kind of loss, big or small. We have experience with many different types of commercial buildings from cleaning facilities to industrial park buildings to churches. In the photo for this blog you will see one of the many churches we have worked on. This particular building had extensive water damage from a roof leak. We were able to mitigate the damage and return all the affected parts of the building back to preloss conditions.

How to Sanitize Surfaces

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Here to help graphic

It is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

General Surface Cleaning

Physically removes microbes if possible, rather than killing them with a sanitizer or disinfectant. 

Sanitizing

To be a registered sanitizer, test results must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacteria.

Disinfecting

Destroys or irreversibly inactivates microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi.

If you are in need of preventative sanitizing,  SERVPRO of West Topeka has all the correct equipment to get it done for you. Just call us at 785-862-0550.

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Air Fryer Safety

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

Air Fryer Safety

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze!

Here at SERVPRO of West Topeka we love a good cooking trend as much as the next person. However, it is always important to understand how to properly maintain your cooking tools no matter how big or small they are.

Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO of West Topeka with a fire damage.

DO: Invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality flash point oil.

DON'T: Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical based non-stick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.

SERVPRO of West Topeka 785-862-0550

24/7 Water Damage Specialists

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

24/7 Water Damage Specialists

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Topeka provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

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 of West Topeka arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 785-862-0550

Preventing frozen and broken pipes

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing frozen and broken pipes

It's that time of year again. Cold! With temperatures constantly dipping below freezing and winter storms all over the country, it is time to make sure your pipes don't freeze and/or burst. 

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of West Topeka. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

When celebrating Christmas SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that the tree is one of the most exciting decorations. However, whether the tree is real or fake there can be real fire hazards if you do not take the proper precautions. Firefighters respond to about 160 home fires started by Christmas trees each year. Nearly half (45%) of them are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Another 22% of Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source being too close to the tree. And 15% of fires are intentional. All in all these Christmas tree fires cause $10 million dollars in annual property damage. 

For fire cleanup services, call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550

Employee Appreciation

11/18/2022 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to SERVPRO of West Topeka's Employee Spotlight Series! Shawna Boberg is a Crew Chief for SERVPRO of West Topeka. She has been working with the company for several years, and helps provide excellent customer service for all of our customers. She also has the following certification from Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Fire and Smoke Restoration. In her spare time she loves to go hiking and running. Her favorite part of her job is helping others through difficult situations. Her favorite Topeka restaurant is El Mezcal!

If you would like to check out the rest of our SERVPRO of West Topeka team please click here. And remember we are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Remove Odor from Sports Equipment

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

remove odor

SERVPRO of West Topeka is the MOST excited that football season is almost back! However, with the return of sports, comes sports odors. These can be particularly strong if you happen to be a parent washing your teenagers sports gear. That sports equipment is dirty and smells awful. While you might have an extra strong detergent to deal with the uniforms, there are other pieces of equipment that can not be so easily taken care of, and that is where SERVPRO comes in. With a deodorization treatment, franchise pros clean and remove those lingering smells. The multi-step process includes the help of an ozone generator that produces ozone atoms that neutralize odor molecules and remove the smell. Remove the smell from: football pads, cleats, gloves, helmets, and more! 

Employee Appreciation

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Jay

Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Jay Coverdale is the Marketing Manager for SERVPRO of West Topeka. He has several years of experience working with different communities to bring fun and exciting marketing based events to life. He has been with us for a little over 3 years. He also has the following certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Carpet Cleaning. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family and work on restoring old cars. His favorite part of the job is meeting new people. He likes building relationships with people and helping our customers recover from unexpected events in life. His favorite Topeka restaurant is The Blind Tiger! 

If you would like to check out the rest of our team click here

Commercial Property Damage

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Damage

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of West Topeka is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Sanitizing a Commercial Building

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Sanitizing a Commercial Building

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, SERVPRO of West Topeka has been an industry leader when it comes to cleaning up biohazards. We employ highly trained technicians who know how to use the proper equipment to thoroughly clean and disinfect commercial and residential properties. No matter how big or small SERVPRO can disinfect it all. We are prepared for a deep cleaning if someone in your office or home has tested positive for COVID-19, or we can also perform preventative cleanings as well. Another service we offer is a disinfection of high touch areas instead of a more extensive deep cleaning. In the picture for this blog you will see two SERVPRO of West West Topeka employees doing a COVID-19 cleaning for a commercial call facility.

If you have any questions about the services we offer, or if you need a COVID-19 cleanup please give us a call at 785-862-0550.

Water Damage Clean Up

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Clean Up

SERVPRO of West Topeka is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Topeka has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Commercial Building Maintenance

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Maintenance

When commercial business owners think about water damage, they often picture storms and natural disasters wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water coming from weather events and storms, that is not the only cause.

Many businesses on commercial property forget that damage can come from other internal issues as well. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work with fire protection systems. While these sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.

Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.

If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of West Topeka will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime at 785-862-0550

Professionally Drying Out Water Damage

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Professionally Drying Out Water Damage

Box fans are a good way to stay cool in the summer, but when it comes to significant water damage something more powerful is required to put a residence or commercial building back to where it needs to be.

The same can be said of general dehumidifiers. Small dehumidifiers in the basement can be helpful for general maintenance but when there is more than just moisture in the air something stronger is helpful.

SERVPRO of West Topeka is fully stocked with professional equipment to help with your next water damage. We have specialty fans and dehumidifiers to bring down humidity, conduct air, and help prevent any secondary damage.

SERVPRO also has a highly trained crew of professional water technicians that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help out on any loss.

Fire Damage Clean Up

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Clean Up

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tornado Safety

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Tornado Safety

With all the crazy weather the Midwest has in the spring and summer, it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. Below are some tips from the American Red Cross on the best ways to stay safe during a tornado.

Top Tips

Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.
Know the Difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning!

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible.
A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

What to do if your basement floods

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

What to do if your basement floods

Midwest summer weather is hard to predict but you can usually bet on some weeks of rainy weather, ranging from drizzles to monsoons, and knowing how to speed up the drying process and keep your belongings safe from damage is a must!

First of all Safety First!

If there is standing water, or any water, in your basement make sure you are wearing some sort of foot gear that will protect your feet from getting soaked.

NEVER plug in any sort of equipment near water or in to a damp socket!

Protect Your Belongings!

It is always a good idea to have any boxes or contents in your basement off the floor and up on pallets at all times in case of a flooded basement but if you don't or if you have a finished basement one of the first things you will want to do is move all (or as much as you can) of your contents and furniture away from the affected area. If you cannot get furniture out of the area place it up on foam blocks or at least put some sort of non permeable barrier in between the furniture and floor to help prevent further damage and staining.

Beginning the Drying Process!

Using a shop vac, plugged in to a power supply that has not been affected by the water, start to suck up the incoming water.

During normal conditions SERVPRO would happily perform all of the above for any homeowner but when extreme weather hits and thousands of people have flooded basements, we want to try and help as many people as we can. By performing the above tasks you can insure less loss until we can get there to help!

Covid 19 Commercial Cleaning

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

covid 19 commercial cleaning

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for 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 West Topeka today at 785-862-0550 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

You Can Trust SERVPRO With Your Restoration Needs | SERVPRO® of West Topeka

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

You Can Trust SERVPRO With Your Restoration Needs | SERVPRO® of West Topeka

When you’re choosing a service provider to take care of issues in your home or commercial property, there’s nothing more valuable than the peace of mind that comes with selecting the right company to work with.

Whether you’re dealing with routine maintenance or you have large-scale water, fire or storm damage on your hands, you can be assured that SERVPRO of West Topeka will provide you with outstanding service. Here’s why:

We Can Tackle Any Water Damage

Whether it’s from a sudden flood or a hidden leak, discovering water damage anywhere in your home or business can be alarming. Sadly, property flooding is very common, and floods cause more than $10 billion in damages nationwide every year.

However, by staying calm and following a few steps right away, you can get your property on the road to recovery in no time. With our water damage experts, a 24⁄7 Emergency Service line and the ability to work with your insurance provider on your behalf, we can provide a solution tailored to your situation and get your life back to normal faster.

Fire Damage Doesn’t Stand a Chance

A fire department in the United States responds to a fire every 23 seconds, and there was roughly $8.1 billion in direct property damage and losses nationwide in 2020.

Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your family and your home. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will always treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with great care.

If your home or business has sustained fire damage, we’ll jump right into action with our seven-step restoration process that includes an inspection and damage assessment before moving on to any repairs and construction.

Storm Damage

In Topeka and across the Great Plains, tornadoes are especially prevalent. Twisters can cause devastating and seemingly irreparable damage, but that’s where West Topeka’s team of restoration experts comes into play. Our goal is always to have you back in your newly restored home as soon as possible.

We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition. Using advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques, we document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready.

What Sets SERVPRO Apart?

We guarantee a quick response time. “Faster to any size disaster” is more than just a slogan to us. We know that the longer issues like mold, water and fire damage are allowed to fester, the more detrimental to your structure they can be.

Disasters don’t have respect for your schedule, but you can count on our 24⁄7 Emergency Service to be there whenever you call. Whether it’s a weekend, a holiday or the middle of the night, we’re at-the-ready to get your repairs started right away.

In addition, we always make an effort to keep up with the latest products and methods. As technologies change, best practices for cleaning and restoration do, too. You can count on our team to always put our best foot forward to help you out of a tough situation.

Covid Cleaning

5/22/2022 (Permalink)

Covid Cleaning

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need:

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19.
Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of COVID-19, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local
authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning: 785-862-0550
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of West Topeka

Smoke odors....real or imaginary

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

smoke odors.....real or imaginary?

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have!

Secondary damage from a water loss

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

secondary damage from a water loss

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of West Topeka handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information:

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker.
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to termites.
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

In Case of Emergency

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

In case of Emergency

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Tornadoes......Are you prepared?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are you prepared

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

• Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
• For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
• Look for the following danger signs:
• Dark, often greenish sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

• They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

• Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

• Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!  Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:       

• Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Do not open windows.
• A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

A manufactured home or office then:            

 Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

• If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
• Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
• Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
• In all situations:
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
• Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

After a Tornado

• If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
• Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
• Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
• If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.

Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of W. Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

How to Sanitize Surfaces

5/8/2022 (Permalink)

How to Sanitize Surfaces

In these uncertain times, SERVPRO of West Topeka knows staying safe and staying inside are two of the most important things you can do. However, if you have to go out for work, to get groceries, or you just need to get out of your house and take a walk, it is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

General Surface Cleaning

Physically removes microbes if possible, rather than killing them with a sanitizer or disinfectant. 

Sanitizing

To be a registered sanitizer, test results must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacteria.

Disinfecting

Destroys or irreversibly inactivates microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi.

If someone in your home or work area does test positive for COVID-19, or if you want preventative sanitizing done, SERVPRO of West Topeka has all the correct equipment to get it done for you. Just call us at 785-862-0550.

Odor Removal

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

Odor Removal

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that sometimes odors happen and there can be any number of causes. Whether it be a rogue mouse that died in a wall, nicotine residue from years of cigarette smoke buildup, or a pile of your kids soccer jerseys that you forgot about in the trunk of your car.

SERVPRO is prepared to deal with any and all of these issues. The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as pros in deodorization, we're able to take care of it. Whether it’s a smoky smell in a vehicle, or a locker room full of stinky equipment, we’ve got odor solutions for any size job.

So if you have any questions about how SERVPRO can help out with odors in your residential or commercial property or in your car, just give us a call at 785-862-0550!

Commercial Building Clean Up

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Clean Up

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that water, mold, and fire damage can happen in any commercial property just as easily as any residential property. That is why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call. SERVPRO employs highly trained technicians who are ready to work on any kind of loss, big or small. We have experience with many different types of commercial buildings from cleaning facilities to industrial park buildings to churches. In the photo for this blog you will see one of the many churches we have worked on. This particular building had extensive water damage from a roof leak. We were able to mitigate the damage and return all the affected parts of the building back to preloss conditions.

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Hazards of water damage

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Hazards of water damage

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that in these uncertain times some things always remain the same. And one of those things is unexpected damage to your home. And whether that damage is from a rain storm, a tornado, or a broken refrigerator line, SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help! If you experience a water loss or a flood, one of the most important things you can do is to identify potential hazards as soon as possible.

Here are a few to remember:

Ceiling: If water damage has occurred to your roof/ceiling, the ceiling/roof could potentially be unstable
Electrical shock hazards: Lights can indicate if the power is still on and if the area is dangerous. DO NOT touch any sockets or switches to check if the lights are on.

Air Fryer Safety

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Air Fryer Safety

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze!

Here at SERVPRO of West Topeka we love a good cooking trend as much as the next person. However, it is always important to understand how to properly maintain your cooking tools no matter how big or small they are.

Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO of West Topeka with a fire damage.

DO: Invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality flash point oil.

DON'T: Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical based non-stick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.

SERVPRO of West Topeka 785-862-0550

What is PPE and why is it important

3/26/2022 (Permalink)

What is PPE and why is it important

SERVPRO of West Topeka has always been a leader in the biohazard cleanup industry. From animal feces to crime scene cleanup we have handled it all. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit we felt prepared to handle cleanup of exposures to the virus with effectiveness and efficiency. SERVPRO always follows proper cleanup protocol including wearing PPE. PPE stands for personal protective equipment, and while most people outside our industry had never heard of it before COVID-19, there are plenty of questions about it now. Below you will find some important reasons why our highly trained employees wear PPE on job sites.

PPE helps to:
-Protect workers from threat of viral pathogens in area
-Protect area from potential contamination by our workers
-Protect from harmful contaminants in water or particulates in the air during our fire restoration & water mitigation work

The Business Partner You Didn’t Know You Needed

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

The Business Partner You Didn’t Know You Needed

As the owner or manager of a business, you are well aware that running a smooth operation demands the aid of every available hand. Significant delays or losses may force you to shut your doors permanently.

However, your business already has a hidden partner that can help with all of your cleaning and recovery requirements, and it is essentially in your backyard. SERVPRO of West Topeka is capable of meeting a broad variety of business requirements; it’s as if you have a business partner you never knew about managing an integral portion of your organization’s success plan.

Large Loss Recovery. Fires, storms and floods are the most prevalent causes of financial loss for companies in the United States, and they may result in much greater harm if immediate action is not taken. When you contact SERVPRO, you are contacting a highly skilled staff that is accessible 24 hours a day to provide proven emergency services, minimizing business disruptions and expediting the recovery process.

Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery can start even before a tragedy strikes—that is, if your business has been well-prepared. We can aid you in planning the course of action to take after a disaster. During a crisis, you may need an emergency chain of command, alternate meeting or workplaces, and temporary suppliers; we’ll design it with you so that all of these plans may be initiated with a single button click.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We offer solutions for a broad range of cleaning situations, from highly specialized requirements such as trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to more routine requirements such as carpet cleaning and upholstery restoration. We’ve been in this industry a long time and have seen and cleaned just about anything.

Restoration Services. Flash floods may occur as a result of a storm. Interns could start a fire in the kitchen. It is possible for a water main to explode. Each of these occurrences needs cleaning and repair. You can count on us to restore your business’ shine after a property damage tragedy, from water removal through restoration.

Industry Specialization. There is no industry that we cannot assist, and we have spent decades learning their complexities. We can help your organization with any unique or specific cleaning or restoration needs. In many cases, we may even fence the work area to prevent interfering with the usual operations of nearby districts.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Carpet, Upholstery, Duct Cleaning

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet, Upholstery, Duct Cleaning

It is March 1st and you know what that means...MARCH MADNESS!! As we are finally able to get back together with friends and family it is very exciting but also has the potential to create a lot of dirt buildup and potential spills and messes in our homes. Especially if you are having some extra exciting March Madness parties. As you watch your favorite team go for the win you could also be spilling several layers of that seven layer dip on the carpet or sofa. And if you have kids and/or pets running around that can create an extra layer to be cleaned up as well. Whether it's water damage, dirty furniture, dirty carpets, or clogged ducts SERVPRO can clean it up. Just give us a call at 785-862-0550!

Emergency Preparation Plan for Businesses

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Preparation Plan for Businesses

Managing an organization is like to balancing on a ledge. Numerous factors must be considered when determining the number of people to recruit, their compensation and how to keep current with an ever-changing economic market.

It’s a full-time job, to be sure, but if we’re being honest, it’s more like an overtime job! You’ve invested an extraordinary amount of time and effort to get to this point. However, if disaster strikes, will you be prepared?

A single disaster often brings a business to its knees. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses fail to reopen after a catastrophic event, and 25% of those that do reopen close their doors within a year.

A disaster plan is more critical than ever for small companies, since the economic horizon is unpredictable, particularly in the aftermath of recent pandemic shutdowns. As many as 75% of small firms do not have a strategy in place, and this has to change.

SERVPRO of West Topeka is glad to assist companies in the community with an Emergency Preparedness Plan. Regardless of your location or business, we can help you in determining what to do after a disaster.

You’ll be aware of the whole process from beginning to end. When a crisis strikes, your strategy is already in place and ready to take action immediately in order to mitigate the delay to your business. If an emergency occurs, you and your team will know precisely who to call, what to do and when.

Prepare in advance to avoid making your business’ pathway even more difficult than it currently is. SERVPRO specialists in your area can assist you in building an Emergency Ready Plan to aid in disaster recovery. It might be the difference between survival and failure in the aftermath of a disaster.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Commercial and Residential Services

2/20/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial and Residential Services

When you spot the green SERVPRO vehicle driving through your neighborhood, what do you think of?

Most people think of SERVPRO as a cleaning company of some kind, and that’s not wrong, but it is only a fraction of what we truly are capable of. We’re a full service company—specializing in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage or even natural disasters.

Read on to learn more about the comprehensive services SERVPRO specializes in:

Water damage recovery. When your home or business experiences damage from a flood or a leak, we have the expertise and equipment to properly dry and restore your property.

Fire damage recovery. Not many people realize that in the US a fire occurs every 23 seconds. If your home or business happens to be affected by a fire, we know what it takes to get you back in action.

Mold removal. A mold infestation can quickly spread when a home or business suffers a water damage. Mold can be dangerous enough to threaten the structure of your home. Let us provide you with experts who have professional training and experience to properly resolve your mold infestation.

Storm recovery. Natural disasters can bring severe damage and destruction. We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your home or business dry and back to pre-storm condition.

Commercial needs. We offer businesses the same services we offer homeowners, plus even more. Your commercial property’s appearance can affect your client’s experience with you, so let us give you a clean that will make you proud and keep your clients impressed.

General cleaning. You may need some help cleaning those difficult or hard-to-reach places from from time to time. From your carpets and upholstery to your ceilings and floors, we can help ease the burden of those difficult tasks, creating a safe and clean living environment for you and your family.

Specialty cleaning. We offer everything from HVAC and air duct cleaning to biohazard cleanup and even document cleaning. If it can get grimy or gross, we can clean it.

Construction. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. We can simplify the rebuilding process by taking care of both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas.

24/7 Water Damage Specialists

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Topeka provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

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 of West Topeka arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 785-862-0550

Preventing frozen and burst pipes

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Preventing frozen and burst pipes

It's that time of year again. Cold! With temperatures constantly dipping below freezing and winter storms all over the country, it is time to make sure your pipes don't freeze and/or burst. 

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of West Topeka. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

A 24/7 disaster recovery business

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

A 24/7 disaster recovery business

It makes sense for some businesses and service providers to keep business hours—it lets you know when they’ll be available to serve you, and in turn, they only have to operate during times when their service is likely to be needed. Makes perfect sense, most of the time.

But home disasters aren’t predictable—they can pop up anytime a pipe decides to burst or a destructive storm forms from thin air. In those cases, office hours aren’t nearly as helpful, because between the time one business day ends and the next begins, there’s a whopping 16 hours—that’s the majority of the day!

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows you can’t predict a disaster scenario. That’s why you never have to wait when you have an emergency—you can reach our helpful teams 24 hours a day to get the process of cleanup and recovery underway.

When you have to wait, bad things happen.

After a fire. The opening salvo for a fire is a flaming tower, but that’s not the end of things. Soot and smoke take only minutes to settle into walls, ceilings, and—you’d better believe—carpets.

As minutes turn to hours, the black slime they produce and smell they leave become permanent parts of your home’s landscape, meaning extra time and money have to be invested in reconstructing the surfaces they ruin.

After water damage. Once your home encounters water damage, a stopwatch starts ticking, and when it counts up to 48 hours, you have a mold issue on top of your initial water damage.

Mold growth physically threatens all kinds of organic surfaces in your home and on your possessions, and if left unmitigated it also becomes a rather serious threat to your health, especially if anyone in the home has pre-existing issues with asthma or respiratory difficulty.

And that’s just touching the surface. Flooding, natural disasters and powerful storms can make for sudden scenarios in which you need immediate help—and none of them pay attention to office hours. Fortunately, you’re linked up with the best team in the industry, right here in the neighborhood.

You don’t have to wait when you have a disaster at home. There’s a PRO for that.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Fire Facts: Christmas Trees

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Facts: Christmas Trees

When celebrating Christmas SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that the tree is one of the most exciting decorations. However, whether the tree is real or fake there can be real fire hazards if you do not take the proper precautions. Firefighters respond to about 160 home fires started by Christmas trees each year. Nearly half (45%) of them are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Another 22% of Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source being too close to the tree. And 15% of fires are intentional. All in all these Christmas tree fires cause $10 million dollars in annual property damage. 

For fire cleanup services, call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550

Storm Preparedness: Emergency Contacts

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Preparedness: Emergency Contacts

SERVPRO of West Topeka is always prepared in case of emergency. In order to be as prepared as possible, we have compiled several different check lists and make sure to check them twice! One list that is very important is the emergency contact list. Emergency contact lists that include friends, family, and neighbors are key to prepping for any disaster. Another great tool is Facebook. You may know how to mark yourself safe on the app after a crisis, but did you know you can REQUEST updates, too? See the link for more information! https://bddy.me/3yP3k5l

If you are in need of our services or have any questions please call us! We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! 

Employee Appreciation

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to SERVPRO of West Topeka's Employee Spotlight Series! Shawna Boberg is a Crew Chief for SERVPRO of West Topeka. She has been working with the company for several years, and helps provide excellent customer service for all of our customers. She also has the following certification from Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Fire and Smoke Restoration. In her spare time she loves to go hiking and running. Her favorite part of her job is helping others through difficult situations. Her favorite Topeka restaurant is El Mezcal!

If you would like to check out the rest of our SERVPRO of West Topeka team please click here. And remember we are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Wildfire Preparedness

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfire Preparedness

SERVPRO of West Topeka is always prepared for any disaster that might come our way, but are you? We always want to make sure you have all the information to prevent any kind of disaster. If you live somewhere where wildfires are prevalent here are some tips for keeping your home safe. First, prep by removing flammable materials using the 3 Home Ignition Zones.

1. Immediate Zone: 0-5 feet: 
   
   • Start with the home itself: Clear roof and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles
   • Replace/Repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles
   • Clear debris from exterior attic vents
   • Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors, this includes: mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, and firewood piles
   • Remove anything stored underneath decks and porches
2. Intermediate Zone: 5-30 feet
3. Extended Zone: 30-100 feet

Employee Appreciation

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Andy is a Production Manager at SERVPRO of West Topeka. He has been with us for several years and has the following certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Applied Microbial Remediation, Applied Structural Drying, Carpet Cleaning, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration. In his free time he prides himself on being a great dad to his son by getting him outside and active and always helping him learn something new! Andy's favorite part of his job is the opportunity to help a customer in need. He enjoys being able to put someone's mind at ease and help save their home. His favorite Topeka restaurant is The Wheel Barrel. It is an awesome place to grab a bite!

Proper Cleaning of Commercial Buildings

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Proper Cleaning of Commercial Buildings

What exactly does it mean to be clean? SERVPRO of West Topeka cleaning professionals define it this way.

1. Looks Clean: A before and after comparison where there has to be a visible difference so we satisfy our customers.
2. Smells Clean: Source of odor is removed and a pleasant, short term fragrance is left behind.
3. Feels Clean: The "hand" feel should be soft, luxurious, and inviting. No residues are detected.
4. Stays Clean: Applying a fiber protector is necessary for carpet or textile fibers to stay clean.
5. Dries Fast: Customers can use their room or furniture shortly after cleaning.
6. Sanitized: A reduction of microorganisms for a safe and healthy environment to live in.

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows how important proper cleaning and sanitizing is in these uncertain times so if you have any questions about our process please call us at 785-862-0550!

Removing odor from sports equipment

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Removing odor from sports equipment

SERVPRO of West Topeka is the MOST excited that football season is almost back! However, with the return of sports, comes sports odors. These can be particularly strong if you happen to be a parent washing your teenagers sports gear. That sports equipment is dirty and smells awful. While you might have an extra strong detergent to deal with the uniforms, there are other pieces of equipment that can not be so easily taken care of, and that is where SERVPRO comes in. With a deodorization treatment, franchise pros clean and remove those lingering smells. The multi-step process includes the help of an ozone generator that produces ozone atoms that neutralize odor molecules and remove the smell. Remove the smell from: football pads, cleats, gloves, helmets, and more! 

Employee Appreciation

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Jay Coverdale is the Marketing Manager for SERVPRO of West Topeka. He has several years of experience working with different communities to bring fun and exciting marketing based events to life. He has been with us for a little over 2 years. He also has the following certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Carpet Cleaning. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family and work on restoring old cars. His favorite part of the job is meeting new people. He likes building relationships with people and helping our customers recover from unexpected events in life. His favorite Topeka restaurant is The Blind Tiger! 

If you would like to check out the rest of our team click here

Employee Appreciation

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Tavis Graika is a Production Technician at SERVPRO of West Topeka. He has been with us for almost a year and is excited to be a part of the SERVPRO team. He is very dedicated to providing excellent customer service to all our customers. In his spare time he likes to ride his skateboard and work on his car. His favorite part of the job is interacting with customers and coworkers, as well as getting to be hands on every day. His favorite Topeka restaurant is Tup Tim Thai!

If you would like to check out the rest of our SERVPRO of West Topeka please click here and remember SERVPRO is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Water Damage Cleanup

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup

SERVPRO of West Topeka is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Topeka has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Commercial Building Maintenance

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Maintenance

When commercial business owners think about water damage, they often picture storms and natural disasters wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water coming from weather events and storms, that is not the only cause.

Many businesses on commercial property forget that damage can come from other internal issues as well. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work with fire protection systems. While these sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.

Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.

If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of West Topeka will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime at 785-862-0550

Sanitizing a commercial building

6/12/2021 (Permalink)

Sanitizing a commercial building

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, SERVPRO of West Topeka has been an industry leader when it comes to cleaning up biohazards. We employ highly trained technicians who know how to use the proper equipment to thoroughly clean and disinfect commercial and residential properties. No matter how big or small SERVPRO can disinfect it all. We are prepared for a deep cleaning if someone in your office or home has tested positive for COVID-19, or we can also perform preventative cleanings as well. Another service we offer is a disinfection of high touch areas instead of a more extensive deep cleaning. In the picture for this blog you will see two SERVPRO of West West Topeka employees doing a COVID-19 cleaning for a commercial call facility.

If you have any questions about the services we offer, or if you need a COVID-19 cleanup please give us a call at 785-862-0550.

Fire Damage Cleanup

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Cleanup

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Commercial Property Damage

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Damage

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of West Topeka is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Tornado Safety

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Tornado Safety

With all the crazy weather the Midwest has in the spring and summer, it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. Below are some tips from the American Red Cross on the best ways to stay safe during a tornado.

Top Tips

Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.
Know the Difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning!

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible.
A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

What to do if your basement floods

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

What to do if your basement floods

Midwest summer weather is hard to predict but you can usually bet on some weeks of rainy weather, ranging from drizzles to monsoons, and knowing how to speed up the drying process and keep your belongings safe from damage is a must!

First of all Safety First!

If there is standing water, or any water, in your basement make sure you are wearing some sort of foot gear that will protect your feet from getting soaked.

NEVER plug in any sort of equipment near water or in to a damp socket!

Protect Your Belongings!

It is always a good idea to have any boxes or contents in your basement off the floor and up on pallets at all times in case of a flooded basement but if you don't or if you have a finished basement one of the first things you will want to do is move all (or as much as you can) of your contents and furniture away from the affected area. If you cannot get furniture out of the area place it up on foam blocks or at least put some sort of non permeable barrier in between the furniture and floor to help prevent further damage and staining.

Beginning the Drying Process!

Using a shop vac, plugged in to a power supply that has not been affected by the water, start to suck up the incoming water.

During normal conditions SERVPRO would happily perform all of the above for any homeowner but when extreme weather hits and thousands of people have flooded basements, we want to try and help as many people as we can. By performing the above tasks you can insure less loss until we can get there to help!

Professionally drying out water damage

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Professionally drying out water damage

Box fans are a good way to stay cool in the summer, but when it comes to significant water damage something more powerful is required to put a residence or commercial building back to where it needs to be.

The same can be said of general dehumidifiers. Small dehumidifiers in the basement can be helpful for general maintenance but when there is more than just moisture in the air something stronger is helpful.

SERVPRO of West Topeka is fully stocked with professional equipment to help with your next water damage. We have specialty fans and dehumidifiers to bring down humidity, conduct air, and help prevent any secondary damage.

SERVPRO also has a highly trained crew of professional water technicians that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help out on any loss.

COVID-19 Commercial Cleaning

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Commercial Cleaning

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for 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 West Topeka today at 785-862-0550 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

COVID-19 Cleaning

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Cleaning

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need:

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19.
Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of COVID-19, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local
authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning: 785-862-0550
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of West Topeka

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have!

Tornado Preparedness

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Tornado Preparedness

Tornado and Hurricane Preparedeness Week begins today and SERVPRO of West Topeka is sharing tips to help you get ready!

Start by creating an emergency plan for your family that includes emergency meeting places in your home, neighborhood, and outside your neighborhood. Create a plan here-> https://bddy.me/2Q3gjA6

Another important preparedness step is having an emergency kit at work, in your car, and at home. This could include a backpack, water, nonperishable food, a blanket, etc. 

Another good step is reviewing your insurance. Look at your policies ahead of time to see what's covered and if flood insurance is available to you since it's the leading cause of damage from tropical systems.

If you do have damage from a storm event call SERVPRO of West Topeka and we will get you taken care of. 

Secondary Damage from a Water Issue

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Secondary Damage from a Water Issue

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of West Topeka handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information:

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker.
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to termites.
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

Sanitizing Surfaces

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Sanitizing Surfaces

In these uncertain times, SERVPRO of West Topeka knows staying safe is the most important thing you can do, both for yourself and others. However, if you have to go out for work, to get groceries, or you just need to get out of your house and take a walk, it is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

General Surface Cleaning

Physically removes microbes if possible, rather than killing them with a sanitizer or disinfectant. 

Sanitizing

To be a registered sanitizer, test results must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacteria.

Disinfecting

Destroys or irreversibly inactivates microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi.

If someone in your home or work area does test positive for COVID-19, or if you want preventative sanitizing done, SERVPRO of West Topeka has all the correct equipment to get it done for you. Just call us at 785-862-0550.

In case of emergency...

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

In case of emergency...

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Commercial Building Clean Up

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Clean Up

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that water, mold, and fire damage can happen in any commercial property just as easily as any residential property. That is why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call. SERVPRO employs highly trained technicians who are ready to work on any kind of loss, big or small. We have experience with many different types of commercial buildings from cleaning facilities to industrial park buildings to churches. In the photo for this blog you will see one of the many churches we have worked on. This particular building had extensive water damage from a roof leak. We were able to mitigate the damage and return all the affected parts of the building back to preloss conditions.

Smoke Damage vs Soot Damage

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage vs Soot Damage

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Preparing for Tornado Season

4/25/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for Tornado Season

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Odor Removal

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Odor Removal

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that sometimes odors happen and there can be any number of causes. Whether it be a rogue mouse that died in a wall, nicotine residue from years of cigarette smoke buildup, or a pile of your kids soccer jerseys that you forgot about in the trunk of your car.

SERVPRO is prepared to deal with any and all of these issues. The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as pros in deodorization, we're able to take care of it. Whether it’s a smoky smell in a vehicle, or a locker room full of stinky equipment, we’ve got odor solutions for any size job.

So if you have any questions about how SERVPRO can help out with odors in your residential or commercial property or in your car, just give us a call at 785-862-0550!

What to do if you have a water damage

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

What to do if you have a water damage

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that in these uncertain times some things always remain the same. And one of those things is unexpected damage to your home. And whether that damage is from a rain storm, a tornado, or a broken refrigerator line, SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help! If you experience a water loss or a flood, one of the most important things you can do is to identify potential hazards as soon as possible.

Here are a few to remember:

Ceiling: If water damage has occurred to your roof/ceiling, the ceiling/roof could potentially be unstable
Electrical shock hazards: Lights can indicate if the power is still on and if the area is dangerous. DO NOT touch any sockets or switches to check if the lights are on.

Air Fryer Safety

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Air Fryer Safety

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze!

Here at SERVPRO of West Topeka we love a good cooking trend as much as the next person. However, it is always important to understand how to properly maintain your cooking tools no matter how big or small they are.

Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO of West Topeka with a fire damage.

DO: Invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality flash point oil.

DON'T: Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical based non-stick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.

SERVPRO of West Topeka 785-862-0550

How often should you clean your air ducts

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

How often should you clean your air ducts

It's almost that time of year again...Spring Cleaning! SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that good old fashioned elbow grease can only go so far. And with everyone spending more time at home that means things are getting dirty faster, including your HVAC system. 

Did you know that ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the air duct work of your home or business. If your HVAC system has been operating for awhile without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust, and other contaminants. Especially if you have multiple pets. All that dander! EW! 

Give SERVPRO of West Topeka a call to see if -y-our air ducts or carpets need cleaning. Call us at 785-862-0550!

What is PPE and why is it important

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

What is PPE and why is it important

SERVPRO of West Topeka has always been a leader in the biohazard cleanup industry. From animal feces to crime scene cleanup we have handled it all. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit we felt prepared to handle cleanup of exposures to the virus with effectiveness and efficiency. SERVPRO always follows proper cleanup protocol including wearing PPE. PPE stands for personal protective equipment, and while most people outside our industry had never heard of it before COVID-19, there are plenty of questions about it now. Below you will find some important reasons why our highly trained employees wear PPE on job sites.

PPE helps to:
-Protect workers from threat of viral pathogens in area
-Protect area from potential contamination by our workers
-Protect from harmful contaminants in water or particulates in the air during our fire restoration & water mitigation work

How to remove peanut butter from your carpet or sofa

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

How to remove peanut butter from your carpet or sofa

There are so many different ways to enjoy peanut butter! You can make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a peanut butter and nutella sandwich, or go old school and make a peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich! And of course there is always spooning it out of the container and eating it straight. No matter how you choose to eat it, peanut butter rocks, until it gets in your carpet or sofa.

First, remove it by scraping up the excess peanut butter.

Second, apply a dry solvent product.

Third, cover the area with a white towel, and gently tamp the area repeatedly. Make sure to rotate the towel and use clean areas of the towel until all the peanut butter is removed.

Lastly, remake whatever you were eating that had peanut butter in it so you can satisfy that craving! 

#PeanutButterLovers 

How to test for moisture after a water damage

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

How to properly dry out a home or business after a water damage

Here at SERVPRO we know that just because something looks dry after a water damage, it does not necessarily mean that it is dry. That is why our highly trained technicians have moisture meters, as well as other specialty equipment, to make sure that your home or business is completely dry before we finish the job. Finding ALL of the water after a water loss is critical for drying and safety. Even sanitary water left standing can become contaminated within days. It can also lead to secondary damage like mold if left for too long.

Some of the places we check are:

-Ceilings of rooms underneath the source of the water damage
-Walls in the immediate area as well any rooms beneath the water damaged area
-Floors in the immediate area
-Insulation 
-Duct systems
-Crawl spaces
-Basements

How to safely clean up after a fire

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

How to safely clean up after a fire

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka has a highly trained staff of fire restoration experts? We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the most efficient and effective techniques for cleaning and restoring houses and businesses after there has been fire damage. SERVPRO also always makes sure no matter where our technicians are working, that they are being as safe as possible. If you have ever had to clean after a small home fire, you know it is important to watch where you step and stay safe.

Here are 3 tips for working safer in a smoke-damaged space.

1. Ventilation: removes most of the gases emitted from debris in the building

2.Use a Ladder: to clean high walls and/or ceilings from a safe position

3. Wear a Respirator: there are many types and degrees of respirators, which one you need depends on the level of smoke residues

Document Restoration Services

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Document Restoration Services

SERVPRO Franchises have been answering the call since 1967 and SERVPRO is easily one of the most recognizable and reliable brands for both residential and commercial cleaning and restoration services. But did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers more than just your basic cleaning services? In fact SERVPRO has an entire team dedicated to Document Restoration. If you've experienced damage to important or beloved documents, let us help. If you were storing a box of favorite childhood books in your basement and experience flooding resulting in water damage to the books we may be able to help! SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that sentimental value is just as important, if not more important, than monetary value and we are here to help.

You can contact us at 785-862-0550

Tips For Making Your Carpet Last Longer

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Tips For Making Your Carpet Last Longer

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that keeping your carpets cleaned can sometimes feel like a full time job. Especially if you have kids and pets running around! In these times of working from home and online learning it can be extra challenging to keep your house clean, and easier to notice when the carpets are getting dirty! But not to worry! SERVPRO is here to help! Being #1 in the industry, means we know dirt. We have highly trained carpet cleaning technicians that are ready to get your carpets back in to shape. There are also some things you can do to keep help your carpet last longer. See below for our tips!

5 Tips For Making Your Carpet Last Longer:

1. Vacuum regularly
2. Spot removal
3. Groom carpet to prevent matting
4. Move furniture to change traffic patterns
5. Use welcome mats to limit the soil tracked in

Smoke Detector Safety

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Detector Safety

SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that life can get pretty hectic, and when that happens it can be easy to forgot those simple household tasks like laundry, dishes, or buying the milk. So it is understandable that things like checking the batteries on your smoke detector can fall completely off the back burner. However, today is National Battery Day! So put it on your calendars  and while you're at it check all your batteries! Because as we know batteries die, not only that but other parts of the smoke detector can wear out over time. Testing your smoke detector batteries regularly and replacing batteries is one way to help ensure your family stays safe should there be a fire in your home. #NationalBatteryDay #StaySafe

IICRC Certified

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified

SERVPRO of West Topeka is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must:
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Faster Response to Your Water Damage!

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Faster Response to Your Water Damage!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Topeka provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

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 of West Topeka arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Preventing Winter Water Damages

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Winter Water Damages

When it comes to winter weather in the Midwest one word comes to mind: Unpredictable! But there are plenty of things you can do to be prepared for whatever happens this winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot. A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home. Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home. At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Don’t forget we are just a phone call away!

785-862-0550

Commercial Building Maintenance

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Maintenance

When commercial business owners think about water damage, they often picture storms and natural disasters wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water coming from weather events and storms, that is not the only cause.

Many businesses on commercial property forget that damage can come from other internal issues as well. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work with fire protection systems. While these sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.

Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.

If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of West Topeka will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime at 785-862-0550

Our Water Damage Process

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our Water Damage Process

SERVPRO of West Topeka is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Topeka has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Preparing for Commercial Property Damage

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing for Commercial Property Damage

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of West Topeka is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

The first steps to any water damage...

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

The first steps to any water damage...

Midwest summer weather is hard to predict but you can usually bet on some weeks of rainy weather, ranging from drizzles to monsoons, and knowing how to speed up the drying process and keep your belongings safe from damage is a must!

First of all Safety First!

If there is standing water, or any water, in your basement make sure you are wearing some sort of foot gear that will protect your feet from getting soaked.

NEVER plug in any sort of equipment near water or in to a damp socket!

Protect Your Belongings!

It is always a good idea to have any boxes or contents in your basement off the floor and up on pallets at all times in case of a flooded basement but if you don't or if you have a finished basement one of the first things you will want to do is move all (or as much as you can) of your contents and furniture away from the affected area. If you cannot get furniture out of the area place it up on foam blocks or at least put some sort of non permeable barrier in between the furniture and floor to help prevent further damage and staining.

Beginning the Drying Process!

Using a shop vac, plugged in to a power supply that has not been affected by the water, start to suck up the incoming water.

During normal conditions SERVPRO would happily perform all of the above for any homeowner but when extreme weather hits and thousands of people have flooded basements, we want to try and help as many people as we can. By performing the above tasks you can insure less loss until we can get there to help!

Why Commercial Drying Equipment is Important

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Why Commercial Drying Equipment is Important

Box fans are a good way to stay cool in the summer, but when it comes to significant water damage something more powerful is required to put a residence or commercial building back to where it needs to be.

The same can be said of general dehumidifiers. Small dehumidifiers in the basement can be helpful for general maintenance but when there is more than just moisture in the air something stronger is helpful.

SERVPRO of West Topeka is fully stocked with professional equipment to help with your next water damage. We have specialty fans and dehumidifiers to bring down humidity, conduct air, and help prevent any secondary damage.

SERVPRO also has a highly trained crew of professional water technicians that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help out on any loss.

Staying safe during a tornado

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Staying safe during a tornado

With all the crazy weather the Midwest has in the spring and summer, it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. Below are some tips from the American Red Cross on the best ways to stay safe during a tornado.

Top Tips

Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.
Know the Difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning!

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible.
A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

How to clean up after a fire damage

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

How to clean up after a fire damage

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

COVID-19 Commercial Cleaning

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Commercial Cleaning

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, SERVPRO of West Topeka has been an industry leader when it comes to cleaning up biohazards. We employ highly trained technicians who know how to use the proper equipment to thoroughly clean and disinfect commercial and residential properties. No matter how big or small SERVPRO can disinfect it all. We are prepared for a deep cleaning if someone in your office or home has tested positive for COVID-19, or we can also perform preventative cleanings as well. Another service we offer is a disinfection of high touch areas instead of a more extensive deep cleaning. In the picture for this blog you will see two SERVPRO of West West Topeka employees doing a COVID-19 cleaning for a commercial call facility. 

If you have any questions about the services we offer, or if you need a COVID-19 cleanup please give us a call at 785-862-0550.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

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

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for 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 West Topeka today at 785-862-0550 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Fire Safety 101

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety 101

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers Continuing Education Courses in a variety of categories! Recently we held a course on Fire Safety and Best Practices at a local fire station.

Our technicians were allowed to build three test rooms on the fire station's campus and fill them with contents to resemble a living room, dining room, and bedroom.

After the lecture series on Fire Safety and Best Practices the fire fighters lit the rooms on fire one by one and the participants were able to observe what the progression of a fire looks like in real time.

After the fire fighters put out the controlled fire the participants were allowed to look up and close and observe what kind of fire damage SERVPRO of West Topeka technicians see when we first arrive on site for a fire damage cleanup.

All in all the day was very informative. If you have any questions on fires and fire cleanup please contact us at 785-862-0550!

Cleaning Commercial Buildings

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Commercial Buildings

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka services commercial properties as well as residential!

When heavy rains and inclement weather occur it is not only residential properties that take a hit but commercial buildings as well. That is why SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your commercial property has been damaged by the recent storms, or there is secondary damage from a previous loss we are here to help! We have handled several large scale water, mold, reconstruction, and fire losses for commercial properties and are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding any work your commercial building needs!

If you are interested in making sure your commercial building is ready in the event of an emergency we have programs set in place to help you with that as well! Please see out blog entitled "What is an ERP?"

If you have any further questions feel free to contact us at 785-862-0550!

Spring Showers...

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Spring Showers...

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between hot and cold. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. 

Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. It is important to be prepared for when nature strikes.

Advanced planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps that you would for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand.

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

After the storms if you find you have damage to your home, don't forget SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help 24/7. We are ready for whatever the weather leaves behind!

Call us today 785-862-0550

Watch out for secondary damage!

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Watch out for secondary damage!

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of West Topeka handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information:

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker.
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to termites.
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have! 

Safely Cleaning Your Home

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Safely Cleaning Your Home

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that during these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic everything is more stressful than usual. And this includes any damage that occurs to your home or business, especially if you have children stuck at home with you. We know that just because the world arround us is changing drastically, some things will always remain the same. And one of those things is unexpected damage to your home or business.

Rest assured SERVPRO is here to help clean up any damage you might have in a way that is safe for you and anyone in your home or business. 

SERVPRO has always been a specialist in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. 

If you have any questions about our process or the sanitizing services that we offer, feel free to give us a call! 

Smoke vs Soot

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke vs Soot

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Get Yourself an ERP!

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Get Yourself an ERP!

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected.

Let me ask you something. If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct them how to shut off the gas or water from the table?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed a really cool app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

Right about now, if you're like most people, you are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free.

Well SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 785-862-0550

In case of emergency...

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

In case of emergency...

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Staying Safe During Tornado Season

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Staying Safe During Tornado Season

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

How to sanitize a surface

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

How to sanitize a surface

In these uncertain times, SERVPRO of West Topeka knows staying safe and staying inside are two of the most important things you can do. However, if you have to go out for work, to get groceries, or you just need to get out of your house and take a walk, it is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

General Surface Cleaning

Physically removes microbes if possible, rather than killing them with a sanitizer or disinfectant. 

Sanitizing

To be a registered sanitizer, test results must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacteria.

Disinfecting

Destroys or irreversibly inactivates microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi.

If someone in your home or work area does test positive for COVID-19, or if you want preventative sanitizing done, SERVPRO of West Topeka has all the correct equipment to get it done for you. Just call us at 785-862-0550.

Repairing Your Fire Damage

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Repairing Your Fire Damage

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that fire damage and smoke damage don't stop because of a pandemic. As the cleanup pros, SERVPRO of West Topeka is prepared and ready to continue offering services despite this current COVID-19 pandemic. SERVPRO has all the proper protective equipment and disinfectant to continue helping you with any sort of damage you may have in your home or business. As far as fires go, SERVPRO of West Topeka offer 5 areas of restoration services for fire damages:

Mitigation Services

Structural Cleaning Services 

Contents Cleaning Services

Specialty Restoration Services 

Reconstruction Services

If you have any questions about our cleanup and restoration process, or how we are following proper procedure during this COVID-19 crisis just give us a call to see how we can help!

Staying safe during a water damage

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Staying safe during a water damage

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that in these uncertain times some things always remain the same. And one of those things is unexpected damage to your home. And whether that damage is from a rain storm, a tornado, or a broken refrigerator line, SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help! If you experience a water loss or a flood, one of the most important things you can do is to identify potential hazards as soon as possible.

Here are a few to remember: 

Ceiling: If water damage has occurred to your roof/ceiling, the ceiling/roof could potentially be unstable
Electrical shock hazards: Lights can indicate if the power is still on and if the area is dangerous. DO NOT touch any sockets or switches to check if the lights are on
Contaminated water
Hidden hazards in the water

Commercial Clean Up

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Clean Up

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that water, mold, and fire damage can happen in any commercial property just as easily as any residential property. That is why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call. SERVPRO employs highly trained technicians who are ready to work on any kind of loss, big or small. We have experience with many different types of commercial buildings from cleaning facilities to industrial park buildings to churches. In the photo for this blog you will see one of the many churches we have worked on. This particular building had extensive water damage from a roof leak. We were able to mitigate the damage and return all the affected parts of the building back to preloss conditions. 

COVID-19 Update

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 UPDATE: WE ARE OPEN!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need:

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19.
Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of COVID-19, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local
authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning: 785-862-0550
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of West Topeka

Odor Removal

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Odor Removal

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that sometimes odors happen and there can be any number of causes. Whether it be a rogue mouse that died in a wall, nicotine residue from years of cigarette smoke buildup, or a pile of your kids soccer jerseys that you forgot about in the trunk of your car. SERVPRO is prepared to deal with any and all of these issues. The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as pros in deodorization, we're able to take care of it. Whether it’s a smoky smell in a vehicle, or a locker room full of stinky equipment, we’ve got odor solutions for any size job. So if you have any questions about how SERVPRO can help out with odors in your residential or commercial property or in your car, just give us a call at 785-862-0550!

First Responders

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

First Responders

SERVPRO of West Topeka recently recognized The Soldier Township Fire Department and the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Communications Division for their service to the Topeka Community.

We are truly honored to recognize the hard working men and women who are serving and protecting our local communities. We are grateful for the sacrifice and service these brave men and women provide 24/7/365. When our lives are in danger these organizations perform at their best to provide the help needed. In addition, these two organizations have gone above and beyond by providing education to the communities they serve related to public safety and fire prevention.

Both groups were presented gifts reflecting the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. We hope that next year these men and women can take pride in watching the game knowing that they are greatly appreciated nationally and locally for their service.

Topeka Home Show

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Topeka Home Show

SERVPRO of West Topeka recently participated in the 58th annual Topeka Home Show. We had a great time sharing information about water damage and our other services. The display was well received by the community who attended the show. Our marketing guys Jay and Paul were able to show the community the details of how some of our services work with this display and get the kids involved with some fishing for SERVPRO ducks! SERVPRO of West Topeka is always looking for opportunities to get more involved in the community and we are so glad that we were able to attend this event and give live demonstrations of some of our services. If you would like to see Jay give a demonstration of how one of our water extraction services works check out our SERVPRO of West Topeka YouTube channel!

What exactly is the IICRC?

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified!

SERVPRO of West Topeka is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must:
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Document Restoration Services

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Document Restoration Services

SERVPRO Franchises have been answering the call since 1967 and SERVPRO is easily one of the most recognizable and reliable brands for both residential and commercial cleaning and restoration services. But did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers more than just your basic cleaning services? In fact SERVPRO has an entire team dedicated to Document Restoration. If you've experienced damage to important or beloved documents, let us help. If you were storing a box of favorite childhood books in your basement and experience flooding resulting in water damage to the books we may be able to help! SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that sentimental value is just as important, if not more important, than monetary value and we are here to help.

You can contact us at 785-862-0550

Smoke Detector Safety

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Stay Safe! Check those batteries!

SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that life can get pretty hectic, and when that happens it can be easy to forgot those simple household tasks like laundry, dishes, or buying the milk. So it is understandable that things like checking the batteries on your smoke detector can fall completely off the back burner. However, today is National Battery Day! So put it on your calendars  and while you're at it check all your batteries! Because as we know batteries die, not only that but other parts of the smoke detector can wear out over time. Testing your smoke detector batteries regularly and replacing batteries is one way to help ensure your family stays safe should there be a fire in your home. #NationalBatteryDay #StaySafe

Don't Wait Till It's Too Late!

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Don't Wait Till It's Too Late! Call SERVPRO anytime!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Topeka provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

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 of West Topeka arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

A Midwest Winter

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are no fun for anyone!

When it comes to winter weather in the Midwest one word comes to mind: Unpredictable! But there are plenty of things you can do to be prepared for whatever happens this winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot. A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home. Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home. At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Don’t forget we are just a phone call away!

785-862-0550

Keeping Your Commercial Building Safe

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

When commercial business owners think about water damage, they often picture storms and natural disasters wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water coming from weather events and storms, that is not the only cause.

Many businesses on commercial property forget that damage can come from other internal issues as well. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work with fire protection systems. While these sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

Damaged appliances and equipment
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Broken pipes and plumbing
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.

Backed up sewer lines
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.

If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of West Topeka will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime at 785-862-0550

SERVPRO is Here to Help!

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Topeka is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Topeka has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Commercial Building Damage

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of West Topeka is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Tornado Safety

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

With all the crazy weather the Midwest has been having this spring it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. Below are some tips from the American Red Cross on the best ways to stay safe during a tornado.

Top Tips

• Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
• In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.

Know the Difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning! 

• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible.
• A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

Cleaning Fire Damage

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Identify the type of residues 

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface 

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is it dry yet?

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

As rain continues to be forecast for the foreseeable future (or at least what we can see thru the waterfall of rain) and wait lists for water damage service get longer and longer knowing how to speed up the drying process and keep your belongings safe from damage is a must! 

First of all Safety First!

If there is standing water, or any water, in your basement make sure you are wearing some sort of foot gear that will protect your feet from getting soaked.

NEVER plug in any sort of equipment near water or in to a damp socket! 

Protect Your Belongings! 

It is always a good idea to have any boxes or contents in your basement off the floor and up on pallets at all times in case of a flooded basement but if you don't or if you have a finished basement one of the first things you will want to do is move all (or as much as you can) of your contents and furniture away from the affected area. If you cannot get furniture out of the area place it up on foam blocks or at least put some sort of non permeable barrier in between the furniture and floor to help prevent further damage and staining.

Beginning the Drying Process! 

Using a shop vac, plugged in to a power supply that has not been affected by the water, start to suck up the incoming water. 

During normal conditions SERVPRO would happily perform all of the above for any homeowner but when extreme weather hits and thousands of people have flooded basements, we want to try and help as many people as we can. By performing the above tasks you can insure less loss until we can get there to help! 

Proper drying equipment is a must!

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Box fans are a good way to stay cool in the summer, but when it comes to significant water damage something more powerful is required to put a residence or commercial building back to where it needs to be. 

The same can be said of general dehumidifiers. Small dehumidifiers in the basement can be helpful for general maintenance but when there is more than just moisture in the air something stronger is helpful.

SERVPRO of West Topeka is fully stocked with professional equipment to help with your next water damage. We have specialty fans and dehumidifiers to bring down humidity, conduct air, and help prevent any secondary damage.  

SERVPRO also has a highly trained crew of professional water technicians that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help out on any loss. 

Growing Your Knowledge of Fire Safety

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers Continuing Education Courses in a variety of categories! Recently we held a course on Fire Safety and Best Practices at a local fire station.

Our technicians were allowed to build three test rooms on the fire station's campus and fill them with contents to resemble a living room, dining room, and bedroom.

After the lecture series on Fire Safety and Best Practices the fire fighters lit the rooms on fire one by one and the participants were able to observe what the progression of a fire looks like in real time.

After the fire fighters put out the controlled fire the participants were allowed to look up and close and observe what kind of fire damage SERVPRO of West Topeka technicians see when we first arrive on site for a fire damage cleanup.

All in all the day was very informative. If you have any questions on fires and fire cleanup please contact us at 785-862-0550!

Commercial Buildings need help too!

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka services commercial properties as well as residential! 

When heavy rains and inclement weather occur it is not only residential properties that take a hit but commercial buildings as well. That is why SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If your commercial property has been damaged by the recent storms, or there is secondary damage from a previous loss we are here to help! We have handled several large scale water, mold, reconstruction, and fire losses for commercial properties and are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding any work your commercial building needs! 

If you are interested in making sure your commercial building is ready in the event of an emergency we have programs set in place to help you with that as well! Please see out blog entitled "What is an ERP?" 

If you have any further questions feel free to contact us at 785-862-0550! 

Rain, rain, everywhere....Surviving Spring in the Midwest

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Mark Twain once said, "In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours."

Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. For much of the world, this happens in spring and summer.

Reduce injury risk and plan ahead

Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. And when severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense; prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps that you would for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:
  •  telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends
  • insurance and property information
  • telephone numbers of utility companies
  • medical information
• According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:
  • non-latex gloves
  • assortment of adhesive bandages
  • antibiotic ointment
  • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • absorbent compress dressings
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • adhesive cloth tape
  • aspirin packets (81 mg each)
  • first aid instruction booklet

 (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)

• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• An emergency kit in your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little if any time to prepare for it. But we do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods are real possibilities. So why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home? If thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods do occur, you'll be ready for them.

https://www.cdc.gov/features/springweather/

After the storms if you find you have damage to your home, don't forget SERVPRO of West Topeka is here to help 24/7. We are ready for whatever the weather leaves behind!

Call us today   785-862-0550

What is an ERP?

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected.

Let me ask you something. If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct them how to shut off the gas or water from the table?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed a really cool app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

Right about now, if you're like most people, you are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free.

Well SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 785-862-0550

Where there's smoke...

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Knowing what to do in case of emergency!

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of W. Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

SERVPRO of Topeka new member of ACT

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Topeka gets involved with March madness theme at the ACT annual meeting.

Recently, SERVPRO of Topeka joined the Apartment Council of Topeka (ACT). We have enjoyed getting to know this group of people and are excited to learn more about how the members work together to provide housing to the community. 

SERVPRO of Topeka has fun at Topeka Home Show

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Water display gets attention from public. The kids loved playing with the ducks.

SERVPRO of West Topeka recently participated in the 57th annual Topeka Home Show. We had a great time sharing information about water damage and our other services. The display was well received by the community who attended the show. Our marketing guys Jay and Paul were able to show the community the details of how some of our services work with this display and get the kids involved with some fishing for SERVPRO ducks! SERVPRO of West Topeka is always looking for opportunities to get more involved in the community and we are so glad that we were able to attend this event and give live demonstrations of some of our services. If you would like to see Jay give a demonstration of how one of our water extraction services works check out our SERVPRO of West Topeka YouTube channel!

Recognition to local First Responders in Shawnee County

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Battalion Chief Chad Lady (STFD), Jay Coverdale (SERVPRO of Topeka), and Communications Director Melanie Mills-Bergers (SNCO 911)

SERVPRO of West Topeka recently recognized The Soldier Township Fire Department and the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Communications Division for their service to the Topeka Community.

We are truly honored to recognize the hard working men and women who are serving and protecting our local communities. We are grateful for the sacrifice and service these brave men and women provide 24/7/365. When our lives are in danger these organizations perform at their best to provide the help needed. In addition, these two organizations have gone above and beyond by providing education to the communities they serve related to public safety and fire prevention. 

Both groups were presented gifts reflecting the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. We hope that next year these men and women can take pride in watching the game knowing that they are greatly appreciated nationally and locally for their service.

Water damage at midnight? No worries we are here to help!

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Top notch customer service and protecting your home from extended damage are our top priorities so we are open all the time. Our dedicated and experienced crew is always ready to answer the call. Whether it is at one o'clock in the morning on a Sunday or Christmas Eve your water damage, fire, or mold loss is not going to wait so neither do we! SERVPRO of West Topeka understands the urgency of home damage and we are here to make it "Like it never even happened." To learn more about our crew of skilled professionals click here and for service or questions give us a call at 785-862-0550.

SERVPRO is serving it up!

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchises have been answering the call since 1967 and SERVPRO is easily one of the most recognizable and reliable brands for both residential and commercial cleaning and restoration services. But did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers more than just your basic cleaning services? In fact SERVPRO has an entire team dedicated to Document Restoration. If you've experienced damage to important or beloved documents, let us help. If you were storing a box of favorite childhood books in your basement and experience flooding resulting in water damage to the books we may be able to help! SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that sentimental value is just as important, if not more important, than monetary value and we are here to help. 

You can contact us at 785-862-0550

Flowers, Candy, and Candles: Be Careful with your Flames this Valentine's Day

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

When thinking of romantic gestures flowers and candy are always a classic but when it comes to candles you want to be extra careful. Makes sure you place them away from curtains and other flammable items; as well as out of reach of any curious pets!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

Timing is Everything!

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

They say timing is everything, for comedy, for life and maybe most importantly for your water damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Topeka provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

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 of West Topeka 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 at (785) 862-0550

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 US: 

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew

We are IICRC Certified! Why is it important?

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Topeka is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must: 
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Winter Watch: Always Be Prepared

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to winter weather in the Midwest one word comes to mind: Unpredictable! But there are plenty of things you can do to be prepared for whatever happens this winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot. A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home. Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home. At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Don’t forget we are just a phone call away!

785-862-0550

Restoring Your Topeka Business After A Water Damage Event

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

We are always available for your commercial water damage needs

Flooding and water damage events at Topeka commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that 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.

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call us 24/7 for all your commercial property needs! 785-862-0550

Spring Weather Can Be Unpredictable in Topeka

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little to no time to prepare for it.

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Mark Twain once said, "In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours."

Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. For much of the world, this happens in spring and summer.

Reduce injury risk and plan ahead

Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. And when severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense; prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps that you would for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:

 ?telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends

?insurance and property information

?telephone numbers of utility companies

?medical information

• According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:

?non-latex gloves

?assortment of adhesive bandages

?antibiotic ointment

?sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes

?absorbent compress dressings

?tweezers

?scissors

?adhesive cloth tape

?aspirin packets (81 mg each)

?first aid instruction booklet

 (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)

• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• An emergency kit in your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little if any time to prepare for it. But we do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods are real possibilities. So why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home? If thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods do occur, you'll be ready for them.

https://www.cdc.gov/features/springweather/

After the storms if you find you have damage to your home, don't forget SERVPRO of W. Topeka is here to help 24/7. We are ready for whatever the weather leaves behind!

Call us today   785-862-0550

Does your Topeka home have a mold problem?

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

In Topeka, mold can spread though a home in as little as 48 hours.

In Topeka, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

 If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of W. Topeka

785-862-0550

Don't get swept away in this Kansas weather!

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared for any kind of weather!

We all know how crazy the weather in Kansas can be in the spring time. There is never a better time to be prepared than before the storm hits! Be sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning.                                              

     Make sure your prepared with these tips from ready.gov

Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.

Steps to Take

• Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

• Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.

• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

Prepare Your Home

• Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.

• Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.

• If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Flood Warning = "Take Action!"  Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

Steps to Take

• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.

• Evacuate if directed.

• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

After the water recedes and your home has sustained damage don’t forget SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

Call us at 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

 SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

St. Patrick's Day is Almost Here! Enjoy These Fun Facts!

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at SERVPRO of W. Topeka

Enjoy these fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day!

FACTS ABOUT IRISH AMERICANS

• There are 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry. This number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself.
• Irish is the nation’s second most frequently reported ancestry, ranking behind German.
• Across the country, 11 percent of residents lay claim to Irish ancestry. That number more than doubles to 23 percent in the state of Massachusetts.
• Irish is the most common ancestry in 54 U.S. counties, of which 44 are in the Northeast. Middlesex County in Massachusetts tops the list with 348,978 Irish Americans, followed by Norfolk County, MA, which has 203,285.
• Irish ranks among the top five ancestries in every state except Hawaii and New Mexico. It is the leading ancestry group in Delaware, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
• There are approximately 144,588 current U.S. residents who were born in Ireland.

 PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

• Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dish. In 2009, roughly 26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage were produced in the United States.
• Irish soda bread gets its name and distinctive character from the use of baking soda rather than yeast as a leavening agent.
• Lime green chrysanthemums are often requested for St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations.

 PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City.
• More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations.
• At the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, participants march up 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street. Each year, between 150,000 and 250,000 marchers take part in the parade, which does not allow automobiles or floats.

PLACES TO SPEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY

• There are seven places in the United States named after the shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland including Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV; Shamrock, TX; Shamrock Lakes, IN; and Shamrock, OK.
• Sixteen U.S. places share the name of Ireland’s capital, Dublin. With 44,541 residents, Dublin, CA, is the largest of the nice, followed by Dublin, OH, with 39,310.
• Other towns with the luck of the Irish include Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Irishtown, Illinois.

For more fun facts visit: St. Patrick's Day Facts 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from your friends at SERVPRO of West Topeka!

Tornadoes ~ Are you Prepared?

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Tornado season will be here soon! Be Prepared!

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

• Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
• For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
• Look for the following danger signs:
• Dark, often greenish sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

• They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

• Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

• Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!  Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:       

• Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Do not open windows.
• A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

A manufactured home or office then:            

 Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

• If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
• Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
• Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
• In all situations:
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
• Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

After a Tornado

• If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
• Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
• Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
• If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.

Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of W. Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Topeka 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

When water damage happens SERVPRO of W. Topeka is ready!

SERVPRO of West Topeka is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Topeka has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Spring Weather Ahead, Don't Get Swept Away!

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

We all know how crazy the weather in Kansas can be in the spring time. There is never a better time to be prepared than before the storm hits! Be sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning.                                              

       Make sure your prepared with these tips from ready.gov

Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.

Steps to Take

• Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

• Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.

• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

Prepare Your Home

• Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.

• Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.

• If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Flood Warning = "Take Action!"  Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

Steps to Take

• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.

• Evacuate if directed.

• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

After the water recedes and your home has sustained damage don’t forget SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

Call us at 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

Commercial Properties and Water Damage

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Our own commercial building in Topeka!

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Topeka commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that 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.

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call SERVPRO of W. Topeka  24/7 for all your commercial property needs! 785-862-0550

Winter in Kansas has arrived

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Don't forget to unhook your hose from the spigot!

The leaves are turning, the days are cooler and winter is in the air. Air conditioners are idle and the furnace has not kicked on yet. While we are enjoying this transition remember, it is never too early to begin projects that get our homes ready for winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot. A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home. Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home. At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Don’t forget we are just a phone call away!

785-862-0550

Tips for cooking this holiday season

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Always use caution while cooking!

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

“Cook with Caution”

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

 If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 If you have any doubt about fighting a

small fire…

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

Reproduced from NFPA’s website, www.nfpa.org/publiceducation. © NFPA

If you do happen to have a kitchen or cooking fire be sure to call the experts in fire damage restoration! SERVPRO of Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Faster to your West Topeka Water Damage

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Topeka provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

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 of West Topeka arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

For Immediate Service in Topeka, Call SERVPRO

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Topeka provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Topeka. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions?

Call Us 24/7 – 785-862-0550

Residential Services

Whether your Topeka home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Topeka commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Winter is almost here in Topeka Kansas!

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

Don't forget to unhook your hose from the spigot!

The leaves are turning, the days are cooler and winter is in the air. Air conditioners are idle and the furnace has not kicked on yet. While we are enjoying this transition remember, it is never too early to begin projects that get our homes ready for winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot. A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home. Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home. At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.