Is Your Exit Plan In Place?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

EVERY SECOND COUNTS DURING A FIRE.  In a matter of moments, a small flame can turn into a major fire, making it critical to be prepared by having an escape plan in place.  A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.  The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan for your family.

Draw a Map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows.  Find two ways to get out of each room.  Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floor.  Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory.  Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped.  Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach childrenhow to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

Plan for everyone in your home with special consideration for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime. 

SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch

Eliminate Heating Hazards This Winter

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February? 

Sure, its important to keep your home warm during the winter.  But SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch urges San Antonio to use these helful hints to also stay safe.

--  Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater.  Have a three-foot 'kid free zone' around open fires and space heaters.

--  Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

--  Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturers, for fuel burning space heaters.

--  Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.  Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

--  Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

--  Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.

-- Test smoke alarms monthly.

If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Facts

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

7 people die everyday from a home fire. 36 people suffer injuries as a result of home fires everyday. $7 billion in property damage occurs every year. 

When fire or water damage puts the thing's that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That's why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch is so important. Just call us 24/7 at 210-670-9591 to get the team that is faster to any size disaster. We're a leader in giving control back to homeowners and property managers. Whether you are responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 square feet- be ready for the worst, with the very best. SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch

Source: Restoration Newsline Volume 30, Issue 2

SERVPRO Cleans That?! - Mercury Spills

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

unless it is contained, Mercury is volatile and dangerous to handle.

Mercury, a highly volatile and dangerous neurotoxin, is used commonly in homes, usually in high-pressure sodium lamps, thermostats and spent batteries. While usually contained very well, the dangers of mercury not only lie in its liquid form, but, since it vaporizes so readily, also poses dangers as an aerosol. It’s important to get any spilled mercury taken care of immediately, but even more important to do it safely. At SERVPRO, we have the equipment and experience to clean up these dangerous spills. Here’s how a SERVPRO technician would go about cleaning a Mercury spill.

1. First, the Technician will make sure they are wearing the proper safety equipment. They will be wearing a mercury-type respirator, as well as gloves to ensure none of the liquid touches their skin or gets inhaled.
2. After that, they will us a mercury-sensing gauge to determine concentration of contamination.
3. The technician will then apply a magnetic amalgamation powder, which will prevent the mercury from aerosolizing, and cause it to clump into a semisolid paste.
4. They will then use magnets to pick up the mercury residue and place it in a secure storage container, making sure none is left behind.
5. A wax-like sealant will be sprayed/painted over the affected area, just in case microscopic remnants of the mercury remain.
6. Finally, the Technician will collect any tools, gloves, boots, etc. and place them into separate storage containers for decontamination before they are worn again.

As you can see, dealing with dangerous elements like mercury is not something to be taken lightly. Here at SERVPRO, we’re committed to keeping both you and our technicians safe. Mercury spills may be tough to deal with, but we have the equipment, and more importantly the expertise, to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO cleans that?! - Wax and Crayon Removal

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Crayons... Great for kids, not so great for carpet.

Those of us with kids know that getting crayon or wax worked into your carpet is an unfortunate inevitability. While this may not qualify as a “disaster”, getting wax in your carpet can be very frustrating, mostly because it can be very difficult to remove entirely without cutting the affected area out of the carpet and replacing it. Luckily, there’s a better way to do it. How? Call SERVPRO! That’s right. We clean crayon and wax too. Here’s how:

1. The Technician pours a small amount of a special chemical called “142 CitraSolvent” onto the affected area
2. Then, they remove as much wax or crayon as possible with a brush, and vacuum the area
3. After that, they place a dry towel over area and go over it several times with a warm iron (this will help melt the wax, so that it is easier to remove.)
4. To make sure that the solvent is worked into the carpet and the wax, the technician agitates affected area with a brush dipped into “142 CitraSolvent”, and lets it sit for 5 minutes
5. Using an extractor, they rinse the area with hot water, then extract it
6. Then, they Pour “448 Carpet and Upholstry Cleaner (RTU)” on to area and hot water rinse again. (This is an important step because it will help break up the solvent used for removal of the wax)
7. Finally, the technician will dry the area quickly to avoid stains.

And that’s it! Your carpet is clean and crayon-free… For now. Call SERVPRO at 210 670 9591. We’re always here to help.

Is Your Fire Exit Plan Ready?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Having a plan in place will help everyone will stay safe if a fire occurs.

EVERY SECOND COUNTS DURING A FIRE.  In a matter of moments, a small flame can turn into a major fire, making it critical to be prepared by having an escape plan in place.  A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.  The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan for your family.

Draw a Map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows.  Find two ways to get out of each room.  Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floor.  Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory.  Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped.  Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

Plan for everyone in your home with special consideration for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime. 

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold Weather Killer

2/13/2021 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide at a high concentration can be lethal within 5 minutes.

San Antonio is not known for cold weather, but believe it or not, we get our fair share of it. SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch would like to keep you informed of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide in this cold season.

Carbon Monoxide is a gas that you can not see, taste, or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide(CO) poisoning. Often times, it is the result of faulty, improperly used or vented consumer products such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine powered equipment, such as portable generators.

Consider having all fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in a well ventilated area away from doors, windows, vents, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

For additional CO safety information, visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov.

SERVPRO cleans that?! - Skunk Deodorization

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Skunks may look cute, but their stink can make your home unlivable.

Being sprayed by a skunk is bad enough. But you probably know already how to help with that. Take a bath in tomato sauce, right? Easy enough, if more than a little stinky. But what happens when a skunk sprays inside your home? While there’s a small chance covering your furniture in tomato sauce may help, I don’t even want to think about the clean-up for that. There’s a better way to get it taken care of. How? Call SERVPRO! Here’s how we’d do it.

1. First, the technician will locate and remove the source (in this case, the smell left behind by an adorable, though very smelly skunk)
2. Then, they will ventilate the area using air movers or box fans
3. After that, they will prepare a special chemical called “331N Bio Odor Neutralizer”, and apply it to the affected area with a ULV Misting Device
4. They’ll make sure that all doors and windows are closed and then mist the solution throughout the entire structure.
5. After the structure is allowed to dwell for 16-24 hours, the technician will return and ventilate the area thoroughly, making sure the odor is gone, and replacing all of the air filters with new ones.

After this process, the odor should be completely eliminated! Here at SERVPRO, we specialize in making it "Like it never even happened."

Dangers of Extreme Cold

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Cold weather may not happen often in Texas, but it's important to be prepared.

San Antonio Texas is not known for cold weather, but it does occur, and SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch would like to make you aware of some of the dangers associated with this type of weather.

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, as well as heart attacks from overexertion, according to Ready.gov. That is why it is important to be aware of the effect of extremely cold temperatures can have on you.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms include white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, numbness.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone's body temperature is below 95°, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors, if possible. If not, dress in layers to stay warm and keep dry.

SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch hopes that this information was helpful. If you need additional information or you need our services, please call 210-670-9591.

Be Aware of Heat Stroke!

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Man walking in desert leaving footprints

It is that time of year again where the temperatures are going through the roof. SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch would like you to be aware of the symptoms of possibly coming down with heat stroke.

Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures -- usually in combination with dehydration -- which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.

The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign.

Other symptoms may include:

• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Be careful in this summer heat.
• If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about our services, please contact SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch at 210-670-9591.
•  Source: webmd

The Dangers of Lead Exposure to Children

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Baby on Blue Blanket

Although OSHA has set a permissible exposure limit for lead, numerous authorities state that "there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe."

Lead can be absorbed into the body through inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact.

Lead is a potent, systemic poison. Taken in large enough doses, it can become fatal in a matter of days. A condition called acute encephalopathy may arise which develops quickly to seizures, coma, and death from cardiorespiratory arrest. Encephalopathy is a term that means brain disease, damage, or malfunction. It can present a broad spectrum of symptoms that range from  ild, such as some memory loss or subtle personality changes, to severe, such as dementia, seizures, coma, or death.

Lead poses the greatest risk to young children, infants, and unborn babies. A dose of lead that may have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child. In children, low levels of lead exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.

No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels in the blood have been shown to affect IQ and academic achievement. Effects of this exposure cannot be corrected.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch at 210-670-9591.

Source: Restoration and Remediation Magazine 10/3/2019

Generator Safety

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Portable Generator

If you Have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow safety tips below provided by the American Red Cross.

*Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.

*To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

*Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

* InstallCO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch at 210-670-9591.

Eliminate the risk of Carbon Monoxide

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Glowing hot infrared heater

Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips provided by the United States Fire Administration.

* Have fuel burning appliances like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year.

* Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

* Make sure all fuel burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.

* If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueling engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.

* Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

* Only use barbeque grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.

* Use portable generators outdoors in well ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings tpm prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

Please call SERVPRO® at 210-670-9591 for any questions or for service.

Source: Restoration Newsline Volume 31, Issue 1

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold Weather Killer

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Car with exhaust coming from pipes

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide (or CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and propane burn incompletely. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of CO , leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages.

If you have any questions or are in need of our services, please call SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch at 210-670-9591

Source: Restoration Newsline: Volume 31, Issue 1

Residential Services

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Man in respirator

SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch provides many services for your home. The following are some of the services that we provide.

*Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration

*Water Removal and Dehumidification

*Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup

*Mold Mitigation and Remediation

*Contents Claim Inventory Service

*Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

*Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care

*Odor Identification and Deodorization

*Upholstery Cleaning

*Reconstruction and remodeling

Your home is a reflection of you and makes an impression on all those who enter it.

You invest your time, energy and hard earned resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your home.

When you need work done on your home, you should expect the very best service at a fair price.

The professionals at SERVPRO® of Alamo Ranch are committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services as well as top quality professional cleaning services for your entire home.

Call SERVPRO­® of Alamo Ranch at 210-670-9591

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