Wellington Insurance Claims Process Made Easy With SERVPRO

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Experiencing water damage, fire damage or storm damage is a stressful time. Coordinating insurance claims and processes typically creates more stress for homeowners and business owners. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach helps you navigate the claims process for a quick and easy experience. Below are some reasons that insurances and policyholders believe we are the #1 choice for restoration and reconstruction in Wellington.

Vetted and Preferred by Most Major Insurance Carriers

SERVPRO partners with several major insurance companies throughout the United States. These agreements establish our team as preferred vendors for these companies’ policyholders. The national agreements in place also ensure that we follow strict guidelines to comply with the quality standards set forth by many insurance companies. Choose the restoration team that is experienced, certified and well-known.

Precise Estimates & Accurate Documentation

We use state-of-the-art software and inspection equipment to properly document any damage to your property. A thorough collection of photos is sent to the insurances. We also provide inventory services for your contents. Allow our team to coordinate the paperwork for simpler process.

Local Connection

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is independently owned and operated. Our operation is managed and maintained by staff of locals who care about our community. We maintain relationships with independent insurance agents throughout the area to better understand how we can serve the Wellington community. Choose a trusted brand with a team of locals who are active in community spaces, such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

24/7 Response Team

Our professionals are on call in the event you need an emergency inspection for your home or business. We can dispatch someone to you to assess the damaged areas immediately. We understand that allowing water damage, mold, or fire damage can create secondary damage to your home and belongings. Prevent delayed insurance claims or further damage by calling us for a free inspection.

Our team has the quality, capability to assist you and your insurance claims. You don’t have to handle each step alone.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is now ICRA Certified

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our community hospitals and healthcare facilities provide life-saving care to people each day and night. The SERVPRO of West Palm Beach team is uniquely prepared to handle disaster scenarios in these critical environments. Our professionals have recently acquired Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) training. This specialized certification ensures that our team members will understand and adhere to strict processes during restoration, maintenance, and reconstruction work in Palm Beach County. Our teams will work with healthcare facility operations to prevent and limit the transmission of contaminants. We begin with three important guidelines:

1. Define the scope, any hazards and level of activity.
2. Identify the patient risk categories and care areas.
3. Define the class of precautions.

Limiting business interruption is always a key objective for our commercial restoration services. However, we understand that healthcare locations are more than just a business operation. They are an integral component to a functioning community. As the leading restoration brand in the industry, it is our responsibility to help reduce the risk for Healthcare Associated Infections while performing services. Safety goes beyond equipment and chemicals training. With infection control in mind we emphasize the following:

• Prioritizing Indoor Air Quality.
• Compliance with rules; regulations; guidelines and state-of-the-art practices.
• Working within each facility’s personalized ICRA guidelines.
• Identifying certain opportunistic fungi and bacteria and routes of exposure.
• Meticulous standards for our dust-tight work area enclosures, equipment decontamination, and proper personal protective equipment.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach prioritizes the health and safety of healthcare professionals and patients. Our capabilities and training position us as a preferred choice for restoration in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and assisted living facilities. For references and more information about our ICRA certification, reach out to us today.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach Receives Readers' Choice Award

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is the recipient of the Florida Community Association Journal Platinum level Readers’ Choice Award in the Disaster, Recovery & Restoration category!

This year marks the ninth annual Florida Community Association Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards, hosted by the Florida Community Association Professionals. This process allowed South Florida residents to vote for their trusted service providers that serve community associations!  Between September and December, the magazine saw more than 240 nominations and 10,173 votes cast.

The FLJAC magazine was created in 1987 as an industry resource. It provides news and education for leaders of condominiums, homeowners associations, cooperatives, and other multi-unit communities. The Florida Community Association Professionals organization understands that not every vendor can effectively do business with community associations. These clients require compliance with boards, committees, managers, maintenance, and other parties to complete a project.  

These are the reasons why SERVPRO is a trusted and valued service provider for community associations throughout the South Florida region.

Here of some of the details that help make us an award-winning business:

Locally Owned & Operated

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach provides the best quality of a national brand with the local understanding of our community needs. We prioritize accuracy and customer satisfaction. Our customers and clients are more than just a project – they are our neighbors.

Our owners, Oscar and Rosie Barrig, have provided quality service in the restoration and reconstruction industry for over 20 years.

Simplifies Insurance & Payment Process

For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO works with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork. You and your carrier can rely on well-documented inspections and procedures.

Continuous Training, Certifications, and Advancement

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is committed to evolving as the industry and its technology grow. Our team consistently participates in employee certifications, specialized franchise training, and IICRC training courses. This ensures that the team providing your home restoration and reconstruction work is highly-qualified and informed.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful for the nomination and every vote cast for SERVPRO of West Palm Beach in the 2022 readers’ choice awards. We will stay committed to serving our community well throughout the year ahead.

Protecting Wellington Businesses With Quality Restoration

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

A business can lose profits and clients from unexpected crises. Selecting a restoration company in advance can help make a crisis mitigation plan stronger.  SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is a quality, IICRC certified firm that provides repair and rebuild services in Wellington, Florida, and surrounding areas.

As members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, SERVPRO of West Palm Beach prioritizes the health and success of our local community businesses. We understand the importance of presenting your public space or place of business as a safe, clean place to be. We have earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration and reconstruction industry. Our team understands that business disruption is costly for your business and reputation. That is why we offer a flexible schedule for our operations. We will work after your business hours or around the clock to complete your restoration and reconstruction projects.

When certain cases require, we can clean up damaged areas by safely isolating the affected rooms or areas. With methods such as containments, we can sometimes leave a functional space undisturbed for your business operations to continue. This can limit downtime for operations, which protects the productivity and efficiency of your Wellington business.

We offer the following benefits of restoration for Wellington businesses:

• Quicker, streamlined claims process.
• Accurate, free commercial water damage, fire damage, and mold damage inspections. We don’t miss damaged areas when inspecting and restoring your Wellington business.
• Smart machinery to provide accurate readings for our team of experts, reassuring your family and insurance company with the best quality control.
• The ability to authorize work and provide detailed reports even if you can not be on-site with our teams.
• Free emergency preparedness plans, known as the Emergency Ready Profiles to provide your staff with a step-by-step guide during disaster situations.
• SERVPRO of West Palm Beach can fix your fire/water damage and reconstruct any areas extensively damaged. Maintaining just one point of contact through the entire process is best, saving you worry and stress.
• We work with certified mold assessors and other local subcontractors (when applicable) to provide the utmost expertise on our projects.

It is important to choose a restoration team that can provide 24/7 emergency service. Our local franchise is faster to any size disaster. Call 561-795-5410 for assistance with mold, water damage, fire damage or storm damage. 

Insights from HOA Boards: Technology Takes Priority

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

A recent survey conducted by software companies AppFolio and HOA-USA gained insights from current and past HOA and COA board members. Two out of the five main survey takeaways emphasized technology in property management. AppFolio reports that HOA and COA board members prefer property managers:

1. Use modern self-service tools
2. If a property manager did not have wide access to and use of technological tools, they may choose another property management company.

Resident account portals, electronic payments, and automating contracts hold apparent value to community management. What about emergency preparedness and management, though? When staff, management, and HOA boards all agree on plans and protocol, the easier they carry them out. A community that is clear on emergency management will in turn make the tenants and residents feel safer.

Below are some of the ways that SERVPRO of West Palm Beach uses technology to improve resident and tenant satisfaction.

Providing Organization in Emergency Response & Restoration

Risk management is largely based upon contingency plans that include multiple scenarios. A single unit’s contained fire has different consequences than a multi-floor flood. The timing and type of disaster can dictate evacuations, access to materials and shutoffs, etc.  SERVPRO of West Palm Beach offers commercial and residential property management teams a free prevention plan called the Emergency Ready Profile.  

Saving Time Through Software and Tools

As a qualified restoration company in West Palm Beach, we have continued to update the software and equipment that we need to provide optimal service to clients. We simplify and improve the claims process by using software that increases precision on drawing estimates.  Our moisture detectors, thermal imaging tools, smart dehumidifiers allow us to monitor initial water damage and the restoration progress.

Increasing Portability and Accessibility for Property Managers

We respond to commercial water damage 24/7 and can begin restoration in West Palm Beach buildings when there is an immediate need. Our Emergency Ready Profile comes with an app that allows property management and maintenance teams to access information about the property, emergency contacts, and restoration services. The Ready Plan app allows people to contact SERVPRO right from the app. We also work to sign documents electronically to provide a quicker, more efficient approval process for you and your HOA or COA board. Our goal is to simplify repairs and reconstruction during stressful times.

As the technology that supports management and communication improves, contractors, property managers, and COA boards should all be implementing the changes. More than half of HOA and COA board members surveyed said that focusing on advancing technology was important. Choosing SERVPRO of West Palm Beach will enable your community to efficiently develop and carry out emergency plans.

The Pros to Choosing One Team for Restoration & Reconstruction

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

If water damage were to hit your Wellington home, calling the right reinforcements is typically a stressful first step. A few priorities come into view: timeliness, qualifications, and convenience. A restoration company needs to be able to respond to a crisis quickly and inspect the damage and create a timeline for the project.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach incorporates a restore rather than replace approach. There are many steps within the water restoration process. When properties require reconstruction to water-damaged areas, however, coordination between restoration technician teams and general contractor teams is crucial.

Selecting a restoration company like SERVPRO provides peace of mind that you will receive service that has been perfected over 50 years. You can trust that the SERVPRO of West Palm Beach franchise uses precision to restore your property and belongings. We send experts to jobs of all sizes and scopes to effectively develop a timeline for your project. We offer a wide range of reconstruction services that help complete the work quicker. Homeowners can expect clear communication when one team manages cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction.

Some benefits of choosing one team to oversee restoration and reconstruction are:

• Less time wasted between assessment and scheduling repairs.
• A team that safely handles the moving, packing, and storage of furniture
• Concise updates on timelines and progress.
• Streamlined scheduling after assessment.
• Simplified repairs and replacement orders.
• One management team handling specialty restoration through vendors, for example, plumbing and art restoration.
• Simpler claims process.

Water damage and fire damage can be overwhelming. Choose a company that will help make it look "Like it never even happened." We simplify the recovery process by handling both the cleanup and rebuild aspects after a disaster. For 24/7 emergency response and a team that can complete every phase of the project in your Wellington home.

Royal Palm Beach Home Cleaning - Give Your House A Valentine

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Valentine's Day is often considered one to indulge and celebrate with loved ones. This year, consider spending some time tending to the areas around your home that don’t receive as much attention. This attention to detail to keep your home a place you love to be.

Repairs and consistent cleaning are an important part of any homeowners routine. It will make the space you live in more comfortable and cleaner as we move through the months. Here are some of the areas to pay attention to in the home and a few methods for caring for them.

Deep Cleaning and Preparation

Spring cleaning can always come a little bit earlier.

• Clean carpet and upholstery to prevent harmful bacteria buildup.
• Consider purchasing an air purifier to assist with allergens.
• Remove excess fabrics and objects. Mold and dust collect on stored items and these allergens are not good for your health.
• Get a head start on hurricane preparation and inspect any hurricane shutter and any supply kits you may have. It is good to keep up with Royal Palm Beach’s flood zone

Pay Attention to the Air You Breathe  

According to the United Sates Consumer Product Safety Commission, some health effects could indicate indoor air quality problems, but you should discuss with a doctor and maybe a board-certified allergist. Maintaining good air quality could benefit you and contaminants from circulating. If unwelcome dirt, dust or pollen have built up in your home, try some of the suggestions below. 

• Change the air conditioning filter (typically once ever one to three months).
• HVAC inspection and cleaning – indoor air is more polluted than the air we breathe outdoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Test your air quality in your home.
• Purchase an air purifier for your home to help cut down any potential contaminants or odors.

Inspect Rooms With Appliances

A common cause for water damage in Palm Beach County is a pipe burst or leak. Take a little bit of time to check around your home for any potential lurking leak sources or wear and tear on machines around your home.

• Check leak hot spots such as toilets, faucets, water heaters, refrigerators, washing machines and showerheads.
• Review warranty on any appliances that appear to be operating abnormally
• Schedule a plumbing system inspection if pipe issues like corrosion or leaks, are a concern.
• Test your home’s water pressure.
• If you find that there is possible water damage to flooring, walls and other areas in your home, call a restoration team, like ours at your local SERVPRO, to complete an inspection.

Monitor High-Moisture Areas for Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew collect quickly around areas with a lot of exposure to moisture.  Florida’s humid climate can make mold more pervasive. Here are some of the most common places to give attention.

• Check walls near appliances for stains which is indicative of water damage.
• Remove shower heads and clean off any build up or residue.
• Properly clean textiles before storing and spray with a water-repellent spray.
• If you see mold, we do not recommend trying to remove it on your own. Call SERVPRO of West Palm Beach. Our team of mold remediators provide mold damage restoration to homes and businesses throughout Royal Palm Beach and the surrounding areas.

The popular proverb says "home is where the heart is," and so it is important to keep your place feeling like home. A home that is frequently cleaned, routinely inspected, and prepared for emergencies is a more comfortable place to be. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind that comes from proper planning. Want to make the process simpler? Call in remediation, repair and restoration experts to assist.

Can You Take Care of Mold and Water Damage on Your Own?

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Meters detect what is going on behind visible water and mold damage. Schedule a free mold or water assessment by calling 561-795-5410.

When water damage is present in a home, it can quickly result in mold damage. If the moisture and mold are minimally visible, it could be tempting to try and treat the issue at home yourself. Before you decide on DIY methods of water and mold cleanup, it is important to weigh the risks.

While water leaks and damage may not seem extensive, there is typically more going on than what the eye can see. If you only treat the damage that is visible, you could be missing mold or water in walls, flooring, or foundation of the home. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach technicians detect the source of the water and can measure a home’s moisture levels using infrared cameras, hygrometers, and other meters. This close detection is difficult for the average homeowner to do on their own without the proper tools. Do you need an assessment of water and mold damage? Call 561-795-5410 for an assessment.

Water damage from heavy rains, leaks or other water emergencies can lead to mold or mildew, which is the early stage of mold. Traditional home cleaning will not remove all the moisture or mold spores present in the air. Mold remediation is a careful process that requires determining the type of mold prior to properly treating it. Trained technicians use Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards to safely remediate mold and prevent further damage. Special filtration equipment captures mold spores while air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums stops the spread of mold spores.

After water damage has led to mold, there is sometimes a need odor removal service. Musty and unpleasant odors are typical of moisture issue and poor cleaning. Our technicians are trained to use technology that will remove odors leftover from water damage and mold or mildew. SERVPRO equipment is effective on several types of surfaces, allowing for a thorough cleaning and salvaging of belongings.

You can breathe a lot easier knowing that trained technicians are testing your home’s air quality constantly and scanning the area thoroughly. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach will conclude a final inspection to maximize the safety of your home.  Check out the Advanced Technology and Techniques page for more information on the specialized technology used to tackle mold and water damage?  

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ONE TEAM

Whenever and wherever a disaster may be, SERVPRO will be there. With over 1,700 SERVPRO’s nation-wide, we are quickly able to rally troops together creating an unstoppable force that is here to help.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Storm Damage Restoration?

All 1,700 SERVPRO’s are strategically placed throughout the U.S. so that when disaster strikes, we can most efficiently and effectively come to alleviate those affected.

Take Winter Storm Uri for example. When the south-central region of the United States experienced below-freezing temperatures, residential and commercial properties experienced burst pipes followed by severe levels of water damage. The moment there was a cry for help, SERVPRO of West Palm Beach began stocking up our trucks with air movers, dehumidifiers, moisture meters and driving cross-country with one goal in mind- to help those who need us most!

Within days thousands of hands were on deck working together as one cohesive unit to help mitigate the water damage that had occurred. The wonderful thing about choosing SERVPRO of West Palm Beach as your trusted restoration and reconstruction company, is that you not only work with a highly trusted name, but you gain access to all 1,700 franchises nation-wide who are willing to travel wherever they are needed when the time comes to take care of your mold, water, fire or storm damage.

Another beautiful thing about working with SERVPRO is that each franchise lives by the same service standards. We all are locally owned and operated, provide 24-hour emergency services, are highly trained and IICRC certified, have access to the most advanced technology in the restoration industry, and we are all familiar and experienced when it comes to insurance requirements.

Whether you experience hurricane storm damage in West Palm Beach, or a wildfire out in California, SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is here to help and so are our neighboring SERVPRO franchises.

How SERVPRO can help you prepare with an ERP

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If water or fire damage were to strike your business today, are you prepared for tomorrow? Do you have a plan? According to researchers, as many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. Pre-Planning can be vital to your business’s survival, and also serves to provide you and your employees peace of mind, knowing that you are ready for whatever is to happen. How do you prepare though?

SERVPRO offers commercial and small business owners an Emergency Ready Profile application which works to prevent situations from escalating. The SERVPRO ERP works on the premise that the more you know what to do and what to expect before disaster does strike, the more you will be prepared to minimize the damages that storm, water, and fire can cause.

The ERP includes the following:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Everything included in the ERP app is designed to help YOU and your business when faced with disaster. Through having all the pertinent information available at your fingertips and sharing it with your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals here at SERVPRO of West Palm Beach, when damage occurs, we are able to immediately show up on site and begin mitigating the issue for you. As we all know, when dealing with water and fire damage- time is ALWAYS of the essence!

By having a plan, you will also minimize business interruption. Knowing key points of contacts allow us to help get your business or office back up and running safely and quickly! Contact your local SERVPRO today to get set up with your very on Emergency Ready Profile. Plan today for what may come tomorrow.

How to Begin Safely Returning to the Workplace

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

It has exactly a year since the United States and most of the world has endured the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, there has been a lot of things that have changed like the fact that experts have a better understanding of the virus or that many states have since reopened following months of quarantine. The most important change has obviously been the vaccine and its accessibility. Each day in 2021 brings increased numbers of vaccinated adults throughout Florida and the rest of the United States.

With the pool of newly vaccinated adults growing, restrictions, or lack thereof, is a topic now on many American’s minds. Returning to the workplace and whether that will be before the end of 2021 is amongst these questions as well. While the answer to this is not simple nor truly known at this time, it is important for employers and business owners to consider the timeline and safety measures they will put into place.

While the CDC has released guidelines on what are low-risk activities for fully vaccinated people, the list does not currently consider every possible pre-COVID scenario at this time; this includes working in office amongst other employees, who may or may not be vaccinated. For employers and business owners, noting this is important as it means great emphasis should still be placed on routine cleaning and sanitizing of office buildings and businesses.

If returning to office during the pandemic becomes a reality, additional measures should still be enforced, regardless of the vaccine.

• Practice and encourage proper personal hygiene
  • Employees should be washing their hands often
  • Make hand sanitizer accessible throughout the office
  • Encourage the use of masks around coworkers and patrons
  • Encourage social distancing as well
• Routinely clean and sanitize the workplace environment
  • Disinfect hotspot or high-touch areas daily
  • Encourage employees to disinfect their personal workstations
  • Hire an experience company, like SERVPRO, to provide sanitizing and disinfecting services with EPA registered cleaning solutions 

Globally, we have been considering the health and safety of ourselves and we one another for the last year. Now more than ever, it is important to continue to abide by the guidelines the CDC has placed for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people and do our best to stay safe and healthy!

Is Your Business Ready for 2021 Storm Season?

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

With storm season almost here, SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is announcing our Emergency Ready Profile for all business owners, building owners, property managers and others to get prepared.

An Emergency Ready Profile is a tool, available via mobile app, that creates an immediate plan of action for quicker response time and minimal business interruption in the event of an emergency. Our team walks through your facility, detailing critical information that is needed in an emergency including: priority areas, priority contacts, access points, vendors and more. This information is then stored in your ERP, along with photos and other written details.

 The ERP has helped many businesses in the past, who have suffered from damage during the hurricane season, to quickly reopen their doors. Not only does the ERP establish a relationship with your local SERVPRO, it helps us to quickly begin work and contact other needed vendors.

Emergency Ready Plan Advantages:

• No cost plan created for you entirely by the SERVPRO team.
  • There is no need to allocate any additional funds for this tool nor appoint any employee to complete. Our team is here to make things as easy as possible, leaving one less stress for you during storm season.

• Identifies line of command for work authorization.
  • Once someone from your business has notified your local SERVPRO of damage, we know exactly who to call for work authorization. This quick response ability can save both time and money during the restoration process.
• The ERP mobile app is easy to use and accessible.
  • Water, mold, or storm damage can happen at any time. This may mean documents or files related to contingency plans that your business has may not be readily available to you after hours. Having the ERP mobile app on your phone makes it easy to get all the necessary information you need in an emergency.

Storm season is quickly approaching and preparing your business in any way possible is vital. During the 2020 storm season, Hurricane Isaias for example, left many business owners to reexamine how quickly storm paths can change and how deeply their businesses can be affected any moment by a hurricane. Have an emergency ready plan in place and stay prepared!

Stella Art Conservation: SERVPRO of West Palm Beach's Trusted Art Conservators

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Meet the Stella Sisters of Stella Art Conservation

Barbara Stella, the artist, and founder of Stella Art Conservation, is a talented, highly trained, and passionate conservator who thoroughly enjoys bringing art back to life the way the original creator had intended. 

Barbara Stella is not only immensely talented, but she is brilliantly trained and educated in the art of conservation. She attended the Institute of Fine Arts and Restoration, Palazzo Spinelli in Florence, Italy where she received her degree in fine arts conservation. When it comes to conserving art, understanding the history of the art is invaluable. Her knowledge of how to properly treat and restore a variety of materials and mediums, is one of the many reasons Barbara is so highly sought out.

Being in the industry for over 30 years now, Barbara has treated the works of prestigious artists such as Rembrandt, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro’, Salvador Dali, Kenneth Noland, Fernando Botero, Rene’ Magritte and many others. Despite Barbara’s years of success, she continues to maintain a student mentality through staying current with new and innovative techniques within the industry.

Sandra Stella is the Executive Manager of Stella Art Conservation and works to ensure that each and every client receives the highest level of care, and that their business remains active in the community.

Sandra brings to the company a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to business development and forming lasting relationships with the community. Graduating with a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, UK, Sandra moved to Burkina Faso in West Africa where she spent 10 years working for the Italian and British Government. Here she worked with ambassadors, government ministers, and policymakers, to improve the quality of life for may women and children.

Since Sandra moved to South Florida, she has been an active member of the community, serving on the board of directors for various organizations.

Together, Barbara and Sandra successfully bring Barbara’s passions to the forefront of the Art Conservation Industry.

Here at SERVPRO of West Palm Beach, we are proud to partner up with Stella Art Conservation as being our go-to art conservation specialists. Here in South Florida, we experience an excessively humid climate. As a result, homeowners and companies commonly experience mold at their properties. Mold spores are all around us, but with the proper climate and organic materials mold can spread and get out of control relatively quickly. In many instances we have seen beautiful works of art experience damage due to water and mold. With Barbara’s knowledge and skill, we have been able to save our clients from incurring an unimaginable loss, as many of these pieces cannot be replaced. Whether modern, contemporary or anything in between, if your art is in need of conservation, Stella Art Conservation will ensure that your piece is well cared for and will continue to live on for generations to come.

Fall Weather Hazards to Prepare For in West Palm Beach

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of West Palm Beach having one of our Business Development Representative’s, Amy Alex, as an NOAA Ambassador helps our team stay on top of all things weather-related. This is especially important during the storm season months when our main concern is notifying our community and customers to prepare for upcoming tropical cyclones.

Our recent meeting with the NOAA was all about Fall Preparedness. September 1^st  is the start of the meteorological Autumn, though the first day of the season is not until September 22^nd. Regardless of when Fall starts, being advised of potential hazards early will only further your safety.

 Fall will call for a number of weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, fog and snow. While snow is not a problem for South Florida and wildfire season tends to be in May through June, the remainder of the hazards definitely can be.

• Hurricanes & Tornadoes: Though Florida tends to experience it’s most rainy season during the summer months, the official storm season does not until November 30^th. Remaining prepared with your family’s emergency kit is vital during these next two months. As we have seen, hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes can form and become a problem quickly.

• Fog: Late Fall into Winter and Spring, fog in the mornings can be especially dense. Fog can be dangerous during early morning drives, impairing a driver’s vision and ability to see further than the front of their car. Reworking your schedule if possible until the fog clears up can avoid any dangerous driving conditions. If driving is necessary be sure to drive the speed limit, use fog lights if you have them, and be cautious of the cars around you.

• Flooding & Wind: As many Floridians are aware, during severe storms wind and flooding can be extremely hazardous and should be prepared for. Fortifying your home and business before an expected strong storm can help keep your family and property. 

Fall usually reminds many people of cooler weather and the holidays around the corner, not hazardous weather. Fall should still be associated with those wonderful things however it is always smart to be aware of your risks and prepare yourself in dealing with these hazards.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach Gives Back to Our First Responders

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach disinfected over 50 First Responder vehicles during the first day of the three-day event.

Giving back is a core foundation that our company is built on; as is community. For as long as SERVPRO of West Palm Beach has been operating, we have always felt a strong sense of belonging in Palm Beach County. Like many small businesses, we depend on the positive experiences of our customers and support of the community.  

In the past two months, community has never been more important in many parts of our country. We have all had to stand strong together to combat the turmoil and uncertainty felt amongst us. We have witnessed this strength through our friends, family, essential workers and Frontliners. Palm Beach County First Responders have served the community faithfully in an unwavering, determined fashion. We have seen their perseverance in keeping the community safe and healthy. We are so grateful for our many First Responders throughout the county and to show our gratitude, this week we will be providing free vehicle disinfections for First Responders.

Today marked the first day of a three-day event, with a greater turn out than we could have hoped for! Putting our biohazard cleaning experience to good use, our crew, is eager to give back this week. During the three-day event, we will be disinfecting First Responder cars as well as providing a bottle of hand sanitizer for each vehicle. We cannot wait to meet and personally thank all of our First Responders of Palm Beach County.

We appreciate all of the Frontliners who are working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy. From our SERVPRO family to yours, we thank you!

Ways to Give Back During Challenging Times in Palm Beach County

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Donating does not always mean making a monetary donation to a major organization. Many local organizations and charities are working hard to provide for communities throughout Palm Beach. With the number of people who have been affected by the current pandemic growing each day, there are many different needs and ways to help.

• Donate to Food Pantries: Many food pantries are overwhelmed recently and may have supplies running low. If you are able to, donate canned goods and non-perishables. If you prefer to provide a monetary gift, there are organizations that provide those in need hot, daily meals.
• Donate Essential Items and Personal Protection: There is a great need for hard to find essentials, like household cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, soap and more. If you are able to supply these items, many disaster relief funds can benefit from a donation like this, providing support to healthcare organizations and areas with vulnerable communities.
• Virtually Volunteer: Volunteering in person may not be ideal for many during a time of social distancing. Virtual volunteer opportunities do exist that may include tutoring children who are going through a transitionary period of virtual learning. Choose an organization that connects you with quarantined elderly who would love to video chat and enjoy fun conversation during a difficult time.
• Help a Neighbor: The best way to give back might be for someone you know. If you have any neighbors, family, or friends who have compromised immune systems or are older, be sure to check in on them, helping with any tasks they have. A simple trip to the grocery store each week can be a great deal of help.
• Sew Protective Masks: Many healthcare organizations are in need of masks to protect their staff. There are dozens of articles and videos with tutorials on sewing a proper mask. If you have ample time on your hands and the appropriate materials, find a fun pattern and sew away!

Giving back is a wonderful way to show appreciation for all the Frontliners who give to us every day.

Germ Hotspots in Your West Palm Beach Home

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

We do so much in our home every day that is impossible to detect every single germ in your home and where it came from. Frankly, even attempting to do so sounds exhausting. Even so, keeping your home clean and healthy is important for yourself and your family. This can be done by recognizing hotspots in your home, follow proper hygiene and clean areas according to their specific needs.

Hotspots

Hotspots in your home are where germs tend to accumulate. These are usually high-traffic and high touch areas.

Kitchen

Places like counter tops or sinks are used quite often, coming in contact with different items like produce, meat, dirty hands, and more. Counter tops are used when unpacking groceries, cooking, even placing items like phones or keys that we might not realize have germs.

Bathrooms

It’s no surprise that bathrooms can be a haven for germs. Many places in your bathroom can be harboring germs including the sink, toilet, tub, trashcan and handles.

Handheld Items

Our hands touch many objects through the day, and if they’re not properly washed, can be transferring germs. Note these items should be included always during a routine cleaning: light switches, door knobs, remotes, phones, tablets, and computers. 

Routine Cleaning

Once you are aware of the hotspots in your home it is important to perform routine cleaning and disinfecting, especially on frequently touched surfaces.

When cleaning be sure to:

• Use proper protection like gloves when handling cleaning products
• Pay special attention to the surfaces you are cleaning and the products you are using as some products are better suited for different materials
• Launder soft items when possible like rugs or carpets
• Use warm to hot water when washing clothes and the appropriate detergent for a deep clean

Proper Hygiene

Following proper hygiene guidelines is important in maintaining a clean home. While doing so, many not rid your home of all potential germs, it can mitigate the problem. Washing your hands is essential to prevent the spread of germs. Be sure to take off your shoes before entering your house as well. If any items have been in a public place that isn’t exactly the cleanest of places, try not to place them on any surfaces that you often come in contact with.

Practicing proper hygiene and routine cleaning are great ways to keep a home clean and healthy. Professional cleaning services are also always an option if preferred!

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is Here to Help

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

In recent weeks much of the country has experienced unprecedented, complicated days. During this time SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is monitoring the situation, implementing all recommendations provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and local law enforcement. These guidelines are followed during our bioremediation cleaning services as well as for other fire, water or mold jobs. Our employees are being extremely diligent in wearing the proper protective gear when on site and practicing social distancing when interacting with any customers. The health and safety of our employees, customers, and community remain our top priority.

We understand this may be stressful times for many and want to make sure we are reaching out to anyone who may have questions. Our team is making sure to update our website and social media pages with helpful information. We are also available via phone to answer questions you may have regarding any of our services, or if you are currently working with us.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is known for our quick, quality work and knowledge in restoration services. Along with our specialized cleaning services, we are committed to continue following the same high set of standards, safely serving Palm Beach county area homes and commercial buildings with any water, fire, or mold damage. Our team is ready to respond to any emergency disaster 24/7.

Considerations for Healthy Work Environments in West Palm Beach

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Based on the industry your business is in, properly cleaning and disinfecting your work environment may have different requirements. Some businesses may be restricted to employees only inside facilities, while others have foot traffic from employees, customers, and other guests. Regardless of the number or type of people visiting a work environment, business owners should consider the following guidance for healthy employees and customers. 

Practice Proper Hygiene

Promoting hand washing for all employees and visitors is a great way to prevent the spread of germs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a minimum of 20 seconds of hand washing with soap and water. If soap and water is not always readily available, having hand sanitizer gel or wipes can suffice as a quick go-to. 

Encourage “respiratory etiquette”; this means a cough or a sneeze should be covered by the inside of an elbow or with a tissue if available. This is a fundamental practice in keeping germs at bay, even for those who may be suffering from seasonal allergies.

Clean Workstations and Shared Areas

If your business does not rely on janitorial services for routine cleaning and if it is safe to do so, encourage employees to disinfect their workstations. This especially goes for shared areas especially and “hotspots”, like computers, phones, door handles or other equipment. Always be sure to handle any cleaning solution with care and wear gloves as often as possible.

Some businesses or commercial space, like large office buildings, schools, or gyms may need deeper cleaning and disinfecting than what employees can handle. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach offers specialized cleaning services including bioremediation. We partner with many businesses in Palm Beach County to provide high quality cleaning. This cleaning can occur on a one-time basis if there are exceptional needs or as often as a business prefers.  

Being a business owner means considering the health and safety of your employees and customers year-round. Our team can provide you with additional information on  maintaining a healthy work environment and commercial cleaning services including bioremediation cleaning if needed. Call us today and speak to one of our highly-trained crew members.

Hurricane Dorian and Bahamas Relief

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach partners with West Palm Beach Police Department to donate 250 water filters and other Hurricane Dorian relief supplies.

At SERVPRO of West Palm Beach, we understand what it takes to be a part of a community. As no stranger to the aftermath of disasters, we also understand the hard times that can follow. Many of the customers we have served have dealt with damages from hurricanes. Thankfully we have been able to help many of these home and business owners. 

After the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Dorian to the Greater Bahamas, our team along with the West Palm Beach Police Department has extended this understanding and help to our friends in the Caribbean. Many people have been left without homes or businesses. Access to basic resources is also extremely limited at this time. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach has donated 250 water filters from Go Build Love, to provide clean drinking and bathing water. Along with the help from our owners and crew, we were able to donate generators and other relief supplies as well. We implore members of the West Palm Beach community to join us in donating. If you are able to give many of the items needed are: 

• Bottled Water
• Nonperishable Food Items
• Baby items including wipes, diapers, and formula
• Cleaning and hygienic supplies
• Blankets, towels, and bedding
• Flashlights, butane, or generators

A few ways you can find out more information on how or where to donate:

• Call the West Palm Beach Police Department
• Look up Hurricane Dorian relief efforts
• Visit Go Build Love

Our thoughts are with The Bahamas and all of those affected by Hurricane Dorian.

A Trusted Restoration Services Company in West Palm Beach

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew works together to provide our customers quality restoration services.

One of SERVPRO of West Palm Beach’s well known qualities amongst our customers is our  diligence. Regardless of the cause of damage, our evaluations are extremely thorough. Our experienced crew ensures that they look beyond the evident damage. For instance, our team might be assessing water damage in a home, with the obvious signs of water in the carpet. Equipped with thermal imaging tools, we look beyond the carpet, in the walls, ceilings, and other belongings in the area. In another situation, we may find mold damage that was not our original reason for visiting a home or business. Proper inspection includes looking beyond what is evident, for other current damage or identifying future sources of damage.  Our team is happy to take the additional time and steps to ensure our customers do not endure any more hardships whether to their home or business. We understand the stress that may come when you are in need of restoration services, so we do our best to leave you with repaired damage, peace of mind, and satisfaction.

Our team’s patience and attentiveness does not end with assessments. Restoration and remediation services tend to be confusing for many customers. There are many questions concerning the length of time, the cost, what will happen to belongings, etc. Our team does our best to educate our customers through each step, reassuring them of the care we will take with their belongings and home. 

When working with a restoration services company, consider the company's reputation for being diligent. Being thorough when it comes to fire, mold, or water damage may help to save you time, money, and prevention from future disasters.

Does Your Business Have an Emergency Ready Plan?

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Depending on the industry a business is in, and the size of the business, there may be contingency plans in place for different situations. A bank may have a plan in the case of a robbery; a big corporation may also have a plan in the sudden case that a C-suite executive resigns. As research has indicated, also having a plan in the case flood, fire, or water disaster strikes is essential for businesses to remain open. Loss of revenue, quality of customer service, and additional expenses all accompany business interruptions. As every owner knows ensuring a company remains functioning as normal is vital to the longevity and success of your business. SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) helps business owners develop a guide that they can spring into action upon a moment’s notice.

SERVPRO’s ERP is a cost-free tool that any company can easily utilize in the case it is warranted. Building a profile is simple with the ERP app, allowing all data to be easily stored and synced to as many devices of choosing. After registering for an account, users can create profiles for all of their properties. A walk-through of any property or facility is the first step. Our field form allows a user to easily log all critical information necessary in the event of an emergency situation. Having this information handy and stored also helps to streamline the restoration process while substituting the need for important documents, should they become damaged in a disastrous event. The distribution of the ERP to key decision makers is simplified with the app also. Sharing the plan with leaders in your company and your preferred local SERVPRO, mitigates the possibility of any miscommunication or confusion.

Should your business endure any damage, an option and process for help are already in place to execute. The choice to contact your preferred local SERVPRO via phone call or notice of loss form is available via the app. Since information on your property has been provided already to your local SERVPRO, most of the extensive questioning has been taken care of, allowing our crew to begin working much more quickly.

Every owner desires a peace of mind when it comes to their business. Employee and customer happiness is a top priority as is the bottom line. Ensuring contingency plans are in place helps to reinforce those priorities. With SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan, your business is back on it’s feet sooner after an emergency disaster. 

Call SERVPRO of West Palm Beach to ask about the ERP for your business and even your home. Our representatives can provide you the necessary information and direction toward making sure your business is ready for anything that comes your way!

Why Hire SERVPRO of West Palm Beach for Your Restoration Needs

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Why Hire Us?

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is located in the heart of West Palm Beach, extending our services out to Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Loxahatchee and more. 

Our franchise operates seamlessly, utilizing our skills and crew to provide our customers with the best possible restoration services.  

Training & Education

Our team advocates for continuous education in the restoration industry. Many of our crew members strive to complete new certifications and refresh their knowledge on previously obtained certifications as well. We connect with other industry leaders, both local and national, to ensure we are offering our customers the most innovative and current techniques and equipment.

Flexibility & Scalability

We have the ability to take on larger commercial projects with ease while maintaining the level of work we provide for our residential customers. One project may require drying and cleaning a flooded hotel in downtown West Palm and another removing mold-ridden carpet in a Palm Beach home. Working differing situations comes easily for our crew as they are confident in their skills and ability to adapt.

Trust

We pride ourselves in taking the time to know our customers and not just their emergency disaster at hand. Familiarizing ourselves with each individual customer allows us to understand what is important and what expectations there may be, aside from providing excellent service.

As business owners and homeowners, we understand that the notion of flood, fire, water, or storm damage can be overwhelming. Our crew walks each of our customers, commercial or residential, helping to ease feelings of worry and unrest. Our customers trusting us is our top priority.

Locally-Owned

Your backyard is ours as well. We take pride in working and living in Palm Beach County. Our entire crew is involved in the Palm Beach community through volunteering, donating, or mentoring. We have felt the affects of a hurricane and damage caused. We understand the stress with a fire or mold disaster. We want our neighbors to live worry-free with their homes at preloss conditions. We support the community just as much as they support us.

If you are experiencing any damage to your home and are in need of restoration services, call SERVPRO of West Palm Beach. We are dependable, trustworthy, and provide nothing less than quality work.

DIY Dont's for Water Damage Restoration in Your Home

3/31/2019 (Permalink)

Unlike DIY water damage restoration, we have equipment like this thermal gun to detect any hidden water or flooding.

Why Not to DIY Water Damage Restoration in Your Home 

You may experience a small water leak or flooding in your Palm Beach home and with a few Google searches or YouTube videos later, you’re convinced to DIY the situation. Often, some sites may provide water damage restoration tips, giving homeowners the confidence to attempt restoration and cleaning. While these tips mean well, DIYing water disasters can lead to other issues concerning your health, safety, and home. Before starting any restoration consider the following reasons. 

There Are Multiple Safety Hazards

The source of water leaks or flooding can have a direct effect on someone’s health should they come into contact with sitting water. There are different classifications of water including clean, gray, and black water. These classifications are not labeled relative to the color of the water but rather the contaminants found, usually stemming from the source. Microorganisms from the water and any lingering bacteria after an improper cleaning can be detrimental to personal health.

Restoration Takes Years of Experience

Certified professionals in the restoration industry have had the experience and training to identify obvious, hidden, and potentially future damage. Surface level damage, such as wet walls or flooring is easily recognized.  Affected areas can be deeper than what is seen by the untrained eye. Water can make its way under multiple layers of dry wall or flooring. Other issues like mold or mildew can spur from not properly diagnosing damage. A professional understands where to look and what to do to mitigate any present or future loss.

Lack of Proper Equipment 

The average homeowner more than likely does not own the equipment necessary to dry, clean, and restore water damage. Industry-standard air movers, dryers, and dehumidifiers require proper knowledge on use and placement. Tools for restoration also include cleaning solutions that rid of any bacteria, odor, or residue. These solutions may require extensive training on using them including safety equipment that a homeowner may not otherwise think of obtaining.

If needed, building materials for replacing drywall or flooring are easily found in hardware stores. However, unless a homeowner is a professional contractor, these items are not simply laid down with a few nails or adhesives. Restoration companies that offer rebuild know how to effectively and quickly replace damaged drywall, flooring, or other structural components in a home.  

Professional Crews Include More Than One Person 

Many homeowners are under the impression that they will save money but they do not always factor in time. Water damage restoration jobs entail a number of issues that require more than one set of hands. A professional crew has the ability to keep projects within a shorter timeframe than one person may be able to do. With a crew, believe it or not, both time and money are saved. Restoration companies know exactly what needs to be done, the timeline in which it can be done, and what equipment to use. Professionals also know how to complete restoration without making any mistakes that a homeowner might, costing additional monies.

When it comes to water damage and restoration, DIY is not the best route for any Palm Beach homeowner. Call a professional restoration company to save your health, your time, and your money.

What is Content Restoration?

3/31/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire in a West Palm Beach home, items were wrapped to begin the content restoration process.

Your house is not a home without your valued belongings. Many items in our homes hold fond memories of our families and friends. Some items we have worked hard to obtain and are filled with a sense of pride when regarding them in conversation or using them day to day. Whatever the feeling may be when it comes to furniture, clothes, photos, trinkets, and more, there is an overwhelming feeling of sadness once these items become damaged or lost.

When a fire or flood strikes your home, the question “What will happen to my home?” crosses a homeowner’s mind first. The second question may be “What will become of all of my things?”. As restoration experts with many years in the industry, we have seen a number of situations where disaster occurs, and homes are inundated with damage. Even in the direst of conditions, our crew has extensive experience in content restoration, to help salvage your valuables.

What is Content Restoration?

Content restoration happens when belongings are affected by fire, water, or mold. During the cleaning phase, our crew may “pack out” the items in any areas where damage occurred. Allowing the SERVPRO crew to pack your items ensures a more streamlined process and protection from further harm. We also help to inventory your belongings and document anything moving in or out of your home. Keeping a list also aids in any insurance claims that potentially occur later in the process.

These items are brought to an area in which our team can diligently inspect them to determine if there is a chance of salvation. Our mentality is “restore” rather than “replace”. Restoring items saves many homeowners memories and money.

Once items are categorized, cleaning or drying begins. Depending on the source and extent of damage, there are different methods utilized to carry out cleaning. Documents, photographs, and electronics are handled in a different matter than fabric and clothes may be. Our crew is qualified to determine which technique and level of cleaning is needed. Being tentative and knowledgeable is imperative to keep each item intact. 

Following your home’s restoration, our team will work with you on your move-in needs.  

In the case that your home is disturbed by a disastrous event such as flood or fire, rest easily knowing that your valuables, along with your home, are not completely lost. Our team understands the memories our customers have made in their homes. We strive to help you keep your belongings and bring your life back on track, "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning and Restoring Damaged Items in Palm Beach

3/23/2019 (Permalink)

These sneakers were full of smoke and soot damage before being restored by our Esporta machine.

Fire and water emergencies can bring homeowners many checklists, worries, and questions. The question of whether they will have to replace all clothing and textile items may plague many homeowners. During the process of cleaning and restoring, personal items and valuables are sorted to determine what is salvageable and what is not. Cleaning salvageable items is a part of the restoration process. Clothes and textiles affected by water, mold, soot or fire smoke can be restored with our Esporta machine.

Traditional washing machines, home-owned or industrial, do not have the capability to properly clean water, mold, or fire damaged clothing. The Esporta Washing System cleans twice as much than a dry cleaner can. The Esporta cleans 90% of all damaged soft contents including clothing, bedding, stuffed animals, leather shoes or purses, and more.

The Esporta Washing System uses a hydraulic cleaning method. This method uses water as pressure to force contaminants out of any items. This system differs from a traditional washing machine, as a traditional machine uses blades or paddles to press against the items, proving to be ineffective against organic or inorganic contaminants.

The detergent used in the cleaning process is also what sets this washing system apart from other methods. The proprietary detergent is harsh on contaminants but gentle on the environment. The blend is free of any hazardous chemicals, proving to be kind to those using the washed items, anyone operating the machine, and to our planet.

SERVPRO of West Palm Beach is one of the Esporta Certified Operators within Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, and Wellington. Accessibility to the Esporta gives us an edge on our competitors in providing quick, quality service and ensuring as much of our customer’s contents are restored. Restoring and cleaning your salvageable items usually helps to expedite the process of dealing with an insurance claim and returning back to your normal life. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach also eases the worries and many steps that comes with a fire or water damage emergency. We offer inspection, cleaning of both buildings and items, along with restoration.

For your next fire or water damage emergency, contact the pros at SERVPRO of West Palm Beach.