Stay Safe This Winter: Check Your Smoke Detectors and Replace Batteries!

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

A quick check on your smoke detectors can keep your family safe all winter long.

As we head into colder months in Omaha, it’s a perfect time for a quick safety check around the house. One simple yet crucial task? Check your smoke detectors and replace those batteries!

Smoke detectors are essential year-round, but especially during winter when heaters, fireplaces, and holiday cooking all come into play. Here’s how to keep things safe:

• Test Each Detector: Press the test button on each detector to ensure it’s working. If it doesn’t respond, replace the batteries immediately.
• Replace Batteries Regularly: Even if they’re working fine, swapping in fresh batteries every six months is a good rule of thumb. This way, you know they’re ready when needed.
• Keep Detectors Clean: Dust can interfere with sensors, so give them a gentle wipe to keep them clear.

A few minutes now can make all the difference in keeping your home and family safe. And if you ever need help after a fire or smoke event, SERVPRO Team Toft is just a call away at 402-408-0134. Stay safe this winter!

Keeping Your Omaha Commercial Property Safe and Dry This Thanksgiving

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Thankful for Dry Spaces: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly This Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks for a Swift Recovery: Restoring Your Omaha Commercial Property After Water Damage

Thanksgiving is here, and while most businesses are gearing up for holiday shoppers, family gatherings, and festive meals, water damage can sneak in and throw a wrench in the holiday cheer! Whether it’s an overflowing sink, a busted pipe, or unexpected flooding, SERVPRO Team Toft is ready to keep your business safe, dry, and open for customers.

When water damage hits a commercial property, it’s not just an inconvenience – it can disrupt business, damage valuable assets, and impact the people who rely on that space every day. Each situation is unique and sometimes complicated, requiring fast action, expertise, and flexibility. But don’t worry, our team knows how to jump in and tackle the challenge, so you can keep things running smoothly during the busy holiday season.

Why Commercial Water Damage Calls for a Thanksgiving-Sized Response

Our SERVPRO® team understands that keeping your business safe and accessible during the holiday season is a priority! A water damage emergency can disrupt your flow, so we work quickly to isolate the affected area while helping you maintain operations—because “Closed for Cleanup” is the last sign you want up for Thanksgiving.

Restoring commercial properties is a unique challenge, especially when business needs to keep running smoothly. Our team knows what it takes to work swiftly and efficiently to minimize downtime and get you back to business as usual. This Thanksgiving, let us handle the tough stuff so you can focus on what matters most, giving thanks, gathering with loved ones, and keeping your business moving forward through the holiday season.

Why Call SERVPRO Team Toft? Because We’re Thankful for You!

At SERVPRO of Team Toft, we’re not just here for cleanup, we’re here to be part of your community and help you stay open, safe, and successful. Our pros are trained in the latest restoration techniques, backed by years of experience, and certified through IICRC industry training. From small spills to full-scale floods, we’ve got you covered.

Link to Our Site
https://www.SERVPROomahasouthwestne.com/   Southwest

Don’t Let Water Damage Dampen Your Thanksgiving Spirit – Call Us!

This holiday season, make sure your business is ready for anything. If you’re dealing with water damage, give SERVPRO Team Toft a call at 402-408-0134. We’ll handle the mess so you can focus on what matters—serving customers, celebrating Thanksgiving, and ringing in a successful holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving from the whole SERVPRO Team Toft family!

Omaha's 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Heroes – Team Toft to the Rescue This Thanksgiving!

11/7/2024 (Permalink)

Your 24/7 Water Damage Lifeline in Omaha– Gobble Up Help Anytime!

The holiday season is here, and while we’re all looking forward to family, feasts, and festivities, water damage can quickly rain on your Thanksgiving parade. Whether it's a leak from the kitchen sink as you prepare the turkey or a sudden flood that comes calling, SERVPRO Team Toft is ready to jump into action at any hour – even during the holiday feast!

We’re Always Open – Even During Turkey Time!

Emergency Help – Call Us Anytime: 402-408-0134

We understand that calling us may mean you’re dealing with a Thanksgiving disaster. Maybe there’s water where there should be pie, or a plumbing mishap has you feeling more stressed than stuffed. No matter what, Team Toft’s water damage experts have the training, experience, and heart to help get things back to normal in time to enjoy that pumpkin pie.

What Happens When You Call Us This Thanksgiving?

When water damage strikes during the holidays, don’t let it ruin your plans. When you call, we’ll ask a few quick questions so we can bring the right equipment and team members to handle your situation effectively – even if it’s during the big game.

Questions We’ll Ask:

• Your name and contact information
• Insurance details (if applicable)
• The address where water damage occurred
• When the water damage happened
• What caused the damage (if known)
• If electricity is available on-site

Why Choose Team Toft This Holiday Season?

Team Toft doesn’t just restore water damage – we bring you peace of mind, especially during the holiday season. Our experts in Omaha are SERVPRO certified, with ongoing training that ensures we’re equipped for any disaster, big or small. From the unexpected kitchen leaks to full-scale floods, we’re here to bring you relief and restore your space with care.

Don’t Let Water Damage Be the Main Course! Call Team Toft Anytime!

Water damage isn’t on anyone’s Thanksgiving menu, but if it shows up, we’re here to help! Team Toft is ready 24/7, holiday or not. Just call 402-408-0134, and we’ll take care of the rest, so you can focus on what matters most – family, food, and fun.

Happy Thanksgiving from Team Toft!

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

There are many steps that homeowners need to take in the maintenance of their property, but air duct cleaning is one of the most essential. What is it about this service that makes it so vital for people in the Omaha, NE area? Check out some of the reasons that you should have your air ducts cleaned:

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

1. More Effective Cooling

When air ducts aren't properly cleaned, dirt and other debris can build up and prevent air from circulating. This leads to less effective results and a less comfortable home. Beat the heat more efficiently by having your air ducts cleaned regularly so no obstructions prevent them from circulating the air in your home.

2. Fight Against Mold

Damp, dirty conditions in an air duct that is overdue for cleaning can create one of the biggest headaches that homeowners face: mold. Not only is this substance unsightly and foul-smelling, but it can also be a health risk to certain people who are vulnerable to its effects. Keep your property mold-free by having regular cleanings to prevent it from forming.

3. Extend the Lifespan of the System

As with many other things, getting your HVAC unit serviced regularly will help it last longer than it would without preventative maintenance. By getting regular cleanings for your air ducts, you'll prevent more extensive problems from happening, allowing you to get the most value from the unit as possible.

4. Reduce Odors and Allergens

If you don't clean your air ducts regularly, you may smell odd, unpleasant odors coming from them. Anyone on the property with sensitivity to airborne allergens may also notice worsening symptoms if the air ducts aren't cleaned. Scheduling regular cleanings can help to alleviate both of these problems.

5. Prevent Pest Infestations

The environment that unclean air ducts create is home to the conditions that common household pests such as insects or rodents thrive in. You're at a greater risk of a pest infestation occurring if you don't regularly clean your air ducts. Have service performed regularly to avoid this unpleasant issue.

6. Breathe Healtheir Air

We spend a lot of time in our homes, so the air present inside has a big impact on our overall health and well-being. Scheduling regular cleanings for your air ducts will help to improve the air quality in your home, allowing you and everyone else on the premises to be as healthy as can be.

Air Duct Cleaning in Omaha, NE

For all these reasons and more, we see that cleaning your air ducts regularly is essential. Do you need to have this service performed at your home? You can trust the professionals on our team to give your air ducts the thorough cleaning they need so that you can enjoy better air quality in your home.

Don't delay in getting this necessary service any longer. Contact SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest today and let us help you with your home's maintenance!

Top Causes of Water Lose

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

It's crucial to take care of any signs of water damage immediately. Commercial restoration services can be more challenging than residential. The size and structure of the property, the extent of the water damage, and the number of occupants will greatly affect the restoration process. Two commercial spaces with the same square footage could have completely different mitigation plans. While some issues are inevitable, many issues leading to water damage are preventable. 

1. Damaged pipes/plumbing- look for drippy, or leaking pipes. Check ceiling for dark areas indication water damage. Toilets also seem to be a major cause of commercial water damage.  

2. Poorly sealed windows and doors: Rain and snow can easily enter your business through poorly fitted windows. 

3. Roof leak: The roof is the main defense against mother nature. Check often for damaged or missing shingles. 

4. Appliances: Check appliances such as a dishwasher, refrigerator,  and commercial coffee maker to ensure the plumbing is correct and not leaking.

5. HVAC: The heating and cooling unit is a major culprit of commercial water damage. Make sure to inspect it regularly for any signs of water leaks or damage.

If you need commercial restoration services, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest. 

SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest Services

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Do you know the services SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest offers?

1. Water Damage Repair and Restoration: Whether the damage is from heavy rains or flooding, a burst pipe, or an appliance malfunction, our techs are highly trained and certified in water damage restoration. We have specialized high tech equipment to efficiently dry out your property.

2. Fire Damage Repair and Restoration: Each fire situation is unique and requires a specific cleaning and restoration process. We have high tech equipment that allows to restore contents instead of having to replace. 

3. Mold Remediation and Restoration: From setting containment to using negative air, our techs are trained in proper mold remediation. 

4. Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration: We have the resources and personnel to quickly respond to any storm or disaster. With over 1800 franchises, SERVPRO is close by and ready.

5. Commercial Cleaning Services: SERVPRO offers commercial COVID cleaning and disinfecting, along with proactive cleaning. We follow protocol set by the CDC, and use a hospital grade EPA registered disinfectant. 

6. Bio-hazard Cleanup: Crime scene cleanup, sewage backup, and suicide cleanup are a few of the bio-hazard cleanup services we offer.

7. Vandalism and Graffiti Removal: The media blaster can clean almost any surface. We can seamlessly remove graffiti or cleanup after a break-in.

8. Air Duct and Carpet Cleaning: Cleaning your HVAC unit can extend the life of the equipment. This can save you money, and give you cleaner air to breathe. Carpets act as a filter trapping contaminants. Regular cleanings can extent the life span of your carpet.

9. Odor Removal: Our techs are trained to identify and quickly eliminate offensive odors. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest for all your restoration and cleanup needs.

Why SERVPRO Over the Other Guys?

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Aren't all restoration companies the same? What sets SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest apart from the rest? 

Education: We know that knowledge is power! We have invested in all of our techs to take specialized training in water restoration. All of our techs are WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician) certified. This is specialized certification through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) that gives techs a better concept of water damage, it's effects and techniques for drying of structures. Our leadership team has several years of experience in water mitigation as well as reconstruction. Lathe leads the team with several certifications and years of cleanup, restoration and construction experience. 

Equipment: We have invested in specialized state-of-the-art drying and cleaning equipment. The trailer mounted desiccant dehumidifier can remove 500+ gallons of water from a large space in a 24 hour period. It can dry spaces 50,000 + sq ft. This saves you time and money when it matters most. The complete ultrasonic cleaning system can be used to restore personal belongings instead of the cost to replace. The media blasting machine can remove soot and smoke damage, mold, and even graffiti from property. SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest has also invested in a brand new duct cleaning machine. We take pride in our arsenal of specialized drying equipment. 

Customer Service: We value our reputation. The techs are there to explain the process in full, address any questions or concerns, and help to get your property back to pre-damage condition. We strive to make the restoration process seamless for the customer. At the end of a job, we want to make sure the customer is happy with our services and would recommend us in the future.

Faster to Any Disaster: We know when you have an emergency, you need someone there fast! Flooding and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. Our crews are on call and ready to help 24/7- including all holidays.  The faster we can start the initial assessment process, the faster the water extraction process can start. Timing is essential to prevent any secondary damage.

When disaster strikes, call the team with the knowledge and experience, the state-of-the-art equipment, and compassion at each step of the process. SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest proudly serving Omaha, NE and surrounding communities.

Electrical Safety

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Consumer electronic products are more prevalent than ever. Research indicates that the average household owns more than twenty-five consumer electronic products. With all of today’s technology, it can prove challenging to safely maintain power to all of our electronic devices. Electrical outlets are easy to overload and as a result, may become hazardous. While adding a power strip or extension cord seems like an easy solution to a lack of electrical outlets, the wiring in some buildings often isn’t capable of supporting too many high-powered electronic appliances.

Older office buildings and homes, in particular, often suffer from lack of electrical outlets. The temptation is to simply add a power strip or plug in an extension cord from across the room. Even in newer office buildings and homes, it can be all too easy to overload a single outlet with power hungry machines such as computers, printers, scanners and monitors.

When an employee or resident overloads an electrical outlet, that means more current is running through the outlet than it can handle. This causes the outlet to overheat, which may lead to an electrical fire. According to a 2008 National Fire Protection Association study, electrical distribution and lighting equipment are involved in more than 24,000 home structure fires per year. These fires resulted in an average of 320 deaths per year and an estimated $700 million in property damage per year.

If an electrical fire should occur, get safely away from the fire and call your fire department. If you choose to use an extinguisher on the fire, never let the fire get between you and a safe exit, and never let use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Class C fire extinguishers use a non-conductive extinguishing agent and should not cause electrical shock.

To help prevent this and other electrical hazards, refer to the list below (provided by Electrical Safety Foundation International).

• If you must use a power strip, use a name brand product from a reputable retailer. Low-quality or counterfeit power strips may contain wiring that isn’t adequate to carry the load.
• Place power strips where there is plenty of air circulation to disperse the heat.
• Never attempt to plug grounded (three-pronged) cords into an ungrounded (two-pronged) outlet.
• Do not bind, kink or know electrical cords.

Mold is Everywhere

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can spread rapidly after water damage, and cause many problems.

Some Facts About Mold: 

Mold is everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold grows where there is moisture. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

If you have a mold problem or would like to prevent mold after you have experienced water damage, SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest can help with both! Call us today 402-408-0134

Safe Home Heating

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

The change in season means an increase in the use of supplemental home heating, and an increase in home heating fires.  An October 2013 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) using date from 2007-2011 reveals some sobering statistics:

• Space heaters accounted for 33% of home heating fires and 81% of home heating deaths.

• The leading factor contributing in home heating fires was failure to clean (primarily creosote) from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.

• The leading factor contributing to ignition in 53% of fatal home heating fires was having flammable items too close to heating equipment.

With these statistics in mind, here are some tips for safe home heating:

Fireplaces:

• Always use protective screens to keep sparks and embers inside the firebox.

• Ensure the air inlet is free from debris and obstructions.

• Keep combustible decorations or furniture away from heat source.

• Burn only seasoned wood, never rubbish or scraps of treated lumber.

Woodstoves:

• Check the iron and steel components for cracks or degradation from the fire's heat and replace those that are bad.

• Close a dollar bill in the door at various spots around the frame.  If you can pull it out easily the gaskets are won and should be changed.

• Set woodstoves on hearth rugs made of spark resistant material.

Space Heaters:

• Plug heaters directly into a wall socket and not into extension cords.

• Unplug heaters when they are not in use.

• Do not place heaters in walkways or in locations where they could be easily knocked over and ensure heaters are equipped with a tip-over switch.

• Keep clothing, furniture, draperies, paper and other items at least three feet away from the space heater.

• Use only electric heaters equipped with a thermostat or an automatic shut off switch.

• Do not hide cords under rugs or carpets.  Placing anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat, and can cause a fire.

• Leave appropriate and recommended amount of space surrounding a space heater.

The trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest are here to help with any of your fire cleaning and restoration needs.

If you have questions or need help, please call us 24x7 at 402-408-0134