Recent Posts
Staying Ahead of the Storm: Hurricane Season Preparedness
5/31/2023 (Permalink)
As the spring storms come to an end, residents of Florida begin to brace themselves for the hurricane season. As hurricane season is approaching, it is crucial to be proactive and prepared. Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes, properties, and communities, but with the right plan in place, you can help minimize the risks and protect what matters most. With the following tips and insights on hurricane season preparedness, you can help yourself and your loved ones stay safe and prepared during these challenging times.
Staying Informed:
Knowledge is power when it comes to hurricanes. Stay updated with the latest weather reports and forecasts from trusted sources. Keep an eye out on the local news channels, weather apps, and official websites that provide real-time information on storm development. Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications in your area to receive timely updates about potential incoming threats and evacuation notices.
Create an Emergency Kit:
Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit that includes essential supplies that can last you and your family at least three days in case of emergency.
Include Items such as:
- Non-perishable foods
- Water
- First Aid Kit
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Battery Powered Radio
- Essential Medications
- Personal Hygiene Products
Aim for supplies that can sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Regularly check and replenish your emergency kit throughout hurricane season.
Develop an Emergency Plan:
Creating a comprehensive plan for an emergency is essential for hurricane preparedness. Identify evacuation routes and establish a communication plan with your family members. Designate a meeting point and ensure everyone knows how to reach it. Additionally, compile important documents, such as insurance polices and identification, and keep them in a waterproof and easily accessible container.
Safeguard Your Property:
Protecting your property is crucial in mitigating potential damages caused by hurricanes. Trim trees and shrubs near your home, secure loose branches and objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Reinforce your windows with storm shutters or plywood, and ensure your roof is in good condition. Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and potential flooding.
Hurricane preparedness is a crucial aspect of safeguarding your family, property, and peace of mind. By developing an emergency plan, stocking up on essential supplies, safeguarding your property and staying informed, you may be able to significantly reduce the impact of a hurricane. Remember SERVPRO is here to help you during the recovery process if your property sustains damage. Stay safe, be prepared, and weather the storm with confidence.
Our storm disaster recovery team makes it so we can help all of those in need that have water damage and other storm damage losses. Call SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village today for a free estimate at (904)-429-4457!
Preventing and Handling Mold During Florida Summers: Embracing Sunshine Safely
5/22/2023 (Permalink)
Summertime in Florida brings with it sunshine, warm weather, and the chance to enjoy activities outdoors. However, summertime also brings high levels of humidity that can create a breeding ground for mold. Mold is a common problem faced by residents in the sunshine state and can be a cause of health problems and damage to homes. We will explore the challenges of dealing with mold in Florida over the summer and provide some helpful tips to keep it at bay.
Florida’s tropical climate and proximity to water is a big factor in its high humidity levels, especially during the summer months. While mold spores are present in the air year-round, the combination of humidity and warmth creates the perfect condition for mold growth. Whether it’s a small spot in the bathroom or a hidden infestation behind the wall, mold can quickly become a continuous issue if not addressed quickly. To prevent mold its important to understand which areas of your home that are most vulnerable to moisture creeping in, such as:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Basements
- Windows
Taking Proactive Measures
A key step in mold prevention is proper ventilation and airflow. Ensure that your home has sufficient airflow by use of fans, opening windows and running air conditioners or dehumidifiers. By improving air flow, you can reduce moisture accumulating in your home which will prevent mold growth. Being vigilant in identifying and rectifying any suspected water leaks or dampness is another way to discourage mold growth. Regularly inspecting your plumbing, roof, and windows for potential sources of moisture and repairing them immediately to keep your home dry and well-ventilated is essential to minimize mold growth.
Mold Already in Your Home?
When it comes to combating existing mold in your home it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. can take less than 72 hours for mold to spread throughout your house. If you discover a mold problem or suspect that it may be affecting your health, it is advisable to seek professional help. SERVPRO has the expertise, experience, and advanced equipment to effectively remove mold and restore a safe living environment. Remember, early detection and swift action are key to preventing mold from spreading and causing more damage. Call SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village today for a free estimate at 904-429-4457. We are here to help and return your property back to “Like it never even happened.”
What to do after a storm?
5/3/2023 (Permalink)
Returning to our normal routine after storm damage can be absolutely so tiring and without a doubt stressful. Storms are a naturally occurring phenomenon that we should never take for granted no matter how strong the storm signal. Storms come with heavy rain causing a flood that can destroy our establishments and homes. Strong wind, lightning, and heavy rain are common when a storm is coming or is in the area.
Here are a few safety tips on what to do after the storm.
1. After the storm, assess your property and the structural damage it has after the storm and take numerous photos if possible.
2. Secure your home for further damage, cover the broken windows but don’t try to fix it yourself until an authorized person has checked and secured the home.
3. Stay away from the open wire and hanging electric wires. Be careful turning on your generators.
SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village Gives Back to the Local Community
5/3/2023 (Permalink)
On April 29, SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee participated in the city of New Smyrna Beach’s Community Outreach Giveaway.
On Saturday, April 29, SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village participated in the city of New Smyrna Beach’s Community Outreach Giveaway at Pettis Park for those who are still displaced from last year’s catastrophic hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
The event which began at noon and lasted until around 4 p.m., was in the city’s historic west side. Sponsored by the City of New Smyrna Beach, as well as numerous local religious affiliates and commercial businesses, the event gave away free food, clothing, and door prizes, as well as providing plenty of activities for all ages.
Volunteers from SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village contributed to the event by raffling off four major door prizes, one specifically for the overall event, and the other three as part of their hurricane preparedness/continuing education initiative. These prizes included a solar-powered radio with an additional phone charger, and two emergency preparation backpacks (one for an adult, the other for a child) filled to the brim with items necessary for the health and safety of individuals during catastrophic storms.
These items were also carefully selected in conjunction with the city to provide continuing education for community members in anticipation of the upcoming hurricane season. Other continuing education materials provided to the public included SERVPRO’s Home Emergency Kits, which contain individually filled booklets stored together in a waterproof, plastic zipped folder to be stored in an easily accessible spot in case of emergencies. Volunteers also gave away plenty of other SERVPRO pens, notebooks, and other swag to community members who visited their tent.
The overall participation in the event was part of SERVPRO’s continuing education efforts. By playing a role in the community by providing the tools necessary to get through catastrophic events, SERVPRO is there every step of the way, helping people take back control of their lives.
Is your Greater St. Augustine Business Hurricane Ready?
4/28/2023 (Permalink)
In less than a few months, Floridians will kick off the official hurricane season, which, according to the National Weather Service, starts June 1 ends on November 30.
According to a report released by AccuWeather, those in the Sunshine State who are still recovering from punishing hurricanes, such as Ian and Nicole, say the state will once again be at a higher risk than other parts of the country. And, as many of us have seen, hurricanes are not particular about what type of properties it effects. Many commercial property owners and building managers fall victim to catastrophic damage.
As a building owner or manager in a coastal state, especially small businesses, losing your storefront and merchandise can cost more than just money. It can cost your very own livelihood. Sometimes, this damage is unavoidable. But oftentimes, it is a matter of careful planning and preparedness before the storms that can be a matter of your overall business’s survival. Here are a few key steps to take to remain vigilant about hurricane preparedness.
Plan
This might seem cut and dry, but it is crucial for those who operate along the coastline to know their risk. And this doesn’t exclude those who are further inland. Ask your local emergency management office about the history of hurricanes in and around your facility. Contact your local SERVPRO franchise to schedule a full-walk through, including an emergency readiness plan created by our field experts, specifically tailored to your commercial business. Consider investing in flood insurance if you have not already. This will greatly speed your recovery if a hurricane does cause flooding. To learn more about flood insurance, contact your insurance company, or visit floodsmart.gov.
Clean
Prepare your site by having a local roofer or facilities crew member remain diligent about keeping your roof free and clear of debris. This also includes trimming any overhanging tree branches, as well as removing any loose objects. Get a pre-storm inspection from your local SERVPRO professional. Our full-service mitigation services also include maintenance performance such as sealing, clearing out drains, and more. Verify electrical wires are adequately anchored to the roof, and check that hatches and doors on HVAC units, electrical boxes, and other fixtures are closed and locked.
Coordinate
Along with your local SERVPRO franchise, make sure to have a good list of preferred vendors that operate inside and outside your business. These third parties, which are also listed in every specific ERP created by your SERVPRO professional, are vital, especially during state-wide emergencies.
Do you have the contact information for your power company handy? What about your internet provider? This includes, along with the phone number, a direct link to the company website, which often will post regular updates to outages. Having your insurance agent or broker’s contact is critical. Make sure to touch base to ensure you are fully ready and covered by storm protection. Have the local number for your emergency responders and local law enforcement. Be aware of your location within the municipality to ensure you get the most accurate and quickest response.
Protect
Property damage not only leaves you exposed to the elements, but also makes your business vulnerable to other forms of serious loss.
Make sure to back up all of your data. Ask yourself: is my data backed up off-site? How often? How are my proprietary company secrets protected? Check with your insurance provider about your coverage prior to any storm. Do you have a phone chain for contacting employees regarding closings? Have you correctly identified essential workers? Does everyone know where to go in an emergency, whether to evacuate or shelter in place?
Consider implementing a contingency operations plan for after the hurricane strikes. Practice your plan with employees and stakeholders every few months. This will also help you to anticipate any changing variables and challenges.
Collect
Along with a hurricane preparedness kit, commercial businesses should also set aside a reserve ready in case the storm makes landfall. This should not only be enough to cover not just the initial cost of supplies, but also any extra materials needed for the days after the storm. And, just setting aside extra disaster response supplies that are more inclined to run out, such as batteries and non-perishables, give you a leg-up when it comes to competing businesses that might not have done the same.
Even if your property is only predicted to succumb to the high wind elements of a tropical storm doesn’t mean that you should skimp on stashing extra supplies. Always have a storage supply of material to protect the exterior of your building. This includes any materials recommended for boarding up the doors and windows of your business. Whether you are on a floodplain or not, make sure you have enough sandbags to keep the heavy rain outside of your property. Stash a few tarps and long, strong nails in case the strong wind tears a hole through your roof. Even a tiny leak, especially in a catastrophic storm, can have a devastating impact.
Better yet? Call your SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village franchise today to schedule a walk-through from one of our own field experts who can identify even the smallest of issues that could have a major structural impact when mixed with the elements of a catastrophic storm.
Contact
Our storm disaster recovery team make it so we can help all of those in need that had water damage and other storm damage losses. Call SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village today for a free estimate at (904)-615-9609! Our calls are never outsourced so you will always speak to someone on our team! We are here to help and can return your property back to like it never even happened.
What matters to you, matters to SERVPRO!
4/6/2023 (Permalink)
Choose a company that cares!
Our team at SERVPRO has seen it all from people losing their home for weeks or months due to fires and floods. We are here to make it like it never happened! With every job being different we handle every job with great care and focus. SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village cares about your property and belongings within because we know it is your lifestyle, your business and your home. Our means a lot to us and we intend to care for all of our customers as if it was our home or business.
The Brand You Can Trust!
SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village strives to provide extraordinary care and support in your moment of need. Our business is centered around speed and customer service so that we will be faster to respond to your disaster, faster to arrive on-site, and faster to complete your required cleanup or remediation. Our highly trained technicians will exceed your expectations and keep you informed through every step of the restoration process.
Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Focus!
Our 24-hour team is ready to help you through any emergency, but what sets us apart from the restoration industry is our focus is on customer experience!
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs. We are proud to be an active member of the St. Augustine, FL community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
Give us a call today at (904)429-4457
Who can clean this toxic mess?
3/28/2023 (Permalink)
Who do you call when a biohazard arises?
Call SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village for all your restoration needs. No job is too big or too small! 904-429-4457!
Why?
Biohazards can keep business or home living at a standstill so allow SERVPRO to clean, restore and sanitize the area like it never happened! We know some of the Biohazards can cause health related issues and even structural damage which is why we want to get there and get it cleaned up in an effective manner. Crime scenes and disasters is where we tend to see many biohazards and know they can cause trauma and want to get it taken care of immediately for you and your family and or fellow workers. We do work with local officers and will also come clean those disaster hazard chemical spills. It's best you call us to handle it rather than approaching a substance you're not fully sure of. SERVPRO has the proper equipment and safety gear that highly trained techs use while approaching any hazardous cleanup! The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience are key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.
What are some of the risks of Biohazards?
Biological hazards are known to cause skin irritations and allergic reactions, as well as very serious conditions such as tuberculosis or cancer, depending on the hazard. These biohazards put you, your family, friends and coworkers at risk making for a big problem!
No need to worry as the pros over at SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village is here to make it like it never happened. We do it the right way so that there will be no risk, but you will be left with a clean property! While the oldest city can suffer from biohazards at time, we pride ourselves with helping with the job no matter the size.
We are available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
- St. Augustine
- St Augustine Beach
- Vilano Beach
- Hastings
- Crescent Beach
- Fort Matanzas
- Casa Cola
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (904) 429-4457
SERVPRO® of Northeastern Florida Named Official Cleanup and Restoration Company of the Florida Gators
3/27/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is proud to announce its continued partnership with Florida Gators athletics through the 2023-24 athletic season. The new agreement, which includes the teamwork of multiple SERVPRO franchises across the state, is with Florida Gators Sports Properties, LEARFIELD's dedicated team representing the University Athletic Association (UAA).
A leader in the fire, water and bioremediation industry for more than 50 years, SERVPRO becomes the “Official Cleanup and Restoration Company of the Florida Gators.” In addition to use of official Gators’ marks, the SERVPRO brand will be represented at numerous official university athletic platforms, including radio game broadcasts, social media content and in-venue signage.
“SERVPRO and Florida Gators both continuously strive to be the best—whether that is on the court, the field of play or in the community,” said Bryce Clark, owner of SERVPRO of Jacksonville South. “SERVPRO’s teammates across Florida are dedicated to serving our customers and look forward to cheering on the Gators.”
“We’re pleased to call SERVPRO a member of our corporate partner family,” said Scott Stricklin, Athletics Director at the University of Florida. “We appreciate their ongoing support of the Gators and our athletics programming, and we welcome them back in this exclusive sponsorship category.”
In complete collaboration with UF, LEARFIELD’s Florida Gators Sports Properties team extends the affinity of the Gators’ brand to businesses and corporations of all sizes looking to align with the undeniably loyal and passionate collegiate sports fan base.
Signs Your Florida Home Might Have Mold, and 4 Ways to Rule out Leaks as the Culprit
3/24/2023 (Permalink)
A SERVPRO professional peels back a wall, exposing mold and mildew infestation.
We all know it—the incessant sound of the “drip drip drip” of a leaking pipe. But did you know that this noise could be an indicator of something much more sinister, on top of already being an annoyance to your ears?
That’s because leaking pipes, whether they are big or small, can cause a myriad of problems for the average homeowner. In fact, one of the most common problems that property owners can sustain is water damage. And, broken and leaky pipes rank second in both frequency and severity, according to the yearly total of claims resulting in water damage.
And repeated moisture in your residence, especially in more humid states such as Florida, could be a primary culprit for an infestation of mold. Luckily, there are a few steps to take to quickly identify this issue and preventative measures to maintain a mold-free home.
1.) Location, location, location
As stated before, leaking pipes are the top indicator of a future mold infestation. However, there are a few other locations that provide the perfect dark, damp atmosphere for mold. This includes places that have repeated and undetected leaks, primarily from other cases of water damage. Be sure to also check behind walls, your ceiling, and even flooring for moisture build-up. These instances could also lead to overall product deterioration, and oftentimes, mold and mildew—which make for an almost perfect pairing.
2.) Timing is key.
Mold can grow on almost any surface in your home that remains wet or in an area with excess moisture within 48 to 72 hours. Often, this happens even after repairs are made. This is why it is imperative to call a SERVPRO expert even if the leak seems innocently small or has created little damage.
3.) Make emergency repairs.
While this seems like a no-brainer, the truth is when a leak is not repaired properly, water can and will continue to pool. This water is now creating the perfect hang-out for mold and mildew. And, if it is in an area without proper airflow (i.e., a basement, attic, etc.) the mold damage can be extensively worse. This is because mold is notorious for being good at hiding, and can end up in areas that may not be detected for months.
Consider turning your water off. This will make repairing the water pipe leak much easier. Make sure to regularly check the area for at least a few weeks. If the water does show up again, call one of our SERVPRO professionals sooner than later. They will not only be able to quickly identify the underlying cause but take the proper steps to remediate the damage from start-to-finish.
4.) What’s that smell?
Another good indicator that there might be mold still lingering in your household is the smell. Have you noticed a damp smell or musty odor in your home? This is often another sign of water damage and is usually the strongest around the area where the water damage occurred.
If you think that your northeastern Florida home has a leak or signs of water damage, your local SERVPRO professional is here to help. Our highly trained technicians can mitigate and dry out the excess moisture quickly before the structural integrity of your home becomes at risk for secondary damages and mold growth. Acting quickly and avoiding any delays when dealing with water damage and excess moisture not only save your home's structural integrity but lessens the amount of time needed to get your home back to normal, but the timely response can also aid in keeping overall costs down. Call us at 904-429-4457 to schedule a FREE estimate, or for emergency services 24/7/365!
When a problem or disaster occurs at your St. Augustine property do you know who to call?
3/22/2023 (Permalink)
Who do you call for disasters?
Do you call someone for floods? Do you call someone for extensive cleanings? Do you call anyone for reconstruction? What about mold who do you call? Do you know anyone that could fix a fire damaged home or business like it never happened?
SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village is an excellent choice.
Why is SERVPRO an excellent choice?
First and foremost, we have years of experience and knowledge in the industry with professional training.
we recognize the advancements in technology over the past few decades and use it to our advantage by implementing it to better help our customers make it "Like it never even happened." We use the best technology available for both our office and response crews to help make the customer experience the best it can be from all aspects or perspectives.
There is a science behind drying a structure to preloss condition, and in order to properly do so, professionals rely on specialty equipment. This equipment is utilized to help us find water saturation through a wall, ceiling, or floor. Infrared cameras are used to identify a water location and its source so we can then properly extract it.
Powerful water extraction equipment is utilized to restore your property or place of business as quickly as possible. We use truck-mounted and portable extraction equipment that perform efficient water removal. Industrial strength air-movers and dehumidifiers are used to remove the remaining moisture from the walls, ceilings, and floors from your home or business. 24/7/365, we are here to help and make it "Like it never even happened."
Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment
Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.
- An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
- Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
Water Extraction Equipment
Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.
- Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
- Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
Drying Equipment
Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
- High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
- Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.
- Air scrubbers
- Thermal foggers and deodorization agents
Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments
The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.
- Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
- Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.
We are also an all-in-one stop shop, meaning when you call us, we will do it all and you won't have to worry about bring others on for specifics on the job. We are a full-service restoration company. Call us today for any job, emergency or estimate you may need! (904)962-6184
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