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 Council Bluffs, 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 Council Bluffs Commercial Property Safe and Dry This Thanksgiving

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

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

Grateful for Restoration: Bringing Council Bluffs Business Spaces Back to Life

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.SERVPRO.com/locations/ia/SERVPRO-of-council-bluffs?utm_medium=yext&utm_source=gmb Council Bluffs

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!

Council Bluffs 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Heroes – Team Toft to the Rescue This Thanksgiving!

11/7/2024 (Permalink)

Your 24/7 Water Damage Lifeline in Council Bluffs – 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 Council Bluffs 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!

What To Do Until Help Arrives

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can cause serious health issues. Some common biohazards are sewer backups and flood water. SERVPRO® of Council Bluffs has the proper equipment, training, and protective gear necessary to safely make any biohazard situation "Like it never even happened". 

Examples of Biohazards:

Mold

COVID and other viral pathogens

Crime Scenes

Bodily Fluids

Hoarding 

Animal Infestation

Flood Waters

Sewage Backups

Call (712)256-6616 for your biohazard cleanup needs!

After a biohazard has been found, make sure you clear the area if deemed unsafe. Call the appropriate emergency personal if life-threatening. Call a professional restoration company to safely mitigate the hazardous situation. Flood water and sewage backups should be considered dangerous. Flood water can contain harmful contaminates. Biohazard situations don't wait for regular business hours, neither do we. SERVPRO® of Council Bluffs has trained professionals ready to help 24/7/365- including ALL major holidays. 

Electrical Safety

9/20/2023 (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 that means more current is running through the outlet than it can handle. This causes that 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 fire 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 extinguisher 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.

Why SERVPRO Over the Other Guys?

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO®?

1. Independently Owned and Operated  

Each SERVPRO Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. SERVPRO® has over 1800 franchises in the US and Canada. SERVPRO® owners have resources across the country, with years of experience and knowledge in all things restoration and cleaning. When disaster strikes, rest assured SERVPRO® will be able to handle any size disaster. 

2. Highly Trained Professionals

Our SERVPRO® crew is highly trained in cleaning and restoration. All of our techs are WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician) certified through the IIRC. the IIRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our team understands that disaster doesn't always strike at the most convenient time. Our crews are ready and waiting 24/7- including all holidays. Faster to any size disaster™.

3. Advanced Specialized Equipment

The IIRC sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. In the IIRC S500 for water damage, it incorporates psychometry. Psychometry involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively. An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal. Hygrometers can be used to measure the extent of moisture saturation. This helps to find lurking moisture even when it appears dry. Our desiccant can remove 500+ gallons of water in a 24 hour period. In addition to the desiccant, we have an arsenal of high tech drying equipment. 

Tornadoes...what to do

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know 1,200 tornadoes hit the US each year? Omaha, NE is a tornado-prone zone. It is essential to be prepared for natural disasters. Do you know the difference in tornado watch and tornado warning? 

A Watch means conditions are favorable for development. A watch can be issued up to 8 hours in advance of severe weather. It also usually covers a large area. Take necessary precautions in case bad weather strikes. Keep up to date with changing weather status. Have a plan to take shelter in case WARNING status is issued. 

A Warning means severe weather is occurring or imminent. It covers a small area. When a warning is issued, take action immediately. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado.

What to do During a Tornado 

Stay Updated on weather alters. Continue to listen to local news sources or weather services for tornado watches and warnings. 

At Home: Go to the lowest level interior room. Stay away from windows and doors. 

At workplace or school: Proceed to your tornado shelter. Do not gather in big open areas, and stay away from windows and doors. 

Outside; Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately. If no safe shelter is available, lay in a flat ditch or ravine. Cover your head. 

If disaster strikes, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West Saunders County to make your storm damage, "Like it never even happened."

6 Reasons to Get Your Air Duct Cleaned

9/19/2023 (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 until 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 form happening, allowing you to get the most value form 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 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!

Helpful tips to prevent a house fire

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

House fires kill and injure many every year, while leaving many without their home, and valuable memories and possessions. Fire prevention is more important than many realize. 

Ways to Prevent House Fires

-Establish an emergency plan with fire routes. 

-Test all smoke alarms in your home.

-Teach your children fire safety. 

-Perform home maintenance consistently.

- Use candles with caution.

-Don't leave food cooking unattended.

- Store flammables safely.

- Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. 

- Check all electrical cords in your home. If wires are frayed, throw it away.

Fire preparation is an important part of safeguarding your home and your family. Knowing not only how to prevent a fire but also how to escape it and get quick fire cleanup is essential.

Tips to get your business ready for the weather ahead

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is over, fall is here, and winter is right around the corner!

Summer is over, Fall is here, and Winter is right around the corner! While not every storm will cripple a business, it is still necessary to be prepared. Along with frigid temperatures and snow, winter can create problems with plumbing and operations. Therefore, it is essential to make a plan for the worst-case scenario.

1. Prepare Your Building-Make sure you check your plumbing and electricity regularly, but even more so when a winter storm is heading your way. Outside plumbing should be shut off and cleared to prevent freezing and possible burst pipes. Additionally, it may be a good idea to secure a generator if your business does not already have one. If your company does have a generator, it is a good investment to have it serviced before the winter weather sets in.
2. Plan for Ice and Snow-Any winter storm is going to bring issues of snow and ice. Being prepared for this situation means having a plow service on contract and ensuring that all walkways and driveways are cleared and salted. It is vital to do everything in your power to ensure that customers do not get hurt on the way into your business.
3. Focus on Inventory-Also, as storms have the potential to cause significant business interruption as well as property damage, it is vital to take an accurate inventory of all your assets. This inventory will be used for insurance claims if property damage results in an inventory loss. You should move stock to a secure and climate-controlled area, photographing and documenting everything. This will help streamline the process if a claim is made.
4. Make a List of Contacts-While taking inventory is necessary, it is also crucial to make a list of emergency contacts. This list should include all personnel who are essential to your operations. Additionally, you should include a disaster restoration specialists in the Council Bluffs area in case of an emergency.
   
   Winter storm season can produce significant threats to business operations. Massive snowfalls and ice storms can wreak havoc on you Omaha business, so it is essential to have a plan. 

Call SERVPRO of Council Bluffs today at (712)256-6616 and schedule one of our marketers to come to your business to help you with an Emergency Readiness Plan at no cost to you!