When Storms or Floods hit Mason City, SERVPRO is ready!

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quickly with the right resources. Which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Mason City we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams http://www.SERVPROmasoncity.com/storm-flooding-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 641-424-3382

Preparing Yourself for a Tornado

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

No one has the ability to know the strength of a tornado before it touches the ground. Tornadoes don’t just lift and carry houses into the air like, one would think. The majority of tornadoes cause damage to buildings from the high winds and flying debris. Have you taken the precautionary measures to prepare you and your family, in the event, a tornado was to happen? If not, here are a few things you can gather and do, to help you be prepared and to stay safe!

• Electronics to have on hand: batteries, flashlight, tv, radio, or a device with the internet to get the latest emergency weather updates
• Create a tornado emergency plan, includes access to a “safe shelter” for yourself or others
• Have an emergency kit
• Educate your children on tornadoes and what they are.
• Find a room to seek shelter on the lowest floor or basement, the best room to choose would be an interior one that has no windows (bathroom, closet, center hallway). Plan for this to be your tornado room to seek shelter.
• For added protection, be sure to get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress for added layers. Be sure to protect your head with anything available.

Preparing and following these tips will increase your safety and well-being if a tornado were to take place.  SERVPRO of Mason City can help assist in the cleanup and board of your home

Dry Out Your Property After Flooding

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

When a city is found beside a river, it provides an excellent source of running water, but the city also can sustain flood damage during storms. The unique geographic position that some homes hold near the river means that they also run the risk of flooding during an unusually severe storm. Excessive rainwater, intense winds, and debris that are carried by the rushing water make this situation dangerous for the longevity of your home. Fortunately, once the storm settles, and the water returns to the river, professional help nearby is only a phone call away. 
 
A wayward rock breaking a window is an easy way that water can rush into your living room and cause flooding in your Mason City home. The hardwood floors, expensive furniture, and electronics are all in danger from the moment the water touches them. Unfortunately, the longer the water sits without removal, the more damage it can cause to your precious belongings. 
 
Wood can warp and blister when exposed to water while it absorbs it, and electronics can short out. Allowing this water to sit stagnant for even a couple of days runs the risk of letting microbial growth occur. Mold growing in your home can cause further damage and thus eat more expenses to remediate. It is best to call for help as soon as you find floodwater in your home. 
 
Here at SERVPRO, we strive to get to your home as soon as we can after your call. Our technicians bring industrial-quality trade technology to your home so they can extract the water as quickly as possible. Using tools like extractors, submersible pumps, and wet/dry vacuums allows SERVPRO to remove the water swiftly. Acting immediately is what lets us move on to drying out your home. 
 
When the river in your city floods and causes damage to your home, do not pause. Phone SERVPRO of Mason City at 641-424-3382. Let us help you return your home to its pre-flood state. 

Disaster Kits For Your Pet

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

You made a disaster kit for yourself and your family, so make one for your pet. This includes medical records and medication, food, and water with can openers, leashes, and carriers.

Tips:

• Keep pets inside during a storm. Animals can become confused and run away from home during a disaster.
• Arrange a safe haven for you and your pets during an evacuation. Do not leave pets behind.
• Store an emergency kit—with items such as pet food, bottled water, medical records, a blanket, a flashlight, and leashes—as close to an exit as possible.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags. 
• Have your pet microchipped in case of a lost collar. 
• Place a rescue alert sticker on your front home to let rescuers know that there are pets inside.
• Choose a caregiver to take care of your pet in the event you are unable to.

SERVPRO of Mason City 

Reasons To Keep Bedroom Doors Closed

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

The thought of a fire for a homeowner can cause many emotions. Closing doors is one habit that can help prevent the spread of fire damage. Closing doors prevents the fire from getting more oxygen and room to spread at a faster rate. Smoke and soot travel throughout the house and breathing in the smoke inhalation is very dangerous. Smoke contains many toxic products including carbon monoxide. It is important to close your bedroom door at night while you sleep. The alarms will go off and wake you up, giving you time to get out without the flames, toxic smoke, and high head temperatures in your room. Make sure you check the smoke detectors in your home often and have one close to where you sleep. SERVPRO of Mason City is here to help provide services to prevent long-term problems. SERVPRO provides mitigation services for fire, smoke, and soot removal to personal belongings and the home structure.

House Fire, Now What?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

You had a house fire, Now what?

The first thing you need to think about following a house fire is the safety of yourself and your family members. It is important not to enter a fire-damaged structure until the fire department has deemed that it is structurally sound. Going back into your home after a fire can be overwhelming and emotional while you take in all of the damage that has occurred. when you are able to re-enter your home, it is important to not disturb items, as this can lead to secondary damage. When you are not sure where to start, call your local SERVPRO and their team of professionals can help you throughout the restoration process. SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7/365 for emergency services.

Time is of the essence after having a fire, the sooner the damage is addressed, the more likely it is that your property and personal belongings can be restored instead of having to be disposed of and/or replaced. Our team of SERVPRO professionals can help with emergency board-up services, content inventory, cleaning and restoration using cutting-edge cleaning techniques and products, perform pack out/move out in the event your belongings need to be stored during the restoration process, electronic cleaning, document and photo restoration, as well as offering content inventory services to assist in the insurance claim process. We will work closely with you and your insurance professionals every step of the way. If the unthinkable happens, let our SERVPRO heroes make it "Like it never even happened."

Cooking and Kitchen Safety

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

In the world we live in, it is so easy to become distracted and find yourself walking away from the stove while cooking. Be it that you waiting for the water to boil or just simmering the food in the pan. Just walking away for a minute or two can be the difference between a good dinner or a possible fire. Any task or distraction that takes you out of the kitchen while cooking could lead to a fire starting and even the difference in the damages caused if there is one.

Never leave the stove on for any period of time without being in the direct vicinity of the stove. If a fire does happen, stay calm and use the list below as capable in the situation:

• Evaluate – call 911 if it is out of control while gathering family and get to safety
• Put a metal lid on it
• Turn off the heat
• Dump baking soda
• A chemical fire extinguisher is best as a last resort or if the above options are not available
• Let the area sit, and cool down, before you address the damage.

Whatever you do:

• DO NOT throw water on the fire
• DO NOT use a hand towel to try and extinguish the fire

We hope you never have to react to a fire in your home, but if you find yourself having to make the call SERVPRO of Mason City is here for your cleanup needs.

Commercial Destruction

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SERVPRO may be known as a fire and water restoration company, but did you know we also provide commercial cleaning services for trauma, crime scenes, and vandalism? As a business owner, these situations are not ideal for any company and you want to make sure they are taken care of immediately. That's why SERVPRO of Mason, Austin/Albert Lea is ready 24/7 with the specialized training and equipment to safely clean these messes and get you back to business. 

Some of the cleaning services we provide include, but are not limited to:

*Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

*Fire Extinguisher residue

*Tear gas and pepper spray residues

*Destruction of property

*Odor removal and deodorization

*Spray paint removal from exterior walls, walkways, glass, etc.

Such trauma, crime scene, and vandalism instances can range from bloody noses to complete destruction of property. Our technicians are highly trained to safely and effectively clean your commercial property as quickly as possible. The core steps taken to properly restore these situations include:

1.) Health and safety of personnel, occupants, workers, and technicians is of utmost importance. The appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls are used for proper protection first and foremost.

2.) Documentation is properly maintained prior to clean up (in an accident or crime scene scenario, police have finished processing the situation).

3.) Evaluation and assessment of the affected area and any other area that may be contaminated is conducted to determine the scope of work to be performed.

4.) Isolate and contain the affected areas to prevent cross-contamination.

5.) Removal of contaminated materials or decontamination by cleaning and application of an antimicrobial when removal is not possible.

6.) Application of appropriate government-registered antimicrobial (biocide) shall be applied to ensure structure, systems, and contents are safe for use. 

7.) Post-remediation evaluation and verification is performed to confirm the cleanliness and safety of all areas.

Every trauma, crime scene, and vandalism situation is difficult. If you find your business in this tough situation, we will always treat your property and personnel with empathy and respect during these trying circumstances. SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin/Albert Lea is determined to ensure the safety and cleanliness of each situation and make it look "Like it never even happened." 

How to Fend Off the Flu at Work

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Sniffling, coughing, hundred-degree fever…that’s right folks, flu season is upon us. But no need to worry there are a few things that your office can do to protect your employees (and yourself) from catching much-dreaded influenza. We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways to prevent the flu from spreading at your office.

• Give Flu shots at work
• sanitize the workplace
• Embrace basic hygiene
• Avoid physical contact
• Stock the office

Roughly 5-20% of US residents get the flu each year–but this doesn’t have to include your employees. Taking the appropriate measures to prevent the flu in your office will keep your workforce healthy and productive. SERVPRO of Mason City can help keep your business sanitized this season.

Commercial Duct Cleaning

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that the ventilation system in your business is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Ensuring your HVAC system and ductwork are free from dust and grime that can circulate throughout your business is of utmost importance.

SERVPRO is here to help! Our franchise professionals will inspect and make recommendations about the best way to address your business’s air quality concerns. Cleaning years of dust and dirt out of your HVAC system can help reduce the potential for damage and health risks. Not only that, but it can also extend the life of your equipment.

Top reasons to have your air ducts cleaned:

• Reduces allergens and irritants in the air
• Restores peak energy efficiency of your HVAC system
• Remediates bacteria, fungi, and mold
• Eliminates offensive odors

SERVPRO of Mason City has the equipment and knowledge needed to help protect your business from air quality issues. Call us today for a free quote!