Why Our Customer Service and Professionalism is Top-Rated in the Restoration Industry

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

Customer service is top priority for us here at SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island. Call us today! (956)747-3020

What truly sets a company apart from the next company? Is it customer service, price, or maybe even just someone that works at the front desk of that particular workplace that makes you just feel like you can relate? Maybe it is all of the above, or perhaps it is the way a company strives to best serve each customer. SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island is always there, putting our best foot forward, and striving to make every incident “Like it never even happened.” Since we all work together as one unit, we aren’t just employees here; we are like family.

Customer satisfaction is key to our operations. Our customers rely on our fast response and the assurance that our service professionals will take the appropriate and necessary measures to remediate any damage. From our highly trained and certified technicians to our personable office staff, our goal is to make the restoration process as simple as possible for our customers.

When disaster strikes either in your workplace or your home, it can be nerve wrecking to say the least. We recognize and understand that the best solution is always the right solution, and that doesn’t mean that is necessarily the most expensive solution either. Whether your home is flooded, burnt, has an odor or has ducts that need to be cleaned, SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island will always have the right solution for your home’s needs.

Now with years of experience in remediation and mitigation, our company has the knowledge and ability to make it “Like it never even happened.” We pride ourselves on serving others in whatever way we can. We believe in positive growth and leading by example. 

Decorating Basics for Fire Safety

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Decorating Basics for Fire Safety | SERVPRO® of McAllen

Isn’t this a beautiful picture: twinkling lights, sweet smells of warm pies and gentle music playing everywhere you go? This time of year there is always something to do around here, including the evening parade, catching a concert or walking through the Christmas village at the park.

The holiday season can be pure magic, but it also can be a dangerous time for home fires.

Carefully decorate this season and take action to protect your home. Enjoy the wonder and awe of the season when you have taken the time to be fire-safe for both your loved ones and your community!

<h3seasonal-hazards">Top Seasonal Hazards

On average, fire departments respond to 790 fires that start due to decorations.

Often, decorations that are placed too close to a heating source like a space heater or fireplace are to blame for blazes. Candles and decorative trees are another leading cause of fires that can leave your home with extensive damages.

If you keep a live tree in your home, water it often so it doesn’t dry out and clean up loose needles that fall around it. If an artificial tree better fits your home, ensure it has a fire-resistant tag.

If it is several years old, consider replacing it to meet the highest safety standards. Don’t plug excessive items into your outlets and turn your decorations off when you go to bed.

<h3preventive-measures">Take Preventive Measures

You know that story that has the great line “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care? Say that over and over again while you hang decorations around your home and take care to avoid placing items close to an open flame.

Every day, there are an average of 20 home fires that start due to a candle. Blow them out when you leave the room, and burn them safely away from everything. If you have a fireplace, get it inspected and cleaned early in the season before you light it for the first time.

Any decorations for outside should be rated appropriately to be safely used in all kinds of weather. String lights need to be hung well with insulated nails so they do not fall and increase your risk of brush fires. Check local guidelines in your area for fire restrictions that may dictate outdoor safety rules, and be sure to heed them to protect your community.

Check your smoke detector’s batteries while you decorate, and be sure you have several working ones throughout your home. Talk about your emergency fire plan with everyone who may be staying with you for the season, and make note of SERVPRO’s number so you can make a quick call if your home is damaged during a fire.

Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.

Commercial Water Damage in Your Business

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage in Your Business | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island

Water damage in your business can be devastating, and it can start in so many different ways, both internal and external.

A pipe that bursts, a leaky roof, a sprinkler system that fails or a flooded bathroom can result in excessive amounts of damage. You could take a loss in your inventory, have an entire floor destroyed or even end up shutting down your business for an undeclared amount of time.

External sources of water can also be extremely detrimental. We have never been strangers to flooding, whether from heavy rains, storm surge or other coastal flooding. South Padre Island has experienced hurricanes that left homes drenched.

With our risk factors so high, the more we can prepare before a flood, the faster and safer we can recover afterward.

The Ways Storms Create Damage

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

The Ways Storms Create Damage | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island

Severe storms can ruin anyone’s night. When you own a home, not only do you worry about the safety of your loved ones, you also wonder how your property will fare.

Most modern homes are built to withstand a good deal these days, but sometimes a wild storm will still leave behind a wake of destruction when it blows through.

Thunderstorms can bring heavy winds, lightning and hail, snowstorms can carry freezing rains, and flash floods can happen year-round. No matter the season, there is always the potential for your property to end up damaged and the structure of your home to be threatened.

While sometimes what happens in a severe weather event comes down to just plain old luck, there are a few factors to consider when looking at your risks. The type of storm moving in, the general geography of your location, the landscaping around your house and even the construction materials your home is built with will all play a role in the damages you may receive.

Our Texas weather may be a nice treat to anyone who doesn’t like the cold, but living in this area comes with the threat of strong thunderstorms, hurricane activity and tornadoes. While we all know extra prep is required in order to ride out hurricane season safely, we should be ready for severe weather throughout the year in order to best protect ourselves and our property.

When storms do roll in, if your home is damaged, be sure that a professional has declared it safe to live in. You may not think the damage you can see is that drastic, but structural damage is not always immediately visible. Always heed evacuation orders and wait to return home until you know you can safely get there.

And learn as much as you can about common types of storm damage so that you know what to do to prepare for them:

Wind

Wind becomes destructive when it reaches top speeds. Tornadoes and hurricanes will always have a threat of strong winds even for those not in the immediate path, but even a thunderstorm can blow damaging gusts of up to 100 mph.

When winds reach those kinds of speeds, they can blow small objects into vehicles and buildings. If you are sheltering at home during a storm with high winds, make sure you stay in an interior room away from walls that can be pierced or windows that can be broken by flying objects.

You can take preventive action before a storm arrives to protect your home. Clear your property of any loose limbs, rocks or other small items that could become projectiles. Remove trees if they are dying before they can be knocked over. If you have furniture outside, tether it down so it stays put during a storm.

Water

Water damage is something we are very familiar with here, but it is also extremely common just about everywhere in the United States. Even a typical thunderstorm blowing through can dump enormous amounts of rain that can saturate soil and lead to water seeping in through doors or window seals.

If the ground takes on enough water or a flooding situation occurs, it can seep through your foundation and create structural damage from underneath your home.

With specific landscaping, you can help limit the amount of damage water can cause to your property. Create slopes that allow water to flow away from your home, and consider adding a rain garden. These are not only beautiful but are also highly effective at absorbing water before it can reach your home.

Your gutters are another important part of mitigating water damage to your property. Keep them cleaned and maintained to avoid water pooling on your roof, which can lead to leaks that damage your home from the top down.

Impact

“Impact damage” occurs when an object crashes into another object during a storm. This kind of damage can be catastrophic to your home as it typically involves fallen trees or wind blown debris. Impact damage can be caused by anything that can be picked up in the wind and makes an impact with your house or property.

This kind of damage can be avoided by trimming your trees, removing unhealthy trees from your property and limiting debris around your home.

In 2021, severe weather led to more that $145 billion in damages all around the United States. When you prepare your property, you can lower your overall risk factor, which will keep your home safe and save you money.

If your home is damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island. Our professionals are available ²⁴⁄₇ with the experience and equipment to get your restoration started and completed faster. Call us with any disaster you face, any time.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Certified Admins/Technicians

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island Staff 2021-2022

Our fellow staff is highly trained from initial to ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC Industry Certification for property damage restoration so we assure you that our staff is fully equipped with the knowledge to restore and clean-up your property! From the technicians receiving FULL training to even the admins taking those SAME classes.

We have been doing this for years so NO damage is too big or too small for SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island! If you or a loved one has been affected by any fire, smoke or water damage, don’t hesitate to call and schedule service for your home or business, we are here to help make all your stress and worry go away!

After all, SERVPRO is the cleaning restoration brand you know and trust! 

Hurricane Preparedness for Your Waterfront Property

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us 24/7 at (956) 747-3020 to schedule your inspection with us.

Hurricane season is nearly upon us, and if you own waterfront property in Texas, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever the season may bring. While we all hope for a quiet hurricane season, we know that it’s best to be ready for anything.

Read on to find ideas to help you prepare your waterfront home hurricane season.

• Document & Secure Your Possessions
  • Take pictures or video of your deck, seawall, and home exterior. Photos and video as well as lists can help when dealing with FEMA or insurance claims if a hurricane does strike.

Hurricane Preparedness for Window

• Invest in Hurricane screens. Lightweight, strong, and budget-friendly, hurricane screens can protect areas where shutters and other solutions may not be ideal, like large windows and open lanais.

Hurricane Preparedness for Doors and Garage Doors     

• Impact Doors: Impact doors keep your home safe with special fiberglass or aluminum construction and reinforced jambs.
• Impact Garage Doors: If you have a garage, consider the addition of an impact garage door. Impact garage doors are made of special materials intended to handle the impacts of debris, heavy winds, and driving rain. They also feature reinforced hardware and rail systems, so the door will stay closed and strong through a storm, protecting your whole home.

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job.

SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Top Tips for Water Damage Repair

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Have Water or Flood Damage? Call Us 24/7 – (956) 747-3020 for more information on our available services!

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to prevent water damage. Emergencies happen when you least expect them, and more often than not, water comes in gallons instead of drips. When water damage occurs in your home, it’s important to act quickly and take protective measures to ensure everyone remains safe. Use these tips to avoid additional damage, clean & disinfect, & safely rebuild damaged areas.

Take Safety Precautions Against Water Damage

When water is flooding your home, all your impulses are likely screaming to remove the water as quickly as possible. While this is a good idea, you need to make sure the area is safe first. Begin by locating the main water supply to your home and shut it off. Before entering a flooded area in your home, turn off electricity to the area as well.

Now that you’ve addressed incoming water and the threat of electric shock, it’s time for one more potential safety concern.

What type of water is flooding your home? There are three types of floodwaters.

• Clean Water
  • This water comes from rain, condensation, or leaky pipes. It has no outside contamination which makes it safe to remove and clean yourself.
• Gray Water
  • Floodwater that can be described as slightly dirty comes from appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and even clean toilets. Gray water is also safe to clean as long as you use proper safety gear.
• Black Water
  • The worst type of floodwater is black water which can be contaminated with sewage, bacteria, or other dangerous substances. This water comes from sewage or serious flooding by nearby rivers or other bodies of water. However, it is not safe to remove and clean black water yourself. Thus, contact a professional service with a good reputation.

When your Brownsville home has been affected by water damage from flooding or even pipe leaks, don't worry, we have the expertise, and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process are completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process daily. By doing so, this validates that your property has been dried thoroughly and properly.

Remember, every water loss is different but it is no challenge for our techs or our highly advanced equipment. We have seen it all and done it all and can make any damage "Like it never even happened."

Summertime Fire Grilling Safety Tips

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

It's possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! When the time comes to haul out the gas grill, camping equipment, and lawn mower, give some thought to this advice from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

It could keep you a lot safer this summer:

Grilling

• Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the grill when lighted, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm.
• Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charcoal Grills

• For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids (never use gasoline) designed for barbecue grills. Use a limited amount of starter fluid before lighting the fire. Don't add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.

Gas Grills

• For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside - away from structures - and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles if gas escapes.

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your Brownsville home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect, and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care. We will work nonstop until we get your life back to normal.

SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island specializes in fire, and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment which gives us the ability to quickly restore your home back to pre-fire condition "Like it never even happened."

Choose the right kind of business insurance!

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Have Questions? Call Today – (956) 747-3020

It’s important to include the right commercial water damage coverage as part of your risk management plan. When it comes to small business insurance, the details of your property coverage matter.

Some commercial property insurance policies cover water damage claims, such as the cost of pipe breakage, but exclude damage from external flooding, groundwater, and backed-up sewer lines. Many policies also have exclusions for mold-related damage.

In many cases, you can buy endorsements (or “riders”) to your property policy to enjoy additional coverage. Your insurance agent can give you a better idea of which riders are available to you and what your policy covers.

If your business has to close because of flooding or water damage, business interruption insurance can help offset your loss of business income and cover your rent or relocation costs.

You might also consider commercial flood insurance, which covers the cost of water and flood damage, especially if you’re in an area at risk of flooding.

SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to clean or restore your business. We understand that your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why work for SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

For more information on how to apply call 956-747-3020

At SERVPRO, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people around you each and every day. We are seeking individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, responsible, and service-oriented teammates. Please join us in our mission to help our customers in their greatest moments of need. Coupled with a family-oriented culture and a standard of excellence in all we do, not only do our team members feel right at home, but they also end the day knowing that the work they deliver is among the best in the industry.

At SERVPRO, positions are always available for the right individuals who wish to join us in our vision of becoming the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world. Not only is it our mission to develop a team of quality people who focus on fairness, excellence, and mutual respect, but we are also creating opportunities for our team members to grow within the organization. We desire to see you succeed! 

No matter which role you play in our organization, whether it is at the front desk taking calls or on the front lines extracting water, you can be certain that you are fulfilling duties that go beyond administrative tasks or heavy lifting, you are helping us restore hope and normalcy to the lives and daily routines of some of the most vulnerable and even traumatized members of our communities.  If you are highly dependable and excited about exceeding expectations, then you may be just the person we're looking for.