Top Reasons Why You Should Make A Home Inventory Checklist

You’ve worked hard to accumulate your belongings. Would you be able to remember all of your possessions if they were stolen or destroyed in a disaster? By taking the time to document your belongings before the unexpected happens, you can help ensure that you can fully recover afterward. Learn the biggest reasons why you should have a home inventory list, plus tips on how to begin creating one, with help from Lakewood Restoration Pro.

Top reasons to have a household inventory list

Unless you’re properly prepared, dealing with the aftermath of an emergency can be costly. Here are a few reasons to keep an updated, detailed household inventory list:

1. Insurance claim reimbursement

Remembering the details of all of the belongings you’ve accumulated throughout the years can be difficult, especially if you're in the middle of a devastating event. Without an accurate description of each valuable item, your insurance company may not be able to compensate you for your losses. Additionally, a detailed list could help you determine how much insurance coverage you need to ensure you have adequate coverage before the worst happens.

2. Provides peace of mind

After a disaster, you’ll want to have as much peace of mind as possible. Your efforts should be focused on getting life back to normal quickly. An inventory list of your belongings could significantly help to minimize your stress during an already difficult situation.

3. Comes in handy for several situations

An inventory list may be helpful in a variety of situations, including moving, filing taxes or planning your estate. It can also be extremely beneficial if you ever need to file an insurance claim due to theft, damage or disaster, as your list will already include every important item you owned along with its estimated value.

4. Aids the recovery process

Sometimes, following a disaster, people may qualify for disaster assistance or tax breaks. An inventory list can help determine if you qualify for these, as it can easily substantiate your financial losses.

How to create a home inventory list

A household inventory list should include a detailed account of everything in your home, from the basement to the attic. Anything you’ve purchased should be included on the list. Developing a comprehensive inventory list might take some time and effort. However, the more precise you are, the more useful it can be later on. Here are some tips to help you build a home inventory list:

1. Take all items inside and outside of your home into account
2. Walk through the home and write down each item's age, make, model, serial number and estimated value
3. Take photos or videos of your items to include with your written list
4. Keep receipts, purchase contracts and appraisals with your inventory list
5. Consider using an app or a document within a cloud-based system to store your inventory list
6. Make copies of your inventory list and back it up online or on an external drive
7. Keep your list updated as you purchase new items or get rid of old ones
8. Check your insurance coverage for high-price items

Having a household inventory checklist helps prepare you for the worst. That way, if the unexpected does happen, you'll be ready to react to and recover from damages. While you work to get your household items back, let the professionals at Water Damage Denver help you rebuild and get life back to normal after you experience weather damage from a range of disasters. Learn more about our fire damage removal services and water damage repair services to find out how we act fast to restore your home back to pre-loss conditions.

The article "Top Reasons Why You Should Make A Home Inventory Checklist" was first published by Service Master Restore.

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Fire Department Operations – Q & A

Q. Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof?

A. As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) slows the damaging outward movement, helps remove blinding smoke that obscures the actual fire, and enables fire fighters to fight the fire more efficiently. The result of this action is less damage to the structure in the long run.

Q. Why are holes cut in walls?

A. This is done so that the fire department is absolutely sure that the fire is completely out, and that there is no fire inside the walls or other hidden places.

Q. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the fire report?

A. In most localities, a fire report is a public document and is available at the fire department or fire marshal’s office

Special thanks to the Fire Department for taking the time to answer these questions. For any help regarding smoke and fire damage restoration. Contact us today. Don't forget to thank your local Lakewood Colorado Fire Department at www.westmetrofire.org

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Extra Safety During Flood Alerts

Floods are one of the most powerful and devastating natural disasters that can occur. While some areas are more prone to floods than others, the fact is that almost anywhere there can be rain, there can also be a flood. Serious floods can range from large and foreboding to smaller flash floods. No matter what type you find your area prone to, it’s important to take safety precautions both before and during flood alerts. In fact, being knowledgeable about flooding could save your life, or the life of someone you love. If you are looking for a company that repairs flood damages please visit our website.

A flood usually occurs when either heavy or frequent rain falls for hours or days at a time. When this happens, the ground usually becomes saturated. When the ground is no longer able to hold water, the water will rise. Just like with any severe weather, you will likely hear your local meteorologist use terms that describe what is occurring. When it comes to flooding, a flood or a flash flood watch means that flooding or flash flooding is a possibility near your location. A flood or flash flood warning, on the other hand, means that one of those two things is already happening or will be happening very soon. Either way, when you hear one of these warnings, it’s imperative that you begin to exercise some precautions.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding or flash flooding, you’ll want to be prepared for an evacuation. It’s always easier to prepare yourself or your family in advance as opposed to in an emergency situation. While you can find lists of evacuation supplies online, a few supplies that are most useful include:

1. Drinking water
2. Non­perishable food
3. First aid kit
4. Flashlight with extra batteries
5. Required medications
6. Copies of personal documents (insurance policies, passport, birth certificates, social security card)
7. Weather radio
8. Emergency cash
9. Photos of your home prior to flooding

The list of supplies that you choose to pull together will vary depending on the number of individuals who will require evacuation. For instance, if you have a pet, be sure to pack pet supplies like food, a leash, and a bowl. If you have a baby, pack formula and blankets. Have your supplies packed and ready to go in an easily accessible area. When it comes to flooding, the quicker you can evacuate, the better off you will be.

There are additional steps to take in keeping yourself and your family safe during flood alerts. While some of them may seem ridiculous, following through may prove to be life­saving. For instance, when a flood or flash flood warning has been issued for your county, get to higher ground as soon as possible. It can be tempting to stay behind. After all, leaving your home can be incredibly difficult emotionally or physically. Nonetheless, it’s important to do so quickly.

Secondly, if you find that water is above your ankles, turn around and try to find higher ground using a different route. Mere inches of water may not seem like much, but if moving swiftly it can sweep you off your feet.

If you come across a flooded road in your vehicle, do not continue. Most people don’t realize that roads beneath swiftly moving water can be washed away. Most vehicles can be swept away in less than two feet of moving water. Never let your children play in flood waters. This is especially true after the rain has subsided. Water can still move quickly or worse, it may be contaminated.

Don’t be caught off guard by a flood. Instead, know how to protect yourself and your family and always exercise extra safety during flood alerts. For more information on what to do after a flooding has taken place contact Lakewood Restoration Pro.

 

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Water Damage Restoration Lakewood

Water damage is the top catastrophe suffered every year within the United States. Floods are the most typical causes for water harm in Lakewood. Information reveals that there is a 1% alternative of a one hundred-year flood occurrence. In 2012, $7.7 billion value of flood claims have been settled throughout the nation. Whether or not the harm is brought on by flood water, a burst pipeline or other methods, Lakewood Restoration Pro can be there to help you. Do not let water ravage your structure and whatever is in it. Overlooking an inflamed construction, a fracture, or a shift in your wall may cause harm to your electrical system including extra to your water catastrophe. For those who observe a leak or a swimming pool of water in your flooring, don't go for a fundamental mop up. A case of water damage will put a stop to your each day operations, interrupt your day-to-day house regimens, in addition, to stop you from carrying out the roles that you make it by means of by.

As a Lakewood citizen, it stays in your profit to obtain the companies of knowledgeable to handle your water damage problems. Lakewood Restoration Pro has extremely skilled personnel which have experience in water injury restore work efficiency. These specialists have a step-by-step way of getting you again in your ft as far as restoration is concerned. Our methodical method to recuperate your workplace or residence has actually put us on the slicing fringe of the restoration service.

REMOVAL OF STANDING WATER
Stagnant water is the most typical indication of a water harmed home or group facility. Our unrivaled service is effectively equipped with the needed instruments for clearing giant water pools. Our water extraction makers are easily provided when on a call. By the Sub-surface procedure, we have now the flexibility to reach to all of the water in your carpets and flooring surface areas and extract it.

AFTER DRYING PROVIDERS
When now we have really drained your home or business of all water, we provide companies which might be tailor-made to lowering your loss. All floor masking merchandise consisting of underlayment, flooring cushioning, carpets and tiles are taken out. This action is required to ensure that mould does not grow due to the dampness. We do every little thing we are able to to revive as much of your home as we can. This helps keep you from changing extra then you've gotten to.

PERSONAL ITEMS RESTORATION
Residential houses and workplaces are places usually used for safekeeping our private items. We comprehend that the locals of Water Damage Restoration Lakewood CO use their houses and group facilities for this reason. Water catastrophes come with no warning. Relying upon the level of the injury or the amount of the devastating water, it is potential that your essential information, furnishings or gear get impacted. We attempt to deliver back these files to the closest they are often to their preliminary state.

ENSURING THE SECURITY OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT
The Existence of water produces a favorable setting for mildew, mildew, germs and other natural impurities. Guaranteeing your safety being amongst our core worths, we do away with all air-borne particles and rid your facilities of all these damaging situations to guarantee that your environment is secure to reside in.

Our Water Injury Restoration Lakewood program has really been a incredible success thanks to Lakewood Restoration Pro. We are your finest companions in restoring order after struggling a flood. Any unchecked circulation of water, however, huge or little is damaging. This kind of water has the capacity of utterly jeopardizing your structural stability.

Selecting Lakewood Restoration Pro as the easiest option to manage your water injury repair work process has the next advantages:

DEPENDABILITY
Our popularity has really been constructed by means of our trusted services. While you give us a job to do, we don't stop till it's finished. Adherence to professionalism and the set moral requirements is crucial to the operations of our company. Our company believes that you just as our buyer take alleviation in our restoration companies and; for that cause, we can not let you down or make you undergo more damages attributable to an inferior job. We are always prepared to assist you to obtain back to your earlier scenario.

SCHEDULE FOR WATER DAMAGE LAKEWOOD
Essentially the most important delight of getting one thing is getting it while you want it the most. A late shipment of a service can aggravate the recipient of the scenario. At Lakewood Restoration Pro, duty calls are treated with utmost severity. We comprehend the emergency situation nature of a water injury case and the requirement for a quick repair. Our providers are spectacular and expert no matter while you ask us for help. We don't require hours or days to carry out our services after we get to you; slightly it takes minutes to reach you with all the suitable and sensible instruments prepared to obtain to work.

APPROPRIATE ACCREDITATION
Lakewood Restoration Pro is an authorized and appropriately accredited business. These accreditations are a reflection of our dedication to quality, timeless dedication, unwavering devotion to service and the constant remark of high quality in our service shipment. We likewise enterprise to stay updated with the newest innovation, developments, and strategies in the ever-altering Lakewood water harm restoration market.

CLIENT FULFILLMENT
Achievement of water injury Lakewood clients. Our skilled group is recognized for utilizing their modern instruments of the trade. By this, we carry out top of the range work focusing in your fulfillment. We do not simply think about getting the work carried out; somewhat we demand to have our tasks carried out using the very best methods and to the easiest of our capabilities. We don't cease draining pipes, fixing, drawing out or different restoration procedure till you are pleased. Our lakewood restoration companygroup is made up of personnel who're anxious and are delicate to your requirements; we bear in mind the type of atmosphere we are operating in and supply it’s due regard. If restoring your organization properties, we make it possible for types of sound disturbances are saved to the very little. Disturbance together with your firm operations is preserved on the most inexpensive level.

How to Remove Mold Stains from Clothes and Fabric

Damp clothes or fabrics can easily be infested with mold if they’re not dried in time. If you’re in this situation, there’s hope! You can still save your moldy garments if the mold has only left a few spots. Here are a few general tips to remove mold from clothes and fabric.

1. Read the labels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about the suggested water temperature for washing and how the clothing items should be dried.
2. Scrub off the mold stain. Apply a mold stain remover, such as household soap, white vinegar or bleach, and use a toothbrush to brush off the surface mold. Be gentle and try not to damage the fabric in the process.
3. Pre-soak the fabric. Since mold stains are hard to remove, you should also pre-soak your stained garment before washing it. Saturate it for one hour in a commercial pre-soak product or in a bucket of water with one cup of white vinegar.
4. Wash your clothes in hot water. Besides being effective at removing bacteria and allergens, hot water also kills mold spores better. Of course, don’t surpass the maximum recommended water temperature to wash your clothing. If you have materials that can’t be washed, take them to the dry cleaner.
5. Use a mold killing solution in the washer:
   1. Vinegar – Add one or two cups of vinegar per cycle along with normal detergent to kill any moldy smells and brighten your white fabrics.
   2. Borax – You can also use borax in a regular washing cycle, but only with organic fabrics like cotton and linen. Dissolve half a cup of borax in hot water and add it into the machine once it has filled with water.
   3. Bleach – This substance can kill mold in fabrics but it can fade colors. So make sure to spot-test first and read the label. Some labels say “no chlorine bleach”. Once you know your clothes won’t be damaged, wash them with normal detergent and one cup of bleach.
6. After washing your clothes, hang-dry them in the sun. Sunlight has a natural bleaching effect and also helps to kill mold spores in the fabric. Avoid using the clothes dryer as heat from this machine can make spots visible and difficult to remove.
7. If mold stains persist even though you followed the above steps, repeat the whole process. Alternatively, dye your garment a darker color – this may cover the stain for good.

Mold can also grow on other textile items in your home, such as upholstery and carpet. However, dealing with mold on these items – IF they can be salvaged – is a more difficult and time-consuming job. This is why calling an expert mold removal company for help is needed. Call Lakewood Restoration Pro to properly remove mold on upholstery, mattresses, rugs, and carpet.

The post "How To Remove Mold Stains from Clothes and Fabric" was first posted by ProClean.com.

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Fixing Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors

Water and wood floors don’t mix. If you’ve got standing water on wood floors, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid further damage and dangerous mold and mildew growth.

Wood floors are rarely the same after significant water damage, but you can reduce repair costs with a few simple steps and a little elbow grease.

Special note: Flood waters can be riddled with dangerous pathogens, dirt, and organic matter that may cause irritation or illness. If the flood water source is unknown or the result of a sewer backup, you’ll need to call a professional water damage cleanup company to avoid potential exposure.

Remove Water & Disinfect

Wood floors have several permeable access points: between seams, breaks in top coating, under baseboards, and through heating registers.

When wood gets wet it swells and cupping can set in. Cupping is easy to spot: the sides of the boards will bow above the center. In many cases, cupping is a sign that flooring will require replacement.

Your immediate response should be to remove as much standing water as possible, and then eliminate any dirt left behind. A shop vacuum is ideal for this job. Depending on the size of the area and what’s available, towels, mops, and squeegees may also be helpful.

Once a majority of the water has been cleaned from the floors, baseboards, and other woodwork, vigorously scrub the same areas with a dry brush or broom to loosen any dirt or debris that remains.

Next, the wood floors have to be cleaned and sanitized before the drying process can begin. There are several safe detergents to pick from; TSP All Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner is inexpensive and easily found online and at all home improvement stores.

Avoid soap-based (sudsy) cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners to disinfect your hardwood floors.

Mix your preferred detergent according to package directions. Wash the floor in sections to avoid further water damage. Apply the detergent mixture to all affected areas. Use the shop vacuum to remove residual water as you go.

The Drying Process

Even after all standing water has been removed, there’s still plenty of moisture left to cause damage. You’ll need a professional-grade dehumidifier to begin the drying process—a personal use dehumidifier will not suffice.

Most people don’t have a large dehumidifier on hand, so you’ll more than likely have to call around to rent this critical piece of equipment.

Arrange the dehumidifier in the center of the affected area; leave it running undisturbed for at least 24 hours.

To aid this process, arrange several large fans to encourage air flow. Direct the fans toward the floor—move them around as needed. If you have central AC, it won’t hurt to turn that on as well.

Depending on the weather outside, open the windows. Remember, the purpose of this step is to dehumidify. So, if humidity is high outside, open windows just a few inches.

The drying process can take weeks, depending on several factors. The only way to know it’s completely dry is to buy a moisture meter and test the affected areas. There are several moisture meters found online.

Get a Second (Professional) Opinion

Fixing water-damaged hardwood floors is no small task—every second counts, and hesitant homeowners may find the do-it-yourself approach too time consuming or daunting.

Moreover, if the water source is unknown or the result of a sewage backup, do not attempt to mitigate the water on your own. Flood waters may contain dangerous pathogens, bacteria, and organic matter. Instead, call an expert repair and cleanup company to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup.

If you’re unable to successfully mitigate water damage on hardwood floors, you may need professional assistance removing damaged flooring, mitigating mold and mildew, and restoring your property to like-new condition.

The team at Water Damage Denver has been in business for 25 years and proud to serve residential and commercial property owners in and around the Denver Metro area. Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate relief and emergency water damage services.

 

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The Dangers of DIY Water Damage Restoration

The Dangers of DIY Water Damage Restoration

In this age of Pinterest and DIY projects, it is easy to believe that we can put all types of matter into our hands. However, there are some things that should be handled by capable professionals. One project that you should not try to fix on your own is water damage restoration.
When you try to remove water damage on your own, you can cause more danger than there is present. There are several issues that can confront you when you try to DIY the water damage restoration process on your own.
Basic Steps in Water Damage Restoration

Water Removal or Extraction

The first step that is undertaken during the water damage restoration process is the removal of water. This part of the water damage remediation process can be done by the residents. It entails removing all visible signs of water found in the area. You can use a dry towel to absorb all the moisture that can be seen by the naked eye.
However, there are others who use paper to drain out the moisture. This can cause more damage since the ink from the paper can transfer to the surface. It will cause an added problem since you will also have to deal with ink removal. With a professional water damage restoration company, the extraction will be done in a thorough manner to cover all spaces that have been drenched in water.

Drying and Dehumidification

Once the water is all dried out, it is time to remove the moisture from the surface. This will help keep the molds from growing around your home. Professional water damage restorations companies use highly specialized equipment to ensure that the drying and dehumidification process is complete. If you are an individual trying to DIY the water damage restoration, you are not fully equipped with the necessary tools.
When working with a professional, you can be certain that they are able to remove all the moisture found on the surface of your home. It is important that a professional will do it since this process can ensure structural integrity. Moreover, dehumidification of a wet surface cannot be easily done without the use of highly specialized types of equipment.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

This part of the water damage restoration process deserves specific care and attention. This is because this will ensure that your home can go back to its original state before the water damage affected your home. You can be certain that all the bacteria left during the water damage can be efficiently removed from the surface.
A professional water damage cleanup company is able to remove all germs and bacteria that can be invisible to the human eye since they are trained to do this type of task. They also employ added steps to ensure that your home is not prone to mold growth, which can commonly occur after a flood.

Dangers of DIY Water Damage Restoration

a) Electrical Hazard

When dealing with water damage around the house is the possibility of being electrocuted. There can be faulty electrical wirings around your home, which can increase the possibility of electrical accidents. When the exposed electrical wires have been in contact with water, you can be certain that the dangers can be beyond your imagination.

If you have decided to do the water damage restoration on your own, the entire process can prove to be fatal. Despite the careful preparations that you will undertake during your water damage restoration, you cannot be fully assured that there are no wirings that can cause electrocution.

b) Exposure to Bacteria

The water after a flood is usually filled with germs and bacteria that can cause health hazards. You can become more prone to sickness and disease if you attempt to clean up water damage on your own. Even if you wear protective clothing, there is still a high chance that you can come in close contact with bacteria when cleaning up water damage.
Once you are exposed to bacteria for a long time, you are also prone to contracting diseases that can lead to fatality. If you decided to do the water damage restoration on your own, you may not be able to kill all the bacteria present in your home.

c) Added Weight of Items

Carrying furniture soaked in water can also cause added danger. First, it comes with the danger of slipping. Since your furniture is wet, it is easier for it to slip when you hold on to it and it poses danger to you. Second, the pieces of furniture will have added weight after it has been soaked in water.
You might be able to carry that sofa before the water damage, but it might become heavier after a flood. On top of that, you may end up with broken bones if you have mishandled the lifting of these items. With a professional water damage restoration process, all of these overlooked aspects will be properly dealt with.

d) Mold Growth

Another possible danger that will confront you after a flood is the potential growth of molds. We all know that the presence of mold can pose a great danger to one’s health. Molds thrive with moisture and a DIY water damage restoration does not completely eliminate moisture in key areas.
Professional water damage restoration will allow a more thorough and complete cleanup of any remaining moisture. This will ensure that molds will not grow around your house even after flooding. The presence of molds can lead to respiratory issues, which results in breathing difficulties among many others. When the mold is extremely damaging, it can also be fatal for those who are in close contact for a long period of time.

e) Structural Weakness

When you try to restore a water damaged home, there are several physical dangers that are waiting for you since the structure of your house is significantly weaker. Walking on the floor can be dangerous since you are prone to slipping. Any foundation or structure that is made of wood is also weaker and can collapse easily after being exposed to flood. With a professional water damage restoration process, you are not faced with the trouble of dealing with any potential structural weakness.

Advantages of Professional Water Damage Restoration

Modern Equipment

One of the advantages of calling a professional water damage restoration company is that they use the right types of equipment to complete the process. When you are an individual trying to complete the water damage restoration process, you will only be using equipment that is commercially available in the market.
On top of that, you will only try to use cheaper alternatives to save on cost and it may not be able to do the trick for you. A professional water damage restoration company has invested in an inventory that specializes in water damage. This means that they are fully equipped to deal with water damage in a professional manner.

Trained Professionals

Another edge of having a professional water damage restoration company do the work for you is the professionals who will do the job. These professionals are trained to ensure that your home will be back in its original state in no time. With professionals dealing with your water damage concern, you can sit back and relax without inflicting any injury on yourself.
On top of that, you can be certain that all the potential concerns are properly dealt with since they have faced the issue several times over. When compared to an individual doing the water damage process restoration on their own, a professional will be able to cover all the problems in a professional manner. This is why it is important to call the professionals when dealing with any water damage caused by the flood.

Experience with Water Damage Restoration Leads to Quicker Response
When you call a water damage restoration company, you would be surprised at how quickly they respond and finish the task. You may think that they are not doing the job completely, but their quick response is attributed to their experience with the job. It will be easier to deal with the problem if you know where to look.
When you have years of experience in the business, you would know the key areas that have water damage restoration problem. The most common areas are the bathroom and the kitchen, but water damage experts know where to look for further troubles. If you know where to look, it cuts your working time in half. Therefore, you may save up on time and effort when you work with a professional water damage restoration company.
In conclusion, you may think that you are saving up more money when fixing the water damage on your own. However, the truth is you may end up causing more trouble when you DIY the water damage restoration process. With the help of a professional water damage restoration company like Lakewood Restoration Pro, you can save up on money, time, and effort.

The article The Dangers of DIY Water Damage Restoration was first posted at www.waterdamagemiami.com

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The Dangers of Mold Exposure

There are over 100,000 species of mold, and all of them can be harmful. While not everyone is affected by mold at first, frequent exposure to mold may endanger your health in the long run. Mold exposure can cause over 30 health problems, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.

Allergic Reactions

While mold itself is not poisonous or toxic, some molds produce mycotoxins. These are toxic substances that can cause various health problems, such as skin rashes, and even cancer in extreme cases if exposed long enough to the toxins.

Allergic reactions are a common result of exposure to mold, some people being more sensitive than others. The time and nature of the exposure also plays a role in the gravity of the symptoms. Signs that you’re experiencing a mold allergy include eye irritation, stuffy nose, coughing and wheezing, throat irritation, and skin irritation.

Asthma Attacks

High levels of airborne mold spores can also trigger asthma attacks in people with the condition. Symptoms of an asthma attack include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Mold exposure can also lead to the development of asthma in some children, especially those who are genetically susceptible to asthma.

Other Health Problems

Mold exposure can also cause chronic sinus infections. Even if the exposure to mold wasn’t the main cause of the infection, those who suffer from chronic sinusitis should avoid any contact with mold to prevent further problems.

In a study by The American Journal of Public Health, results show that mold in homes is linked to depression. There’s something very ugly about mold, indeed.

Those with compromised immune systems, like people with HIV, AIDS or people doing chemotherapy for cancer, are also more susceptible to mold-related illnesses.

Effects of Mold on Pets

Pets can be affected by mold in mostly the same way we are. When exposed to mold, pets can show symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, nose bleeding, pulmonary hemorrhage, excessive scratching and licking, lethargy, runny nose and allergic reactions.

If pets ingest moldy food products, they can be affected by mycotoxins. Pets that eat this poisoned food may experience muscle spasms or body tremors. Always check the food you give to your pets and throw away any moldy foods in your home.

Take Precautions to Prevent Mold

Anyone can be negatively affected by mold, even healthy young adults. To avoid health issues caused by mold in your home, make sure to fix any water damage immediately and keep indoor humidity at a safe level. Contact Lakewood Restoration Pro for mold clean-up and water damage remediation services.

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Prevent Water Damage In Your Kitchen To Avoid Expensive Repairs

Water damage in the kitchen gets expensive quickly, so we’re diving into ways homeowners can avoid serious damage. With a few preventative steps and a plan in place just in case, you can avoid major water damage in the kitchen. However, if you discover one of these problems to late then it is probably in your best interest to call a certified water damage testing company as soon as possible.

Prevention is Key

When taking preventative measures to avoid water damage in your kitchen or home, use this preventative checklist to ensure plumbing, fixtures, and appliances are well maintained throughout the year:

1. Inspect all water hose connections to ensure they’re snug.
2. Look for wet spots; this may be a sign of a soon-to-burst pipe, or loose connection.
3. Check dishwasher hoses for leaks.
4. Clean and check the refrigerator drip pan and icemaker connections.
5. Make sure the dishwasher’s float switch is clean and not corroded. This mechanism tells the dishwasher when to stop filling with water. A broken switch can lead to major flooding.
6. Inspect traps and drains under the sink. If you notice any discolored or warped flooring materials or damaged cabinets, look for leaks around the base of the sink.
7. If you’ve noticed that your sink is clogged and water isn’t draining properly, you may have a blocked drain which needs to be cleaned. Drains should be kept clear at all times.
8. In addition to large appliances, the garbage disposal, extra freezers, etc., should also be examined to ensure optimal use and safety.

While minor leaks and mechanical failures are often fixed without a professional, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Contact a professional repair company to ensure small problems don’t become major issues.

Have a Plan

Every minute counts when you’re faced with a flood or water leak in the kitchen, so having a plan is critical.

In a worst-case scenario, homeowners will need to shut off the main water supply to the home before addressing the broken appliance or busted pipe directly.

There are two types of valves: the main valve, which stops water flow to the entire home; and supply valves that connect to specific appliances. Look for the main water valve and turn it off clockwise to stop the flow. (Note: if the valve is a lever, turn the handle perpendicular to the water line.)

Some homes have a supply valve located near the water line of the appliance. If this is easier to get to at first, turn it off; however, the main line should still be turned off.

Homeowners should make sure they know where these water supply lines are and how to properly turn them off. Homeowners should also be sure to educate family members about where these valves are located.

If there’s been a flood in the kitchen, avoid walking through the flood water. The kitchen is full of electrical outlets and equipment that could become dangerous when exposed to water or excessive moisture.

Moreover, depending on where the flood sprang from, the water could be dirty or contaminated. Homeowners should get pets and people out of the house immediately.

Once the main water value is off and everyone is accounted for, call Lakewood Restoration Pro at (720) 651-9571. For disaster management, you can count on Lakewood Restoration Pro 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For minor leaks and water damage, some homeowners will feel comfortable doing cleanup and restoration themselves. However, even minor leaks or damage can require specific skills and expertise. Mold and mildew often crop up after water damage, and these things can be dangerous and damaging to property value.

Speak with a Lakewood Restoration Pro disaster management representative to recover quick and safely if you suffer water damage in the kitchen.

Keep Professional Restoration’s number handy in case of emergency. Call (720) 651-9571 for immediate water damage relief.

The article Prevent Water Damage In Your Kitchen To Avoid Expensive Repairs was first posted [here]

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After Fire Damage Homeowners Need Odor Removal

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke. Any homeowner who has experienced a fire knows the truth of that old statement. Smoke inhalation kills most victims of house fires. Even if the occupants escape, the lingering odor of smoke can traumatize even the most stout-hearted homeowner.

One reason that odors linger long after the fire is extinguished is that smoke is comprised of particles. Those particles land on every surface, and in every crevice in the home. They are very fine and difficult to detect, and even more difficult to remove. In most cases, you need expert help with special neutralizers and methods of odor removal to eliminate the long-term effects of a fire. Expert fire and smoke damage restoration services can be provided by your local restoration company or, if you are located in Lakewood CO you can call Lakewood Restoration Pro.

Odor Removal Doesn’t Happen By Itself

Many people try at first to eliminate odors and finally realize that the job can be accomplished more quickly and thoroughly by a trained professional. At Lakewood Restoration Pro, our technicians use special neutralizing products, hot thermal fog, smoke, ozone and odor counteracts. These methods and tools are not widely available to the general public— and moreover, the longer the time that passes before the odor is attacked, the more damage can occur.

There are some things the homeowner can do: Thoroughly wash floors, kitchen cupboards and floors that aren’t carpeted. Vacuum carpets, using a machine with a HEPA high-efficiency filter to trap smoke particles inside the vacuum. Remove and wash light fixtures. Remove all curtains, draperies and window shades for cleaning or dry-cleaning. Turn a large fan to blow fresh air into the home, working your way through the house, room by room.

If all this seems like too much for a busy homeowner to handle, call UWR. We do all this and more to help restore your home to its original condition.

Smoke discolors surfaces such as plastic, fiberglass, and eventually, metal. Wood and vinyl will also need to be replaced.

Ash and soot are easily distributed and are a major cause of odor. Allowing this residue to remain for days permits it to creep into impenetrable places such as between floor boards and behind drywall. So a difficult job becomes more difficult. The restoration and odor removal will go much more quickly and be less expensive if it is tackled immediately.

After Fire Damage Homeowners Need Odor Removal

After the clean-up process is underway, the homeowner will notice an immediate reduction in odor. For months later, pulling a piece of clothing out of winter storage, for instance, can release traumatic memories triggered by the smell of smoke. There is no better way to restore a homeowner’s peace of mind than to tackle odors at their source, as soon as possible after the fire.

Cleaning up after a fire is a job left to those who specialize in this type of work. General cleaning is not enough— indeed, it may make the situation worse. A homeowner has gone through enough turmoil with a fire in the house. Call (720) 651-9571 and let us get to work making things right again.

The post After Fire Damage Homeowners Need Odor Removal was first posted at United Water Restoration.

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