Keeping Your Pets Comfortable During A Storm

5/31/2023 (Permalink)

Keeping your dog relaxed will make them appreciate you that much more.

Pets don't understand storms like we do.  While we understand that it will pass, pets only hear the loud noises and instantly become anxious.  There are a few things that you, as an owner, can do to make your pet more comfortable.

How To Keep Your Pets Comfortable During a Storm

• Provide them with a safe space.  Dogs especially, tend to feel more comfortable when in a small, interior room with few windows.  This may be a bathroom, laundry room, or closet.  Try throwing a familiar blanket, pillow, or toy in there with them as a source of comfort.
• Minimize the storm.  Closing your windows and blinds will muffle noise and reduce the appearance of lightning strikes.  Turning on the TV or a radio will also limit the noise from the storm, potentially making your pet more comfortable.
• Distractions, distractions, distractions.  Did your sibling ever hit you and then immediately start trying to make you smile to distract you from the pain before your parents get involved?  Well this approach is a little different, but has a similar solution.  Distracting your pet by playing a game, working on training, or grooming has been shown to ease their nerves by occupying their mind with more exciting events.
• Keep your pet company.  Sit with your pet and offer them company, but not if you're anxious too.  If the storm is bad enough to cause yourself anxiety as well, do your best to keep yourself calm before approaching your pet.  Animals are great at reading body language which means that if they sense the slightest amount of nerves from you, it will only make theirs worse.
• Never leave them outside.  Desensitizing your pet by leaving them outside during a storm may sometimes seem like a good plan, however, a nervous animal may do everything in its power to escape to find shelter.  This could include jumping the fence, digging a hole, opening the gate, or if the storm knocks down the fence, your pet might just walk right out.  Being loose in a storm is the last thing that you want for your pets safety.  Make sure dogs and cats are in a safe shelter, horses and other large animals are stalled, and rabbits, birds, or other animals that are generally in a cage have been placed in an enclosed area in case the cage gets damaged.
• Try different products.  There are things such as calming supplements that can help ease your pets nerves but there are also some other things that are made specifically for certain animals in certain situations.  For example, there is a coat that can be wrapped around your dog that almost acts as a swaddle to encourage relaxation.

Sources: barkmart.com

             petsittersireland.com

As you can see, there are multiple ways to keep your pet relaxed during a storm.  Next time you experience heavy rain, hail, or thunderstorms, test out a few of these methods.  You might be surprised.

What Is A Pack Out?

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

When a disaster strikes your home, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties offers a variety of services to help quicken the recovery process.  One of these services is called a pack out.  If your home were to flood due to a storm, for example, one of the first steps we would take is packing up and moving all of the content within the affected area in order to salvage what we can as well as empty the space to begin the remediation process.  We also offer to clean and disinfect the salvageable contents that we packed to ensure that they won't experience secondary damage in the future.  If you or someone you know has experienced a water loss, give us a call! 817-596-8714

Have You Spring Cleaned Your Business Yet?

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

As Lil Jon once said, "From the windows, to the walls, SERVPRO does it all.".  Well, maybe he didn't say it exactly like that but you get the gist.  

As we are nearing the end of spring, that means prime time for your annual spring cleaning is passing!  The pressure of an annual deep clean may especially follow entrepreneur's especially.  Small business owners work around the clock to keep their businesses thriving.  Whether it's managing online orders, scheduling meetings, or interacting with clients, there is little time to spare hassling with spring cleaning.  Fortunately, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is ready and able to take that weight off of your shoulders!  When it comes to commercial cleaning, we offer a variety of services. This includes:

• HVAC cleaning
• Carpet cleaning
• Hard flooring cleaning
• Window cleaning
• Wall/ceiling cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning
• Drape/blinds cleaning
• Odor removal

No need to be scrubbing your floors on your hands and knees at one A.M., wondering how you're going to make it through the next day at work.  We will ensure that your business is cleaned thoroughly, and within a reasonable timeframe.  If you are interested in having your small business professionally cleaned, give us a call! 817-596-8714

What Our SERVPRO Professionals Can Do For YOU.

5/10/2023 (Permalink)

Your Business Is Important to Us.  That's Why We Aim to Do Better.

Here at SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties, we understand that your business is a reflection of you and the hard work that you put into it which is why you should never settle for less.  We offer our best service 100% of the time with a fair price to boot.  We are committed to helping you clean and restore your business after a disaster with our IICRC trained and certified crew members.  

We offer a variety of services to your home or business:

• Fire mitigation
• Water mitigation
• Storm clean up
• Commercial restoration
• Mold remediation
• HVAC cleaning
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Vandalism cleaning
• Crime scene, biohazard, and trauma cleaning
• Contents cleaning and inventory service

That's not all!  We strive to offer you the best service whether it's cleaning your home after a disaster or taking care of general upkeep.  No matter what, your home should feel like a home, not like a burden.  You can learn more about our services at our website here or call us today! 817-596-8714

Spring Has Sprung, Here Comes The Pollen

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

We are passing the middle of spring right now which means that it's officially prime time for pollen allergies.  In honor of this righteous timing, let's go over a few ways to rid your home of pollen.  But first, here's some fun facts about pollen that you may not have known.

Fun Facts About Pollen

• Pollen is the snowflake of spring.  It comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.  Though we associate pollen with the color yellow, it can also be a vibrant red, green, purple, white, or brown.
• Flowering plants aren't the main culprit when it comes to pollen allergies.  Flower pollen is transferred through insects that carry it from flower to flower.  This tends to keep the pollen more contained compared to plants that transfer pollen by releasing it into the air such as ragweed, oak, elms, and maple trees. 
• We tend to think that bumble bees are the only carrier of pollen, However, insects such as butterflies, ants, beetles, and flies are also common pollen carriers.  Mammals, such as lemurs, are also pollen carriers.

Source:thoughtco.com

Now that we've covered a few fun facts about pollen, lets dig into allergy control.  Pollen spreads like wildfire and while there is no sure way to completely prevent pollen allergies, there are a few ways that you can keep them under control.

How To Reduce Pollen Allergies at Home

• Dust smart.  As mentioned before, pollen spreads like wildfire.  The most effective way to control pollen through dusting is to use a microfiber towel or duster and dust from top to bottom.
• Change your air filters.  Changing your air filters regularly, especially when you notice your allergies kicking in, is another effective way to control pollen allergies.  Air filters get packed with dust, hair, and other common allergens that may make your seasonal allergies worse.  Investing in a filter that is made to catch common allergens may also help in this situation.
• Washing your pillow cases.  Pollen can get caught in your hair and your clothes as soon as you step inside.  If you lay down for a nap as soon as you come home from work, there may be pollen stuck to your bedding and pillow cases.  
• Splurge on the right vacuum cleaner.   Vacuums are expensive, I know, but investing in a good one may be worth it.  A decent vacuum will automatically filter pollen and dust to ensure that it doesn't get spit back into the house.  Professionals recommend a bag-less vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Source:cedars-sinai.org

These are a few tips to help you keep your home comfortable even through allergy season.  If you need help cleaning your filters, air vents, drapes, carpets, or anything else that may house allergens, we are more than willing to help!  Our team is IICRC certified and experienced in general cleaning needs.  Give us a call at 817-596-8714

My Business What Vandalized, What Now?

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, vandalism in commercial businesses is more common than we would like to think.  When a business has been attacked, the clean up and repair process can be stressful and costly.  Our professionals at SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties are ready and willing to take some of that stress off of your shoulders.  

Our team understands that recovering your business after an act of vandalism can be long and exhausting.  Our goal is to get your business up and running ASAP, without breaking the bank, of course.  Our array of state-of-the-art equipment is available to clean up any mess, wet or dry, hot or cold.  Our services for vandalism include:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal
• Debris removal
• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Pack out
• Contents cleaning

If your business has been vandalized and you're not sure what to do next, you can contact SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties to learn about the next steps.  We will walk you through the cleanup and restoration process and we'll even provide you with a free cost quote!  You can call us anytime, 24/7, at 817-594-8714.

Outdoor Furniture That Will Save Your Wallet & Your Sanity

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Who doesn't love snuggling up on the couch with a good book while listening to the rain fall on your window?  The unexpecting owners of beloved patio furniture, that's who.  But here's the good news: rain doesn't have to ruin the outdoor furniture that you spent hours picking out and strategically placing on your back porch.  There are certain cloth materials that are made to withstand the effects of water, woods that repel insects and mildew, metals that are made to resist the formation of rust, and synthetic materials created to hold their own against the elements.  Let's start with seating.

Durable Seating Options For Outdoor Furniture:

• The first, and probably most common water resistant seating material, is synthetic wicker or rattan.  The organic version of these materials is absolutely charming, although not the most durable.  However, synthetic wicker or rattan mimic the color and texture of the natural fibers, with the additional perks of being waterproof and resistant to fading.  Fortunately, these materials are made to last, and won't break the bank.
• If your goal is to go all natural, teak wood might be the material for you.  Though teak is durable when exposed to moisture, its natural state and place of origin definitely make it more of an investment compared to synthetic materials.  Dawning from Asian rainforests that are prone to monsoons, teak is a soldier.  It is not only waterproof, but also resistant to insects and sunlight, and doesn't attract dirt.  It may be a high dollar material, but its natural state and long lasting features make this wood worth the price.
• Powdered aluminum is also a good choice of material for your backyard oasis.  Why is aluminum a better choice than other metals?  Allow me to put on my lab coat for a moment.  Rust is iron oxide, and because aluminum has virtually no iron in it, it doesn't rust.  Aluminum can also have an anti-corrosion coating added to it as extra insurance against rust.  Class dismissed.

Now that we have covered the most reliable base materials for outdoor furniture, let's discuss how we can add a little pizazz.

No fabric is going to be one-hundred percent waterproof.  There are waxy finishes that can be added to the surface of fabrics to allow water droplets to roll off rather than soak in, but those don't last forever.  Rather than preventing your cushions from getting wet, consider investing in a material that will dry quickly, resist mold, and avoid that mildew stench that nobody enjoys.

The Best Cushion Materials To Avoid Moisture Damage:

• The first fabric on our list is going to be polyester.  No, not like your great grandma's clothing.  Polyester has come a long way since the early ages of leisure suits.  This fabric will give you an expensive look without the expensive prices.  It repels light amounts of rain and still keeps its tight, clean shape even when it gets sopping wet.
• Acrylic fabrics are also a worthy option when it comes to patio furniture cushions.  Acrylic manages to stay easy on the eyes, with its silky touch, while also being resistant to the elements.  This fabric also holds its color due to the dying process that it endures.  Acrylic fibers are typically dyed before being woven together, resulting in the fabric keeping its vibrant color through the sun and the rain.

Polyester and acrylic fabrics are considered the two best fabrics to use for patio furniture cushions, but, what about the cushion itself?  There is only one thing that I, and most cushion aficionados, will recommend: quick-drying foam.  This miracle foam is made to be outdoors in rain or shine.  It is porous, which allows water to run right through it rather than soaking it in like cotton stuffing would do.  Because of this, it also dries exponentially fast and resists the growth of mold as well as that mildew smell.  You still have to let the cushions sit out in the sun after a nice rainfall, but they will be ready for use at record speeds.  They also don't have to be replaced as often as your average cushion which will save your wallet.

In Conclusion?

You shouldn't have to panic about making an artist's impression when your in-laws decide to invite themselves over for a barbeque.  These materials that we discussed previously will be ready, and stay ready, for any occasion.  No more complaints from your mother-in-law about smelly cushions or old furniture.  Give yourself something to be proud of, no matter the weather conditions.  Synthetic wicker, teak wood, and aluminum are just a small portion of luxurious looking, weather resistant materials.  Just as Polyester and Acrylic aren't the only fabric options out there, but they are the biggest bang for your buck.  These items are just a few outdoor furniture pieces that will save your wallet, and your sanity!

Why Your Business Needs an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Being a business owner comes with an excessive list of stressors.  Handling an emergency on your own should not be one of the items on that list.  That's why SERVPRO created an emergency program, to make certain that all businesses, small and large, are fully prepared for any disaster.

What is the SERVPRO ERP?

Unfortunately, disasters cannot always be prevented, which means it is crucial for businesses to have a plan to follow incase of emergency.  Our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a step-by-step program made by us, specifically for your business, to ensure that all important structures, exits, and utilities, as well as important contacts, have been identified and documented.  This app works to provide business owners with a plan to follow in an effort to prevent any and all emergencies from escalading to the point of no return.  Our ERP includes the following:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility. 
• A precise profile document containing the most critical information about your facility.
• A list of emergency contacts for every situation.
• A guide to the recovery process after the disaster has occurred.
• Facility details such as water, gas, and electricity shut offs.
• A list of the primary contacts for your business as well as establishing SERVPRO as your primary restoration and disaster mitigation provider.
• A step-by-step guide explaining the exact steps to take as soon as you notice your facility is in danger.

Why is it important for my business to have a plan in place?

Did you know that 50% of small businesses that endure a catastrophe aren't able to recover? The majority of businesses that are able to survive, do so because they had an emergency plan in place.  Having a plan serves as a mental insurance policy, protecting one's "peace of mind".  Protecting your facility will also protect yourself and your employees, establishing a certain amount of trust between your "employee" and "employer" relationship.  

Will SERVPRO help clean up and repair damage after a catastrophe?

The answer is ABSOLUTELY!  SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is prepared for any disaster thrown our way.  Our staff is trained to handle just about any disaster from busted water pipes to biohazard.  We can even help with your every day commercial cleaning needs.

If you are a business owner in or near Parker or Hood County consider giving us a call to help prepare yourself to protect your facility! You can contact us over phone or through email:

817-596-8714

OR

sp9037@att.net

Five Ways to Protect Your Home From Wind Damage

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Here in North Texas, we've been experiencing gusts of wind reaching up to 40MPH.  Chances are, you've probably seen loose items blowing around or heard someone complaining about their outdoor furniture getting damaged.  Although 40MPH winds may not be considered a windstorm, the gusts are most definitely strong enough to cause damage.  Fortunately, there are some methods that have been proven to defend your home against wind damage.

Five Ways To Protect Your Home From Wind Damage

• If it's broke, fix it.
  • Confirm that all of your roof shingles are secure.
  • Repair loose or damaged fencing.
  • Ensure that your garage door is in good condition.
• Secure outdoor items.
  • Place chairs, toys, umbrellas, etc. in a shelter.
  • Push heavier items such as grills or patio tables against a sturdy wall.
• Examine trees in your yard
  • Loose branches may fly off and damage a window or a car.
  • Dead trees can blow over on top of a structure.
• Move your vehicle to safety
  • Park your vehicle under a shelter of some sort.
  • If no shelter is available, avoid parking near a tree for the reason previously stated.
• Have an emergency plan in place.
  • Make sure your insurance will cover possible damages.
  • Keep a restoration company that you trust in mind just in case damages occur.  
  • Stock the most well-protected room in your house stocked with emergency items.

Be sure to routinely check and maintain your home so you're prepared for whatever storm may come your way.  However, if you do happen to find yourself in a sticky situation, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is able and willing to help!  We are available 24/7 to take the stress of storm damage off of your shoulders! 

Give us a call at 817-596-8714

Signs of a Weakened or Busted Water Pipe

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Repairing busted water pipes and the damage they cause can be stressful for all parties involved.  Although there is no sure way to prevent wear and tear, there are some signs to look for in order to catch a leak early on.  

Signs That You May Have a Busted Water Pipe

1. The formation of puddles under sinks, around toilets, etc. is one of the more obvious indications of a damaged pipe.
2. Low water pressure can also be an effect of a leak or burst.
3. Stains along walls or ceilings are another obvious sign of water damage.
4. Discoloration in the water such as a reddish undertone or strange smells that mimic something metallic may be due to rust which will eventually weaken the pipes.
5. Water bills may increase if there is a leak that has gone undetected for a period of time.