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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Saving water damaged wallpaper

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Saving water damaged wallpaper

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when you have a water damage in your home or business it can be overwhelming. And we are here to help clean up the damage and answer any questions you might have.

One important question we get asked often is can we save water damaged wallpaper. When your walls are wet, wallpaper acts as a vapor barrier and restricts our ability to dry it. Special drying measures may be needed when this wallpaper barrier is present, and depending on the extent of the damage we may or may not be able to save the wallpaper.

Some options are:

Removing the baseboard to ventilate the wall

Perforating the wall to ventilate it

Peeling away wallpaper to expose wet the drywall

Preventing Water Damage on Furniture

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing Water Damage on Furniture

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when water damage occurs it can be hard to be prepared. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with some of the quickest response times in the industry. However, if you are worried about immediate damage to your personal belongings and furniture there are steps you can take to help preserve your items. Below are some tips to help you out!  1) Move furniture from wet areas. Wooden table legs can absorb water, expand, and cause more damage.2) If deep standing water, try raising furniture above it with blocks.3) Even if the water is not deep you can still raise it with blocks or tupperware lids to prevent damage to the furniture legs. If the furniture is on carpet it also prevents damage to the carpet as well.

Preparing Your House for Winter

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing Your House for Winter

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Employee Appreciation

12/15/2022 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Jake Mitchell is a Crew Chief at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. He has 10 years of experience, 6 of those with SERVPRO,  and has the following certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Water Damage Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation, Applied Structural Drying, Carpet Cleaning, and Odor Control.

In his spare time he likes to go fishing with his family. His favorite part of his job is helping people in their time of need. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is Ten Penny! 

If you would like to check out the rest of the crew at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County click here. And remember we are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Tips for frying a Thanksgiving turkey

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for frying a Thanksgiving turkey

SERVPRO knows that the turkey is the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal. It is the centerpiece that brings the rest of the dinner together. And while we all agree that fried turkey is amazing, injuring yourself or damaging property isn't. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while preparing that deep fried bird.

  • Find a flat area: This helps keep the pot from tipping over and helps keep the oil level even when cooking
  • Use proper tools: Take the turkey in and out of the oil with gloves and the lifter tool
  • Be Prepared! Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times! 

If you do experience fire or smoke damage while cooking the Thanksgiving feast, call SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County, the fire cleanup professionals.

Employee Appreciation

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Jacob

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Jacob Robinson is one of our  Production Managers at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. He has several years of experience with customer service and equipment repair and is always ready to enthusiastically help in any situation. In his spare time he enjoys doing outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. His favorite part of his job is seeing the relief customers feel when they know SERVPRO is there to help, and when the customers see the final results of the work. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is The Depot.

To see the rest of our employee bios please visit our employee page by clicking here

Fire/Soot Damage Clean Up

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Fire/Soot Damage Clean Up

SERVPRO knows that when you have a fire in your home or business it is very difficult to deal with the aftermath. That is why the cleanup experts at SERVPRO are always here to help. Our fire damage restoration team has over 50 years of combined experience to help put your home or business back together as quickly as possible. One main concern after a fire is the damage from soot and smoke.

The soot from a fire damage can leave stains and nasty odors. One way SERVPRO restores fire-damaged materials is with a media blasting process using dry ice or sand. Media blasting helps remove odor-causing soot and saves money by restoring costly building materials, instead of replacing them. This is just one way SERVPRO can help in the restoration of your home or business after a fire. 

For more information on our fire damage repair and restoration services click here

Prevent Fire Damage

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

24 7

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that keeping up with house work can sometimes feel like a full time job. However, some cleanup tasks are more important than others. Like preventative maintenance on your yard to reduce your risk of fire damage. Here are some basic things you can do to help prevent your risk of fire damage to your home.

  1. Get rid of combustible materials within 30 feet of your home. This could be fire-prone vegetation, firewood stacks, combustible patio furniture, umbrellas, etc.
  2. Trim tree branches that overhang the roof and chimney.
  3. Remove combustible litter on roof and gutters. 

For more FEMA fire tips here--> https://bddy.me/3gSjUvr

If you do experience a fire we are here to help 24/7.

Storm Water Damage Clean Up

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Faster

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that here in the Midwest you never know when a natural disaster is going to strike. Between the summer storms, tornado season, and the up and down temperatures in the winter (and all year long if we are being honest) it is hard to be prepared when disaster strikes. That is why SERVPRO is always here to help! We know that a fast response is a critical factor in reducing damage and restoring water damaged materials.

Not only does SERVPRO pride ourselves on our quick response times, we also have STORM Extreme Teams always waiting in the wings to help out in the event of a large natural disaster.

SERVPRO's STORM Teams are comprised of highly trained technicians ready to roll out to anywhere in the country in the event of a giant natural disaster. 

So remember, you can always count of SERVPRO to faster to any size disaster!

Safety Tips for Grilling Outside

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Safety Tips for Grilling Outside

It's summertime here at SERVPRO! And while we are happy to officially start the party, we also want everyone to stay safe while engaged in all the fun outdoor activities summer has to offer.  Grilling and backyard bonfires can be great, but if you don't stay safe it can turn in to a disaster. Stay fire safe this summer with these tips from FEMA, but IF you happen to scorch your pavilion a little, we can help to restore it.

  • Only use your grill outside
  • Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails, and eaves
  • Keep a 3 foot zone around your grill to protect your kids and pets
  • Never leave fires unattended, including: grills, fire pits, and patio torches
  • Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.

Watching Water Levels

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Watching Water Levels

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Stopping water damage from spreading

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Stopping water damage from spreading

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that the faster you attend to a water damage, the better the chances of stopping any secondary damage such as mold. The quicker that materials are dried, the faster water damage stops. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and employ highly trained technicians that know the best ways to stop your water damage from spreading and creating secondary damage issues. SERVPRO technicians know how to adjust temperature and humidity levels in affected areas to produce the fastest drying conditions to get your life back to normal. Between our employees knowledge and our equipment SERVPRO can make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” 

If you have a water damage at your house or commercial property give us a call at 913-772-1818.

Commercial Cleaning

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning

When you're the number 1 cleaning and restoration company, there are many reasons for getting here. SERVPROXIDE is one of them.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County only uses SERVPRO approved products so you always know you are getting the best product for whatever kind of loss you might have at your commercial or residential property.

SERVPROXIDE is an excellent example of SERVPRO's standards for cleaning products as it has many great properties. It is perfect for disinfecting surfaces.

SERVPROXIDE is also EPA registered. This product carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating making it safe for everyday use. SERVPROXIDE is also safe for the environment as it is a 100% biodegradable surfactant.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is happy to answer any questions that homeowners and business owners might have. So feel free to ask at any point during the cleanup of your loss.

Commercial Building Restoration Work

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Restoration Work

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three types of damage for commercial claims:

Type 1

Type 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include; a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a small warehouse, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Type 1 loss can also be a smaller portion of a much larger structure.

Type 2

Type 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level and/or divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Type 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Type 3

Type 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a mid- to high-rise retail facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

For ways to be prepared for when a loss happens at your business please see our blog post entitled What is an ERP.

Flood Safety

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Flood Safety

Spring and Summer in the Midwest are always a time for storms and it is important to know how to remain safe during high waters. Especially during flash floods and warnings.

The National Weather Service has some good tips for staying safe during high water and flood conditions.

Flood and Flash Flood Safety Rules:

Heavy rain should be a signal to alerting you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.

If you live or work in flood prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.

Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don't Drown!!

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.

Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.

Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.

Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.

Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.

Flood Watch:

When conditions look favorable for flash flooding, the National Weather Service will issue a Flood Watch, highlighting flash flood potential in and around the specified area. A Watch usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action if water begins to rise or a flash flood warning is issued.

Flash Flood Warning:
issued for a smaller, more specific area. This is when you must act quickly as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

Mold Clean up Commercial Building

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Clean up Commercial Building

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

913-772-1818

Cleaning commercial buildings

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning Commercial Buildings

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County today at 913-772-1818 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

How to Sanitize Surfaces

5/14/2022 (Permalink)

How to sanitize surfaces

In these uncertain times, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows staying safe is the most important thing you can do. However, if you have to go out for work, to get groceries, or you just need to get out of your house and take a walk, it is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

Commercial building repair

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Repair

Flooding and water damage events that occur on commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether you are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup or a large scale event, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County will work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges


Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County


SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO if you experience a loss at your commercial property!

913-772-1818

Planning for when your commercial building has a loss

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Planning for when your commercial building has a loss

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected.

Let me ask you something. If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct them how to shut off the gas or water from the table?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed a really cool app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

Right about now, if you're like most people, you are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free.

Well SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 913-772-1818

Plan Ahead for Severe Storms

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Plan Ahead for Severe Storms

In the United States, there are around 100,000 thunderstorms every year, so these frightening events occur frequently in every state.

With all the crazy weather the Midwest has in the spring and summer, it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. It’s true that we can’t control the weather, but we can do our best to protect ourselves against its harmful blow.

Below are the ways in which you can reduce storms’ impacts on you and your home.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

You need to have a severe weather communication in place consisting of the following items:

First, you need to have a way to communicate with everyone in your home and also people outside your home. This way, you can receive weather alerts, such as watches and warnings.

Next, be sure to grab both your cell phone and an NOAA weather radio. Having multiple modes of communication could be a lifesaver.

Last, put together a communication strategy for your household that includes a designated safe area in your home for bad weather and a way for absent family members to check in and let you know they’re safe.

Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

Every household needs an emergency kit jam-packed with all the essentials. Include food, water, first-aid supplies and anything else you might need.

Make sure it includes at least 72 hours worth of materials because you never know how long you might be stuck sheltering in place.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

Once it’s all over, here’s what you need to do:

Talk to everyone about the communications plan and gather feedback on all the elements. This will help you improve the plan in the future and keep you even safer.

Next, go around your home and evaluate it for storm damage, paying close attention to all the vulnerable areas.

If you discover damage, turn SERVPRO so that you can count on a quick response that will bring about peace of mind and get your home back to pre-storm condition in no time!

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 247 to spring into action

Employee Spotlight

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Employee Spotlight

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte Co would like to welcome our newest employee Hilary Gregory! Hilary is our newest Marketing Representative and the wife of our operations manager Drew Gregory. She has over eight years of marketing experience and one of her favorite parts of the job is meeting and interacting with new people every day including clients, customers, and members of the community. She also loves working for a company whose purpose is to help people and the fact that every day is completely different and there is always something new and interesting to learn.  In her free time she likes to read, cuddle with her dog, and spend time with her family. Her favorite Leavenworth restaurant so far is Meriwether's Cafe!

Saving water damaged wall paper

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Saving water damaged wall paper

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when you have a water damage in your home or business it can be overwhelming. And we are here to help clean up the damage and answer any questions you might have.

One important question we get asked often is can we save water damaged wallpaper. When your walls are wet, wallpaper acts as a vapor barrier and restricts our ability to dry it. Special drying measures may be needed when this wallpaper barrier is present, and depending on the extent of the damage we may or may not be able to save the wallpaper.

Some options are:

Removing the baseboard to ventilate the wall

Perforating the wall to ventilate it

Peeling away wallpaper to expose wet the drywall

Protecting Furniture from Water Damage

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

Protecting Furniture from Water Damage

When natural disasters strike, it is extremely important to be prepared. That is why SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is open 24/7 and 365. And although we are always here to help, there are some things you can do between the time you call us and the time we arrive. One important thing you can do is take steps to protect valuable furniture when you experience light flooding or a small water loss in your home. See our tips below!

Use wooden blocks: Place wood blocks under your furniture legs to keep it high above rising waters

Use aluminum foil: wrap wooden furniture legs in aluminum foil to protect them from rising water

Use plastic container lids: If the water damage is minimal you can put old plastic container lids or tupperware lids as a barrier between the water and your furniture

3 Types of Floods & Their Main Causes

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

3 Types of Floods & Their Main Causes

Flooding is the most common natural disaster, and it claims more lives in the United States per year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning. It can affect everything from individual homes where property collects excess water to wide swaths of communities and cities.

Despite the fact that flooding affects all 50 states and all U.S. territories, there are similarities in the types and causes of floods. Floods happen for four typical reasons, and there are three main types.

3 Types of Natural Flooding
Flash floods are common, and they happen when heavy rain passes or sits over an area and overwhelms the ability of the ground to contain the moisture. Excess water runs off and takes garbage cans, cars and more with it.

River floods are exactly what they sound like. When there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, the water spills over the sides and causes destruction.

Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.

The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding
Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it. Similarly, in 1951, Topeka experienced a severe flood after the raging waters of the Kansas River broke through a dike to flood the North Topeka Business district. According to the National Weather Service, the Kansas River reached its highest level on record. In all, 40 Kansans lost their lives in what was known as the “Flood of the Century.”

Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

Preparing for Tornado Season

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for Tornado Season

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Getting rid of odor from smoke damage

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Getting rid of odor from smoke damage

At SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County we understand that any kind of fire damage can be very difficult to deal with. That is why we are here to help! As fire restoration pros, we have a highly trained staff of fire and odor experts to help you out with any damage you may have, whether it is a small area in your home or business or smoke and soot throughout the entire house or building, our certified SERVPRO technicians are ready to assist. We generally use two primary methods to eliminate odors:

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent based deodorants as very small particles

2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to.

We are here to help 24/7 so give us a call at 913-772-1818

Examining Spring Weather Threats in the United States

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Examining Spring Weather Threats in the United States

According to World Atlas, the U.S. is the third-largest country in the world, behind Russia and Canada, in terms of total land area (though China is bigger if you don’t include all of the United States’ outlying regions).

With such a large region under one cover, seasonal weather is not uniform—different parts of the nation face varying weather patterns, and hence variable degrees of weather threats.

As spring approaches and warm and cold air masses meet throughout the country, let’s take a look at the many weather events that may be anticipated in a few major geographical regions, and also, what we need to be aware of here in Kansas.

The Pacific Northwest’s spring months are prone to severe rain, which may result in floods and water damage. Higher altitudes will continue to have snow, and the melting and runoff from that will create issues of its own.

Winter’s chill lasts the longest in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, and chilly weather will persist there throughout the season. Residents from Maine to the Dakotas can anticipate very cold weather and the threat of snowstorms and blizzards until late spring or possibly early summer.

On the other hand, the southern West Coast will have to watch out for excessive heat waves that could endanger lives and property, while the South Pacific, including Hawaii, will be on the lookout for potential tsunamis caused by tectonic action.

The central United States, from Iowa to Texas, including Kansas, will need to be vigilant for windstorms, derechos, and the threat of wildfires, which can readily spread when winds are strong and seasons are dry. And, of course, a large portion of this territory is Tornado Alley, an area with a high frequency of tornadoes.

Due to our state’s location, the mixing of cold, dry air from the north with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, violent thunderstorms are frequent in Kansas. Several of these thunderstorms have the potential to generate large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. Between 1991 and 2010, the state averaged slightly under 100 tornadoes per year, which sometimes caused considerable damage and loss of life.

Finally, the Southeast may be subjected to a variety of extreme weather events, ranging from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in landlocked states to hazardous rip currents and hurricanes later in the spring.

Regardless of where you reside in the United States, the possibility of severe weather exists. Yours may differ from that of a relative a few states away, but it never hurts to be aware and prepared.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Protecting Freezing Pipes

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Protecting Freezing Pipes

SERVPRO knows winter is hard enough without worrying about your pipes freezing and bursting. Protect your wallet by protecting your pipes. Ensure your home or business's pipes stay warm with these tips from State Farm:

  • Insulate your pipes: Exposed pipes are the most likely to freeze. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
  • Let water drip: a trickle of warm water could be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. 
  • Steady Thermostat: Keeping a consistent temperature puts less strain on the furnace.

If you do have a pipe break or any other kind of water damage we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. Give us a call at 913-772-1818!

Every Fire Starts the Same Way

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Every Fire Starts the Same Way

Fires start in a lot of different places. They have many different causes, but scientifically speaking, they all start the same way.

It sounds like a bit of a riddle, but it’s true, and the fire tetrahedron is proof. This four-sided triangular shape shows us that all fires happen because the same four things all happen at once. Let’s take a look and see what we can learn.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. Every fire has to happen to something—in other words, some object or material has to, as we would say, catch fire. This is what scientists call the fuel source—the thing fires eat away as they burn.

Heat. For any material to burn, it first has to reach a heat point at which it becomes adequately combustible. In other words, something cold won’t catch on fire until it gets warmed up.

Oxygen. Fires actually consume oxygen as they rage through an area, and the rapid oxidation process is a crucial element of combustion. It also depletes the air quality in areas with burning fires.

Chemical Chain Reaction. The chain reaction is the newest addition to what was once called the fire triangle. The indicator is that all fires must have the fuel, the flash-point-level heat and the oxidation process working together, continuously, in order to survive. If the chain reaction isn’t happening, there can be no fire.

Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.

Employee Appreciation

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Matthew Thorman is a Production Manager at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. He has been working with our SERVPRO team for 9 years and has experience with cleanup, restoration, and customer service. He also recently graduated from Northwest Missouri State with a degree in Health and Wellness and where he played the position of punter on the football team for 4 years, making it to two national championships. In his spare time Matthew likes to stay active playing with the Kansas City Rugby Football Club, playing golf, and doing any kind of fitness related activity. His favorite part of his job is getting to help those in need. He loves helping people and the community as a whole. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is The Depot! 

Preventing Water Damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Water Damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when water damage occurs it can be hard to be prepared. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with some of the quickest response times in the industry. However, if you are worried about immediate damage to your personal belongings and furniture there are steps you can take to help preserve your items. Below are some tips to help you out!  1) Move furniture from wet areas. Wooden table legs can absorb water, expand, and cause more damage.2) If deep standing water, try raising furniture above it with blocks.3) Even if the water is not deep you can still raise it with blocks or tupperware lids to prevent damage to the furniture legs. If the furniture is on carpet it also prevents damage to the carpet as well.

Preparing your house for winter

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing your house for winter

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Employee Appreciation

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Jake Mitchell is a Crew Chief at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. He has 9 years of experience, 5 of those with SERVPRO,  and has the following certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Water Damage Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation, Applied Structural Drying, Carpet Cleaning, and Odor Control. In his spare time he likes to go fishing with his family. His favorite part of his job is helping people in their time of need. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is Ten Penny! 

If you would like to check out the rest of the crew at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County click here. And remember we are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Tips for frying your Thanksgiving turkey

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for frying your Thanksgiving turkey

SERVPRO knows that the turkey is the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal. It is the centerpiece that brings the rest of the dinner together. And while we all agree that fried turkey is amazing, injuring yourself or damaging property isn't. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while preparing that deep fried bird.

  • Find a flat area: This helps keep the pot from tipping over and helps keep the oil level even when cooking
  • Use proper tools: Take the turkey in and out of the oil with gloves and the lifter tool
  • Be Prepared! Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times! 

If you do experience fire or smoke damage while cooking the Thanksgiving feast, call SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County, the fire cleanup professionals.

Employee Appreciation

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Will Taylor is the most recent addition to our marketing team! He started here in 2020 and has proven to be a fast learner. His favorite part of the job is getting to meet people from all walks of life and being able to confidently say we will make things right for them in a time of uncertainty. In his free time Will likes to spend time with his wife and puppy and play rugby. His favorite restaurant in Leavenworth is a tie between the Metropolitan Steakhouse and First City Cheese Market. He just can't decide! 

If you would like to check out the other members of our team please click here and remember we are open 24/7!

Commercial Cleaning Services

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning Services: drapes, carpets, upholstery

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County offers commercial and residential cleaning services to help keep your office or home free of dust, grime, and general build up. Did you know that cleaning of your rugs, carpets, upholstery, and drapes should occur before fabrics and fibers are heavily soiled. If you wait until there is significant build up these items are difficult to restore to a satisfactory appearance. Long periods between cleanings may ruin fine upholstered furniture, carpets, and drapes. SERVPRO offers cleaning services for all of these items and is also able to set up recurring cleanings to help keep you on schedule and keep your space looking clean. If you are interested in receiving quotes on these services or scheduling an appointment please give us a call at 913-772-1818! 

Employee Appreciation

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to the SERVPRO Employee Appreciation Series! Drew Gregory is the Operations Manager for SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. He has over 12 years of experience in this industry and has the following certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Water Damage Restoration, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Applied Microbial Remediation, and Commercial Drying Specialist. His favorite part of the job is being able to restore order to the lives of our customers. In his spare time he likes to camp, golf, and go paint balling. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is The Depot!

To check out the rest of our employee bios please click here and remember SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is open 24/7

Employee Appreciation

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Brian is a new addition to SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County, but he has been working in this industry for a little over 6 years. He has the following certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Water Removal Technician. Brian's favorite part of working for SERVPRO is that every day can bring a new experience, with endless opportunities to learn more about this industry. In his free time Brian likes to play video games and do home improvement projects. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is The Depot!

To check out the rest of our SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County staff visit our employee page by clicking here and remember we are open 24/7!

Water Shut Off Valve

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Shut Off Valve

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that there are many ways you can try and prepare for when water damage occurs in your home or business. In this blog we are giving you our best tip for limiting water damage in your home. Raise your hand if you know where your shut-off valve is located?

Knowing where your water shut off valve is located in your home or business is EXTREMLEY IMPORTANT! If you have a pipe break or any kind of leak in your home or business, stopping the water is the single most important way to limit the amount of damage. 

If you know where your water shut off valve is, you can save valuable time when a break or leak occurs. Instead of potentially gallons upon gallons of water damage you could limit it to a small puddle. 

If a water damage does occur in your home SERVPRO is here to help 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Employee Appreciation

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Hello and welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series! Jacob Robinson is our newest Production Manager at SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. He has several years of experience with customer service and equipment repair and is always ready to enthusiastically help in any situation. In his spare time he enjoys doing outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. His favorite part of his job is seeing the relief customers feel when they know SERVPRO is there to help, and when the customers see the final results of the work. His favorite Leavenworth restaurant is a tie between The Depot and Excellent Choice. He just can't decide!

To see the rest of our employee bios please visit our employee page by clicking here

Fire/Soot Damage Cleanup

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire/Soot Damage Cleanup

SERVPRO knows that when you have a fire in your home or business it is very difficult to deal with the aftermath. That is why the cleanup experts at SERVPRO are always here to help. Our fire damage restoration team has over 50 years of combined experience to help put your home or business back together as quickly as possible. One main concern after a fire is the damage from soot and smoke.

The soot from a fire damage can leave stains and nasty odors. One way SERVPRO restores fire-damaged materials is with a media blasting process using dry ice or sand. Media blasting helps remove odor-causing soot and saves money by restoring costly building materials, instead of replacing them. This is just one way SERVPRO can help in the restoration of your home or business after a fire. 

For more information on our fire damage repair and restoration services click here

Storm Water Damage Cleanup

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Water Damage Cleanup

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that here in the Midwest you never know when a natural disaster is going to strike. Between the summer storms, tornado season, and the up and down temperatures in the winter (and all year long if we are being honest) it is hard to be prepared when disaster strikes. That is why SERVPRO is always here to help! We know that a fast response is a critical factor in reducing damage and restoring water damaged materials.

Not only does SERVPRO pride ourselves on our quick response times, we also have STORM Extreme Teams always waiting in the wings to help out in the event of a large natural disaster.

SERVPRO's STORM Teams are comprised of highly trained technicians ready to roll out to anywhere in the country in the event of a giant natural disaster. 

So remember, you can always count of SERVPRO to faster to any size disaster!

Preventing Fire Damage

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Fire Damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that keeping up with house work can sometimes feel like a full time job. However, some cleanup tasks are more important than others. Like preventative maintenance on your yard to reduce your risk of fire damage. Here are some basic things you can do to help prevent your risk of fire damage to your home.

  1. Get rid of combustible materials within 30 feet of your home. This could be fire-prone vegetation, firewood stacks, combustible patio furniture, umbrellas, etc.
  2. Trim tree branches that overhang the roof and chimney.
  3. Remove combustible litter on roof and gutters. 

For more FEMA fire tips here--> https://bddy.me/3gSjUvr

If you do experience a fire we are here to help 24/7.

Crime Scene Cleanup Services

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Crime Scene Cleanup Services

Crime scene cleaning? Yes, that's us too. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County's technicians are expertly trained in trauma and crime scene cleanup. 

Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. 

Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances

Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services

  • Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
  • Tear gas and pepper spray residues
  • Fire extinguisher residue
  • Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

To see a more detailed list of our trauma and crime scene cleanup services click here

Employee Appreciation

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Appreciation

Welcome to SERVPRO employee spotlight! Today we are shining a light on the employee that has been with our company the longest, Emma Amos!! Emma is a Crew Lead and has been working for this franchise for 25 years!! In her spare time she likes to spend time with her granddaughter, ride motorcycles, and spend time outdoors. Her favorite part of the job is helping people when disaster strikes, as well as all the people she has had the pleasure of meeting and working with over the years. Her favorite Leavenworth restaurant is a tie between The Depot and Excellent Choice, they are both so good! For dessert her favorite place is Sis' Sweets. They have the best cookies in town!
Thanks for all the hard work Emma!! We are lucky to have you!

To check out all our employees take a look at our employee page!

Cleaning up water damage

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning up water damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has seen all kinds of water damage in almost every residential and commercial space you can imagine. And all homes and properties can present unique challenges when it comes to extracting water and drying. These 4 spaces are the most problematic, and here's why.

  1. Duct systems: Some duct systems are made of fragile, porous materials making it difficult to dry.
  2. Attics: They are hard to get equipment into, tend to have electrical hazards, and may require removing insulation.
  3. Basements: Can be unfinished with lots of porous materials that would need disposing of in Category 2 or 3 water.
  4. Crawl Space: They are hard to get equipment into and low temperatures require supplemental heat to warm the space and keep the equipment safe. 

Safety Tips for grilling outside

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Safety Tips for grilling outside

It's summertime here at SERVPRO! And while we are happy to officially start the party, we also want everyone to stay safe while engaged in all the fun outdoor activities summer has to offer.  Grilling and backyard bonfires can be great, but if you don't stay safe it can turn in to a disaster. Stay fire safe this summer with these tips from FEMA, but IF you happen to scorch your pavilion a little, we can help to restore it.

  • Only use your grill outside
  • Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails, and eaves
  • Keep a 3 foot zone around your grill to protect your kids and pets
  • Never leave fires unattended, including: grills, fire pits, and patio torches
  • Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.

Watching Water Levels

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Watching Water Levels

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Flood Safety

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

Flood Safety

Spring and Summer in the Midwest are always a time for storms and it is important to know how to remain safe during high waters. Especially during flash floods and warnings.

The National Weather Service has some good tips for staying safe during high water and flood conditions.

Flood and Flash Flood Safety Rules:

Heavy rain should be a signal to alerting you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.

If you live or work in flood prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.

Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don't Drown!!

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.

Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.

Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.

Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.

Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.

Flood Watch:

When conditions look favorable for flash flooding, the National Weather Service will issue a Flood Watch, highlighting flash flood potential in and around the specified area. A Watch usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action if water begins to rise or a flash flood warning is issued.

Flash Flood Warning:
issued for a smaller, more specific area. This is when you must act quickly as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

Mold Cleanup in Commercial Buildings

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Cleanup in Commercial Buildings

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

913-772-1818

Commercial Building Restoration Work

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Restoration Work

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three types of damage for commercial claims:

Type 1

Type 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include; a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a small warehouse, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Type 1 loss can also be a smaller portion of a much larger structure.

Type 2

Type 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level and/or divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Type 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Type 3

Type 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a mid- to high-rise retail facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

For ways to be prepared for when a loss happens at your business please see our blog post entitled What is an ERP.

Commercial Cleaning

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning

When you're the number 1 cleaning and restoration company, there are many reasons for getting here. SERVPROXIDE is one of them.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County only uses SERVPRO approved products so you always know you are getting the best product for whatever kind of loss you might have at your commercial or residential property.

SERVPROXIDE is an excellent example of SERVPRO's standards for cleaning products as it has many great properties. It is perfect for disinfecting surfaces as it can kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold.

SERVPROXIDE is also EPA registered. This product carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating making it safe for everyday use. SERVPROXIDE is also safe for the environment as it is a 100% biodegradable surfactant.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is happy to answer any questions that homeowners and business owners might have. So feel free to ask at any point during the cleanup of your loss.

Cleaning Commercial Buildings

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning Commercial Buildings

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County today at 913-772-1818 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

How to sanitize a surface

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

How to sanitize a surface

In these uncertain times, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows staying safe is the most important thing you can do. However, if you have to go out for work, to get groceries, or you just need to get out of your house and take a walk, it is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

General Surface Cleaning

Physically removes microbes if possible, rather than killing them with a sanitizer or disinfectant.

Sanitizing

To be a registered sanitizer, test results must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacteria.

Disinfecting

Destroys or irreversibly inactivates microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi.

If someone in your home or work area does test positive for COVID-19, or if you want preventative sanitizing done, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all the correct equipment to get it done for you. Just call us at 913-772-1818.

Commercial Building Repair

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Repair

Flooding and water damage events that occur on commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether you are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup or a large scale event, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County will work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges


Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County


SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO if you experience a loss at your commercial property!

913-772-1818

Plan for when your commercial building has a loss

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Plan for when your commercial building has a loss

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected.

Let me ask you something. If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct them how to shut off the gas or water from the table?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed a really cool app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

Right about now, if you're like most people, you are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free.

Well SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 913-772-1818

Water Damage on Wallpaper

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage on Wallpaper

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when you have a water damage in your home or business it can be overwhelming. And we are here to help clean up the damage and answer any questions you might have.

One important question we get asked often is can we save water damaged wallpaper. When your walls are wet, wallpaper acts as a vapor barrier and restricts our ability to dry it. Special drying measures may be needed when this wallpaper barrier is present, and depending on the extent of the damage we may or may not be able to save the wallpaper.

Some options are:

Removing the baseboard to ventilate the wall

Perforating the wall to ventilate it

Peeling away wallpaper to expose wet the drywall

How to protect furniture from water damage

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

How to protect furniture from water damage

When natural disasters strike, it is extremely important to be prepared. That is why SERVPRO is open 24/7 and 365. And although we are always here to help, there are some things you can do between the time you call us and the time we arrive. One important thing you can do is take steps to protect valuable furniture when you experience light flooding or a small water loss in your home. See our tips below! 

Use wooden blocks: Place wood blocks under your furniture legs to keep it high above rising waters

Use aluminum foil: wrap wooden furniture legs in aluminum foil to protect them from rising water

Use plastic container lids: If the water damage is minimal you can put old plastic container lids or tupperware lids as a barrier between the water and your furniture

COVID-19 Cleaning

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Cleaning

COVID-19 CLEANING: WE ARE OPEN!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need:

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training


We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:


• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products


The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19.
Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of COVID-19, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning: 913-772-1818
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

Flood Damage Safety

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Flood Damage Safety

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that in these uncertain times some things always remain the same. And one of those things is unexpected damage to your home. And whether that damage is from a rain storm, a tornado, or a broken refrigerator line, SERVPRO is here to help! If you experience a water loss or a flood, one of the most important things you can do is to identify potential hazards as soon as possible.

Here are a few to remember:

Ceiling: If water damage has occurred to your roof/ceiling, the ceiling/roof could potentially be unstable
Electrical shock hazards: Lights can indicate if the power is still on and if the area is dangerous. DO NOT touch any sockets or switches to check if the lights are on
Contaminated water
Hidden hazards in the water

How to clean soot off a wall

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

How to clean soot off a wall

Fire damage can be costly, that's why we restore all we can. This is how we clean interior walls free from soot and smelly residue caused by fire.

  1. Clean the wall by applying the cleaning solution to a rag and work from the bottom of the wall to the top in 3 to 4 inch circles.
  2. Rinse the wall by applying the rinsing solution to the rag and work from the bottom of the wall to the top.
  3. Dry the wall by folding a towel in quarters and drying the cleaned area, rotating the towel as each area becomes damp.

If you need help restoring your home after a fire give us a call! We are here 24/7 and are always ready to help! 

The most likely places to find hidden water damage

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

The most likely places to find hidden water damage

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that it is not always the larger water damages that can negatively impact your home or business. It is, more often than you might think, the small issues. Such as a small ongoing leak under your sink or leaky seals at the base of a toilet. It is these smaller issues that often lead to bigger secondary issues, most commonly mold. That is why it is important for you to inspect areas in your home or business that are the biggest culprits for these kind of leaks. If you notice a musty smell in your bathroom could be a sign of hidden water damage. 3 common issues are:

1. Cracked shower tile
2. Leaky seals at base of toilet
3. Damaged or old caulking and grout

Preparing for Tornado Season

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for Tornado Season

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Removing odor from a fire damage

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Removing odor from a fire damage

At SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County we understand that any kind of fire damage can be very difficult to deal with. That is why we are here to help! As fire restoration pros, we have a highly trained staff of fire and odor experts to help you out with any damage you may have, whether it is a small area in your home or business or smoke and soot throughout the entire house or building, our certified SERVPRO technicians are ready to assist. We generally use two primary methods to eliminate odors:

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent based deodorants as very small particles

2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to.

We are here to help 24/7 so give us a call at 913-772-1818

How often should you get your carpet cleaned

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

How often should you get your carpet cleaned

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is proud to be a part of the SERVPRO family. And being part of the #1 company in the industry, means we know dirt. Did you know that when a carpet looks dirty, you're only seeing the dirt at the top of the fibers! The dirt hiding below the surface is what causes most damage We're cleaning pros so of course we clean carpet! Here's a general cleaning schedule you can follow:

For residential homes/apartments: Normally every 6-12 months, but if you have kids and/or pets it is best to have them cleaned every 3-6 months

For commercial buildings: Normally every 6-12 months


DYK? Carpet totally saturated w/ soil can never be restored.

The Time Line for Water Damage

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

The Time Line for Water Damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call us at 913-772-1818

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.


Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.


48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.


More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.


About SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

The difference between sterile, disinfected, and sanitary

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

The difference between sterile, disinfected, and sanitary

SERVPRO knows that in this COVID-19 age it is perhaps more important than ever to know how to properly clean surfaces, and to know the difference between sterilizing, disinfecting, and sanitizing an area. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic SERVPRO was an expert in biohazard cleanup, which is why we feel more prepared than ever to help! Take a look below at the different levels of clean, and if you have any questions about the different levels of clean or need help cleaning a space after COVID-19 exposure give us a call! We are here 24/7. 

STERILE: removal of 100% of soils and microorganisms

DISINFECTED: when at least 99% of the soils and microorganisms are removed from a surface 

SANITARY: when soils and microorganisms are removed to the point that general good health is protected 

Practicing Safety with Candles

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Practicing Safety with Candles

While filling a room with candles looks very romantic it can also be dangerous if you are not careful! If you do light candles make sure they are away from curtains and other flammable objects. And if you have any pets make sure they are out of swatting distance.

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.


Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.


The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke:


There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.


Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.


Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

Water Restoration Company Open 24/7

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Water Restoration Company Open 24/7

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Excellent customer service and protecting your home from extended damage are our top priority so we are open all the time. Our dedicated and skilled crew is always ready to answer the call. Whether it is at one o'clock in the morning on a Sunday or New Year's Eve your water damage, fire, or mold loss is not going to wait so neither do we! SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County understands the urgency of home damage and we are here to make it "Like it never even happened." To learn more about our crew of skilled professionals click here and for service or questions give us a call at 913-772-1818.

Storm Warning

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Warning

As all of us in the Midwest know winter weather can cause unforeseen damage to your residential or commercial property. Snow and ice storms as well as other issues can be a huge problem this time of year. Here are a few tips to avoid property damage this winter.

Protect your Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause major issues. When water freezes it expands. When frozen in a pipe it can cause the pipe to burst, water escapes and serious property damage can be had.

Make sure all pipes that are outside your home, near exterior walls or in unheated spaces are insulated.

Be sure to keep the heat on so pipes in other areas of your home don’t freeze. In extreme conditions open cabinet doors to let warm air under the kitchen or bathroom sinks.

Keep Gutters Clean

Make sure there is no debris in your gutters and they are attached securely to your home. Snow and Ice can build up in your gutter making them heavy and if not properly attached can cause damage by the weight pulling them down.

Ventilate your Attic

Making sure your attic is properly ventilated can prevent ice dams in the winter. An unvented attic can generate an excessive amount of heat. When the snow and ice melts it can refreeze along the edge of your roof causing ice dams to form. It can also lead to structural damage to exterior walls by getting into cracks and holes. When vented properly your roof can remain cooler through the winter and thereby avoiding potential ice dams from forming.

Trim Trees

Cutting back dead tree limbs before winter weather is best. The weight of snow and ice can cause them to break easily and can cause damage to your roof, windows, vehicles and even people below.

We can dry that!

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

We can dry that!

Did you know SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all kinds of specialty equipment to help restore your residential or commercial property back to preloss conditions! Whether it is a fire, water, mold, or other kind of damage we have you covered. One specialty piece of equipment we have is pictured with this blog post and is called an Injectidry. In the picture we are using the Injectidry system to dry the hardwood flooring in a residential property after a toilet bowl cracked and flooded this beautiful house. Some people think when hardwood floors get wet there is no saving them but with this piece of equipment we were able to save the floors and save the homeowners from the headache of tearing out and replacing the flooring. The panels on the Injectidry can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials.

Winter is Coming!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is Coming!

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Continuing Education

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Continuing Education

Every state requires Continuing Education Credits for property and casualty insurance professionals. State requirements vary, generally running from 10 to 24 hours biennially while a few states require more. Failure to remain current with credits can result in fines and loss of license.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County has made a commitment to serve insurance professionals by offering free continuing education classes in various locations around Metro Kansas City and Leavenworth Kansas.

Teaching these classes has become part of the job I enjoy most. The adjusters and agents can then use this information to assist their clients in getting the service they deserve. 

While COVID-19 has restricted us from offering in person classes, we are able to offer them virtually! 

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County offers insurance credits for Kansas and Missouri Agents as well as key states for insurance adjusters. Those states are Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Fire Safety and Leaf Cleanup

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety and Leaf Cleanup

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is here to help in the event of almost any kind of loss your might have at your residential or commercial property, including a fire loss. However, it is very important to us here at SERVPRO that you have as much knowledge available to you as possible in order to prevent all kinds of losses from fire to water to mold. In this blog post we are advocating for fire prevention and safety when it comes to accidental outdoor fires. Did you know that in 2018, 89% of wildfires were caused by humans. Yikes! Learn before you burn this fall and educate yourself on local rules and regulations for burning backyard debris. We all know fall is a great time for fire pits and friendly gatherings but make sure you are careful. Below are some tips to help you remain safe while using a fire pit.

Make sure the fire pit is, at minimum, 10 feet away from any structure or neighboring yard—25 feet is preferable.
Do not position a fire pit under a covered porch or low hanging tree branches.
Always place a fire pit on a non-flammable surface, such as patio blocks or concrete.
Do not put a fire pit on a wooden deck or directly on grass.

We can dry that!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

We can dry that!

Did you know SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all kinds of specialty equipment to help restore your residential or commercial property back to preloss conditions! Whether it is a fire, water, mold, or other kind of damage we have you covered. One specialty piece of equipment we have is pictured with this blog post and is called an Injectidry. In the picture we are using the Injectidry system to dry the hardwood flooring in a residential property after a toilet bowl cracked and flooded this beautiful house. Some people think when hardwood floors get wet there is no saving them but with this piece of equipment we were able to save the floors and save the homeowners from the headache of tearing out and replacing the flooring. The panels on the Injectidry can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials.

Disaster Master

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Disaster Master

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows the importance of continuing education when it comes to disaster awareness. SERVPRO offers all kinds of classes to keep adults up to date and informed but it is also important to make sure your kids know what to do in the event of a disaster as well. By helping prepare your kids and set up a line of communication you will ensure that you are all as prepared as possible to stay safe during any kind of disaster. A great resource for helping them learn is Disaster Master, by Ready.gov. Your kids will learn the best ways to handle wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blackouts, home fires, winter storms and extreme cold, earthquakes, thunderstorms, and more! Play now -> http://bit.ly/DisMas. They also get to print their own graphic novel at the end! 

Staying safe during the holiday cooking season

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Staying safe during the holiday cooking season

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

Cook Smart and Stay Safe! 

Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stove top.

If you do happen to have a kitchen or cooking fire be sure to call the experts in fire damage restoration! SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Tips for Cleaning Up a Water Damage in Your Home

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Tips for a Water Damage in Your Home

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that when you have a water damage in your home it is often unexpected and stressful. Here are some tips for helping you out during this unfortunate time.

Finding ALL of the water after a water loss is critical for drying and safety. Even sanitary water left standing can become contaminated within days.

Check these places:

-Ceilings of rooms under the source
-Walls
-Floors
-Wet insulation
-Duct systems
-Crawl spaces
-Basements

If you are planning on trying to start the mitigation process yourself please remember: 

-DON'T use your household vacuum to remove water

-DON'T turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet 

-DO turn on the air conditioning for maximum drying in the summer

-DO remove colored rugs from wet carpeting

And always remember we are here 24/7 to help! So please give us a call at 913-772-1818

How to Clean Gutters

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

How to Clean Gutters

With all the exciting and fun activities fall has to offer it is easy to push off boring tasks like making sure your gutters are clean. Cleaning your gutters is a necessary job although it is most assuredly not as exciting as picking out pumpkins or tackling a corn maze. When rain gutters get clogged with leaves and other debris over time, it can cause water damage to your home. While SERVPRO definitely recommends cleaning your gutters we want to make sure you are safe while you are doing it. Please see below for some safety tips and best practices while cleaning your gutters.

Choose a good ladder. Choosing a good ladder means finding one that is sturdy, and one that can reach the gutters without too much trouble.
Inspect your ladder before you use it, and have a friend assist you in steadying the ladder. Make sure the steps are sturdy and try climbing up the first two steps to make sure it can hold your weight and stay steady.
Maintain three points of contact when working on a ladder. Both of your feet and one hand should be in contact with the ladder at all times in order to ensure that you will be secure while working.
When working on the gutter, wear eye protection and gloves. Gutters are often home to wasps, bees, and other stinging creatures, as well as to other wildlife.

STORM team ready!

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

STORM team ready!

Did you know that SERVPRO has STORM teams that travel all around the country to help out local franchises when storm events occur! As the Midwest keeps getting hit by rain and tornadoes the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

2017 California wildfires
2015 Carolina floods
2014 Polar Vortex
2010 Nashville floods
2007 Chicago floods
2007 Ohio floods
2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Secondary Damage from Water

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Secondary Damage from Water

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information:

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker.

Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to termites.

Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.

Mold in Commercial Buildings

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in Commercial Buildings

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

913-772-1818

Restoration for Commercial Buildings

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration for Commercial Buildings

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three types of damage for commercial claims:

Type 1

Type 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include; a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a small warehouse, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Type 1 loss can also be a smaller portion of a much larger structure.

Type 2

Type 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level and/or divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Type 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Type 3

Type 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a mid- to high-rise retail facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

For ways to be prepared for when a loss happens at your business please see our blog post entitled What is an ERP.

Flood Safety 101

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Safety 101

Spring and Summer in the Midwest are always a time for storms and it is important to know how to remain safe during high waters. Especially during flash floods and warnings.

The National Weather Service has some good tips for staying safe during high water and flood conditions.

Flood and Flash Flood Safety Rules:

Heavy rain should be a signal to alerting you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.

If you live or work in flood prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.

Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don't Drown!!

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.

Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.

Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.

Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.

Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.

Flood Watch:

When conditions look favorable for flash flooding, the National Weather Service will issue a Flood Watch, highlighting flash flood potential in and around the specified area. A Watch usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action if water begins to rise or a flash flood warning is issued.

Flash Flood Warning:
issued for a smaller, more specific area. This is when you must act quickly as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

Watching the River Water Levels

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Watching the River Water Levels

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. 

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

COVID-19 Vehicle Cleaning

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Vehicle Cleaning

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has been an industry leader in biohazard clean up. We employ highly trained technicians who use all the proper chemicals and personal protective equipment to clean up a COVID-19 infected area. We also do preventative cleanings and cleaning of high touch areas in commercial and residential buildings. Recently SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County decided to assist the first responders during these trying times, and clean their work vehicles free of charge. We have performed several cleaning on police cruisers and highway patrol vehicles, as you can see in the picture that accompanies this blog.

If you have any questions about our services, or would like SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County to clean your office, home, or first responder vehicle please give us a call at 913-772-1818. We are always happy to hear from you! 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County today at 913-772-1818 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Staying safe during a fire

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Staying safe during a fire

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County offers Continuing Education Courses in a variety of categories! Recently we held a course on Fire Safety and Best Practices at a local fire station.

Our technicians were allowed to build three test rooms on the fire station's campus and fill them with contents to resemble a living room, dining room, and bedroom.

After the lecture series on Fire Safety and Best Practices the fire fighters lit the rooms on fire one by one and the participants were able to observe what the progression of a fire looks like in real time.

After the fire fighters put out the controlled fire the participants were allowed to look up and close and observe what kind of fire damage SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County technicians see when we first arrive on site for a fire damage cleanup.

All in all the day was very informative. If you have any questions on fires and fire cleanup please contact us at 913-772-1818!

Commercial Building Repair

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Leavenworth, Kansas commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges


Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County


SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County if you experience a water loss at your commercial property!

913-772-1818

Where there's smoke...

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Where there's smoke...

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

What is an ERP?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

What is an ERP?

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected.

Let me ask you something. If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct them how to shut off the gas or water from the table?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed a really cool app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

Right about now, if you're like most people, you are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free.

Well SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 913-772-1818

How to sanitize a surface

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

How to sanitize a surface

In these uncertain times, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows staying safe and staying inside are two of the most important things you can do. However, if you have to go out for work, to get groceries, or you just need to get out of your house and take a walk, it is important to make sure you are washing your hands and keeping clean surfaces at home. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know the correct method for disinfecting surfaces. You've heard of these cleaning types before, but do you know the differences between them?

General Surface Cleaning

Physically removes microbes if possible, rather than killing them with a sanitizer or disinfectant.

Sanitizing

To be a registered sanitizer, test results must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacteria.

Disinfecting

Destroys or irreversibly inactivates microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi.

If someone in your home or work area does test positive for COVID-19, or if you want preventative sanitizing done, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all the correct equipment to get it done for you. Just call us at 913-772-1818.

Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that fire damage and smoke damage don't stop because of a pandemic. As the cleanup pros, SERVPRO is prepared and ready to continue offering services despite this current COVID-19 pandemic. SERVPRO has all the proper protective equipment and disinfectant to continue helping you with any sort of damage you may have in your home or business. As far as fires go, SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County offer 5 areas of restoration services for fire damages:

Mitigation Services

Structural Cleaning Services

Contents Cleaning Services

Specialty Restoration Services

Reconstruction Services

If you have any questions about our cleanup and restoration process, or how we are following proper procedure during this COVID-19 crisis just give us a call to see how we can help!

Flood Damage Safety

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Damage Safety

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that in these uncertain times some things always remain the same. And one of those things is unexpected damage to your home. And whether that damage is from a rain storm, a tornado, or a broken refrigerator line, SERVPRO is here to help! If you experience a water loss or a flood, one of the most important things you can do is to identify potential hazards as soon as possible.

Here are a few to remember: 

Ceiling: If water damage has occurred to your roof/ceiling, the ceiling/roof could potentially be unstable
Electrical shock hazards: Lights can indicate if the power is still on and if the area is dangerous. DO NOT touch any sockets or switches to check if the lights are on
Contaminated water
Hidden hazards in the water

COVID-19 Update

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 UPDATE: WE ARE OPEN!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need:


During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training


We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products


The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19.
Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of COVID-19, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local
authorities.


Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning: 913-772-1818
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

Natural Disasters can happen to you

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Natural Disasters can happen to you

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Midwest Weather

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Midwestern weather

This time of year the weather in the Midwest is notoriously unpredictable-and let's be honest it's pretty much unpredictable all year round-and SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is here to help you when disaster strikes. Whether that storm event comes in the form of frozen pipes, or tornadoes, or flooding, we are here to help 24 hours a day 7 days a week. With the recent drastic fluctuation in temperatures all areas of the United States have seen all kinds of storm damage and no matter where you are located there is likey to be a local SERVPRO Franchise ready and willing to help. To meet our highly trained crew of professional technicians just click here . And if you have any questions feel free to contact us at 913-772-1818.

All Day Every Day!

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

All day every day!

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Excellent customer service and protecting your home from extended damage are our top priority so we are open all the time. Our dedicated and skilled crew is always ready to answer the call. Whether it is at one o'clock in the morning on a Sunday or New Year's Eve your water damage, fire, or mold loss is not going to wait so neither do we! SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County understands the urgency of home damage and we are here to make it "Like it never even happened." To learn more about our crew of skilled professionals click here and for service or questions give us a call at 913-772-1818.

Water Damage Time Line

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Time Line

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call us at 913-772-1818

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.


Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.


48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.


More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.


About SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Your love is a burning flame

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Valentine's Day flame

While filling a room with candles looks very romantic it can also be dangerous if you are not careful! If you do light candles make sure they are away from curtains and other flammable objects. And if you have any pets make sure they are out of swatting distance.

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.


Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.


The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke:


There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.


Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.


Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

Preparing for Winter

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are the worst!

January is normally the coldest month across the nation. The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Helping Educate with Fun!

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Have fun while you learn!

Every state requires Continuing Education Credits for property and casualty insurance professionals. State requirements vary, generally running from 10 to 24 hours biennially while a few states require more. Failure to remain current with credits can result in fines and loss of license.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County has made a commitment to serve insurance professionals by offering free continuing education classes in various locations around Metro Kansas City and Leavenworth Kansas.

Teaching these classes has become part of the job I enjoy most. Being a Certified Continuing Education Instructor allows me to provide in-depth information on the current state of the restoration industry. The adjusters and agents can then use this information to assist their clients in getting the service they deserve.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County offers insurance credits for Kansas and Missouri Agents as well as key states for insurance adjusters. Those states are Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Below is a photo from our Halloween themed CE Class.

Fire Safety Tips for cooking this holiday season

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to be safe while you are making delicious treats!

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

“Cook with Caution”

Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stove top.
If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

On the stove top, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.


Reproduced from NFPA’s website, www.nfpa.org/publiceducation. © NFPA

If you do happen to have a kitchen or cooking fire be sure to call the experts in fire damage restoration! SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Cleaning Commercial Facilities

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

When you're the No. 1 cleaning and restoration company, there are many reasons for getting here. SERVPROXIDE is one of them.

When you're the number 1 cleaning and restoration company, there are many reasons for getting here. SERVPROXIDE is one of them. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County only uses SERVPRO approved products so you always know you are getting the best product for whatever kind of loss you might have at your commercial or residential property. SERVPROXIDE is an excellent example of SERVPRO's standards for cleaning products as it has many great properties. It is perfect for disinfecting surfaces as it can kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold. SERVPROXIDE is also EPA registered. This product carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating making it safe for everyday use. SERVPROXIDE is also safe for the environment as it is a 100% biodegradable surfactant. SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is happy to answer any questions that homeowners and business owners might have. So feel free to ask at any point during the cleanup of your loss. 

Preparing the Next Generation

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster Master prepares kids for all events

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows the importance of continuing education when it comes to disaster awareness. SERVPRO offers all kinds of classes to keep adults up to date and informed but it is also important to make sure your kids know what to do in the event of a disaster as well. By helping prepare your kids and set up a line of communication you will ensure that you are all as prepared as possible to stay safe during any kind of disaster. A great resource for helping them learn is Disaster Master, by Ready.gov. Your kids will learn the best ways to handle wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blackouts, home fires, winter storms and extreme cold, earthquakes, thunderstorms, and more! Play now -> http://bit.ly/DisMas. They also get to print their own graphic novel at the end! 

Preventing Water Damage

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Always Use a Licensed Plumber

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has responded to all different types of water damage. From a frozen water line that bursts during our crazy Midwestern winter weather, to a refrigerator supply line leak, to a sump pump failure in a basement. When it comes to water damage some types of losses are unavoidable, but there are some times when you can take preventative measures to insure a loss does not happen to you. One of the things you can do is make sure you always use a licensed plumber! In the picture that goes with this blog you will see a very noticeable crack in the pipe.  The two couplings on this pipe did not stop the crack from leaking sewage in the home. Hiring a professional with positive recommendations is always a good way to go to avoid this kind of loss happening to you.

Fire Safety

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fire safety and prevention

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is here to help in the event of almost any kind of loss your might have at your residential or commercial property, including a fire loss. However, it is very important to us here at SERVPRO that you have as much knowledge available to you as possible in order to prevent all kinds of losses from fire to water to mold. In this blog post we are advocating for fire prevention and safety when it comes to accidental outdoor fires. Did you know that in 2018, 89% of wildfires were caused by humans. Yikes! Learn before you burn this fall and educate yourself on local rules and regulations for burning backyard debris.  We all know fall is a great time for fire pits and friendly gatherings but make sure you are careful. Below are some tips to help you remain safe while using a fire pit. 

  • Make sure the fire pit is, at minimum, 10 feet away from any structure or neighboring yard—25 feet is preferable.
  • Do not position a fire pit under a covered porch or low hanging tree branches.
  • Always place a fire pit on a non-flammable surface, such as patio blocks or concrete.
  • Do not put a fire pit on a wooden deck or directly on grass.

Preparing your home for winter storms

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Preparing your home for winter storms before the weather hits

As all of us in the Midwest know winter weather can cause unforeseen damage to your residential or commercial property. Snow and ice storms as well as other issues can be a huge problem this time of year. Here are a few tips to avoid property damage this winter.

Protect your Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause major issues. When water freezes it expands. When frozen in a pipe it can cause the pipe to burst, water escapes and serious property damage can be had.

Make sure all pipes that are outside your home, near exterior walls or in unheated spaces are insulated.

Be sure to keep the heat on so pipes in other areas of your home don’t freeze. In extreme conditions open cabinet doors to let warm air under the kitchen or bathroom sinks.

Keep Gutters Clean

Make sure there is no debris in your gutters and they are attached securely to your home. Snow and Ice can build up in your gutter making them heavy and if not properly attached can cause damage by the weight pulling them down.

Ventilate your Attic

Making sure your attic is properly ventilated can prevent ice dams in the winter. An unvented attic can generate an excessive amount of heat. When the snow and ice melts it can refreeze along the edge of your roof causing ice dams to form. It can also lead to structural damage to exterior walls by getting into cracks and holes. When vented properly your roof can remain cooler through the winter and thereby avoiding potential ice dams from forming.

Trim Trees

Cutting back dead tree limbs before winter weather is best. The weight of snow and ice can cause them to break easily and can cause damage to your roof, windows, vehicles and even people below.

Specialty Equipment for Water Damages

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Some specialty drying equipment

Did you know SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has all kinds of specialty equipment to help restore your residential or commercial property back to preloss conditions! Whether it is a fire, water, mold, or other kind of damage we have you covered. One specialty piece of equipment we have is pictured with this blog post and is called an Injectidry. In the picture we are using the Injectidry system to dry the hardwood flooring in a residential property after a toilet bowl cracked and flooded this beautiful house. Some people think when hardwood floors get wet there is no saving them but with this piece of equipment we were able to save the floors and save the homeowners from the headache of tearing out and replacing the flooring. The panels on the Injectidry can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials.

Saving History

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Document Restoration

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County has the ability to restore damaged documents! Thanks to SERVPRO's wide net of specialists we are able to restore almost any document whether it is a photo or a whole filing cabinet full of information. Our SERVPRO team uses the same freeze-drying methods as the Library of Congress to dry historic documents and books. When disaster strikes, some of your most valued photos and documents could be lost forever, but we can help restore them to preloss condition! Although this is not a service we perform on site, we have the resources and contacts to send off your documents to professional restorers and receive them back in a reasonable amount of time. 

Supporting the Leavenworth Community

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Thanks to Victory Ford and the chamber for a fantastic morning of networking

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is a member of several local community organizations around Leavenworth including the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, Leavenworth Main Street Association, and the Leavenworth Lions Club. All these associations are extremely active in community events and help in creating networking opportunities throughout the community. In this blog you can see a picture of one of these events. The Leavenworth Chamber often hosts coffee meet and greets as well. You can usually find SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County's marketing manager Paul Goode at many of these events. If you feel like getting more involved in community activities and/or want to talk with Paul about SERVPRO feel free to engage in any or all of the activities hosted by these groups. 

Safety Tips for Cleaning your Gutters

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning gutters

With all the exciting and fun activities fall has to offer it is easy to push off boring tasks like making sure your gutters are clean. Cleaning your gutters is a necessary job although it is most assuredly not as exciting as picking out pumpkins or tackling a corn maze. When rain gutters get clogged with leaves and other debris over time, it can cause water damage to your home. While SERVPRO definitely recommends cleaning your gutters we want to make sure you are safe while you are doing it. Please see below for some safety tips and best practices while cleaning your gutters.

  • Choose a good ladder. Choosing a good ladder means finding one that is sturdy, and one that can reach the gutters without too much trouble.
  • Inspect your ladder before you use it, and have a friend assist you in steadying the ladder. Make sure the steps are sturdy and try climbing up the first two steps to make sure it can hold your weight and stay steady.
  • Maintain three points of contact when working on a ladder. Both of your feet and one hand should be in contact with the ladder at all times in order to ensure that you will be secure while working.
  • When working on the gutter, wear eye protection and gloves. Gutters are often home to wasps, bees, and other stinging creatures, as well as to other wildlife.

Finding Hidden Damage

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Employee wearing a half face respirator and gloves is holding up a mirror and on the back is severe termite damage.

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information: 

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker. 
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to  termites. 
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.


Commercial Clean Up

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County

913-772-1818

Dealing with Commercial Buildings

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three types of damage for commercial claims: 

Type 1

Type 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include; a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a small warehouse, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Type 1 loss can also be a smaller portion of a much larger structure.

Type 2

Type 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level and/or divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Type 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Type 3

Type 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a mid- to high-rise retail facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

For ways to be prepared for when a loss happens at your business please see our blog post entitled What is an ERP.

How to monitor river flooding

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas has been getting it can be helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. The page for the Leavenworth area can be found by clicking here.  

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Always have a backup plan!

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO has STORM teams that travel all around the country to help out local franchises when storm events occur! As the Midwest keeps getting hit by rain and tornadoes the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

2017 California wildfires
2015 Carolina floods
2014 Polar Vortex
2010 Nashville floods
2007 Chicago floods
2007 Ohio floods
2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Rain Rain Go Away

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Hopefully the rain will let up soon, but with lots of thunder clouds still in the forecast it is important to know how to remain safe during high waters. Especially during flash floods and warnings. 

The National Weather Service has some good tips for staying safe during high water and flood conditions.

Flood and Flash Flood Safety Rules:

Heavy rain should be a signal to alerting you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.

If you live or work in flood prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.

Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don't Drown!!

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.

Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.

Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.

Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.

Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.

Flood Watch:

When conditions look favorable for flash flooding, the National Weather Service will issue a Flood Watch, highlighting flash flood potential in and around the specified area. A Watch usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action if water begins to rise or a flash flood warning is issued.

Flash Flood Warning:
issued for a smaller, more specific area. This is when you must act quickly as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

Partnering up for Fire Safety

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County's Sales and Marketing Manager Paul Goode hit the road with other volunteers from the American Red Cross to help with their Sound the Alarm campaign. 

About the Home Fire Campaign:


Every day, 7 people die in home fires and tragically, most victims die in homes that don’t have working smoke alarms. The Red Cross wants to do everything we can to prevent these needless tragedies - that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign. Volunteer participants work alongside fire departments and other local groups, canvassing at-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, educate families about fire prevention and safety, and fund-raise for this lifesaving mission.

In just four years, these efforts have saved hundreds of lives and made hundreds of thousands of households safer.

Can your sump pump handle it?

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Keeping your sump pump working is an important part of keeping your basement dry. See below for tips on sump pump maintenance

Step 1: Inspect

Start by checking the sump pit for any debris that could interfere with your pump's operation. If there is an "oil slick" on the surface of the water, the pump could be releasing coolant and may need replacement. Unplug the pump and take a look at the intake on the pump, and clean it out if necessary.

Plug the pump back in. If you're plugging into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet, make sure that it's fully operational. While newer GFCI outlets will alert you or stop working when their circuitry goes out, older outlets will not. Also, if you notice any frayed wires or exposed connections, have them repaired by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. Water and exposed electricity is never a safe combination.

Step 2: Test
Add a few gallons of water to your pit, enough to raise the float or reach the switch, to see if the unit is functioning properly. If the float rises too high without turning on, or the switch doesn't activate the pump, unplug the unit and check again for debris in the unit and the pit. If the pump does operate correctly,  look at the discharge pipe. If flow appears to be reduced, look for any blockages. 

Step 3: Plan Ahead

Do you have a backup pump? Even if the power stays on, there is always the possibility that your pump won't be able to deal with all the water of a particularly powerful storm. 

Stay Informed


Like a backup pump, a high water alarm or flood prevention device is a very good idea. If you have a sump pump, you're obviously concerned about flooding and water damage. If you already have an alarm set up to alert you when the water level is too high, overflows, or when the pump malfunctions, test its operation by either raising the float arm to activate it or placing water on sensors. You can also tune in to your local weather station to see if you have particularly powerful storms headed your way. Checking before the storm can give you time to fix any problems you might have.

Continuing Your Education

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

We like to try and have some fun while we learn! The theme for this class was Cinco de Mayo!

Continuing Education classes are an important part of any profession and here at SERVPRO we recognize that there is always more to learn and ways to improve! 

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County recently held two free continuing education classes in the Leavenworth area. Our first class was Ethics followed by Biohazard Cleanup Best Practices. 

Ethical behavior is an integral part to any operation and learning the history behind different ethical principles and having open discussions about ethical dilemmas is an important part of keeping all your employees on the same page. 

The second portion of the class was Biohazard Cleanup. In SERVPRO's line of work we do unfortunately come across bio cleanups. There are several proper procedures to follow to make sure there is no cross contamination and making sure everyone is informed with all up to date information is extremely important. 

Restoring Your Commercial Property After Water Damage

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Leavenworth Kansas commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. if you experience a water loss at your commercial property!

913-772-1818

How to stay safe during a fire

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Firefighters putting out a controlled fire during SERVPRO of Leavenworth's Fire Burn CE Class.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County offers Continuing Education Courses in a variety of categories! Recently we held a course on Fire Safety and Best Practices at a local fire station. 

Our technicians were allowed to build three test rooms on the fire station's campus and fill them with contents to resemble a living room, dining room, and bedroom. 

After the lecture series on Fire Safety and Best Practices the fire fighters lit the rooms on fire one by one and the participants were able to observe what the progression of a fire looks like in real time. 

After the fire fighters put out the controlled fire the participants were allowed to look up and close and observe what kind of fire damage SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte Co technicians see when we first arrive on site for a fire damage cleanup. 

All in all the day was very informative. If you have any questions on fires and fire cleanup please contact us at 913-772-1818! 

What is an ERP?

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected. 

Let me ask you something. If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct them how to shut off the gas or water from the table?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed a really cool app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

Right about now, if you're like most people, you are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free. 

Well SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 913-772-1818

What's smoking?

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Leavenworth will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

Helping those in need

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

We are so happy to be able to help the people of Atchison county. Today we delivered 48 cases of water to help those in need.

We are so happy to be able to help the people of Atchison county. Today we delivered 48 cases of water to help those in need. We hope the boil order is lifted soon. 

As the waters of the Missouri River continue to rise here are some flood safety tips.

You should be cautious when driving or walking in flood-susceptible areas because:

  • Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • Two feet of floodwater can float your car.
  • Water moving at two miles-per-hour is capable of sweeping a car off a road or bridge.
  • Avoid flood-susceptible areas, especially low-lying streets where water commonly pools. Never attempt to walk or drive through a water-covered roadway, and beware of rising, swift-moving water.

If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. If your route is blocked by barricades, find another route. Barricades are put up by state or local officials to protect travelers from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.

The road may be washed out below the water surface.
Your vehicle may stall or get stuck in the water, and then get pushed off the road. Once off the road, vehicles often start to roll, making escape difficult or impossible.
Many flood-related deaths in the United States are the result of an attempt to move a stalled vehicle.
WATCH FOR WILD LIFE. Deer and other wildlife may be driven into the open and forced to cross highways to escape rising waters.

Stay safe out there everyone!

Expecting the unexpected

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

This time of year the weather in the Midwest is notoriously unpredictable-and let's be honest it's pretty much unpredictable all year round-and SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is here to help you when disaster strikes. Whether that storm event comes in the form of frozen pipes, or tornadoes, or flooding, we are here to help 24 hours a day 7 days a week. With the recent drastic fluctuation in temperatures all areas of the United States have seen all kinds of storm damage and no matter where you are located there is likey to be a local SERVPRO Franchise ready and willing to help. To meet our highly trained crew of professional technicians just click here. And if you have any questions feel free to contact us at 913-772-1818. 

24/7 and 365

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Excellent customer service and protecting your home from extended damage are our top priority so we are open all the time. Our dedicated and skilled crew is always ready to answer the call. Whether it is at one o'clock in the morning on a Sunday or New Year's Eve your water damage, fire, or mold loss is not going to wait so neither do we! SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County understands the urgency of home damage and we are here to make it "Like it never even happened." To learn more about our crew of skilled professionals click here and for service or questions give us a call at 913-772-1818.

In this Business Timing Is Everything!

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 at 913-772-1818

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.


Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.


48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.


More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.


About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Be Careful with Candles this Valentine's Day!

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

While filling a room with candles looks very romantic it can also be dangerous if you are not careful! If you do light candles make sure they are away from curtains and other flammable objects. And if you have any pets make sure they are out of swatting distance. 

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.


Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.


The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke:


There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.


Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.


Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

We Answer the Call

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Thank you to The Leaven for this article. We are always here to lend a hand.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Like the other Sisters at the Mission House Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sister Mariana Disciple of the Divine Master, PJC, was sound asleep in the early morning of Aug. 15.

“I heard something far away, and I awoke scared,” she said.

It was the fire alarm, ringing at 12:30 a.m.

At first, she was slightly confused. Was someone in the chapel?

The convent of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ, at 2226 Troup Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas, has a beautiful chapel.

“We use incense,” she said. “Everytime we use incense for adoration and the Mass, [the alarm] goes off. I thought I had to turn it off.”

So, she went downstairs to check the alarm control panel, next to the chapel on the first floor.

“It said: ‘First Floor South,’” she said. She turned it off, but the alarm began to sound again.

“I thought, ‘Something is wrong,’” she said.

She was right. She looked down the first floor hallway and saw hazy smoke. She ran back to the second floor to where the five Poor of Jesus Christ Sisters and one visiting Dominican Sister were beginning to stir.

“Fire, fire!” she said. “Call 911!”

They all quickly donned their habits and fled the building. Sister Mariana, curious as to the fire’s location, opened the basement door — and was nearly overwhelmed by a blast of thick, toxic smoke.

Coughing, she closed the door and made her way outside. As she passed the common room, she saw huge flames outside shooting up from below.

It didn’t take long

While waiting on their neighbor’s lawn, the first three Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department trucks rolled up within three minutes after the Sisters fled the convent.

Then, more trucks arrived . . . and more trucks. The firefighters vigorously attacked the blaze and soon had it subdued. They even rescued the Sisters’ cat Missy, who in a panic ran into the basement.

Once they were certain it was safe, the firefighters allowed the Sisters back inside.

There, they opened all the windows on the second floor to air out the building and tried to get at least a bit of fitful, smoky rest before they began the dreadful task of recovery.

With daybreak, the Sisters headed for the basement, which contained the laundry room and served as the order’s storage space. There, they kept much of what they needed for their ministries to the neighborhood poor and homeless, as well as their own food.

Everything in the basement was destroyed. Black soot coated everything, and the heat melted many of the supplies.

The source of the fire was an overheated ballast (current regulator) in an overhead florescent light, said Leon Roberts, archdiocesan consultant for construction and real estate. It melted and sparked a fire on some plastic and clothes below.

The fire caused about $80,000 worth of damage. An adjuster from Catholic Mutual Group was on the scene within 12 hours and a claim has been filed.

“Our basement is used as a food pantry for families we help,” said Sister Magdalena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the custodian — or superior — of the community.

“We also go out to the homeless twice a week, and we lost everything we take to them — clothes, personal hygiene products,” she continued. “We lost a freezer and refrigerator, coolers and plastic cups. “We lost the equipment we use to make soup.”

Only in America

Except for Sister Magdalena, all the Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ are from Brazil or Paraguay. The fire was a new experience — and not just because they’d never experienced a house fire.

The first surprise was the rapid response of the fire department, with lots of equipment and firefighters. Where the Sisters come from, emergency services are slower.

The second surprise was insurance. Generally, people in the Sisters’ home countries don’t have insurance to aid recovery.

And the third surprise was the commando-like response by volunteer Knights of Columbus and the disaster recovery firm SERVPRO® of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County. Professional disaster recovery firms do not exist where the Sisters come from.

“Padre Gilson (the order’s founder) called me,” said Sister Magdalena, and said, ‘So, you’ve got a whole lot of people together to clean up?’

“And I said, ‘No, we have insurance, and there are all these people and a company coming to do the cleaning.’

“He couldn’t believe it. He said, ‘Only in the United States!’”

Volunteer Knights had been doing handyman work at the convent and, when one showed up that morning, he quickly made some calls to brother Knights. Sister Magdalena called others.

SERVPRO® did the lion’s share, but Knights from Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, Ascension in Overland Park, and St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe joined in the cleanup of the basement. Dave Leiker, a member of Holy Trinity and president of the Charities Aid Foundation of the Knights of Columbus, also helped.

“Through the Knights’ emergency disaster aid program, we’re assisting with food and clothing, to give them money to replace those things,” he said.

“I saw it on the news [that morning],” said Paul Goode, sales representative with SERVPRO®. “I said to myself, ‘My brothers in Christ need help,’ so I got in my car and came here.”

Goode is a Knight of Columbus and a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Louisburg; Dan Thorman, the owner of the company, is a Knight as well and a member of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Once we clean the structure, we’ll come in and [further] assess what needs to be removed,” said Goode. “We’ve done preliminary demolition, and we’ll do a deep clean and assess what needs to be reconstructed.”

by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org

High Tides: How to minimize damage when your basement floods

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Go down in to your basement regularly to check everything out. Especially during the rainy season!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

And many more! 

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - SERVPRO Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co (913) 772-1818

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to us and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (913) 772-1818

Preparing for a Midwestern Winter

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

With winter weather already upon us-one Snowmageddon down, who knows how many to go-and temperatures already holding in the low 30's it is time to look at preventing frozen pipes in your home.  When the weather is averaging 31 degrees it puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below. Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors. It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty. Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen. That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings. Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings. Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad. Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing. On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte. Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Leavenworth Home

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. is always here to help!

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) create the standards for the restoration industry and provide training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for the Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Give us a call today! 913-772-1818

Memorial Day

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Honoring those who have served

Did you know?.......Fun Facts & Trivia

  •  There is a National Moment of Remembrance established by Congress which asks all Americans to pause each Memorial Day for one minute at 3pm (the time when most of us are stuffing our faces with hamburgers and hot dogs!)
  • Decoration Day was established in the 19th century to decorate the graves of soldiers who died during the Civil War. Eventually, it became a remembrance of all brave military men and women, and by 1967 the day was legally changed to Memorial Day.
  • The first Decoration Day became extra memorable when James Garfield stepped up to the podium at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868. In the blistering heat, the future President's speech lasted 1 1/2 hours during "a spring day too warm for comfort," observed the New York Times.
  • Bringing attention to Vietnam War POW's and MIA's, the "Rolling Thunder" of motorcycles first arrived in Washington DC during Memorial Day Weekend in 1988. Today, more than a million riders and spectators converge on the capital in what has become the world’s largest single-day motorcycle event.

Restoring Your Leavenworth Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Leavenworth Kansas commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. if you experience a water loss at your commercial property!

913-772-1818

Don't get swept away in this Kansas weather!

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared for whatever weather we get in Kansas!

We all know how crazy the weather in Kansas can be in the spring time. There is never a better time to be prepared than before the storm hits! Be sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning.                                              

      Make sure your prepared with these tips from ready.gov

Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.

Steps to Take

  • Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.
  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

Prepare Your Home

  • Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
  • Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
  • If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Flood Warning = "Take Action!" Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

Steps to Take

  • Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.
  • Evacuate if directed.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

After the water recedes and your home has sustained damage don’t forget SERVPRO of Leavenworth is always here to help!

Call us at 913-772-1818

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Does your Leavenworth home have a mold problem?

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

In Leavenworth, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

 If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. 

913-772-1818

St. Patrick's Day is Almost Here! Enjoy These Fun Facts!

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

Enjoy these fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day!

FACTS ABOUT IRISH AMERICANS

  • There are 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry. This number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself.
  • Irish is the nation’s second most frequently reported ancestry, ranking behind German.
  • Across the country, 11 percent of residents lay claim to Irish ancestry. That number more than doubles to 23 percent in the state of Massachusetts.
  • Irish is the most common ancestry in 54 U.S. counties, of which 44 are in the Northeast. Middlesex County in Massachusetts tops the list with 348,978 Irish Americans, followed by Norfolk County, MA, which has 203,285.
  • Irish ranks among the top five ancestries in every state except Hawaii and New Mexico. It is the leading ancestry group in Delaware, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
  • There are approximately 144,588 current U.S. residents who were born in Ireland.

 PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

  • Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dish. In 2009, roughly 26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage were produced in the United States.
  • Irish soda bread gets its name and distinctive character from the use of baking soda rather than yeast as a leavening agent.
  • Lime green chrysanthemums are often requested for St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations.

 PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

  • The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City.
  • More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations.
  • At the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, participants march up 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street. Each year, between 150,000 and 250,000 marchers take part in the parade, which does not allow automobiles or floats.

PLACES TO SPEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY

  • There are seven places in the United States named after the shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland including Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV; Shamrock, TX; Shamrock Lakes, IN; and Shamrock, OK.
  • Sixteen U.S. places share the name of Ireland’s capital, Dublin. With 44,541 residents, Dublin, CA, is the largest of the nice, followed by Dublin, OH, with 39,310.
  • Other towns with the luck of the Irish include Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Irishtown, Illinois.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from your friends at SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. 

Tornadoes ~ Are you Prepared?

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Tornado Season is Almost Upon Us! Be Prepared!

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

  • Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
  • For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
  • Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
  • Look for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky
    • Large hail
    • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
    • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
  • If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

  • Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
  • Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!  Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:       

  • Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Do not open windows.
  • A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

A manufactured home or office then:            

  • Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

  • If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
  • Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
  • Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
  • In all situations:
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
  • Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

After a Tornado

  • If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
  • Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
  • Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
  • Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
  • Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
  • Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
  • Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
  • Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
  • If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.

Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Faster to your Leavenworth Kansas Water Damage Event

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 913-772-1818

Preventing Frozen Pipes

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst

January is normally the coldest month across the nation.  The national average temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit.  This puts exterior pipes like hose bibs and irrigation systems at risk.

For houses without adequate protection the temperature alert threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  At this temperature un-insulated pipes in unconditioned areas are at risk.

However, pipes can freeze in well insulated houses when the temperatures dip into the teens or below.  Extended period of time with temperatures in this range can be dangerous, as heat within enclosed areas of a structure naturally dissipates.

Of course we all have heard the tip to open cabinet doors.  It is a simple fix that can save you an immense amount of difficulty.  Somehow though we are inclined to think, because it has not happened it will not happen.  That is all good and well until it happens.

When pipes freeze hundreds of gallons of water can flow through the walls, behind cabinets and into ceilings.  Water damage can cause cabinets to swell, ceilings to collapse, along with damage to furniture and belongings.  Water damage also causes soaked carpet and pad.  Hardwood and laminate floors can buckle and swell.

As cold spells move across the country make it a habit to open doors to enclosed spaces that contain plumbing.  On a side note when you open those doors make sure to remove any hazardous materials to keep them away from children and pets.

If your pipes do freeze make sure to shut the water off at the source, call a plumber to fix the pipe and call SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte.  Here at SERVPRO we have the training and equipment to make water damage in your home “Like it never even happened.”

913-772-1818

What would you use to clean mold?

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing on porous drywall

If I asked you, “What would you use to clean mold?”  What would your answer be?  If you are like most people, bleach would be your first choice.  That is understandable; at one time this was the recommendation of the EPA in their publication A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.   However, the last printing of this guide states: “The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation” Despite that change, the belief that bleach is still the “go to” for many attempting to remove mold has not changed.

Part of the problem is, bleach containers list that they are effective against mold when used as directed.  However the directions state: 

For use on hard, nonporous, pre-cleaned surfaces

Remediation of mold requires cleaners that can reach deep down into wood and other porous building materials to get to the roots of the mold. The properties of bleach prevent its active ingredient from soaking into these materials, so the roots remain. In addition household bleach is 99% water, so you may be giving mold the moisture it needs to survive.  The spores that remain may root stronger and deeper and many times will return worse than before.

As water and mold damage specialists SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte County has the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.

For more information visit:

http://www.SERVPROleavenworthnwwyandottecounty.com/mold-remediation

View the publication A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home here:

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html 

If you have any questions about mold give us a call today! 913-772-1818

Tips for cooking this holiday season

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Always use caution when cooking!

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

“Cook with Caution”

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

 If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

  • On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 If you have any doubt about fighting a

small fire…

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

Reproduced from NFPA’s website, www.nfpa.org/publiceducation. © NFPA

If you do happen to have a kitchen or cooking fire be sure to call the experts in fire damage restoration! SERVPRO of Leavenworth is always here to help!

913-772-1818

Consumer Reports - Testing for Mold

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Mold on walls & basetrim

Consumer Reports recommends against using mold test kits. "All those we’ve tested have had major problems and are not reliable. What’s more, testing, to be accurate, should be done by and Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) or an Industrial Hygienist (IH).  These professional have the ability to test in a manner that gives an accurate representation of the environment of the structure.  Clearance testing after mitigation should also be a part of the protocol to confirm the effectiveness of the mitigation.  

Testing not performed by the mitigation company handling the work adds a level of accountability to the project, and insures the building owner of properly mitigated mold damage.

Follow this link to the Consumer Reports Article: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/04/be-on-the-lookout-for-mold/index.htm 

Give us a call today! 913-772-1818

Spring weather can be unpredictable in Kansas. Reduce injury risk and plan ahead

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little if any time to prepare for it.

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Mark Twain once said, "In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours."


Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. For much of the world, this happens in spring and summer.


Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. And when severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense; prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.


Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps that you would for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:



  • A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both

  • An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room

  • A list of important personal information, including:

    • telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends

    • insurance and property information

    • telephone numbers of utility companies

    • medical information





  • According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:

    • non-latex gloves

    • assortment of adhesive bandages

    • antibiotic ointment

    • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes

    • absorbent compress dressings

    • tweezers

    • scissors

    • adhesive cloth tape

    • aspirin packets (81 mg each)

    • first aid instruction booklet




 (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)



  • A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Blankets or sleeping bags

  • An emergency kit in your car


Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.


Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little if any time to prepare for it. But we do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods are real possibilities. So why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home? If thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods do occur, you'll be ready for them.


https://www.cdc.gov/features/springweather/


After the storms if you find you have damage to your home, don't forget SERVPRO is always here to help. 24/7 we are ready for whatever the weather leaves behind.


Call us today  913-772-1818


 


 

Restoring Your Leavenworth Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Leavenworth commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call us 24/7 for all your commercial property needs! 913-772-1818

Leavenworth Smoke and Soot Cleanup

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage caused from an unattended stove

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Leavenworth will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Leavenworth Home

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. is always here to help!

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) create the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call Us Today for All Your Restoration Needs!

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co.  913-772-1818

Don't let winter weather wreak havoc on your home

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

Winter weather can cause unforeseen damage to your Leavenworth property. Snow, Ice and other issues can be a huge problem this time of year. Here are a few tips to avoid property damage this winter.

Protect your Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause major issues. When water freezes it expands. When frozen in a pipe it can cause the pipe to burst, water escapes and serious property damage can be had.

Make sure all pipes that are outside your home, near exterior walls or in unheated spaces are insulated.

Be sure to keep the heat on so pipes in other areas of your home don’t freeze. In extreme conditions open cabinet doors to let warm air under the kitchen or bathroom sinks.

Keep Gutters Clean

Make sure there is no debris in your gutters and they are attached securely to your home. Snow and Ice can build up in your gutter making them heavy and if not properly attached can cause damage by the weight pulling them down.

Ventilate your Attic

Making sure your attic is properly ventilated can prevent ice dams in the winter. An unvented attic can generate an excessive amount of heat. When the snow and ice melts it can refreeze along the edge of your roof causing ice dams to form. It can also lead to structural damage to exterior walls by getting into cracks and holes. When vented properly your roof can remain cooler through the winter and thereby avoiding potential ice dams from forming.

Trim Trees

Cutting back dead tree limbs before winter weather is best. The weight of snow and ice can cause them to break easily and can cause damage to your roof, windows, vehicles and even people below.

Happy Veteran's Day

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

Having our SERVPRO franchise located in Leavenworth, Kansas and Fort Leavenworth right down the street means that we get a more exciting Veteran's Day than most offices. Today we are honoring those who served by providing coffee and candy during the impressive parade as it makes it way down our street. This year our Leavenworth Marketing Representative Paul Goode had an additional and personal contribution to the day as well. A banner made to honor a member of his own family in service hangs alongside many others lining a street in downtown Leavenworth. These banners and this parade help bring this community together in celebration and SERVPRO Leavenworth is excited and grateful to be able to be a part of it. If you happen to be in town we still have goodies left at our pop up. Feel free to drop by and warm up with us! 

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co is Hiring

1/15/2016 (Permalink)

Would you like to join our team?

SERVPRO® Business Development Representative

Do you love working with people and educating them?

Then, don't miss your chance to join our nationally recognized company, as a new SERVPRO® Marketing Representative. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive towards the goal of helping make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened"!

We're seeking someone who is comfortable meeting new people, with excellent communication skills, and who is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you'll thrive in this work environment. Our idea of the ultimate candidate is one who is proactive, experienced, truly enjoys providing superior service, and loves taking ownership. Are you highly dependable and super excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then YOU may be our perfect HERO!

As a valued SERVPRO® employee, you'll be part of a stable, growing company offering state-of-the-art customer service and products throughout the United States. You will receive a competitive pay rate, with lots of opportunity to learn and become more. 


Read over the responsibilities, minimum requirements, and check out the company website. Then, apply today!  We are looking forward to supporting you in your heroic journey with us!

Hours: 

·         40 hours/week, flexible to work overtime when required

·         Vary between 7 am – 7 pm

Some of the Responsibilities:

·         Provide excellent customer service

·         Conduct Objective-to-Objective Marketing contacts

·         Compile and maintain “Center of Influence” information

·         Participate in professional Associations to build networks

·         Provide “Lunch and Learns” and promote Continuing Education (CE) courses

·         Understand production and estimating processes

·         Complete documentation, as appropriate

·         Assist other departments as needed

·         Plus more…

Minimum Requirements:

·         HSD/GED

·         1 + year(s) of Sales, Marketing or Customer Service Rep experience

·         Experience with Professional Sales or Marketing Associations a plus

·         Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including proper pronunciation, grammar and a consistently courteous and professional tone of voice at all times

·         Possess polite, confident and excellent customer service skills, including listening and questioning skills

·         Ability to meet people in new or difficult situations and build rapport

·         Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail

·         Very self-motivated and goal-oriented

·         Ability to multi-task

·         Capability to work in a fast paced, team oriented office environment

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e.: Outlook, Word, Excel)

Pay Rate:

Base plus activity based commission and increases based on merit.

Check out our website at: http://www.SERVPROleavenworthnwwyandottecounty.com for more information.

TO APPLY:  Email your résumé, along with salary history to: SERVPRO10026@gmail.com
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SERVPRO® specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage situation. So, when disaster strikes, homeowners, businesses and insurance providers will rely on us to respond with unparalleled service excellence. As a nation's leading fire and water cleanup and restoration company with more than 1,600 franchises nationwide, we are growing rapidly creating exciting opportunities for "A Level" talent.


Fall in Leavenworth Kansas is a great time of year

10/22/2015 (Permalink)

A Frozen Hose can Cause Major Damage to Your Home.

The leaves are turning, the days are cooler and fall is in the air.  Air conditioners are idle and the furnace has not kicked on yet.  While we are enjoying this transition remember, it is never too early to begin projects that get our homes ready for winter.

One easy task that is often overlooked is unhooking the garden hose from the outside spigot.  A hose left attached during freezing weather can cause pipes to burst as ice works its way up the hose into the home.  Because of the recessed valve in frost free hose bibs, many times homeowners are unaware of the damage until they use their hose in the spring.

The spring ritual of washing your car in the driveway can have disastrous effects as water jets into your home.  At SERVPRO we see major damage in home after home every spring as this avoidable scenario plays out.

A few seconds to keep your hose unhooked after use, especially in the fall can possibly save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

No worries, if you happen to forget and end up with a wet basement remember, we are always here to help! 

Continuing Education Credit Program

10/2/2015 (Permalink)

Continuing Education Class

Every state requires Continuing Education Credits for property and casualty insurance professionals.  State requirements vary, generally running from 10 to 24 hours biennially while a few states require more.  Failure to remain current with credits can result in fines and loss of license.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. has made a commitment to serve insurance professionals by offering free continuing education classes in various locations around Metro Kansas City and Topeka KS.

Teaching these classes has become part of my job I enjoy most.  Being a Certified Continuing Education Instructor allows me to provide in-depth information on the current state of the restoration industry.  The adjusters and agents can then use this information to assist their clients in getting the service they deserve. 

SERVPRO of Leavenworth & NW Wyandotte Co. offers insurance credits for Kansas and Missouri Agents as well as key states for insurance adjusters.  Those states are Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Classes include the following topics:

Ethics

Biohazard Cleanup

Restorative Drying for Water Damage

Property Fire Damage Restoration

Mitigation Awareness and Response

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry

Cleaning & Restoring Smoke-Damaged Contents

Restoring Contaminated Buildings

Deodorization of Malodors

To view our schedule of CE Classes please visit: Schedule

Home Alone?

8/20/2015 (Permalink)

New School Year, New Responsibilities

Social media is awash with photos of kids returning to school.  We are all amazed to see these young people we might have known as toddlers taking new steps in their lives.  Every grade from first to senior is a new year for them, with new experiences and responsibilities.

Too many times, the start of the school year brings avoidable losses as many youngsters enter into the unfamiliar phase of coming home to an unsupervised house.  The importance of educating children to be safe in cannot be overlooked.

 Kids Health has an excellent resource:  When It's Just You After School

“Are you ready for whatever happens?”

Consumer Reports recommends against using mold test kits.

8/19/2015 (Permalink)

" Identifying the mold species growing in your home is less important than eradicating it."

Consumer Reports recommends against using mold test kits. "All those we’ve tested have had major problems and are not reliable. What’s more, testing, to be accurate, should be done by and Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) or an Industrial Hygienist (IH).  These professional have the ability to test in a manor that gives a accurate representation of the environment of the structure.  Clearance testing after mitigation should also be a part of the protocol to confirm the effectiveness of the mitigation.  

Testing not performed by the mitigation company handling the work adds a level of accountability to the project, and insures the building owner of properly mitigated mold damage.

Follow this link to the Consumer Reports Article: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/04/be-on-the-lookout-for-mold/index.htm 

Red Cross Ready Rating Membership

3/3/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Leavenworth, W Topeka, & NW Wyandotte Co becomes a certified member of the American Red Cross Ready Rating™ Program

SERVPRO is a lead sponsor of the American Red Cross and their Ready Rating™ program. 

Ready Rating is a free, web-based program developed to help businesses; schools and organizations plan and prepare for disasters and emergencies. In addition to employee and public-facing fundraising initiatives, SERVPRO of Leavenworth, W Topeka, & NW Wyandotte Co will serve as advocates for the Ready Rating program within their community.

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