When Time is of the Essence: Understanding How Quickly Mold Forms After a Water Loss

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Mold damage can begin quickly after a water loss, know what to look for to prevent further damage.

Understanding how quickly mold can grow and spread is crucial for preventing its growth and minimizing its impact. Mold spores are present in the air we breathe and can settle and grow on any surface that provides a suitable environment for their growth, such as moist and warm areas.

Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours of exposure to moisture, and it can spread rapidly, producing millions of spores that can quickly infest an entire room or building.

Mold can also spread through the air and be carried from one location to another by people, pets, and air conditioning systems. The rate of mold growth and spread can depend on various factors, including the type of mold, the humidity levels, the temperature, and the presence of organic materials for mold to feed on. To prevent mold growth and spread, it is important to maintain a dry and well-ventilated environment, fix any leaks or water damage promptly, and clean and disinfect affected areas thoroughly.

Common Problem

Mold growth is a common problem after water damage in homes or buildings. One of the most common questions people have is how quickly mold forms after a water loss.

Mold can grow rapidly

Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after a water loss. This is because mold spores are present in the air and on surfaces in your home. When water is introduced, it creates a moist environment that allows mold spores to germinate and grow. The longer the water is left untreated, the more likely it is that mold will begin to grow.

Within 48 hours to 1 week, Mold will continue to grow and spread throughout the affected area. It may start to produce a musty odor and discoloration on walls, ceilings, and floors.

Within 1 week to 3 weeks, the mold growth will become more severe. The musty odor may become more noticeable, and the discoloration may become more prominent.

After 3 weeks, the mold growth may become irreversible and cause severe damage to the property. The affected area may require professional remediation, and the cost of repairs may increase significantly.

Importance Note of Mold growth 

It is important to note that mold growth can vary depending on the temperature, humidity levels, and the type of water damage. For example, mold can grow more quickly in warm, humid conditions compared to cool, dry conditions.

If you experience water damage in your home or building, it is essential to act quickly to prevent mold growth. The first step is to remove the water and dry the affected area as soon as possible. If you notice any signs of mold growth, such as a musty odor or discoloration, it is important to contact a professional mold remediation company to assess the situation and provide a plan of action.

In conclusion, mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours after a water loss and damage your property. Give SERVPRO of Central Ft. Myers a call at the first sign of mold damage in your home or business.

When to Schedule Furnace Maintenance: Tips for Homeowners

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Furnace maintenance is essential for ensuring your home is safe from fire.

Maintaining your furnace is an essential aspect of homeownership. A well-maintained furnace can save you money on utility bills, increase your comfort during the winter months, and extend the life of your furnace. But the question remains, when should you maintain your furnace?

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to furnace maintenance:

Annual Maintenance

It is recommended that homeowners have their furnaces inspected and maintained annually. The best time to have this done is in the fall, before the cold weather hits. Regular maintenance can help catch any issues early, prevent breakdowns, and ensure that your furnace is running efficiently.

During an annual maintenance visit, a technician will typically clean and inspect the furnace's components, including the blower motor, burners, and heat exchanger. They will also check the filters, thermostat, and electrical connections. If they identify any issues, they can make repairs or recommend additional maintenance steps.

Age of Your Furnace

The age of your furnace can also determine when you should have maintenance done. If your furnace is less than 10 years old and has been well-maintained, an annual inspection may be sufficient. However, if your furnace is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider more frequent maintenance visits. Older furnaces are more prone to breakdowns, and regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan.

Usage and Climate

How often you use your furnace and the climate you live in can also impact when you should maintain your furnace. If you live in a colder climate or use your furnace frequently, you may need more frequent maintenance visits. This is because the furnace is working harder and is more prone to wear and tear. Additionally, if you notice any changes in your furnace's performance, such as strange noises, uneven heating, or a spike in your utility bills, it may be time to schedule maintenance.

Safety Concerns

Finally, safety concerns should also be considered when it comes to furnace maintenance. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, shut off your furnace immediately and call a professional technician. Additionally, if you notice any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea, evacuate your home and call for emergency assistance.

In conclusion, furnace maintenance is essential for ensuring your furnace runs efficiently, preventing breakdowns, and increasing its lifespan. Annual maintenance visits are recommended, but the age of your furnace, usage, climate, and safety concerns should also be considered when determining when to maintain your furnace. Scheduling regular maintenance can save you money in the long run.

How do I maintain fire sprinklers in my building?

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Maintain fire sprinklers to keep your property safe incase of a fire.

Maintaining your fire sprinklers is a crucial part of running a business. It's important to keep the system in good shape so that it can do its job when it needs to. Fire sprinkler installation companies will be able to provide regular maintenance and inspections for your building's sprinkler system so that you don't have to worry about being unprepared for an emergency.

What is a fire sprinkler?

First, you need to know what the sprinkler system is. These systems automatically activate when the temperature reaches a certain level or when a heat detector goes off. They're often found buildings and industrial spaces where they don't need to be monitored by humans or computers.

Sprinklers with automatic control panels that can be programmed remotely via computer interface or app--this includes most residential systems installed. These panels allow you to change settings remotely if needed, but they aren't typically monitored full time by someone at your building's office.

Inspection done by a professional.

The next step is to have an inspection done by a professional. How often you should have your fire sprinklers inspected depends on the age of your building and its location. Inspections are typically required once every three years, but some states require an inspection every two years.

If you're unsure whether or not your building needs an inspection, contact your local fire department or building inspector's office for more information about local regulations regarding sprinkler maintenance and inspections.

You may want to hire a professional fire protection contractor who specializes in inspecting sprinkler systems for commercial buildings--or simply ask around for recommendations among friends who own businesses with similar structures as yours (you'll be surprised how many people know someone who has dealt with this issue!).

Potential issues include clogs, leaks, and freezing.

Clogged sprinklers are the most common problem with fire sprinkler systems. A clog can cause water loss and damage to your building's interior. If you see any signs of a clogged line (such as slow discharge from any one or two sprinklers), you should call in a professional to clean it out before it causes more serious damage.

Leaks are another issue that can lead to significant damage if not repaired quickly. Leaks could come from several place, between pipe joints, at valves, under valve seats, or around heads where they meet walls or ceilings. When you notice signs of leakage such as wet spots on floors or ceilings near fire protection equipment locations like valves/heads/risers etc. call the professionals to access the damage.

Regular maintenance can also prevent some of these problems.

Regular maintenance can also prevent some of these problems. If you have a fire sprinkler system that is not working properly, it may not be able to detect and extinguish a fire in time. It's important to have your sprinkler systems inspected regularly so that you know when they need repairs or replacement parts. Maintaining fire sprinklers will help ensure that your business stays safe and protected.

Maintaining fire sprinklers is a simple but important step in ensuring the safety of your business. It's easy to forget about these systems, but regular maintenance will help keep them in good condition and prevent any potential problems from arising. If you're interested in learning more about how we can help with this process (and many others), contact us today!

Protect your Home from Water Damage

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your home from a leaking pipe in your bathroom to prevent water damage.

Water damage can be expensive to repair and even more costly if it's not caught before it causes a water loss. If you're worried about water damage in your home, check your appliances, home exterior, attic, etc to protect your home from damages.

Check your Appliances

Check your appliances. Water damage can be caused by faulty hoses, cracked faucets and leaking or broken pipes. Check all of these regularly, but especially after a cold snap.

Maintain your Homes Exterior

Inspect the exterior of your home regularly to make sure it's not letting water in. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear, and that siding and other surfaces are not letting water penetrate them. Check for signs of water damage or penetration, mold growth, and proper ventilation.

Monitor the Attic

Monitor the attic. Look for signs of moisture and leaks that could cause mold growth and a whole host of other problems. Also check for proper ventilation.

The attic is one of the most important areas to inspect after a flood or storm, since it absorbs a lot of damage when water comes into contact with your roof. If you have any doubts about whether your attic needs more attention than just replacing some drywall, then consider hiring a professional to do an inspection so they can find any potential issues before they become expensive repairs down the road.

Check the Windows and Doors

Check the windows and doors. Look around the window frames, door frames (especially under kick plates) and thresholds for evidence of water damage or penetration. Pay attention to any mold smells as well.

Check for moisture in the frame. Moisture in your home's framing can cause significant structural damage, especially over time. If you suspect that a window leaks, check it from inside by running water onto its surface from a hose or bucket outside.

Look closely at seals and thresholds for signs of water damage like stains and cracks in paintwork or wood (which can lead to rot) or rusting metal fasteners if you have aluminum windows. These are signs that there has been a leak at some point in recent history which needs immediate attention before additional damage occurs.

Inspect your roof

Inspect your roof. If you see missing or damaged shingles, leaks or dark spots on the decking, you may need to replace the roof soon. Check your roof for missing shingles and damaged areas that could allow water to seep in. If you discover any such damage, get it repaired immediately before a storm or rainy season sets in so the problem doesn't become worse.

If you take these tips to heart, they can help protect your home from water damage. Your home is an investment that deserves protection, so make sure to check these things regularly and get them fixed if necessary. If there's any doubt about what might be causing a problem, call a professional for advice or even a quote on repairs.

Creating an Emergency Action Plan for your Business

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

When power outages make sure to have a backup power supply in case of the main generator.

Creating an Emergency Action Plan for your Business

As a business owner, it’s important to think about various types of emergencies and develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for your business. An EAP helps you prepare for and manage an emergency before it happens. It’s also often required by law for certain types of businesses. 

There are a variety of things that could occur to disrupt your business.

When planning for business continuity, you should consider the possibility that your company could be impacted by any number of events. Disruptions can affect a business’s ability to continue operating, particularly if they result in a loss of power or interruption of telecommunications services (which are increasingly reliant on the internet). Other disruptions might include:

• Natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes
• Cyber-attacks on your network infrastructure

You could face disruptions due to:

• Weather-related events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and snowstorms.
• Power outages. These can be caused by severe weather or power grid problems. If your business relies on electricity to operate, you may need to shut down until the power is restored. This may involve closing the office for the day or even longer if damage requires more extensive repairs than first thought.
• Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. If a natural disaster strikes near where you have operations, there's a chance that roads will be blocked by fallen trees or other debris—or damaged so badly they're impassable—and power lines could fall across roads making them unsafe for travel.

Weather-Related Events

In addition to man-made emergencies, like fires, there are also many types of weather-related events that can disrupt your business operations and threaten the safety of your employees.

• Snow: During the winter months, snowstorms can cause power outages, transportation delays and more.
• Ice: Ice storms can not only cause power outages but also make travel unsafe for drivers and pedestrians alike.
• Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms can bring wind damage as well as flooding due to heavy rains or hail. High winds may damage roofs or knock over trees onto buildings as well.
• Hurricanes/Tornadoes/Floods/Droughts: These extreme weather conditions are all capable of causing severe damage to property and disrupting daily operations if emergency plans aren't in place before these events occur.

Power Outages

The next thing you want to think about is power outages. You need to have a backup power supply in case your main generator goes down and can’t be repaired quickly. You should keep this backup generator the same size as your primary one, so that it can run all the equipment in your building without overloading it. 

If you don’t already have an emergency communications system in place that works even when there are no cell phones or internet access. That includes text messages sent through email servers where people can check their accounts at work or home computers via Wi-Fi access points even if those devices aren't connected directly through cable modems or fiber optic cables like usual networks would provide them with service instead using wireless signals sent by radio waves emitted by antennas mounted on towers scattered throughout communities being able to reach most locations within range without needing much investment upfront cost-wise.

Make sure everyone knows where they're supposed to go once there's smoke seen billowing out from vents near exits leading outside – this could indicate fire has started somewhere inside building structure causing smoke conditions that require immediate evacuation before conditions worsen beyond control.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires

When it comes to natural disasters, it’s important for businesses to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). An EAP is a plan that describes how you will respond in the event of an emergency. A good EAP takes into account the risks associated with your location or industry and outlines what actions staff should take if they are at work during an event.

Accidents such as those involving hazardous materials or vehicles

• Accidents can be caused by human error or equipment failure.
• A good plan should include procedures for reporting accidents, and the subsequent evacuation of employees and other responders.
• A good plan should also include procedures for contacting emergency responders in case of an evacuation that is handled by outside help.

Civil disturbances

A civil disturbance is any form of public disorder that presents a substantial threat to the community, including:

• Riots
• Demonstrations
• Stampedes
• Looting and vandalism

Although you can’t prevent emergencies, you can be prepared for them. 

Having an emergency action plan (EAP) will help you and your employees stay calm and alert during times of crisis. It’s a good idea to prepare for the unexpected, even if you don’t think it would ever happen to your business. The key is being ready to respond quickly in case of an emergency. Here are some steps to take:

• List all possible emergencies that could occur at your workplace, including fires, floods, and power outages.
• Identify how each participant should respond to the different types of emergencies so they know what actions they need to take when faced with specific situations. For example, do not try putting out a fire unless there are proper safety equipment on hand such as fire extinguishers or emergency lighting.
• Create an evacuation route plan identifying exits from every room in the building within 30 seconds of any threat or hazard occurring.
• List other useful information such as phone numbers for police (911), fire department (911) chemical spill hotline number, poison control center hotline number, poison ivy/oak/sumac plant info antihistamine, etc...

You can’t prevent emergencies, but you can be prepared for them. By creating an emergency action plan and sharing it with your employees, you’ll know how to respond if any of the situations mentioned above occurs. It will also help others know what they should do in case something happens to you as well.

Benefits of Regular House Plumbing Inspections

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Check your leaks right away, it can cause damage to your walls and flooring.

Benefits of Regular House Plumbing Inspections

Regular plumbing inspections can help prevent problems with your pipes. A good inspection will also protect you from having to pay for more serious problems down the road — and potentially save you from a burst pipe that ruins your home’s walls and flooring.

Prevents future plumbing problems

The plumbing systems in your home are complex and delicate. The more you know about how they work, the better prepared you'll be to prevent future problems and understand when there is an issue. With regular inspections from a licensed plumber, you can detect problems before they become major issues, saving money on expensive repairs down the road. 

Prevents bursting of pipes

If a pipe bursts, it can cause a lot of damage. It could cost thousands of dollars to repair the damage, and you will also have to deal with the aftermath of flooding and water damage. Bursting pipes can also cause mold growth in your home which is unhealthy for everyone living there.

Prevents major issues

Plumbing issues can be very expensive to repair, and some of them can result in mold or mildew growth. If there is a leak, it will also cause damage to your walls and flooring. Therefore, it's important that you have regular inspections done on your plumbing system so that if there are any problems, they can be detected early on and fixed before they become more costly or dangerous.

If you have an inspection done by a professional plumbing company, they will not only detect problems but also recommend solutions for them if needed. This way the issue won't escalate into something bigger than it needs to be. The professional will also give valuable advice on how often inspections should occur as well as what they should look for during different stages of life (such as after major renovations).

Detects the issue before it spreads

We all know that water damage is a huge issue. But did you know that plumbing issues can cause even more harm than just structural damage? If left unchecked, a small leak can quickly become a very big problem. As the water continues to flow down the drain or pipe, it will eventually find its way into the rest of your home and start infiltrating walls, flooring, and other areas.

One common way this happens is through cracks in pipes or joints. Another way is when your house's foundation shifts over time due to repeated use of certain appliances (like washing machines) or poor construction/design. When these things happen, cracks can form between sections of piping which will allow water to pass through them freely without interruption.

So how do we stop this from happening? The answer is regular inspections from licensed plumbers. Through careful inspection techniques — and by using state-of-the-art technology when necessary — we can spot potential problems before they turn into costly repairs down the road!

Can detect other household issues

Plumbing problems can indicate other issues with your home.

• Electrical issues are a common cause of plumbing issues, so if you notice that your sink is draining slowly or not at all, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the electrical system.
• Structural problems can also be responsible for plumbing complications. If your toilet flushes intermittently, it could be due to faulty flooring or foundation underneath it.
• Pests can wreak havoc on your house and its pipes as well. Ants in particular like to burrow into drainpipes and nests inside walls where they’ll create blockages over time—which will eventually cause clogs in sinks and toilets if left untreated long enough!

Protects your home’s valuation

Regular plumbing inspections can also help protect the value of your home. A home in good condition is more likely to sell for a higher price and having a well-maintained plumbing system is one of the factors that people consider when purchasing a new property. Having an inspection can help ensure that your plumbing is in good condition and will reduce the likelihood of needing major repairs in the future. By scheduling regular inspections, you can be sure that your pipes are safe, which helps keep your family safe as well.

Using regular inspections can help protect the value of your home.

Homeowners can protect their property values and prevent additional damage by scheduling regular plumbing inspections. When you schedule an inspection, a technician will come to your home and evaluate the state of your plumbing system. They’ll check for leaks, make sure that all pipes are properly sized for current flow rates and pressure requirements, and discuss any necessary maintenance plans.

In addition to helping, you avoid costly repairs down the road, regular inspections also offer other benefits:

As you can see, regular plumbing inspections can save you a lot of money in the long run. And if you ever encounter water damage or need professional restoration like SERVPRO of Bonita Springs /Estero, give us a call! 

Does My Carpet Have To Be Replaced?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your carpets have been affected by flood contact SERVPRO of Central Ft. Myers.

Does My Carpet Have to be Replaced?

If your home or business has been affected by a flood, you’re probably wondering if your carpets can be salvaged. The answer depends on the cause of the flooding, but in most cases, carpet may be salvageable if it's dried out properly. Carpeting is often installed over a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into floors. They're not easy to replace once they get wet.

While it's up to you whether you want to replace your carpeting after flooding, here's how the professionals recommend going about it:

The water source dictates whether the carpet can be saved.

If the water source is clean, such as a pipe burst or supply line, the carpet can probably be saved. However, if the water source is dirty, like after a flood caused by a storm, then you’ll probably need to replace your carpet.

If you have the time, start by removing any furniture, electronics, and other items from the carpeted area. Removing these objects will make it easier to clean up any spills that occur during cleaning. 

• If there's water on your floor, remove it.
• If the water is still on your floor, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. If there’s a lot of water, use a mop.
• If you have just a little bit of water, use a mop to soak up the liquid.

Extract as much water as possible from the carpet.

Most carpet damage is caused by water, so it's important to extract as much water as possible. If you have a wet vac, use this to vacuum out as much moisture as possible. If not, try using a towel or sponge and blotting the excess liquid up until the carpet feels dry. Do not rub your hands back and forth on the carpet; instead, just pat it lightly with your hand in one direction (this will help prevent further damage).

Dry out the area with fans and dehumidifiers; seal off the room to help speed up drying and prevent permanent damage from mold growth.

If you’ve experienced a flood, don’t panic. Your options are better than you think! It may seem like it would be faster and easier to just replace the carpeting in your home, but if done right, there is hope of salvaging your floor covering.

This process will take time and patience—but if done correctly, it can pay off big time (and save you thousands of dollars).

First things first—dry out the area with fans and dehumidifiers; seal off the room to help speed up drying and prevent permanent damage from mold growth. The amount of time required depends on how much water got into your floors (if any), but typically it takes 2-5 days for most water-soaked materials to dry completely. If there was significant damage from flooding or other sources (such as sewage) then just keep in mind that this process could take longer than expected!

Professionals recommend leaving carpets in place until everything else is dry. Consider that vapor barriers and insulation under floors may be wet, so leave them alone until a professional has inspected your home.

• Remove wet carpet as soon as possible.
• Clean up any water that's left on the floor.
• Dry out the area with fans and dehumidifiers.
• Seal off the room to help speed up drying and prevent permanent damage from mold growth

If you're too overwhelmed to deal with this situation on your own, contact a water damage restoration professional like SERVPRO of Central Ft. Myers. They'll be able to assess the damage and do everything necessary to get your carpets back in shape - so that they look like new again!

What To Do After a Fire.

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial building suffers fire damage call SERVPRO of Central Ft. Myers. We are here to help.

What To Do After a Fire.

After a fire, it's very hard to know what to do first. There are many steps you need to follow to make sure that your home is secure and safe after a fire has occurred. If you're prepared and know what to do after a fire, it makes the process much easier!

After a fire, it's very hard to know what to do first.

Fire can be devastating to a home. After the fire is out and you have time to take stock of your situation, you might be overwhelmed by what to do next.

If you're wondering "What should I do after a fire?" then here are some tips that can help:

• If possible, check if there's water damage or smoke damage in the area where the fire took place (for example, in an oven). 
• If there is water damage or smoke damage, clean up quickly—taking care not to make things worse with your cleaning supplies—to prevent mold growth or other problems from developing later.
• If possible, check if there's visible smoke residue left over from the fire. You may want to vacuum any areas where this residue was deposited; otherwise, it could attract dust particles or insects that could make their way into your home and cause problems later. 
• Check whether any electrical devices were damaged in the fire: outlets/switches/fans/heaters/light fixtures etc... If so, contact an electrician for advice before repairing them yourself. 
• Take photos of any damaged items so you can refer to them when filing insurance claims.

Call your insurance company as soon as you can.

It's important to call your insurance company as soon as you can. Your agent will be able to help advise on the extent of the damage that is covered under your insurance policy. 

If it's a large-scale emergency response where professionals are needed, do not try to restore the area on your own — harmful odors and chemicals left over from the fire could cause complications. Instead, seek out a reliable restoration company that can remove the damaged items and thoroughly restore the affected area. 

Board-up services might be able to help secure your home after a fire.

Sometimes, the heat of the flames can shatter windows and compromise Board-up services are a good idea if you need to secure your home after a fire. It's important to make sure the boards are secure and that they don't have any gaps, because any intruders could just push open the loose boards. If you're not sure about this, ask someone who knows how to do it right (like our friendly service providers).

After securing your Central Fr. Myers home with professional board-up services, we recommend having another trusted party come by and check on the outside of your house in case anything needs repairing.

Get cleaning services on-site ASAP.

The sooner you can get cleaning services on site, the better. The longer it takes, the harder it will be to remove any lingering smoke or odor. You should not attempt to clean up yourself with a mop and bucket—you need trained professionals for this job.

If your home or commercial property has been damaged by fire, you will need to make sure that you don't spread the fire further by spreading ashes from your vacuum cleaner around other areas of your home.

If you're prepared and know what to do after a fire, it makes the process so much easier.

The best way to handle a fire is to have a plan in place. If you know what to do after a fire, it makes the process easier. 

We've outlined some of the most important steps below:

• Make sure everyone is out of your house and then call 911
• Check on all family members who were inside at the time of the fire; look for any signs of burns or smoke inhalation
• If anyone injured needs medical attention, make sure they get it immediately

There's no doubt that when your commercial property has been damaged by fire, you're going to be shocked and upset. But if you don't know what to do first, it can make the process even more difficult. Follow these steps, and the process will be much less stressful!

How Do You Remove Lint From a Clothes Dryer?

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Clean out the lint tray each time you use your dryer.

Reduce The Risk Of Lint Fire In Your Home

Removing lint from your dryer is important for the dryer to run correctly and for avoiding a lint fire. About 2,900 fires occur every year because of dryers.

If your dryer does catch on fire in Mcgregor, FL, you may need help dealing with the fire damage. A professional can assist with fire cleanup and remediation and remove unwanted odors. Fortunately, you can significantly reduce the risk of this disaster by taking proper care of your dryer.

Cleaning the Lint Tray
You probably know that you should clean out the lint tray each time you use your dryer. To clear the tray:

• Remove the tray carefully using the handle
• Clear off any lint
• Wash with water and soap if the tray is particularly dirty
• Replace the tray

However, lint also accumulates in other parts of the machine and must be dealt with periodically to avoid a lint fire.

Removing Lint From the Exhaust Hose

First, unplug your dryer. Next, detach the hose, which might require the use of a screwdriver. Be careful because if you are too rough, you could cause damage that might prevent the hose from reconnecting.
Next, use a brush to clean the lint from the hose. You can also use a vacuum cleaner attachment for this step.

Clearing Lint From the Wall Vent

The vent on the wall where the hose attaches gathers lint, too, leading to the possibility of a dryer fire. You can purchase a tool designed to clean the vent, which is effectively a brush on a long arm.
Feed the arm into the wall and carefully rotate the device to clean out the vent. You may need to repeat this step several times to get all of the accumulated lint. After this, you can reattach the hose and tighten the clamps.

By taking these steps on a regular basis, you can reduce your risk of a lint fire and the damage it can cause to your home.

What Not to Do After a Flood

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Never drive through a flooded street

Avoid The Following In Your Home

Dangerous flood water can cause problems for anyone, even if you've never experienced a flood before. Knowing the correct, and incorrect, actions to take during and after the incident can, not only save your life, but also help you avoid subsequent property damage. Make sure to avoid the following if your home in Lehigh Acres, FL, has recently suffered from a flood.

1. Never Enter a Moving Flood.

There are a number of reasons why wading or swimming in flood water is a terrible idea. The water could likely contain harmful biohazards or other contaminants. Likewise, it's difficult to tell how quickly the current is moving. It only takes about 6 inches of water to sweep you away.

2. Never Disobey Emergency Response Crews.

First responders, local authorities and other types emergency response crews exist to help you. Disobeying or ignoring them can put you in danger, as well as make their jobs significantly more difficult. You're better off listening to what they have to tell you and following their directions.

3. Never Touch Standing Water.

Just because the water in your flooded home isn't moving, doesn't mean it's safe. Much like the flood currents, this standing water could contain harmful biohazards. It's also possible that the water could be electrically charged, especially if it has come into contact with an outlet or electronic device.

4. Never Drive Through a Flood.

It only takes about a foot of water to sweep your car away. Avoid catastrophe by simply keeping out of the flood altogether.

5. Never Ignore Water Damage.

All types of floods can cause damage, not just severe ones. After the authorities give you permission to return home, you need to take immediate action to remediate any water damage. Leaving it untreated can cause mold growth and other types of structural damage.

Flood water should never be taken lightly. Staying alert and listening to your local authorities is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe. If your home has suffered damage following a flood, you need to contact flood remediation experts.