The Hidden Dangers of Fire Damage: It's Not Just About the Flames

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

A house fire can be a devastating event. The immediate danger of flames is clear, but even after the fire is extinguished, hidden threats can linger. SERVPRO of Southern Cuyahoga County understands that fire damage goes far beyond the char. Smoke, soot, and corrosive byproducts can spread throughout your home, causing unseen damage to walls, ceilings, and even your air ducts.

These residues can harbor harmful bacteria and odors, impacting your indoor air quality and potentially leading to respiratory problems. Furthermore, smoke and soot are acidic, and if left untreated, can continue to eat away at surfaces long after the fire.

That's where SERVPRO of Southern Cuyahoga County comes in. Our team of certified fire restoration technicians are equipped with advanced technology and expertise to not only remove visible fire damage, but also to address these hidden dangers. We can restore your home to its pre-fire condition, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.

Don't wait to address fire damage – contact SERVPRO of Southern Cuyahoga County today and let us help you get your life back on track.

Be Prepared, Not Scared: Disaster Preparedness for Southeast Cuyahoga County

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Living in Southeast Cuyahoga County, we experience the beauty of the Great Lakes region firsthand. But with that beauty comes the potential for unpredictable weather events. From summer thunderstorms packing heavy rain to winter blizzards with strong winds, being prepared for potential disasters that could damage your property is crucial. Here at SERVPRO Team Fosdick, your local disaster restoration experts, we want to empower you to take charge and be ready for anything.

Common Disasters in Southeast Cuyahoga County:

• Flooding: Due to our proximity to Lake Erie and rivers like the Cuyahoga, heavy rain or rapid snowmelt can lead to flash floods or river overflows, threatening homes and businesses.
• Lake Effect Snow: Southeast Cuyahoga County is particularly susceptible to lake-effect snow, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and blizzard conditions that can disrupt power and cause property damage.
• Tornadoes: While less frequent, tornadoes can occur in our region, causing significant destruction with high winds and flying debris.

Be Proactive: Prepare Your Home or Business

A little preparation now can go a long way in minimizing the impact of a disaster later. Here are some key actions you can take:

• Develop a disaster plan: Discuss potential scenarios with your family or employees and outline a plan of action. Include evacuation routes, communication strategies, and emergency contact information.
• Assemble an emergency kit: Stockpile non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries. Consider including items specific to winter weather, like blankets and hand warmers.
• Protect your property: Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to avoid water damage from heavy rain or melting snow. Reinforce your basement with waterproofing measures if necessary.
• Know your shutoff valves: Locate the shutoff valves for water and gas lines, so you can quickly shut them off in an emergency.
• Backup important documents: Scan and store copies of critical documents (insurance policies, passports) in a cloud storage service or waterproof container.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the stress and damage caused by a disaster. Remember, SERVPRO Team Fosdick is always here to help. We are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide professional restoration services for your home or business.

Stay safe, Southeast Cuyahoga County!

Spring into a Healtheir Home: Essential Cleaning Tips for the Season

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung in Southeast Cuyahoga County! As the days get longer and the windows fling open, it's the perfect time to shed the winter blues and give your home a fresh, healthy makeover. Here at SERVPRO Team Fosdick, we're all about creating a clean and safe environment for you and your loved ones. So, grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to tackle these essential spring-cleaning tips:

Conquer the Dust Bunnies:

Winter months often mean closed windows and trapped dust. Spring is the time to wage war on these allergens! Start by tackling high surfaces like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and crown molding. Work your way down, using a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust particles. Don't forget to declutter shelves and cabinets before wiping them down – this minimizes the amount of dust you have to clean in the first place.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery:

Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your carpets and upholstery. For a deep clean, consider professional carpet cleaning services from SERVPRO Team Fosdick. Our technicians use powerful equipment and eco-friendly methods to remove dirt, allergens, and pet dander, leaving your carpets and furniture fresh and sanitized.

Banish Bathroom Mold and Mildew:

Warm, humid bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. This spring, tackle these unwelcome guests with a vengeance! Mix a solution of white vinegar and water, and use a spray bottle to apply it to affected areas (avoiding harsh chemicals). Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly. For persistent mold problems, consult a professional like SERVPRO Team Fosdick for safe and effective mold remediation services.

Freshen Up Your Air Ducts:

Dust mites and allergens can lurk unseen within your air ducts. Schedule professional air duct cleaning from SERVPRO Team Fosdick. Our technicians use specialized equipment to remove dust, debris, and allergens from your air ducts, improving indoor air quality and promoting a healthier breathing environment.

Embrace the Power of Natural Light:

Spring is all about new beginnings! Wash your windows and allow natural light to flood your home. Sunshine not only brightens your space but also has natural disinfecting properties.

Don't Forget the Often-Ignored Spots:

Spring cleaning isn't just about sparkling surfaces. Take this opportunity to clean out your refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets. Discard expired food items and organize what remains. Clean your oven, microwave, and other appliances for a fresh start.

By following these tips and considering professional cleaning services where needed, you can transform your home into a healthy and sparkling haven this spring!

Breathe easy, live healthy, and enjoy the beauty of spring!

Spring into a Healtheir Home: Essential Cleaning Tips for the Season

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung in Southeast Cuyahoga County! As the days get longer and the windows fling open, it's the perfect time to shed the winter blues and give your home a fresh, healthy makeover. Here at SERVPRO Team Fosdick, we're all about creating a clean and safe environment for you and your loved ones. So, grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to tackle these essential spring-cleaning tips:

Conquer the Dust Bunnies:

Winter months often mean closed windows and trapped dust. Spring is the time to wage war on these allergens! Start by tackling high surfaces like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and crown molding. Work your way down, using a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust particles. Don't forget to declutter shelves and cabinets before wiping them down – this minimizes the amount of dust you have to clean in the first place.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery:

Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your carpets and upholstery. For a deep clean, consider professional carpet cleaning services from SERVPRO Team Fosdick. Our technicians use powerful equipment and eco-friendly methods to remove dirt, allergens, and pet dander, leaving your carpets and furniture fresh and sanitized.

Banish Bathroom Mold and Mildew:

Warm, humid bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. This spring, tackle these unwelcome guests with a vengeance! Mix a solution of white vinegar and water, and use a spray bottle to apply it to affected areas (avoiding harsh chemicals). Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly. For persistent mold problems, consult a professional like SERVPRO Team Fosdick for safe and effective mold remediation services.

Freshen Up Your Air Ducts:

Dust mites and allergens can lurk unseen within your air ducts. Schedule professional air duct cleaning from SERVPRO Team Fosdick. Our technicians use specialized equipment to remove dust, debris, and allergens from your air ducts, improving indoor air quality and promoting a healthier breathing environment.

Embrace the Power of Natural Light:

Spring is all about new beginnings! Wash your windows and allow natural light to flood your home. Sunshine not only brightens your space but also has natural disinfecting properties.

Don't Forget the Often-Ignored Spots:

Spring cleaning isn't just about sparkling surfaces. Take this opportunity to clean out your refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets. Discard expired food items and organize what remains. Clean your oven, microwave, and other appliances for a fresh start.

By following these tips and considering professional cleaning services where needed, you can transform your home into a healthy and sparkling haven this spring!

Breathe easy, live healthy, and enjoy the beauty of spring!

Fire Looks for Weird Options

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Anyone who is a fan of top TV show, This Is Us, knows that the central character, Jack Pearson, died because of smoke inhalation and other issues suffered from a house fire started by a faulty crock-pot. Now this is no indictment of crock-pots or any other household appliance or gadget. But this is a cautionary tale for how home and business owners should be diligent about the operational integrity of some of their more “off the beaten path” devices. We all should know that leaving your fireplace in full flame and walking away is a serious no-no, but so is leaving a candle lit and unsupervised for any long stretch of time. Remember, both are open flames and with the passing of a pet, a curious gust of air, the unexpected shifting of a random piece of firewood, hot flames from fireplace or candle can catch rugs, drapes, table coverings or upholstery on fire. A new concern too, are plug-in air fresheners. These smell-good devices are great for keeping a burst of fragrance in the air, but because they operate with heat, they can become dangerous when the fluid reservoir become dry. Always keep these filled when they are plugged in and remove them from the wall, for refilling, once they run out.  Lastly, most of us remember our childhood magnifying glass from our fun times playing science genius, Egyptian sun god or Sherlock Holmes. How can these harmless toys be a fire hazard? Depending on the size and grind of the magnifier and the time of day, late or early sunlight could very well be enough to flow through your windows, hit the magnifier and ignite nearby paper or other loose fuels. That is, if care isn’t taken to move the magnifier out of and away from the operational line of sight. We suggest that fire always be treated with care and caution. But if, God Forbid, the worst happens and your life is derailed by a fire at work or at home, SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County technicians are highly trained, experienced and prepared to make sure things turn out "Like it never even happened."     

The Ultimate One Stop Shop

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County’s employees carry a number of IICRC certifications between them. (IICRC stands for The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).  This certification shows our crews know how to properly attack the mitigation process effectively, whether related to water, fire, storm or mold.  Our Project Managers are diligent and available on site to communicate with our customers and keep them updated every step of the way.  After the mitigation process is complete, our Construction Division steps in smoothly, to make any and all necessary repairs to your home or business structure, without lost time, effort or money.  Our Construction Manager, Harold Rozak, has been in the construction field for decades.  His expertise along with our team of well-seasoned tradesmen will make the transition from mitigation to reconstruction seamless for the customer. With the ability to perform the mitigation, restoration and reconstruction, we are truly a one stop shop. That’s why our jobs for you will turn out “Like it never even happened." 

When Your Sump Pump Dumps

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

We can’t be sure who thought up the grand idea of the sump pump…basically leaving a large open crock in the lower levels of a structure, running footer tile into it and then installing an electric pump inside the whole kitten kaboodle to move unwanted water out of the structure.  That said, these pumps can be found in a large number of basements. The challenge: they are absolutely known to fail.  In many cases, the pump itself burns out from overuse, exposure, lack of maintenance or age. But the power source can also go out, or too much water gains entry and the pump simply can no longer keep up.  This can be especially bad for the household if the basement area is finished or the family has a lot of priceless personal belongings stored in the affected areas. The overflow of unwanted basement water not only stains walls, it can destroy furnishings, damage appliances, compromise the integrity of foundations and create an environment for the growth of mold and bacteria. SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County is always here to assist with mitigation, reconstruction, cleaning and contents services to combat and overcome a loss tied to a down sump pump. We always work to make sure it turns out “Like it never even happened."

Passion at the Top

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Michal Fosdick and Dennis Fosdick, Jr.

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County President Michal Fosdick sees each job we do as way more than important, but she makes sure not to take herself too seriously. Whether she’s coordinating financing for the purchase of needed equipment, soothing worried customers, organizing the storage of home furnishings in our warehouse, interviewing fresh hires, setting strategy for the future or paying the bills, Michal keeps our operational “hive” buzzing nicely. But Michal’s sincere passion for people means that she does all this without heavy-handed and unnecessary micromanagements of her team. Accessible and down to earth, Michal is well known for her tenacious, “make it right every time”, passion for SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County.

Dennis Fosdick, Jr. is our VP and son of our President, Michal Fosdick. He actively carries the torch of fair-handed, purpose driven leadership at SERVPRO Southeastern Cuyahoga County toward, what we believe, is a bright and successful future. He is very passionate about our storm team work and organizing everything, from major desiccant equipment and the heavy trucks needed to transport them, to power generators and manpower. Dennis touches almost everything that goes into making the storm team run effectively. He has also shown a sincere desire to create an authentic team atmosphere. This desire, along with Dennis’ infectious can-do attitude, strong business vision, customer centered mindset and focus on improving performance have been central to the growth of our franchise group over the past three years. Our top leadership, with their passion for tight relationships with customers and staff and the open transparency with which they run the business, are huge keys to the respect we enjoy from others in the industry. It’s also how we make sure that every big storm reconstruction job, water clean-up or fire mitigation job we take turns out “Like it never even happened”.

Taking Care of Your Belongings After a Fire or Water Loss

11/22/2018 (Permalink)

Labelled crates where we can keep your items safe and secure

Water and fire damage affect not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County understands that your home is more than a structure. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are important to you. Your belongings are important to us, which is why we provide the following to help restore and protect your belongings while we are restoring your home.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

On-Site Storage

We have in-house storage where we can keep your belongings safe from further damage, and can provide cleaning and restoration services for your belongings. We have a 18,000 square foot warehouse dedicated to storage where we can keep your items safe and secure. Your items will be placed in clearly identified and secured containers. You can rest assured that your items are being taken care of.

Contents Inventory Service

When emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Inventory Service, which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and barcodes.

Our Contents Inventory Service:

• Preloss list and value of contents
• Detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with burden of proof for claims

If your home and belongings need restoration services, rest assured that SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County has you covered. We can pack out, store and restore your belongings. Give us a call today at 440-248-0022

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County Proudly Supports First Responders

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

We are thrilled to participate in honoring America’s First Responders for their service and sacrifice with the new SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. This college football bowl game will be played on December 26, 2018 at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30pm and will be televised by ESPN. The purpose of this bowl game is to celebrate our friends, family, and fellow citizens who serve as first responders protecting and keeping peace in our communities. By working together, thousands of free tickets are provided to first responders and their families so that they can attend the game. The goal for this year is to distribute over 10,000 complimentary tickets. Along with the corporate sponsors, there is an opportunity to Sponsor a Responder to help provide these tickets. For just $15, a ticket can be purchased to sponsor a first responder to attend the 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl with their family free of charge. CLICK HERE for tickets and information about Sponsoring a Responder.