Are Online Reviews Important?

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

We are proud to be an active member of the Spencer community and want to do our part to make our community the best that it can be.

How many times have you looked up a local business on Google or Facebook and went straight to their customer reviews? To say that customer reviews and testimonials are powerful is an understatement. That’s because individuals find customer reviews are more trustworthy than what a local business might say about themselves.

Customer reviews enable us to continue providing the best experience possible for you, and helps others understand how we can make their home or business, “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes takes pride in making sure each customer has a pleasant experience that addresses their restoration and cleaning needs. Your feedback helps us improve our ability to provide customers with the best service possible. Your insights are incredibly valuable and will help us make sure we serve you and other amazing customers well in the future.

We encourage potential customers to check out our reviews to see what our customers have to say about us. We appreciate our customers taking the time to share their experience so we can better serve the community. Thank you for choosing SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes.

Mold Removal: Why Hire a Professional

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

If you suspect you have mold in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes to set up a mold inspection 712-262-4379

When a home or business suffers from water damage, a mold infestation can begin as quickly as 48-72 hours. Mold can result in negative health effects to your family (asthma, respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even neurological issues) as well as damage to your property. Mold spores are everywhere and they only need the right conditions to grow into colonies. When these colonies start growing, you will notice black or green patches of mold on walls, ceilings, and floors.

Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, so removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the spores become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

Our technicians are trained mold damage specialists who get started quickly to get your home or business back to normal, with specific training and certifications to handle your restoration needs. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Every mold scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

Mold Remediation Process

1. Emergency Contact – (712) 262-4379
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

You're Ready for Vacation, but Is Your House?

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is "Ready for whatever happens." 712-262-4379

Having someone check on your home while you are away can save you money if a disaster would strike. Left unchecked, a small repair can turn into a big nightmare. While you are gone ask someone who is reliable to monitor your home. Living in Northwest Iowa we are known to have some pretty severe cold snaps which in turn causes pipes to burst. With water everywhere, damage is inevitable. If there is no one coming in to check on your home the damage significantly worsens each day that you are away. What may have been a few hundred dollars in repair costs now is into the thousands of dollars as far as full-on repair and restoration project. Odds are you will end up being responsible for the majority of the cost if you did not have someone checking on your property in your absence and thus you invalidated your homeowner’s coverage.

Don’t let getting away from it all get you down this season. Whether you are planning a cross-country trip, or s small jaunt to a family cabin, be sure to check these pre-vacation to-dos off your list.

• Arrange for someone to walk through and inspect your home every few days. Have them go through each room on every floor, including the garage. Your insurance carrier may have guidelines that needs to be followed for how often someone needs to come in and check on your home. Call your insurance company if you have questions about these requirements.
• Shut off your home’s main water supply. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time drain your pipes. If you decide against draining your pipes, keep the furnace running to help make sure your home stays warm. Make sure the temperature is set to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Take care of your mail. Nothing screams, “We’re not home!” more than a bunch of mail stuffed in your mailbox and a pile of newspapers on the stoop. You can have put your mail delivery on hold while you are away or have the person who is checking on your home bring your mail inside. Arrange for someone to remove snow after any storms.
• Take home security measures while your gone. Leaving a light on for a while in the evening can be a good deterrent to would-be burglars. Use a timer to turn on a living room lamp for a few hours, you can also set outside lights to those timers. Confirm that your alarm or camera systems are in working order and have been activated. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your property. They can watch for unexpected visitors and support any suspicious behavior to the authorities. Don’t forget to lock all points of entry. This one might be harder than it sounds but try to avoid posting your travel plans on social media. At the very least, make your accounts private so potential thieves can’t see them.
• Take precautions for fire. Before you leave, make sure to unplug electronics around the house that don’t need power while you are gone. This will save you money and lower the risk of an electrical fire.

Even when you’ve taken all the right precautions, accidents and break-ins happen. This is why it’s so important to make sure your home insurance policy is up to date. If you haven’t reviewed your policy in a while, get in touch with your insurance provider to ensure your home and belongings are protected while you are away. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is close by and ready to respond if water or fire damage strikes.

Join Our Team!

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

One team making a difference for people every day!

Do you love helping people through difficult situations?

Then, don’t miss your chance to join SERVPRO® of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes as a new Production Technician. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened!"

Our locally-owned Franchise is seeking someone who is comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoys meeting new people, has excellent communication skills, and is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you’ll thrive in this work environment. Are you highly dependable and super-excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then you may be our perfect hero!

As a valued SERVPRO® Franchise employee, you will receive a competitive pay rate, with opportunity to learn and grow.

BENEFITS: Health, dental insurance, life insurance, and paid time off. Retirement plan with 3% matching. Plus yearly bonuses and opportunity for advancement!

HOURS: Weekdays 8-5PM with hour lunch break. Rotating on-call and weekend emergency calls. Overtime is available for those wanting it!

COMPENSATION: Dependent on experience, plus periodic performance incentives.

Primary Responsibilities

Inventory and load the work vehicle with equipment, products, and supplies needed for each project. Maintain a clean and organized vehicle and clean equipment appearance. Prepare rooms/areas for work activities. Set up staging area and equipment for each project. Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance. Perform production processes following SERVPRO® production guidelines per work order per crew chief directions. Ensure clear two-way communication with crew chief and other technicians (especially regarding customer needs and concerns). Perform end-of-day/end-of-job cleanup and breakdown. Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.

Position Requirements

Effective oral communication Basic math skills Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred High school diploma/GED IICRC certifications preferred Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly, occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance Ability to climb ladders, work at ceiling heights, work in tight spaces (e.g., crawls spaces, attics) Ability to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time Ability to repetitively push/pull/lift/carry objects Ability to work with/around cleaning products/chemicals Ability to travel locally and out of state when necessary Ability to successfully complete a background check subject to applicable law

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a clean driving record Must pass a drug screening if asked Must grant permission for a criminal background investigation

Please email your resume to kelly@SERVPROspencer.com

Commercial Fire Damage

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

If your home or business is in need of fire restoration, Call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes. Photo Credit: Kodak Moments by Destiny

Fires can occur at any location including hotels, schools, retail stores, hospitals, and manufacturing sites. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a fire can be for business owners and that that reaction time is important to get business back up and running. Our experience in fire damage cleanup and repair can help relieve stress during a chaotic time.

 The majority of fire insurance claims involve:

• Structural Damage. Scorching flames can cause significant damage to your property in a matter of minutes. The heat that is generated by a fire can cause walls to buckle and masonry to crack. Materials that are not incinerated may be warped, melted, or damaged, causing the need for replacement.
• Smoke & Soot. The damage from a fire goes beyond burned material. Smoke and soot will travel throughout the property, coating exposed surfaces of the structure and your contents. This coating is hazardous to your health and immediately begins to deteriorate, corrode, and stain surfaces.
• Fire Suppression Losses. Unfortunately, the efforts taken to stop fire damage can also cause damage to your property. Firefighting materials such as water, powders, or foam can cause damage to both burned and unburned items.
• During a structure fire, heat and pressurized smoke can permeate the air, infiltrate walls, ceilings cavities, and attic spaces, and find its way anywhere air can travel. After the fire is extinguished, porous materials begin the process of off-gassing and releasing volatile organic compounds. These odors can last for years if the affected materials are not properly cleaned, deodorized, encapsulated, or replaced.
• Business Interruption. Fire is one of the most common and costly hazards that affect businesses. You may have to set up a temporary location to continue operating or close your doors until sufficient repairs are made and inventory is replaced.

Fire damage to your commercial property can be devastating and catastrophic. We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is substantially less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas. This “restore first” mentality also allows us to get your business back to pre-fire condition quicker and with less disruption. The professionals at SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes are here to help you recover from the disaster.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 2100 Franchises
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes for any water damage emergency 712-262-4379.

SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. Water damage, if not treated quickly and efficiently, can damage flooring, walls, personal belongings as well as heightening the chance for mold growth.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service 

Call Today – (712) 262-4379

We understand the stress and confusion you may be feeling. Our team of professionals have specific training and the experience to help you through this though time. Avoid the uncertainty of trying to repair water damage alone. SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes can get your home or business back to preloss condition and eliminate the health and safety risks associated with do-it-yourself water damage restoration.

What to Expect

When you call, our staff will ask several questions to help determine what resources and equipment to bring.

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information
• Street address
• When did the damage occur
• Cause of water damage
• Is there electricity/heat available on-site

About SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes

SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes 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.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - it's a higher level of clean!

Disinfecting your business regularly is important, now more than ever. Between coronavirus and the other viruses and germs going around, the best way to prevent the spread is through regular sanitizing and disinfecting of the surfaces that are frequently used. Winter months bring new challenges to keep your business clean. SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes can tackle your cleaning concerns. We use the most advanced products and equipment to ensure clean, healthy environments.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
  
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.

So, when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

The winter season provides picturesque snowfalls, but it also means business owners must prepare to clean their properties more often and more carefully. We offer both cautionary and reactive cleaning. So whether you find yourself having an infected patron or employee, or simply want to take the extra step to keep everyone safe, give SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes a call at 712-262-4379.

Preventing Ice Dams

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes can make your water damage emergency "Like it never even happened." 712-262-4379

When the first few blustery days creeped into northwest Iowa, you may have been thinking about buying a new winter coat, winterizing your car, or planning your next tropical vacation. If you are like most, you probably weren’t thinking about how the coming snow could potentially cause major damage to your home. Icicles hanging along the eaves of your house may look beautiful, but they spell trouble. Snow covered roofs and freezing weather allow icicles to form and can lead to ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off your roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. There are several signs that may indicate the presence of an ice dam. Be on the lookout for warning signs and always be sure to have excess snow cleared off your roof as soon as possible following a winter storm. Learning how to prevent ice dams on the roof is easier on you and your home than having to learn how to remove them.

What Causes Ice Dams

• Poor attic insulation
• Clogged gutters
• Lack of snow removal

Ice Dam Warning Signs

• Interior water damage
• Ice on exterior walls
• Drainage problems
• Ice forming at roof/gutter edges
• Moisture in the attic

How to Prevent Ice Dams

• Properly insulate and ventilate your attic
• Stay on top of snow removal. With no snow on your roof to melt, you eliminate a key factor of ice dams
• Metal roofing. Metal roofs boast a reputation for shedding snow exceptionally well compared to shingles
• Keep drains, scuppers, gutters, and downspouts clear of debris.
• Use a snow rake to carefully clear snow off your roof or hire a professional to do so.
• Insulate light fixtures, fans, and vents in and under attics to block heat from reaching the roof.
• Seal vents and fans between the attic and living areas to restrict warm airflow.

If neglected, ice dams can result in significant damage to your home. SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is here to help. Our highly trained staff of water loss professionals are able to help you with any damage that stems from an ice dam. We will respond quickly to help cleanup, dry, and build back your structure “Like it never even happened.”

Be Prepared - Winter Car Emergency Kit

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Don't get stranded out in the cold!

Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold winter months. Winter also brings an increased risk of getting stuck in your car, so dress warm before you head out and prepare an emergency kit for your car. Experiencing a breakdown in cold weather can become a life-threatening situation quickly. Having the right supplies in your vehicle will give you peace of mind, save time, and may even save a life. If you already have a winter car emergency kit in your vehicle, make sure to do an annual check of items to ensure they are in good condition and working order.

Winter Car Emergency Kit

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Cat litter to use as traction on slick surfaces
• Small shovel
• LED flares
• First aid kit
• High protein food and bottled water (can opener and utensils if necessary)
• Winter coat, gloves, hat, and boots
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Cell phone and charger
• Make sure to keep your gas tank filled
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (extra batteries)
• Ice scraper
• Tow straps
• Tool kit
• Spare tire and jack
• Windshield washer fluid (antifreeze-enriched to perform down to 40 degrees Celsius)
• Hand warmers
• Medications
• Lighter or box of matches

No matter the destination, drivers need to be prepared if something goes wrong. Every vehicle should be equipped with a set of emergency supplies containing all the items needed to deal with an unforeseen situation. And given the unpredictable weather conditions typical of our Iowa winters, some specific items should be an absolute must. Every state has a Department of Transportation which gives helpful road and travel advice. You can also sign up for 511 Notify by going to their website and signing up! The app will notify you of travel conditions. When the weatherman starts predicting blizzard conditions stay home if at all possible.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

When water invades your property, call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes. 712-262-4379

As winter weather enters northwest Iowa, it’s important that homeowners take steps to prevent expensive plumbing problems and water damage. Sub-zero temperatures that extend days or weeks at a time can wreak havoc on the pipes leading to and from your home or business. Even a tiny crack in a pipe can spew hundreds of gallons of water causing flooding, damage to your furnace, and serious structural damage. It also presents an immediate potential for mold. As the thermostat plunges further towards zero, the following tips will help you avoid unpleasant surprises that may come from broken water pipes.

Tips to help prevent pipes from freezing

• Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl spaces using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live is unlikely to have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home. Always install according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Disconnect, drain, and store your hoses. Close any shut-off valves that supply outdoor hose bibs and open the faucet outside to drain the line. Keep it open throughout the winter to allow space for any water that remains in the pipe to expand. Consider using faucet covers throughout the colder months for extra protection against frozen pipes. Drain water from any sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer’s directions.
• Turn up the heat. Set home thermostats above 55 degrees during cold weather.
• Open vanity and cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes under sinks.
• Keep the garage door closed.
• Drip cold water in the farthest faucet from your main valve. Moving water keeps pipes from freezing.
• Prevent drafts. Maintain a consistent temperature indoors by preventing drafts. Seal cracks and openings around windows and doors by using sealants or caulk.

The first step you should take if you suspect you have frozen pipes is turn off the water supply to that section of plumbing. That will relieve water pressure from your water supply lines. Call a professional plumber. Plumbers are trained, have the experience, and proper equipment to solve a frozen pipe issue. Once your plumbing issue is resolved you will need to clean up any standing water. Since a fast response to a water call lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost, call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes. Our team of professionals are here for you 24/7. We have the training and experience to restore your property quickly and properly.