Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

What is

9/18/2024 (Permalink)

As a property owner you may find yourself asking, What is asbestos? Asbestos is fiberous crystals of silicate that are often used in atic and wall insulation due to its strength and ability to resist heat.

Ok, but why is it dangerous? Asbestos is dangerous because the long fiberous crystals that it is comprised of have the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days if they are disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so small, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue. Once there, these fibers can cause several serious medical issues including asbestosis. For this reason, it is important to identify and remove asbestos in your home or workspace.

With our cutting-edge equipment and comprehensive training, the professionals at SERVPRO of Waukesha are Here to Help® with all your asbestos removal needs.

What is Asbestos?

9/18/2024 (Permalink)

As a property owner you may find yourself asking, What is asbestos? Asbestos is fiberous crystals of silicate that are often used in atic and wall insulation due to its strength and ability to resist heat.

Ok, but why is it dangerous? Asbestos is dangerous because the long fiberous crystals that it is comprised of have the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days if they are disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so small, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue. Once there, these fibers can cause several serious medical issues including asbestosis. For this reason, it is important to identify and remove asbestos in your home or workspace.

With our cutting-edge equipment and comprehensive training, the professionals at SERVPRO of Waukesha are here to help with all your asbestos removal needs.

What is Asbestos?

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

As a property owner you may find yourself asking, What is asbestos? Asbestos is fiberous crystals of silicate that are often used in atic and wall insulation due to its strength and ability to resist heat.

Ok, but why is it dangerous? Asbestos is dangerous because the long fiberous crystals that it is comprised of have the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days if they are disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so small, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue. Once there, these fibers can cause several serious medical issues including asbestosis. For this reason, it is important to identify and remove asbestos in your home or workspace.

With our cutting-edge equipment and comprehensive training, the professionals at SERVPRO of Waukesha are here to help with all your asbestos removal needs.

SERVPRO Offers Commercial Cleaning

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Southwest Waukesha County offers large commercial cleans to help your business stay safe and clean. One of the most important cleans especially in this day and age is ensuring that your air ducts are are clean and free from harmful debris.

Odors and Air Quality

SERVPRO® of Southwest Waukesha County Professionals are experts at odor removal. We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors from the source, instead of trying to mask it. 

If you haven’t had your air ducts or HVAC, give us a call to inspect your system. Duct cleaning is not always necessary but your HVAC unit could be circulating dust, pollen, and other debris around your home. Cleaning your unit will help improve the air quality in your home and can actually extend the life of the equipment. It also helps restore your system to peak efficiency. 

For more information on these or any of our other cleaning services, check out our cleaning webpage or give us a call at (262) 542-0900 today! 

 

Business of the Year

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Proud to be a part of a fantastic team that won the Business of the Year Award.

Delafield Chamber of Commerce

In April 2022, the Delafield Chamber of Commerce nominated SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County as Business of the Year.

The Delafield Chamber of Commerce gave SERVPRO the Business of the Year award at the Annual Awards event. 

This award is for a business that demonstrates all-around business excellence, with commercial success, growth, and community involvement.

SERVPRO is so proud of the team and all their hard work to receive this award.

What is Asbestos?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Insulation containing asbestos can be dangerous. Luckily, SERVPRO professionals are here to help with all your removal needs.

As a property owner you may find yourself asking, What is asbestos? Asbestos is fiberous crystals of silicate that are often used in atic and wall insulation due to its strength and ability to resist heat.

Ok, but why is it dangerous? Asbestos is dangerous because the long fiberous crystals that it is comprised of have the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days if they are disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so small, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue. Once there, these fibers can cause several serious medical issues including asbestosis. For this reason, it is important to identify and remove asbestos in your home or workspace.

With our cutting-edge equipment and comprehensive training, the professionals at SERVPRO are here to help with all your asbestos removal needs.

From Carpets to Catastrophes, SERVPRO is Here for All Your Commercial Cleaning Needs

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to restore your property from fire, storm and water damage, but did you know that SERVPRO also offers many other clean up and restoration services?

  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation - SERVPRO professionals are here to control and remediate mold contaminating your property and threatening your safety. 
  • HVAC Cleaning - We can inspect your HVAC system and restore it to peak energy efficiency to improve indoor air quality.
  • Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup - SERVPRO technicians are trained to safely and efficiently clean biohazardous substances and waste for proper disposal. 
  • Contents Claim Inventory Service - We provide itemized, area-by-area inventory for storage during job completion or in cases of hoarding.

If you need a job done right and done quickly, call SERVPRO for all your commercial cleaning needs.

Moving into a New Home? Here's How SERVPRO Can Help

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring and moving into a home can be exciting, stressful, and a lot of work! SERVPRO's cleaning services are here to help.

  • Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning - SERVPRO professionals use the latest Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training and state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils and stains from deep within your carpet's pile and backings. 
  • Stain Removal and Stain Resistance Application - Using IICRC standards, SERVPRO professionals determine which cleaning method is best for each stain and soil as well as providing soil protection. 
  • Odor Identification and Deodorization - What's that smell? We can help determine the source of odors and use the best method to neutralize and eliminate them. 
  • Upholstery and Drape Cleaning - We will test and inspect fabrics to determine the safest and most effective wet or dry method of cleaning.

We are here to help. Call SERVPRO for all your home cleaning needs. 

Why Choose SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Wonderful SERVPRO Team Members

Why choose SERVPRO Of SW Waukesha County? First of all, we live in the community. We care about our local community. We take pride in our community. We build trust and relationships with our customers in any situation we are called out to. Here is just one example of us helping out a fellow community member:A customer called us out for a sewage back up in their parents home. Once we arrived, we discovered this home was a hoarding situation. The home needed content removal that was heavily affected from sewage. Jobs such as these can be very emotional for the customer as they can be very sensitive, emotional situations. Our production manager and team created a safe relationship through communication and trust. We talked the parents through each item and completed the removal. At the end our customer was in tears of joy and happiness and understood that the situation was not just a disaster but a blessing as well.  SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County truly cares about our customers and our goes above and beyond to ensure ALL our customers needs are met.  If you want a caring, compassionate team to handle your unfortunate disaster, please call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to discuss your unique needs. We are always here to help our fellow community members. Any we enjoy it.  SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County 262-542-0900.

SERVPRO's Annual Holiday Party!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

This past Wednesday was our annual company holiday party. Our SERVPRO family came together for a fun day of food, bowling and festivities before the holidays. We are so thankful for our amazing team here at SERVPRO and we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Deep frying turkey can easily cause fires like this if proper precautions are not taken.

It is that time of the year again, Thanksgiving.  Many people are preparing to spend the day in the kitchen cooking meals and making treats.  The kitchen can become a very hectic place during these joyous times.   Thanksgiving day has more home cooking fires than any other day of the year (about 3 times the daily average).  In 2019 there was an estimated 1,400 kitchen cooking fires reported in the US. Unattended cooking is the leading contribution to cooking fires and deaths. By following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy your day as well as keep yourself and your family safe. 

  • Deep frying a Turkey is extremely dangerous and can easily cause a fire. 
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove so you can keep an eye on the food.
  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter, near the stove or near water.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
  • Never leave a burning candle unatended in your home.
  • Never use water to put out an oil fire. 
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
  • Create a fire safety plan with your family.  Make sure to review it from time to time so that everyone knows the plan. 

Please contact SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County for all your fire and smoke damage clean up needs.  262-542-0900 or 920-674-3002. 

Leave SERVPRO of SW Waukesha a 5-star review

SERVPRO Restores Home After Furnace Leak

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

This room was damaged by water from the furnace leak and was restored by SERVPRO professionals.

A furnace leak in this home caused damage to a bedroom, a closet and dining room. Additionally, because the water had been sitting for a while, some mold growth had developed on the flooring. The SERVPRO crew applied anti-microbial mats to aid with hindering the mold growth. When the crews were pulling the carpet and pad out they discovered tile flooring underneath. They tested it and found  asbestos. SERVPRO's asbestos crew was called in to remove it and the floor above was restored in addition to the rest of the property that had been damaged. 

Home Features Buyers Are Looking For

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Home Selling Tips

The real estate market in Wisconsin continues to be very busy.  The objective is to sell your home for the maximum price possible based on comparable prices in your neighborhood.  If/When you consider selling your home, you may want to make an effort to make some repairs or improvements to increase the value of your home.  

If you are considering selling your home, the following are some suggestions on what buyers may be looking for.  

Storage Space 

As a home owner, I find myself often saying that I wish I had more storage space.  Most of my family and friends say the same thing.  Find ways to add additional storage to your home or busince because this will make it more appealing to prospective buyers.  Some examples include adding shelving in rooms, finish the area/space under the stairs or install a closet system to store more items.  

Remember to Be "Health Conscience"

Due to the pandemic, many people are now trying to complete workouts at home.  If there is any way to add an in-home gym or a designated area for exercise equipment, be sure to add it. 

Security To The Home or Building

Security is important wherever you are living.  Your stuff is important to you, and you want to keep it.  But remember that security is also important to the seller as well.  Curb appeal is also important and one item that gets most attention is the garage door.  Consider upgrading your garage door as it makes your building look more modern and it provides adding security.  You may also want to consider adding an alarm system if one is not already present.  Anything that improves the security of your home or building is always important and will help with the sale of the property.  

Click the following to read the full article provided by Dina Hubrich, real estate professional, to learn more tips to successfully selling your home.  Article

If you are looking for home or commercial property restoration, please call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County.  We can guide you in the right direction and also provide reconstruction services.  Call us at 262-542-0900.

Considerations When Buying a "Fixer Upper"

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is "Here to Help" On Your "Fixer Upper" Project

The real estate market continues to be very competitive in Wisconsin.  Due to this competition, some buyers are considering buying a “fixer upper” home for a lesser price and then invest in remodeling or upgrades.  If you are considering this option, we have some tips for you to consider.

  • Bring a contractor along when you tour the home. This will help you determine what repairs might be necessary and approximately what it will cost to repair.
  • During the repairs, plan on an alternate living space, if needed. You might not want to end your lease or sell your existing home just yet. If the property needs serious repairs or renovations, you’ll probably need to live off-site until they’re complete.
  • You may need an alternative mortgage program. If you want to finance the home purchase and the renovations and repairs the property needs, you might consider loans like the FHA 203(k) loan or the Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan. Your loan officer can help you choose the best option for your purchase.
  • Be prepared for problems below the surface. Not all issues will be visible during the initial scope or tour of the property. There may be other problems, some major, lurking below the surface (like mold or termites, for example) that will not initially be seen or known.  Make sure that you leave some extra money in your budget to account for these unknown or unexpected expenses. 
  • There may be appraisal and inspection issues.  If the home is in disrepair, you might face challenges with your inspection or appraisal. This is especially true if you’re using an FHA, USDA or VA loan, as properties must meet strict requirements with these programs.

Fixer-uppers are just one of the many options you have when buying a home..

If you are considering purchasing a building that may need repairs or reconstruction, please call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County and we can help.  262-542-0900.

Tips To Get Your Home Ready And Safe For Winter

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

When You See This, It Is Time For Autumn Home Maintenance

Your home is most likely your largest investment and you need to protect it and take care of it.  One very important thing is to properly maintain your home so it will be there to protect you from our Wisconsin weather.  By completing these routine fall projects helps protect your home and keep money in your pocket by doing routine maintenance before the repairs become more expensive.

The following are routine, easy maintenance chores to keep you warm and safe. 

  • Inspect your roof annually. Even small leaks or missing shingles can cause big problems like water damage, mold, mildew and more.  Call SERVPRO right away if water damage occurs.

  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This equipment should always be in good working condition. Put them in test mode and make sure they’re all functioning properly. Batteries will usually need to be replaced every six months to a year.  A good tip is to change the batteries when we change the clocks for daylight savings time.  If a fire occurs and there is damage, call SERVPRO for your fire damage restoration needs.

  • Check for (and seal) air leaks around windows and doors. Leaks in these areas can make it hard to control your home’s climate and, as winter approaches, that could mean more costly heating and gas bills. This also will help keep your home cooler in the winter. 

  • Have your furnace inspected. If you heat your home with a gas-powered furnace, you’ll want the unit inspected at least once per year. Furnaces can pose serious fire and safety hazards if they’re not functioning properly.  Call SERVPRO and we can recommend a furnace professional to inspect your equipment.

  • Clean out the gutters. When gutters get clogged with leaves and debris, water can’t drain properly. This might lead to standing water on your roof or eaves, which can cause significant and costly water damage over time, particular ice dams in the winter months.  Call SERVPRO right away if any water damage occurs.

For all your water damage and fire damage clean up and restoration needs, please call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County.  262-542-0900.

Ladies Night Out

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Ladies Night Out

Delafield Chamber of Commerce

Ladies Night Out Series is a three-night shopping extravaganza in Downtown Delafield that happens twice a year. Shops, restaurants, bars, and more offer deals and specials for all the shoppers. Hundreds of ladies grab their girlfriends and head out for a fun night on the town. Participants and businesses have a blast shopping and spending time Downtown Delafield. 

As a friend of the chamber SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County is a sponsor of this event. SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha is proud to be a part of the community and loves to give back.

Last night was a beautiful night to walk the street of Delafield. The shops had a lot of great deals and some beverages to sample as well.

We Love Online Reviews!

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Reviews help us know how we're doing and give us valuable information from customers. 

Online reviews on Facebook, Yelp, Twitter or other social platforms can also help other customers looking at SERVPRO's services and can help them see what makes SERVPRO special. 

We appreciate all online reviews as they help SERVPRO to better serve your restoration needs.

To write a review visit https://g.page/r/CYLtUbWIZTIGEAI/review?kd or visit any of our social media pages.  

SERVPRO Sponsors Annual Golf Outing

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Marketing Representatives Sarah and Brad spent the day out on the course at the Golf Outing.

On September 30th, Marketing Representatives from SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc Brad and Sarah attended the annual Golf Outing at Spring Creek Golf Center in Whitewater. The event was hosted by the Jefferson County Board of Realtors, and was an amazing event to mingle and spend time out on the course. SERVPRO was a proud sponsor of this event and everyone there had a great time. SERVPRO's involvement in the community is one of the things that makes it a unique and active company for both employees and customers. 

SERVPRO Sponsors Table for Annual Delafield Festival

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO representatives at the table sponsored by SERVPRO at the Delafield Wine Walk and Brew Fest

This past Saturday, October 2nd, SERVPRO sponsored a beer table at the 2nd Annual Wine Walk and Brew Fest. This social event was a great opportunity to experience the cuisine and culture of Downtown Delafield while enjoying a unique night out. Visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy live music and DJ! SERVPRO representatives had a great time sponsoring the event and meeting with other businesses and residents of Waukesha and Delafield. The event was a total hit, be sure to stop by the SERVPRO table  next year as you enjoy the enjoy food, fun and music in Downtown Delafield.  

Work Anniversary

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Rosa is an amazing employee.

Rosa is a dedicated employee.

SERVPRO wants to congratulate Rosa on her work anniversary. Rosa is a dedicated and hard working employee. Rosa is one of SERVPRO top cleaners, she is very detail oriented in all she does.

If you see Rosa please congratulate her on her accomplishments.

Congratulations to our New Crew Chief

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha's Crew Chief Lisa

Congratulations to our newest Crew Chief, Lisa!

Since starting with SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County in October 2020, Lisa has become an invaluable asset to our company. She was hired as a Production Technician and due to her quick learning and dedication to our company values, she was promoted to Lead Production Technician within 6 months. Her quality customer service and bubbly personality naturally lead her to being promoted again to Crew Chief within one year of her employment. Lisa is SERVPRO of SW Waukesha's first female crew chief. Lisa is a good leader and always takes time to make sure things are being done carefully and properly. Next time you see Lisa, be sure to say hello. 

SERVPRO Donates to Local Animal Shelter

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Local Organization Thanks SERVPRO For Its Monetary Donation

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County and SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we serve.  One way is by hosting an annual beans bags tournament fund raiser.

In March of 2021 we hosted our 5th annual event.  Over the last 5 years, we have raised and donated over $20,000 to non-profit organizations that also serve our communities.  This year, we raised money for the Humane Society of Jefferson County and the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County.

These animal welfare organizations are very important to what we do because, sometimes, when we have a customer dealing with severe fire or water damage, they are not able to properly care for their animals and will need the assistant of a local organization.  We can refer our customers to organizations like this when they need help to provide care of their pets.

The letter in the photo is from the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County thanking us for our donation of $2,300.  Another $2,300 was also given to the Humane Society of Jefferson County.

For all your water or fire damage needs, please call the trained professionals who care about not just your home and belongings, but also your pets.  Call us in Waukesha at 262-542-0900 or in Jefferson County at 920-674-3002

5 Fun (and Useful) Summer Home Trends

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Summer Fun Backyard Living Areas

We are SERVPRO believe in not just offering fire and water damage advice, but also fun home tips as well.  

Summer is a great time to improve your home’s exterior. 

And whether you’re interested in enjoying your space a little more or you want to boost your home’s value, it makes sense to find inspiration by taking a look at what other homeowners are doing.

Are you thinking about updating your yard or patio this summer? Here are five popular trends to consider trying for yourself.

Install a workout or play area. Make the most of your property by building a swing set or sandbox, adding a horseshoe pit or investing in a small climbing wall or some gym equipment that the whole family can use. 

Build a front yard social spot. Want a casual outdoor spot that’s welcoming to your friends and neighbors? Think about setting up a social area in the front yard — one with benches, swings and comfortable places to sit and chat.

Focus on backyard entertainment. For more private gatherings, focus on guest-friendly features in the backyard. Movie screens, fire pits and hot tubs are a few popular options. 

Add an outdoor kitchen. Love to cook? Just want to eat alfresco? Install an outdoor pizza oven or invest in a smoker or grill. Be sure to set up a roomy (and durable) dining area, too.

Plant a vegetable or herb garden. It’s never too late to improve your landscaping with something functional. Consider planting a few of your family’s favorite veggies or herbs in a small garden out back.

Click the following link to read the full article and discover some other helpful hints.  Full Article

Call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County for all you fire and water damage needs.  262-542-0900

Mini Golfing Summer Fun

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Summer Time Fun Sponsored By SERVPRO

On July 6, 2021 SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County was a proud sponsor of a fun a traditional summertime event, mini golfing!  This networking opportunity allowed business members throughout the area to network with each other while also having fun playing a relaxing round of miniature golf.

This event was put on by the Waukesha Business Alliance and SERVPRO is a proud member.

The left side photo shows Sarah, one of our SERVPRO Marketing Reps., participating in the game.  The right side photo shows the winner of the raffle basket that was donated by SERVPRO.

Being a part of events like this helps promote our services to people in the communities that we serve.  And we are proud to participate.

For all your fire and water damage issues, please call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County.  262-542-0900.

How to Help

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha county for all cleaning and restoration needs

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County gets called in when people are often going through a rough time. Whether it is for a sewage back up, a fire, a water pipe leak or a mold issue, we are here to help. We will often start with coming on site to assess the situation and see what needs to be done. We will contact your insurance company for you and determine if you have the proper insurance coverage. This gives you piece of mind and allows us to determine who will receive the invoice for services. After those basic things are addressed, the work can begin.  

We come prepared to help, but what can YOU do to help us? 

First, we will ask you to remove any high value or sentimental items from the work area. This is because we want you to be confident that those specific items are safe and secure in an area of your choosing. We pay close attention to your belongings because they are important to you. And that is important to us.  

Next, we may ask you to remove any breakable items from the work area. For example, if you have a large hutch full of china or crystal, we would prefer if you could move those belongings out of the work area.  

Finally, we will ask you to make sure your home is available to our crews once every 24 hours or so in order to monitor the areas. We may need to monitor moisture levels, or we may need to remove deodorization equipment that we set up. 

Having access to your home every 24 hours while the work is being performed helps us to make sure the work is completed properly.  

We respect our customer's properties and belongings and we GREATLY appreciate you trusting us to help you in your time of need.  

For any cleaning and restoration needs call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County at (262) 542-0900.

SERVPRO Marketing Team Leads CE Class

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Our two Marketing Representatives Brad and Sarah leading CE Class

The SERVPRO Marketing team recently lead a class in our educational room about Restorative Drying for Water Damage. These classes are important for all insurance agents as they are required to receive 24 credits towards their continuing education requirement. This class helped educate these agents in order to help them be more educated to help their clients. The agents received 4 credits toward their 24 credit requirement. The class was lead by our two marketing representatives Brad and Sarah as they continue to educate all on the many services that SERVPRO handles.

For all cleaning and restoration needs Call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County at (262) 542-0900  

SERVPRO of Jefferson County Celebrates 10 Years Of Business

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Local SERVPRO owners, Todd and Tina, Celebrate 10 Years of Business

We are proud to announce that Todd and Tina Szada, owners of both SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc and SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County, have reached their 10 year anniversary of business in the area.

2020 was a challenging time for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are happy to say that we were here to help the people and businesses that serve our wonderful communities that we live in.

Thank you to every customer and business that used us over the past 10 years.  We have received many words of thanks and appreciation for helping those in often times of greatest need.  To be told from a customer that they will definitely call us again when in need is one of the greatest compliments that we can receive.

On behalf of my wife, Tina, thank you!  We look forward to another great 10 years of service to you.  

Strategies and Resources For Small Businesses

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc is proud to say that we are a small business with approximately 23 employees.  Small businesses is what helps the local economy grow and thrive.  The owners of SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc want to share as much information to help other small business owners.  We know that during this pandemic, times are tough.  Hopefully the following information will help.

As a small business owner and trying to navigate through the challenges and stressful times caused by this pandemic, I appreciate the opportunity to learn about how the State of Wisconsin can help me and other small business owners and community groups.

Therefore, this article was sent to me and I wanted to share it with you.  You can learn about different strategies to help your small business or resources that are available to all of us.  This article is from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.  Please click on the link to learn about different ways that you can help your business grow.

https://wedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/WEDC_Response-to-COVID_19.pdf

For all your emergency fire & water needs, along with mold remediation, asbestos abatement and duct cleaning needs, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc at 920-674-3002

The Importance of Wellness at Home

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Home owners or real estate agents often call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to improve a structure before putting it on the market. In many instances it involves mold remediation.  There are things that you can do in your home to improve your personal wellness while also preventing mold growth.

Ways to improve your quality of life in your home:

  1. Let in natural light. The sun’s light can elevate your mood and promote alertness. Take advantage of daylight by arranging work spaces near windows, open the curtains or use light-filtering curtains or strategically hanging mirrors to reflect more light. Natural light can promote vitamin D production.
  2. Include live plants. Being close to nature can improve your overall well-being. Plants add color to your home, purify the air and may even reduce stress. Bring the outside in by adding plants to every room in your home, especially the spaces where you spend the most time.
  3. Create a calming space. Come up with a private sanctuary that’s free of distractions, like clutter and electronic devices. Dedicate time to this space so you can calm your mind, gain a fresh perspective and reflect on your day.
  4. Promote air circulation. Proper air circulation provides a regular temperature, removes impurities, and can help prevent mold. Use ceiling fans, open the windows and/or curtains, and install attic vents. The more space there is in a room, the more air can circulate.

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha has restoration professionals that can help with all your mold remediation needs! (262)542-0900

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Hosts 5th Annual Fund Raiser

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Waukesha County HAWS Is the Recipient of the 5th Annual Bags Tournament Fund Raiser

The ownership team at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County (Todd and Tina Szada) believe that they have been blessed with SERVPRO and the employees being a part of their lives. Because of SERVPRO, we have been able to help countless numbers of people dealing with fire damage, water damage, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, etc.

We also feel that we have a duty and a commitment to give back to our community and the communities in which we serve. As a result, on March 6, 2021 we are hosting our 5th Annual Bean Bags Tournament Fund Raiser. All proceeds this year will be given to the Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) and the Jefferson County HAWS. 

We often help people who have had fires or water damage in their homes.  Not only does it impact the people living there, but the animals/pets as well.  When animals are hurt or are given up for adoption because of a catastrophe and the family can no longer afford a pet, we want to helps those organizations that help the pets, which is an extension to any family. 

If you are interested in playing in this tournament or unable to be a part of our event on March 6, 2021 but would still like to make a monetary donation, please contact Brad at 262-542-0900.  

If you questions about fire or damage cleanup and restoration, call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha at 262 542-0900 to speak with a certified professional today.

SERVPRO does Commercial Cleaning

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Before photo of an air duct register before our crew cleaned it.

SERVPRO® of Southwest Waukesha County offers large commercial cleans to help your business stay safe and clean. One of the most important cleans especially in this day and age is ensuring that your air ducts are are clean and free from harmful debris.

Odors and Air Quality

SERVPRO® of Southwest Waukesha County Professionals are experts at odor removal. We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors from the source, instead of trying to mask it. 

If you haven’t had your air ducts or HVAC, give us a call to inspect your system. Duct cleaning is not always necessary but your HVAC unit could be circulating dust, pollen, and other debris around your home. Cleaning your unit will help improve the air quality in your home and can actually extend the life of the equipment. It also helps restore your system to peak efficiency. 

For more information on these or any of our other cleaning services, check out our cleaning webpage or give us a call at (262) 542-0900 today! 

SERVPRO Helps Another Local Organization

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Pictured (from left to right) Tournament finalists Al W. and Jason R., SERVPRO owners Todd and Tina S. and finalists Cliff C. and Gary G.

Due to the increased stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19, the census in hospitals across the country are busier than normal.  We at SERVPRO know that more children would be hospitalized over the Holiday season so we wanted to do something to bring some joy to those patients.

On November 7, 2020, we hosted a small bags tournament fund raiser.  All proceeds went to the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation.  The Foundation was then able to use those proceeds to purchase Christmas gifts for the children that were hospitalized during the holiday season.  

We are very proud to say that our two final teams decided to donate the winning prize money back to the fund raiser so that our donation to Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation would be even bigger.  Thank you to those 4 players and to all the donors and players of this event.

This is one way that SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County can give back to the community that we serve.  We feel that it is very important to "give" during the holiday season and there is no better need than children in the hospital.

If you want to be a part of our annual bags tournament, please contact our Marketing Department for the different ways that you can donate or participate.  262-542-0900 

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Welcomes New Chamber Member

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha welcomes Orthosmiles to the Waukesha Chamber of Commerce!

Sarah, a Marketing Representative for the team at SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha, who is also a Waukesha Chamber of Commerce volunteer Ambassador, would like to welcome Orthosmiles as the newest members of the Waukesha Chamber of Commerce.  

To find out more about their services, please visit their website: OrthoSmiles

To visit them in person, stop by their office located at 2727 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 102
Waukesha, WI 53188.

By joining the Chamber you can utilize all the benefits such as advocacy, professional development, community events, public visibility, awards & incentive programs.   

5 ways to have a dog and a clean home

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County is used to cleaning up after our favorite office pup Marvel.

With the large surge in new dog owners because of the quarantine I am sure everyone is starting to notice the mess that they leave behind. However, it is possible to own a dog and keep a clean house even with the hair and mud that they leave behind. 

The keys to keeping a clean house are being able to prevent them from occurring in the first place as well as have a strategy to deal with them when they inevitably happen.


1. Create an outdoor dog-cleaning station. 

How intensive your station needs to be depends on the breed of your dog and how much it enjoys rolling around in the mud. Owners of large dog breeds know firsthand that the larger the dog, the bigger the mess. But even smaller breeds can track plenty of dirt and much into the house.

Stop the mess before it goes through the door by cleaning your dog outside after it’s gotten itself dirty. Sometimes this will be as simple as dunking your dog’s paws in water; for more substantial messes, you’ll need a hose, kiddie pool, and patience.

It’s also always a good idea to have towels on hand to dry off your pup before going inside.

2. Eliminate odors at the source. At some stage in their lives, dogs will have accidents in your house. Urine, feces, or vomit on your furniture or the floor doesn’t mean you have to replace the whole carpet for it to be clean again.

If your dog has an accident inside, it’s important to eliminate the smell completely so your dog doesn’t think that your rug is it’s new toilet. There are many enzyme-based cleaners on the market to choose from.

3. Invest in hair-removal strategies. The first item you’ll need is a solid vacuum cleaner. Usually, you get what you pay for, but if your dog is a heavy shedder, you’ll need a model with strong suction and a high-quality filter. To keep your living space in tip-top shape, vacuuming will become a daily routine. And by staying on top of the fur rather than letting it accumulate, this should only take a few minutes a day.

A second tool worth keeping on hand is lint rollers. Every pet owner knows the value of these small-but-mighty sticky brushes. Lint rollers are a great way to quickly brush off your furniture and clothes to address surface-level pet hair before it becomes a bigger problem.

4. Stick to easy to clean supplies. When it comes to pet supplies like toys, leashes, beds, and other items your dog uses regularly, you should find options that are easy to clean and won’t hold onto odors or stains.

Machine-washable toys are easy to toss in the laundry, and you don’t need to deal with the hassle of washing them by hand. And water-resistant collars and leads are easy to quickly wipe down in between deeper cleanings.

5. Control the clutter. If your dog has what seems like dozens of different toys it leaves lying around the entire house, wanting to contain them is an understandable impulse. You have a few options for how to go about this.

One is to buy a basket or two for toy storage. With some practice, you can even train your dog to put it’s toys in the basket!

Another option, though not feasible for everyone, is to create a “dog room” of the house dedicated to your dog’s toys and playtime. With a separate room, you can simply close the door when play is over and let the clutter stay out of sight.

Dogs are a great addition to any family and perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained. That being said they are a large responsibility that will require some cleaning up after. However, if you follow these steps it will make having a dog much easier and a lot cleaner.

If you ever have a need for cleaning or restoration give SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County at (262) 542-0900

Avoid Winter Slip-ups and Injuries

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wishes for everyone to stay safe this winter season

Avoid Winter Slip-ups

The winter provides many hazards that can bring danger to everyday people and employees working outdoors. These hazards include slipping and falling. With snow and ice covered conditions, you run the risk of taking major falls, which can lead to serious injuries.

Prevention

Education is essential in preventing winter weather-related injuries. Consider the following recommendations to prevent slip and fall injuries during the winter months:

  • Wear the proper footwear that provides traction on snow and ice. Footwear should be made of anti-slip material; avoid plastic and leather-soled shoes or boots.
  • Exercise caution when entering and exiting vehicles, and use the vehicle for balance and support.
  • Try to walk only in designated areas that are safe for foot traffic. If you notice that a walkway is covered in ice, walk on the grass next to the sidewalk, which will have more traction.
  • Avoid inclines that are typically difficult to walk up or down as they may be more treacherous in winter conditions.
  • Take small steps to maintain your center of balance, walk slowly and never run. When possible, walk with your hands free to maintain your balance. And despite the cold temperatures, avoid putting your hands in your pockets. This will help you better maintain your balance and allow you to break a fall should you slip.
  • Use handrails, walls or anything stationary to assist in steadying your feet.
  • Look ahead to the path in front of you to avoid hazards.
  • Test a potentially slippery area before stepping on it by tapping your foot on the surface first.
  • Remove debris, water and ice from all working walkways.
  • Steer clear of roof edges, floor openings and other drop-offs to avoid slipping hazards.
  • Sand or salt surfaces covered by ice or snow to provide traction.
  • Dry your shoes or boots on floor mats when entering a building.

If You Begin to Slip…

  • Twist your body and roll backward to avoid falling forward and injuring your face.
  • Try to relax your body when you start to feel your legs give way.

If you are carrying a load, throw it off to the side so it does not land on you when you fall. This will also free your arms to help break your fall.

These are some tips and tricks to help keep yourself safe this winter season. SERVPRO wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable winter, and hopefully these tips can keep you all free of injuries.

Call SERVPRO of S.W. Waukesha County with any fire, water, mold, or cleaning needs! 262-542-0900

Sleep: The Perfect Medicine

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Do you get enough sleep? SERVPRO would like to share these tips for better sleep, to better our community!

The health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities here at SERVPRO of S.W. Waukesha County matter more now than ever. We are always looking to share health related information, an especially during a pandemic. The following list gives tips and tricks for better sleep, which can lead to less stress and a better over all bill of health. This list comes from this link.

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Spend some time outside during the day.
  • Let the daylight into your home.
  • Walk, exercise, read or engage in a hobby to relieve stress on a daily basis.
  • Limit caffeine, especially after lunch time.
  • Limit alcohol use, especially after dinner time.
  • Limit electronic device screen time, especially in the evening.
  • Use the bedroom only for sleep.
  • Limit the amount of light in the bedroom, or use a sleep mask.
  • Keep the temperature in your bedroom in the lower 60s at night.
  • Ensure that you will not be disturbed by noises, or use earplugs.
  • Choose preferred bedding that helps you sleep well, such as flannel sheets, a down comforter or a weighted blanket.
  • Keep pets in their own safe space at night, and out of the bed.
  • Avoid using over-the-counter sleep aids. Instead, try 5mg of melatonin before bed, if needed.

SERVPRO of S.W. Waukesha county is currently doing cleanings to disinfect after a covid case (or cases). As we said, community health and safety is so important to us, please reach out with any questions regarding our covid cleaning process. Or any of our other services for that matter and STAY SAFE. Call us at 262-542-0900.

We Have All Heard Of It, But What Is Asbestos?

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of S.W. Waukesha County along with SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc are the only two asbestos certified franchises in WI!

What is Asbestos?

Everyone has heard the commercials, “If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma; you may be entitled to compensation.” Those commercials target asbestos as the culprit but, what is asbestos?

SERVPRO of S.W. Waukesha County and SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc (these franchises are owned and operated by the same people) are the only two Asbestos certified SERVPROs in the state of WI. We would like to think we are qualified to give you a peak into what asbestos is and how it can hurt you. The following information comes from the minds and knowledge of our asbestos manager, Justin, along with information gathered by our blog writer, Alli.

BASICS

The first thing you should know is that asbestos is a general term for six naturally occurring minerals. These minerals are made of fibrous crystals and the crystals themselves are made of microscopic fibrils. These fibrils are what can enter the respiratory system and implant themselves causing diseases and cancers. These six minerals occur in six colors:

  1. Green
  2. Red
  3. Yellow
  4. White
  5. Blue
  6. Gray

Along with the six colors, there are six types of asbestos (Not in order of the corresponding colors):

  1. Actinolite
  2. Amosite
  3. Anthophyllite
  4. Chrysotile (the most common form in the US)
  5. Crocidolite
  6. Tremolite

HISTORY

Archeologists have found evidence that asbestos may have been used by humans as far back as the stone age. One of the first description of asbestos could have been made by Theopharstus in around 300 bc, although this has been challenged by historians and archeologists. One of the first confirmed uses was in Eastern Finland to strengthen clay pots and cooking utensils. Wealthy Persians would use cleaning cloths, that were made of asbestos, to amaze their guests. The Persians would take the cloths and expose it to fire. Seeing as asbestos is fire resistant, this would knock their guests off their feet.

Large-scale use/mining did not begin until the late 1800s and widespread consumption did not begin until the early 1900s. Asbestos was ban in the US relatively shortly after in the 1970s. The last US based asbestos mine closed in 2002.

To date, 67 countries and territories have ban asbestos use, with few exceptions being granted. Although its ban in 67 countries, 1.3 million tons of asbestos was mined worldwide. 53% of that was mined by Russia, that is nearly 689 thousand tons. As far as consumption is concerned, Asia consumed 70% of the worlds mined asbestos in 2017.

DISEASES

Asbestos has been linked to:

  1. Lung cancer
  2. Ovarian cancer
  3. Laryngeal cancer
  4. Asbestosis
  5. Pleural thickening
  6. Pleural plaques
  7. Mesothelioma

Asbestosis (scaring of the lungs) and lung cancer both have a dose response relationship with asbestos. This means the more exposure someone has to asbestos, the more likely they are to develop these ailments. Although, no amount of exposure is considered safe. Mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura, which is the membrane that houses the organs) does not have a dose response relationship with asbestos; therefore, one single exposure can lead to developing mesothelioma.

As mentioned before, asbestos’ microscopic fibrils can attach themselves to the inner lining of the lung and can not be removed. They are shaped similarly to fishing hooks and will create microscopic abrasions in the lungs lining when disturbed. This is one of the things that makes asbestos so dangerous.

As always, please call SERVPRO of S.W. Waukesha County with any concerns, needs, or questions regarding asbestos! 262-542-0900 

Asbestos Kills More People A Year Than The Flu, Call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County If You Find Any

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County is fully asbestos certified. Don't hesitate to call!

After a leaking pipe in a dishwasher burst and flooded the kitchen and basement of a residence, an ambitious homeowner decided to remove wet floor tiles from his basement with an ice chipper.  This homeowner did not think of the possibility of the tiles containing asbestos fibers.  After speaking with a friend and being warned about the possibility of that floor containing asbestos, he received a recommendation to call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County.  A Wisconsin state certified asbestos inspector with SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County inspected the project and took a sample of the material to be analyzed in an accredited lab.  The result was positive for containing chrysotile, the most common form of asbestos.  The homeowner did the floor removal without containment or proper equipment and potentially may have contaminated the entire home through the running HVAC system.  The homeowner is now responsible for the cost to decontaminate all the drying equipment that was put in place by another restoration company, and the cost of an entire asbestos abatement throughout the affected area.  

If your home was built prior to 1990, and you have an original floor covering like vinyl, linoleum, floor tile, etc., it is highly recommended you have the flooring tested for asbestos before disturbing or removing the material. 

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County is fully asbestos certified, and the only one in WI! Don't be afraid to call at 262-542-0900.

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Disinfects Equipment To Keep You and Ourselves Safe

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO always aims to keep you, and us, safe. Especially during these trying and uncertain times.

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County utilizes the latest, state-of-the-art equipment on our fire damage, water damage, mold remediation and asbestos abatement jobs.  In order to protect our equipment and prevent cross-contamination and to protect our customers, we make sure that our equipment is properly cleaned and thoroughly decontaminated before being used on another job site.

After each job, our technicians disinfect all equipment with antimicrobial cleaning supplies. This not only eliminates biohazard spores, but any bacteria as well. The equipment is also cleaned with an air hose, forcing any bacteria or mold spores out of the internal workings.

This is just one of the ways SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County works to keep our communities, employees, and customers safe.

For your cleaning, disinfecting, water, and fire needs call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County. We are here to help under any circumstances. 262-542-0900.

SERVPRO Is Here To Help You Decide What To Keep, And What To Throw, After A Disaster

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO always respects the wishes of a homeowner, while keeping their safety in mind.

An overflowed washing machine caused this room in a Delafield, WI home to flood.  This picture shows an air mover placed under the carpet with the intent to "float" the carpet by blowing air under it to promote drying.  The purpose of this activity is to reduce the cost of having to tear out the carpet and eliminate the need to purchase new carpet.  At the time of this photo it was unknown if the property owner would be filing an insurance claim. 

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County's certified water restoration technicians will make recommendations to property owners in order to help them make informed decisions.  However, SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County's technicians are not licensed agents and we cannot interpret insurance policies nor can we determine what is and is not covered.  Unless something is obviously non-salvageable, we will advise property owners to "play it safe" with their decision making.  In this example, it was recommended to try and salvage the carpet until a decision is made to file an insurance claim.

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County will work WITH the customer so that as a team we all can make it "Like it never even happened."

If you have water or fire damage and you are not sure what to do, call SERVPRO SW Waukesha County at 262-542-0900 and we will help you make an informed decision.

10 Reasons To Choose SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the service you expect with the quality you deserve.

From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur.  SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County's professionals know that there is no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of the tenants and the revenue of the property owner or the business.  SERVPRO professionals can provide you assistance with all your emergency needs.

  1. 24 Hour Emergency Response: SERVPRO will work to meet and hopefully exceed your expectations.
  2. Communication: SERVPRO will keep you informed on the status of your project.
  3. Reduce Recovery Time: SERVPRO will help minimize business interruption.
  4. Lower Recovery Cost: SERVPRO will help you save money.
  5. Emergency Ready Profile: SERVPRO will help you plan for recovery before disaster strikes.  
  6. Full Line of Service: SERVPRO will help to solve your cleanup needs.
  7. A Leader in Storm Response: SERVPRO will help when you need it the most.
  8. Over 50 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry.
  9. More than 1,700 locations that we can call in to help on those large projects.
  10. Experience and training in mitigation damages ranging from single family home to skyscrapers.

For all your fire damage, water damage, mold mitigation, asbestos abatement, deodorization and other general cleaning services, call the professionals at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County at 292-542-0900.

Help SERVPRO Raise Money For Christmas Gifts Given To Children Hospitalized Over The Holidays!

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Please Consider Donating To Bring Some Holiday Joy To This 2020 Season!!!

I think we all can agree that 2020 has been a horrible year for most people locally, regionally, nationally and across the globe.  Unemployment is at record highs, businesses are closing all around us and hospitalizations related to depression and other behavioral health issues related to COVID-19 are skyrocketing.

What makes things worse, many children are struggling dealing with these challenges related to the pandemic.  Kids are having difficulties coping with problems caused by the pandamic and hospitalizations are projected to be very high over the Christmas season.

Many families have lost their job and are struggling to make ends meet.  Some children from these families have been or will be admitted to the hospital where the families can not afford a hospital stay, let alone a Christmas gift for their child.  We are SERVPRO felt compelled to help.  So, we are hosting another bean bags tournament fund raiser where all proceeds will be donated to the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation to purchase Christmas gifts for children who will be hospitalized over Christmas and the family can not afford to purchase a gift for their child. 

Help us to bring some joy to these children.  And YOU can help us make a difference by either playing in the tournament or by making a monetary donation to this cause.

If you are interested in playing or making a donation, please give us a call and we will gladly accept your money.  We want to put as many smiles on the childrens faces as possible.  It has been a terrible year, but please help us end it on a good note and pray that 2021 will be MUCH better!

Call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to be a part of this fund raiser.  262-542-0900.

Todd & Tina Szada

It Is That Spooky Time Of Year So Let SERVPRO Help With The Eerie Feeling In Your Home To Help It Sell Faster

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

If Your House Looks Like This, SERVPRO Is Here To Help

With October already here, Halloween just around the corner, and spooky season coming to its peak, we thought it would be an appropriate time to share some reasons that your house might feel a little creepy. 

The following comes from "October 2020 Talking Real Estate ENewsletter.” Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Have you ever toured a home and just wanted to run right back outside? Maybe something hit you negatively, but it could be easily fixed. If the location and price are good, updates could be the answer. Ask yourself: what would you do to make a creepy home warm and inviting?

Improve lighting –Dark rooms can be spooky. Low light, especially from too few windows, can also be depressing. Can windows be enlarged? Can the electrical be updated to allow for the installation of sconces and ceiling lights? 

Re-design living areas – Low ceilings, awkward layouts, or rooms too small for their purpose can make a home feel claustrophobic. Can the ceilings be raised into the attic? Can a wall or two be removed? Can space be “borrowed” from another room for better flow?  

Simple maintenance – Keeping a home in good condition shows that it’s loved, while neglect makes homebuyers feel uncomfortable. Can obvious flaws be fixed and at what cost? 

Freshen - If the problem is odor, it could be pets, smoking, old furnishings, or musty spaces. Dampness can suggest a leak in bathrooms or kitchens.  Can the smell be identified and eliminated through cleaning or remodeling?

Modern updates – Homes stuck in the past need updating which can eliminate a lot of problems? Is there enough room in the budget to remodel to get the home to meet your criteria?

You could turn the spookiest house in the neighborhood into the home of your dreams.

If your home is feeling a little creepy because of odor, water damage, pet and child created flaws, or simply the need for a good cleaning, give us a call. SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County at 262-542-0900 for all of your "spooky" needs. 

Source:

  1. Hubrich , Dian. “October 2020 Talking Real Estate ENewsletter.” Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Oct. 2020, bhhsmarketingresource.com/p/9f60b389d6754032b1de30fca1af1b40/8916920/?rxid=13414208441827544136820.

SERVPRO Is Invading Your Space for Good Reasons

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Our Equipment May Be In The Way, But Because We Care!

SERVPRO is the largest restoration company in the United States and that means we are in a lot of buildings, both residential and commercial.  

We admit that sometimes we get in the way. We ask invasive questions about your personal spaces. We bring in loud equipment. It seems like we are always invading our customer's spaces.  

While we are sorry for this inconvenience, at the same time we aren't because we know that this is the best way to mitigate your problem.  Without us walking through all the affected areas, asking questions, looking in closets, checking inside shower stalls, etc., we can't do our job thoroughly and efficiently.  Our job is to take care of the issues that come with mitigation work. Water, fire or mold mitigation, even asbestos abatement, requires thorough inspections. It requires our employees to ask tough questions to get to the best solution for YOU, our customer.  

Our loud equipment is often left for several days and we will ask you to allow us access every 24-36 hours to ensure that the equipment is doing what is supposed to. Our visiting every day can get annoying, but it is necessary.  

SERVPRO is the number one restoration company and we got there by being annoying. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are HERE TO HELP.   

We GREATLY appreciate our customers putting up with our invasions. And we want you to know we do it because we love helping others.   Please call our office at 262-542-0900 to schedule SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to come and invade your home or business. You'll be glad you did. 

Is It Time To Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning Equipment Used by SERVPRO

Are you considering having your air ducts cleaned?  Is duct cleaning right for you?  Hopefully this information will help you decide. 

Air quality is ALWAYS very important in both your home and place of work.  You should know that it is recommended that air ducts be cleaned about  every two to five years, maybe more often if you have severe allergies. There is no magic number that determines if your ducts need to be cleaned.  Hopefully these facts may help you determine if you think its time based off of what is happening in your home. 

Fact #1: Having a duct cleaning done can save you energy.

  • Obstructions can create reduced airflow.  Obstructions include dirt, dust, cobwebs, pest droppings and biological growth.
  • Cleaning duct work creates an easier job for your HVAC system. A system that doesn't have to work as hard, lasts longer and requires less significant maintenance.
  • Removing obstructions and debris reduces risk of damage to essential parts of the HVAC system.

Fact #2: Duct cleanings create a better indoor air quality 

  • Air duct cleanings remove contaminants from your duct work. These contaminants include pollen, dirt, dust and cobwebs. For some people, contaminated air ducts can create allergic reactions, or even asthma attacks.
  • Duct cleanings can result in a lower amount of dust accumulating on horizontal surfaces, creating less irritants sitting in the open home.

Fact 3: Comfort

  • A duct cleaning can identify leaks in your duct work that could be causing drafts or excessive noise

If you are having low air flow, unusual allergies or respiratory issues, or leaks and noise issues, a duct cleaning may help. Reach out to medical professionals about serious health issues and if you believe they are related to something in your home, please contact an indoor air quality specialist to identify those problems.  If issues are identified, SERVPRO is always here to help you resolve them.

As always please feel free to contact SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County with any further questions, comments, or to seek services.   262-542-0900

Benefits of Using Portable Storage During Restoration Projects

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Disinfecting Inside Storage Containers For Safety

Remodeling, restoration, and remediation projects don’t stop during the pandemic. Contractors and mold removal specialists are essential workers. Remediation and restoration projects cannot wait for the pandemic to end.

Safety and sanitation are always of the utmost importance, particularly when it comes to mold removal or any type of remodeling project. However, safety and sanitation may take different forms right now, and they are very much on the minds of clients and homeowners.

That’s why it’s important to ensure every aspect of your project is safe, and this starts when our crew clears out a room or building before the real work begins. From the pack-out to what would be the final handshake, SERVPRO and the storage unit vendor must try to provide a safe environment for the crew and clients. This includes placing the items that need to get out of the way in a clean storage unit.

Companies that provide portable storage units are putting a major emphasis on how they protect the health and safety of their customers in several areas. This, in turn, helps the SERVPRO crew and the clients stay safe on the job.

New Cleaning and Disinfection Methods

As scientists continue to learn more about the novel coronavirus, they are discovering its ability to live on surfaces for several hours, if not days. Cleaning and disinfecting the containers has become a top priority for portable storage vendors and they are using some interesting methods to keep their containers clean.

Portable storage vendors are using all different kinds of disinfectants on these boxes.  Most disinfectants are non-toxic and bleach-free and only needs four minutes of wet time. The quick-drying agent is critical for companies hoping to get the containers for use on renovation and remediation jobs without having to worry whether or not the cleaning agent will soak through boxes. 

Some other disinfectants have been selected because of its known safety, efficacy, and environmental impact by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the major benefits of botanical ingredients is that it doesn’t require any rinsing or wiping after use.

Contactless Service

Right now, many people are concerned about the safety of having workers come into their  homes and offices. The idea of moving someone else’s belongings out of their home or office to make room for remodeling projects does not have to cause any extra stress. When we work with a portable storage vendor, social distancing comes easily. The vendors offer contactless service, so SERVPRO can focus on the work that we are doing and not have to worry about the storage unit.

Our customers do not need to be present when a driver delivers a storage container, and no contact is necessary. The storage box container can be left onsite for storage, be picked up and stored it in a warehouse, or they can even move it to another location if needed.  The entire process is scheduled at your convenience and can be done without contact.

The Pack-Out

We are SERVPRO must be mindful of how you pack. This may go without saying, but now is not the time to visit the emergency room. We use bubble wrap and packing paper freely to make sure everything that’s fragile stays protected. This will prevent any possible cuts and damage down the road.

Every new packing project requires new boxes, especially right now. The COVID-19 virus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so it’s best that we provide new moving boxes for every pack-out.

By using boxes specifically designed for particular objects (like lamps and paintings), we will have an easier time packing the items in a storage container. This will maximize the space and make it easier to load and unload. We load heavy boxes and furniture on the bottom and try to create a path. This will make it easier to retrieve an item without needing to unload the entire contents of the container.

For your emergency service or restoration needs, call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County.  262-542-0900

Sources:

Lorensen, Eric. “Benefits of Portable Storage During Remodeling and Remediation Projects.” Restoration Remediation Magazine RSS, Restoration & Remediation Magazine, 27 May 2020, www.randrmagonline.com/articles/88939-benefits-of-portable-storage-during-remodeling-and-remediation-projects?oly_enc_id=5235J0800912E7Y

General Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers All Types of Professional Cleaning Services

Because SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County is known as a professional cleaning and restoration company, we often get calls to do household cleaning. Sometimes, our customer is moving into a new home and wants to make sure it is clean before their belongings get moved in. Other times, an executor of an estate is handling a loved one's home that needs to be ready to put up for sale.

These examples require different cleaning needs. If you call our office at 262-542-0900 we will ask you questions to determine what type of cleaning is best for your situation.  

In the case of someone moving into a new home, typically the home is vacant. This makes our cleaning process more efficient as we don't have to move any items to clean behind, or move dishes out of the way to clean cabinets. Our services will include wiping down horizontal surfaces in the home, cleaning the outside of cabinets and appliances, cleaning and dusting light fixtures and vacuuming visible cobwebs. We can also provide carpet cleaning services or duct cleaning services for added peace of mind that you are moving into a clean home.  If there are any odors present, we can also offer deodorization services to go along with the cleaning.  The previously mentioned is what we would consider a "general cleaning."  

Should you need a "deep cleaning" performed on your property, our job becomes a little more time consuming. We will ask you many questions so that we have clear expectations on what is to be done while we are at the property.  In the case of a loved one passing away, there are often belongings that will need to be sorted through. After the family decides what to do with the items that are left, SERVPRO can help remove the ones that are not to be kept. We have working relationships with many companies that will accept donated, gently used belongings so they do not go to waste. The deep cleaning is more detailed since the belongings are also to be cleaned or removed. We can also coordinate dumpsters for removing debris if needed.  Just like the above, we can also offer the other cleaning services such as carpet cleaning or deodorization. 

In either case, we will request an in-person inspection of the property. This is to make sure all of your needs are clearly communicated and can be included in our initial estimate.  

Please give us a call today at 262-542-0900 for your cleaning needs.  SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County, "Like it never even happened."

Tips To Balance Your Life During a Pandemic

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Globally and Nationally We Are All In This Together

Right now, people are more valuable in their jobs than ever before. We at SERVPRO wanted to share some tips on keeping your life balanced during these times.  We also want people to know that no one is alone. We are all in it together. Even if you have an emergency during a pandemic, SERVPRO is still here to help. Just like grocery stores are still providing people food, and doctors are still providing medical care, SERVPRO is still providing emergency fire and water damage cleanup services.  

  1. Take care of yourself. Try and eat 3 meals a day, with some snacks. Drink lots of water and get out for a bit, even if its for a walk around your neighborhood. Just so you know, if you are a smoker, you are more at risk for contracting Covid-19. 
  2. Make sure your family (or the people you live with) knows how to be safe with you. Always make sure small children are being careful and learning to wash hands properly. Limit the number of people in your home unnecessarily, including family. If you do not have to leave, do not. 
  3. Do things you enjoy. Safe hobbies include painting, playing instruments, gardening, cooking, taking baths, and talking on the phone with friends/family. Obviously, there is more than just this short list of things to do. The general rule to follow is if it's in your house, it is probably safe. Take care of your mind and your body because they are both important.  

We understand this has been a long process, everyone is tired of not being able to hug family or give your friend a handshake in the grocery store. Or even the fun things, like seeing movies and going out for dinner is being missed.  

Finally, if you go out, wear a mask, wash your hands often, practice social distancing, and avoid touching your face. Make sure to monitor children closely if you bring them and enforce the previously mentioned precautions for children who can walk freely.  

If you have water issues, mold, a fire, or if you just want a deep clean or disinfecting, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County at 262-542-0900.  Never forget that we are in this together.  

SERVPRO Will Do Our Best To Protect You During Mold Remediation

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Plastic Containment Used To Protect You and Prevent Cross-Contamination

Water can and will cause severe damage if not treated timely and correctly.  Specifically, secondary damage, aka mold, is a problem that can cause severe health problems as well.  Also, there have been many instances when insurance carriers will not cover mold remediation as part of your claim, so be sure to review your policy and know what your coverage provides.

When the technicians at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County are asked to remove mold or asbestos, we must taken into account the property and the people, pets and personal items and protect them as much as possible.  This picture shows a plastic containment that was built to prevent mold spores, which are extremely light and become air borne very easily, from migrating into other unaffected areas of the home.  The last thing that we want is for mold spores to travel to unaffected areas.

For all your mold remediation or asbestos abatement projects, call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County and we will help make it "Like it never even happened."  262-542-0900  

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Adds Media Blasting Equipment

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Media Blasting Equipment Owned By SERVPRO Will Help You With More Cleaning Needs

Now SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County can even more provide even faster service.  With the purchase of the IBIX Pro 40 Wet/Dry Abrasive Blast System, we can now provide faster service without having to rely on a sub-contractor to help.

Th wet/dry abrasive blast system uses compressed air mixed with an abrasive material to provide a pressurized stream of media capable of cleaning a variety of surfaces.The blast gun and hose have integrated wet/dry connections allowing for Low Dust Emission blasting when needed.

Abrasive blasting is an effective cleaning method for fire & smoke restoration, mold mitigation & remediation, graffiti removal, surface prep & cleaning, and odor elimination.  It also can be used to help remove oil stains on concrete and asphalt.  This equipment will allow SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to better meets the needs of the customers and communities that we serve.

If you have a project that would require media blasting, call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to help clean up after that spill or mess.  Different types of media are used for different purposes and on different types of materials.  We look forward to being your vendor of choice.

Contact SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County at 262-542-0900 for all your emergency and non-emergency needs.  

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Celebrates 10 Years Of Being In Business

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Local SERVPRO Celebrates 10 Years of Service!

It seems like just yesterday when Todd & Tina opened up SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County back in 2010.  However, the time has gone quickly and we are now celebrating 10 years of service to the communities we serve.  Please join us in celebrating our 10 year anniversary in 2020.

This photo is the award that was presented to us from SERVPRO HQ recognizing our years of service.  

As owners of this company, we honestly believe that any company making it to 10 years of local service demonstrates knowledge, experience, professionalism, determination, a willingness and drive to succeed and to do what is best for the customer, the employees and the organization.  There are many businesses that fail within their first two years, so to last 10 years shows that we are a reputable organization.  So when people ask, "Why SERVPRO," we are hopeful that the years of service and experience will answer that.

We are proud to have reached 10 years and we are looking forward to another wonderful 10 years.  To see our son grow up during these years and raise him within the SERVPRO family, we are hopeful to pass along our knowledge and experiences to him so he can take this company to new levels and more years.  

If you have a need related to fire & water damage, mold remediation, deodorization or asbestos abatement, call us to help!  262-542-0900

Tips To Remove Stubborn Stains On Hardwood Floors

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Stains Like This Can Possibly Be Removed

If you have hardwood floors and kids, or even pets, it is almost guaranteed that you have had a mess at some point. Getting those stains off or out are normally easy cleans, but for the odd stain, or the stubborn stain, the following information will help.    

First, you are going to need to know what kind of floor you have. There are three basic types of floor finishes: wax finish, penetrating stain, surface finishes. A surface finish sits on top of the wood, whereas wax and penetrating stain finishes go deeper into the wood. The latter are usually found in older homes. 

Second, after determining the type of floor, you need to determine the stain type. We will cover both kinds of water stains, non-greasy stains, and greasy stains as follows.    

WATER STAINS. You will need to identify if the stain is a white ring type stain or a dark (possibly even black) stain. There are two different methods for the respective stain types.  

White stains: 

  • Wax/penetrating: 
    • Gently rub with #000 steel wool and a floor wax 
    • Go on with a #00 steel wool and a mineral spirit/wood floor cleaner 
  • Surface finish:
    • Use a cleaner for urethane finishes, this will most likely take anything right off
    • Scrubbers can be bought specifically for urethane finishes as well, sometimes extra elbow grease can do the trick for stubborn stains 

If the previous methods do not work (for any finish type) you can try 

  • Placing a damp towel on the floor and placing a hot iron (not on a steam setting) on top of it for a few seconds. Then wipe the area down with a clean dry towel 
  • Try rubbing the spot with a toothbrush and some rubbing alcohol for a few seconds in small areas at a time 

The second type of stains, dark/black stains, can be trickier. Generally, these stains have penetrated the wood, but you really have two options (with no variation depending on the finish type): 

  • Dip a toothbrush in bleach and rub the stain. Repeat once more after a few hours, then wait overnight to see if the stain is gone 
  • You can always strip, sand, and reseal the area if all else fails 

For non-greasy food stains/nail polish and the like: you should be able to remove the stains with warm water, dish soap, and a rag.  

For greasy stains, such as butter or oils, the method of removal will again be determined by the type of finish on the floor: 

  • Wax/penetrating: 
    • Use a dish soap with a high lye content, warm water, and a rag 
  • Surface Finishes: 
    • Use the steps above for removing white stains from surface finished wood 

When removing stains from wood, always go easy on moisture and let the area thoroughly dry before doing anything more. Only use cleaners for your specific floor type when possible to avoid unnecessary damage.

When in doubt, or if you have a very large stain, call a professional such as SERVPRO. We have seen a lot of different situations and are always here to help. Feel free to give us a call at 262-542-0900 with questions or comments.  

Sources: 

  1. Kelly Roberson Updated April 10, and Kelly Roberson. “How to Remove Stains from Wood Floors So It Looks Like That Spill Never Happened.” Better Homes & Gardens, www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-remove-stains-from-wood-floors/.  

SERVPRO Employees Get Some Well Deserved Fun and Relaxation

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Employees Having Fun At Our Annual Employee Picnic

At SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County, our team takes pride in the hard work that we put in for all of our customers.  As we are a 24 hour/ 7 day per week service provider, it means that we often work long hours and many days in a row.  Disasters never take a vacation.  

But with all that hard work, we also know that it is important to periodically take some time off to decompress and relieve stress and enjoy some free time or have some fun time with co-workers.

One thing that we do at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County is have an annual summertime picnic for our employees.  We like to give them a paid day to enjoy some traditional summer foods and play some fun games.  In this photo four of our employees are playing bags as a way to unwind.  Even though it rained and COVID-19 is still an issue, it still couldn't stop our staff from having some well-deserved and earned time off inside the shop.

For all your emergency water and fire damage needs, or mold remediation, asbestos abatement or deodorization issues, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc at 920-674-3002

Providing Peace of Mind with Vehicle Disinfecting Services

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Vehicle disinfecting services now available at SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha.

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha is here to help during these unprecedented times by now offering vehicle disinfecting services.  While the "safer at home" order is in effect, essential workers and those people at home have needs to travel to work, grocery store, and pharmacies.  We can help provide a peace of mind by disinfecting any type of vehicle.  SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Our disinfecting services are available to purchase as gifts as well.  This can help bring peace of mind to family, friends, co-workers, and yourself.

For any questions regarding disinfecting services please call us at 262-542-0900.  Our certified technicians are here to help answer your questions and provide the disinfecting services to keep you and your family safe.

Visit us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Instagram!

Strategies for Safely Returning to Work – Re-Opening Businesses

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha is here to help deep clean and sanitize commercial and residential structures.

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County, as a small business, wants to do whatever we can to help other small businesses during these unprecedented times. As we, hopefully, are approaching the end to the "Safer At Home" orders that many of our States have gone through, there are tips to share with business owners on how to prepare for that.

Please know that SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha is here to help and we can help by being the deep cleaning sanitation company that you may need. We are a professional commercial cleaner and emergency cleaning service that is local.

As states begin the process of opening their economies following shelter-in-place orders during COVID-19, the American Society of Safety Professionals is recommending return-to-work strategies and best practices that make safety and health a priority for employers in every industry.

Some states and metropolitan areas have instituted their own rules – such as requiring masks or cloth face coverings in certain industries – but you still need to address engineering and administrative controls and add a risk assessment to your return-to-work plan. Facilities may start using a physical distancing approach.

Other suggestions include the need to conduct symptom checks, design work areas to limit exposure, use barriers to improve physical distancing and maintain a policy on visitors entering the workplace.

For more information about ASSP and its widespread efforts to keep workers safe today and post-pandemic, visit www.assp.org.

To view this entire article, click on the following link: Return-To-Work Strategies for Safely Re-Opening.

If you are looking for an local emergency cleaning company or have, then please call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County at 262-542-0900. We are here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Visit us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Instagram!

Vinyl Flooring Removal Exposes Asbestos Tile

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Vinyl Floor Removal Exposes Asbestos Containing Material

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County and SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc were called to a home that had water backup in the basement.  After the crew extracted water and started to remove the vinyl floor covering, they discovered a checkered pattern floor which turned out to be 9"x9" asbestos containing tiles.  Water was settling underneath the floor tile, so removal was necessary to stop any kind of hazardous bacterial growth. SERVPRO then took safety precautions and made preparations to properly remove the asbestos containing tile.  

If you are in need of asbestos removal or material testing, contact:

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County at 262-542-0900

-or-

SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc at 920-674-3002

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha Offering Residential and Commercial Disinfecting Services

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Offers Residential Disinfecting

During these times of daily change and self-quarantine, it is important that structures are disinfected to help prevent the spread of bio contaminants, including coronavirus.  Many business owners or business managers have been calling SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County because they are affected and need our help in disinfecting the buildings where their employees are working.

However, our services and scope go beyond the work environment because we also do residential cleaning and disinfecting.  For 50 years SERVPRO has been going into to people's homes to disinfect after sewage water intrusion, mold remediation, insect infestations and virus exposure.  These same services can be offered today as well. 

Our trained technicians will enter your home with full personal protective equipment on to not just protect themselves, but to protect you and your family.  Our technicians will be wearing full body suits, heavy duty gloves, respirators/masks, eye protection, etc.

If you would like SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County to disinfect your home due to the current coronavirus concern, please call us at 262-542-0900

Essential Businesses Recommended Response Plan: COVID-19

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an essential business and Here to Help!

During these unprecedented times, most people and organizations are doing their best to try and help the community in many heart-felt and encouraging ways. We at SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County also want to help. Going forward, we will be sharing what we feel is important information and articles that can help the communities that we serve. This week, we want to share information about a recommended COVID-19 response plan for businesses that were determined to be "essential."

By implementing a COVID-19 Response Plan, an “essential” business pledges to dedicating resources immediately to identify and mitigate situations in the workplace which may introduce, expose or spread COVID-19. Each company’s plan, unique to the operations under its control, will document the identification and mitigation measures taken, including all engineering controls, administrative controls and safe work practices, and will update that plan on a regular basis for the duration of the COVID-19 situation. Below are some of the changes that are implemented during this time to help do their part to make the “essential” workplace as safe as possible and still continue to operate.

• Ban in-person meetings (internal or external) and employee convenings (formal or informal) of any size. Employee communication handled virtually wherever possible.

• Regular body temperature scans performed and logged for all on-site employees (contingent on availability of scanning devices, which are in short supply due to acute global demand).

• Immediate workflow audit that removes instances of employees being within 6’ of each other.

• Reduction of on-site work hours to minimum needed to sustain operations.

• Staggered shifts and work hours to minimize on-site human presence at a given time.

• Staggered use of all shared spaces, including bathrooms, break-rooms and lunchrooms.

• Staggered facility entry and exit procedures.

• Mandatory work at home for all employees except the absolute minimum required for baseline production and logistics functions.

• Sanitary processes implemented throughout facility (soap, hand sanitizer, single-use gloves, doors propped open, hands-free capabilities, no shared food).

• Blue tape marking of surfaces that receive frequent human contact; disinfection of these surfaces multiple times daily.

• International travel ban – business and personal.

• Domestic business travel bans except for critical operations (with senior management approval). Domestic personal travel requires employee to self-quarantine for 14 days and be symptom-free before returning to work.

• Any employee returning from a Level 2 or 3 CDC travel country must self-quarantine for 14 days and be symptom-free before returning to work.

• No deliveries except those that support production activities or emergency building maintenance.

• No visitors (including suppliers and customers) except those approved by senior management.

• Employees must immediately report symptoms associated with COVID-19 exposure.

• Employees must report contact with any person who tests positive for COVID-19; employee must subsequently self-quarantine for 14 days and be symptom-free before returning to work.

• Essential manufacturing personnel should be evaluated in the testing queue, especially in circumstances in which employers would request workers to be sequestered on site, Certify clean and then shelter in the workplace.

Please remember that SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha is an essential business and here to help. If you have fire or water damage, mold remediation or asbestos abatement, call us at 262-542-0900.

Also note that SERVPRO is Here to Help with all types of disinfecting services.  We use hospital-grade disinfectants to help clean and disinfect structures with a concern about exposure to various types of viruses.

Strategies and Resources for Small Businesses and Community Groups

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha is Here to Help with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

As a small business owner and trying to navigate through the challenges and stressful times caused by this pandemic, I appreciate the opportunity to learn about how the State of Wisconsin can help me and other small business owners and community groups.

With that said, this article was sent to me and I wanted to share it with you.  You can learn about different strategies to help your small business or resources that are available to all of us.  This article is from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.  Please click on the link to learn about different ways that you can help your business grow.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corp

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

#cleaning #heretohelp

SERVPRO® is Here to Help

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

Our Crews have 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

SERVPRO® has Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. 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 the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO® of Southwest Waukesha County, (262) 542-0900

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha Hosts Annual Fundraiser

2/22/2020 (Permalink)

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The Executive Leadership Team at SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha believe that we have been blessed by God with SERVPRO being a part of our lives. Because of SERVPRO, we have been able to help countless numbers of people dealing with fire damage, water damage, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, etc.

We also feel that we have a duty and a commitment to give back to our community and the communities in which we serve. As a result, on March 7, 2020 we are hosting our 4th Annual Bean Bags Tournament. All proceeds will be given to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, to help support the families of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Our goal for this year is to raise $4,000. In the previous three years that we have held this fund raising event, we have raised over $10,000! With your help we hope to help even more!

We often help people who have had fires in their homes or businesses. We want to express our gratitude to those who also help those same families, the firefighters, particularly those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you would like more information about National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, please visit https://www.firehero.org/

If you are unable to be a part of our event on March 7, 2020 but would still like to make a monetary donation, please visit https://remember-the-fallen.everydayhero.com/us/SERVPRO

If you would like to learn more about this fund raising event, or if you have questions about fire damage cleanup and restoration, call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha at (262)542-0900 to speak with a certified professional today.

SERVPRO Celebrates The Holidays as a Team

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team outing celebrates the holidays.

The Holidays are a time to spend more time with family and friends. The management team at SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha works to promote a family environment with our employees. We work with each other and we have to count on each other to help when needed, just like a family.

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha took the time to celebrate the Holidays together, in just that way. The management team treated all the employees to an afternoon of good fun and team building. Employees ate together, played darts together, played billiards and had a few laughs along the way. We even did a team building activity together where all employees were placed onto two different teams and competed against each other to get out of an escape room by solving clues and puzzles.

When you have fire or water damage and you want to meet one of the happy technicians at SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha, call us at 920-674-3002 and one of our certified technicians will be happy to assist you.

Wellness Challenge to Promote Healthy Eating and Exercise

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our Dreamworks equals our Teamwork. Thanks again Sarah!

Some people will think of SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha as just another restoration company.  However, we are not just another restoration company.  We take pride in what we do, and we are confident in what we do. By striving for those things and bringing them to work every day with us, it assures complete customer satisfaction.  Happy customers come from happy employees.  If our employees are not happy and just "going through the motions," then the customer service experience will not be as positive as it could be.

In order to help keep our customers happy, our Executive Management team encourages our employees to live happy and healthy lifestyles.  One way we do this is by conducting a "Wellness Challenge" which all employees are encouraged to participate in.

We feel that the Holiday Season begins with Halloween and ends after New Years Day.  All employees are encouraged to limit their candy consumption, starting at Halloween. They are encouraged to watch what they eat over Thanksgiving and the other Holidays.  We encourage each other to not overeat during these celebrations. Our dream work, ensures our team work.    

This Wellness Challenge included weekly weigh-ins and the winner is determined by the highest PERCENT weight loss over the designated time period.  This challenge created friendly competition amongst the SERVPRO staff.  We are happy to say that ten SERVPRO employees participated in this recent 12-week Wellness Challenge.  Even though the results varied from person to person, the encouragement that was given and received from each participant to do their best and avoid eating poorly was great to witness.  Employees took pride in their exercise routine and shared stories of success with each other.  To see their faces after a weigh-in that led to a loss of weight was very rewarding for management.

Thank you to all the SERVPRO of Jefferson County/Oconomowoc employees who participated.  We are proud of all your individual accomplishments!

A special thank you to Sarah, a SERVPRO Marketing Representative being a former weight coach. With her leadership and experience, these employees had a wonderful experience!

 

SERVPRO Southwest Waukesha to Host 4th Annual Fundraiser

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Last Year's Winning Bean Bag Boards Set and All 2019 Sponsors
 SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha is pleased to announce that we will be hosting for the 4th year in a row our National Firefighters Bag Tournament! Last year we had 63 teams play, and it was featured on FOX 6 News. We would love it would you come be apart of this event with us! Its a party you don't want to miss. 

Just like last year, our proceeds will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  In the 3 years combined, we have raised over $10,000.  

Here at SERVPRO, we are one of the first on site to help clean up after the fire fighters have left.  It is the first responders who take the risk of helping the people living in our communities, and sometimes even get hurt while making the ultimate sacrifice on the job.  By supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, this is our way to show our appreciation and give back to those families who are dealing with the loss of a fire fighter.

If you are a first-responder who is interested in registering to play in the tournament, or you would like to make a contribution, please call our Marketing Department.

We are also looking for local businesses to help support this event by donating a prize or by becoming an official sponsor.  If you are interested in being a sponsor or donating a prize, call us at 262-542-0900 and ask to speak with one of our Marketing Team members.

Proper Equipment Decontamination Is Important at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Decontaminated Equipment

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County utilizes the latest, state-of-the-art equipment on our fire damage, water damage, mold remediation and asbestos abatement jobs.  In order to protect our equipment and prevent cross-contamination and to protect our customers, we make sure that our equipment is properly cleaned and thoroughly decontaminated before being used on another job site.

For all your fire, water and mold damage or asbestos abatement needs, call the professionals at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County (262) 542-0900.  We will help make it "Like it never even happened."  

Working WITH The Customer Is A Priority of SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Air Mover Placed Under Carpet to "Float" In Order to Promote Faster Drying

An overflowed washing machine caused this room in a Delafield, WI home to flood.  This picture shows an air mover placed under the carpet with the intent to "float" the carpet by blowing air under it to promote drying.  The purpose of this activity is to reduce the cost of having to tear out the carpet and eliminate the need to purchase new carpet.  At the time of this photo it was unknown if the property owner would be filing an insurance claim. 

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County certified water restoration technicians will make recommendations to property owners in order to help them make informed decisions.  However, SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County technicians are not licensed agents and we can not interpret insurance policies nor can we determine what is and is not covered.  Unless something is obviously non-salvageable, we will advise property owners to "play it safe" with their decision making.  In this example, it was recommended to try and salvage the carpet until a decision is made to file an insurance claim.

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County will work WITH the customer so that as a team we all can make it "Like it never even happened."

If you have water or fire damage and you are not sure what to do, call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County at (262) 542-0900 and we will help you make an informed decision.    

Promoting From Within Is A Strategy Used at SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County Announces Promotion to Production Manager

Recently, SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County made a change to our management staff. Deanna was promoted from Office Manager to Production Manager. Deanna had been with SERVPRO for almost 10 years as the Office Manager. She is WRT (water restoration technician) certified, FSRT (fire, smoke restoration technicina) certified and is one of our certified asbestos supervisors.  Deanna has worn many hats during her time as Office Manager. A majority of those hats were in the Production Department which lead us to consider the promotion to Production Manager as a natural transition for both Deanna and our company.  Since becoming production manager in Early October, Deanna has helped us streamline many of our production procedures.  We are proud to have many well rounded staff members that can help SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County  continue to offer our customers the best service in the industry. 

Call 262-542-0900 with any questions related to water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, nicotine cleaning, deodorization and general cleaning services.   

First Weber Golf Outing

11/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's marketing reps

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County sponsors First Weber Golf Outing

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County was again a proud sponsor of the annual First Weber Realtors annual golf outing held on August 7, 2019.  All proceeds went toward the First Weber Foundation.  Brad Richert and Sarah Anderson, both Marketing Representatives for SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County, attended the event. They were available to talk with golfers and real estate professionals to answer questions about our services while having a fun time playing some extra games on the course to make the day even more enjoyable.  

If you have any questions and want to learn more about fire and water damage or mold, deodorization issues, asbestos abatement or general cleaning services by calling our office and speaking with Brad or Sarah. 262-542-0900

Asbestos found in structure

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

#SERVPROsouthwestwaukeshacounty #asbestos

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County Does Asbestos Abatement for City of St. Francis

A property owned by the City of St. Francis was determined to be beyond repair so it was donated to the local Fire Department to be used for training purposes.  Before that structure could be used, the asbestos containing material in the structure had to be removed to make it as safe as possible following State controlled-burning regulations.  SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County was called out to remove all contaminated material.  All material was tested and removed within two weeks from the initial call that was placed to SERVPRO.  SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County is the only SERVPRO certified in the State of Wisconsin to do asbestos abatement. 

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County will respond quickly to your commercial and residential asbestos abatement needs.  We have over 21 years of experience with asbestos abatement.  SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County has the training, experience and equipment to handle both residential and commercial asbestos abatement.  There are many reasons to remove asbestos from structures:  fire damage, water damage, unexpected accidents or building projects.  SERVPRO will respond quickly to your hazardous project whether it be in your home or your business.

Waukesha Farmers Market

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

We can't wait to meet you! Stop by our booth and say "hello!"

SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County takes great pride in being a part of our local neighborhood. We understand that communities like ours hold America together. We want to do our part to ensure that our residents thrive by helping those less fortunate, keeping the area safe and helping to make our city the best it can be.

Our Marketing Department keeps busy on the weekends by getting involved in our local Farmers Market in Waukesha, WI. We get excited to see all the friendly faces that come to enjoy the event. At no cost to parents, we offer face painting to all the children that attend.

For nearly 17 years, Waukesha has been hosting their Farmers Market with each year rapidly growing in attendees. You can find all different types of vendors from local produce, professional marketers, flowers, and arts and crafts. We hope to see you there.

Better In Numbers

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

When Disaster Strikes Call 1 800 SERVPRO

As the largest restoration company in the United States, when a Natural Disaster strikes, we can call upon the other SERVPRO franchises to help us in times of high demand or in times where a job is just so big that we need additional reinforcements to help us get the job done in a timely manner.  Because SERVPRO is the largest restoration company in the USA, we can get additional resources to job sites in a matter of hours, not days! It is truly remarkable how much our team work and dedication as a large corporation can come together when the country is experiencing a time of need. In emergency situations, time is of the essence so the faster the job can begin, the faster we can mitigate the problem. They say, Team work makes the Dream Work, and that is the SERVPRO way! 

Meet the Team - Todd Szada

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Todd opened SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County with his wife, Tina, in March of 2010. Before opening this franchise, Todd used his Bachelors in HR Management from UW Whitewater and his MBA from Cardinal Stritch to work in the health care field. As Owner and Operator of SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County, is always busy. To see what his day looks like, find him on Our Employees

When asked why he likes working for SERVPRO, Todd responded, “Being able to help people in need.  Going to a job site with a customer who is distraught and has no idea what to do or how to proceed and being able to take charge and answer questions that the customer may have.  Seeing a customer cry on day 1 and then hugging me at the end of a job telling me that they are so happy that they called us to help them is the most gratifying part of this.” 

With an attitude like that, it’s not hard to believe that SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County works hard to ensure that we leave each job, “Like it never even happened.” We strive to leave our customers satisfied with the work done. 

If you are in need of remediation and restoration services, call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County today at (262) 542-0900!

Be Ready When Disaster Strikes!

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Following a disaster, as many as 50% of business close down. An overwhelming percent of those that survived had an emergency plan in place. #beready

What is an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)? 

An ERP is a write up SERVPRO provides to prepare your business in case of disaster. It is a quick reference of important information on the building and contacts. This critical information helps speed up the process of mitigation. As a result, business interruption is minimized. No one plans for disaster but you can be “Ready for whatever happens.” 

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan: 

  • There is no cost to your business.
  • An ERP provides only critical information needed in an emergency, nothing less and nothing more. It doesn’t take long to complete and won’t get in the way of your job but it will save you when disaster strikes 
  • Having a preparedness plan will help you get back on your feet faster after a disaster. 
  • Establish a line of command for authorizing work will save time and money by being able to start mitigation faster. 
  • An ERP provides important information like the location of shut-off valves, priority areas, and contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Waukesha County today at (262) 542-0900 to set up an appointment to create your Emergency Ready Profile!