End of Summer Tips to Care for Your Home

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

If you are like us at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge, it's hard to realize that the end of Summer is here!  Schools are starting, busses are on the roads again and soon it will be Fall. 

The time between the seasons of Summer and Fall is a great time to make sure your home is ready for a new season and in a few months that word...SNOW.

Here a few tips we recommend to help keep your home in good condition for a new season.

Outside your home:

• Clean your gutters. Remove any debris to ensure rainfall can go through the gutter. 
• Perform a visual inspection of the perimeter of your home. Look to make sure there is a positive grade going away from your home, not towards your foundation. 
• Look at trees, branches and limbs close to your home.  Are there any that could damage your home and windows if there were strong winds? 

Inside your home:

• Check your furnace filter. Do you need to change it? Make sure to write the date you changed the filter. 
• Check your smoke detectors. This is a good time to change the batteries. 
• Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? It's a good time to change the batteries or get a new one. 

Electrical Safety Tips for the Homeowner

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR THE CONSUMER  

Electricity makes our lives easier. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind.  

Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffee maker. Charging a laptop computer. These are second nature for most of us.  

Here are some safety tips from our friends at The National Fire Protection Association. 

1. A) Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
2. B) When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements. 
3. C) Only use one heat producing appliances such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc. plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
4. D) Extension cords and plug strips should not be used for major appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air-conditioners, microwave ovens, etc. These should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. 
5. E) Arc-fault circuit interrupters otherwise known as AFCI’s shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
6. F) Consider having ground–fault circuit interrupters installed - GCFI.  These reduce the risk of shock they shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchen, garages and basements.  All outdoor receptacles should be ground-fault circuit interrupter protected. 
7. G) Test your ACFIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturers You do not need a flame to start a fire. Fire can start when heat builds up near things that burn. This can happen when a hot light bulb is near things that burn.  Things such as cloth or paper, or a cord that has been placed under a carpet. 
8. H) Consider using ground – fault circuit interrupters to reduce the risk of shock.  These items shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home and bathrooms, kitchen, garages and basements.  All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected. 
9. I) Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
10. J) When installing light bulbs be sure to make sure the number of watts is applicable for the product. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts. 

Here are some additional thoughts: 

Call a qualified electrician or if you rent your landlord if you have:  

A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.  

Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. 

Flickering or dimming lights. 

Discolored or warm wall outlets.  

A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance. 

Sparks from an outlet.  

Simple safety precautions save lives and property. 

Learn How to find Best Moving Companies in Central Iowa | SERVPRO of Fort Dodge

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Finding the best moving company for your family or business could be a daunting task. Although there are many reputable moving companies, one should be careful with scams or poor practices the are followed by some. It’s vital to spend some time in choosing the best moving company. Below we’ve listed a few tips to that can help you find the right company for a successful, stress free move.

Moving Inventory

It's important to list out the items to be moved and a reputable company will do this for you. Professional movers will send out their estimator to get the list of all the items to be moved to determine the bulk and weight. You will be given a price estimate for your move based all the items being moved. Be sure to understand this price estimate and check to see if it is accurate before you select your mover.

Look At Licensed & Insured Moving Companies

Next is to make sure to hire licensed and insured moving companies. This will make you feel confident about the safe transport of your valuables.  And in case of accidental damage, you are covered.

Don’t Ever Pay A Deposit

Reputable moving companies will not ask for any  deposit before moving. You are asked to pay the amount only after the delivery. And always make sure to pay only through a bank account. This will ensure a safe transfer of payment only when you are completely satisfied with their job.

Know How Long the Company Has Been in Business

It is very hard to trust and hire a moving company that is new to the industry. So, find out how long they’ve been in business. Only refer to the companies that are registered and has an established address and, most importantly, customer support to help you with your questions. Online ratings and reviews are an excellent way of choosing the right moving company.

Research More About the Companies Before Hiring

Before hiring a moving company, learn more about them. Ask the movers about services that are included. If you need help packing your belongings or you just need moving supplies like boxes and padding, check to see if such services are available. Whether it is a long-distance move or short distance make sure to find out the cost estimation and check for any additional fees. Packing items yourself is a great way to save some money!

How You Can Benefit When You Hire Quality Moving Services

• You get relief from your moving stress
• The moving process from start to finish is taken care of
• No damage to furnishings
• Saves time

For your next move call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge, a reputable commercial and residential moving company in Central Iowa, offering stress-free moving services within your budget and timeline. Contact us today at (515) 955-4009.

IICRC Certified Frim

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC certified firm.

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

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

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

About SERVPRO of Fort Dodge

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