Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
First Hand Experience: Thankful for the Team!
7/22/2022 (Permalink)
If you want to feel like your concerns are getting heard, please call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville at 319-338-8550.
Hello Everyone!
It’s Jacob here, and I wanted to talk about something that I’m currently dealing with, which is microbial growth in my apartment. Although I am renting and have to wait for the property manager to take care of it, I am very thankful for my team.
Being a Digital Marketing Coordinator, I often don’t get out into the field, but I can notice when something doesn’t look right. I am very thankful for my SERVPRO Production team, who responded to the videos I sent seeking advice. When I expressed my concerns about having myself and my dog exposed, they brought me some of our proprietary products and explained this could be a good line of defense as I waited for the property manager.
Our staff is very busy as some work in the vehicles as they go from job to job, but I am truly blessed that they took my concerns to heart. You should choose SERVPRO because the amount they care for will be hard to find elsewhere.
Earth Day Activities in the Iowa City Area!
4/18/2022 (Permalink)
If you have a free Saturday, try making one of these events to work with local businesses to clean up Iowa City!
Earth Day is approaching, and SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville is Here to help our planet on this special day. Whether you go to one of the following events or participate in a family-related earth day activity, you should focus on working together as a community.
Earth Day Events- Iowa City and Surrounding Areas
- IRL Earth Day Pickup: Saturday, April 23, 2022 (12 PM - 4 PM)
It’s not too late to register for the Iowa River Landing’s Earth Day Event. If you register before the event, your group will get a coupon to one of the businesses in the IRL (Backpocket, Tribute, Marquee, 30 Hop, and Vesta.)
Schedule of events:
12-1 pm Volunteers will go around the IRL to pick up trash.
1-4 pm Earth Day kid activities provided by Bur Oak Land and Trust.
2-4 pm Live Music from Justin Goodchild
- First Annual Tulip Festival: Saturday, April 23, 2022 (10 AM - 8 PM)
Join Wilson’s Orchard & Farm as they host their first-ever Tulip Festival! This event will be at the Iowa City location from 10 am - 8 pm with fun activities such as tulip picking, polaroids in the tulip field, tulip kids crafts, a nature scavenger hunt, and for ADULTS (21+) A COMPLIMENTARY CIDER TASTING!
Schedule of events:
11:00 am-1 pm Stephanie Catlett & Blake Shaw
2:00 pm- 4 pm Kalimbaman and the Fabulous Yahoo Drummers
3:00 pm- 6 pm Tulip painting with Brush & Barrel
6:00 pm - 8 pm Sneezy Dollars
7:00 pm - 8 pm Sunset Yoga in the Tulip field with Hot House Yoga.
Our Digital Marketing Coordinator, Jacob
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
The fun fact about me, Jacob, is that I am a National Award Winning Blog Writer.
Hello Everyone!
My name is Jacob, and I am the Digital Marketing Support Coordinator working out of the Iowa City Office. After college, I entered the workforce pre-COVID, which made things very difficult as a new candidate in the workforce. I was able to gain experience while working as a Communications Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, and Marketing Assistant. It wasn't until my job as a Server at a local restaurant had a small fire that I was introduced to SERVPRO. Not only the services they provide but the relief that comes from choosing the SERVPRO team and getting the project completed by a group of trained professionals.
The moment of relief my coworkers and I felt when we heard we were able to open once again made us want to work for the team. It wasn't until months later that I came across an open position as their Digital Marketing Support Coordinator. I found a group that I am proud to work for, as this is a team that works endless hours to ensure our clients are provided with the best service. Seeing employees like Condrad (Crew Chief, Iowa City location) deciding to work a weekend shift to ensure another teammate can attend to family matters.
We are a team that works together even when the job isn't the most desirable. We lend a helping hand when someone on our team needs it because that is the SERVPRO way. I want to keep getting the SERVPRO brand into the digital space.
Fire Restoration Pack-out:101
2/11/2022 (Permalink)
Our team finds great pleasure in returning restored items to their owners. The owners also feel a certain comfort when obtaining their property.
We provide services for our clients to take their SERVPRO experience to the next level. Our team goes above and beyond so that our clients don’t have stress more than necessary. A fire restoration pack-out is when our team takes the contents from the client, and they will clean and deodorize them. Our team works to restore the preloss condition. Once that level is achieved, they will pack up the contents, store them, and deliver them back once the owner accepts them. SERVPRO offers this service because we can recognize the importance of having sentimental items during a difficult time.
Pack-Out Inventory
When we obtain contents from a client after performing a pack-out, we generate a complete list of all the contents. This list contains the item's condition when received and other information to help protect the client’s property and reduce contractor and insurance company liability. One of our content technicians will document the condition when obtained and restore the preloss state when observing the contents. When boxed/canned foods encounter heat from the fire, they must be appropriately documented before it gets disposed of.
Attention to Detail
As a company, we hope that your or your family will never need our services. Still, there are so many unpredictable factors that we can’t control. With that being said, if you are ever in need of a pack-out service or any assistance, please call our SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville location at 319-338-8550.
SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville Loves You!
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
If you or anyone you know is struggling, please provide them with the love and the resources they deserve!
As we slowly get back to a new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down nearly every city in the world. This isolation has left many people fighting their struggles, especially not having that face-to-face interaction as they usually would. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA), the suicide rate is 25 times greater than the general public for individuals with serious mental illness and mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
When people decide to end their lives sometimes, bystanders might feel their fault. It’s hard to understand what is going through someone’s mind when contemplating their life. If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or anyone close to you, we suggest seeking a wellness stay.
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having a lack of wanting to live.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
- Losing interest in things or losing the ability to experience a pleasure.
- They are withdrawing or feeling isolated.
If you know someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, please help them get to these resources.
Resources
- The Crisis Center of Johnson County, Iowa
- Foundation 2 Crisis Center, Cedar Rapids
- Crisis Line: (319) 362-2174
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255, Press #1
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 911 or emergency services
Our team at SERVPRO® of Iowa City/Coralville wants to extend our hand to those struggling. We have to look out for one another as if we were our own. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out to one of the resources above so you can start the healing process!
Not Today Frostbite!
1/3/2022 (Permalink)
The only way to protect oneself from frostbite is by monitoring the current forecast and planning accordingly.
If you haven’t been outside the past couple of days, this might be news to you: It’s FREEZING outside! With temperatures dipping down into the deep negatives, the risk of getting Frostbite is rising SIGNIFICANTLY. If you aren’t familiar, Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, causing the skin to discolor to a dark blue/black color. The only solution is the removal of the body part. You might feel safe wearing warm gloves, but sometimes, they can penetrate through the material if cold enough. This blog will go over the difference between frostnip and Frostbite.
Frostnip
Frostnip is considered a mild form of Frostbite because if treated immediately, the skin can improve by reheating skin. If untreated the continued exposure to the cold can lead to numbness. When the affected area gets reheated, expect to feel this tingling pain caused by the blood flowing through the affected area.
Frostbite
Suppose you suspect or notice a discoloring on yourself or someone around you. In that case, it is in the best interest to IMMEDIATELY seek medical assistance. If untreated, you can suspect the only solution is to remove the affected area. You should know that there are two kinds of Frostbite, superficial and deep, which both require immediate action to prevent it from getting worse.
Superficial Frostbite
When someone gets superficial Frostbite, it can change their skin color. This type of Frostbite has the chance of healing by the process of reheating the skin; note that the skin may look mottled with the opportunity of having a stinging, burning, or swelling pain. It is common for a fluid blister may appear between 12-36 hours after rewarming.
Deep Frostbite
This type progresses by affecting all layers of the skins and tissue in the affected area. This is when the skin to a shade of white, blue-gray, or black with losing all sensation of cold, pain, or discomfort in the area. Large blisters are expected to form 24 to 48 hours after rewarming. Joints and muscles can stop working, which leads to the tissue turning black and hard as it dies.
Knowing What to Look For
You will want to seek medical attention if you start to notice any of these symptoms:
- Increased pain, swelling, inflammation in the area that was frostbitten.
- Fever
- Seek attention if the skin is hard, cold, or blotchy.
- You are likely to develop hypothermia in severe cases, which requires IMMEDIATE action.
- Signs of hypothermia are intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.
We at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville want to ensure you have a safe winter season. When exposed to severe weather conditions, you have to be self-aware to know when to get to a warm area.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
12/7/2021 (Permalink)
Certified: SERVPRO Clean is a standard that we strive to achieve on a job site.
The COVID-19 pandemic, many working professionals didn't feel safe going back to the office. Here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, we were busy performing disinfection jobs that ensured clients' health and the people in the environment. We decided to label our performance expectations by providing our clients with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is our newly implemented defensive pathogenthat uses our unique 3 C'S:
Consult
- When upholding the standard, we realize that clients are different, and we have to tailor our program to meet our customers' needs.
- By talking with our clients, we can figure out unique information that can assist our team in providing the highest level of service for our clients.
Clean
- After talking with our client, we will agree upon a plan of action. Our expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions.
- This ensures that we hold our client's job to the highest standards that the CDC recommends for cleaning and decontamination.
Certify:
- Once we are completed, we will post the "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield that will be found in the front window.
- This represents our drive to perform in a committed way to the comfort and security of our clients.
If you ever want to learn more about our overall general cleaning practices, please read more at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville.
Sewage Cleanup Expertise
12/7/2021 (Permalink)
Our team will perform all the steps to ensure our client is safe in the area. We eliminate microbial growth to keep our clients healthy.
We get a lot of calls from clients when they need our assistance with whatever it may be. Sometimes the calls are general cleaning, whereas others are not desirable.
Sewage Cleanup
When we get a class about the need to clean up a site affected by a sewage leak, we will be wearing PPE. We do this so that our employees get protection from harmful pathogens. We will place a job into one of these three categories:
- Category 1: “Clean Water”
This is when the water has come from a clean source. If left untreated, it can progress into a category 2 or 3. Some examples of category one would be a broken water line.
This water has a significant level of contamination which can cause discomfort or illness if it gets ingested. Examples of this would be a washing machine overflow, a toilet overflow with some urine but no feces, or a dishwasher overflow.
- Category 3: “Black Water”
This is very much an unsanitary source that can cause severe illness or death if it gets ingested, and we suggest not to put yourself in contact with this category of water. Some examples would be flooding from a body of water, water from beyond the toilet trap, a toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has started to grow microbial growth.
Holiday Baskets
11/21/2021 (Permalink)
Our Marketing team came together to create holiday buckets!
Holiday Bucket
Once a year, we have all our Sales and Marketing Representatives come together to create holiday bucks. This is an excellent way for our marketing staff to get to know one another as we don’t meet besides our Monday Zoom meetings. Some tunes were played, and some even danced as we each worked to complete the baskets. We had ourselves a blast as we made these baskets that we plan on handing out to the people who’ve kept us in mind when recommending clients our way. We want to show our appreciation by handing out a basket of products from local companies within the franchise region.
The basket consisted of:
What I love about SERVPRO is how we want our clients to feel like friends. Not just a problem solver but a helpful resource to anyone that needs it. Whether that be any useful tricks in our blogs, the hard work we do on the job site, or the information we hand out at community events. Welcome to our SERVPRO family!
A Little SERVPRO History
4/23/2021 (Permalink)
Rick Isaacson is the current CEO for the 1,800 SERVPRO professional franchises. He works to help create a business based on helping others.
Learn and understand the history and growth of SERVPRO, from the beginning.
Ted and Doris Isaacson created SERVPRO in 1967 as a painting business in Sacramento, California. With a background in cleaning and restoration, Ted and Doris soon transformed the company into a franchisor of cleanup and restoration specialists.
After selling the first franchise in 1969, SERVPRO continued to grow, acquiring the Bristol-Myers Domesticare Division and its 175 franchises in 1979.
SERVPRO relocated its corporate headquarters from Sacramento to Gallatin, Tennessee, in 1988 to place itself within 600 miles of 50% of the U.S. population.
At the time of the relocation, the SERVPRO System consisted of 647 franchises.
The company's headquarters quickly became a key contributor in its community, and in 1991 the Nashville Business Journal named SERVPRO Industries, LLC, the Small Business of the Year. The company continued its impressive growth, selling the 1,000th Franchise in 2000
In 2005, SERVPRO Industries, LLC, moved to a new 140,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Gallatin to provide more room for expansion.
More than 1,700 franchises are operating nationwide, and SERVPRO continues to grow. The need for experienced, trained, and professional cleanup and restoration experts is recession resistant, and the growth potential inside of a proven system presents an opportunity for prospective franchisees.
With a proud history, a positive current growth, and a bright future, SERVPRO will press on toward becoming the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.
Laundry Safety
3/12/2021 (Permalink)
Laundry can easily pile up, but it is essential to practice basic safety techniques to protect your home.
Not clearing your laundry filter after each use can be dangerous. It is reported that there are over 17,000 fires related to home dryers each year.
Here are a few simple tips to follow to help prevent a clothes dryer fire:
-Clean the filter screen after each load to prevent lint buildup.
-An adult should be at home whenever the dryer is in use and the home should have working smoke alarms.
-Clean the vents outside twice a year to clean out any accumulated dust and lint.
-Commercial dryers should be cleaned out regularly because of their frequent use and shared venting system.
-Don't dry mop heads in the dryer. The dryer's heat can ignite the chemical residue on mop heads.
-Keep the surrounding area clean. The dryer's heat may ignite anything left too close to the dryer.
-The safety of your family is important to us and we hope that you don't encounter such a fire. Be sure you follow these steps to avoid a fire in your home.
What Makes SERVPRO Stand Out
2/22/2021 (Permalink)
With 100+ employees, easy access to extra labor, and eight SERVPRO franchises, our team of trained professionals are ready!
As a restoration company, our aim is to be the trusted resource among clients. We ensure that we follow industry standard protocols. Our staff members go through IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) training to be best prepared for all the services we offer. They are also certified with OSHA, Lead, and Asbestos awareness. We maintain a large inventory of equipment for residential and commercial work. The extensive list was added to this past week with more equipment being sent to our team. Air movers, dehumidification equipment, air scrubbers, specialty drying equipment including desiccants and generators all help complete the work in a timely manner. Lastly, our team members utilize technology and client documentation to make sure that everything is recorded properly. Our proprietary software that documents and records all the essential information is needed to make sure that these pieces are easily accessible.
Mold Remediation on a Roof Ice Dam
1/28/2021 (Permalink)
We are "Here to help" with any winter disaster. We can assist with any water or mold damage from an ice dam.
In the case of an ice dam, we are able to help with drying water damaged walls and floors and we can remove and clean up affected insulation. This image shows how an ice dam can lead to potential water damage. If the water goes untreated then it can produce mold spores that can continue to spread. We start by properly removing all saturated and affected insulation then the area can be treated and dried out if necessary. When working in older homes, we make sure to test for lead and asbestos per OSHA expectations. The goal of a mold remediation project is to return the indoor environment to a clean, safe, livable condition. With the build up of ice on the roof and gutter, the ice melts and can seep through to the dry wall and insulation. This can then be a source for mold. If you are in need of help, call our office and we will he there to make it "Like it never even happened."
Ew! What's that smell?
1/20/2021 (Permalink)
Our tea is ready to help at a moment's notice with whatever you need to help you get your life back to normal, even when it comes to bad smells.
Good news! We are able to deodorize your home whether it's a water job or fire job or it's merely animal smells. We have the equipment to get the job done. Our team of professionals will use Ozone generators to remove any odor after the source is removed. Ozone gas (O3) is very effective in eliminating odors. When the Ozone generator is on, plants, animals and the team member need to get out of the area that is being treated, because ozone can be toxic when inhaled at significant levels. It is meant to make O2 turn to O3 as it is an olfactory desensitizer. Ozone works slowly, but is very effective. Depending the disaster, the ozone generator can do the trick, or it can a necessary deodorization step.
With 2020 behind us, what does that mean for SERVPRO?
12/31/2020 (Permalink)
Our goal as a team of professionals is to make a place of excellent services and to be "faster to any size disaster."
SERVPRO will still be the “faster of any size disaster,” and to further that claim, SERVPRO plans to expand! It means that SERVPRO will have more manpower for those larger disasters, and more manpower means getting homes and businesses back to working order, faster. Our aim is to provide exceptional customer service for each and every customer.
After the last year we have had, SERVPRO has adapted to the changes and conquered the roadblocks ahead. Disinfecting may still be a huge thing in 2021, and SERVPRO will be there again and again to disinfect and sanitize it all. And while people are still working from home, we will still be able to provide carpet and duct cleaning for the extra traffic, as well as any mold, flood, or fire damage. Whatever lies ahead, SERVPRO is ready.
Homemade Cleaners Around The Home
12/3/2020 (Permalink)
If these homemade cleaners aren't quite doing the trick, then you can call on our SERVPRO team to help clean up your mess.
Home Made Glass Cleaner
*Mix 1 part Vinegar with 2 parts water
*Add ½ teaspoon dish soap for every cup of water
*Shake to mix
ALL-Natural Homemade Floor Cleaner
*1 part water
*1 part white vinegar
*1 part 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
*A few drops of liquid dish detergent
*1/4 part lemon juice
DIY Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner (If you have animals this can be a life saver)
*¼ cup of baking soda
*¼ cup of white vinegar
*3/4 cup of warm water
*1/2 tablespoon of dish liquid soap
Homemade Deodorizing Spray
*2 cups fabric softener
*2 cups baking soda
*4 cups of warm water
Homemade Garbage Disposal Cleaner
*3/4 cup baking soda
*1/2 cup salt
*1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap’
*1 lemon
After first 3 ingredients are mixed, grate lemon peel into mixture. Then cut lemon the lemon in half and remove the seeds. Squeeze both halves into the mixture until lemon is fully incorporated. Grab a sheet pan, spoon and some parchment paper. Cover the sheet pan with parchment paper, use the spoon to mold in half rounds, and then tap them out onto the pan. Allow the tablets to dry overnight. Place dried mixture into a sealable container.
Clean Your Washer
*2 cups vinegar
*1/4 cup baking soda
*1/4 water
Pour mixture directly into the machine’s drum. Run a normal cycle at least twice. Make another batch and use a brush and scrub the edges.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent
*2 cups of Borax
*2 cups washing soda
*4 packets of sugar-free lemonade Kool-aid.
All-Natural Homemade Floor Cleaner
*1 part water
*1 part white vinegar
*1 part 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
*A few drops of liquid dish detergent
*1/4 part lemon juice
This information was compiled from various on-line sources. SERVPRO is not responsible for any and all claims made by these sources. If the mess can’t be cleaned then make sure to call the professionals. Our SERVPRO team is here to help!
WINTER CHECKLIST FOR YOUR HOME
11/20/2020 (Permalink)
The colder months are quickly approaching and it's important to prepare as much as possible.
WINTER CHECKLIST FOR YOUR HOME
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home if you are not prepared. Here is a list of tips and tricks for the winter months.
WINDOWS & DOORS
*Replace weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent heat loss.
*Make sure your windows are securely locked to prevent cold air coming in or heat loss.
*Inspect windows for cracks, gaps or broken glass. Replace or repair if needed.
GUTTERS
*Clean out any debris to prevent blockage of water flow and make sure downspouts flow away from house to prevent flooding or foundation damage.
*Make sure gutters are properly fastened. Ice and snow can pull gutters down and away from home.
*Cleaning out downspouts help with ice dams.
Call our SERVPRO team if you experience any damages this winter.
We Are Ready At All Times
10/30/2020 (Permalink)
We have all the equipment and vehicles needed to get any size job done. We come prepared no matter what the disaster is.
We have a promise to our clients. WE ARE READY at all times. We have a staff of over 40 people ready to help after any size disaster. We have staff on call at night and on the weekends to make sure that when we are needed we are ready. We have different size vehicles all stocked and fueled ready to leave at a moments notice. We have a very mobilized fleet. We have cars, trucks, trailers, and van trucks and a new semi trailer. We have a highly trained staff with crew leaders with over 90 years of combined experience in the mitigation and restoration business. They maintain certifications in residential and commercial approved structural drying, fire and smoke restoration, odor control, water damage restoration, carpet and duct cleaning, and biohazard. Our staff is ready to help you.
Get Ready for the Colder Months
10/30/2020 (Permalink)
It's time to prep for the winter months and the best time to start is during the fall before it gets too cold to handle.
SERVPRO is here to help. It is important to take the time to reduce property damage by doing these things this fall to prevent property damage. Winter is around the corner and Iowa winter temperatures are cold and harsh. Be prepared by taking a little action now by doing a little fall preventative maintenance.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
- Stow Your Mower
- Store hoses and turn off outdoor water
- Drain and turn off sprinkler systems
- Seal cracks around doors and windows
- Clean your gutters
- Inspect your roof
- Direct drainage away from your house
- Get your furnace serviced
- Prune your plants
- Look up the chimney for any blockages and check the dampers to make sure they are working
When damage happens though know we are here to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Get a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business
10/30/2020 (Permalink)
We are dedicated to make sure that you have all the proper information needed in case of an emergency.
For some damage restoration companies, conducting large-scale water damage repairs on office buildings in Iowa can be very difficult. In the event of a sprinkler malfunction, upper floor flood, or other disasters, the vertical nature of many office spaces can pose a significant challenge even for experienced restoration professionals like SERVPRO. However, with the help of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile system, you can make sure that your office receives the care and treatment it needs while we deal with mitigating your disaster.
The Emergency READY Profile is a mobile app that allows businesses in Iowa City and Coralville to prepare for and mitigate disasters as soon as they happen and provide details to ease the communication between multiple entities.
Our marketing team will help set up your account for you! We want to take the hassle out of a disaster and help your company thrive. If you own or manage multiple locations, we can set it up so you can see and manage all locations information. We will come and do a walk through with you, take pictures and document the location of the utility shutoffs
Creating an Emergency READY Profile for your business allows you to operate your company with a higher degree of security and peace of mind. When disaster strikes help is only a click away. The ERP is formatted to be a preventative tool, we help you identify hot-spots and areas of concern. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Should water, fire, or mold damage happen to your building, you can alert SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville and have our IICRC certified technicians sent out with only the push of a button. Your emergency information will be available at your fingertips 24/7 helping to reduce time figuring out who you want to contact.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
10/23/2020 (Permalink)
When going in to clean to disinfect a space, we make safety a high priority. We make sure to come in full PPE to clean the property.
For all businesses that need help reopening or have experienced a positive COVID-19 test in the work place, this is a reminder that we do offer professional services to combat this issue.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville today for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
Ways To Increase the Resale Value of a Property
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
It is a fact: a clean, fresh smelling home sells faster, so that's why we are here to help realtors with difficult listings.
Customers might be concerned that undergoing damage and requiring restoration work might bring down the resale value of properties. These customers will want to know the relationship between restoration work and resale values of the properties.
Customers will be interested in learning what are some of the most cost-effective ways to raise the real estate value of their property. You can provide your insight as a leader in the restoration business to give your customers.
- Have your duct work cleaned out – It’s a good idea to start cleaning ducts before winter hits. This will help you out by ensuring that everyone in home stays healthy, but more so, they will also help you save money and to prolong the life of your duct system.
- Have your carpets cleaned – Brushing and vacuuming carpets, while being helpful, does not count as carpet cleaning. Vacuuming should be done twice a week to remove around 80% of the dirt and grime that accumulates in your carpets. Carpets should be professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Carpets cleaned professionally can remove the pathogens that hide within the fiber of your carpets. Allergens such as dust mites, bedbugs, and pollen can safely be extracted from the carpets.
- The potential dangers of removing mold yourself – We all are exposed to low levels of mold spores every day. However, molds can settle down and spread quickly through out your home. Exposure to certain molds can have effects on one's health. While DIYers sometimes attempt to tackle the problems in their home, mold is one that should be handled by a professional. Mold remediation requires the expertise of a professional with years of experience in safety and properly removing mold from your home.
- Odor Removal – Odors can be concerning when they linger and are tough to eliminate. Airing out the property and using air fresheners are masking agents. Lingering odors can indicate that there is serious damage that has been done to the property, such as water damage, mold growth, or smoke damage. Odors are usually an indicator of a larger issue. If you do not see it, but can smell it, then call your professional Restoration Company.
We Have a Product For Any Situation
10/9/2020 (Permalink)
We are fully stocked with whatever product is needed to get the job done no matter the size of the job.
SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville has a cleaning product for any cleaning situation for the unexpected disasters. Whether you have a sewage job, a fire job, a mold job, a carpet cleaning job, a job that might have some blood, or a job that has painted graffiti, we have a product specialty formulated by our scientists at SERVPRO that will be able to help remove that stubborn situation. We are here as your premier cleaning and restoration company to make it "Like it never even happened." Our team has products stocked and ready on our shelves all the time and our trained technicians know how to safely and properly use these resources to treat the most stubborn of situations. We have environmentally friendly "green" products by request. We have a nice selection of deodorizers and air fresheners. You can depend on SERVPRO to take care of you, your home, business, carpets, upholsteries, etc.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - a defensive cleaning program
5/18/2020 (Permalink)
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville today for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
We are Here for You
4/23/2020 (Permalink)
We are always here to help no matter the size of the disaster.
We know these times have been trying for each and every one of us. There are many unknowns and we want to help provide peace of mind. We are still open 24/7, helping with any disaster that hits your home or business. We, here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, want to help you no matter the size of the disaster. We are IICRC trained and ready with whatever is needed for fire, water, and mold damage. Our team has 24 Hour Emergency Service for when problems need to be dealt with immediately. With this time of uncertainty, we are continuing our cleaning and sanitization services. We offer a ULV fog to disinfect service as it quickly and efficiently covers surfaces. The product’s dwell time is only 10-15 minutes, but we recommend that you are out of the facility for four hours to let the product settle and have the scent dissipate since it is a cleaning product that is dispersed all throughout the property. We also offer sanitizing services for porous surfaces such as carpets/rugs, and we offer disinfection services for nonporous surfaces. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfecting by calling 844-965-0001We know these times have been trying for each and every one of us. There are many unknowns and we want to help provide peace of mind. We are still open 24/7, helping with any disaster that hits your home or business. We, here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, want to help you no matter the size of the disaster. We are IICRC trained and ready with whatever is needed for fire, water, and mold damage. Our team has 24 Hour Emergency Service for when problems need to be dealt with immediately. With this time of uncertainty, we are continuing our cleaning and sanitization services. We offer a ULV fog to disinfect service as it quickly and efficiently covers surfaces. The product’s dwell time is only 10-15 minutes, but we recommend that you are out of the facility for four hours to let the product settle and have the scent dissipate since it is a cleaning product that is dispersed all throughout the property. We also offer sanitizing services for porous surfaces such as carpets/rugs, and we offer disinfection services for nonporous surfaces. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfecting by calling 844-965-0001.
We Are Cleaning Experts
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
We are "Ready for whatever happens." And we can come anywhere to help.
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this 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.
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
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 Iowa City/Coralville, 844-965-0001
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
We Have a Product for That
11/7/2019 (Permalink)
We have our product ready to go for you.
For all the messes, stains, spills, and bad weather that life brings, SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville has a product for any and every cleaning situation at any caliber. This includes but not limited to a sewage job, fire disaster, mold, carpet cleaning, a job that includes blood or even a situation with graffiti. SERVPRO comes ready with the products specially formulated by SERVPRO scientists needed for any of those situations, eliminating any stubborn situation. Our specialty products make us one of the leading companies with our attention to customer needs and product details. We train our technicians, so they know how to properly and, most importantly, safely utilize the products. We are prepared for any situation, keeping all our equipment and product stocked, and we make sure that the homeowner or business owner is happy with the results when we leave. You can trust SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville to follow IICRC recommended guidelines when cleaning for a client, keeping the client’s safety as our main priority. We have eco-friendly products available to satisfy all our customers. When coming into the home or commercial space, we work efficiently to get the residents back to day-to-day life.
We Are Ready For All Types of Weather
10/31/2019 (Permalink)
Our vehicles are packed and loaded for any disaster.
SERVPRO works to achieve preloss conditions for every disaster we encounter. It’s our vow to meet customer needs and make the customer feel at ease throughout the process. Our aim is to be quick yet efficient, so the customer can get back to day-to-day life. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville aims to do this by maintaining professionalism throughout the whole process. With our expertise, we can make the customer feel more at ease during such a stressful and overwhelming time. No matter what the weather brings know that SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville is here to help. You have worked hard to make your house a home. At SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, we are here to help you restore your home and personal contents. We are diligent and hard working to get the client back into the home. The reason to hire a professional team when you are needing deep cleaning service is because of our precision and attention to detail. Our trained staff brings with them the best materials, equipment, and chemicals in the business for any situation whether it is a fire, water, sewage, mold, post construction, or general cleaning job. We are prepared for any situation and we make sure that the homeowner or business owner is happy with the results when we leave.
SERVPRO Training
10/30/2019 (Permalink)
Training helps to make sure that you are getting the best possible service.
SERVPRO stands as one of the leaders in fire and water restoration with locations to assist across the country. What makes SERVPRO continue to be a top player is our commitment to our wide variety of services by bolstering them with extensive training and certifications. Training is a vital piece of this industry where people’s personal belongings and homes are being dealt with. The team stays up-to-date on not only requirements but also the newest technology and software programs. The SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville team maintains several certifications under the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC). These include Water Removal Technician, Odor Control Technician, Fire and Smoke Technician, Carpet Cleaning Technician, and Health and Safety Technician among many others. This allows the team to be fully prepared for any scenario, highlighting our ability to assess the disaster to make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO has been able to tailor products and cleaners for a multitude of scenarios due to the team keeping ahead with technology and news. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville is committed to a solutions-based mentality and continuing to grow our knowledge and certifications to help when the time calls.
Why SERVPRO
10/8/2019 (Permalink)
The many faces of our Iowa City/ Coralville Team!
SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville professionals undergo extensive training and certification to ensure the team exceeds the industry standards. Whether it’s a small leak or a major disaster, our team is ready to handle the issue. The SERVPRO team genuinely cares about each and every customer and work to get them to preloss conditions in most cases. Every member is proud and passionate about the work they do for every customer.
SERVPRO has a 24-Hour Emergency Service that provides help for those who need it.
SERVPRO provides detailed estimates that clearly list all services to be performed which helps to eliminate unforeseen surprises. Once the estimates have been approved, trained professionals will arrive in fully stocked vehicles to not only mitigate the problem but also to protect the structure and contents.
S – Service that exceeds the competition
E- Excellent communication throughout the process
R- Restoring property back into its pre loss state.
V- Vow our pledge to meet customers’ needs
P- Professionalism displayed with all team members.
R-Respected and Recognized as the industries leader
O- Outstanding Customer Service
The Technology Sets Us a Part When Performing Mitigation Work
5/24/2019 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville we are using the latest in technology to help us perform mitigation services.
Moisture mapping technology is used to give you the best options available to get you back to "Like it never even happened."
We also do in house training on a regular basis to keep even our senior technicians fresh in the field. We look to organizations such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Restoration Sciences Academy to learn proven techniques that work.
Our biggest piece that sets us apart would be our detailed moisture mapping, documentation, and thorough inventory processes. We have great people who make these things work behind the scenes and it makes the difference if you were to compare. See more by visiting https://tinyurl.com/y42okayc
SERVPRO partners with the local Red Cross
4/22/2019 (Permalink)
We believe in prevention and preparation. It is a natural fit for SERVPRO to work with the local Red Cross chapters. Both SERVPRO and the Red Cross have the gift to be able to help people in their time of need so it is a natural fit for us to support each other. SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is hosting the 2019 Sound the Alarm Campaign at our location in our Des Moines office on May 3rd. Please come out and volunteer. You can register from our Facebook page. The Sound the Alarm Campaign is a program to install free smoke detectors supplied by the Red Cross in peoples homes. SERVPRO staff and others will be going out to install these detectors. Smoke detectors save lives and we are so lucky to help with this great initiative.
Professional Cleaning Service
11/16/2018 (Permalink)
The reason to hire a professional when you are needing deep cleaning service is in the attention to detail. Our trained staff bring with them the best materials, equipment, and chemicals in the business for any situation wether it is a fire, water, sewage, mold, post construction, or general cleaning job. We are prepared for what ever the situation and we make sure that the homeowner or business owner is happy with the results when we leave. The attention to detail is important so that the buildings health and safety is ready for occupants. There are times when we have cleaned after a storm and it is vital to make sure that no glass or insulation remain in the structure. Our clients safety is our number one concern. You can trust SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville to follow IICRC recommended guidelines when cleaning for a client. We are here to help.
We Know How To Turn Up The Heat - Water and Fire Referral Cook Outs
10/26/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville's General Manager, Billy, knows how to turn up the heat. We enjoy cooking and thanking those that refer clients to us. When water or fire damage affects a clients home it can be a devastating experience. We have built fantastic relationships with wonderful insurance companies, realtors, fire departments, property managers, and others that will refer their friends to us when damage happens. They put their trust in us to take care of them when it matters most. We thank those that refer work to us by providing lunch. We know that they appreciate our trained staff quickly and efficiently taking care of their friends and we appreciate them for referring the work to us. We love to get behind this large grill and cook up some great food.
We Have A Cleaning Product For All Situations
10/26/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville has a cleaning product for any cleaning situation. Weather you have a sewage job, a fire job, a mold job, a carpet cleaning job, a job that might have some blood, or a job that has graffiti. We have a product specialty formulated by our scientists at SERVPRO that will be able to help remove that stubborn situation. We are here as your premier cleaning company to make it "Like it never even happened." We have products stocked and ready on our shelves all the time and our trained technicians know how to safely and properly use these resources to treat the most stubborn of situations. We have environmentally friendly "green" products as well. We have deodorizes and air fresheners also. You can depend on SERVPRO to take care of you, your home, business, carpets, upholsteries, etc. Give us a call today with your stubborn cleaning needs.
We Believe Training Is Vital To Success In Restoration
10/26/2018 (Permalink)
Members of our team recently received training from our Program Coordinator, Nita. Training is vital in our industry. Things are constantly changing. Our team needs to stay up on the newest technology as well as the newest information and requirements from insurance companies. She trained on the use of our proprietary software program that we utilize in the field to collect and record data in regards to clients losses. This information forms the story of the loss for insurance companies and the client for documentation. It is vital to record the information in regards to affected materials and the process of restoring the affected materials. Our team has weekly Monday production meetings to go over any thing of importance but we also do more in depth trainings like these as needed to keep us up to date on information and well informed to make sure we are always ready to help our clients with the most up to date information.
24/7 Emergency Service
