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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Knowledgeable and Professional Mold Remediation Company in Miami Beach?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Mold covers a wall in a home. We are leaders in mold removal services in Miami-Dade County

Our local Miami Beach team is a trusted leader in mold damage remediation services. The warm and moist climate of Florida creates the perfect conditions to encourage mold growth. Additionally, a mold outbreak is often the symptom of a water damage problem. Our technicians will locate the source of any excess water and restore the damage as part of the mold removal service to discourage the mold from returning once the mold restoration process is complete.

Here is a review from one of our happy mold removal customers in Miami Beach:


“I highly recommend SERVPRO of Miami Beach. Recently when I discovered a mold infestation in my home I was frustrated and worried but after I called SERVPRO and spoke to Joe, and his knowledgeable and professional attitude put me at ease. Joe came over the same morning we spoke and answered all of my many questions calmly and respectfully.

He created a detailed review that gave me confidence. And he made recommendations that have served me tremendously in the interim. I recommend Joe and his team for their level of service, kindness, and dependability.” Lisa Miranda

Call Us Today!

When you discover mold growing in your home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why You Should Call SERVPRO for Rapid Response Water Damage Restoration

8/26/2023 (Permalink)

A red and wood striped pattern hallway flooded with water. A red and wood striped pattern hallway flooded with water.

Flooding and water emergencies can strike at any moment, leaving you in distress. Don't let this happen! When the unexpected occurs, you need a reliable and responsive team to handle the situation promptly. That's where SERVPRO of Miami Beach steps in, providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24/7, including holidays. We understand that water-related disasters don't adhere to regular business hours, and neither do we.

Immediate Response, Day or Night

Imagine waking up at 3 am on a Sunday to find water pouring through your ceiling due to a burst pipe. Waiting for the next business day is simply not an option when your home is at risk. At SERVPRO of Miami Beach, we take pride in our swift response time. Our dedicated on-call technicians are always ready to spring into action, ensuring your property is on its way to being "Like it never even happened." And with a network of 2160 US and Canadian locations, SERVPRO has the depth to tackle any size emergency.

The Invasive Nature of Water Damage

Water can be incredibly invasive, seeping into every nook and cranny of your property. It quickly saturates floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings. Even within minutes of the initial incident, water damage can cause furniture finishes to bleed, resulting in permanent staining on carpets. Books, photographs, and paper goods start to swell and warp, adding to the severity of the damage.

When facing water damage, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more extensive and costly the restoration process becomes. With SERVPRO of Miami Beach by your side, you can count on a rapid response and expert water extraction to mitigate the damage and protect your property from further harm.

Contact us at (305) 532-5411 for immediate assistance, and let our dedicated team restore your property to its pre-damage condition, ensuring you can move forward with peace of mind.

With SERVPRO of Miami Beach, you're never alone in your time of need. Add us to your emergency contact list today!

Why Are We a Top Choice for Hurricane Damage Restoration Services in Miami Beach?

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

A satellite view of a hurricane is seen approaching Florida. Miami-Dade County relies on us to restore storm damage!

When you have storm damage and need emergency restoration services, our local SERVPRO of Miami Beach team is Here to Help. ® We have been restoring storm damage for residents and businesses in Miami Beach for many years.

Our use of state-of-the-art, industrial-grade equipment and our fast emergency response time saves our customers time and money in many cases. Our technicians are highly trained and ready to respond to your storm damage emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As soon as we arrive, we will inspect and assess the damage and immediately begin the mitigation process. Our water extraction equipment is capable of extracting hundreds of thousands of gallons of water rapidly, and we document and monitor the drying process to ensure the area is returned to normal humidity levels. No matter how extensive your damage is, we have the training, equipment, and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Why are we a top choice for storm damage restoration services?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Restoration Services

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Cleanup
  • Building Services

Call Us Today!

Hurricane season runs until November 30, and you never know when the next big storm will impact us, but when you need our help, our local SERVPRO Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Mold Outbreak Discovered in Normandy Isles Condominium?

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

A mold outbreak in the corner of a room is shown. We are leaders in mold damage remediation services in Miami-Dade County. Key Words:

Our local SERVPRO of Miami Beach team is Here to Help ® when your Normandy Isles home or commercial property has a mold problem. Here is a recent five-star review from one of our happy mold remediation customers:

“We had a black mold problem in our garage. It had developed from a leak in our roof. SERVPRO® came in and assessed the entire problem. Took out the infected areas, scrubbed the infected areas that couldn’t be removed and cleaned the air. They then helped get the ceiling back to its original condition. Great job!” T. Lambert

Services: Mold cleaning, Mold damage restoration

Positive: Professionalism, Quality

Our technicians are highly trained and certified to restore mold damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. We have the training, equipment, and experience required to clean and restore mold-damaged properties quickly and efficiently.

  • Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Call Us Today!

The warm and moist climate in Normandy Isles creates the perfect conditions for mold to colonize. When you discover mold and need mold damage restoration services, our local SERVPRO of Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Storm Damage Restoration Services in North Bay Village?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

A broken window is shown. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help ® when your North Bay Village home or commercial property has storm damage. During hurricane season, powerful storms move through our region and bring powerful winds that can send tree limbs and patio furniture flying. As a result, windows get broken and can cause water intrusion issues and further damage if the damage is not mitigated quickly. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As soon as we arrive, we will inspect and access the damage and immediately begin the mitigation process. We will board and tarp any areas exposed to the elements to minimize the potential for secondary damage. We will also extract any water from the damaged areas and install powerful air movers and blowers to remove any excess moisture from the environment.

 Call Us Today!

You never know when the next big storm will blow through and cause property damage to your home or business. Storm damage can happen at any time of the day or night, so when you need emergency storm damage restoration services in North Bay Village, our local Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why SERVPRO of Miami Beach Should Be Your Top Choice for Property Restoration

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your property, whether it's water damage, mold infestation, fire devastation, or in need of specialty cleaning, you want a reliable and transparent restoration company to help you through the process. Look no further than SERVPRO of Miami Beach, a shining beacon of honesty and openness in South Florida's property restoration industry.

Our founder Joe Hrbek is a former journalist turned restoration expert. He makes sure SERVPRO of Miami Beach stands out from the crowd with an unwavering commitment to transparency and by delivering honest results to customers. In an industry marred by shady practices and hidden agendas, the vision for SERVPRO of Miami Beach is to offer services in a transparent, straightforward, and respectful manner.

"We will be successful by giving people honest performance in a transparent, straightforward manner that is deferential and respectful." 

One of the key elements that set SERVPRO of Miami Beach apart is our support for Florida statutes that promote a clear separation between Mold Assessors and Mold Remediators. Unlike some other companies, SERVPRO actively encourages our mold clients to hire an independent mold assessor for jobs that require their remediation services. This practice eliminates any conflict of interest, ensuring customers receive an unbiased evaluation of the work performed.

"It's unbelievable to me, but there are still companies out there who are doing the assessments and the remediation projects." 

Furthermore, we take pride in our commitment to the transparency of Xactimate pricing. We refuse to leave customers in the dark with exorbitant emergency service bills, which, unfortunately, is a common practice in the industry. By adopting the standard pricing mechanism of the Xactimate price list for emergency service projects, customers can rest assured they will receive fair and upfront pricing without any surprises.

In addition to its transparent practices, SERVPRO of Miami Beach boasts a team of highly skilled professionals with state-of-the-art equipment to tackle any property restoration job. Whether it's water damage, mold remediation, fire restoration, or specialized cleaning, we have the expertise to handle it all with efficiency and care.

Clients who have worked with us note our exceptional customer service and genuine concern for their well-being. The team takes the time to communicate clearly with customers, keeping you informed throughout the entire restoration process. With SERVPRO of Miami Beach, you're not just a client; you become part of the family.

As you navigate the challenges of property restoration, choosing the right company to partner with is crucial. SERVPRO of Miami Beach is the shining star in South Florida's property restoration industry, offering transparent, honest, and respectful services. With our support for independent mold assessors, commitment to Xactimate pricing, and dedicated team, you can trust that your property is in the best hands possible. In times of distress, we bring clarity, reassurance, and hope.

Contact SERVPRO of Miami Beach today and experience the difference that transparency and integrity can make in the midst of chaos. Our dedicated team is ready to be your go-to choice for property restoration. Reach out now for a consultation, and let us restore your property.

 

Broken Pipe Floods Commercial Property in South Beach Overnight?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

A broken pipe is causing major flooding on a commercial property. We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help ® when your commercial business or home in South Beach needs emergency water damage restoration services. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to commercial water damage emergencies day and night, 365 days a year. We know that our fast emergency response time and our use of powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment saves our customers time and money in many cases. Here is a recent Google review from one of our happy commercial customers:

“Joe Hrbek and SERVPRO of Miami Beach were recommended to me by my Real Estate Attorney. He told me that many clients had great experiences. He was right on target. Joe was professional, prompt, and incredibly helpful. I’ve used them now on multiple occasions for units I own in a Pompano Beach condominium building and as President of the Board for building-related issues. I’m not only totally satisfied, I’m happy to recommend his services to anyone in need. Kudos to Joe and his team.” Ted Rubin

Services:  Water Removal, Mold inspection

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time of the day or night, so when you need emergency water damage restoration services in your South Beach commercial business or home, our local Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do While Waiting for Professional Mold Removal Services in Miami Beach?

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

A person discovers a mold problem. We are leaders in mold remediation services in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Miami Beach has a mold outbreak. The moist and warm Florida climate encourages mold growth so mold outbreaks are a common challenge for Miami Beach residents and businesses. Here are some mold damage emergency tips from our website for things you can and should not do while waiting for professional help to arrive:

Important Facts:

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48 to 72 hours
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and fans
  • Contact our Miami Beach offices for mold remediation services

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Call Us Today!

Mold damage is often a symptom of a water leak or other water damage. We will identify and address any water damage to minimize the chances of the mold returning once the remediation process is complete. When you have a mold problem in your Miami Beach home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Do You Know How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane in South Beach?

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

A hurricane is seen from a satellite. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in South Beach sustains hurricane damage. Here is some information from the City of Miami for staying safe during a hurricane:

Stay Informed

  • Listen for emergency information and alerts
  • If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately

Dealing with the Weather

  • Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding
  • Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds
  • If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
  • Avoid being in a room with multiple windows. If possible, go to a room that has no windows or a designated storm shelter room within your home. 

Personal Safety

  • Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly
  • Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible 
  • Anyone over two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your South Beach home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hidden Water Damage Causes Mold Outbreak in Miami Beach Home?

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Mold grows on a wall. We are leaders in mold damage remediation services in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has a mold outbreak. Mold damage is a common challenge in Florida, but here are things that can be done to discourage mold growth. Here are some tips from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing mold growth in your home:

  • Keep humidity levels in your home low, and no higher than 50 percent all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Humidity levels change over the course of a day so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
  • Be sure the air in your home flows freely. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
  • Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
  • Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 24 to 48 hours) after a flood
  • Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. You can buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores.
  • Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products
  • Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away. Think about not using carpet in places like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

Call Us Today!

When you discover a mold outbreak in your Miami Beach home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

La Gorce Island Home Suffers Storm Damage?

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

Tropical storm damages trees in Miami Beach park. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

If a tree crashes through your roof into your La Gorce Island home in the middle of the night, our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on call 24 hours a day to respond to storm damage emergencies. As soon as we arrive, we will inspect the damage and secure your home by tarping and boarding up any areas exposed to the elements to minimize the chances for further damage.

We use powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment to remove water from damaged areas quickly. Here are some examples of the kinds of equipment we use:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

  •  Surface moisture meters
  •  Infrared imagery
  •  Evasive moisture detectors
  •  Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

When your home or business on La Gorce Island has storm damage, our local Miami Beach team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Gas Grill Malfunctions Causes Fire in Miami Beach Backyard?

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

A modern outdoor kitchen with a gas grill is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

We spend lots of time outdoors in Miami Beach and many Miami Beach homes are equipped with outdoor grills and kitchens. All outdoor fuel-based equipment comes with fire risk, so before you grill, make sure your equipment is operating optimally. Our local Miami Beach team offers these gas grill safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Make sure your gas grill is working properly.

  • Leaks or breaks are primarily a problem with gas grills. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
  • If your grill has a gas leak detected by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and do not move it. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Miami Beach has fire damage, our local Miami Beach team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Building Your Disaster Prep Binder: 9 Top Essential Documents ? and Trusted Vendors

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

As a commercial property manager or owner, it's crucial to be well-prepared for potential hurricanes and their aftermath, especially in South Florida. One key aspect of your preparation should definitely be the assembly of a comprehensive disaster prep binder. The binder will contain all the essential documents and contact information you'll need before and after a hurricane hits. This blog will guide you through exactly what to include in your binder and highlight the top vendors on your contact list for a quick recovery. Of course, SERVPRO of Miami Beach, the leading restoration and cleaning company, will be at the top of your list!

Local Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

First and foremost, include the contact information for your local Emergency Management Agency. They will provide vital updates, evacuation orders, and resources during a hurricane. Stay informed and follow their guidance to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants.

Local Government Offices

In your disaster prep binder, list the contact details of local government offices, such as city hall, the mayor's office, and relevant municipal departments. These contacts can assist you with obtaining permits, licenses, and any necessary approvals for repairs and renovations after the storm.

Insurance Provider

Ensure you have the contact information for your insurance provider readily available. Promptly reporting damages and initiating the claims process is crucial for a smooth recovery. Document policy numbers and other policy details, so you can quickly provide them when filing a claim.

Utility Companies

Maintain a list of utility company contacts, including electric, water, gas, and telecommunications providers. Having their information readily available will allow you to report any outages or damages and ensure a swift restoration of essential services.

Suppliers and Vendors

This category is vital for the quick resumption of business operations. Include suppliers and vendors critical to your daily operations, such as food and beverage suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance service providers. SERVPRO of Miami Beach should be on this list, as we specialize in disaster recovery and can swiftly respond to your property's restoration needs. Additionally, consider including your payroll provider, IT support, and other vendors essential to business continuity.

Employees

Maintaining open lines of communication with your employees is essential during and after a hurricane. Include a list of employee contact information in your binder so that you can keep them informed about the status of the property and any recovery efforts. This will also allow you to ensure the safety and well-being of your staff.

Local Media Outlets

Including contact information for local media outlets can help you disseminate information about your property's status, closures, and reopening to the broader community. This can aid in managing customer expectations and promoting a seamless return to normal operations.

Local Business Associations or Chambers of Commerce

Being part of local business associations or chambers of commerce can provide you with valuable resources and support during a disaster. Include their contact information in your binder to stay connected with fellow business owners and access additional assistance in the recovery process.

Nearby Evacuation Centers

If an evacuation is necessary, include the contact information and locations of nearby evacuation centers. This will help you quickly locate safe shelters for your employees and building occupants.

Always be Prepared

Building a disaster prep binder is essential to ensure a smooth recovery after a hurricane. By including the necessary documents and contacts, such as local emergency agencies, vendors like SERVPRO of Miami Beach, and critical suppliers, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that arise.

Remember to regularly update your binder and keep it easily accessible to get your property up and running again. Stay prepared, and together we can weather any storm.

  

South Beach Homes Flooded by Storm Surge?

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

A sign reading “flood zone ahead” is seen against storm clouds in the background. We are trained and certified to restore storm damage in Miami-Dade County.

During the Atlantic hurricane season, coastal communities in Miami-Dade County are susceptible to storm surge flooding. Storm surge flooding occurs when powerful, hurricane-force winds blow water onto the shores, flooding homes and commercial businesses in South Beach and other coastal areas. Our local Miami Beach team uses powerful, industrial-grade water extraction equipment capable of pulling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water up quickly, saving our customers time and money in many flooding emergencies.

The Miami-Dade County website explains that storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. The website encourages residents to know their storm surge planning zone. Depending on the hurricane's track and projected storm surge, each zone will be evacuated when a hurricane is identified.

Flood zones are areas mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for use in the National Flood Insurance Program. Each flood zone designation, represented by a letter or letters, tells homeowners exactly what the risk is for flooding at their property over a period of years, regardless of the cause. By law, all homes in high-risk zones carrying a mortgage must be covered by flood insurance.

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach home or commercial business sustains flooding damage, our local Miami Beach team will restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Miami Beach Residents Prepare for Hurricane Season?

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

A hurricane evacuation route sign is shown. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team wants everyone to be prepared for hurricane season. Here is some information to help you plan in advance from the City of Miami Beach:

BEFORE STORM

  • Residents that require specialized transportation, whose medical needs prevent them from evacuating on their own, or who may require evacuation assistance must pre-register with the Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program

STAY INFORMED

  • Email: subscribe for e-mail notifications at www.miamibeacgfl.gov and click on the mailbox at the bottom left
  • Text message: follow @MiamiBeachNews on Twitter.com and turn on mobile notifications

EVACUATION

Ready to evacuate:

  • Once a storm’s path is forecasted to land near South Florida, begin to monitor information about the storm and prepare for an evacuation
  • Fill up your vehicle with gasoline before evacuating, and have extra cash in the event of power outages

Evacuation:

  • The County determines evacuation zones, for the most part, on flooding and storm surge risks. Log on to http://www.miamidade.gov/fire/evacuation-zones.asp for more information on storm surge planning zones

Pets:

  • Miami-Dade County offers pet-friendly evacuation centers for families to go along with their furry friends, up to three pets per family
  • Must bring proof of updated vaccination and medical history. For more information contact Miami-Dade County Answer Center at 311 or log on to http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/disaster-preparedness.asp.
  • Some hotels are pet friendly and allow pets during a storm. For a list of participating hotels, go to www.petswelcome.com
  • The centers that accept pets are located at:
    • Fuchs Pavilion – Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo Center – 10901 SW 24 Street
    • Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School – 1410 NE 215 Street

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your Miami Beach home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Happy Mold Remediation Customers in Miami?

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

A person leaves a five-star review. We are leaders in mold damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team has been restoring mold damage in Miami for many years. When we inspect a home or business for water damage, we also look for mold damage because mold damage often occurs due to excess moisture caused by a water leak or water intrusion issue. Here are some recent Google reviews:

“I had two separate water leaks from the apartment above. In each case, I called SERVPRO, and they quickly responded with the needed air blowers and dehumidifiers to completely dry the wet areas. They checked my apartment for any mold and confirmed that there was none. It is comforting to know that this job was taken care of by competent experts.” Kenneth Gee

Services: Water damage-related cleanup & repair, Water removal

“Joe Hrbek and SERVPRO of Miami Beach were recommended to me by my Real Estate Attorney. He told me that many clients had great experiences. He was right on target. Joe was professional, prompt, and incredibly helpful. I’ve used them now on multiple occasions for units I own in a condominium building and as President of the Board for building-related issues. I’m not only totally satisfied, I’m happy to recommend his services to anyone in need. Kudos to Joe and his team.” Ted Rubin

Services: Water removal, Mold inspection Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Call Us Today!

When you discover mold damage in your Miami Beach home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Leak in Ceiling Causes Mold Problem in Normandy Isles?

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth is visible on the water-damaged ceiling. We are leaders in mold damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

Mold is a common challenge for Floridians because our warm and moist climate encourages mold growth. Microscopic mold spores have been floating in the Earth’s atmosphere for millions of years and play an important role in breaking down organic matter. When the spores find the perfect environment, they colonize quickly and feed from a variety of organic matter including clothes, carpeting, drywall, paper products, wood, and more.

Our local Miami Beach team has been restoring mold damage for Normandy Isles residents and businesses for many years. Often mold is a symptom of a water leak from plumbing or an outside source coming into the structure. We will locate the cause of the excess moisture and correct the problem to discourage the mold from returning once the remediation is complete.

Mold Removal Process

  1. Emergency Contact – 305-532-5411
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  3. Mold Containment
  4. Air Filtration
  5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  7. Restoration

Call Us Today!

If you notice a strong musty odor or hear water dripping inside your walls, you may have a hidden mold problem. When you discover mold damage in your Normandy Isles home or commercial business, our local Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heavy Rain Causes Flash Flooding in South Beach?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

A car drives down a flooded street. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

When a flash flood warning alert is issued, do you know what to do? In April, flash flood warnings were issued for many parts of South Florida, including South Beach. Streets were impassable, and officials urged residents to stay inside.

Our local Miami Beach team has the training, equipment, and experience to mitigate and restore flood damage in homes and commercial businesses. Here are some flash flood safety tips from the National Weather Service:

  • During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts
  • Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area
  • If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain
  • Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers
  • Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don’t Drown!
  • If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle, and sweep it away.
  • Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Call Us Today!

When you have flooding damage in your home or commercial business in South Beach, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hurricane Season is Coming to Miami Beach, Are You Ready?

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

Bikes and outdoor equipment are moved into a garage to prepare for hurricane season. We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County!

Hurricane season extends for half a year in Florida, beginning in June and ending in November. Miami Beach residents have relied on our local Miami Beach team to restore storm damage for years. Here are some tips for preparing for a hurricane or a tropical storm from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Get your home ready.

  • Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
  • Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.
  • Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch your power off.
  • Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
  • Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning

Call Us Today!

When you have water or storm damage in your home or commercial business in Miami Beach, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Problem Discovered in North Bay Village Residence?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

A mold infestation is visible on a wall. We are leaders in mold removal services in Miami-Dade County!

North Bay Village residents have relied on our local Miami Beach team to restore mold damage for many years. Our professionals are trained and certified in Applied Microbial Remediation and follow a comprehensive seven-step removal process as follows:

  1. Emergency Contact

We’ll ask questions to determine the necessary equipment and resources.

  1. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

  1. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

  1. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

  1. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

  1. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

  1. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

When you have a mold outbreak in your home or commercial business in North Bay Village, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Morningside Home Damaged by Broken Sewer Pipe?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

A broken sewer pipe is shown. We respond to emergency water damage calls 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County!

Broken pipes are a top cause of water damage in the United States. Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to restore water damage, no matter how big the job is. We are trained to identify and restore homes contaminated by sewer, or “black water” exposure. Our technicians have the training, protective gear, and equipment to safely clean and restore areas compromised by dangerous blackwater contamination. Here are the three classifications of contaminated water we restore:

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Category 2: "Gray Water"

  • It may contain bacteria and viruses
  • It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

  • Water from a clean source like a broken water line
  • If left untreated, can degrade into category two or three

Call Us Today!

When you have water damage from a broken pipe in your Morningside home or commercial business, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore the water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Roof Causes Water Damage in Miami Beach Residence?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

A person calls for help with a water leak. We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County!

Whenever it rains, there is a chance for water damage from water entering the structure through a leak in a roof, windowsill, or foundation crack. Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to restore water damage, no matter how big the job is. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute to keep your residence protected from unwanted water:

Inspect and Repair Your Home’s Exterior

You can prevent water from entering your home by inspecting your home’s exterior for any place where water can enter the home and making repairs as needed.

  • Caulk and seal windows
  • Inspect the roof for missing and aging shingles
  • Check your rain gutters and remove any debris that may be clogging them
  • Check your downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the house
  • Gutter guards are a good way to prevent clogs and water intrusion into the house
  • Check your sprinkler systems and make sure they are not spraying water into the house and that water is not pooling around the home’s foundation
  • Make sure water drains away from the building.Water is invasive and will find its way into a structure easily when water is allowed to pool around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter the foundation wall through any cracks.

Call Us Today!

When you have a water intrusion issue in your Miami Beach home or commercial business, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore the rain damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Water Supply Line Hose Causes Water Damage in Miami Shores?

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

A leaking water line is shown. We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County!

Our local Miami Beach team has witnessed firsthand the damage water can do to a home in a short period of time. Many times, it is the least expensive appliance component that causes water damage. Here are some things you can do to minimize the chances of having a water damage emergency in your Miami Shores home:

  • Appliance hoses connecting to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and coffee makers should be checked for cracks or leaks and replaced every five to seven years
  • When away on vacation, it is a good idea to shut off the water supply to the washing machine
  • Never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running
  • Know the location of your water shut-off valve and show everyone in the household where it is and how to shut it off

Taking these precautions and routinely replacing appliance hoses can save you stress, money, and time.

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your Miami Shores home or commercial business, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage Emergency Averted in North Bay Village?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

A screw has damaged a copper pipe, causing water to shoot out of it. We are leaders in emergency water damage restoration in Miami-Dade County!

A Decorator’s Nightmare

I was hanging some art in my new home, enjoying the process of decorating, and creating visual interest when my nail hit something that felt funny. Then I heard water spraying inside the wall! Oh no! I must have hit a pipe and now I had a big problem because I wasn’t even sure where the water shut-off valve was located. My neighbor told me to call the local office in Miami Beach and I’m glad I did.

They sent out a team immediately who located and shut off the water valve and immediately went to work. They opened up the wall, extracted the water, and set up air blowers and movers to dry the area thoroughly. They documented and monitored the drying process and supervised the pipe repair.  They replaced the drywall and repainted the wall. Now, you would never know there had been any water damage!

Each day, over 14,000 water damage insurance claims are made in the United States. Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to restore water damage using state-of-the-art technology and powerful, industrial-grade equipment, saving our customers time and money in many cases.

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your North Bay Village home or commercial business, our local team of technicians in Miami Beach will restore the water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Discourage Mold from Growing in my South Beach Home?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

A closeup of mold spores is shown. We restore mold damage in Miami-Dade County!

The warm, moist climate in Florida creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive, making mold outbreaks a common challenge in South Beach. Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to mitigate and restore mold damage in South Beach by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The Florida Department of Health offers these tips for preventing mold growth:

Keep your home clean and dry. When water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold. Keeping humidity levels below 60 percent and venting moisture from showering and cooking to the outside are several ways to prevent the conditions that can lead to mold growth. Other ways include:

  • Clean and dry up spills within 24 hours
  • Dry out wet building materials and carpets within 24 hours
  • Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to reduce the indoor humidity levels below 60 percent. If you have a central air conditioning system and need a dehumidifier to reduce relative humidity below 60 percent, you should have the air conditioning system examined for problems
  • Do not carpet bathrooms or basements
  • Note: While most experts suggest a relative humidity of less than 60 percent, below 50 percent is best for controlling both mold growth and dust mites

Call Us Today!

When you discover mold growing in your South Beach home or commercial business, our local team of professionals in Miami Beach will restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Outbreak in Miami Shores Residence?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

A mold remediation technician removes black mold from a wall. We are leaders in mold damage restoration in Miami-Dade County!

Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to mitigate and restore mold damage in Miami Shores by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Part of our mold remediation service involves the following:

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

The Mold Remediation Process

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

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

Call Us Today!

When Miami Shores residents and businesses have a mold problem, they rely on our local team of professionals in Miami Beach to restore their mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How to Find and Remove Mold in Your Building During Rainy Season

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

The warm tropical climate of Miami is excellent for relaxation and fun in the sun—but it’s also the perfect environment for mold to prosper. If left unchecked for an extended period of time, the growth can become overwhelming and increasingly difficult to deal with.

So, what can you do about it? First, it’s important to understand mold and its behavior.

Mold is often referred to as the silent killer and not something that should be taken lightly. As it can grow in your HVAC system “silently,” often you will not know that you have mold issues until the spread has already become overwhelming. And for people with breathing and asthma issues, mold is highly hazardous. 

Recognizing Mold

Mold is made up of microscopic spores that exist everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Floating through the air, mold spores can enter your property through windows, doors, HVAC systems, or even on clothing. Mold thrives in humid and wet environments, so areas with small pools of standing water should be checked first for mold growth. You should be able to identify a mold colony by its foul and stale odor that lingers around.

What Can You Do?

If you suspect that mold growth is taking aim at your building, then you need to get in touch with the team of experts at SERVPRO of Miami Beach. Our team of professionals will be able to identify any problem areas, then create a comprehensive plan to eliminate mold, allowing you to breathe easy once again.

With years of experience in mold remediation and restoration, you can count on the team at SERVPRO of Miami Beach to deliver exceptional results. We come fully equipped and prepared with commercial-grade tools that allow us to offer streamlined and effective mold removal services. 

This rainy season, act fast before mold growth gets out of control in your building. Be sure to add us to your list of trusted vendors. Then, give us a call to set up an inspection. We'll test, remediate, and restore to protect tenants, employees, and visitors.

Dishwasher Floods Floor in Normandy Isles Residence?

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water is flooding a kitchen floor. We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Miami-Dade County!

Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to restore water damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore water damage, no matter how big the job is. We use powerful water extraction equipment to pull up the bulk of the water up quickly and we monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is restored to normal humidity levels. Here are some examples of the types of water extraction and drying equipment we use to save our customers time and money in Normandy Isles:

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

Normandy Isles residents and businesses can rely on our Miami Beach team to restore water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outstanding Commercial Cleaning Services in South Beach?

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

A helicopter view over South Beach, Florida is shown. We make commercial properties shine in Miami-Dade County!

Although we are better known for emergency fire and water damage restoration services, our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified to provide deep cleaning services by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

South Beach is a vibrant community, full of commercial businesses and properties. When your business looks its best, it provides a favorable impression on new and existing customers. Even if you use a standard janitorial service, over time, the cleaning products janitorial services use can build up and leave a film that requires professional help to remove.

Commercial Cleaning Services

  • Carpet and Upholstery
  • Drapes and Blinds
  • Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
  • Odor Removal and Deodorization
  • Vandalism
  • Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Biohazard and Sewage
  • Trauma and Crime Scene

We have years of experience working in all kinds of business settings and buildings:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us Today!

Scheduling a deep cleaning of your commercial property a couple of times a year will keep your business looking and smelling great and will protect your investment. South Beach businesses and residents can rely on our Miami Beach team to make your commercial property shine! Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Does ?Your Restoration Company Use These Five Advanced Technologies?

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Disasters have a devastating impact. Luckily, advanced technology has made it possible to effectively and efficiently clean and restore buildings after these events.

It's essential to make sure that the specialist you’re counting on is up to date with all of the latest technology and knows how to properly handle and deploy advanced equipment—helping you to get back to business. At SERVPRO Miami Beach, we're proud to provide our clients with innovative solutions in these four key areas.

  1. Moisture detection and measurement equipment. After a flood, detecting and measuring the moisture levels is crucial to determine the extent of the damage and create a plan for drying and restoration. Moisture meters and infrared cameras quickly and accurately identify areas of high moisture content, while thermal hygrometers measure the humidity in the air and help to determine the best drying methods.
  2. Water extraction equipment. It is important to remove any standing water from a disaster as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. This can be accomplished with pumps and vacuums paired with more specialized equipment like Injectidry systems that extract water from hard-to-reach places such as walls and floors.
  3. Drying equipment. Once the water has been extracted, the affected areas must be dried to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microbes. Air movers and dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and surfaces while drying systems like drying chambers and drying mats can be used to dry hard-to-reach areas.
  4. Odor removal and deodorization. Floods and other disasters often leave behind unpleasant odors that can be difficult to remove. Advanced technology like ozone generators and hydroxyl generators eliminate odors from the air, while specialized deodorization products clean odors from surfaces and materials.
  5. Sanitizing agents, germicides, and anti-microbial treatments. Affected areas must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Ultraviolet light disinfection systems kill bacteria and other harmful microbes. Specialized cleaning products and techniques also help to remove contaminants and prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms.

At SERVPRO of Miami Beach, we take pride in staying on top of industry standards—upgrading equipment whenever necessary and ensuring that we’re ready and prepared to meet your needs quickly—no matter how big or small they may be.

Let's talk about why we should be #1 on your emergency contact list. Reach out to get to know us today.

Heavy Rains Cause Water Damage in Miami?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

A street is flooded. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team restores water damage in homes and commercial businesses every year in Miami. Water damage requires fast mitigation to minimize the chances of more severe damage. Our technicians are on call 24 hours a day to respond to water damage emergencies, saving our customers from more time-consuming and costly repairs. Here are some examples of the damage water can do over time:

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
  • A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
  • Paint begins to blister
  • Wood flooring swells and warps
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible

Call Us Today!

When you have stormwater damage in your Miami home or business, our Miami Beach team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Heater Water Damage in South Beach?

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

A water heater is shown. We are leaders in water restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team restores water damage in homes and commercial businesses in South Beach. Here are some tips for professional maintenance of your water heater:

Use a qualified service professional for the following:

  • Burners should be cleaned once a year for gas- and oil-fired water heaters. Have the service professional inspect flues and vents for cracks or loose connections that could leak deadly exhaust gases.
     
  • Have a qualified plumber replace your anode rod once every two to five years
     
  • The service life of a temperature and pressure (T & P) valve is usually three years. Even if a T & P valve looks fine from the outside, manufacturers recommend they be removed and visually inspected for accumulations of corrosion deposits
  • Call a qualified plumber if your water tank is leaking.
    • If the T & P valve is discharging water or steam, the ONLY safe intervention is to remove the heat source by cutting off its fuel, if you can. For an electric heater, trip the circuit breaker; for a gas heater, shut off the gas.
    • If your water heater overheats, call a qualified plumber and allow the water heater to cool naturally. Never try to relieve the pressure yourself. Never add cool water to the tank, and never try to cool it by spraying it with a hose. 

Call Us Today!

When you have water damage in your South Beach home or business, our Miami Beach team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How You Can Usher in a New Standard of Clean

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

A cleaner, fresher, and more hygienic workspace has been proven to lead to increased productivity. But when you run a busy operation in South Florida, the facility can easily become cluttered and dirty.

Of course, you can hire a janitorial staff to perform regular maintenance in your space, but what can you do when the dirt and grime go beyond the reach of night porters? That’s where we come in. SERVPRO Miami Beach does so much more than just disaster restoration. We also specialize in commercial deep cleaning solutions that bring your space back to pristine condition, leading to increased productivity and happier employees.

Specialized Commercial Cleaning

Whether it’s an office building, restaurant, waiting area, or anything in between, our team has seen it all. We take pride in offering comprehensive service that leaves your location sparkling.

What sets us apart from other deep cleaners in Miami Beach? We’re fully equipped to handle your cleaning needs, no matter how involved they may be. SERVPRO brings all of the necessary commercial-grade equipment that most local janitorial services don't have access to. With so much power in our toolbox, we’re able to deep clean efficiently and effectively. Once we've scoured and sanitized, your employees and guests will feel peace of mind knowing that they’re in a safe area.

Is a Deep Clean on Your Horizon?

If your facility is overdue for a deep cleaning service, then you’ll want to get in touch with the team of experts at SERVPRO Miami Beach. For years, we’ve been the trusted name in South Florida, offering commercial deep-cleaning solutions that refresh spaces and put minds at ease.

Get in touch with us today for your free, no-obligation commercial cleaning estimate.

Miami Shores Businesses Rely on Us for Odor Removal Services.

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

A customer walks into a lobby and notices an offensive smell. We are leaders in odor removal service in Miami-Dade County.

There is nothing more off-putting than an offensive odor. Potential customers will walk in, notice the stench, and walk right out again. Employees may have become “nose blind” to odors when they build up over time. In many cases, the odor can be difficult to identify because it originates from many sources, both inside and outside the structure. Our local Miami Beach team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to remove bad odors from commercial businesses and homes in Miami Shores.

Odor Identification Process

The first step is to identify the source of the smell and locate where the odor is contacting surfaces. Sometimes the odors originate from more than one location in the building.

 Common Causes of Bad Odors

  • Dirty drains
  • Bacteria
  • Sewer systems
  • Dead animals in walls or crawl spaces
  • Garbage disposals
  • Rotten food

 Odor Elimination Process

Once we identify the cause of the odor and determine the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use several odor removal products capable of thoroughly penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant scents.

Call Us Today!

When you need help identifying and removing an unpleasant odor from your Miami Shores commercial property or residence, our Miami Beach team will remove the odor “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flood Prevention Tips for South Beach?

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

Colorful umbrellas shield people from heavy rain. We are leaders in storm and water damage mitigation and restoration in Miami-Dade County.

On average, South Beach gets about 54.3 inches of rain per year, about 126 days a year, making it wetter than most places in Florida. After any rain event, it is a good idea to check for leaks and other damage.

Our local Miami Beach team responds to flooding and water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. According to the City of Miami Beach, Miami Beach is investing in public infrastructure to reduce flood risk associated with rainfall, storms, and sea level rise. The city encourages residents to have a plan in place as flooding can range from being unexpected, like fast and heavy rainfall, to being known and communicated in advance, such as in the case of King Tides and hurricanes.

  • Have sandbags ready
  • Put up flood panels
  • Adjust your work schedule if possible
  • Park your car in a higher location
  • Wear rain boots if you must be out in the elements
  • Many times, it is best to stay put and give the stormwater system time to drain the water
  • At the start of hurricane season, June 1st, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov, review our Hurricane Guide, and develop a plan for these more significant events

Call Us Today!

When you have storm or water damage in your South Beach home or business, our Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Oh no! Did I find Mold Growing in My Home on La Gorce Island?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores are growing on wood. We are leaders in mold remediation services in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is a leader in mold removal services on La Gorce Island. The moist climate in South Florida encourages mold growth. Fortunately, our technicians are trained and certified to restore mold damage in homes and commercial properties. If you discover mold growing in your home, it is often a symptom of hidden water damage. Once the mold begins to colonize, it can become visible in as little as 48 to 72 hours. You may notice a strong, musty odor or water dripping inside your wall. Here are some things you can do, and should not do while waiting for professional help to arrive:

What to Do

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans
  • Contact our office in Miami Beach for mold remediation services

What Not to Do

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Call Us Today!

When you have any mold damage in your La Gorce Island home or commercial business, our Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

King Tide Flooding in South Beach?

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

An aerial view of South Beach, Florida, is shown on a sunny day. We restore commercial storm damage 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is a leader in commercial property damage restoration in South Beach. King tides occur only a couple of times a year in the low-lying parts of South Florida, and when they do, they can cause flooding and property damage. Public beaches throughout Florida use the same warning flags with signs describing the flags and their corresponding hazards as follows:

  • The double red flag means the beach is closed to swimmers
  • The single red flag means "high hazard" because of high surf and or strong currents
  • A yellow flag means "medium hazard" with moderate surf and or hazard
  • A green flag means "low hazard" and calm conditions 
  • The purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life

Our water damage restoration process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time, and when it does, fast mitigation is required to minimize the chances of further damage. When you have a flooding or other form of property damage emergency in your South Beach commercial property or home, our Miami Beach team will restore the damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Has There Ever Been Snow in Miami?

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Snow covers a beach. We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team is a leader in storm damage mitigation and restoration. It hadn’t snowed in Miami since January 19, 1977, the first time in recorded history that snow fell in Miami. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, on January 16, a strong arctic cold front began crossing over Florida. At the same time, an upper-level trough associated with the second cold front containing bands of precipitation merged. When the two cold fronts met, snow flurries were reported outside Miami, with snow on the ground between 8 and 9:30 am. The snow was gone by 10 am, and no snow has been reported since that day 45 years ago.

High winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and lightning can all wreak havoc on your home or business. Our technicians are on call 24-hours a day to respond to storm damage emergencies. Our professionals have the training, equipment, and experience to restore storm damage quickly and efficiently.

Call Us Today!

Sometimes storms blow in with little advanced warning. You never know when the weather will take a turn for the worse and cause storm damage. When you have a storm damage emergency in your Miami home or business, our Miami Beach team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Space Heater Fire in South Beach?

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

A portable heater lights up a room at night. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

Many people use space heaters to take the chill out of a room in South Beach during winter, and heating equipment can cause fires. Our local Miami Beach team offers these heating equipment safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
  • Never use your oven to heat your home
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
  • Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company
  • If you have a fireplace, make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, and keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Call Us Today!

When you need help with a fire damage emergency in your South Beach home or business, our Miami Beach team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Expect When I Call For Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services in Normandy Isles?

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

A person calls for help while using a bucket to catch water falling through the ceiling. We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

When you have a water damage emergency, every minute counts, water is invasive and will seep into and under anything in its path, so fast action is necessary to mitigate the damage before it becomes a bigger problem. Our local Miami Beach team restores water damage in Normandy Isles every year. When you call for help, we will ask you questions regarding the nature of your water damage emergency. These questions will tell us how many people and what equipment and resources to bring.

Here are the questions we will ask:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

You never know when water will damage your Normandy Isles home or commercial business. When you need help with a property damage emergency, our Miami Beach team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Technology Used to Create Home Inventory Checklists in South Beach?

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

A person creates a home inventory checklist using technology. We are leaders in property damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

Do you have a home inventory list? When a fire or water damage emergency involves an insurance claim, having an up-to-date inventory list helps process your insurance claim faster. Our local Miami Beach team restores fire and water damage in South Beach every year. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute for preparing a home inventory list using technology:

Take pictures. Create a photo record of your belongings. Capture important individual items and entire rooms, closets, or drawers. Label your photos with what’s pictured, where you bought it, the make or model—whatever information might be necessary to replace or get reimbursed for the item. Use your smartphone or digital camera—some give you the capability to put in the item’s description when saving the photo.

Tape it. Walk through your house or apartment, videotaping and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: “Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, and saucer. Purchased in 2015.”

Use an app. Many mobile app options can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a disaster may strike your home or commercial business in South Beach. When you need help with a property damage emergency, we’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Faster To Any Size Disaster in North Bay Village?

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

A roadway shows the lights of oncoming traffic traveling fast. We respond to property damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

When you experience fire or water damage in your North Bay Village home or business, our local Miami Beach team is Here to Help. ® Fast mitigation is key to minimizing the potential for secondary damage and more time-consuming and costly repairs. Our teams are on call 24 hours a day to respond to property damage emergencies. We follow the one-four-eight-hour rule as follows:

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Disasters can be stressful and chaotic, and everyone in the household will be affected. We treat everyone with empathy and respect and will take special care of your belongings and property. We have established relationships with all major insurance companies and can assist with the paperwork and process. You can rely on us to be with you every step of the way until we restore the damage to preloss conditions.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a disaster may strike, but if your North Bay Village home or business has fire or water damage, our local team in Miami Beach will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do to Protect My Home from Wind Damage in Miami Shores?

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane shutter panels installed on a property in Florida. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team has been restoring storm damage in the Miami Shores area for many years. Strong winds often accompany storms in Miami-Dade County, and there are things residents can do to minimize wind damage. Here are some helpful wind damage mitigation tips from State Farm Insurance:

Windows

  • Install windows rated for the wind speeds in your region
  • For the best protection in hurricane-prone areas, install impact-resistant permanent shutters that meet applicable building code-approved standards

Traditional Homes

  • Keep your home firmly anchored in high winds by having anchor bolts with heavy-gauge square bolt washers installed to connect your floor to the foundation
  • Reinforce the rest of the frame by connecting wall and floor components with properly installed plywood or oriented strand board and attach roof trusses or rafters to the walls with metal connectors
    • On existing homes, this can be done when replacing siding

Manufactured Homes

  • Manufactured homes are more prone to damage from high winds as a result of non-permanent foundations
  • Inspect all straps and tie-downs regularly for rust, weakness, or wear and have repairs made immediately

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Shores home or business has storm damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How We Help You Through Storms and Major Events

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

When the unimaginable happens to your real estate in South Florida, and you’re left with a mess to clean up, you might be wondering—what are my next steps? Floods and water leaks can cause severe damage as well as lingering issues that can be difficult to deal with on your own.

While we know how stressful this time can be, it’s important to remain focused and calm and contact our SERVPRO restoration and cleanup team right away. The professionals at SERVPRO of Miami Beach bring years of experience and expertise in restoration services that will help you preserve your investment. Not only does SERVPRO have a Miami Beach office, but when significant events happen, such as hurricanes, we’re backed by the unlimited resources of the SERVPRO network—bringing in backup from around the country for larger-scale cleanups.

As hurricane season winds down, and you review your emergency procedures and contact lists, it’s important to know how our services are at your disposal should you need them.

24/7 Around-the-Clock Service

Disaster doesn’t always strike at the most convenient times. And with the threat of lasting effects from water damage, it’s crucial to handle these situations as soon as possible. When left unchecked, water damage can lead to mold and mildew, which is dangerous for those with acute lung issues. With this in mind, we’re proud to offer 24/7 around-the-clock emergency services that are there for you when you need them most.

Our team springs into action the moment that you call, quickly assessing and beginning the water extraction process immediately. With our trusted team ready at a moment's notice, you won’t have to worry about taking care of the issue the next business day—when it might be too late.

Advanced Restoration

Once your home or commercial property has been dried out, and all standing water has been removed, we begin the restoration process. Our team is trained and skilled with knowledge of how to replace drywall, install new carpet, repair hardwood flooring, repaint stained walls, or even full reconstruction of entire rooms.

When a storm surge has caused damage to your property, and an emergency fix is necessary, we offer solutions. We'll help you board up, tarp the roof, install temporary fencing, and even secure warehouse space where you can store your items. Our comprehensive restoration service is designed to offer you a sense of comfort during a stressful time.

Trust Our Local Team

We understand that no one wants to deal with the major damage that comes from flooding and storm surge. However, when it happens to you, it’s important to make sure that you’re working with a trusted Miami Beach expert with comprehensive services that will return your building to pristine condition.

Contact us for one-stop shop solutions that are there for you when you need them the most.

Three Reasons You Should Call Us First ?When Disaster Strikes

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

There’s no one in Miami that looks forward to dealing with extensive damages to their home or business due to a natural disaster. However, when it happens, you'll want a direct connection to a team of local certified disaster recovery experts who will ensure your home or business remains a safe and functional space.

SERVPRO Miami is proud to be a top-rated disaster recovery professional in South Florida specializing in a wide range of cleanup and restoration solutions. Backed by the unlimited resources of the nationwide SERVPRO network, you can count on us as a one-stop shop capable of handling multi-million dollar losses and cleanups.

Emergency Solutions

We’re faster to any emergency—and that’s a principle that we’ve stood by for years. We know that as the clock ticks, damages can only become more extensive, leaving you in a situation that continues to worsen.

With 24/7 around-the-clock service, you can count on our team to show up when you need us the most. When we arrive, you will receive comprehensive disaster recovery solutions. By responding immediately and deploying the proper equipment and processes, we’re able to reduce the total cost of cleaning and restoration. This is because we take care of the issues in your home or business before they become larger problems.

Commercial Restoration Service

There’s no job that’s too large for the team of certified experts at SERVPRO Miami. we offer full-service disaster recovery solutions for commercial businesses in South Florida. You will be able to carry on with your day-to-day operations, with minimal impact on your company’s bottom line. Our Large Loss Division comprises the most reliable restoration experts in the area. We assign a dedicated supervisor to every significant disaster recovery job. So, you’ll feel peace of mind with seamless communication and all-inclusive cleanup and restoration solutions to bring your commercial property back to pristine condition.

Get in Touch with Our Team Today

Whenever disaster strikes, it is crucial to make sure you have someone you can count on to get the job done fast, and correctly.

SERVPRO Miami brings years of experience handling disaster recovery of all sizes—residential and commercial. Fully backed by a network of nationwide SERVPRO franchises, we’re experts you can trust to handle your cleanup at the moment you need us the most.

Add our contact information to your emergency checklist today.

Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating in Miami Beach?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

A Christmas manger on Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, Florida. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team has been restoring fire damage in Miami Beach for many years. We wish everyone a safe and fire-damage-free holiday season and offer these decorating tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Holiday Decorating

  • Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn
  • Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors

Holiday Entertaining

  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles
  • Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
  • Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding them.

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach home or business has fire damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What are the Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Normandy Isles?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

A person removes debris from a clogged rain gutter. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local Miami Beach team has been restoring water damage in Normandy Isles for many years. According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the United States experience a water damage emergency daily at home or work. The most common causes of water damage are:

  • Severe weather
  • Clogged gutters
  • Leaking pipes
  • Washing machine water supply line leaks
  • Condensation from air conditioners
  • Blocked drains
  • Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
  • Leaking water heaters

Here are some more facts about water damage:

  • 98 percent of basements in the United States will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans
  • 37 percent of homeowners in the United States claim to have suffered losses from water damage
  • 5 billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the United States
  • $6975 is the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim
  • The average age of failed washing machine supply line hoses is 8.7 years
  • 75 percent of water heaters fail before they are 12 years old

Call Us Today!

When your Normandy Isles home or business has a water damage emergency, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We a Top Choice for Fire and Water Restoration Services in South Beach?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

A person is taking an online course on their laptop. Our employees are highly trained and certified in Miami-Dade County.

Our local team in Miami Beach has been restoring fire and water damage in the South Beach area for years. Our commitment to providing the highest level of service drives everything we do. We invest in ongoing training and continuous education programs for our employees to stay current on industry standards and best practices.

Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to clean and restore any form of property damage, no matter how extensive the damage is.

Our training program includes the following:

  • IICRC Training
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • e-Learnings
  • Continuing Education Classes

e-Learnings

Everyone at our location has access to web-based training. Training courses feature video presentations and support materials, followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. Continuous education keeps staff members current on new industry standards and best practices for the cleaning and restoration industry.

Certifications

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CDS - Commercial Drying Specialist
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and Construction Industry Training Program
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach home or commercial business needs fire or water damage restoration services, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Deep Cleaning Services in Miami Beach?

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

A training room is being cleaned and decontaminated. We provide a full range of commercial cleaning services in Miami-Dade

Although we are better known for our fire and water damage restoration services, our local team in Miami Beach also provides a full range of deep cleaning services to keep businesses looking their best. Customers and employees will appreciate knowing that your business or workplace is professionally cleaned.

Over time, floors can begin to look dull, and so can upholstered furniture. Light fixtures get dusty, and offices can start to smell stale. If you inspected further, would you notice dirty ceilings, windows, window treatments, door frames, and common areas? You might not, but your customers will. We offer a full range of specialty deep cleaning services to keep your business looking and smelling its best.

Commercial Cleaning Services

  • Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Biohazard and Sewage
  • Trauma and Crime Scene
  • Carpet and Upholstery
  • Drapes and Blinds
  • Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
  • Odor Removal and Deodorization
  • Vandalism

We have extensive experience working in all kinds of business settings and buildings:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach business or home needs professional cleaning and decontamination services, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Tornadoes in Miami Beach?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

A tornado and blowing palm trees are seen. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local team in Miami Beach responds to storm damage emergencies every year, especially during the hurricane season. Last month, Hurricane Ian brought storm damage, watches, and warnings to many parts of Florida. Most of the activity centered along the Florida Gulf Coast, but the storm moved across the northern portion of the state, causing damage in many areas.

Miami Beach was under a tropical storm watch, and although there was lots of rain, only minor damage was reported. Here is some information about tropical storm watches and warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach home or business needs storm damage restoration services, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Much Damage Can Water Do in Two Hours to My Home on La Gorce Island?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

An aerial view of La Gorce Island in Miami Beach, Florida, is shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our local team in Miami Beach responds to water damage emergencies on La Gorce Island throughout the year. Water can do serious damage in as little as one to two hours. Here is a water damage timeline that describes the damage water can do over time, from minutes to days:

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
  • Water absorbs into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
  • A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
  • Paint begins to blister
  • Wood flooring swells and warps
  • Severe biohazard contamination is possible

More Than 1 Week

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Call Us Today!

When your La Gorce Island home or business needs water damage restoration services, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Mold Remediation Services in South Beach?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial business is undergoing mold remediation services. We are leaders in commercial mold removal in Miami-Dade County.

Our local team in Miami Beach is trained and certified to remove mold from commercial properties in South Beach. Often, mold is a symptom of hidden water damage or excess moisture somewhere in the building. We will identify the source of the moisture and make repairs as part of the remediation process to discourage the mold from returning once the mold removal process is complete.

Here is some information about mold from our website:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your business through windows, doors, or air conditioning and heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on clothing or pets
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture
  • Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water 
  • Before mold remediation begins, any water or moisture sources must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Call Us!

When your South Beach business or home needs mold remediation services, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Protect My Property From Storm Damage in Miami Beach?

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

San bags sit on a pallet, waiting to be used during a storm. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

The Atlantic Hurricane ends on November 30, so there’s still time for tropical storms and hurricanes to cause storm damage in Miami Beach. Our local team in Miami Beach responds to storm damage emergencies each year and offers these tips for protecting your property from the Miami-Dade County website:

Protect Your Property

There are things you can do to minimize or eliminate property damage before a flood event occurs. Grading your property, elevating and securing electrical appliances, placing all low-lying electrical fixtures on separate electrical circuits, and using flood-resistant materials on exterior surfaces are some ways you can help yourself.

Under emergency conditions, sandbags can be used to shore structures, and elevating or covering furniture and valuables can help minimize damage.

To reduce street flooding, Miami-Dade’s Stormwater Utility is in the process of identifying, prioritizing, and implementing local drainage projects throughout unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

  • Please call 305-372-6688 to report any unusual flooding in your area. Municipal residents should contact your city or village to report flooding.

Call Us Today!

Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day. When you need help with storm damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pets on La Gorce Island Causing Fires in Homes?

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

A black cat sits next to a lit jack-o-lantern. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Believe it or not, the National Fire Protection Association reports that pets and wild animals play a part in starting over 750 home fires each year. Our local team in Miami Beach responds to fire damage emergencies each year on La Gorce Island.

Pets are curious and can bump into or knock over cooking equipment, candles, lamps, and space heaters. Here are some pet fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your furry friends safe around a fire:

  • Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
  • Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
  • Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
  • Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
  • Have a “pet-free zone” at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
  • Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us Today!

As you can see, pets can cause fire damage at any time. Our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help ® when your La Gorce Island home or commercial business has fire damage. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Services in South Beach?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

A water-damaged couch is being cleaned and sanitized. We are leaders in water restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

When water damages your South Beach home, the walls, ceilings, furniture, clothing, and other salvageable household items will require professional cleaning and odor removal. After we extract and dry the damaged area, our team in Miami Beach will clean and sanitize everything exposed to the water. Here is some information from our website describing these processes:

Contents Restoration

We pretest every item before cleaning to ensure we use the most effective cleaning method.

  •  Wet Cleaning
  •  Dry Cleaning
  •  Spray and Wipe
  •  Foam Cleaning
  •  Abrasive Cleaning
  •  Immersion Cleaning

Odor Removal and Deodorization

We identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise, industrial-grade air scrubbers, and fogging equipment go beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is severe or persistent.

  •  Odor Removal and Deodorization
  •  Air Scrubbers and Fogging Equipment

Sanitizing Treatments

When required, we use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

  •  Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Treatments
  •  Sanitizing and Disinfectant Treatments

Disposal

We will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.

  •  Properly Dispose of Refuse

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time. Our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has water damage in South Beach. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Will My Mold Problem be Resolved in Miami Shores?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is growing on a wall. We are trusted leaders in mold removal services in Miami-Dade County.

Our team in Miami Beach has the advanced training, specialized equipment, and demonstrated experience to mitigate and restore mold damage, no matter how extensive the problem is in Miami Shores. Here is the process we follow when restoring mold damage:

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

  1. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

  1. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

  1. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.

  1. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

  1. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has mold damage in Miami Shores. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

More Five-Star Customers Reviews in Miami Beach?

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

A person writes a five-star review on their computer. We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

Our team in Miami Beach aims for five-star reviews in all that we do. Here are some recent Google customer reviews that say it all!

“SERVPRO was incredibly responsive. They came within 2 hours of my call, followed up with professional guidance and referrals, and provided a very fair and comprehensive estimate and repair. I would highly recommend their services.” Steven Sumser

Service: Water damage-related cleanup & repair

Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness

“I came back from a trip to a completely flooded studio. Over 1,000sq ft of a puddle, floating rugs, and dirt that had come in when water slipped under our garage door. There are rugs, boxes, and other pieces in the garage, but the water had flooded it all, all the way to the main room.
I called various services, and they all gave me dates and quotes for the following week; I was desperate. Then I found SERVPRO. Their team came in right away and placed all the fans, and removed the dirt. Within a couple of days, we were back to normal. SERVPRO is the BEST you can hire if your property or home has flooded and you need immediate drying! Don’t delay! Call SERVPRO.” Lola Sh

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has water in Miami. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Storms Cause Flooding in Buildings in Miami?

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

A tropical storm covers the window of a building with rain. Businesses in Miami-Dade County can rely on our fast emergency response time!

When storm waters flood your business, fast action is required to minimize the potential for secondary damage. Our team in Miami Beach restores storm and flooding damage every year using this comprehensive process:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property quickly. This helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We provide sanitizing treatments to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration may involve minor or major repairs, such as reconstructing various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help ® when your commercial business or home has water or storm damage in Miami. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding Safety Tips for Edgewater Residents?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

A pedestrian walking sign stands submerged in floodwaters. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Last year, homes in Edgewater between Biscayne Boulevard and North Bayshore Drive were compromised by flooding. Our team in Miami Beach restores storm and flooding damage every year. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do and should not do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
  • Gather loose items from floors

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
  • Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water
  • Don’t use television or other household appliances
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or business has storm damage in Edgewater. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Tips for Cooking Safely in Miami?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

A person is cooking in a kitchen. We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in Miami-Dade County.

After the Miami Beach Fire Rescue puts out the fire and leaves the scene, our job begins. Our team in Miami Beach responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Miami. Most home fires start in the kitchen, so we offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for cooking safely:

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
  • Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains) away from your stovetop

Call Us!

You never know when a fire could break out in your Miami home or business. If you suffer fire damage and need fire damage restoration services, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® We are on call 24-hours a day and typically arrive on-site within four hours of your call. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do While Waiting for Help If I Have Fire Damage in My Miami Shores Home?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

An electric outlet is blackened from fire, soot, and smoke damage. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our team in Miami Beach responds to fire damage emergencies in Miami Shores 24-hours a day. Here are some tips from our website for things you should and should not do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
  • Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
  • Change HVAC filter
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Call Us!

When your home or business in Miami Shores has fire damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do if I Find Water Damage in My Miami Beach Home?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

A stain from leaking water is visible on a wall. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our team in Miami Beach restores water damage throughout the year in Miami. Our technicians are certified in water damage restoration by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Here are some tips from our website on things you can do and should not do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
  • Gather loose items from floors

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place
  • Hang furs and leather goods
  • Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water
  • Don't use television or other household appliances
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

 Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Miami Beach has water damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do if I Find Mold Growing in My Home in North Bay Village?

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

A person has discovered mold growing on a kitchen wall. We mitigate and restore mold damage in Miami-Dade County.

Our team in Miami Beach is a trusted leader in residential and commercial mold damage remediation in North Bay Village. Our technicians are certified in Applied Microbial Remediation by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industries.

Microscopic mold spores are always in the Earth’s atmosphere, floating about and waiting for the perfect warm and moist conditions to colonize. Mold is often a symptom of water damage. We will locate and correct the source of the excess moisture as part of the mitigation process.

Some Important Facts About Mold

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48 to 72 hours
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting

What to Do

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans
  • Contact our office in Miami Beach for mold remediation services

What Not to Do

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in North Bay Village has mold damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Causes Hurricanes to Form in South Beach?

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

A storm over the ocean is shown. We respond to commercial storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Our team in Miami Beach restores storm damage every year in South Beach. During the Atlantic Hurricane Season, tropical storms and hurricanes can occur anytime when the right conditions are present.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website has helpful information about hurricanes and why they form:

  • Hurricanes are powerhouse weather events that suck heat from tropical waters to fuel their fury. These violent storms form over the ocean, often beginning as a tropical wave—a low-pressure area that moves through the moisture-rich tropics, possibly enhancing shower and thunderstorm activity.

Whipping up a hurricane calls for a number of ingredients readily available in tropical areas:

  • A pre-existing weather disturbance: A hurricane often starts out as a tropical wave
  • Warm water: Water at least 7 degrees Fahrenheitover a depth of 164 feet powers the storm
  • Thunderstorm activity: Thunderstorms turn ocean heat into hurricane fuel
  • Low wind shear: A large difference in wind speed and direction around or near the storm can weaken it

Mix it all together, and you’ve got a hurricane—maybe. Even when all these factors come together, a hurricane doesn’t always develop.

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach home or commercial business has storm damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Emergency Commercial Storm Damage Restoration Services in Miami Beach?

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Raindrops are running down the side of a window while a hurricane is blowing a palm tree outside. We respond to commercial storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Is your commercial business prepared for a hurricane? Our team in Miami Beach restores storm damage every year in Miami-Dade County. Here is some information from the Miami-Dade County website to help businesses prepare for hurricanes:

  • Back up critical computer data and store it off-premises
  • Make a complete inventory of your business and take plenty of pictures
  • Make sure employee emergency contact information is up to date, and you have an employee communication plan in place, including a designated out-of-town phone number where employees can check in and receive company information
  • Create procedures for hurricanes so employees will know what to do and post them in advance
  • Protect electronic equipment from possible water damage
  • Have extra cash and blank checks in case extra money is needed after the storm
  • Establish a temporary location for business operations in case your facility is damaged
  • Identify a safe room for employees who must remain in the building
  • Give employees enough time to secure their homes and families. Secure the building and items that cannot be brought inside

Construction Sites

In the event of a tropical storm warning or hurricane watch, licensed contractors are obligated to secure their work sites. Potentially hazardous objects must be fastened down or removed.

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach commercial business or home has storm damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage Rebuilding Services for South Beach?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Repairs are underway in a water-damaged building. We provide a full range of cleaning and restoration services in Miami.

Water damage is a common form of property damage in South Beach. Our team in Miami Beach offers a full range of services to restore water damage “Like it never even happened.” Here is a recent Google review from one of our customers who required more extensive water damage repairs:

“SERVPRO completed lobby ceiling repairs for our building following a water damage event. The team started the work on time and completed the project ahead of schedule. They were professional and courteous. The Business Development Manager, Yinet Morales, was on top of the project every step of the way, and she was very professional and attentive. Overall, it was a great experience.”

Flamingo South Beach Manager

Service: Remodeling

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water restoration project is unique, but we approach every job the same way.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us!

When your South Beach home or business has a water damage emergency, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help.® Our technicians typically respond within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Extension Cord Fire in Morningside Home?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

A frayed extension cord is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

Electrical fires are one of the most common forms of fire damage in the United States, and the improper use of extension cords contributes to electrical fires in many cases. Our team in Miami Beach wants everyone in Morningside to use extension cords safely and offer these safety tips from The Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI):

  • Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground
  • Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring
  • Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors
  • Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance
  • Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together
  • Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip is rated for the products to be plugged in and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use
  • Never use a cord that feels hot or has damage
  • Never use three-prong plugs with outlets with only two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
  • Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Call Us Today!

When your Morningside home or business has fire damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help.® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Advanced Technology and Specialized Equipment Used to Restore Water Damage in South Beach?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

A technician uses a hygrometer to measure moisture saturation in a room with water damage. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

Fast action is required when you have a water damage emergency to avoid more costly and time-consuming repairs. Our team in Miami Beach uses powerful, industrial-grade equipment to extract and dry areas damaged by  water in homes and commercial businesses in South Beach:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

  • Surface moisture meters
  • Infrared imagery
  • Evasive moisture detectors
  • Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

You never know when a pipe will break, your sewer system will back up, or your floor will flood from a broken appliance water supply line. When your South Beach home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help.® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fireworks Safety Tips for Miami-Dade County Residents?

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fireworks light up the evening sky over Miami, Florida. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms across the United States each year. Children under the age of 15 account for nearly 42 percent of those injured. Our team in Miami Beach wants everyone to enjoy fireworks safely and offer some tips from the Miami-Dade County website:

  • The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public fireworks display that trained professionals put on
  • If you are set on doing your own fireworks, make sure a responsible adult is present at all times and in charge of lighting all sparklers and fireworks
  • Never use illegal fireworks. Anything that propels itself through the air, detonates or explodes, or contains more than 100 grams of the chemical compound that produces sparks, is illegal. If you are unsure, make sure you purchase your fireworks from a vendor with an official permit to sell fireworks.
  • Read and follow all instructions on the label and keep all spectators a safe distance back from the ignition spot
  • Use fireworks outdoors only, away from houses, vehicles, trees, and other flammable objects. Choose a smooth, hard surface, clear of dry grass, and brush to light all fireworks and sparklers. 
  • Never attempt to re-ignite "duds" or fireworks that didn't work the first time
  • Keep a hose or water bucket nearby at all times

Call Us Today!

When your Miami home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help.® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for South Beach Residents?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

A person is installing hurricane shutters on their house. We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Miami.

Our team in Miami Beach wants South Beach residents to be prepared for this year’s hurricane season. Here are some tips from the Miami-Dade County website for things you should have in your hurricane supply kit:

Supply List

  • 7-day supply of non-perishable foods
  • 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day, including pets)
  • A manual can opener
  • Battery-powered portable television or radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Sanitation and hygiene items, such as instant hand sanitizing gel, disinfectant wipes, moist towelettes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves
  • Thermometer with batteries, if required
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Whistle
  • Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
  • Cash
  • Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags
  • Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit cards, and your utility bill
  • Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, adoption certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, Social Security cards, passports, green cards, will, insurance policies (home, auto, life, health, etc.), bank statements
  • Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid
  • Batteries
  • Type ABC fire extinguisher
  • Telephone that is not dependent on electricity or a cell phone
  • Formula, baby food, diapers, and pacifiers
  • Pet carriers, leashes, shot records, and food for each animal evacuating with you
  • Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump, and flares
  • Toys and games for children
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunscreen (45 SPF recommended)
  • Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags
  • Gather the kit’s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffel bags. Put them within reach, near the exit you use most often.
  • Check and update your kit at least once a year

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach home or commercial business has storm damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help.® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips for Older Adults in Morningside?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

A fire alarm with a strobe light attached is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

Our team in Miami Beach witnesses the difference specialized smoke alarms make for older adults who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips for older adults from the National Fire Protection Association:

Safety tips
  • Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf (those with profound hearing loss). These alarms use strobe lights to wake the person. Vibration notification appliances, such as pillow or bed shakers, are required and are currently activated by the sound of a smoke alarm.
  • As people age, their ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases. Research from NFPA’s Research Foundation showed that older adults are unlikely to respond to alarms with strobe lights.
  • Older adults or other people who are hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can use a device that emits a mixed, low-pitched sound. In its current form, this device is activated by the sound of a traditional smoke alarm.
  • Always choose equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Make sure everyone in your home understands and reacts to the signal (light, vibration, or sound) used in their situation.
  • All smoke alarms should be tested at least monthly. Replace smoke alarms and equipment for people who are deaf or hard or hearing according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Call Us!

When your Morningside home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Miami Beach can help. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Six-Step Water Damage Restoration Process in North Bay Village?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A ceiling stain shows the tell-tale signs of water damage. We restore water damage using a comprehensive process in Miami Beach.

Water damage is the most common form of property damage in North Bay Village. Our local team in Miami Beach responds to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day , and even though each water damage scenario varies, we follow the same process for every job as follows:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property quickly. This helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments, remove odors, and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us!

When your North Bay Village home or commercial business has water damage, our local team in Miami Beach can help. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Signs of Water Damage in Miami Beach Home?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Water is pooling on a floor. We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Miami.

Our local team in Miami Beach responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year. Small leaks and pools of water may indicate a bigger problem, so if you notice any of the following, we can help. Here are some visible signs of water damage in your home or business:

Wet areas or water pooling on the floor

If you notice water on your floor with nothing to attribute it to, you probably have hidden water damage.

Dark or wet spots on the walls or ceiling

Look for discoloration on your walls or ceiling both inside and outside your home.

Flaking, cracking, or bubbling paint or drywall

Water seeping behind a wall will cause this to happen.

Visible dripping water you can see but dripping where it should not be

If you see any signs of water leaks, it may be a symptom of a bigger problem somewhere in your plumbing systems.

Other signs

  • Hearing the sound of running water that you can’t place
  • Hearing the sound of dripping water that you can’t locate
  • Significant increase in your water bill for no known reason
  • Strong, damp, musky odors
  • Visible mold growing 

Call Us!

When your Miami Beach home or commercial business shows signs of water damage, our local team in Miami Beach can help you locate the source and mitigate and restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hurricane Planning and Preparation Tips for South Beach Residents?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Strong winds blow over palm trees during a tropical storm. We restore storm damage in Miami 24-hours a day.

The Atlantic season begins soon, and our local team in Miami Beach wants South Beach residents to be prepared. Here is some information from the Miami-Dade County website on how to prepare your home for a hurricane:

  • Make sure all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (important for generator use) are operational
  • Protect areas where wind can enter
  • Withdraw cash from the bank and get fuel for your vehicle, generator, and other gas-powered tools
  • Have battery-powered light sources available and ready for use
  • Protect electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coverings
  • If power is lost, lighting will be poor inside, so keep heavy-traffic areas free of clutter 
  • Bring in lawn furniture or other outdoor items not tied down that could become airborne
  • Repair or replace broken or damaged fences
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris
  • Inspect the roof for loose tiles, shingles, or debris
  • Make sure you have homeowners, flood, and wind insurance
  • Make bedrolls from your existing comforters and blankets
  • If you are evacuating your home for the storm, turn off the power at the main circuit breaker before leaving

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach home or commercial business suffers storm damage, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Bad Skunk Odor in Miami Beach Business?

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

A Florida striped skunk forages in the early hours of the morning. We identify and neutralize bad odors in Miami.

It’s springtime, and that means that Florida’s two species of native skunks are having families and teaching their young how to forage. Local businesses may find these cute little critters combing through garbage and feeding behind buildings. If you surprise them, they may surprise you with a pungent, malodorous spray of skunk. Yuk!

Our local team in Miami Beach is trained to clean and restore businesses compromised by skunk spray. Here is some information about Florida skunks from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

  • Two species of skunk are native to Florida: the striped skunk and the spotted skunk
  • Skunks make their dens in a wide variety of locations, and in urban areas they will make dens under man-made structures like sheds
  • Young skunks will leave their dens between six and eight weeks of age to learn how to forage with their mothers
  • Skunks will try to run away from predators but will try to make themselves appear larger. Striped skunks may arch their backs and stomp their feet, and spotted skunks will do a handstand and stand on their two front feet.
  • Skunks will only spray as a last resort. They can hit targets up to fifteen feet away, allowing them to get away from a predator.

Call Us Today!

When your business gets sprayed by a skunk, or you have another bad odor in your Miami Beach business or home, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Storm Surge Planning Zones in Miami Beach?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Large waves are breaking during a storm surge. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami.

When your home or business floods due to a storm surge, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® The Miami-Dade County website describes storm surges as the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. Storm surges occur when water from the ocean is pushed on shore by the force of tropical storms or hurricanes. This is the primary reason Miami-Dade County residents are asked to evacuate prior to a hurricane. Here is some information about evacuation zones and storm surge planning zones:

Storm Surge Zone

  • A Storm Surge Zone is an area in Miami-Dade County that could potentially be impacted by a storm surge of 1.5 feet or higher for a hurricane.
  • Each Storm Surge Planning Zone identifies residents who may have to evacuate or shelter-in-pace
    • These residents are encouraged to develop contingency plans for either scenario

Evacuation Zone

  • An Evacuation Zone is an area that will be required to move under an evacuation order for an impending storm and will be a portion, if not all of, the defined Storm Surge Planning Zones
  • Always follow the County’s evacuation order

Call Us Today!

When you need help with storm damage in your Miami Beach home or business, our local team in Miami Beach can help. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

High Rise Building Fire in Miami Beach?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

High-rise condominium buildings in North Miami are shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami.

If you live in a high-rise building, you are less susceptible to fire damage. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the risks are lower due to a greater use of fire protection systems and features in high-rise buildings compared to shorter buildings. Our local team in Miami Beach restores fire damage throughout the year. Here are some more high-rise building fires facts from the NFPA:

  • The fire death rate per 1,000 fires and the average loss per fire and associated losses are generally lower in high-rise buildings than in other buildings of the same property use
    • A major reason why risks are lower is probably the much greater use of fire protection systems and features in high-rise buildings as compared to shorter buildings.
  • High-rise buildings have lower percentages of fires with flame damage beyond the room of origin, providing further evidence of impact from fire protection systems and features:
    • Apartments (4 percent of high-rise fires vs. 10 percent in shorter buildings)
    • Hotels (4 percent of high-rise fires vs. 11 percent in shorter buildings)
    • Dormitories (2 percent of high-rise vs. 1 percent in shorter buildings)
    • Offices (10 percent of high-rise fires vs. 21 percent in shorter buildings)
    • Facilities that care for the sick (4 percent of high-rise fires vs. 9 percent in shorter buildings)

Call Us!

When you have fire damage in your Miami Beach home or business, our local team in Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for South Beach Employees?

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is installed in an office hallway. We restore commercial fire damage 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

Our local team in Miami Beach restores fire damage for local businesses throughout the year in the South Beach area. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one out of every four office fires were caused by cooking. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the NFPA:

  • Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called, and the room is not filled with smoke.
  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
    • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
    • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
    • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
  • Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

Call Us!

When your South Beach commercial business or home has fire damage, you can trust our local team in Miami Beach to clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Spring Tornado in Miami Beach?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

A big storm is offshore in Miami Beach. We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Miami.

Our local team in Miami Beach restores storm damage throughout the year in Miami Beach. In January, a massive tornado warning was issued in Miami-Dade county. Here are the National Weather Service alert definitions for tornadoes and high winds:

Tornado Watch: this means a tornado is possible.

Tornado Warning: this means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. Go to your safe place immediately.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action: Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured, and caution should be taken if driving.  

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 miles per hour and or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Preparing for High Winds

  • Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
  • Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
  • Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
  • Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure things that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Call Us!

When your Miami Beach home or commercial business has storm damage, you can trust our local team in Miami Beach to clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

E-Cigarette Battery Explosion Causes Fire in Miami Shores Residence?

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Apartment building on fire. We are fire damage restoration specialists in Miami.

Our local team in Miami Beach has been restoring fire damage in the Miami Shores area for years. Smoking and smoking materials are a leading cause of home fire deaths in the United States. Here are some smoking safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoking Safety

  • If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes
  • If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms, and dens or bedrooms.
  • Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet

Put It Out

  • Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. Place it away from anything that can burn.
  • Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves, or other things that could ignite easily
  • Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that

Electronic Cigarettes

Never leave charging e-cigarettes unattended. E-cigarettes should be used with caution.

  • Fires have occurred while e-cigarettes were being used
  • While the battery was being charged
  • While the device was being transported
  • Battery failures have led to small explosions

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Shores home or commercial business has fire damage, you can rely on our local team in Miami Beach to clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage from Leaking Swimming Pool in Miami Beach?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

A child is swimming in a swimming pool on a sunny day. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Miami.

Our local team in Miami Beach sees all kinds of water damage inside and outside of structures. A leaking swimming pool can weaken your pool and home’s foundation and waste thousands of gallons of water each month. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends following these steps to determine if your pool is leaking:

  • Grab a clear container and a marker
  • During the test period, turn off the pool auto-fill, do not manually add water to the pool, and avoid splashing water out of the pool
  • Put the container on the pool steps and mark the water level on the outside of the container
  • Now, fill the container with pool water up to the mark you just made, so the levels match
  • Mark the water level inside the container
  • Now, wait and give evaporation time to work, usually two to three days. If it rains or is windy, you’ll have to perform the test again.
  • Place the container on the pool steps. If the water in the pool is lower than the water in the container, you have a leak
  • If both the pool level and the container water levels are the same, you do not have a leak

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach home or commercial business has a water damage problem, you can rely on our local team in Miami to clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Morningside?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is mounted on a wall. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Miami Beach.

Our local team in Miami Beach knows that using a fire extinguisher can save lives and minimize the damage in many cases. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called, and the room is not filled with smoke.

  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism
  • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
  • For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
  • Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
  • Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out

Call Us Today!

When you need fire damage restoration services in your Morningside home or commercial business, you can trust our local team in Miami Beach to clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning in South Beach?

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

A cat walks on a Persian rug. We clean delicate upholstery fabrics, rugs, and carpeting materials in Miami.

Our local team in Miami Beach provides a full range of specialty deep cleaning services in South Beach to keep your home or business looking its best. We pretest everything before cleaning to ensure we use the most effective method in every situation.

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Our carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service will not have the expertise to deodorize your home effectively. Take advantage of our residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Call Us Today!

When you need carpet and upholstery cleaning services in your South Beach home or commercial business, you can trust our local team in Miami Beach to clean and deodorize your carpets and upholstered furniture, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Problem in Miami Shores?

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Mold covers a wall in a building. We mitigate and restore mold damage for businesses in Miami.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been mitigating and remediating mold damage for years in Miami Shores. Mold outbreaks will continue to be a challenge due to Florida’s humid climate, and mold damage is sometimes a symptom of water damage. When we inspect for mold, we will also identify the source and make repairs as needed to discourage the mold from returning once the remediation process is complete.

Highly Trained Team

Our technicians are highly trained and certified in applied microbial remediation by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. We will walk you through the process and advise you of any local and state laws or protocols related to your unique situation.

Mold Facts

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your business through windows, doors, or air conditioning and heating systems
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture, and mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Call Us Today!

When you have a mold problem in your Miami Shores commercial business or home, you can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke-Damaged Business in South Beach?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

The wall outside a commercial building shows smoke and soot damage from a recent fire. We restore smoke and fire damage 24-hours a day in Miami.

When a fire started on the floor below our South Beach offices, smoke and soot came through our ventilation system and caused damage. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach pretests every surface before cleaning to determine the most effective method to use. We may use one or a combination of the following methods to neutralize and remove smoke odor:

  • Air Scrubber or Filter: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system air scrubber or HEPA air purifier captures larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.
  • Ozone Generator: An ozone generator is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.
  • Thermal Fogging: An intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors, and then they ventilate the area.
  • Hydroxyl Generator:These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.
  • Vapor Modification: This odor elimination method relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor.

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your South Beach commercial business  or home, you can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clogged Rain Gutters in Miami Shores?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A rain gutter is clogged with debris. We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Miami.

Have you checked your rain gutters on your Miami Shores home lately? Many types of water damage are preventable by conducting routine inspections maintenance of your home’s exterior. One easy and safe way to check your rain gutters for debris clogs is to fly a drone over your roofline. This way, you can avoid getting on a ladder more than necessary, and you will be able to see where the debris is, making easy work of the task. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach offers these tips from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety for maintaining your gutters and downspouts:

  • Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year, ideally spring and fall, to prevent clogs that can cause water damage to your roof
  • Keep trees trimmed and away from the roof to prevent leaves from clogging gutters
  • If there is standing water, adjust the gutters, so they gently slope toward the downspout allowing water to drain
  • Ensure downspouts funnel water away from the building to prevent water from accumulating at the foundation or entering the basement

Call Us Today!

When you have water damage in your Miami Shores home or commercial business, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Issues in Miami Beach Home?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is growing on a wall in a home. We mitigate and restore mold damage in Miami.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring mold damage in Miami Beach for many years. The tropical monsoon climate here presents the perfect conditions for mold to propagate. Microscopic mold spores are always present in the Earth’s atmosphere waiting for the right conditions to land and colonize. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do while waiting for our technicians to arrive:

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans
  • Contact SERVPRO of Miami Beach for mold remediation services

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Call Us Today!

When you discover mold growing in your Miami Beach home or commercial business, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Rain Intrusion Prevention Tips for North Bay Village?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

An air conditioning unit is shown mounted on a wall outside a building. We are leaders in commercial restoration services in Miami.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring commercial water damage in North Bay Village for many years. One area of a structure where water can enter that is often overlooked is the wall where air conditioners are located. Here are some tips from the Institute of Business and Home Safety for protecting your business from rain intrusion:

 Check wall air conditioners

Internal Drain

If the air conditioning unit has an internal drain, make sure the pipe size is adequate and water is running and flowing freely in order to handle a high volume of water.

Caulking of Air Conditioning Unit Sleeve: Look for any gaps, cracks, or other damage that indicates improper caulking around the edge of the sleeve to the exterior of the building. This increases vulnerability to water entry.

Orientation: Tilting the air conditioning unit sleeves slightly (two degrees) towards the exterior wall can significantly reduce the water’s entry.

Weather Stripping: Proper weather stripping between the air conditioning unit and the sleeve can reduce the water from entering.

Call Us Today!

When you have water damage in your North Bay Village commercial business or home, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Storm Damage Prevention Tips for Miami Beach?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

The ocean in Miami Beach is shown after a rainstorm. We are leaders in storm restoration services in Miami.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring storm damage in Miami Beach for many years. In between storms, it is a good idea to check your home’s exterior for signs of damage and make repairs as needed. Here is some information from the Insurance Information Institute on protecting your home from storm damage:

Exterior Inspection and Repair

  • Water can be prevented from entering a structure’s exterior through routine inspection and maintenance and making repairs as needed
  • Caulk and seal windows
  • Inspect the roof for missing and aging shingles
  • Check rain gutters and drainage systems and remove any debris
  • Check downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the structure
  • Check sprinkler systems and make sure the sprinklers are not spraying water onto the structure and that water is not pooling around the structure’s foundation
  • Make sure water drains away from the building.Water is invasive and will quickly find its way into a home or building when water is allowed to pool around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter into the foundation wall through any cracks.

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your home or commercial business, Miami Beach residents and businesses can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Heater Water Damage in Morningside?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

A water heater is seen in a garage. We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Miami Beach.

Have you inspected your water heater lately? SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring water damage for Morningside residents for years, and we know that routine inspection and maintenance of water heaters and plumbing systems can prevent major water damage in many cases. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety for inspecting and maintaining your water heater:

  • Inspect your anode rod every two years, or every year once the warranty has expired, to determine if it needs replacement
  • Flush water heater tanks every six months to remove any sediment by attaching a garden hose to the valve at the base. For safety, first, turn off the power and run the hot water until it is cool.
  • Get an annual inspection from a plumbing professional, including the shut-off valve and all piping. Signs of broken valves and loose or wet joints and rust are a sign that more severe damage is coming.

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time of the day or night. When you have a water damage emergency in your home or commercial business, we are Here to Help. ® Morningside residents can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Deep Cleaning Services in North Bay Village?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Technicians are cleaning a ceiling in a home. We provide a full range of deep cleaning services in Miami Beach.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach provides a full range of residential deep cleaning services to keep North Bay Village homes looking their best. These services go way beyond the scope of a traditional cleaning service.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

SERVPRO’s carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Air Duct Cleaning

Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service will not have the expertise to deodorize your home effectively. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Our experts are ready to assist in the cleanup of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home. Find out more about these services from our franchise professionals.

Call Us Today!

North Bay Village residents can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to keep your home looking and smelling great!  Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Faster Restoration Time for Miami Beach Businesses?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

A road is closed due to flooding.   We restore commercial storm damage 24-hours a day in Miami.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach restores storm damage every year for Miami businesses. We use industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved cleaning methods and techniques.

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful water extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your business or home.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water 
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

  • Air scrubbers
  • Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and contaminants on your property.

  • Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture
  • Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms

Call Us!

Miami Beach commercial businesses and residents can rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to respond to commercial storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lightning Safety Tips for South Beach?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning bolts appear in the night sky. We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach restores storm damage every year in South Beach. The Miami-Dade County website offers this helpful information to keep people safe from lightning strikes:

  • The safest location during lightning activity is a fully enclosed building with a roof, walls, and floor. Picnic shelters, covered patios, and other partially enclosed structures are NOT safe.
  • If you don’t have access to a safe building, your next choice should be a completely enclosed vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, or bus. Convertibles or other soft-top cars are NOT safe.
  • There is NO safe place to be outdoors during a thunderstorm with lightning, but if you absolutely can’t get to a safe building or vehicle, here are some last resort tips:
    • Do not seek shelter under trees. They might help you stay dry, but they will significantly increase your chances of being struck by lightning.
    • Do not seek shelter under partially enclosed buildings
    • Stay away from metal objects such as fences and tall, isolated objects like poles since lightning typically strikes the tallest object
    • If you are in an open field or clearing, the tallest object might be you! In that case, do not lie down, but crouch down with knees bent and feet together.

Call Us!

South Beach residents and commercial businesses can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heating Safety Tips for South Beach?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

A portable space heater is heating a room in a house. We restore fire damage in Miami Beach.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants everyone to have a safe and fire-damage-free winter season. Here are some heating equipment safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
  • Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
  • Never use your oven to heat your home
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.
  • Keep the container a safe distance away from your home
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month

Call Us Today!

South Beach residents and commercial businesses can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day. We have the equipment, training, and experience needed to restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Air Duct Cleaning in Miami Beach?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

An air duct vent is shown. We clean air ducts and vents in Miami.

One Miami Beach resident explained, "It felt like my air conditioner system was not working as well as it used to. My neighbor had the same type of air conditioner in her house, and her home’s air conditioner worked great. She told me she had the same problem until she called SERVPRO® of Miami Beach."

"I called the SERVPRO team, and they came over and inspected the air conditioning system, ductwork, and vents," she said. "They explained that the musty odor was coming from water in the condensation pan of my air conditioning unit. This excess condensation resulted from running the air conditioner with the doors and windows open in my home."

Air conditioning systems and ductwork can be a breeding ground for contaminants and pollutants. HVAC systems operate like the lungs or respiratory system of the home or building. The benefits of servicing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit include:

  • Help to restore peak energy efficiency
  • May help to eliminate offensive odors
  • Help reduce the potential for mold growth

Call Us Today!

Miami Beach residents and commercial businesses can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to inspect, clean, and restore duct works and HVAC systems. We have the equipment, training, and experience needed to clean and maintain your HVAC system, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Evacuation Order for North Bay Village?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

The Atlantic ocean by Miami Beach is shown. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

Do you know if you live in an area that is at risk for storm surges? North Bay Village residents have relied on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore storm damage for years. Sometimes evacuation is required when there is a storm surge.

The Miami-Dade County website has a section devoted to emergency evacuations where you can find out this information based on your address. Here are the two types of evacuation instructions that the Mayor may give:

  • Evacuation recommendation: The Mayor may recommend that certain residents take steps to evacuate due to their personal risk. A recommendation might be issued to residents who may need extra time to evacuate due to mobility challenges or people who live in areas prone to flooding that may not be in storm surge inundation areas.
  • Evacuation order: The Mayor may order residents of specific areas of the county deemed to be in danger based on a hurricane’s track and projected storm surge.

Areas of the County that should evacuate will be announced through miamidade.gov and local media.

Residents are encouraged to stay with family members or friends who live inland in a non-evacuation area. Hurricane evacuation centers will open but should only be considered as a shelter of last resort.

Call Us Today!

North Bay Village residents and commercial businesses can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore storm damage. We have the equipment, training, and experience needed to return your property to pre-damage condition. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outdoor Electric Safety Tips for Edgewater?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Holiday lights decorate palm trees. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami.

Lots of homes and businesses use outdoor lighting each year. The winter holiday season brings even more outdoor lighting activity as Edgewater residents deck their homes with lights. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants everyone to have a safe and fire-free winter and offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for outdoor electrical work and equipment safety:

Outside Electrical Work

  • Have a qualified electrician do all electrical work
  • To prevent an electrical shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
  • Have a professional tree cutting service trim any branches that might fall into electric wiring

Equipment Safety

  • Use lighting and power tools that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and make sure they are made for outdoor use
  • Store your electrical tools indoors
  • Keep electric tools away from children
  • Keep the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment clean
  • Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace any damaged cords right away
  • Use extension cords that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and are marked for outdoor use.
  • Extension cords are not meant for long-term use

Call Us Today!

Edgewater residents and commercial businesses can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Roof on La Gorce Island?

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

A person is installing new roof tiles. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

I have no idea how my roof tile cracked. There are no trees close to my house, so it was a complete mystery when it rained, and I had a leak in my attic. We had tiles left over from the last time we re-roofed our La Gorce Island home, so we fixed the roof, but we called the experts at  SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to dry, clean, and sanitize the water damage in the attic.

Here are some tips for preventing water intrusion:

Exterior Inspection and Repair

Water can be prevented from entering a structure’s exterior through routine inspection and maintenance and making repairs as needed.

  • Caulk and seal windows
  • Inspect the roof for missing and aging shingles
  • Check rain gutters and drainage systems and remove any debris
  • Check downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the structure
  • Check sprinkler systems and make sure the sprinklers are not spraying water onto the structure and that water is not pooling around the structure’s foundation
  • Make sure water drains away from the building.Water is invasive and will easily find its way into a structure when water pools around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter into the foundation wall through any cracks.

Call Us Today!

La Gorce Island residents and businesses can trust SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore water damage quickly and efficiently, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Leaking Air Conditioner in South Beach?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

An air conditioning unit is shown in a home. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

I looked up and noticed a dark stain growing on the ceiling of my South Beach home. What in the world could be causing that? There were no plumbing pipes in that part of my ceiling, so I was at a total loss as to what could be causing the water damage. I had my husband check the roof for leaks, and the roof was fine, too. I knew I had to act fast, so I called SERVPRO® of Miami Beach.

The SERVPRO team arrived quickly and inspected the damage. Evidently, my air conditioning unit was the culprit! The air conditioner’s evaporator coil was clogged with dust and debris, causing the water in the condensation pan to overflow and leak onto the ceiling. The SERVPRO technicians fixed the air conditioning unit coil to prevent further damage. Once the area was completely dry, they replaced the drywall and insulation and repainted the ceiling. Now, you would never know I had water damage!

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

South Beach residents and businesses can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore water damage quickly and efficiently, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Emergency Service Board Up!

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO tech sweeps up broken glass SERVPRO of Miami Beach, and we will board up your unprotected structure lickety-split. Call us at 305-532-5411.

Emergency Service Board Up!


Imagine you are a South Beach retail store owner and someone shoots a bullet through your front door. That’s scary enough, but what about the concept of leaving your front door unprotected for people to come in and steal your merchandise? That’s an insult to injury.

We recently received this call from a store owner of the Thanksgiving weekend at about 11 pm. Our on-call crews were able to respond quickly and get to work. 


SERVPRO of Miami Beach works 24/7 for you, so even when damage happens after hours, we are able to respond right away and help make it "Like it never even happened."

Call us, SERVPRO of Miami Beach, and we will board up your unprotected structure lickety-split. Call us at 305-532-5411.

Mold Damage in Miami Beach?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

A closeup of mold spores is shown. We handle mold at SERVPRO of Miami Beach.

There was a musty smell in my Miami Beach home. It seemed to be coming from my air conditioning vents. My neighbor told me to call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. They sent a team out right away. Sure enough, moisture condensation in my air conditioner pan caused mold to colonize inside the walls by my air conditioning unit.

Understanding Mold

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or air conditioning and heating systems, or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed, or the mold may return
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Call Us Today!

Miami Beach residents and businesses can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to mitigate and remediate mold damage. We will advise you of state and local protocols and advise you on the process. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Mold Damage in Miami Beach?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

A closeup of mold spores is shown. We handle mold at SERVPRO of Miami Beach.

There was a musty smell in my Miami Beach home. It seemed to be coming from my air conditioning vents. My neighbor told me to call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. They sent a team out right away. Sure enough, moisture condensation in my air conditioner pan caused mold to colonize inside the walls by my air conditioning unit.

Understanding Mold

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or air conditioning and heating systems, or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed, or the mold may return
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Call Us Today!

Miami Beach residents and businesses can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to mitigate and remediate mold damage. We will advise you of state and local protocols and advise you on the process. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Commercial Cleaning Services in Miami?

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

A floor is being polished. We offer deep cleaning services to keep Miami Beach businesses looking great!

Our offices were beginning to look kind of old and tired. The furniture was only a couple of years old, but the upholstery looked dull. There appeared to be a buildup of wax on the floors, too. There was also a stale smell that I couldn’t link to anything specific. My office manager told me about SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. They sent out a crew that cleaned our office from top to bottom. They cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized our ceilings, walls, light fixtures, floors, carpets, baseboards, bathrooms, breakrooms, upholstery, and office furniture. Now our offices look brand new and smell great!

Commercial Cleaning Services

  • Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Biohazard and Sewage
  • Trauma and Crime Scene
  • Carpet and Upholstery
  • Drapes and Blinds
  • Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
  • Odor Removal and Deodorization
  • Vandalism

We have many years of experience working in all kinds of business settings and buildings:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us Today!

Miami businesses and residents can rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to deep clean and restore their workplaces, “Like it never even happened.” Deep cleaning and routine maintenance can protect your investment and keep your offices looking their best. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Electrical Fire in Miami Beach?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

An electrical wall outlet is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County!

Do you have frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers? Or discolored or warm wall outlets? SERVPRO® of Miami Beach witnesses the fire damage faulty wiring can cause to a structure. Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
  • Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
  • Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
  • Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
  • Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
  • Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
  • 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.

Call Us Today!

Miami Beach residents and businesses rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Shower Pan Leak in Morningside?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

A shower is shown in a modern bathroom. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County!

Leaking shower in Morningside? 

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IIBHS) reports that homes over twenty years old were 37 percent more likely to have water damage involving a shower, and more than half of these claims involved a damaged shower stall. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Morningside. Many of these emergencies may have been prevented by routine and inspection of the home’s plumbing systems. Often, small leaks can be repaired before they can become a larger problem.

The IIBHS offers these helpful tips for maintaining your shower pan and checking it for leaks:

Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to lose or cracked tiles or cracked and crumbling grout lines and repair as needed.

Test the shower pan annually by:

  1. Blocking the drain
  2. Fill the shower stall with about one inch of water
  3. Use a pencil to mark the waterline
  4. Leave the water standing in the shower pan for 8 hours
  5. If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional.

Call Us!

Morningside residents and businesses can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore water damage quickly and efficiently at any time of the day or night. We’ll restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fast Emergency Response Time in South Beach?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

The head and taillights of traffic on a highway at night. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster in Miami-Dade County!

A one-four-eight-hour rule for South Beach?

When your commercial business has a fire or water damage emergency, every minute counts. At SERVPRO® of Miami Beach, we follow the one-four-eight-hour-rule, meaning:

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Fifty percent of businesses that experience fire or water damage never reopen. We understand the importance of getting your commercial business operational quickly and will work to minimize the disruption to your employees and customers whenever possible.

Our team of highly trained technicians has the equipment, advanced training, and experience to get your business back to business quickly after a property damage loss. We have experience working in all kinds of buildings and business settings, including:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us!

South Beach businesses and residents can rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to arrive quickly and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

High Wind Warning for Normandy Isles?

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Strong winds are blowing palm trees over. We are trusted leaders in storm damage restoration in Miami-Dade County.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to storm damage emergencies in Normandy Isles, and often the storm damage is related to high winds. Thunderstorms can create high winds that can cause serious property damage. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website offers this helpful information about the types of winds and wind alerts:

High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary so you are not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action: Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured, and take caution if driving.  

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 miles per hour and or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Preparing for High Winds

  • Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
  • Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
  • Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
  • Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure things that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Call Us!

Normandy Isles residents and businesses can rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore storm damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Smoke Alarms for Hearing Impaired People in South Beach?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm is going off and flashing a light. We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Miami Beach.

People in South Beach who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot rely on standard smoke alarms to alert them to fire danger, but manufacturers make alarms for hearing impaired populations. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach offers this helpful information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

  • Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf (those with profound hearing loss). These alarms use strobe lights to wake the person. Vibration notification appliances, such as pillow or bed shakers, are required and are currently activated by the sound of a smoke alarm.
  • As people age, their ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases. NFPA’s Research Foundation showed that older adults are unlikely to respond to alarms with strobe lights.
  • Older adults or other people who are hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can use a device that emits a mixed, low-pitched sound. In its current form, this device is activated by the sound of a traditional smoke alarm.
  • Always choose equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory
  • Make sure everyone in your home understands and reacts to the signal (light, vibration, or sound) used in their situation
  • Test all smoke alarms at least monthly

Call Us!

South Beach residents and businesses can rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to restore fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water-damaged Home in Normandy Isles?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water is shown running down the drain into a kitchen sink. We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Miami Beach.

Water damage can happen at any time in Normandy Isles, but some forms of water damage can be prevented. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach’s water damage restoration technicians are highly trained and have the experience and equipment to mitigate and restore water damage quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips from the Institute for Business and Home Safety to prevent water damage:

  • Never pour grease down the drain
  • Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping
  • If your home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system, a particular problem for older homes, or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into your sewer system
  • Call a professional if you notice signs of a plumbing problem
    • An increased monthly water bill
    • Banging pipes
    • Rust stains
    • Moisture in the walls or on the floor
    • Signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation

Call Us!

When your Normandy Isles home or commercial business requires emergency water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained technicians are on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day, and we typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Pack-Out Services in Miami?

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

People are shown packing boxes. We provide a full range of contents restoration and pack-out services in Miami Beach.

Miami residents need to know about our pack-out services!

When my roof was damaged in a recent storm, that portion of the roof had to be replaced. The contents of the room directly underneath that part of the roof had to be removed to avoid damage during the restoration. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach’s technicians turned a chaotic and stressful experience into an efficient and organized move-out. They helped me pack out all of my bedroom furniture, clothes, and miscellaneous items. They stored them offsite until the roof repair was completed. Then, when the restoration was completed, they coordinated the return of these items and helped me put everything back together again.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

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

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

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

Call Us!

When your Miami home or commercial requires move-out and pack-out services to complete a restoration, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained technicians are on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Wind-damaged Home in Edgewater?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Palm trees are blowing over in a tropical storm We mitigate and restore storm damage in Miami Beach.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is no stranger to severe weather. Severe storms and hurricanes bring high winds to Edgewater, and high winds can bring wind damage. Here are some wind mitigation tips to protect your home and family during severe winds from State Farm Insurance:

Traditional Homes

  • Keep your home firmly anchored in high winds by having anchor bolts with heavy-gauge, square bolt washers installed to connect your floor to the foundation
  • Reinforce the rest of the frame by connecting wall and floor components with properly installed plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) and attach roof trusses or rafters to the walls with metal connectors
    • On existing homes, this can be done when replacing siding

Manufactured Homes

  • Manufactured homes are more prone to damage from high winds as a result of non-permanent foundations
  • Inspect all straps and tie-downs regularly for rust, weakness, or wear and have repairs made immediately

Windows

  • Install windows rated for the wind speeds in your region
  • For the best protection in hurricane-prone areas, install impact-resistant permanent shutters that meet applicable building code approved standards

Call Us!

When your Edgewater home or commercial business needs help with storm damage, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Smoke and Soot Damage on La Gorce Island?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

A family heirloom diamond ring is shown. We are fire damage restoration specialists in Miami Beach.

The fire in the kitchen was contained and extinguished quickly. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the smoke and soot traveled through my La Gorce Island home, and everything required cleaning and deodorization. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach performs a full range of cleaning services to restore fire-damaged belongings back to preloss condition. When the SERVPRO team arrived, they inspected and assessed the damage and immediately began the cleaning and restoration process.

They cleaned all of the walls, light fixtures, millwork, and floors. They cleaned all of the windows and all of the jewelry on my dressing room table. They worked systematically through the house, and by the time they completed the job, you would never know there had been a fire in my house!

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 7: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your La Gorce Island home or commercial business needs help with fire damage, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Emergency in Miami Shores?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

A clock face is shown ticking down the minutes. Every minute counts when restoring water damage in Miami Beach.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach witnesses firsthand the damage water can do to homes and businesses in Miami Shores. Here is a water damage timeline from our website describing the damage water causes over time:

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
  • A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
  • Paint begins to blister
  • Wood flooring swells and warps
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Call Us!

When your Miami Shores home or commercial business experiences water damage SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Contents Restoration Services North Bay Village?

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

An antique jewelry box is shown with jewelry spilling out. We clean and restore precious family keepsakes damaged by fire in Miami.

North Bay Village residents need to know.

Fire damage cleanup and restoration is dirty work that requires a variety of cleaning methods to restore damaged belongings and family keepsakes to preloss conditions. At SERVPRO® of Miami Beach, our technicians are trained to perform a full range of contents restoration services to restore precious keepsakes and belongings to preloss condition quickly and efficiently. Every item is pretested prior to cleaning to ensure the most effective cleaning method is used for every item we restore. 

Contents Restoration Cleaning Methods

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us!

When your North Bay Village home or commercial business experiences fire damage and you need fire restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Highly Trained Technicians in Miami Beach?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

A training session is underway in a conference room. We are trusted leaders in residential and commercial restoration in Miami-Dade County.

Only the Best for Miami Beach!

At SERVPRO® of Miami Beach, our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Employee training includes:

  • IICRC Training
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • e-Learnings
  • Continuing Education Classes

Certifications

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CDS - Commercial Drying Specialist
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

e-Learnings

All employees have access to web-based training. This training is voluntary and is designed to be an ongoing training series for SERVPRO of Miami Beach employees. These training courses are comprised of video presentations and support materials, followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. Web-based training allows our technicians and office team to stay up-to-speed on industry standards and best practices for the cleaning and restoration industry.

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach home or commercial business needs emergency restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire-damaged Business in South Beach?

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is being put out at the scene of a fire. We restore commercial fire damage in Miami-Dade County.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring fire damage for the South Beach business community for years. Upon arrival, we will assess the damage and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. We will tarp and board up any areas exposed to the elements to secure the structure. We will also help you with the insurance paperwork and process.

Our technicians are certified fire and water restoration specialists with the experience required to perform a full range of specialty cleaning and restoration services to return fire-damaged commercial properties to preloss condition quickly and efficiently. 

  • Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician

When required, we can also supervise a full range of reconstruction and building services so that you will have one person managing the entire restoration process. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is a trusted leader in fire restoration services in Miami-Dade County. No matter what kind of commercial fire damage you have, South Beach businesses residents can rely on us to restore the fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home needs fire restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Thunderstorm Warning for Miami Beach?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Raindrops sit on a window, obscuring the view outside. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Did you know that Miami Beach reports thunderstorms about eighty days each year on average? These storms can be strong and come with frequent lightning and very heavy rain. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year and offer these thunderstorm safety tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

  • If the sky looks threatening or if you hear thunder, get inside a safe place immediately
  • Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors
  • Wait thirty minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside
  • Remember, it is your behavior when thunderstorms are in the area that determines your personal risk of being struck by lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!

Lightning victims

  • If someone is struck by lightning, they may need immediate medical attention
  • Lightning victims for not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch
  • Call 911 and monitor the victim
  • Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or use an Automated External Defibrillator if needed

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach home or commercial business needs storm restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Cooking Fire in Morningside Residence?

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

A person is shown cooking in a modern kitchen. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to fire damage emergencies each year in Morningside and offers these tips for cooking safely from the National Fire Protection Association:

What you should know about home cooking safety
  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your stovetop
If you have a cooking fire
  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat, and keep the door closed

Call Us!

When your Morningside home or commercial business needs fire restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Highly Trained Team in South Beach?

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

A person is looking at a computer screen. We respond to property damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

South Beach Deserves the Best!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach requires our employees to undergo initial and rigorous training and certification. Here are the descriptions of our training programs from our website:

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after the successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Initial Franchise Training

A 15-day hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility is the foundation of the SERVPRO training program. This course is primarily for new Franchise owners and covers many restoration topics:

  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
  • Mold Mitigation

e-Learnings

All of our staff have access to web-based training. This voluntary program is designed to be an ongoing, self-paced coaching series for a Franchise's employees. Video presentations and support materials are followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. This keeps our technicians and office staff up to speed on industry standards and the professional quality you expect.

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach residence or commercial business needs emergency restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Flood Safety Tips for Miami Beach Residents?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Tropical palm trees are seen against a rain-splattered window. We are trusted leaders in storm damage restoration in Miami-Dade County.

Florida and Miami Beach residents are no strangers to storms and severe weather. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach offers these tips for protecting your family during a flood from the American Red Cross:

Protecting Your Family

  • Talk with your family about what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued. Discussing floods ahead of time helps reduce fear, especially for younger children.
  • Ensure that every member of your family carries a Safe and Well wallet card.
  • Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts
  • Find out if you are located in a floodplain, which is considered a Special Flood Hazard Area. If so, you are still eligible for flood insurance. Check with your city or county government to review the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
  • Find out if local streams or rivers flood easily
  • Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box. You may need quick, easy access to these documents. Keep them in a safe place less likely to be damaged during a flood. Take pictures on a phone and keep copies of important documents and files on a flash drive that you can carry with you on your house or car keys.

Call Us!

When your Miami Beach residence or commercial business experiences a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day, every day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Propane Grilling Safety Tips for Miami Beach Residents?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

A propane grill is shown. We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Miami-Dade County.

Grilling Time in Miami!

It’s July, and that means barbeques and family fun outdoors. It’s also the peak month for grilling fires in the United States. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year, and we want everyone to have a safe grilling experience this summer. Here are some tips for propane grill safety from the National Fire Protection Association:

Propane Grills

·       Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year

·       Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose

·       A propane leak will release bubbles

If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.

·       If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again

·       If the leak does not stop, call the fire department

·       If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

If the flame goes out, turn off the grill and gas and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach residence or commercial business experiences a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day, every day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Plumbing Inspection Tips for South Beach Residents?

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing pipes and systems are shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to water damage emergencies often in South Beach. Here are some helpful tips from the Insurance Information Institute for inspecting your indoor plumbing systems:

  • Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Make it a practice every year to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks and replace them all every five to seven years.
  • Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
  • When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
  • Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money, and time.
  • Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
  • Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach residence or commercial business experience a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day, every day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

More Satisfied SERVPRO of Miami Beach Customers?

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

A person is shown using a smartphone to give customer reviews. We respond to property damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach’s customer reviews is the best form of advertising possible in Miami Beach. Here are some recent Google reviews:

“I am extremely pleased with Joe and the rest of the Miami Beach SERVPRO team for their quick response in addressing our needs with regards to the flood remediation work we hired them for. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, great communication, and attentiveness in addressing this issue. I called, and they started working away the very next day. They are transparent about the work being done, and they document everything. Normally I’d be nervous about any type of remediation work, but Joe and the team put me at ease in knowing the job would be completed quickly and thoroughly. Thank you, Joe, Kareem, and the SERVPRO team!!!” Vanessa Remijio

“There is nothing as devastating as having unpredictable damage to your home. Having someone like Kareem Hamilton taking care of your damage is one of the most valuable assets you can have to have the work done professionally, timely, and efficiently. I highly recommend SERVPRO.” Kareem Hamilton

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach residence or commercial business has a property damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day, every day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”  

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire-damaged Business in Miami Beach?

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke is billowing up against a black background. We respond to commercial fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Fire in Miami Beach Business

After the flames are extinguished and the emergency responders leave, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach’s job begins. Often, we arrive at the scene of the fire as the Miami Beach Fire Department is leaving. In most cases, there will be lots of fire-damaged items and soot and smoke damage. Soot and smoke odor may permeate to other areas of the structure as well. There will also be water damage left from the firefighting efforts.

Our fire restoration technicians have the equipment and advanced training to mitigate and restore any size commercial fire loss. We work with your insurance company and provide one convenient point of contact through the entire restoration process.

  • Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician

We have demonstrated experience working on all types of buildings and business settings, including:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach commercial business has a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day every day of the year. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your commercial fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Lightning Safety Tips for South Beach?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

A summer evening lightning strike over downtown Miami, Florida is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Lightning Safety Tips for South Beach

Did you know that lightning may strike as far as 10 miles from any rain? Thunder and lightning happen all the time in Florida and SERVPRO® of Miami Beach offer these lightning safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

Outdoor Safety

  • If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away.
  • Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter
  • Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.
  • There is no safe place outside. Places with only a roof on sports fields, golf courses, and picnic areas are not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds should not be used.
  • If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1. Get medical help right away.

Indoor Safety

  • Turn off computers
  • Stay off corded phones, computers, and other things that put you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing
  • Do not wash your hands, bathe, shower, do laundry, or wash dishes

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach home has a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day every day of the year. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

WATER

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Miami Beach - image of laundry room Water Cleanup, Damage Repair, and Restoration

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Miami Beach respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Flooded Laundry Room in Miami Beach?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

A laundry room is shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami-Dade County.

Flooding Happens in Miami Beach

You would never know by looking at this picture that my laundry room flooded last week. The supply line valve to my cold water intake failed, and water flooded my laundry room and the laundry room hallway. What a disaster! I had used SERVPRO® of Miami Beach in the past for a mold problem, so I called them, and I’m glad I did. 

While waiting for the SERVPRO team to arrive, I followed the safety tips on their website for what to do after flooding while waiting for help to arrive:  

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
  • Gather loose items from floors

Call Us Today!

When your Miami Beach home has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day every day of the year. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Happy Customers in North Bay Village?

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

A man is giving a five-star review. We aim for five-star reviews with every customer we serve in Miami Beach!

Our Customers Say it For Us!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been responding to property damage emergencies in North Bay Village for years. Here are some customer testimonials from our website:

“My air conditioning went out for a month, leading to a mold situation that left my apartment uninhabitable and destroyed many of my possessions. I highly recommend SERVPRO as the first call you make when remediating mold situations. I contacted 4 different companies, and they were the most helpful by far. They came out the next business day to provide a no-cost assessment and educated me about my options, what the role of an assessor is, and about the particulars of my situation. By far, their advice made the most sense, and their rates were the lowest. Get their expert advice before you make a potentially costly mistake! Other companies were over 3x as much!” Kevin L., North Bay Village


“Joe Hrbek, the owner of MB SERVPRO, was awesome. Immediately responsive whenever we reached out to him. Ismael's crew arrived exactly on time and went to work immediately. Any concerns about COVID-19 were answered before we asked them. Very professional team!” James, Miami Beach

Call Us Today!

When your North Bay Village home or business requires emergency restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Crime Scene Cleanup in South Beach?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

A crime scene is being investigated. We provide trauma and crime scene cleanup services in the Miami Beach area 24-hours a day.

When a fight broke out in my South Beach bar the situation turned into a bar scene from an old western movie. It only took a few minutes for the room to become torn apart, and the people who were fighting injured each other and some innocent bystanders. The room quickly became a crime scene. The South Miami Police Department was called in to investigate and file my report.

After the investigation was completed, I had to get the bar cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid losing any money. My insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. They sent a team out and immediately began the cleanup and restoration process. They wore protective gear and clothing and cleaned up the blood and crime scene residue. In a short time, they had my bar looking as if it always had, and I was back in business the next day!

Crime scenes and accidents require special cleaning and restoration services to restore commercial business to preloss condition safely. Our technicians follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols to transform unsafe environments back to clean safe places quickly and efficiently.

Call Us Today!

When your South Beach business requires trauma or crime scene cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your crime scene, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Flooded Business in Miami?

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Sea water is pouring into a building. We mitigate commercial water damage in Miami Beach 24-hours a day.

High Tide Flooding in Miami?

According to a report published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coastal communities across the United States will continue to see record-setting high-tide flooding, causing flooded shorelines, streets, and basements. Each year the NOAA documents changes in high-tide flooding patterns from the year before at ninety-eight NOAA tide gauges along the coast and provides an outlook for the coming year.

  • Through May 2021, the national high tide flood frequency is expected to accelerate, with the United States coastal communities seeing an average of two to six days of flooding in the coming year. Communities along the northeast and western Gulf coasts will see higher levels. No high-tide flooding is predicted for the United States Island coastlines.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to commercial water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in the Miami area, and we know that our fast response time minimizes the potential for further damage. Water is invasive and can become an expensive and time-consuming repair if not mitigated quickly and efficiently.

Call Us Today!

When your business requires emergency water damage services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your water damage in Miami, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Hurricane Season Preparedness for South Beach?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Strong winds are blowing palms over on a beach in Miami. We mitigate storm damage in South Beach seven days a week.

Hurricane Season officially begins in the Atlantic region on May 15 and ends on November 30. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring storm damage for South Beach residents for years and we offer these helpful hurricane preparedness tips for gathering supplies from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Gather Supplies

Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, maskspet supplies in your go-bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.

  • Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
  • Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials in advance of the pandemic and must shop more frequently. In addition, consider avoiding WIC-approved products so that those who rely on these products can access them.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your storm damage in South Beach, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Deep Cleaning and Decontamination Services in Miami Beach?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

A person is cleaning and decontaminating a door handle. We offer a full range of deep cleaning and decontamination services in Miami.

Viral Pathogen Cleaning Services for Miami Beach

Although we are getting closer to mitigating the new coronavirus, COVID-19, keeping our homes and businesses free of viral pathogens will continue to be an important part of any home or business’s cleaning regimen. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach offers a full range of specialized cleaning and decontamination services to minimize exposure to viral pathogens like COVID-19 and we have been providing bioremediation services for many years.

Our technicians are highly trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and are certified in Applied Microbial Remediation. Other certifications include:

Certifications

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CDS - Commercial Drying Specialist
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

We follow the IICRC industry standards and best practices and use products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business requires deep cleaning and decontamination services, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your home or workplace in Miami Beach, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Commercial Mold Damage in Miami Beach?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

A chef is preparing food in a commercial kitchen. We remediate mold damage in commercial businesses in Miami.

Mold happens in Miami.

A plumbing leak underneath the sink in my commercial kitchen created the perfect moist and warm conditions for mold to grow. I had to act fast, so I called the professionals at SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. They came out and used an infrared camera to identify the location and extent of the water leak and repaired it quickly. They partitioned off the infested area and began the remediation process. After they completed the remediation, you couldn’t tell there was ever a mold problem!

Mold is a prevalent problem in Florida and the Miami Beach area due to the high humidity levels in our climate. Microscopic mold spores float around in the atmosphere waiting for the optimum conditions to propagate to present themselves. Once the mold starts colonizing, it can spread rapidly.

We use advanced technology and techniques and specialized equipment to safely and effectively manage the situation. Our team is highly trained and certified in:

  • Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Call Us!

When your business has a commercial mold damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your commercial damage in Miami Beach, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Hurricane Readiness for Surfside?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Palm trees are shown bent over in high winds. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been helping the residents of Surfside retore storm damage for years, and as fellow Floridians, we know it is always a good idea to be ready for severe weather. The Town of Surfside’s website has a great section dedicated to hurricane preparedness. It has information on preparing a hurricane kit and the essential supplies to stock up on before hurricane season begins. They also have a section that provides information on preparing trees for hurricane season.

Before Hurricane Season:

  • Have an expert safely trim any trees next to power lines
  • Prune trees during the tree species dormant season or during early spring
  • Make sure to correctly dispose of all tree cuttings since branches and stumps left out in the open can become projectiles during a storm

In this section you can also find helpful information on what to do after a storm, including important phone numbers for reporting downed powerlines, and tips for staying safe and for preventing further damage to your property.

Call Us Today!

When you have a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your storm damage in Surfside, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Toilet Failure in North Bay Village?

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

A toilet is shown with the tank lid off, exposing the components within. We are leaders in water damage restoration in Miami Beach.

Inspection and Maintenance Tips for Your Toilet

Indoor plumbing is a wonderful thing and functioning toilets are a necessity. Every home has toilets, and they can cause water damage when they fail. At SERVPRO® of Miami Beach, we respond to water damage emergencies throughout the year and know that some toilet failure emergencies may be prevented. Here are some preventative maintenance steps to protect your toilet from failing from the Institute for Business and Home Safety:

  • Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
  • Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply, and flush valves, and the supply line. Make sure you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your water damage in North Bay Village, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Flooded Store in Miami Shores?

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

The counter of a convenience store is shown. We respond to damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Miami Beach.

Cleanup in Miami Shores!

A water pipe failed and flooded my convenience store. It happened after hours, so we didn’t find out about the situation until I came in the next morning to open. Water was everywhere, and there was no way we could open under these dangerous conditions. My insurance agent told me about SERVPRO® of Miami Beach, and I’m glad he did! They walked me through the process and explained every step in their six-step mitigation process.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

They arrived on site quickly and immediately began the cleanup and restoration process. The team moved all of the racks, extracted all of the water, and cleaned all of the shelves. They supervised the repair of the water pipe and completely cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized the store. They worked so quickly that we were able to open the store that day with minimal disruption to my employees and our customers!

Call Us!

When your commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your water damage in Miami Shores, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Chemical Spill in Miami Shores?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

A surface is covered in dangerous yellow, red, and blue-green chemicals. We are faster to any size disaster in Miami Beach.

We Are Trusted Leaders in Biohazard Cleanup

Chemical spills can be dangerous to mitigate. At SERVPRO® of Miami Beach, we have a team of restoration technicians on-call 24-hours a day, seven days a week to respond to chemical spills in Miami Shores, no matter how big the job is.

Advanced Training and Certification

Our technicians are specially trained and certified to restore areas compromised by chemical spills safely. We have the specialized training, protective gear, experience, and equipment to clean and restore biohazard spills of all types.

We respond 24-hours a day to biohazardous situations like:

  • Sewage backups
  • Crime scene residues
  • Suicide/death accidents
  • Homicide cleanups
  • Blood cleanup
  • Accident cleanup
  • Hoarding scenes
  • Animal waste/remains
  • Chemical spills
  • Tear gas cleanup
  • Meth lab cleanup

We approach every job with special consideration for your family or business and will work to minimize the disruption to your home or business routine whenever possible and return your property to preloss condition quickly and efficiently.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a chemical spill or another biohazardous emergency may happen, but when it does, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to mitigate biohazardous spill emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your chemical spill damage in Miami Shores, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Flooded Apartment Complex in Surfside?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

An aerial view of Surfside, FL. is shown on a sunny day. We are trusted leaders in commercial water mitigation in Miami.

SERVPRO to the Rescue!

When my Surfside apartment complex’s sprinkler system malfunctioned and flooded several apartments I was in a panic. This flooding situation was impacting my tenants and I was worried because I thought my tenants would have to be relocated until the damage was restored.

I called SERVPRO® of Miami Beach and they walked me through the process and sent a mitigation team out quickly to being the cleanup and restoration. Their fast response time minimized the damage to the apartments, and because the water was not left standing and the areas were dried so quickly and thoroughly, the disruption to my tenants was minimal and they did not have to be relocated.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach has been proudly serving the commercial business community of Southside and the Miami Beach area for years. Our highly trained technicians are certified to mitigate any water loss, no matter how big the job is.

Certifications

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CDS - Commercial Drying Specialist
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to mitigate commercial water damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your water damage in Surfside, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Sewage Spill in Miami?

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

A clean water closet is shown with a modern toilet. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in the Miami Beach area.

Category 3 Water Damage

If your home is contaminated by a “Category 3” sewage spill, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained water restoration technicians certified to safely clean and restore this highly unsanitary, dangerous water. Miami residents can rest easy knowing that we are here to mitigate any category of water damage. Here are the three categories of water contamination:

Category 1: Clean Water. This is clean water that comes from a broken supply line or faucet.

  • Water from a clean source like a broken water line
  • If left untreated can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: Gray Water. This water is contaminated and can cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources include washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with some urine, no feces, or dishwasher overflow.

  • It may contain bacteria and viruses
  • Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: Black Water. This water is highly unsanitary and can cause severe illness or death if ingested. All contact should be avoided. Category 3 water can come from rivers or streams, water beyond the toilet trap, water in the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water where microbial growth has begun.

  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to mitigate water damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your water damage in Miami Beach, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Fast Emergency Response Time in Miami?

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Tall buildings are shown in Miami, FL. We respond to fire and water damage emergencies quickly in the Miami Beach area.

One-Four-Eight Rule

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach follows the one-four-eight rule. That means that when you call us, we will respond to your call within one hour or less, we will arrive on-site in four hours or less, and we will contact your insurance adjuster in eight hours or less.

This is why we have a team of highly trained technicians on call 24-hours a day to respond to residential and commercial property damage calls. Fire, water, and storm damage do not wait for a convenient time to happen, so our teams are ready to respond day or night. We are deeply committed to our community and are proud of the team we have built and the recognition we have received.

Certifications

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CDS - Commercial Drying Specialist
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Affiliations

  • Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association - GMBHA
  • Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification – IICRC
  • Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce

Awards

  • Franchise Management Course
  • You're Our Hero!
  • SERVPRO's Business Development Program

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to respond to commercial and residential property damage emergencies in Miami 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Miami Beach?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

A bight clean white office is shown. Miami businesses rely on us to restore fire damage.

Commercial Fire Damage

My business office has been fully restored. I had no idea of the magnitude of the restoration effort or how much work would be required to mitigate the damage. After the firefighters left, there was water and other residue left from the firefighting efforts. Oily soot and smoke odor covered the walls, ceilings, floors, electrical equipment, furniture, and documents.

Mitigation Process

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been helping commercial businesses restore fire-damaged properties in Miami Beach for years and we understand the importance of getting your business operational as soon as possible. Our teams of highly trained technicians are on call 24-hours a day and upon arrival, will provide an assessment of the damage and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. Here is the process we follow when mitigating fire damage:

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
  3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
  4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
  5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
  6. Cleaning and Repair
  7. Restoration

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to respond to fire damage emergencies in Miami Beach 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your commercial fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Coastal Flooding in Edgewater?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water is seen flooding an area of trees and a lamp post. We mitigate water damage in Miami Beach no matter how big the job is.

100 Year Floods in Miami?

According to a recent article published by Scientific American, Miami is considered the most vulnerable coastal city in the world. The article suggests that over the next twenty years we could expect increasing storm surges and winds, 100-year floods occurring every few years, and the sea levels rise.

No matter what the future brings to Edgewater and the Miami Beach area, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach will be here to help our residents and business owners weather any storm. We have supported restoration efforts for many major storms, and we have the experience and equipment necessary to efficiently return your property to preloss condition.

National Storm Resources

As one of over 1700 franchises nationwide, we can mobilize resources to meet the demands of any major storm. We also have access to Disaster Recovery Teams who specialize in mitigating major storm damage and other catastrophic events, like:

  • 2017 California wildfires
  • 2017 Hurricane Irma
  • 2017 Hurricane Harvey
  • 2016 Hurricane Matthew
  • 2015 Carolina floods
  • 2014 Polar Vortex
  • 2012 Sandy
  • 2010 Nashville floods
  • 2008 Ike
  • 2007 Chicago floods
  • 2007 Ohio floods
  • 2007 California wildfires
  • 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to respond to storm damage emergencies in Edgewater 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damaged Belongings Restored in Surfside?

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Clean and colorful towels and blankets are shown. Miami Beach residents rely on us to mitigate their water damage.

Protecting Your Possessions From Water Damage

This picture shows freshly cleaned beach towels and blankets that were damaged by a water heater that failed in the garage of a Surfside home. The water heater water line was corroded, so when it cracked, the water that sprayed and flooded all over the garage and was rusty and smelly.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach was called in to mitigate the water damage. We inventoried and removed all of the contents, replaced the supply line to the water heater, and cleaned and deodorized all of the items that were compromised.

Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute for protecting your possessions from water damage:

  • Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness, such as basements and attics.
  • Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged.
  • Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage.

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach’s team of water restoration specialists will take great care to restore your belongings to preloss condition when your clothes and household items are damaged by water. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your belongings in Surfside, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Power Failure in Miami Beach?

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

A dark kitchen is shown with a candle and electric lantern dimly lighting the room during a power outage. We are on call 24 hours a day to assist Miami residents with storm damage emergencies.

Power Outages Happen

Did you know that 97 percent of the problems reported to the Florida Power and Light Company were attributed to power outages? Storms and downed power lines are some of the causes. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been mitigating storm damage in the Miami Beach area for years, and we offer these tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for surviving during a power outage:

  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
  • Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
  • Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
  • Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
  • Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your storm damage in Miami Beach, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Bathroom Emergency in North Bay Village?

1/17/2021 (Permalink)

A modern, white bathroom and bathtub is shown. Miami Beach residents trust us with water damage restorations!

Bad bathtub drain?

The bathroom in this picture looks great now because it was recently remodeled due to a drainage problem at the base of the bathtub. According to a study published by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), homes that were thirty years old were three times more likely to have a plumbing supply or drainage problem. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to water damage emergencies seven days a week in the North Bay Village and Miami Beach areas and knows that even a small water leak can cause a lot of damage if the water leak is not discovered and mitigated quickly.

Here are some loss prevention and maintenance tips from the IBHS:

  • Visually inspect plumbing pipes annually and look for condensation around the pipes for an obvious leak and corrosion.
  • Pay attention to your water bill as a significant increase could indicate a leak.
  • Call a plumber at the first signs of rust-colored water, backed-up toilets or sinks, and cracked or warped flooring.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your water damage in North Bay Village, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Electrical Fire in Miami Beach?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

A full range of household electrical appliances are displayed. We are fire restoration specialists in Miami!

Electrical fires happen

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website offers great resources to educate the public about fire safety and fire prevention. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach responds to many fire damage emergencies during the winter months in Miami Beach and sees firsthand the damage even a small electrical fire can do to a home or business. Even when the fire is contained to a small area, the soot and smoke from the fire will permeate the entire structure, leaving oily residue and bad odors to contend with.

Our fire restoration technicians are highly trained and understand the science behind odor removal and specialized cleaning. We pre-test all items before we clean them to make sure they can be salvaged, and in many cases, we can prevent further damage to important documents, keepsakes, and electrical components.

Here are some of the electrical safety tips the NFPA offers on their website:

  • Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:
    • Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
    • A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
    • Discolored or warm wall outlets
    • A burning or rubbery smell coming out from an appliance
    • Flickering or dimming lights
    • Sparks from an outlet

Call Us Today!

Miami Beach residents know they can count on  SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to mitigate their fire-damaged property. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Prevention for La Gorce Island?

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

A house is shown with foliage plantings underneath the edge of the roof tiles to soak up water runoff. We are water restoration specialists in Miami!

Rain garden on La Gorce Island?

Water damage is one of the most invasive types of property damage. Tropical storms bring heavy rain to Florida and the Miami Beach area each year, but there are lots of ways the residents of La Gorce Island can prepare now for next year’s hurricane season. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers many tips to homeowners for water damage and flood prevention. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of water restoration technicians on call 24 hours a day to respond to water damage emergencies of all kinds, and no job is too big! We have the equipment, advanced training, and experience to mitigate any water damage emergency you have.

One tip from FEMA to reduce runoff from impervious surfaces around your home is to create a natural green space around your home to soak up the water run-off and slow the water flow to storm sewers during heavy rains. These gardens will allow more water the be absorbed into the ground, causing less stress on storm drains, reducing sewer overflows. 

Call Us!

La Gorce Island residents know they can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to clean and restore their water-damaged property. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire-Damaged Property in Miami Beach?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Body of water with palm tree We are fire restoration specialists in Miami!

Shocking situation

I remember when my parents’ Miami Beach house caught on fire. When I arrived, they were sitting on the front lawn with clothing and furniture strewn all over. The firefighters had already extinguished the blaze, and thankfully only part of the house was damaged, but everything smelled like smoke, and the carpeting was soaking wet. The upholstered furniture had to be sent out for cleaning as it was covered with soot. My parents were in shock, and I think I was, too, looking at all the damage the fire caused.

It’s good to know that SERVPRO® of Miami Beach knows how to care for family keepsakes, furniture, and clothing. Here are some of the specialty cleaning services they offer:

Contents restoration

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Call Us!

Miami Beach residents know they can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to clean and restore  fire-damaged property. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Squirrel Infestation in Edgewater?

12/20/2020 (Permalink)

Two squirrels are shown on the rooftop, entering the attic of a home through a small hole. We are cleanup and restoration specialists in Miami Beach!

Someone’s in the attic?

My uncle saved a baby squirrel and bottle-fed it until it grew up and was able to be released back into the wild. The first time I came to visit, the squirrel weaned from bottle feeding and was given his own bedroom. A few months later, I came back to visit, and the squirrel had destroyed the room! The window moldings were all chewed up, a large oak desk was in splinters, and the curtains were hanging by a thread from the curtain rod.

Squirrels are known to set up house in attics, too. They make huge messes and can even chew through wires creating a fire hazard. They leave droppings and urine that can create an unhealthy environment for you and your family.

Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach offers specialty cleaning services, including the biohazardous removal of animal waste and remains. After the squirrels are removed and relocated by a qualified wildlife rescue service, we will come in and clean, sanitize, and deodorize the area and make any repairs to the outside facia of the roof to discourage new animal intrusion. 

Call Us Today!

Edgewater residents know they can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to clean and restore property damage caused by wild and domesticated animals. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your squirrel damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Holiday Decoration Fire in South Beach?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

A string of brightly colored holiday lights are arranged in a circle against a bright blue background. We are fire damage restoration specialists in Miami Beach!

Holiday Safety

The holidays are here, and everyone is looking forward to fun-filled times spent with family and loved ones. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants everyone in South Beach to have a safe and fun holiday season this year. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical distribution of lighting equipment was involved in 44 percent of home Christmas tree fires, and holiday decorations started 780 home structure fires each year between 2013 and 2017 - not including Christmas trees!

Here are some holiday decorating safety tips from the NFPA website on how to prevent decoration fires during the holiday season:

  • Choose decorations that are flame resistant and flame retardant.
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
  • Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
  • Always turn off the tree before going to bed.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent cord damage.

Call Us Today!

South Beach residents know they can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to mitigate fire damage. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Water intrusion in Surfside?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Raindrops are falling and clinging to a window. We are storm damage restoration specialists in Miami Beach!

December storms happen

The Hurricane Season is officially over for 2020, and December marks the beginning of a mild and relatively dry season that lasts until May. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), although December storms are infrequent, storms occur on average about four days in the month and bring about 1.7 inches of rain each year. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach understands how important it is to mitigate storm damage quickly and efficiently. We use advanced equipment and techniques to locate water damage and dry the area rapidly. Here are some tips from our website on what to do until help arrives:

Safety First

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be very heavy. Be careful!

Do NOT do this after a flooding:

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Call Us Today

Surfside residents and commercial business owners know they can count on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to mitigate storm damage. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Contents Restoration in South Beach?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

A child’s room is in the process of being packed into boxes. We’ll care for your belongings as if they were our own in Miami Beach.

Restoration Process

When my South Beach home was damaged by Hurricane Irma, we had to relocate for a couple of weeks until the structural and water damage could be repaired. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been restoring damage in the South Beach community for years and they helped us inventory all of our belongings through their Contents Claim Inventory Service. They went room to room and created a detailed and accurate list of our belongings. They even took digital photos!

The items that could be restored were set aside for cleaning, and the other items that needed to be relocated while the structural repairs were done were packed-out and stored offsite. Fortunately, all of our belongings were salvageable and were cleaned, restored, sanitized, and deodorized. By the time the repairs were completed on the house, all of our belongings were returned. When everything was completed you couldn’t tell there had ever been hurricane damage to begin with!

Contents Restoration Methods

  • Dry Cleaning 
  • Wet Cleaning 
  • Spray and Wipe 
  • Foam Cleaning 
  • Abrasive Cleaning 
  • Immersion Cleaning

Call Us Today!

When South Beach residents experience property damage they rely on our team of highly trained technicians to restore and care for their belongings. Call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Candle Fire in Surfside?

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

A large white candle is shown burning with many other candles burning in the background. Every second counts when dealing with the aftermath of a fire emergency in Miami Beach!

Candle Safety Tips

We use candles in many ways. Often, they are used to enhance the ambiance of a special celebration or some other special event. These beautiful tiny lights can become a dangerous fire hazard if not handled properly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candle fires caused $278 million in property damage between 2014 and 2018. Surfside residents know to call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach when they have a fire damage emergency as we have been restoring fire damage in the Miami area for years and have the experience and training to safely return your property to preloss condition. Here are some candle safety tips from the NFPA to keep you and your loved ones safe around candles: 

  • Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach, in a locked cabinet.
  • Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.

Call Us Today

Surfside residents call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach when they need help restoring fire damage. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your home or commercial business, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Flooding in North Bay Village?

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

High winds bend palm trees during a torrential downpour. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Miami Beach!

Florida is No Stranger to Flooding

According to an article published in the online news source, The Nation, by the end of this century, Florida will be underwater. The report states that the sea level in Florida had risen 2.8 inches since 1992 and could rise to another 2.8 feet by 2060. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has been mitigating flood and storm damage for years in North Bay Village and our emergency response team is on call 24 hours a day and can usually be on-site to begin the cleanup and restoration process within four hours of your call.

The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips on what to do during a flood:

  • If time allows, call someone to let them know where you are going, and check with neighbors who may need a ride.
  • Stay out of floodwaters, if possible. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous.
  • If you have to walk through water, use a stick to check the firmness of the ground ahead of you. Avoid moving water.
  • Do not drive in flooded areas. If your car becomes surrounded by rising water, get out quickly, and move to higher ground.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.

Call Us Today

When North Bay Village residents need help restoring storm damage to preloss condition, they call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach.  Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Thanksgiving Fire in South Beach?

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

A table is shown decorated with Thanksgiving pumpkins, apples and pinecones. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Miami!

Thanksgiving Day Blues

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), identifies Thanksgiving Day as the number one day of the year for home cooking fires. South Beach residents know they can rely on SERVPRO® of Miami Beach to safely clean and restore fire damage and we offer these tips from the NFPA for cooking safely this Thanksgiving:

  • Stay in your home while the turkey is cooking and check on it frequently and never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended, especially when frying and sautéing with oil.
  • Use a timer to keep track of cooking times and check the stove or oven frequently.
  • Consider putting timers in different rooms so you can hear them over music and party chatter.
  • Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels well away (a minimum of three feet) from the cooking area.
  • Push up shirt sleeves and avoid wearing billowy clothing that may come in contact with open flames or other heat sources. 
  • Avoid cooking when drinking alcohol, using other substances, or if you’re sleepy.
  • Make sure children stay at least three feet away from all cooking areas, hot food, and liquids to avoid burns.

Call Us Today

When South Beach residents need help restoring fire damage to preloss condition, they call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach.  Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Damage in Morningside?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

A fire hydrant is shown on a Miami, Florida street. We are fire damage restoration specialists in Miami.

$2.5 Billion in Fire Damage

Did you know that the Miami Beach Fire Department was formed in 1920? That means they’ve been serving the Miami Beach communities for one hundred years now!

According to a report published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires frequently occur in Florida, and over a ten year period, there were approximately 230,000 home fires that resulted in $2.5 billion in property damage. The Florida Fire Sprinkler Coalition was formed to raise awareness about the devastation of residential fires and the effectiveness of fire sprinklers when installed in residential dwellings, saving lives and preventing injuries to citizens and firefighters.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents of Morningside to know that we have been restoring damage caused by residential fires for years, and we can help you mitigate any size fire damage emergency you have. We are on call 24 hours a day and can typically be on-site within four hours of your call. We can cleanup and repair the fire damage and offer a variety of services to clean, remove odor, and restore furniture, important documents, photographs, carpet, and electronic devices exposed to fire, soot, and smoke.

Call Us Today

Morningside residents know that they can count on us to safely and quickly restore fire damage to preloss condition. Call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Hurricane Storm Damage in South Beach?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain is falling and dripping off of a black umbrella while a person is walking in a lush green setting. We are storm damage restoration specialists in Miami.

This year, 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted multiple climate factors which indicated an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, with a sixty percent chance for an above-normal season. The NOAA expected between thirteen to nineteen named storms, between six to ten hurricanes, and anywhere from three to six major hurricanes.

With forty-three days to go before the end of the hurricane season this year, we have already had twenty-three named storms, eight hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. But the season isn’t over yet, and SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents of South Beach to know that we are here to help you with any size storm damage emergency you have.

Our quick emergency response time allows us to mitigate your storm damage and oftentimes reduce the amount and severity of the damage by tarping and boarding up the areas where water is coming into the structure, and by getting your property dry, cleaned, sanitized, and back to pre-storm condition quickly.

Call Us Today

South Beach residents know that they can count on us to safely and quickly restore storm damage to preloss condition. Call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

King Tide Flooding in Miami?

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Residential parking garages located below street level are shown flooded. We have access to Disaster Recovery Teams in Miami Beach.

Miami underwater?

Residents and commercial property owners in Miami are facing many flooding challenges this year. For instance, September brought three weeks of unusually high King Tide events, causing flooding in many areas in the City of Miami Beach, and the 2020 Hurricane Season isn’t finished dumping rain on Miami yet. There is even ongoing discussions about plans to raise roads in areas below street level that are prone to flooding.

The good news is that SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is on call and ready to respond to any size water damage emergency in the Miami area. Our water restoration technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and are required to undergo rigorous initial and ongoing training to stay current with the latest advancements and technologies in the restoration industry.

No job is too big for us as we have access to SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team that can mobilize quickly to respond to catastrophic storm and major events.

Call Us Today

Miami residents and commercial business owners know they can count on us to safely and quickly restore water damage jobs to preloss condition. Call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach today at 305-532-5411. We’ll restore your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Property Damage in South Beach?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

The corner of an office building is shown on a sunny day. We respond to property damage emergencies of all kinds in Miami.

Property Damage Driving You Mad?

You would never know that this office was hit by a car. The driver, who was under the influence, accelerated through an intersection, lost control of the vehicle, became airborne, and plowed into the side of a South Beach office complex. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but it sure was a surreal image to see the tail end of a car sticking out of an office building!

After the car had been extracted from the building, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach was called out to begin the cleanup and restoration process. Upon arrival, they boarded up the broken window to secure the structure and conducted an assessment of the damage.

All of the broken glass and other building rubble was cleaned up and removed, and they inventoried the office contents and moved the furniture and electronic equipment. They sent some damaged documents out to be restored, cleaned the office furniture, and packed up the office equipment and other items, and stored them in an offsite storage until the structural repairs were completed. The damaged office was restored to preloss condition as if nothing had ever happened.

Call Us Today

South Beach residents and commercial business owners know they can all rely on our team of highly trained technicians to safely clean and restore any commercial property damage, no matter how big the job is. Call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Bad Odor in North Bay Village?

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

A man is shown opening an air return vent to inspect it for contaminants. You can breathe easier knowing that your HVAC system is well maintained in Miami.

Clean Air Really Matters

Did you know that leaving your windows open while running the air conditioning system can cause condensation to build up in the air conditioning unit? Bad odors can form when the moisture escapes into the ductwork due to improper drainage. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) microbial growths, dirt, and other contaminants can act as pollutants and can cause musty or moldy smells in your ventilation system. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach understands the benefits of having your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system serviced and maintained regularly in North Bay Village. The advantages of having your HVAC system serviced are:

  • Helps to restore peak energy efficiency
  • May help to eliminate offensive odors
  • Helps reduce the potential for mold growth

The HVAC system is the respiratory system of your house. Sometimes the ductwork will not require cleaning, and when we come out, we will determine your needs and make recommendations to keep your HVAC system properly maintained.

Call Us Today

North Bay Village residents and commercial business owners can all rely on our team of highly trained technicians to service your HVAC system and to inspect and clean your air ducts, and we are Here to Help. ® Call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Leaking Window Causing Damp Spirits in Miami?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Rain is shown saturating a windowpane, seeping through a broken window seal, causing interior water damage inside a house. We are water restoration specialists serving Miami Beach.

Water Damage Happens Often in the U.S.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, (III), about one in 50 homes has a water damage property claim annually. Routine inspection of your home may prevent many water damage emergencies, but sometimes no matter how vigilant you are in maintaining your home, water damage can happen. When water enters your home from an outside source, it is referred to as water intrusion. Some examples of water intrusion are sewer line backups, pipe breaks, leaking window seals, roof and rain gutter leaks, and flooding outside the structure. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents and commercial business owners of North Bay Village to know that we are ready to respond to any size water damage emergency 24 hours a day. Here are some tips for preventing water intrusion damage to your home or business from Facility Executive Magazine:

  • Clean-out rain gutters
  • Check for roof damage
  • Inspect the seals around windows and doors for leaks or damage
  • Make sure that water sheds away from the building
  • Inspect plumbing systems
  • Confirm proper drainage of HVAC equipment

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of water damage specialists ready to respond to any size water damage emergency in the Miami Beach area. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Blown Over by Storm Damage in Miami?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

High winds whip up white caps on the waves off the coast of Miami, Fl. We are storm damage restoration specialists in Miami Beach.

Strange Atlantic Hurricane Season

So far during this strange hurricane season, we have met storms Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, and Fay. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants Miami Beach residents to know that we will respond to any size storm damage emergency you may have, and we are available 24 hours a day, every day, to respond to your call.

Hurricane Fay set a new season record as the earliest storm to be named with the letter “F” since the 1800s. In a recent article written by extreme weather reporter, Brian Kahn, Kahn describes the current hurricane season’s surprising twists and turns. For instance, two storms happened before the official start to the hurricane season, one storm crossed over to the Pacific and returned to the Atlantic and made landfall over Lake Superior, and Fay formed very close to land as Bertha did earlier this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted this year’s hurricane season to have above-normal activity, predicting a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, and a likely range of between 13 to 19 named storms, of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes. Their forecast also predicts 3 to 6 major hurricanes.

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of storm damage specialists ready to respond to any size storm damage emergency in the Miami Beach area. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Garage Fire Damage in Miami?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

A new, beautiful mahogany wood garage door is shown closing. We are fire damage restoration specialists in Miami.

Garage Fires Happen

According to the United States Fire Administration, (USFA), about 6600 garage fires occur in the United States each year. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has witnessed firsthand the damage fires can do to garages in the Miami area. Our team of highly trained technicians can respond to any size fire damage emergency and can usually be onsite within four hours to begin the cleanup and restoration process. Here are some safety tips from the USFA to prevent home garage fires:

  • Store oil, gasoline, paints, propane and varnishes in a shed away from your home
  • Keep items that can burn on shelves away from appliances
  • Plug only one charging appliance into an outlet
  • Don’t use an extension cord when charging an appliance

If you are building a garage, the USFA suggests:

  • A 20-minute fire-rated door that is self-closing and self-latching from the garage into the house
  • A ceiling made with five-eighth inch Type X gypsum board if there is living space above the garage
  • A wall with one-half inch gypsum board if the wall attaches the garage to your home
  • An attic hatch cover if you have attic access from the garage
  • A heat alarm, not a smoke alarm, in your garage

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to respond to any size fire damage emergency in Miami. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

North Bay Village Property Damage?

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

A broken retail store window is show on a downtown street. We restore property damage of all kinds in Miami Beach.

Broken Window in North Bay Village

One morning, I came into work and noticed a cold breeze blowing through my North Bay Village shop. I walked up to the retail portion of the store and finally found where the breeze was coming from. A tree branch had fallen and broke the front store window. The more I looked the more damage I saw. There was broken glass everywhere and the shop was a mess. The store was due to open in a few hours, so I called my boss and she told me to call SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. They came out and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. We were able to open at the regular time with no disruption to our customers or employees.

Call Us Today

No job is too big or small for SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. If your retail store or large commercial business gets damaged and you need cleanup and restoration services, we want to help. Our technicians are specialty trained and certified for:

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician 
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll provide commercial cleanup and restoration services in North Bay Village “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is proud to be part of the community

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

daytime panorama of Miami Beach SERVPRO of Miami Beach keeps the city gleaming

Miami Beach is Our Home

Morningside, North Bay Village, and Edgewater are not just dots on the map to SERVPRO® of Miami Beach. We are part of the community.

Those of us who own/operate and work at SERVPRO of Miami Beach are committed to this area. We want to do our best for our neighbors and fellow business owners. Some examples are:

  • SERVPRO of Miami Beach does not want a conflict of interest, so before we remediate mold damage, we encourage clients to hire a separate company to assess the mold damage
  • There are no hidden charges
  • We sponsor the First Responder Bowl and we are…
  • The official Cleanup and Restoration Company for the Professional Golf Association (PGA) when the tournaments are in this area
  • We belong to the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • We are part of the Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA)
  • We are affiliated with the international organization: Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
  • We have hands-on experience, and have earned several certifications (owners and employees)

SERVPRO of Miami Beach Promises 24-hour Emergency Service, 365 Days a Year

We provide services to keep all local businesses open. From maintenance cleaning to decontamination to remediation from disasters, SERVPRO of Miami Beach provides expert help.  Call us at (305) 532-5411.

When fire and water take control of your life,

we help you take it back.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Link:

https://www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

Storm Surge Damage in Morningside?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane force winds blow seawater onto a Florida shoreline. We respond to water damage emergencies day or night in Miami Beach!

Florida Ranks Number One for Storm Surges in the U.S.

Did you know that Florida ranks number one for the number of single-family homes at risk for storm surge property damage in the United States for all five category ratings for hurricanes? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), storm surges are caused when there is an abnormal rise in seawater during a storm, and the storm’s winds push the water onshore. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has a team of highly trained water restoration specialists ready to respond to any size storm surge damage and can be onsite to immediately begin the water extraction and drying process within four hours of your call.

Water Restoration Process

When you call us, we will guide you step by step through the process and ask you a series of questions to determine the best approach to address your specific needs. Here is what the typical water damage restoration process looks like:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today

If your home or business experiences property damage, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll provide cleanup and restoration services in Morningside “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

High-Rise Building Damage in South Beach?

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

A bird’s eye view of coastal South Beach, Florida is shown with many high-rise buildings dotting the shoreline. No job is too big for us in Miami Beach!

The High Cost of High-Rise Property Damage

According to research published by the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA), firefighters in the U.S. respond to about 14,500 structure fires in high-rise buildings each year amounting to about $154 million in direct property damage. The report identifies five main categories of high-rise fire damage as follows:

  • Apartments or other multi-family housing (62 percent)
  • Hotels (4 percent)
  • Dormitories (4 percent)
  • Offices (2 percent)
  • Facilities that care for the sick (2 percent)

No Job is Too Big

Fortunately for South Beach hotels, schools, government agencies, and commercial businesses, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has access to an elite team of large loss specialists through our Commercial Large Loss Division that works with clients such as:

  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Property Managers
  • Universities
  • Municipalities
  • The Pentagon

This division was developed to save our clients time and money through the strategic location of specialized recovery teams situated throughout the nation. Every large loss job has an operations manager that serves as your key contact who will quickly mobilize a team to immediately begin the damage mitigation process and see the job through to completion.

Call Us Today

If your commercial business suffers property damage of any size, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll provide commercial cleanup and restoration services in South Beach “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Office Break In in Miami Beach?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

The shadow of a hand is shown reaching through a broken window next to a computer keyboard in an office. We respond to emergency property damage emergencies day or night in Miami.

Miami Crime

In a report published on crime macrotrends, there were 7,476 property damage claims in Miami Beach in 2018. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has experience restoring all types of commercial property damage, and has a team of certified restoration specialists on call 24 hours a day to help you with any size job. When you call us, we will ask a series of questions to determine the size of the crew to dispatch and the type of equipment to bring to immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. We know that any time your business routine is disrupted it can result in lost revenue so we will work to get your doors open quickly with minimal disruption to your customers and employees.

Certifications

Our employees are required to undergo initial intensive training and exams when they are hired and are also required to stay up to speed on industry standards and best practice guidelines established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Our team is certified as:

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call Us

If your home or business experiences property damage, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll provide cleanup and restoration services in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach sends storm damage away

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

satellite image of storm over Miami Beach SERVPRO of Miami Beach sweeps storm damage away

Neighborhood and Nation-wide

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is part of the neighborhood. The owners and the employees live and work next to the people who live and work in Miami Beach. When storms rip through the area, it is our homes, our businesses, our neighborhoods that suffer from storm damage. When disasters drench Miami, we are Here to Help® our neighbors.

No job is too small. One damaged corner of a kitchen or part of a bedroom ceiling looms large for the families who live there.

Not job is too large. If storms damage entire neighborhoods, we enlist the help of one or more of the other 1,700+ franchises.

Call us at (305) 532-5411 for help. SERVPRO of Miami Beach can provide emergency disaster relief at any time. We are available 24 hours/day, for 7 days/week, and 365 days/year.

Specialty Services

In addition to water extraction/drying and remediating storm and water damage for structures, SERVPRO of Miami Beach provides these services:

  • Dry documents safely
  • Restore many photographs
  • Mold mitigation
  • Dry electronics, including computers
  • Replace damaged carpet pads and carpets 
  • Refer to art restoration experts
  • Clean & disinfect upholstery
  • Mitigate storm damage for all types of flooring, including marble and wood
  • Clean & disinfect textiles
  • Disinfect to federal standards
  • Remove odors

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Link:

https://www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com/

SERVPRO of Miami Beach restores fire-damaged property

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

art frame over a photograph of fire on a black background Art frames won’t stay empty when SERVPRO of Miami Beach handles restoration

When fire damage hits Miami homes or businesses, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach will arrive without delay, ready to help restore the property to its pre-fire condition.

Call us at (305) 532-5411. SERVPRO of Miami Beach has 24-hour emergency service, every day of the year.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach technicians arrive quickly to stop further damage from occurring. When technicians arrive on site, they will:

  • Provide/arrange for board-up of open walls and windows
  • Provide roof tarps if necessary
  • Remove soot and smoke to stop further damage
  • Extract water or excess moisture if necessary
  • Start cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
  • Remove odors

Restoration is less expensive than replacement, and it is also less stressful. SERVPRO of Miami Beach technicians will make an inventory of items, noting which ones they can or cannot restore. In some cases, such as those for fine art, SERVPRO of Miami Beach will refer owners to a specialist. While we are an independent, local business, we are part of a franchise that has over 1,700 members, so we have resources to all kinds of specialists.

Experiencing fire damage is tough by itself. On top of the loss, individuals have to deal with documentation for insurance companies and other professionals. SERVPRO of Miami Beach works directly with most insurance companies, and the technicians provide detailed documentation (including before and after photographs) of every step. We work to restore peace of mind, as well as making the fire damage to the home or business look "Like it never even happened."®

Call SERVPRO of Miami Beach at (305) 532-5411.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Link:

https://www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com/

Mold Concerns in North Bay Village?

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

A closeup of microbial growths are shown in a petri dish. First comes water damage, then comes mold in Miami Beach.

Microbial Growths Oh My!

According to the United States Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), excess water resulting from a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane can encourage mold and microbial growth in homes and commercial buildings. If your home or business was flooded or experienced water damage of any kind, there is a high probability that mold may be present. Mold spores float around in the atmosphere until the right conditions allow them to land and grow, and once they begin growing, they spread rapidly. The good news is that SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has years of experience dealing with mold remediation in North Bay Village and has a team of highly trained mold remediation technicians on call. It is important to know that mold can never be 100 percent eliminated, but it can be controlled. Each mold remediation project will vary depending on the scope of the work to be completed, but the general process remains the same as follows:

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  3. Mold Containment
  4. Air Filtration
  5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Call Us Today

If your home or commercial business requires mold remediation services in North Bay Village, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll provide mold cleanup and restoration services “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach stands up to storms

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

daytime in Miami, heavy rain, and palm trees bending in the wind Let SERVPRO of Miami Beach be your umbrella

Miami is a great place for storm watchers! SERVPRO® of Miami Beach knows the weather is glorious more often than not, but those not-glorious days can do a lot of damage. Hurricane Season is upon us, and heavy rains, flash floods, high winds, and lightning strikes are possible any time of the year.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach hopes we all avoid hurricane damage, but we are prepared to remediate damage from any kind of storm.

Home-owners and business owners can rely on SERVPRO of Miami Beach technicians to be able to respond to a storm emergency any time of the day or night. Disasters don’t rest on holidays or after business, so we don’t either. Call (305) 532-5411, and we’ll put a team together. SERVPRO of Miami Beach is Faster to any size disaster because the sooner we start working on recovery, the sooner our clients are living and working in the preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach has technicians with training in recovery from storm damage. Technicians remove all extra moisture, even that saturating the air or hiding within the structure. After the specialists remove the water, they work to restore water-damaged structures and property.  Every team includes people who have the required expertise for recovery from storm damage, such as:

  • Cleaning carpets and upholstery
  • Odor removal 
  • Structural drying
  • Water removal
  • Drying
  • Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
  • Mold mitigation (if necessary)
  • Fire restoration (if necessary)

Call SERVPRO of Miami Beach at (305) 532-5411, or send a request on our website. 

When fire and water take control of your life,

we help you take it back.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Link:

https://www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com/

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season in Edgewater?

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

A wind-damaged palm tree lays across the road in front of a commercial building complex in Miami Beach. Our team is ready to respond to any size storm emergency in Miami Beach.

Hurricane Season is Here

Although the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1st and ends on November 30th each year, hurricanes have been known to occur every month of the year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, (NOAA), the 2020 hurricane season has a 60 percent chance of experiencing above-normal conditions due to:

  • The lack of an El Nino present to suppress hurricane activity
  • Warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
  • Reduced vertical wind shear
  • Weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds
  • Enhanced west African monsoon

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents of Edgewater to know that we have years of experience repairing damage done by hurricanes and other storms and are optimally positioned to respond to any size storm damage emergency. We also have access to our Disaster Recovery Team division. This elite team is comprised of large-loss specialists that are stationed strategically across the United States and can mobilize quickly to respond to any disaster. Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include:

  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Property Managers
  • Universities
  • Municipalities
  • The Pentagon

Call Us Today

No matter what size storm damage emergency you may have, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about all of our storm cleanup and restoration services in Edgewater.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Smoke Alarm Beeping on La Gorce Island?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

A smoke detector is blinking a red flashing light and emitting an earsplitting beeping sound to alert homeowners of the prese Working smoke detectors save lives in Miami Beach.

First Comes Smoke. . .

Did you know that between three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke detector, or no working smoke detector? According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke detectors play a key role in a good fire evacuation plan as they provide the early warning signals needed to quickly and safely get outside in the event of a fire. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents of La Gorce Island to know that we are emergency fire damage specialists and have the training to respond quickly and immediately to begin the cleanup and restoration process. Here are some smoke detector safety tips from the NFPA:

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
  • It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
  • Test all smoke alarms at least once a month.
  • Install smoke detectors high on the wall or ceiling. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Call Us Today

If you experience fire damage, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about all of our fire cleanup and restoration services in La Gorce Island.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Did a Broken Waterline Cause Water Damage to Your Floor in Miami Shores?

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

A floor in a commercial building is torn up to replace a broken water line. We follow water damage repairs through to completion in Miami Beach.

Water Damage Repairs Can Be Extensive

When a waterline breaks under a floor it causes a chain reaction of repairs. For instance, the source of the leak that caused the damage must be located, the water turned off, the broken pipes will need to be repaired and the floor that was torn up to repair the broken pipe must be replaced before business can return to normal. Water damage can also produce unpleasant smells and depending on the type of water, cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization may also be required. The insurance company must be notified, and pictures must be taken to document the damage and the restoration process. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents and business owners of Miami Shores to know that we have the experience and training to handle any kind of water damage emergency and will immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process when we arrive onsite.

Water Restoration Experts

Water damage repairs can become costly if water is allowed to remain untreated for too long. Using state-of-the-art water detection equipment and specialized air movers and blowers, we will begin the water damage mitigation process, allowing a return to pre-damage condition as soon as possible.

Call Us Today

If your home or business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about all of our cleanup and restoration services in Miami Shores.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Commercial Water Damage in Miami Shores?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

A large hole in the ceiling of a commercial building is water-damaged, showing leaking pipes and damaged structures. We are commercial water damage specialists in Miami Beach.

Commercial Water Damage Specialists

Did you know that 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home or work every day? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that ceiling tiles exposed to water damage should be disposed of and preplaced to prevent mold and other microorganisms from growing. Water damage can also occur after a major storm in Miami Shores so it’s important to check rooftops and attics for signs of water intrusion. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants you to know that no matter what size or type of water damage emergency you may have, we are ready to respond and can be on site within four hours of your call to immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process.

Advanced Technology and Techniques

We follow industry standards and guidelines established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, (IICRC) to ensure that your water damage is mitigated quickly and cost effectively. We use state-of-the-art moisture detection and water extraction equipment and will follow all repairs through to completion.

Call Us Today

No matter what type of commercial or residential water damage emergency you may have, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about all of our cleanup and restoration services in Miami Shores.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Is Water Leaking From Your Ceiling in Normandy Isles?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

A dejected-looking man is sitting on his couch, holding a bucket up to catch an annoying leak dripping water into his living Annoying water leaks can cause expensive repairs if left untreated in Miami Beach.

Water Leaks Happen

There is nothing more annoying than having a water leak dripping into your living room when you’re trying to watch your favorite program on television. It’s even more annoying when the water is dripping onto a piece of furniture where it is difficult to set down a bucket or pan to catch the drips. A tiny leak can become a bigger, costlier problem if left untreated for too long. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents and business owners in Normandy Isles to know that we take pride in our commitment to transparency and to providing the highest level of customer service for every customer. We will also help our customers with the insurance paperwork and process and will follow the repair through to completion.

Six Step Process

Although water damage emergencies can vary in scope, we approach these emergencies with a six-step process to determine the best solution to meet each customer’s needs as follows:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today

No matter what size water damage emergency you may have, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to help. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about all of our cleanup and restoration services in Normandy Isles.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Hurricane Season is Coming to Miami Beach

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Many palm trees are shown bent over by wind and rain during a tropical storm. Hurricane season is a way of life for Miami residents.

Hurricane 2020 Predictions

Hurricane predictions for 2020 were published by the Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science, Tropical Meteorology Project recently that are forecasting above average storms for the Atlantic Basin for the fifth consecutive year. They are predicting 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes such as category three or higher. These numbers are being attributed to warmer sea surface temperatures and the lack of El Niño in this area this year. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents and business owners in Miami to know that we have the specialty training and state-of-the-art equipment necessary to respond to any size water damage emergency.

Specialty Trained

Our water damage cleanup and restoration process will be tailored to your specific need, and we will be on site within four hours of your first call to immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. Our highly trained water damage specialists use the latest technology and equipment to restore your property quickly with minimal cost. We offer a full range of restoration services to safely restore property back to pre-damage condition. We offer services such as furniture and equipment removal and storage, document drying, structural repairs, cleaning, deodorizing and sanitizing services, etc. 

Call Us Today

We know that disruption to your business can be costly so SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to Miami businesses back up and running as quickly as possible. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about all of our cleanup and restoration services.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach Takes Care of Miami

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Beachfront, palm trees, bright-colored lights and buildings, sunshine SERVPRO of Miami Beach Keeps Everything Bright and Shining

People in Miami are worried about the spread of COVID-19. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Here to Help®.

We are part of a nationally-known business with expertise in cleaning biohazards, including areas that may contain viruses. SERVPRO of Miami uses cleaning and disinfecting methods directed by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

SERVPRO of Miami Beach applies the same strict standards to businesses, private homes, and community spaces. Schedule a deep cleaning to help keep family members, employees, and others safe.

Don’t wait. Call (305) 532-5411 or online.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com/

SERVPRO of Miami Beach works to keep the Miami area safe

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Empty beach during a bright day, palm tree on the left SERVPRO of Miami Beach is Always Ready to Help

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach provides essential services to the Miami area, and remains committed to defeating water damage for local businesses. Even COVID-19 can’t stop South Florida’s humidity from attacking, but SERVRPRO of Miami Beach can fight the damage so your business looks "Like it never even happened." ®

The best treatment for COVID-10 is prevention. To keep employees and customers safe, schedule a hospital-quality cleaning and disinfection from SERVPRO of Miami Beach.

Call us at (305) 532-5411 when your business needs expert help at remediation or cleaning and disinfection. SERVPRO of Miami Beach is available every day, all day – no exceptions. It’s also easy to request help online.

Bonus information:

For anyone who is sick of singing the ABC song or “Happy Birthday” twice while washing hands, this website provides a downloadable poster with lyrics from any published song.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is Here to Help® 

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Link:

https://www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com/

We Recommend Our Specialty Cleaning Services to Keep Your Family Safe in Normandy Isles

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

A man is shown washing his hands at a sink in his bathroom. It has never been more important to professionally clean and disinfects your home in Miami Beach.

Family Safety First

Protecting our loved ones from exposure to biological pathogens has never been more important since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, COVID-19 reached our shores earlier this year. People everywhere in the world are being impacted by this virus, and we are all in this together. At this unique time in world history, SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the residents of Normandy Isles to know about the years of experience we have in dealing with viruses similar to COVID-19. We are highly trained and have the specialty equipment, gear, and EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectants and sanitizers to safely clean and disinfect your home.

CDC Guidelines to Protect Yourself

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), report that COVID-19 is thought to be spread mainly from person-to-person, and people may or may not show symptoms of being infected. The CDC also states that it may be possible to spread the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the face, nose, mouth, or eyes. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends regular handwashing or the use of a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Proactive Cleaning

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants Normandy Isles residents to know that we are available 24 hours a day and our technicians are ready to respond to any specialty cleaning need. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

Specialty Cleaning Services in Miami Shores

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

A man wearing protective gear is shown cleaning a small Palm tree inside a home in Miami Beach. Biological contaminants can be safely cleaned by SERVPRO® of Miami Beach.

Specialty Cleaning Services

We are learning more each day about the new coronavirus, COVID-19, but did you know that SERVPRO® of Miami Beach has years of experience providing specialty cleaning services in Miami Shores to remove biological pathogens similar to COVID-19? Our professionals are highly trained and have the specialty equipment and protective gear necessary to safely remove biological contaminants from your home or business. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend cleaning your home frequently to prevent exposure to this highly contagious virus.

What You Can Do To Prevent The Spread

The CDC recommends:

  • Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces 
  • Clean using household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.
  • For electronics follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. Consider the use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid the pooling of liquids.

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants Miami Shores residents to know that we use labeled, EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectants and sanitizers to safely clean and disinfect your home. We are available 24 hours a day and our technicians are ready to respond to any specialty cleaning need. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach Provides Biological Cleaning Services for Essential Businesses

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Pharmacists look at computer Our specialty cleaning services give essential workers peace of mind in Miami.

Thank you, Essential Businesses and Workers!

We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to the professionals working in healthcare, law enforcement, first responders, transportation systems, public works, financial and lending institutions, food and agriculture, water, public safety, our military, information technology, critical manufacturing, chemical manufacturing plants, energy, and communications companies that are working to keep Florida running during these unprecedented times. 

Specialized Training

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants commercial business owners in Miami to know that we have years of experience dealing with biological contaminants and the specialized training to deep clean your facility. We have the necessary safety equipment to safely transform any unhealthy environment back to a clean and safe environment.

EPA-Approved Products

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends the use of hospital-grade disinfectants used to treat pathogens similar to COVID-19. The CDC recommends the routine cleaning of all porous and nonporous and frequently touched surfaces routinely. Some examples are tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks, etc.

Call Us Today

We have the specialized training and products to deal with biological contaminants effectively in Miami. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants commercial business to know that we are available 24 hours a day to respond to any specialty cleaning need. Once you contact us, we can mobilize a team and be on site in four hours. Call us today at 305-532-5411.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach Provides Commercial Cleaning Services in Edgewater

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Hundreds of various discarded plastic containers fill the picture from top to bottom. Protect and keep your business in Edgewater safe by keeping high-touch areas and sidewalks super clean!

First impressions are everything. If the exterior of the building does not look as clean and inviting as the inside, potential customers will keep on driving. If the outside looks neglected and dirty; if there is garbage and gum or other refuse on the sidewalk is creating a misleading impression of your business, we want to help. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants commercial business owners in Edgewater to know about the specialty cleaning services that you will need to keep the interior and exterior of your business looking its best. When your cleaning needs go beyond the scope of routine janitorial services, we want to help. Here are some specialty cleaning services we offer:

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants commercial business and homeowners of Edgewater to know that we have the specialized training and products to clean and restore your property. Our team is on call 24 hours a day and can be on site to take care of your needs in four hours. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your home or business in Edgewater “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach Adheres to the Highest Cleaning and Sanitation Standards

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

A orange-gloved hand is shown spraying a cleaning solution onto a glass door. Proactive cleaning and disinfecting of your home can protect your family in Miami Shores.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), current evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. The CDC recommends the cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection as the best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings. Routine cleaning and disinfection of households, including high-touch areas, can prevent and/or slow the spread of infectious disease. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to share with the families of Miami Shores some best practice measures to take to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses. Here are some recommendations from the CDC for the cleaning and disinfection of households: 

  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas: tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants commercial business and homeowners of Miami Shores to know that our professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are ready to respond to any cleaning or other emergency 24 hours a day every day. Call us today at 305-532-5411. We’ll clean and restore your home or business in Miami Shores “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach Uses Advanced Technology and Techniques to Restore Property Damage in Miami Beach

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

A beagle is shown dressed up like a detective, wearing a cap and smoking a pipe like Sherlock Holmes. We use advanced detection techniques to get your property back to preloss condition in Normandy Isles.

Did you know that we use infrared cameras to help us detect water through a wall, ceiling or floor? Recent advances in technology help us detect and identify the source of water and other property damage more efficiently than earlier detection methods. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants commercial business and homeowners of Normandy Isles to know about the advanced technology and techniques we use that allow our highly trained professionals to restore your property back to preloss condition quickly and more effectively. Here are some of the advanced techniques and technologies we employ:

  • Infrared cameras and sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation
  • Powerful submersible and gas-powered pumps and truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water extraction
  • Industrial strength drying equipment including air movers and dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air
  • Odor removal and deodorization to remove odors caused by water and fire damage
  • Sanitizing agents, germicides and anti-microbial treatments are used to deodorize and disinfect your property

Our technicians have the training, experience and knowledge to restore commercial and residential damage of all types. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is ready to respond to any size emergency 24 hours a day every day. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about our cleanup and restoration services. We’ll take care of your property damage in Normandy Isles “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO Provides Water Cleanup and Restoration Services in Morningside

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

wet carpet at doorway We cleanup and repair water damage in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

When water floods you home do you know what to do? Anything you can do to remove the water will reduce the costs of repairs. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants homeowners of Morningside to know that if you experience water damage we are here to help. We have the experience and specialty equipment to tackle any water damage emergency. The American Red Cross offers these tips for minimizing water damage while you wait for help to arrive:

  • Remove any water that remains
  • Bring all soft items such as sofas, clothing, bedding and throw rugs outside to dry in the sunlight and wind if possible
  • Throw away items that have absorbed water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected such as mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys
  • Keep the windows open and run fans, or keep them shut and run dehumidifiers to pull water from wood floors, beams, doors, etc.

We hope you never experience flooding or water damage in your home or business but if you do you can count on us to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day. Call us at 305-532-5411 to find out about our water cleanup and restoration services. We’ll take care of your water damage in Morningside “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

SERVPRO Provides Mold Mitigation Services in Morningside

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

A wall is shown with green mold growing on it. We cleanup and mitigate mold damage in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

Did you know that molds can be found anywhere and can never be completely eradicated? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) molds can grow on almost any organic substance as long as moisture is present. The microscopic spores are present in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and air conditioning systems. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants business owners of Morningside to know that a minor mold problem left unchecked can become a major problem if left untreated. Our team of highly trained mold remediation specialists are on hand to quickly respond to your call with qualifications including:

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

Here is the basic process and steps we take to begin mold remediation:

  • Our representative will ask you a series of questions to determine the necessary equipment and technicians to bring
  • We will inspect and assess the mold damage using various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources
  • Mold containment procedures and barriers are used to prevent the spread of mold
  • Air filtration and air scrubbers are used to capture the mold spores
  • Removal of mold and mold infested materials
  • Cleaning and deodorization of contents and belongings
  • Restoration including repairs, painting and carpet replacement as needed

Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about our mold remediation services. We’ll take care of your mold problem in Morningside “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Businesses in South Beach Benefit from SERVPRO Commercial Cleanup and Restoration Services

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

A breathtaking view of Miami Beach’s pristine city skyline is shown from the shore. We cleanup and restore businesses in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial property damage can occur at any time and when you least expect it. A small fire can break out in a restaurant kitchen, a broken pipe can cause flooding in your offices, or a storm can bring wind and water damage. Damage of any kind will disrupt business and can compromise the level of service your clients and customers expect. When an emergency strikes your home or business, SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to help. Our ability to immediately respond to your emergency in South Beach helps to minimize the damage and restoration costs. We will work to ensure that you are back in business as soon as possible. We provide commercial cleanup and restoration services for water and fire damage, mold remediation, storms and major events as well as commercial cleaning services. We specialize in properties such as:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing & Industrial
  • Government/Military

Our staff of qualified technicians have the knowledge and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore damage for Miami Beach residents and business owners. We are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to your commercial business needs so contact us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about our cleanup and restoration services. We’ll take care of your property damage in South Beach “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Cleanup and Restoration Services for Miami Beach

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO Technician meets with a resident to inspect damage. SERVPRO cleanup and restoration services in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

Did you know that disaster losses along the Florida coastline are likely to increase in the coming years? According to the Insurance Information Institute, catastrophe losses may double every ten years as a result of commercial and residential development. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is prepared to handle any kind of catastrophe or emergency. We want the business and homeowners of Miami Beach to know that our highly trained specialists are on hand to take care of your emergency cleanup and restoration needs. Here are some of the residential and commercial services we provide:

  • Commercial water damage cleanup and restoration
  • Fire damage cleanup and restoration
  • Water damage cleanup and restoration
  • Mold remediation and mitigation services
  • Sewage cleanup
  • Storm damage
  • Building services
  • Carpet and upholstery cleaning
  • Odor removal
  • Biohazard removal
  • Disaster Recovery Team
  • Help with insurance and paperwork process

When a disaster strikes your home or business, SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to help. Our ability to immediately respond to your emergency helps to minimize the damage and restoration costs. We are available 24 hours a day and our staff of qualified technicians have the knowledge and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore damage for Miami Beach residents and business owners. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about our cleanup and restoration services. We’ll take care of your damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Cleanup and Restoration Services for Surfside

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

A lightning strike lands on a coastal city in the distance. SERVPRO cleanup and restoration services in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

Did you know that SERVPRO® of Miami Beach is prepared to handle any kind of disaster? We want the business and homeowners of Surfside to know that our highly trained specialists are on hand to take care of your emergency cleanup and restoration needs. We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry and have years of experience serving our community. Our ability to immediately respond to your emergency helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. We also can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Here are some of the residential and commercial services we provide:

  • Water damage cleanup and restoration
  • Mold remediation and mitigation services
  • Sewage cleanup
  • Storm damage
  • Building services
  • Commercial water damage cleanup and restoration
  • Fire damage cleanup and restoration
  • Carpet and upholstery cleaning
  • Odor removal
  • Biohazard removal
  • Disaster Recovery Team

If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of any of these disasters, SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to help. We are available 24 hours a day and our highly trained technicians have the specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore damage for Surfside residents and business owners. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about our cleanup and restoration services. We’ll take care of your damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Sewage and Other Biohazard Cleanup Services for North Bay Village residents.

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Raw sewage and waste spills from pipes. Biohazard cleanup and restoration in Miami Beach “Like it never even happened.”

Did you know that sewage backups and other biohazards can occur at any time? SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants the commercial and residential  property owners of the North Bay Village to know that our biohazard services are available 24 hours a day. Immediate response to biohazard emergencies is important because the water may contain viruses, bacteria and other microbes that can cause serious illnesses. When a raw sewage or other biohazard spill happens, we are ready to provide cleanup services to remove the contaminants, to remove any moisture, and to clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.  We are also specialty trained to provide these additional biohazard services:

  • Crime scene residues
  • Suicides
  • Homicide cleanups
  • Blood cleanup
  • Accident cleanup
  • Hoarding scenes
  • Animal waste/remains
  • Chemical spills
  • Tear gas cleanup

If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of any of these biohazards, SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to help. We are available 24 hours a day and our highly trained technicians have the specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore biohazard damage for North Bay Village residents and business owners. Call us today at 305-532-5411 to find out about our commercial cleanup and restoration services. We’ll take care of your biohazard damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Safety Tips when using Candles in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Candle sitting on a kitchen counter. Enjoying a beautifully lit candle is relaxing. Cleaning up smoke and fire damage is not. Practice safety while using candles.

Although fires from candles happen more often around the holidays, many people use candles all year round. SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants you to be safe from fire and smoke damage. It is important to be careful any time you have an open flame in your Miami Beach home. 

Fire Prevention is the best way to fight against fire damage or injuries.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach offers these Tips for Fire Prevention from Candles:

  • Do not let children near candles
  • Keep trees and other plants away from candles
  • Make sure candles are not near window curtains or blinds that could catch fire
  • Keep lit candles in safe candle holders
  • Do not leave children alone in a room with lit candles
  • Do not light candles in the bedroom. You might fall asleep. One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom. 
  • If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
  • If someone in the home uses oxygen, do not use candles
  • Fire damage from candles happens 35 times a day in the U.S.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire
  • Put out candles when leaving the room or going to bed

A little caution goes a long way to protect you and your loved ones. If you have to deal with damage caused by smoke or fire from a candle in your Miami Beach home, your friends at SERVPRO of Miami Beach are just a phone call away. 


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fire in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

women cooking with fire happening Make sure that cooking is safe and does not lead to a fire.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach understands that cooking equipment is a leading cause of fire damage and fire injuries in your Miami Beach home.

To help prevent fire damage, SERVPRO of Miami Beach shares these tips. They make more sense than not cooking at home.

  • Many kitchen items can catch fire, including dishtowels, oven mitts, recipes, wooden tools, and loose clothing
  • Never operate the stove or oven when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol
  • If you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat
  • Keep flammable items at least three feet from the stovetop
  • Do not allow children within two to four feet of the stove or oven
  • If you must leave the house while cooking of any kind, turn off the heat sources

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain a fire immediately, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside your City or County home.



SERVPRO of Miami Beach reminds you that fire prevention is the best strategy against fire damage. 


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

The Best Fire Control is Fire Prevention in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

fire extinguishers The U.S. Fire Administration reports that a small flame can turn into a major fire in just 30 seconds.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that a small flame can turn into a major fire in just 30 seconds. Flames and smoke can fill the house in just a few minutes. SERVPRO of Miami Beach will help you recover from fire damage. We hope you never need that kind of help. 

The best fire control is fire prevention.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach notes that the 2019 Fire Prevention Week is October 6 – 12.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach offers these Tips for Fire Prevention: Overview

  • Items that can catch fire include: dish towels, oven mitts, paper, curtains, wooden spoons, decorations
  • Heat sources include light bulbs, fireplaces, stovetops, furnaces, candles, or electric heaters.
  • Keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from heat sources
  • Keep kids at least 3 feet away from heat sources
  • Turn off heat sources when you leave the home or go to bed
  • Never use the oven as a heater
  • Have the fireplace chimney inspected & cleaned once a year

SERVPRO of Miami Beach suggests you keep one or more fire extinguishers available.

Remember fire is fast. If there is a fire, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Different Types of Extinguishers in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

cartoon character with info about fire extinguishers Make sure that you are ready for the potential for fire damage in your home or office by having the right fire extinguisher on hand.

All of us at SERVPRO of Miami Beach hope your Miami Beach business stays safe from fire.  If the worst happens, we are experts in cleaning fire damage and smoke damage. 

Just to be safe, SERVPRO of Miami Beach recommends you keep, maintain, and know how to use fire extinguishers.  

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the office.

If you see a small fire that you can take care of yourself, use the following tips.  If you have any worries, you and everyone else should leave the office and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants you to know that you can try to fight a small fire only if:

  • You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
  • You have the right class of fire extinguisher
  • You know how to use the fire extinguisher

SERVPRO of Miami Beach explains the Types of Commercial Fire Extinguishers:

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

  • Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
  • Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
  • Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
  • Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C
  • Class D is for metals that can burst into flame.  Class D fire extinguishers are usually needed only in some factories
  • Class K is for vegetable and animal oils and fats that are in cooking appliances.  Commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses) often use them


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

How to Use Fire Extinguishers in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

infographic on how to use fire extinguishers Fire safety starts with having the correct fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it.

Here at SERVPRO of Miami Beach we hope you never experience the devastation that comes with fire damage. However, in the event that disaster strikes, be aware that our IICRC certified technicians are qualified in all aspects of cleaning up the damage left by smoke and fire in your business or residence in Miami Beach.

Fire extinguishers may help prevent fire damage or smoke damage, but only if you know how to use them. 

SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to share these tips from FEMA. You can try to fight a small fire only if:

  • You have alerted others in the building that there is a fire
  • Someone has called the fire department
  • You are physically able to use a fire extinguisher
  • The fire is small and contained (like a wastebasket)
  • You are safe from the fire’s smoke
  • You have a clear escape route

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: SERVPRO of Miami Beach suggests you remember 

PASS:

Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism

Aim at the base of the fire

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

Sweep the nozzle side to side



SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Different Types of Home Fire Extinguishers in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

2 men with 3 types of fire extinguishers to explain the differences SERVPRO of (Franchise) encourages you to know the different types of Fire Extinguishers for your home.

Smoke and fire damage is something all of us at SERVPRO of Miami Beach would like to see you avoid. In the event, the worst happens and you are faced with this kind of disaster, you can count on us to lend a helping hand. We have a team of highly trained professionals to walk with you each step of the way when repairing the damage from smoke, water, and fire in your Miami Beach home.

Just to be safe, SERVPRO of Miami Beach recommends you keep at least one fire extinguisher and know how to use it (them).

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the home.

If you see a small fire that you take care of yourself, use the following tips.  If you have any worries, you and everyone should leave the house and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants you to know that you can try to fight a small fire only if:

  • You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
  • You know how to use the fire extinguisher

SERVPRO of Miami Beach explains the Types of Home Fire Extinguishers:

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

  • Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
  • Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
  • Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
  • Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Thunderstorm preparedness in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

roof damage with sign that says storm damage We can help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous.  They can cause severe damage to your home and property in Miami Beach. Thunderstorms include lightning and can:

  • Include winds over 50 MPH
  • Create hail
  • Cause flash floods
  • Cause tornadoes

In most places, a thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day.

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach knows you cannot prevent a thunderstorm, but you can prepare:

  • Know the risk for thunderstorms in Miami Beach
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system 
  • Cut down or trim trees that may fall on your home or office
  • Install surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system

SERVPRO of Miami Beach repeats the warning, “When thunder roars, go indoors.”  You don’t have to wait for the thunder. If there is a thunderstorm warning, go inside. Once there:

  • Unplug appliances
  • Do not use landline phones in office or home
  • Pay attention to alerts and warnings

If you can’t get inside a building:

  • If you are swimming or in a boat, get to land immediately.  Find shelter
  • If you are in a car, don’t touch anything metal
  • “Turn around. Don’t Drown. '' Avoid flooded roads. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep away your car. 

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm can leave a wake of destruction in its path. This can range from minor electrical issues to fire damage. Lightning is also a major cause of injury or death from weather-related dangers.  Most people survive being hit by lightning, but they often have long-term problems. 


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Be prepared for power outages from storms in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

flashlight casting a beam of light Be prepared in the case of a power outage.

Managing Without Power in Miami Beach

SERVPRO of Miami Beach has seen storm damage lead to power outages.   

A power outage can:

  • Disrupt communication
  • Make transportation difficult
  • Shut down water pipes
  • Close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, ATMS, other services
  • Lead to food spoilage
  • Lead to contaminated water
  • Disable medical devices

During a power outage in Miami Beach, be sure to:

  • Keep freezer & refrigerator doors closed. It will reduce the chance of food spoilage
  • User generators only outdoors and away from windows
  • Disconnect appliances/electronics. Power surges can destroy equipment
  • Have already set up a plan to refrigerate medicines
  • For people who use power wheelchairs, have a backup battery.  You may also need a manual chair
  • The local power company should already know that someone in your home relies on medical devices
  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home or business
  • If travel is safe, go to another location for proper heating or cooling
  • Check on your neighbors.

Plan ahead for evacuation in the event of a storm for you and your pets in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

cartoon person near water In case of storms in Miami Beach its important to know what to do and what to bring with you.

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Miami Beach:

SERVPRO of Miami Beach has these tips for people in our community dealing with disabilities during an evacuation. You may want to consider, during times of flooding, to pack a bag to have ready in case the worst happens.

Plan for backup if you have your own car. A storm or flood may damage your car.

Ask your healthcare provider to suggest what specific devices you might need if you need to evacuate due to an emergency: 

  • Where can I get medical supplies?
  • How I do get accessible transportation?
  • If medical help is needed, where would I go?
  • Does this facility have a disability ramp access?

Items to bring with you:

  • Written list for emergency contacts
  • List of all medications, dosages, and allergies
  • Style & serial number of medical devices
  • Supply of medical equipment  
  • Extra battery for a power wheelchair
  • Any cushions or padding
  • Wheelchairs, canes, braces, etc.  
  • Medical bracelets
  • Medical insurance cards
  • List and/or supply of prescription medications

Our service animals are also affected by storm damage. For people who have service animals in Miami Beach, consider:

  • Packing extra food, water, & other supplies for the service animal
  • Tell emergency responders that your service animal travels with you
  • Shelters and other buildings may not refuse entry to a service animal

Emergency Kit for Evacuation for the Deaf, Blind, and Service Animals in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

survival kit lettered on gray Low vision or hearing loss may make a power outage more difficult in Miami Beach. Evacuation may also be more difficult.

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Miami Beach

Low vision or hearing loss may make a power outage more difficult in Miami Beach. Evacuation may also be more difficult.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach has these tips:

Have an evacuation emergency kit ready.  You can also use it at home.

For people who have low hearing or deafness in Miami Beach, consider the following:

  • Extra batteries for hearing aids
  • TTY
  • If you Sign, have a pen and paper for people who do not know Sign
  • Backup batteries for any augmentative communication devices

For people who have low vision or blindness in Miami Beach, consider the following:

  • Use large-print or Braille on labels
  • Magnifiers or other assistive devices
  • White cane (if you use one)

Storm damage makes life more difficult for service animals too.

For people who have service animals in Miami Beach, consider the following:  

  • Food, water, and other supplies
  • Tell emergency responders that your service animal travels with you
  • Shelters and other buildings may not refuse entry to a service animal

Evacuation when Medical Supplies Are Needed for your Well-being in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

green background with emergency kit items Make sure yo have an emergency kit ready for any kind of storm situation.

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Miami Beach.

Some of these items can be kept in a waterproof container (your emergency kit). Medications probably cannot, but you can have them ready to bring with you.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach suggests having these items prepared in the event you would need to evacuate your home in Miami Beach. 

  • Copies of medical insurance & Medicare cards
  • Warm blankets
  • Extra clothing, especially socks & undergarments
  • Bottled water
  • Batteries for your electronic devices
  • Written contact list

Some people in Miami Beach will also need to consider the following:

  • Make sure that at least one other person can get your medications &  supplies
  • Have at least a week-long supply of prescription medicines
  • A list of all medications, dosages, and allergies
  • An extra pair of glasses or extra contact lenses 
  • Hearing-aid batteries 
  • Games & activities for children

If you have pets in Miami Beach, consider these items:

  • Pet food and toys 
  • Toys or comfort objects
  • Vet information

Some shelters will not or cannot allow pets. Ahead of an emergency, find out which ones will allow your 4-legged loved ones. All shelters allow service animals. 

What to do if you have PTSD during Thunderstorms and Lightning in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

lightning on a purple sky During a thunder and lightning storm, please take care and be safe.

PTSD and Thunderstorms & Lightning in Miami Beach

Almost 7% of people in the U.S. have suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

People who have PTSD may experience panic during thunderstorms. Thunderstorms and lightning can set off a person’s alarm bells.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach offers these guides to Coping with PTSD During Storms:  

The best strategy is to be prepared.

  • Take care of your emotional health. See a therapist. Learn relaxation exercises. When you feel anxious, you can relax
  • Know when a thunderstorm is likely. Plan what you will do during a thunderstorm  
  • Take care of your physical health. Eat a healthy diet. Get enough sleep. Do not rely on alcohol or other drugs.  Do not smoke or chew tobacco 

During a Thunderstorm in Miami Beach

  • Slow down your breathing
  • Look around. Notice where you are. Notice that you are in a safe place
  • Distract yourself from the storm. Wear headphones and listen to music. Sit in a pop-up tent
  • Talk with someone you trust

Tips to Stay Safe During a Storm in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

truck in high water Floods can develop slowly or quickly, be safe.

Floods in Miami Beach:

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S.  Flooding can happen near major bodies of water, but also inland. 

Floods can develop slowly or quickly. Floods that come with no warning are known as flash floods.

Floods:

  • Come from rain, snow, hurricanes, tornadoes, and storm surges
  • Overflows of dams or other water systems
  • Can cause power or water outages
  • Damage buildings
  • Create landslides
  • Make roads impassable
  • Sweep away people, animals, or cars

If you are in a flood in Miami Beach:

  • If you have a warning, get to a safe place
  • Don’t drive around barricades 
  • Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. SERVPRO of Miami Beach likes the warning, “Turn around! Don’t Drown!”
  • 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down. 12 inches of moving water can sweep a caraway
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. The water can wash bridges away
  • If your car is trapped in quickly-moving water, stay inside. If the water rises inside the vehicle, climb onto the roof
  • If you are trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Do NOT climb into a closed attic. Floodwater can trap you. Go to the roof only if there is no other escape

How to prepare an emergency kit for a severe storm in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

black background with emergency kit SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to make sure Miami Beach is prepared!

Miami Beach is no stranger to severe storms. If a community is not prepared for a severe storm, the results can be devastating.  SERVPRO® of Miami Beach wants to share some of the following tips to keep in mind while putting together an emergency kit in the event of a severe storm approaching. FEMA has stated that emergency kits should include some of the following:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Any medicine currently being taken
  • Emergency food and water
  • Extra change of clothes and shoes
  • Pet supplies if you are taking care of an animal

These are just a few examples of what an emergency kit should contain. Residents can add whatever else may be needed. There should be an emergency kit in every residential building as well as all commercial buildings if possible. Aside from having an emergency kit ready, a plan should also be in place. If there is a designated storm area inside the home or office, occupants should head there with the emergency kits. Severe storms cannot be avoided, but with the right tools and resources, they can be easier to deal with.  SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to make sure Miami Beach is prepared! 


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Stats on Businesses Reopening After a Disaster in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

commercial office space SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants you to remember that the best way to fight fire damage or smoke damage is prevention.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)  over 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster such as storm damage, fire damage, water damage, or other disruption.

Of those that do reopen, it is estimated that only 29% of those remain open after two years. 

SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants you to be aware of the causes of fire damage and fire injuries so that you can help prevent them.

Top Causes of Commercial Fires in the Miami Beach area are: 

  • Cooking in restaurants
  • Equipment: Almost 38% of business fires start from faulty equipment or from misuse equipment. Some materials can catch fire or explode when exposed to heat
  • Carelessness: Remember to cover light bulbs, turn off equipment at the end of the day, and to replace frayed cords

SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants you to remember that the best way to fight fire damage or smoke damage is prevention.


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Tips for Escaping a Structure in the Event of a Fire in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

note pad with emergency escape written on it  plan Knowing multiple ways out of a building could be the difference between life or death.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach knows a small flame can turn into a large fire in a matter of minutes.  Sometimes, a portable fire extinguisher is not enough to save your Miami Beach home or business and the only thing you can do is escape.  

Lives are more important than objects, so get yourself and others out of danger.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach Offers these Tips for Escape: 

  • Make an escape plan ahead of time. Make sure everyone knows the plan
  • Make sure that all doors and windows open easily
  • Plan at least two different ways of escaping every room
  • When you leave, close the doors and windows to shut in the flames
  • Practice the plan
  • Do not stop to pick up valuables. You can replace objects
  • Make sure your plan includes a place to meet that is a safe distance from the home
  • Do not turn off smoke alarms when you cook.  You may need the warning
  • If you have to go through smoke, crawl under it

SERVPRO of Miami Beach reminds you to call the fire department once you are outside the home.


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

OSHA Guidelines for Fire Extinguisher Usage in Miami Beach

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

paperwork on a desk Fire Safety in Miami Beach

SERVPRO® of Miami Beach knows that owning a fire extinguisher is not enough. Knowing the proper use of fire extinguishers can prevent a fire from destroying lives in Miami Beach.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers train their employees on how and when to use fire extinguishers. OSHA does not allow untrained employees to use a fire extinguisher.  They must provide the training shortly after the employee is hired, and then every year thereafter. OSHA also requires monthly inspections for fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers have to be placed where they cannot be moved or damaged. The carrying handle should be 3-1/2 to 5 feet above the floor.

Employees must know when to use fire extinguishers.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach suggests asking yourself these questions regarding fire extinguishers in your Miami Beach business:  

  • Have I pulled the fire alarm?
  • Can everyone get out?
  • Is the fire extinguisher easy to reach?
  • Do I know how to use it? 
  • Is the fire contained in a small area?
  • Is the smoke non-toxic?
  • Do I have an escape route?

If you can answer “yes” to all of the questions, it is reasonable to use the fire extinguisher.



SERVPRO of Miami Beach reminds you that fire is fast. If you cannot contain it within 30 seconds, get everyone out of the area. Call 9-1-1 once you are outside.

Keep Your Miami Beach Office Prepared for Fire

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

fire extinguisher hanging on the wall How to prevent office fires in your Miami Beach office.

Office fires in Miami Beach are more common than you might think. If you have a break room in your office or small business, it probably contains a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator and/or other small appliances. You should also include a fire extinguisher in there somewhere! SERVPRO of Miami Beach wants to remind you that fires can start as easily as turning on one of these appliances. There could be a short somewhere in the wiring or something inside the microwave could catch fire. Unfortunately, the possibilities are real and they do happen. Your workplace should have a training session on how to use fire extinguishers. If the owner of the business has not done that, please look into setting up a training session. Local fire departments are usually happy to assist with this training, and they can provide some real-life examples of ways to practice fire safety. 

If your break room (or any other area of your office building) catches on fire, you will likely have smoke damage as well as damage from the fire. That is where SERVPRO of Miami Beach comes in. We are here to clean up the damage and make your Miami Beach building look new again. We are open 24/7 and we show up prepared. Please do not hesitate to call us if you need our services. We are Here to Help. 


SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated.

Water damage in Miami Beach

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

women stairing at dishwasher We will help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Are you a, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” type of person? Are you the "Take charge" kind of person and nothing can get you down? That must mean you’re just the type to tackle the hard problems without a second thought. That is a great trait to have! When it comes to water damage though, you don’t want to cut corners or try and solve it alone. When you live in a state or area surrounded by water and only a few feet above sea level in most places such as Miami Beach, it occurs all too often and property owners are unprepared when it does. Whether it is a pipe bursting, a storm bringing in flooding, or a leaky roof causing your dry-walled ceiling to collapse, you can count on SERVPRO of Miami Beach to be standing by and ready to help. We understand that every situation is unique, so we have taken the liberty to remain flexible and to prepare ourselves in as many scenarios as possible so that we can give your structure the attention only a professional, up-to-date restoration company can give. Here’s the thing: we know cleanup and restoration, and we have the tools and trained technicians to implement that know-how. When these types of things confront you and you’re in over your head, don’t feel bad and don’t lose hope. At SERVPRO of Miami Beach, we’ve got your back.

Things to do for Water Damage until Help Arrives in Miami Beach

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

house with standing water When water damage causes a disaster in your, SERVPRO of Miami Beach is Here To Help.

If your home or business in Miami Beach has water damage, you can do some things before help arrives.

Make sure that the building or home is safe.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach Wants You to Remember:

  • Waterlogged materials are very heavy
  • Wet surfaces are slippery
  • Make sure electrical power is off before you handle devices
  • Make sure you are standing on a dry area before you turn on the electric power

SERVPRO of Miami Beach suggests that you:

  • Remove excess water with mops and/or towels
  • Wipe water from wood furniture or other items
  • Remove wet cushions. Prop them upright to dry
  • Hang up rugs to dry
  • Place foil or blocks between furniture and wet carpeting
  • Turn on dehumidifiers or air-conditioning if it is safe
  • Move colored items from wet carpeting
  • Move artwork to a safe, dry place
  • Move loose items from the floor or counters
  • Start drying items ASAP
  • Remember that mold starts growing within 24 hours
  • Stay away from rooms that have sagging ceilings

Tips for Standing Water in Miami Beach

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Woman in business attire sitting on a rooftop avoiding flooded waters Tips for standing water in Miami Beach.

A flood doesn’t end once the storm stops. We still have to deal with all that standing water. The floodwater can take up to 11 days to disappear. It’s not time to go fishing.

If you have to evacuate your office, do not go back until you have been told it is safe.

Be careful driving in Miami Beach.  Remember to “Go around. Don’t Drown!” The water may still be too deep for safe travel.

Floods are not natural swimming pools

  • Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the stormwater leftovers
  • Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick  
  • Don’t drink the water
  • Water conducts electricity.  Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock

Floodwaters vs. Animals in Miami Beach :

  • Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up
  • Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live
  • If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets

Commercial Flood Insurance in Miami Beach

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

cartoon city scape with rain The importance of commercial flood insurance in Miami Beach.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance. The NFIP doesn’t sell insurance. Buy flood insurance from an insurance agent. 

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is interested in helping the businesses in our community become more educated on flood insurance. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses do not reopen after experiencing a devastating flood. 

Things to know in Miami Beach. Check to see if you might be required to have flood insurance.

  • All agencies in Miami Beach charge the same for flood insurance
  • Standard commercial insurance doesn’t pay for flood damage
  • The NFIP sets the rates
  • Rates depend on:
    • whether you live in a flood plain
    • flood risk in your area
    • building’s age
    • building’s construction
  • Building property insurance covers the building
  • Personal property insurance covers the building’s contents
  • NFIP suggests you need both types
  • Policies go into effect 30 days after purchase
  • The NFIP help center number is 1-800-427-4661

SERVPRO of Miami Beach recommends the following: 

  • Check whether or not your area participates in the NFIP
  • Check whether or not your area is part of the Community Rating System. The NFIP might have a discount
  • Talk to your insurance agent when you need to make changes

Make sure your business is protected from the devastation that comes with unwanted flooding in your office.

Staying Healthy around Standing Water in Miami Beach

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

house with standing water in front Standing water of any kind in Miami Beach can be a powerful source of disease.

Staying Healthy Around Standing Water in Miami Beach :

Standing water of any kind in Miami Beach can be a powerful source of disease. Floods can be worse due to the amount of water involved. Even small puddles can pose a risk. 

Different kinds of debris can be found in floodwaters such as dead animals, rotted plants, and sewage, to name a few. If you have water damage inside your home, watch for debris in the home as well to include rotted food and electrical problems. 

Viruses and bacteria can cause illnesses. To reduce your chances of catching something, SERVPRO of  Miami Beach suggests:

  • Washing dirty clothes and towels in hot water. Use bleach if possible
  • Remember that you can shake hands with an infected person and get infected. 
  • Do not allow children to play in the flood water
  • Wash children’s hands before meals
  • Disinfect toys before letting children play with them
  • Use bleach or other disinfectants on hard surfaces
  • Keep your hands washed

Cuts and rashes can become infected. Protect yourself and others in Miami Beach :

  • Avoid floodwaters if you have an open rash or a cut
  • Clean cuts or rashes. Cover them with a waterproof bandage
  • Clean cuts with soap and clean water
  • If a cut becomes red, swollen, or is oozing, get medical attention

Sharing the SERVPRO History in Miami Beach

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

cartoon character with magnifying glass SERVPRO is ready to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Ted Isaacson opened the first SERVPRO® in 1967 in Sacramento, California selling his first Franchise in 1969.  In 1988 the SERVPRO headquarters moved to Gallatin, Tennessee. SERVPRO now has 1700+ Franchises in the United States and Canada. SERVPRO of Miami Beach specializes in cleanup and restoration services in Miami Beach. We can make your fire, smoke, water, or mold damage “Like it never even happened.” 

What does SERVPRO of Miami Beach do?

SERVPRO of Miami Beach provides:

  • residential & commercial cleanup of:
    • water/ flood damage
    • fire damage
    • storm damage
  • mold remediation
  • restoration

SERVPRO of Miami Beach

  • Water Restoration
  • Fire Restoration
  • Mold Removal
  • Biohazard
  • Sewage
  • Drapes and Blinds
  • Odor Removal
  • Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
  • Vandalism and Graffiti
  • Air Ducts and HVAC
  • Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
  • Carpet and Upholstery



SERVPRO of Miami Beach works directly with most insurance companies, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Miami Beach.

Why SERVPRO of Miami Beach? Each franchise is an individually owned and operated company.  We have advanced expertise in water restoration along with specialized equipment in water removal and also advanced drying equipment.  

Technicians at SERVPRO of Miami Beach will keep you informed as they restore your damage so you will know what SERVPRO did, and how the process worked.  

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is independently owned and operated. 

Getting Alerted to Dangers in Miami Beach

8/24/2019 (Permalink)

person on smart phone Text MBAlert to 888777, and the city will sign you up to receive emergency notifications in Miami Beach.

Technology has enabled instantaneous notification when dangers lurk. This is definitely the case in #miamibeach. Using Twitter can be one way. The City of Miami Beach also actively notifies residents, business owners and community participants via text message.  If you'd like to receive notifications of events and developments that could be of concern, simply text 

MBAlert 

to 88877.  This will allow the city to send updates directly to your phone, via text message. Examples of recent notifications have included active shooter notifications, or 'do not swim' advisories. The city has also recently sent out notices of broken water mains, which can pose dangers to pedestrians and motorists. 

Additionally, you can sign up for a different notification system to receive traffic notifications.  For this, text

MBTraffic

to the same number, 88877.

The Dreaded "Humidity Bloom" in Miami

8/17/2019 (Permalink)

Bar stool with heavy mold colonization The white-ish / green-ish substance seen on this chair in Miami shows mold colonization. Its growth was fueled by high humidity over a period of time.

Have you ever left your home or office, perhaps looking to get away for a week on vacation? Even for those of us who live in the paradise of Miami / Miami Beach, it's fun to get away.

Have a great time! One thing though -- make sure your AC remains on, and better yet have someone come check it while you're gone.

This is what can happen.  We call it a humidity bloom. The customer here went away, and the AC went down.  This allowed the humidity level to rocket upward -- yes, the humidity in the air was enough of a moisture source to fuel mold growth on this -- and many others -- content item inside the apartment.

Mold needs two things to grow -- an organic food source, and moisture. Typically we associate water intrusions with the moisture part. For example, let's say a pipe bursts or a water heater bursts. That definitely happens too.  

But paradise has its price.  Humidity levels are sky high in South Florida. Unless controlled by appropriate, well-maintained AC systems, humidity can be enough by itself to spark a serious and costly mold problem.

Finishing Up a Job - In a Clean, Compliant Manner

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

green piece of equipment Spores inside! Your remediator's air scrubber collected millions of spores. The scrubber should be sealed before transporting out of the condo.

You're a condo association manager, and you're happy to see the mold remediation come to an end in unit 311.  You see the remediation company rolling out its equipment through your hallways, down the elevator and through the lobby on the way to the truck.

Maybe you should be more concerned than happy.

Truth is, the remediator could be contaminating that common-area hallway, elevator and lobby, with all of the mold spores it's been collecting in its equipment throughout the course of that dirty remediation. It's conceivable that each air scrubber could have collected millions of mold spores throughout the course of that job. Here's the thing - those same spores could come right back out of the machine when the machine is being wheeled through the hallway, elevator and lobby.

A significant number of those spores could be affecting neighbors through no fault of their own, due to the lack of care of the remediator.

It's so simple -- all the remediator needs to do is seal up the intake component of the air scrubber, so that the spores can't be released during transport. Few remediators perform this task, however, because they've passed their mold test and have collected their payment, and they realize they won't get caught . . . or they haven't thought of this themselves.

What's the Chatter about "Assignments of Benefits?" (AOB)

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

handcuffs SERVPRO of Miami Beach

A tennis racket is, when used appropriately, a fine instrument. If you play tennis, it helps you hit a serve or smash a solid groundstroke.

A tennis racket can be used the wrong way, potentially causing damage. It could be used to smash the windshield of a neighbor's car for instance. This, of course, would be a bad use for an otherwise harmless tool.

The same can be said for "assignments of benefits" (AOB) in the state of Florida. In and of themselves AOBs aren't controversial. Used appropriately, they can help business owners and home owners contract for services with a contractor. If that's all that's happening, all is fine, and there's no concern.

Problem is, there's lots of funny business in the state of Florida -- and Miami in particular. Many contractors misuse AOBs to game the system and wreak havoc on the insurance industry. This ends up costing residents and business owners in South Florida and throughout the state by indirectly beefing up insurance costs.

Here's how it can be abused. Say you have a flood in your home, and a water damage mitigation contractor comes in to provide emergency service and clean up the mess. Before workers begin extracting water, they'll throw a contract on your table and ask you to sign it. That contract could have AOB language, which gives the water mitigation company incredible powers. If the customer's insurance company doesn't pay what the mitigation company wants to charge, the mitigation company can sue the insurance company -- at the insurance company's cost.  That's right, the contractor can sue the insurance company and the insurance company will have to pay legal expenses when the contract features AOB language. The contractor feels a surge of power, because now they know they can charge above-market rates -- whatever they want, really -- and if the insurance company balks it'll be lawsuit time.

Who wouldn't want free legal representation on their side? Everyone would! At least, if they like to overbill and get rich quick. This is exactly what dubious contractors are thinking, and dubious contractors do exist in the emergency services world.

We want our customers to know that as a mitigation franchise we do NOT use AOBs. Rather, we sign customers up with a much less powerful "direction to pay," The "direction to pay" contract would restrict our ability to game the system, if gaming the system is what we ever wanted to do.  Our direction to pay does NOT give us the right to sue the insurance company at the insurance company's expense.  What this means is we have to be realistic and market-based when charging our customers, and we can't get away with overbilling because we don't get to sue for free.

Yes this makes it harder for us, because quite frankly sometimes the insurance companies are unreasonable. Not all the time, but sometimes . . . and increasingly so. 

Regardless, we want a smooth process for all our customers, and ourselves. With that in mind we do not make use of the controversial AOB in the state of Florida.

Mold or Bacteria: Which is Worse?

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

E. coli and other bacteria can cause serious health concerns - according to the IICRC, it can even lead to death. E. coli is commonly found in sewage.

A trainer once told us, “It’s about the bacteria, stupid.”

A different trainer put it this way: “Mold can send you to the allergist. Bacteria can send you to the grave.”

We do a lot of mold remediation work in Miami Beach, Surfside, Miami Shores and Miami. And this is a good thing – many home and business occupants are operating in mold-contaminated environments.

That said, we are even more concerned about the health risks posed by bacterial contaminants. As our trainer said, elevated mold can cause fatigue, headaches, sore throats and respiratory discomfort. Bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can literally send you to the hospital, or even the grave.

Recently we were called to the scene of a water damage, affecting a 4th-floor condo on West Avenue in South Beach. The leak came from a toilet backup in the condo upstairs. We are duty-bound to notify customers of the dangers that can come with water damage.   “It’ll dry,” insisted the owner, who was renting the condo to tenants."I'm not worried about it."

Yes, eventually it would dry, we explained. But that's not the issue. It's about the contaminants inside that water, that are now embedded inside the drywall. Those contaminants will still be there if and when the walls dry. Those contaminants will pose a threat (and liability risk) now when it's wet, we said, and later when it dries. "I'm not worried about it," he repeated.

As luck would have it, the tenants -- who were worried about their health -- were environmental consultants. They worked with contractors every day who tested the water quality off our beaches, in Miami-Dade county. They knew a thing or two about bacterial contaminants. And guess what happened. They had their friends come and test the water that was coming out of their shower ceiling, which they caught in the bucket. Yes, it tested high for e.Coli.

We don't know what happened after that because the condo owner / landlord declined mitigation services. Maybe nothing happened. But what we do know is the property owner opened himself up to liability for failure to exercise due caution, and properly mitigate the damage. Hopefully it just dried and the contaminants did not affect occupants.

Mold Remediation - What is Florida Law?

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

state seal of Florida Laws regulating mold-related services in Florida went into effect in 2011.

Miami and Miami Beach property owners want contractors that are trustworthy. One way to know if your contractor is trustworthy is whether or not they are following the law.

Back in 2011 the State of Florida got serious about mold. The government implemented rules regulating mold-related services, which for the first time required Mold Assessors to be licensed in their trade, and Mold Remediators to be licensed in theirs. One of the key elements of the mold services law was a provision to ensure that homeowners get treated with transparency -- it required that Mold Assessors should be separate from Mold Remediators on a particular job. If a Mold Assessor provides an assessment on a job, he/she cannot be the Remediator on that job -- and vice versa.

The statute reads: A person may not "Perform or offer to perform any mold remediation to a structure on which the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company provided a mold assessment within the last 12 months."

Unfortunately this statute is being violated in Florida still today. 

We at SERVPRO of Miami Beach point this out for a couple of reasons.  First, we are strong supporters of this statute -- we strongly believe that your mold assessor should be separate and independent from your remediator (e.g., us). The remediator should be separate from the assessor to avoid conflicts of interest. Second, we see evidence almost every day that some contractors are violating this rule, and that this lack of integrity is costing building owners and occupants.

Here's a recent example. One of our competitors performed an assessment at a retail store on Lincoln Road. The employees were complaining about headaches, sore throats, fatigue, and mold-like odors. The corporate managers truly wanted to do the right thing, so they brought in a local provider. This provider provided an assessment, and prescribed a scope of work to "address" the mold problem.  The bid to "address the problem was $8,000.00 and the treatment took 4 hours.  Of course, the provider "cleared" themselves out of the job. 

We can all guess what happened. The employees had all the expectation that their workplace would be safe and healthy. Soon enough, the headaches, sore throats and fatigue came back -- and it happened only when they came to work. They felt fine on weekends when not at the store.

The corporate managers called us, and we recommended an independent assessor, who prescribed a scope of work that would take 3 intense days of contents cleaning, packing and protection, then demolition of parts of the store that were known to be effected by a water intrusion, followed by a detailed microcleaning of the entire store. Our bill: the same $8,000 that the other guy charged to spray some "magic juice" in the course of 4 hours. 

Were we successful?  Don't ask us - ask the independent assessor, who has no financial interest in the remediation job, nor any affiliation with our company. They cleared us full time, and the corporate managers report happy employees.

Too many of our competitors don't even understand basic mold remediation concepts, or they're just too lazy to perform the hard work the right way. It's much more profitable to sell some snake oil and spray "magic juice," leading unwitting occupants to think they're doing the right thing.

Statute: Mold Related Services - State of Florida

Safety - After You've Had a Fire

5/20/2018 (Permalink)

If there's this much soot on the walls, it's likely in the air. Don't go in without proper respiratory protection!

It is traumatic to experience a fire in your home or business. And the dangers don't present themselves only during the fire. They can appear after. It is important to take specific actions to minimize hazards to your health after the flames are gone.

One of the biggest concerns after the fire is out is air quality. It is likely that materials caught fire and debris were sent airborne. These could be toxigenic. Without proper respiratory protection you will be consuming these items.

Another big concern has to do with "slip and fall" hazards. If you must go into the structure, make sure to wear proper shoes, and avoid areas that may be wet from the water that was sprayed to put out the blaze.

Use the buddy system.  Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Use your legs to lift things -- don't use your back!  Be very careful.

There are some things you should do, following a fire. Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. f electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open. lean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil. Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves. Change HVAC filter. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Most of all, remember that the contents can be replaced. Take care of your health and the health of your loved ones. Getting injured after the fire is something that can be avoided!

Innovating Mold Control in Miami Beach

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPROXIDE is an EPA-registered disinfectant that carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating.

SERVPRO is unique in the national restoration industry because of our experience, and our resources.

Many end-users don't know that SERVPRO employs its own chemist, who formulates and manages the company's own line of cleaning products. The products take in 40 years worth of experiences in the field to provide products that are truly state of the art. It is important to us that these products are safe and friendly to the customers we serve in Miami, Miami Beach and beyond.

One of the recent great additions to our stable is  SERVPROXIDE, an EPA-registered, stabilized chlorine dioxide based disinfectant and sanitizer. The great thing about SERVPROXIDE is that it carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating and is safe for everyday use.  This product is designed to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and mold on hard surfaces and is an effective sanitizer for soft surfaces.  On top of all the great things this product provides, it can be used just about any where!

Of course our principle mission is to remove mold from properties, where it is found to be at excess concentrations. However, as a backup it is important to have safe, effective tools that can provide efficient kill characteristics that can reduce the risk of future growth.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach is excited to put this new product to use on our next mold job! 

Commercial Losses Bring Unique Challenges

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Water, fire and mold losses present challenges that are unique versus residential losses.

Flooding and water damage events at Miami-area commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Many business owners understand that the business downtime can be more devastating to the property damage -- we understand that many times the most important thing to Miami and Miami Beach businesses is to get back in business . . . fast.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Miami Beach

SERVPRO of Miami Beach specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. We can be reached at (305) 532-5411.

Why So Much "SERVPRO Green" in Miami Beach After a Storm?

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO workers painted Miami and Miami Beach green with their trucks and equipment, following Hurricane Irma in September, 2017.

South Florida experienced its first hurricane in more than a decade, last September (2017). In the times since, many people have remarked to us, "we're seeing your trucks all over the place!"

SERVPRO does indeed have a big presence in Miami Beach, Miami and all throughout South Florida. However the SERVPRO presence was multiplied many times over thanks to our coordinated "Storm Team" efforts. 

Simply put, when a storm like the hurricane that hit South Florida becomes a threat, crews and teams from around the country jump up to converge on our market to help people out.  After Hurricane Irma, hundreds of SERVPRO workers from as far as Washington State, California and New York to help out our local neighbors.

These crews helped produce millions of dollars in work -- work that local providers were not able to produce due to the incredible demand for mitigation services.

Keep this in mind for future storms. Call our office early, and fast, to get on the SERVPRO Storm Team list. This will get you service -- either by us, your local provider, or by one of our sister franchises who have come from another area. There were many happy customers -- customers who tried to call other providers but could not receive service due to the excess demand.

SERVPRO Storm Commercial

What is a Mold Protocol?

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

technician in PPE Assessors in Florida write protocols for remediation, which we -- the remediators -- use as a beginning point to embark on a mold remediation.

Most South Florida property owners experiencing a mold problem haven't experienced such a thing before. 

As a result, every job we do is preceded by many of the same questions.

One of the most common -- what is a mold protocol?

A mold protocol is a preliminary list of recommended steps, prescribed by a Florida-licensed Mold Assessor, to get the affected home or business back to health. If a Mold Assessor is involved, and if he or she writes a protocol -- our role in the process is to then "remediate," or remedy, the problem. We are the remediation company, charged with the task of restoring the property to its normal fungal ecology.

We always recommend that a residential or commercial property owner contract the services of an independent, objective Mold Assessor to write a preliminary protocol. It provides an objective set of recommendations that a property owner can trust. Additionally, after the remediation takes place, the assessor can return and provide "clearance reviews" to ensure that the remediator (e.g., us) has done a good job and restored the property to normal fungal ecology.

Generally we don't like to hire the Mold Assessor ourselves -- that introduces a conflict of interest, real or perceived, that can introduce questions into this costly and cumbersome process. We prefer that a customer select their own qualified assessor and let us know what the protocol says. However many people have no idea where to begin looking for a qualified Mold Assessor. If this is the case we are happy to provide a list of referrals of Assessors operating credibly in the South Florida marketplace.

Give us a call at SERVPRO of Miami Beach and we'll be happy to send a list if you are looking for a mold remediation protocol!

Turning a Mold Problem Into a Good Thing in Miami

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

graphic with facts about mold The independent assessor on this project reported zero spores following SERVPRO of Miami Beach's remediation efforts.

The glass can be half full.  And there can be silver linings on a cloud floating over your Miami-area home or business.

Of course it's not the greatest circumstance to encounter mold at your home or business.  However, there is something very good that can come out of it.  It CAN be cleaned. Moreover, at the end of the process, a homeowner or business owner can quantitatively know that their property is cleaner than ever.

How can we know this? We can know this via laboratory results. As one example, see this picture -- after completing a mold job we brought in a Florida-licensed mold assessor to test the quality of the post-remediation environment.  It's hard to beat the results seen here -- the independent assessor conducted 3 air sample tests.  The laboratory that processed the samples found not a single spore in the remediated spaces.

This Miami customer breathed a sigh of relief, mostly because she has children. She simply wanted to know that her property was safe, for the kids. Customers can face all types of fear when they have a contamination problem. This is one of the most valid, as children are among the most vulnerable of the population when it comes to mold. Other groups that are particularly vulnerable are the elderly, and the immuno-compromised.

SERVPRO of Miami Beach isn't always perfect. But at least we were able to deliver a silver lining to our customer in the form of a clean, remediated Miami home.

Miami Beach Mold Customers: Learn the benefits of "Negative Air"

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

wall with containment The little room we created with support poles and heavy plastic seen here is under negative air pressure.

Hopefully you will hear your remediator in Miami discuss the topic of "negative air" when planning out your mold remediation job.

Negative air is a commonly misunderstood concept, yet critical to implement.  It refers to negative air pressurization. For our purposes, it is an important practice to implement when conducting mold remediation jobs, to prevent cross contamination. In other words, negative air pressurization is used to make sure that contaminants don't go into surrounding areas, beyond the work zone where demolition is taking place.

Take a look at the attached photo. Most noticeably you'll see a temporary room cordoned off by heavy plastic. As you can imagine, our SERVPRO team was conducting demolition in this area. The plastic of course is designed to help keep contaminants that spring free when tearing out walls. However it isn't the only tool we use. Check out how the plastic is sucking in toward the insides of the little temporary room we created. This is because we established negative air, by sending out of the little room filtered air through a HEPA-filtered air scrubber. As a result, the air pressure (air flow) is rushing from outside the barrier (the clean areas) toward the dirty work zone areas. This prevents contaminants from spreading.

Many people even in our industry don't understand the term. If you have a project ongoing and are concerned that maybe your remediator isn't altogether sure of what he or she is doing, give us a call at (305) 532-5411 for a free consultation, we'll be happy to help out. Or, you could email us at jhrbek@SERVPROmiamibeach.com

Proud to Be a Certified Firm in Miami Beach!

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

The IICRC is the leading standards-setting body in the property restoration industry.

We are glad . . . and proud! . . . once again in 2018 to be an official certified firm for the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.  The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries with offices in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The IICRC is the leading standards-setting body that has the customer in mind because it's about your health!  Bottom line, commercial and residential property owners in South Florida should look for certifications when selecting restoration contractors. Certified firms display the commitment to treating their customers with quality and expertise. 

Miami Property Owners: Know the Difference Between Flood and Homeowners Insurance

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

Water that rolls into a property from the outside ground may not constitute a covered event by homeowners insurance.

Pretty much everyone we meet in Miami, Miami Beach and Surfside gets confused about one topic in particular: the differences between flood insurance and homeowners insurance.

The differences are substantial, and most definitely worth reviewing. Our first piece of advice is to consult with your insurance agent to understand the differences in your policies, so you know what covers what ... and what might NOT be covered.

Typically, flood insurance pays for damages caused by the rising of a body of water that covers normally dry land. For example, if heavy rains cause a river to overflow and the waters from this river rise up and enter your property from the ground, this would be a "flood" and you would likely tap your flood insurance policy for coverage; homeowners insurance would not apply. On the other hand, if a toilet supply line burst in your property and spread water into your home, the opposite would be true. 

These distinctions are critical for many reasons. Chief among them is the fact that many people think they are covered for both types of losses by having one type of policy, alone. This can be a costly mistake! Among the other important distinctions: In our experience at SERVPRO of Miami Beach, flood,insurance policies tend to be far less forgiving. The flood insurance programs tend to not cover many necessary elem to of a cleanup bill, and a property owner can end up being responsible for a larger portion of a cleanup bill compared to a standard homeowner loss.

These distinctions are increasingly important especially for property owners and property managers on coastal areas such as Miami Beach and Surfside, which are seeing higher incidences of flood losses.

Apologies for the cliche, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Being educated on these important distinctions is the first step toward securing that ounce of prevention.

Clean Your Dryer Vents to Prevent Fire in Miami Beach

6/4/2017 (Permalink)

Clothes dryer vents can build up lint over time, restricting air flow and posing a threat of fire. This type of fire is totally preventable.

One of the most common causes of fires is also perhaps the most preventable.

Dryer vents connect from your clothes dryer, and can build up lint. If not cleaned out properly, the air cannot flow properly, and a fire can result. This type of fire happens most frequently in homes, posing dangers to adults and children.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year. These fires cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. The U.S. Fire Administration also reports that the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them (34 percent).

Apart from cleaning your dryer vent, the U.S. Fire Administration has suggestions to enhance safety when using your clothes dryer:

  • Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
  • Don’t overload the dryer.
  • Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
  • Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
  • Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
  • Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
  • Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
  • Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

SERVPRO Franchises Will Paint Miami Beach Green in the Event of Major Storm

6/4/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Andrew was a major storm that high Miami and Miami Beach in 1992. Much smaller storms could pose problems for property owners in the future.

Miami, Miami Beach and Southeast Florida have been lucky in recent years, avoiding the wrath of hurricanes. However that, of course, hasn't always been the case.  Nor will it likely be the case in the future. 

Property owners need to be aware of what exactly happens.

Take it from our experience - even lower-category hurricanes could devastate the area, and professional help might not be available.

Truth be told, every local firm like ours will be at capacity within minutes of the arrival of a major storm. There will be enough work to go around for weeks. This is exactly what happened in 2014, during a devastating cold freeze in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.  Homes up there flooded due to pipe breakages -- property owners called local providers for up to a week, with no response for service because all providers were at capacity.

Problem is, your property needs help now. That's where SERVPRO'S national "Storm Team" resources come into play. SERVPRO has 1,700 franchises across the country -- many of them will send trained technicians and equipment to the area to service the excess demand.  There is no other restoration company that can provide this depth of service. All you need to do is call us at SERVPRO of Miami Beach, (305) 532-5411, and your job will be put on a queue. If we are at capacity, your loss will be handled by one of the storm team crews who arrived here from Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama or Tennessee.

We've provided assistance to those states in the past, and were able to help people at a time of need. We know our brothers and sisters in those areas will be just as glad to give a helping hand when local resources are tapped out following a major storm.

Miami Beach Be Ready: Above-Average Storm Activity Predicted in '17

6/4/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Matthew was supposed to hit Miami Beach and Miami. However it veered off course, and made landfall further north in 2016.

Hurricane Matthew was supposed to hit us in the Miami and Miami Beach areas in 2016. But once again we threaded the needle, avoiding complications.

Only time will tell how Miami and Miami Beach will fare in 2017.  But nationally,  forecasters predict a 45 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 20 percent chance of a below-normal season.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, forecasters are predicting a 70 percent likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). An average season produces 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Already there has been a storm -- before the 2017 season began on June 1. It was named Tropical Storm Arlene, a rare pre-season storm that formed over the eastern Atlantic in April.

Commercial property owners are urged to call us at SERVPRO of Miami Beach for help with readiness -- already SERVPROs across the country have produced tens of thousands of "Emergency Ready Plans," which is a helpful tool to guide property managers at a time of disaster. Just give us a call at (305) 532-5411 to inquire about this complimentary service.

Hopefully we're not going to need the preparation in 2017 here in Miami and Miami Beach. But we'll be glad we have it in the event of a storm!

Miami Property Owner Fire Victims: Act Fast to Mitigate

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Even after the flames are long gone, fire damages can pose health risks in the form of airborne contaminants. Clean up quickly and thoroughly.

One of the most important considerations is to act fast if your Miami / Miami Beach property has experienced a fire. Don't just take our word for it -- take it from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), the leading non-profit organization setting standards on the topic.  According to the IICRC:

If a house sustains fire damage, proper cleanup is crucial as the ash, soot and water will wreak havoc on what remains.  It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents available at the store.  Unfortunately, this will barely make an impact on the problem and could cause bigger issues.  Chemical agents could react with the residue and cause permanent damage, and in some cases, they may cause toxic fumes.  Fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it should be left to a professional for the best results.

When selecting a firm that does the restoration, consider what type of training they have. Do they have health and safety certifications? Are they experienced in a wide range of repair? Do they have proof of proper insurance and licenses?  The company that has the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) fire and smoke restoration Certified Firm meets all of these expectations and conditions. An IICRC-certified firm understands the need for a quick response.  Immediate action is necessary because the longer the delay, the harder and more costly the job will be as reactions within the damaged material can continue to occur. The fire may be gone, but the ash, soot and smoke odors that remain can continue to do harm.  Certified firms will use their knowledge of fire restoration to accurately test the damage and apply the proper repair techniques to bring the items back to preloss condition when possible.

Also, when hiring an IICRC certified firm you can be sure that they are up to date with the latest technologies and techniques. In order for these firms to keep their certification, they are required to take continuing education programs.  So when confronted with fire damage cleanup, choose an IICRC-certified professional.

If you've had a smoke or fire damage, call us for a free consultation at SERVPRO of Miami Beach (305) 532-5411.

Time and Material Pricing - Commercial Jobs in Miami and Miami Beach

5/29/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Miami Beach workers gathered in the night-time hours to clean up at a fire-damage facility in Miami-Dade County in 2017.

What a mess.

Your commercial property has just been hit by a disaster. A broken sprinkler line. A busted AC hose. Or a fire, which is usually a double-whammy -- smoke damage compounded by water damage from the fire/water suppression systems. The latter scenario could become a triple whammy - it could quickly turn into a mold problem if you don't mitigate the damage. Now. 

The time for decisions is now. Waiting could lead to further secondary damages, and costly downtime for your business.  You know you have to clean it up, but the task is way too large. You are scared to know which contractor to hire to do the job. You're vulnerable, exposed, and at the possibly at the mercy of a price-gouging restoration contractor looking to make its year from your loss. We've heard it all a million times.

How to make some order out of this chaos? First things first -- take some solace in the thought that you don't have to get gouged. Choose a restoration contractor that has an established, juried price list that has been tried and tested on many large-scale losses. At SERVPRO of Miami Beach, we call this the SERVPRO "Time and Material" price list. This is a published, oft-tested price list for labor rates, consumable materials and equipment rentals. It has been on losses ranging from ten of thousands of dollars to tens of millions of dollars.

The principal benefit is that the price list is known and approved in the marketplace. Most likely, if your commercial property is insured by an insurance carrier who's been around the block, they probably have encountered the same price list on previous losses at other businesses. They'll know that the prices on this list are fair, standard and customary. They've probably paid on on losses billed from this price list before. They'll take comfort that SERVPRO is on the job because they aren't going to have to delay work to negotiate prices for the job. They know workers will be able to get right to the job, to minimize business interruption and minimize secondary damage caused by delays.

We're not kidding anyone. It's a traumatic situation. Disasters such as fires and water damage can push a business to the brink. But having  an established pricing system that is tested in the marketplace can take much of the worry out of the restoration efforts.

If you would like to see our standard "time and material" price list for commercial losses, 

Preventing Fires in Miami and Miami Beach

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Educate kids about the dangers of fire . . . and steps to take on how to prevent fires! This Miami Beach child is ready to be a Fire Prevention Hero!

The statistics on fires in the U.S. are staggering.


According to the National Fire Protection Association (click here) there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States in 2015.


These fires caused 3,280 civilian deaths, 15,700 civilian injuries, and $14.3 billion in property damage.



  • 501,500 were structure fires, causing 2,685 civilian deaths, 13,000 civilian injuries, and $10.3 billion in property damage.

  • 204,500 were vehicle fires, causing 500 civilian fire deaths, 1,875 civilian fire injuries, and $1.8 billion in property damage.

  • 639,500 were outside and other fires, causing 95 civilian fire deaths, 825 civilian fire injuries, and $252 million in property damage.


The 2015 U.S. fire loss clock a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds. One structure fire was reported every 63 seconds.



  • One home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds.

  • One civilian fire injury was reported every 34 minutes.

  • One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 40 minutes.

  • One outside and other fire was reported every 52 seconds.

  • One highway vehicle fire was reported every 3 minutes 1 seconds.


The focus has to be on prevention. 


Here are a few tips to prevent a fire at your Miami Beach / Miami / Surfside home or business.  These are courtesy of the American Red Cross (click here):



  • Believe it or not, many people in Miami and Miami Beach use space heaters! Many times this is done in a commercial settings -- workers are frequently in offices with very cool air conditioning, and can't take it. Make sure to keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

  • Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.

  • Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Also, install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each separate sleeping area.

  • Check electrical wiring in your home.

  • Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.

  • Make sure wiring is not under rugs, attached by nails, or in high traffic areas.


Simple steps can go a long way to protect all of us in Miami and Miami Beach. Let's join the fight together!

An Anniversary to Remember - Adrienne Arsht Center in Downtown Miami, Extreme Water Damage

5/21/2017 (Permalink)

The Ziff Opera House in downtown Miami suffered millions of dollars worth of damage in May, 2012, resulting from drainage system problems.

A local blogger once joked that rain made an appearance inside the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami five years ago  this week, on May 20, 2012.

But to many Miami-Dade concert-goers and taxpapers, the circumstance was no laughing matter.

Rain came pouring into the concert hall that night during a weekend performance of the Lion King, a much-anticipated and high-profile presentation. Lots of water.  And the facility was packed at the  time, with guests who had purchased tickets long before the event.

First, the bad news. Managers realized there was just too much water coming in. That night's show could not go on. About 5 minutes into the second act, managers decided staff would have to evacuate some 2,000 guests out of the building and into the rainy Miami night. Looking at the video provides a stark reminder of just how bad it got: click here.

Now the good news. After that night of the initial water damage, not a single subsequent performance of Lion King was missed. SERVPRO technicians amassed local and national resources to handle the massive and time-sensitive job -- behind the scenes, and without a glitch. Each day, SERVPRO technicians took down drying equipment prior to each performance, allowing show-goers to see  the Lion King; then they returned around midnight each night in a massive effort to set drying equipment back up again. This went on throughout the run. The end result: Thousands of Miami-Dade residents were able to take advantage of the tickets they had bought weeks and months earlier to see this highly anticipated show.

Here are some video entries reminding us of that event:

CBS 4 - Recap of the Flood

NBC6 - Miami - Water Pouring From Ceiling

ABC 10 - Arsht - Summary of Repairs and Costs

Important Considerations After a Fire

4/30/2017 (Permalink)

If you're seeing discoloration on the building materials, you're likely breathing contaminated air. Use proper respiratory protection.

Safety is always the first thing to keep in mind after experiencing a house fire. Remember, you’ve probably never been through this before – you probably don’t know what you don’t know. We at SERVPRO of Miami Beach encourage you to take the safe approach and be as cautious as possible.

  • Air quality can be a major concern for occupants. It is likely that materials caught fire and debris were sent airborne. These could be toxigenic. Without proper respiratory protection you will be consuming these items.
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Use the buddy system.  Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Lift wet mateials with your knees/legs – not your back. Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

 

How Do You Know the Mold is Remediated (Cleaned)?

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

mold on a wall Mold damage remediation in Miami Beach.

People understandably want assurances that their mold problem truly has been fixed after a remediation. 

We always tell our customers the same thing: Don't rely on us to give you verification that the property is at "normal fungal ecology" (that's the correct phrase for what we're trying to achieve on a mold remediation). We tell our customers to bring in an independent, objective outsider called a "Mold Assessor."  These Florida-licensed professionals are objective, and represent you.  If they see something wrong with the job performed, they will let you know.  They are not beholden to the remediator, so you'll get good honest feedback.

We always recommend that a property owner bring in a licensed, independent assessor to review the job.

How do they know if a job is ready for "clearance"? What constitutes a passing clearance review?

One assessor we met on a job recently describes it as follows: 

"A satisfactory mold clearance inspection consists of satisfactory visual observations that suspected visible microbial growth is not present inside the subject property, no active source of moisture is identified, and air sample results are positively evaluated by comparing the total indoor counts with the exterior or reference counts and then comparing the species types (genus) of microbial spores identified inside versus outside. Additionally, interior total levels, as well as any one or more interior individual genera should be the same or lower than exterior levels, and the types of spores identified indoors should be similar in nature to the types of spores found outdoors."

Mold assessors are licensed to do what they do. We suggest contracting one when completing a mold remediation project!

Air Quality & Your Health

3/6/2017 (Permalink)

close up of a mold spore Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Many people are surprised to hear that typically, air quality is much worse indoors than outdoors.  This is a big concern, especially to people with respiratory health concerns who spend the majority of their time inside. Usually indoor air quality is worse because it circulates in a closed system.  We keep breathing the same air over and over again, and 'dirty' air doesn't get a chance to leave the building envelope and be replaced with cleaner air. As building technologies improve, this is ironically becoming a bigger concern -- building envelopes are built tighter than ever to save energy when cooling or heating an indoor space. 

But just because outdoor air is usually cleaner, that doesn't mean we're in the clear when heading outside.  There are concerns about outdoor air quality, as well. Researchers at the University of Leicester just revealed the results of a four-year study showing new information about how

“Our research could initiate an entirely new understanding of how air pollution affects human health," said Dr. Julie Morrissey, of the University of Leicester.  "It will lead to enhancement of research to understand how air pollution leads to severe respiratory problems and perturbs the environmental cycles essential for life.”

The key points of the study, released in March 2017:

(1.) Air pollution can change the way bacteria behave and can change their potential to cause disease.

(2.) Interdisciplinary research discovers new mechanism of how air pollution is detrimental to our health and well-being

(3.) Developing megacities with extreme levels of air pollution are major risk factors for human health in many parts of the world.

To see more on this interesting report, click here."

Do you see what I see?

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Infrared cameras are one of the tools professional water damage mitigators use to identify wet building materials.

   There are a couple things we hear almost every time when arriving on a water damage job.

   "It's OK, everything will dry on its own."

   Or, worse . . .

   "Everything is dried up. Nothing is wet."

   With the first statement at least the property owner is acknowledging that the building materials are - or may be - wet. However they are misinformed. Building materials will not dry by themselves, at least not quickly enough. It's the reason that fully half of our business consists of mold remediation. We do mold remediation when the building materials don't in fact dry up quickly enough, and mold grows. We would love to take these customers to the current mold remediation jobs that we have ongoing at any given moment and they'll realize that, in fact, building materials don't dry by themselves quickly enough, and that is why we have to do mold remediation.

   The second comment is more concerning because the customer isn't even acknowledging and sometimes isn't willing to learn that the building materials are indeed wet.

   This is when the capabilities of a professional, experienced water damage mitigation expert can be of benefit. We at SERVPRO of Miami Beach possess the equipment that will help identify what building materials are wet and what building materials are not wet. 

   We are happy to come out to our community at any time and help a property owner know whether or not they have water damage. It isn't always obvious – many times you can't even tell a wall is wet until you start smelling nasty odors or seeing mold colonies form on the building materials. Just call us for a free consultation at (305) 532-5411, or visit us at www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com.

   The moisture detection equipment we possess allows us to identify whether or not materials are wet, and where exactly they are wet. They are allowing us to  mitigate and dry the structure quickly and precisely in a rifle-shot manner. One example is in the picture below – infrared cameras help us quickly scan an area that has come under attack by a water damage. Water is tricky and will find its own way to make it down to lower floors. In this photo we see that the water has clearly come from above down a certain vein. Only a small section of this wall was affected. This precision diagnosis allowed us to attack this small area quickly efficiently and cost-effectively, eliminating the risk of a costly and potentially harmful mold situation. 

   Ignorance is bliss. Except when it isn't. When it comes to water damage, ignorance can cause unnecessary and preventable property deterioration, which can powers financial hardships or worse yet harm to the health of building occupants.

 

Paying for Water Damage Mitigation: When Are You Getting Gouged?

1/4/2017 (Permalink)

After a water damage, the last thing people want to realize is that they're getting gouged on mitigation prices.

When it comes to pricing, we probably get the same types of responses most businesses get. Some customers will (do) say we are expensive.  Some will (do) say we are less than average.  Others will (do) say we are fair and just right.

The truth is, it is hard for typical customers entering the water damage industry to know if they are getting treated fairly. Most people have never had a water damage. Nor have they needed a mold remediation, and are even less likely to have purchased fire/smoke/soot cleanup services. Most people have no idea what to expect. 

The situation gets especially stressful for the consumer who doesn't have insurance. If they don't have insurance the cost for cleanup and mitigation, it's a double-whammy. Not only are they going to have to pay out-of-pocket, but they encounter the stress of wondering if they're getting treated fairly or not. That stinks. 

The rules we've established for ourselves at SERVPRO of Miami Beach when performing water damage mitigation services is to charge standard and customized rates. The reason for this is simple.  We want our staff and customers to focus on the job at hand -- getting residents and business owners back into their property. We find that once people know they will be paying from a juried price list, the fear goes away, and the comfort level rises. 

What are standard and customary rates? What exactly does that mean? 

There are two answers to this question, and they go hand-in-hand. We feel they are critically important for the customer to know so that they get treated fairly and that they have a sense of comfort that they are being treated fairly. 

The first answer has to do with the pricing system called "Xactimate." Xactimate is an estimating software of national influence that features a price list with standard and customary prices. The pricelist in this software is updated monthly for local market conditions. The prices are juried, meaning they are not made up by us.  The prices are deemed standard and customary.  Generally speaking, they are high enough to pay for competent service providers. Xactimate is the single most dominant and widely used software and price list employed by insurance carriers to pay contractors for the type of work we do.  

The second answer has to do with adhering to standards that are established by standards-setting authorities. The most prominent of these organizations is called the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This is, in our view, even more important than the individual rates we charge for services. We see and hear of so much abuse by contractors in this area.  It is disturbing.

For example the IICRC established standards that govern how much equipment mitigation contractors should reasonably place on a job.  This is critical because it is how many abusive mitigation contractors over charge and in some cases double or triple a bill versus what it really should be. The IICRC has set standards in terms of how many air movers and dehumidifiers should be placed on a water damage job. They use cubic footage, square footage, and linear footage to set the standards. For example a space with a certain amount of cubic footage may justify only one dehumidifier of a particular capacity. Many contractors will place two or three dehumidifiers in the same space even though only one is justified.

Why would the contractor place two or three times as much equipment in a space as the standards call for? Are they doing an extra good job? Truthfully, in this hypothetical case the additional dehumidifiers provide no additional benefit. If one dehumidifier bills out at $110 a day and it takes three days to dry the space, the final bill for that dehumidifier will be $330. But if the contractor places three dehumidifiers when only one was needed, we all can do the math. The bill will be $990 instead of $330. In this case the mitigation contractor violated the standards set by the IICRC as a way to squeeze more blood out of the insurance company's rock -- or your wallet, if you don't have insurance. Most times they'll get away with it because the homeowner signed a contract before the job because they were so stressed out about the inch of water on their floor. After the job, the last thing they want to do is get a lawyer and fight their mitigation contractor. They just want to get back into their business or home. The insurance carrier is experienced enough to know they're getting gouged. But they too simply want to move on and get the file off their desks. Unless it's egregious to a substantially material degree, they will probably pay the bill and move on to the next one.

There are exceptions to the rule of using Xactimate to bill out water damage jobs. For example, on larger jobs we tend to use a pricing system called "Time and Materials" (T&M). This system, too, is widely expected ad understood by adjusters who tend to work on these larger jobs. The adjusters prefer this type of system because it makes their lives easier and the bills typically come out lower.

At the end of the day, our biggest advice to consumers is to find a contractor to work on your water damage that will have an established pricing system that is fair, standard and customary.  That's what we offer at SERVPRO of Miami Beach!

It Doesn't Dry By Itself . . . Fast Enough

12/30/2016 (Permalink)

This didn't dry fast enough. That's why there's mold.

Of all the things we hear, the most common is this:  "It'll dry up by itself." It's a polite way of telling us, "Thanks but no thanks, we don't need your drying mitigation services, because my house or commercial property will dry up on its own, without your mitigation services."

Sure it will.  Over time. Yep, it will dry up.

The question is, will it dry up fast enough?  Just what is "fast enough?"

Let's put it this way.  Roughly half our business is comprised of "mold remediation."  This means, a lot of times it didn't dry up fast enough.  Mold remediation is the activity we do when a water intrusion dampened building materials or contents, and mold began to grow as a result. The building materials remained wet enough, long enough, that mold began to grow, to a point that it needed to be cleaned.  Frequently it gets to a point comparable to what is seen in the attached photo. 

It doesn't dry fast enough, without proper attention.  The baseboard and wallboard in this picture remained wet for an extended period of time, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow.  Perhaps the surrounding environment was humid, preventing moisture from escaping the building materials and evaporating into the air, leaving the building materials wet for a sustained period.  Perhaps there was insulation inside the wall cavity, keeping the exterior-facing wall and baseboard wet all the while. One thing we do know, if proper attention had been given to these materials quickly enough, the materials would have dried out quickly, preventing mold growth.

Without proper service, the wall and baseboard would dry. It could be two weeks.  It could be a month. It depends on various factors. But either of those alternatives is not "fast enough."

Our recommendation is to have your building properly mitigated at the earliest possible opportunity, to prevent the microbial growth that can arise. Give us a call at (305) 532-5411 and we'll be happy to walk you through the process!

What is an "Air Scrubber"?

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

green air scrubbers in driveway Example of an Air Filtration Device used by SERVPRO.

We get this question a lot: "What is an air scrubber?"

We're happy to answer because we think they are phenomenal machines. They are simple, and they do their jobs very well.

An air scrubber is more appropriately referred to by professionals as an "air filtration device," or AFD. Simply put, it filters airborne particles out of the air, giving you cleaner air to breathe. The machines are used on many types of jobs, primarily mold remediation projects and water jobs where the use of fans can stir up dust and send particulate in the air.

"Scrubber" is a bit of a misnomer -- the machines don't really "scrub" anything. More appropriately, they trap airborne particulate in their filters, allowing filtered air to pass through the machine and re-enter the breathing environment. It's really the same concept as a water filter under your kitchen sink. A water filter removes unwanted particulate from your drinking water. An AFD does the same thing to the air we breathe.

The critical component of an air filtration device is a HEPA filter. The machine draws in air though the back side, pulls it through the HEPA filter, and the HEPA filter traps airborne particulate and returns to the breathing and varmints filtered air.

Do they work? Or are they just another way for contractors to run up a bill on a mold job or water job?  AFDs absolutely work.  A simple demonstration will prove it.  All we would need to do is take two readings from a laser particle counter, which is a hand-held device that measures the number of particles per volume of air. We could take one measurement on the "dirty" side of the AFD (e.g. the side of the AFD in which the air is entering) to measure the number of particles in the general environment; then we could take another measurement at the "clean" side (e.g. the side where the newly filtered air is coming out of the machine). The measurements will show drastic differences in particle counts.  The particle counts could be in the tens of thousands on the dirty side, and in the single digits on the clean side.  Seeing this demonstration is believing that AFDs absolutely remove airborne particulate from the air you breathe.

As mentioned above, AFDs are used most frequently on mold remediation projects. The reason is simple -- we want to remove airborne mold spores from the air you are consuming.  AFDs have many other uses as well.  For example, they can be used on deodorization projects.  Particulate in your air can produce odors. Trapping them with the HEPA-filtered AFD will remove them from the breathing environment and thereby remove the odor-producing elements from your environment.

Yes, AFDs can be expensive to employ. This is because HEPA filters are costly. HEPA filters are made of a refined product with tiny holes that are too small for particulate to pass through. These filters are "consumbables," meaning they are used and discarded. Unfortunately they cannot be recycled.  This is the key cost driver to consider when using AFDs.  On some occasions multiple HEPA filters may need to be used for each machine. More commonly, the HEPA filters can be used on a job without having to be changed out. 

If you, or a loved one, or business associate have  breathing or respiratory problems, give us a call at (305) 532-5411 and let us swing by and drop off an AFD -- cleaning your air (or more accurately stated, "removing particulate from your air") could go a long way to improving the way you feel!

Height of Hurricane Season

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

What separates SERVPRO from competitors? In the event of a hurricane, which can bring water damage en mass throughout the South Florida region, SERVPRO franchises from across the country will descend on our area and provide services when NO ONE ELSE will be able to. No other provider in the world possesses the storm team capabilities SERVPRO does -- we proved it in Louisiana these past weeks, we proved it during Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast, and countless times in between.

When a massive regional storm happens of these magnitudes, every local provider will quickly be at capacity. Your calls to a previously loyal vendor will go unfulfilled.  SERVPRO's storm team has the power to route calls to trained technicians who will provide mitigation services in your time of need. Put this number in your cell phone -- (305) 532-5411. In the event of a major storm, we will "get you in the network." www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com

Should the Condo Association Pay for Damages to My Condo?

8/28/2016 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Miami Beach are not attorneys.  But we've been at this long enough to receive these questions dozens -- if not hundreds -- of times: "Isn't the condo association responsible for drying out my unit?" or, "Doesn't the association have to pay to clean up the water damage their pipe caused?"

First and foremost, we counsel customers to seek their own legal advice.  But to help answer this question, we asked a local attorney who represents individual condo unit owners these questions.

"I get hundreds of calls from condo owners that have suffered some type of damage due to toxic mold and water intrusion from the condominium common elements like the roof and plumbing as well as damage from other units," noted Herb M. Milgrim, esq., the local attorney. "Most people think that the Condominium Association Insurance will cover all of their damage.  While it is true that Florida Condominium Associations are responsible for maintaining the common elements and are required to provide insurance for the building, most Condominium Insurance Policies have mold exclusions or have very limited coverage for damage due to mold."

Milgrim notes that Section 718.111 of the Florida Condominium Act  sets forth the insurance requirements for Condominium Association and for the Individual Condo Owners.  "Typically the Association is responsible from the drywall out and the individual unit owner is responsible from the paint inward. That means, if a common pipe bursts without any warning and all of your furniture and personal property gets damaged,  you won’t be able to recover unless you have insurance on your condominium unit or unless you can prove negligence on the part of the condominium association or some other party."

Milgrim adds the standard insurance policy that individuals usually obtain for their condominium unit is what is called an “HO6″ Policy.  This policy provides coverage for the Dwelling and for the Personal Property or contents of the unit.

For additional information, consult your attorney or see http://www.floridacondoattorneys.com/condo-mold-and-water-damage/

Courtesy: http://www.floridacondoattorneys.com/

Will Your Homeowner's Insurance Be Able to Cover Damages if the 'Big One' Hits?

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

Some 25,000 houses were completely destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 in Miami-Dade County. Another 100,000 were severely damaged.

Below is a link to an excellent article in The Miami Herald pertaining to the viability of property insurance companies in Florida.  The industry has suffered some blows in recent times.  At the same time, Miami, Miami Beach and Southeast Florida in general up through 2017 have experienced an extended period of time without a major hurricane hitting the state, sparing the industry of a major catastrophic financial liability.  However in 2016 two storms did hit the state, the first storms to make landfall in Florida since 2015.  This has lulled many Miami and Miami Beach residents and property owners into a false sense of security. Since we haven't had a major event in awhile, many just assume that the money will be there if 'the big one' hits South Florida this year.

We know this is a high-level concern for many of our customers. Take a look to see how your insurance company is holding up:

Click Here

Be Emergency-Ready

7/11/2016 (Permalink)

With the click of a button, you can have access to critical information that will help your business overcome disasters.

A reported 50% of businesses fail to reopen after suffering a major disaster.  Our goal is to help you ensure continuity and viability even in the most challenging of circumstances.


Across the nation, and free of charge, SERVPRO franchises have provided literally thousands of "Emergency Ready Plans" (ERP) to help commercial customers respond quickly and precisely to a disaster.  The tool helps ensure that your business will suffer minimal downtime and workplace continuity.


The SERVPRO is an excellent tool because it is so user friendly. By downloading the app on your telephone, you'll have finger-touch access to all the critical information you may need in an instance. Ever get those 3 a.m. water damage calls from your security guard? No need to get dressed and head to the office to show people where the water shut-off valve is located -- direct them using the app. It's a simple way to mitigate the critical problems that arise at the worst of times.


Call us, SERVPRO of Miami Beach, at (305) 532-5411, and we will be happy to provide a complimentary, no-obligation ERP for your commercial properties. www.SERVPROmiamibeach.com

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