Eugene Residents Create Evacuation Plans for Wildfire Season?

7/23/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in Lane County.

Our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams want everyone to be prepared for wildfire season. Here’s how to create an effective evacuation plan:

1. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for wildfire updates. Sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about evacuation orders.
2. Plan Your Routes: Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home in case one is blocked. Familiarize yourself with the routes and practice driving them under different conditions.
3. Create a Communication Plan: Designate a meeting place outside the danger zone where family members can reunite. Ensure everyone has contact information and knows how to reach each other.
4. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Pack a go-bag with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and first aid supplies. Include items for pets and any special needs family members.
5. Home Preparation: Keep your home defensible by clearing flammable vegetation and materials. Have fire extinguishers accessible and ensure everyone knows how to use them.
6. Practice Drills: Regularly practice your evacuation plan with all family members, including pets. This will help everyone stay calm and act quickly in an actual emergency.
7. Stay Calm and Follow Orders: If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Eugene has fire damage, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Toilet Causes Hidden Water Damage in Franklin Home?

7/16/2024 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24/7 in Lane County.

Our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are leaders in water damage restoration services in Franklin. A leaking toilet can lead to significant hidden water damage if not detected early. Here are some key signs to look out for:

1. Unusual Sounds: Listen for hissing or trickling sounds from your toilet when unused. This can indicate a leak in the fill valve or the tank itself.
2. Constant Running: If your toilet runs continuously after flushing, it might be due to a faulty flapper or a fill valve issue. This constant flow can result in increased water bills and potential water damage, underscoring the importance of addressing the problem promptly.
3. Water Stains: Look for tell-tale water stains around the base of the toilet or on the ceiling of the room below, Discoloration or warping can signal a leak.
4. Soft Flooring: If the floor around your toilet feels soft or spongy, it could be a sign of water damage. This often occurs when water seeps into the subfloor, causing it to weaken.
5. Food Coloring Test: Place two to three drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 30 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, water leaks from the tank to the bowl.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Franklin has water damage, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire From Knob and Tube Wiring Causes Fire in Eugene Home?

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lane County.

Our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams restore fire damage yearly in the City of Eugene. As many homes in Eugene were built over one-hundred years ago, some may have knob and tube wiring, increasing the risk of having an electrical fire. 

Knob and tube wiring was the standard method of electrical wiring in North America during that period. Many homes built around 100 years ago, including those in Eugene, Oregon, likely used knob and tube wiring. This wiring method involved running individual electrical wires through ceramic tubes and knobs to prevent them from contacting combustible materials. 

Knob and tube wiring was discontinued due to the increased risk of fire and electrical hazards. A licensed electrician can conduct a thorough inspection, using specialized tools to identify hidden knob and tube wiring. They can also check the overall condition of your electrical system and suggest necessary upgrades. 

You can also look for older light fixtures, outlets, and switches that might still be connected to knob and tube wiring. These might be tell-tale signs if your home has not been fully rewired.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Eugene has a fire damage emergency, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Protecting Your Property: Swift Action After Windstorm Damage in North Eugene?

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

We restore wind damage 24/7 in Lane County.

Our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are leaders in windstorm damage restoration. Windstorms present a severe risk to property integrity, from structural damages to personal safety hazards. The immediate aftermath of such events can leave homes and businesses exposed to further damage. Roof damage, for instance, can lead to water leaks, while broken windows and compromised walls can quickly become entry points for pests and additional moisture.

Fast mitigation services are essential after a windstorm. Our professionals are trained and certified in storm damage response and restoration. They are equipped to handle emergency repairs, such as installing roof tarps and boarding up windows to secure the property. These quick fixes are vital to prevent secondary damage like water damage, mold, and further structural decline, which can create time-consuming and costly repairs.

Quick mitigation also helps maintain the structural integrity of the building and provides safety for its occupants or customers. It also helps preserve the property's value and ensures compliance with insurance policies, which often require prompt reporting and damage mitigation efforts to cover claims.

Hiring our trusted professionals to assess and address the damage immediately after a windstorm can mean the difference between minor repairs and major renovations. Prioritizing rapid response can drastically reduce long-term costs and help speed up the restoration of affected properties.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Eugene has wind damage, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Franklin Home Suffers Power Outage During a Devastating Windstorm?

6/25/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24/7 in Lane County.

Our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams respond to wind damage emergencies every year in Franklin. When a windstorm knocks out the power it can be unsettling, but there are things that you can do to stay safe and comfortable:

• Monitor local weather reports and updates from your utility provider to stay informed about the status of the power outage and any restoration efforts underway.
• Contact your utility provider to report the outage. Provide as much information as possible, including your location and any visible signs of damage, such as downed power lines or trees.
• Preserve the battery life of essential devices such as cell phones, flashlights, and radios.
• Avoid going outside during the windstorm, as flying debris and falling trees can pose serious risks to personal safety.
• Instead of candles, use flashlights, lanterns, or battery-powered candles for emergency lighting.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures and preserve perishable food.
• Ensure you have adequate potable water on hand to stay hydrated during the outage.
• Contact neighbors, particularly elderly or vulnerable individuals, to ensure their safety and offer assistance if needed.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Franklin sustains wind damage, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Professional Mold Remediation Services in Eugene?

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in Lane County.

Mold outbreaks are a common challenge in the Pacific Northwest. Our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are trained and certified to restore mold damage by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Why Use a Professional Mold Removal Service?

Using a professional mold removal service is crucial for several reasons. First, trained professionals have the experience and specialized equipment to accurately address mold infestation and identify underlying causes such as moisture sources or ventilation issues. Their knowledge ensures thorough remediation, preventing the recurrence of mold growth.

Second, professional mold removal services prioritize safety. Mold remediation often involves handling potentially harmful substances and using specialized techniques such as containment and air filtration to prevent the spread of mold spores. Professionals are trained in proper safety protocols to protect themselves and the property's occupants.

Professional mold removal services remove the existing mold and address the excess moisture issues or water leaks to prevent future outbreaks. This comprehensive approach discourages the mold from returning after the completed remediation process.

Using trained and certified mold removal professionals provides peace of mind, knowing that the job is done correctly and safely, with measures to minimize the potential for another outbreak.

Call Us Today!

When your Eugene home or commercial business has a mold outbreak, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are always Here to Help®. Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Franklin Families Prepare Their Homes for Summer Storms?

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24/7 in Lane County.

Each year, our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams restore storm damage in Franklin. Summer storms can wreak havoc on properties if precautions aren't taken.

Water intrusion is one of the most common forms of damage caused by summer storms. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding, damaging crawl spaces, foundations, and interior spaces. Roof leaks can also occur, significantly if shingles are damaged or missing, allowing water to seep into the attic and walls.

Strong winds accompanying summer storms can cause extensive damage to homes, including roof damage, siding damage, and broken windows. Flying debris, such as branches, tree limbs, and even projectiles carried by the wind, can impact structures and cause significant harm.

Additionally, lightning strikes during summer storms risk fire damage to homes, particularly if they ignite dry vegetation, trees, or roofing materials. Electrical surges caused by lightning strikes can also damage home appliances, electronics, and electrical systems.

Summer storms can cause a wide range of damage to homes, including water intrusion, wind damage, hail damage, and fire damage. Homeowners should take proactive measures to protect their properties, such as maintaining drainage systems, securing loose objects, inspecting roofs and siding for damage, and installing surge protection devices.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Franklin has a storm damage emergency, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Eugene Homeowner Designs Rain Garden to Prevent Flooding and Manage Stormwater Runoff?

6/4/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to flooding emergencies 24/7 in Lane County.

Each year, our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams witness the damage flooding can do to homes and businesses. One way to prevent flooding situations in Eugene is to install a rain garden incorporating native plants and natural features to manage stormwater runoff effectively.

Here are some tips for installing a rain garden:

• Choose a location that receives runoff from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces and is at least ten feet from buildings
• Create a shallow depression with gentle slopes to collect water and promote infiltration. The depth of the rain garden should be sufficient to hold water temporarily during storms but not so deep that it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Use a mix of sandy loam soil and compost to enhance infiltration and provide a suitable growing medium for plants. Amend the existing soil if necessary to improve drainage.
• Select native plants adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Choose a mix of grasses, sedges, wildflowers, and shrubs with deep roots to help absorb water, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.
• Use mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and control soil erosion
• Install an overflow outlet or swale to safely convey excess water away from the rain garden during heavy rainfall to prevent flooding

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Eugene has flooding damage, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Eugene Home Sustains Damage from Wind Gusts of Fifty Miles Per Hour?

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Lane County.

Our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are leaders in storm damage restoration services. Generally, sustained wind speeds of 45-50 miles per hour (mph) or greater are considered capable of causing minor structural damage, such as loose roof shingles or siding.

Eugene, Oregon, experiences wind speeds depending on the prevailing weather patterns and seasonal variations. While Eugene is not typically known for extreme wind events like coastal or mountainous areas, it can still experience gusty conditions under certain circumstances.

On average, wind speeds in Eugene range from 5 to 15 miles per hour (mph) during calm conditions. However, wind speeds can increase significantly during weather systems, such as winter storms or passing cold fronts.

Generally, wind gusts rarely exceed 30 to 40 mph during typical weather events. However, gusts may occasionally reach higher speeds during more intense weather phenomena such as winter storms or localized thunderstorms.

It's important to note that while Eugene is not prone to extreme wind events like some other regions, strong winds can still damage trees, power lines, and structures, particularly during storms with sustained winds or gusts exceeding 50 mph. Residents should stay informed about weather forecasts and be prepared for windy conditions, especially at certain times of the year.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has wind damage, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Cracked Refrigerator Water Dispenser Supply Line Damages Kitchen Floor and Cabinetry in Franklin Home?

5/21/2024 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Lane County.

Our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are leaders in water damage restoration services. Failed household appliances are a leading cause of water damage in homes in the United States. Failed refrigerator water dispenser supply lines are a leading cause of water damage in homes in Franklin.

Refrigerators equipped with ice makers or water dispensers can pose a risk of water damage if the supply lines or connections become damaged or disconnected. Over time, supply lines can develop leaks or cracks, leading to water seepage behind or underneath the refrigerator. Additionally, improper installation or maintenance of these appliances can cause water leaks that damage the surrounding flooring and cabinetry.

Homeowners need to inspect and maintain these appliances regularly to prevent water damage. This includes checking hoses and supply lines for signs of wear or damage, ensuring proper installation and sealing, and promptly addressing any leaks or malfunctions to mitigate the risk of water damage to the home.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Franklin has a water damage emergency caused by a failed household appliance, our North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams are Here to Help. ® We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 541-799-0090.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.