Recent Posts

What is Water Mitigation?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Water mitigation refers to the process of reducing or preventing the damage caused by water in a property. This can include water damage caused by floods, leaks, burst pipes, or other sources of water intrusion.

The first step in water mitigation is to identify the source of the water and stop it from entering the property. Once the source has been identified and stopped, the next step is to remove any standing water and dry out the affected areas.

This can involve using specialized equipment such as dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to ensure that all moisture has been removed from the property. It is important to act quickly in water mitigation to prevent further damage and the growth of mold and mildew.

In addition to drying out the property, water mitigation may also involve repairing any damage caused by the water, such as replacing damaged drywall or flooring.

Overall, water mitigation is an important process for protecting your property from the damaging effects of water. If you experience water damage in your home or business, it is important to contact a professional water mitigation company to help you with the cleanup and restoration process.

Top 3 Things to Throw Out After a Fire

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a kitchen Fire damage left in the aftermath of a residential kitchen fire

Items that Need to Be Thrown Out After a Fire
When a fire occurs in your home in Salmon Creek, WA, the process of cleaning up can be daunting. Often, people are unsure of what to throw away. There are several types of items that are often damaged in fires, and they commonly need to be thrown out.

1. Cosmetics

Cosmetics, even if they are packaged, generally need to be stored in clean, cool environments to remain in good condition. Unfortunately, high heat from a fire can cause the packaging of many items, and the items themselves, to melt. As a result, smoke and soot can easily damage the cosmetics, making them unsafe to use.

2. Food

After a fire, it’s often best to throw away the majority of food items in your home. Though some items may be visibly damaged, especially if the fire occurred in the kitchen, some pieces of food may appear to be unharmed. However, even if items are canned or wrapped up, smoke and soot can still affect the quality of food, and consuming food that has been harmed by soot or smoke damage can be hazardous. If you’re unsure whether or not food has been harmed, it’s generally best to discard the item.

3. Medication

Many medications need to be stored in relatively cool environments, and some medications may need to be stored in a refrigerator. During a fire, the temperature in a house can quickly rise. The high heat from a fire can damage the overall quality of the medication, which can ultimately make the medication ineffective and unsafe to consume. If you can document the medications that need to be replaced, you may be able to receive compensation from your insurance company.

Knowing that you may need to throw away cosmetics, food, and medication after a fire can help make the process of sorting through your belongings easier. Often, homeowners whose homes have sustained damage from fires find it useful to work with fire damage restoration experts.

10 Things for Homeowners to Note Incase of a Storm

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

A fallen power line after a storm A fallen powerline in the aftermath of a storm

1. Storms can cause significant damage to homes, including roof damage, flooding, and fallen trees.

2. Homeowners should ensure that their roofs are in good condition and free of any damage or leaks before a storm hits.

3. It is important to secure any loose outdoor items, such as patio furniture or grills, to prevent them from becoming projectiles during high winds.

4. Homeowners should also clear gutters and downspouts of any debris to prevent water damage from heavy rainfall.

5. It is important to have an emergency kit on hand, including flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and non-perishable food and water.

6. Homeowners should have a plan in place for evacuation in case of severe storms or flooding.

7. It is important to have adequate insurance coverage for storm damage, including flood insurance if necessary.

8. After a storm, homeowners should assess any damage and take photos for insurance purposes.

9. It is important to hire a reputable contractor for any repairs needed after a storm.

10. Homeowners should stay informed about weather conditions and any potential storms in their area.

Why SERVPRO?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Servpro Logo Call SERVPRO E/W Vancouver at (360)254-0049

1. Experience: SERVPRO has been in the industry for around 30 years and has a proven track record of success.

2. Availability: SERVPRO is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to respond to emergencies and disasters.

3. Professionalism: SERVPRO technicians are highly trained and certified in the latest mitigation techniques and equipment.

4. Customer service: SERVPRO prides itself on providing excellent customer service and communication throughout the mitigation process.

5. Comprehensive services: SERVPRO offers a wide range of restoration services, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and more.

6. Insurance support: SERVPRO works with insurance companies to help customers navigate the claims process and ensure a smooth experience.

Fire Precautions

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

bathroom showing soot residue after a house fire Residue left in a bathroom from a fire that occurred in a residential home.

House fires can be devastating, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home. The following are some precautions you can take to keep your home and family safe.

1. Install and maintain smoke detectors: 

Smoke detectors are essential in every home. They can detect smoke and alert you to a fire before it gets out of control. Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in every room of your home, especially in the kitchen and near bedrooms. Also make sure to maintain all smoke detectors in your home. You can have smoke detectors but they will be of no help if not maintained properly.

2. Have a fire extinguisher: 

Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in case of a small fire. Make sure you know how to use it and that it is up to date.

3. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources: 

Keep flammable materials such as curtains, paper, and cleaning supplies away from heat sources such as stoves, heaters, and candles.

4. Don't leave cooking unattended: 

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires. Never leave cooking unattended, and keep a close eye on the stove and oven.

5. Don't overload electrical outlets: 

Overloading electrical outlets can cause a fire. Make sure you don't have too many appliances plugged into one outlet and use surge protectors.

6. Have an escape plan: 

 Make sure you have an escape plan in case of a fire. Practice the plan with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

 
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home and keep your family safe in the event of a fire occurring.

5 Ways to Remove Gum from Carpet

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

Gum is one of the trickiest substances to get out of carpet due to how sticky and expandable it is it can grab on to each individual fiber of the carpet. If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation there are 5 tried-and-true ways to remove gum successfully with little effort.

1. WD-40

Spray a generous amount on the gum stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then wipe the stain in the same direction. After a little bit of wiping the gum should be gone leaving nothing behind showing it was there.

2. Vinegar

Put a generous amount on the gum stain. Let the stain soak in the vinegar. Then wipe away gently at the spot until it is wiped away.

3. Hairspray

Spray a generous amount on the gum. Wait for the hairspray/gum to harden. Once hardened it should be able to be picked right out of the carpet best suggest to use a butter knife to scrape the gum away.

4. Ice

Place one to two ice cubes on the gum. Wait for the gum to freeze/harden. Once the gum has hardened you will be able to scrape the gum away with a butter knife.

5. Toothpaste

Apply toothpaste to the gum. The tooth paste should break down the stickiness. Once the gum is no longer sticky from the active ingredients in toothpaste it should be able to be removed without problem.

There are many other ways to remove gum from carpet these are the just the few that have been proven as the more efficient as well as none damaging options. No longer fear the sticky mess that gum leaves as long as you have these few tricks up your sleeve!

Commercial Water Damage

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

A technician working on cleaning up damage left being by a commercial water damage in an office space One of our Crew Chief's, Alex, working hard cleaning up damage left behind by commercial water damage

Water damage is a common problem that can occur in commercial buildings. It can be caused by a variety of factors including floods, leaks, burst pipes, and storms. When water damage occurs it can cause significant damage to the building and its contents. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of addressing water damage in commercial buildings and the steps that should be taken to mitigate the damage.

The Importance of Addressing Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

Water damage can have a significant impact on commercial buildings. It can cause structural damage, mold growth, and damage to equipment and inventory. Mold growth, for example, can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Therefore, it is important to address water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of those who work in the building.

Steps to Mitigate Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

  1. Identify the Source of the Water Damage

    The first step in mitigating water damage is to identify the source of the water. This could be a leaky roof, burst pipe, or flooding. Once the source of the water is identified, steps can be taken to stop the water from entering the building.

    2. Remove Standing Water

    If there is standing water in the building, it should be removed as soon as possible. This can be done using pumps or wet vacuums. The longer the water sits the more damage it can cause.

    3. Dry the Area

    After the standing water has been removed; the affected area should be dried as quickly as possible. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment. It is important to ensure that the area is completely dry to prevent mold growth.

    4. Clean and Disinfect

    Once the area is dry it should be cleaned and disinfected. This will help to prevent mold growth and remove any bacteria or other contaminants that may be present.

    5. Repair and Restore

    Finally any damage that has been caused by the water should be repaired and restored. This may include replacing damaged drywall, flooring, or other materials. It is important to ensure that the repairs are done correctly to prevent future water damage.


    Water damage can have a significant impact on commercial buildings. It is important to address water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage occurring or to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Why It's Important to Call the Professionals

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

drying hardwood floors with servpro air mover Please reach out to us with questions or concerns 24/7 365 days a year (360) 254-0049

Water damage can happen to your home or business when you least expect it. Sometimes it may be as a result of leaks that you have been ignoring, or it can be an aftermath of a fire or flooding. Therefore, it might find you when you are not prepared financially to hire external help. So the first thing that will come to your mind is how to fix the water damage on your own to save money. You can do a very good job at dealing with water damage in your home in some situations, but if the damage is too severe, you will need the input of well-trained SERVPRO professionals to fix it for you. Here are the reasons why hiring professionals to do the work is the most prudent thing to do;

Once on site, professionals can quickly determine what items have been severely ruined by water damage. They will begin by getting rid of any porous items that could have come into contact with water because they tend to absorb too much water which can act as breeding grounds for harmful microbes. These items include mattresses, particle board, box springs, and pillows.

SERVPRO professionals will also identify any pockets that are holding excess moisture and remove the water. They have special equipment that they can use to measure moisture in hidden areas such as beneath tiles and other materials that do not become wet easily. When they find the hidden pockets, they will expose them to air by taking out the tile or material above it. They will also clean all areas with moisture using methods such as pressure washing with strong detergents. They will also accelerate the process of drying to prevent mold growth or any harmful bacteria. If the SERVPRO professionals discover the presence of bacteria or mold in your house, they will use mechanical or chemical methods to eradicate it.

At SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co., we have experienced professionals who can spot compromised areas in your house and do everything possible to restore it. They are IICRC certified through a recognized organization. 

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

disaster kit contents graphic September is Disaster Preparedness Month

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

This preparedness kit information was provided by Ready.gov

Mold Mitigation After a Flood

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

flooding can happen in a flash Servpro graphic You never know when flooding will strike, but when it does, you know who to call! (360) 695-4418

Mold may start to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours immediately following a flood. If your home experiences flooding, you should get rid of standing water, clean, disinfect, and dry the affected area as soon as possible. The following measures may prevent or limit the severity of mold growth.

Eliminate Flood Water

The faster you get flood water out of your home, the less likely mold spores will be to multiply. There are several ways to make your home less inviting for mold:

  • Pump out remaining water
  • Tear out porous contents and building materials
  • Use a wet vac to get rid of any puddles

Once all of the flood water is gone, it is time to clean and disinfect the affected area.

Clean and Disinfect

Flood water is classified as a category three or  black water. This means that standing water may contain

  • Bacteria
  • Chemicals
  • Heavy metals
  • Sewage

For this reason, it is necessary to disinfect all surfaces and contents exposed to flood water. Mold also flourishes in undisturbed locations. Cleaning surfaces and eliminating porous contents that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, such as carpet or drywall, will make mold growth less likely.

Dry the Area

The more you can lower moisture levels following a flood, the less likely mold will be to grow. For this reason, homeowners or restoration experts should use equipment such as commercial- or industrial-grade

  • Air movers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Fans

All of these appliances help to speed up drying. Dehumidifiers are particularly useful for maintaining low moisture levels in the air and drawing dampness out of semi-porous surfaces.

Removing water, cleaning and disinfecting, and drying are all ways to reduce the risk of mold growth. For the fastest mitigation process and less of an opportunity for mold to develop, rely on the professional equipment and extensive experience of residential water and storm damage specialists.