Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

are you ready button Are you properly ready with homeowner insurance in case of a disaster?

Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that covers your home and the things inside it. It can also provide protection against some risks that aren't related to the property itself, such as liability or medical payments if someone gets hurt on or near your property. Homeowners insurance policies vary depending on where you live, the size of your home and contents of the home.

Insurance Needs

Any changes in your life could affect your insurance needs. Your house and personal possessions can be protected by homeowners insurance, but it's important to choose the right plan for you and your family.

Here are a few common life changes that could trigger adjustments to your policy:

  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth of a child
  • Changing jobs (or starting one)
  • New job responsibilities

Finding the right Insurance for you

To find the right homeowners policy for you, start by discussing your options with an agent or broker who can explain what's available in your area and help you get the coverage that's right for you.

What does your Insurance Policy Cover?

Your homeowners policy protects more than just your home, it also covers damage to other buildings that are part of your property and the personal belongings inside them. It also offers liability protection should someone be injured on your property or if you cause damage to another person’s property.

Your renters insurance protects the personal belongings in your apartment or house against theft, fire, vandalism and other hazards. But it doesn’t cover loss due to floods or earthquakes—those types of losses must be covered under separate policies. Consider buying additional endorsements that expand coverage when traveling outside of town, or add coverage for valuables like jewelry and furs that are not typically covered under standard policies

Personal Property Coverage

While most policies cover personal property such as furniture, appliances and clothing anywhere in the world, certain possessions have limits, such as jewelry, fine art or silverware. Ask about how these items are covered under a standard homeowners policy.

Jewelry is typically covered up to $1,500 per item for theft or loss. However, if you want coverage for more expensive pieces of jewelry (costing more than $1,500), then you'll need to purchase additional coverage called "floater" insurance.

Fine art is another type of personal property that may require separate insurance coverage to protect against theft or damage from fire or other disaster scenarios. If you have an original painting worth thousands of dollars then this needs its own protection beyond what a basic home insurance policy offers.

Understanding all of the Details

Talking to an agent about how best to protect yourself is the first step in understanding all of the details about homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance is complicated, and it's important that you understand all of its details.

Homeowners insurance is a good investment, so it can help you sleep better at night knowing that if something happens to your home—like a fire or flood—you'll be protected financially.

If you're looking into purchasing new homeowners insurance, talk to an agent today!

5 Advantages of a National Disaster Recovery Team

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Damage home due to storm if you have a mayor disaster in your Lakeland, FL area call SERVPRO of Bartow/Lakeland Highlands

Five Benefits of Having a National Disaster Recovery Team

Better restoration outcomes are possible when you can call a recovery team and have skilled experts quickly arrive on site. Mitigation is also most effective in a timely response to disaster. Here are five reasons to rely on a franchise in a nationwide network for disaster recovery services in Lakeland, FL.

1. Many Regions Are Home To Multiple Franchises

The leading restoration company has a network of over 2,000 franchises operating in North America. A centralized dispatch service connects property owners to the closest available professsionals.

2. A National Team Shares Expertise and Equipment

In the event of a major disaster, many property owners may require restoration services. Networked providers can deliver more machinery and skilled manpower for storm response than independent restoration firms.

3. Trained Techs Provide Timely Responses

Restoration technicians should arrive on location in a timely manner to inspect damage and initiate mitigation and restoration. A national service offering Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification can provide the right specialist for any job.

4. Fast Response With Centralized Disaster Recovery Deployment

Calling a nationwide number to be connected with the nearest local franchise is the fastest way to resolve damage. It is crucial to take action during the hours and days immediately after a structure suffers storm damage.

5. Industry-Leading Restoration Specialists
The IICRC programs run by the leading restoration service ensure a highly trained workforce. Insurance companies may consider certified franchises preferred providers of restoration services for the purpose of settling claims.

These reasons for choosing national disaster recovery apply after any incident in Lakeland, FL. A trustworthy company with franchises located across the United States and Canada can be the best recourse. Networked franchise locations have more resources to process and respond in a timely manner to service calls in the wake of disasters.

Why Choosing Local Is Best for Your Restoration

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage in a building in Bartow, FL.

Why Choosing a Local Company for Your Restoration Is the Best Option

If your business has been impacted by a natural disaster in Bartow, FL, you're not alone. Not only are there other business owners who are in your shoes, but you can contact your insurance company for help finding a restoration company and get help quickly. Whether you're dealing with fire damage, water damage, or you're concerned about mold growth, choose a local company that can show up faster to any size disaster.

1. Local Feel

No one appreciates a local story more than a local. When you need an emergency restoration team, you want to work with someone who understands the urgency that you're facing in a way that's personal. Communities should support each other, so when there's an opportunity for business owners to work together and they take it, everyone wins.

2. Corporate Reach

A franchise that is locally owned is ideal for restoration work. You get the benefit of local knowledge along with the reach of corporate resources. Additionally, franchise owners represent a larger company which means that they have certain standards to achieve and guidelines to follow. If the franchise owners need help or resources, they have access to it, giving you confidence that your project will be completed to the highest industry standard. They'll also have the resources to simplify the insurance claim process by using an electronic claims service to organize all of your files.

3. Professionally Trained

You can feel confident that the person working on your project will understand the importance of being faster to any size disaster because they have been trained to value their work. Larger corporations have resources for their franchise partners to provide continuing education so that they are always up to date on the latest products and safety standards.
A local restoration company with strong support will show up faster to any size disaster because they understand the importance of community.

Spring Weather Across the Nation | SERVPRO® of Bartow/Lakeland Highlands

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Bartow/Lakeland Highlands is a click away if you experience any

e live in one of the largest nations in the world. The United States is second in size only to Russia and Canada, although China is also larger if you don’t count all outlying U.S. territories.

So much space under one umbrella means seasonal weather and weather threats vary from extreme cold to storms to extreme heat.

As spring approaches and warm air begins to mix with cold throughout the atmosphere, let’s look at what those different weather threats may be, and specifically what we will experience here in our Florida communities around Bartow and Lakeland Highlands.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast regions will have quite different weather than we are accustomed to here in Florida. They have the longest continuation of winter’s chill, with temperatures often not warming until summer. Residents from Maine to the Dakotas can expect extreme cold and the possibility of snowstorms and blizzards.

The Pacific Northwest is prone to heavy rain over the spring months, which can result in flooding and water damage issues. Higher elevations are colder and could still be experiencing snow. Melting and runoff from the snow can cause even more problems for the residents of this area.

The middle of the country, while often feeling the warmth of spring like us, still has to watch out for windstorms, derechos and the risk of wildfires, which are easily spread when winds are high and seasons are dry. This area, which includes states from Iowa down to Texas, also comprises Tornado Alley, which is weather we can unfortunately relate to in our own neighborhoods.

The southern West Coast experiences perhaps the warmest weather pattern and will have to look out for excessive heat waves that can endanger lives and safety. Their South Pacific neighbors, including Hawaii, will be on alert for possible tsunamis caused by tectonic activity.

Here in our own geographic region of the South, our spring weather can often feel like a preview of summer. With this warmth, our coastal neighbors have to contend with riptides and even early season hurricanes, while we here in the Bartow and Lakeland areas will have to watch for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

For those that love warmth, our Florida weather is usually ideal, but even bright sunshine doesn’t stop extreme weather threats. This is true no matter where you live, and while the threats may all be different across the nation, it always pays to be prepared.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Why should I call SERVPRO?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Quick response to water damage can stop mold from growing. Call SERVPRO of Bartow Lakeland Highlands at 863-510-5962.

Many homeowners attempt to repair or dry water damage without professional help because they consider it a normal water spill – except it’s not!

Improper drying results in a bigger issue that causes more damage to their property. This is because not everything can be treated in the same way. Some materials are absorbent, whereas others are difficult to work with. As a result, they require specialized maintenance in the event of water damage.

Since it is difficult to determine which items require which drying method, it is preferable to rely on expert water damage restoration providers to handle the work for you.

Our certified trained technicians will use the latest technology to locate hidden moisture throughout the affected areas of your home.  They will implement a drying plan to dry all areas in the most efficient and effective way possible.  They document the drying progress and monitor the materials along the way to ensure everything is drying quickly.

Always reach out to a professional at SERVPRO of Bartow Lakeland Highlands if you incur water damages.  Call 863-510-5962 for immediate response.

What “Full Service” Means to Us | SERVPRO® of Bartow/Lakeland Highlands

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Bartow/Lakeland Highlands to get the job done.

SERVPRO is known to be a cleaning company, and while this is an accurate statement, we also want people to know the full spectrum of services that we provide. For homeowners and business owners, we provide full-service, stern-to-stern cleaning, restoration and reconstruction!

Let’s look at the scope of services we offer:

Water damage recovery. Water damage of any kind requires immediate cleanup. That’s why we are here 247 so that you can call us at anytime.

Fire damage recovery. A fire happens every 23 seconds in the United States, which is a lot of fires. They can do a large amount of damage, which is why we bring in a large amount of help.

Mold removal. Mold can creep into a home or business and threaten the structure. Not only can it affect the structure of your building, but it can spread quickly. That’s why mold removal should be left up to the professionals.

Storm recovery. All kinds of damage can happen due to bad weather. Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO can take care of your recovery needs from start to finish.

Commercial needs. We can help businesses of any kind by providing the same services we offer homeowners, plus a few extra. We offer specialized cleaning and care so that you can instill confidence into your business.

General cleaning. Residential and commercial spaces need cleaning on a regular basis, and sometimes things can get behind or completely overlooked. We can give you a heavy-duty clean so that you can focus your time and attention on more important things.

Specialty cleaning. Whether your business needs air ducts cleaned out or has a biohazard situation, we can provide all of that and then some. If it can get dirty, you can count on SERVPRO to get it cleaned.

Construction. Like it or not, there are times in which restoration to your home or business is out of the question. While that can be an overwhelming thought, you can count on us to reconstruct your place and make it look “Like It Never Even Happened.” 

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bartow Lakeland Highlands

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bartow Lakeland Highlands, ready to help 24/7.

Financial
SERVPRO Industries, Inc., the franchisor of over 1900 franchisees in the United States and Canada require franchise owners to meet or exceed high financial benchmarks in order to own and run a franchise.  This has resulted in an excellent success rate for its franchises.

Training
To own a franchise, you must participate in and successfully complete a seventeen (17) day intense training course offered by SERVPRO Industries, Inc. Franchise owners must also pass certification testing offered by the IICRC in order to be certified in Water Restoration and Applied Structural Drying.  Franchise Owners are also required to undergo leak detection and remediation as well as subrogation training.
Our technicians are also constantly training and expanding their skills.  

Insurance
All SERVPRO® franchises must stay current on the following insurance:
Liability - $2,000,000
Pollution Coverage - $2,000,000
Bailee - $50,000
Cyber Intrusion - $500,000
Workers Compensation – Varies by state

Corporate Oversight

National Contracts – We are the preferred vendor for many national and local insurance companies.
As preferred vendors, we are held to a very high level of job performance.
Franchise Business Consultants – Each franchise has a Franchise Business Consultant assigned to it to not only provide training but also to review each franchise's financial standing and their job files.
Proprietary Software – Each SERVPRO® franchise has access to many proprietary software programs.
One such program, DryBook, is a scientific and mathematical-based program that allows SERVPRO® technicians to enter and track humidity levels, temperature, category and class of water as well as room dimensions for each job.
DryBook will then help calculate the amount of equipment needed and the placement of the equipment.