How Does an Ozone Generator Remove Odors?

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have odors that you just can't get rid of? Maybe ozone is the solution!

You may be wondering, “What is an ozone generator?” An ozone generator is an industrial machine that produces ozone. So now you’re probably asking yourself, “What is ozone?” Many of us may remember learning about the ozone layer in school. The ozone layer is a layer in the Earth’s stratosphere that has trace amounts of ozone.

Up in the stratosphere, the ozone protects us by absorbing most of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth from the sun. While that might sound great, ozone in high concentrations is actually very toxic to humans.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a colorless, highly reactive, toxic gas with powerful oxidizing properties. It is comprised of three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms of oxygen that we breathe. Ozone is naturally occurring as well as man-made. An ozone generator is a man-made way of creating ozone.

So why would we want to create ozone if it is toxic to humans? Because ozone is very good at removing particles in the air that cause odor. It is the ultimate air purifier which is why it is used by industrial clean up companies like SERVPRO of Eau Claire.

How Does Ozone Remove Odors? 

Ozone removes the smell and odors by reacting and destroying the offensive smelling particulates, molecules, and bacteria. The ozone chemically reacts with them breaking them down into molecules and particulates and bacteria that don’t smell.

When Should Ozone Be Used?

An ozone generator is recommended for professional-use only, due to the dangers of high concentrations of ozone. Ozone generators and ozone are used to remove odors that seem impossible to remove. They can be used to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from a home that has been heavily smoked in.

They can also be used to remove the smoke odors from homes and businesses that have experienced a fire. Ozone is highly effective at removing odors due to the fact that it can penetrate anything that oxygen and smoke can penetrate. This can include fabric sofas and carpets in a home that has experienced smoke damage.

Due to the toxicity of the ozone gas, ozone generators are only used in spaces that are unoccupied and sealed. This means that if they are used in a home or business, they space usually needs to be evacuated while the ozone generator is in use. That is why it is highly recommended that you rely on professionals who are trained on how to safely operate an ozone generator.

Struggling to Get Rid of Strong Odors in Your Home or Business?

If you have strong odors that you have been battling for months and even years to get rid of, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eau Claire to get rid of them. They’ll be able to determine the best actions to take including whether an ozone generator is needed.

The experts at SERVPRO of Eau Claire have helped remediate the odors from fires, flooding, mold damage and other sources for years. They have all the tools and experience to handle any disaster and any smell.

Call SERVPRO of Eau Claire today at 715-834-3473. 

SERVPRO of Eau Claire Provides 24/7 Service

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eau Claire is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to serve you.

SERVPRO of Eau Claire provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Chippewa Valley. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

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

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 715-834-3473

Residential Services

Whether your Eau Claire area home needs emergency flood damage restoration or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Restoration Cleaning
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Our Highly Trained Technicians Can Restore Your Chippewa Valley Home

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eau Claire is an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Eau Claire is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of EAU CLAIRE

SERVPRO of Eau Claire specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm.

We believe in continuous training: 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.

Click here to Meet Our Crew

IICRC Certifications

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

This four-day course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform these procedures in the field while protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants on your property.

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively using monitoring devices, extraction systems, and drying equipment. This three-day course includes comprehensive classroom and hands-on training to develop technical and practical drying expertise.

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)

This two-day course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques for residential and commercial applications.

• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)

Technicians will learn about types of smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings. This two-day course also includes instruction on odor and deodorization concepts.

• Odor Control Technician (OCT)

Technicians learn to address odors and deodorization techniques. This one-day course covers odor control caused by biological sources such as decomposition, urine contamination, mold, and other sources.

• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)

Technicians learn fiber identification and upholstery cleaning methods. This two-day course also covers identifying upholstery cleaning problems before fabrics shrink, bleed, crown, or distort.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

This three-day course covers the concepts of water damage and its effects in residential and commercial settings. Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

What Our Core Values Mean to You

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

We strive to be the best for you

It’s a term that’s been bandied about, but what exactly are “core values”?

Core values are the cornerstone beliefs of a person or organization. They represent a company’s heart. These guiding principles dictate behavior and can help people understand the difference between right and wrong. Core values also help companies to assess whether they’re on the right path, meeting their customers needs, and fulfilling their goals.

Here at SERVPRO of Eau Claire, we pride ourselves on living up to our core values as a locally owned company and as a team. We believe in the following 6 key values that characterize our company and help us to stand out in the community:

1. Growth – Size matters, but only if it is accomplished through knowledge, excellence, innovation and continuous improvement every day - at every level.

2. Integrity - Do what’s right and fair. Our relationships with customers, suppliers and each other are based upon honesty, trust, and mutual respect. We do what we say we will do and treat all with respect.

3. Be the Best - Persistently strive for excellence in all we do. We adapt the newest technology and use the highest quality products, thus adding value to the services we offer our customers. As a team, we work together to meet the needs of our customers and to help the company be successful.

4. Leadership - Provide strong, supportive management teams who embrace and drive change. By example promote honestly, integrity, enthusiasm, creativity, teamwork, excellence and empowerment of individuals.

5. Customer Service - Achieve total customer satisfaction by meeting every requirement of every customer. This is more than satisfaction with our products and service. It also includes communication, billing, marketing, product availability and countless other interactions with customers.

6. Teamwork - Be reliable, honest, supportive of each other's efforts, enthusiastic and positive. Value ideas over hierarchy. Communicate openly and face challenges optimistically to achieve our common goal of being the best. Be accountable, deliver on promises and strive to exceed expectations.

We recognize that our customers are the reason for our success and we’re committed to listen and respond positively to their needs. In fact, all our decisions are based on what’s best for our customer.

By adhering to the above values, SERVPRO of Eau Claire strives to create a company that is not only a great one to work for, but also one that will tirelessly work for you.

SERVPRO: Training the Best

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Essential training for our essential workers

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

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

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

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

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

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.

Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO of Eau Claire offers both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation. Courses include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restorative Drying for Loss Control
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)

COVID-19 - We Are Here to Help

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Eau Claire at (715) 834-3473

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

We Are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

We can help! We're just one call away!

SERVPRO of Eau Claire is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Eau Claire 715-834-3473

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

August 13, 2018

New SERVPRO First Responder Bowl to be played at Cotton Bowl Stadium

DALLAS – In a joint effort to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s First Responders, the annual college football bowl game played at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas has been renamed the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl.  Kickoff for the newly christened SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is set for December 26 at 12:30 p.m. CT (1:30 p.m. ET) and will be televised by ESPN.  The agreement between ESPN Events and SERVPRO was brokered by Denver-based Impression Sports & Entertainment.

"We are truly grateful for all first responders’ sacrifice and service,” said Brant Ringler, Executive Director of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. “It is a tremendous privilege to honor these brave men and women who protect our communities 24/7/365. As this game continues to grow, so do our ties with first responders. Additionally, having a sponsor like SERVPRO who works along-side and supports these community heroes reinforces our goals of recognizing our first responders.”

"We are proud to present the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl dedicated to honoring some of the hardest working men and women in our country" said Sue Steen, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. "We recognize the dedication and selfless acts of our First Responders and are honored to help highlight and celebrate the commitment of these everyday heroes."

The 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is the ninth edition of the bowl game, formerly known as the Heart of Dallas Bowl, and part of the 89-year history of games being played at Cotton Bowl Stadium on the grounds of Dallas’ Fair Park, which features 227 acres of museums, attractions, history, art and performances located in the heart of the ninth largest city in the United States.

First responders to be honored include police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents and military personnel who have specialized training and are the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency.

“This is an exciting change, and we are humbled by the fact that an actual bowl game has been named exclusively for the first responders of this country,” Dallas Fire-Rescue Fire Chief David Coatney said.

“We are truly honored to have a bowl game here in Dallas named after the hard working men and women serving and protecting communities across this country.  It always feels great to be recognized, and I know our officers and firefighters are touched by this overwhelming show of support, “said Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall.

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl tickets will go on sale in September.  Tickets for First Responders will continue to be underwritten by our corporate sponsors. Planning for the First Responder Fan Fest in Cotton Bowl Plaza will begin immediately.  

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is one of 14 owned and operated bowl games by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN.

ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of 32 collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; FCS opening-weekend game; 14 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events, a college softball event and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 300-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO^® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO^® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Are You Ready?

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

What would happen if you pulled into work this morning only to find that you can't get into your building due to some type of disaster? Fire, Water, Crime Scene. How do you let your employees know about the situation? How do you take care of your customers? Who do you call? What do you do?

Did you know that 50% of all businesses that do not have a Emergency Ready Program in place, NEVER reopen after a disaster? Does your business have one? Are you prepared?

Luckily SERVPRO of Eau Claire offers this service to every community we are in. The best part, is it is absolutely FREE of charge, and NO obligations to ever use SERVPRO of Eau Claire! The Emergency Ready Program or ERP, takes depending on the size of your building very little time to complete.

We capture the vital data needed in time of crisis and disaster, and put it all together for you. No matter where you are in the world, you can rest assured if your business has a disaster, you are taken care of!

Contact me today for more information or to schedule your ERP. SERVPRO of Eau Claire office 715-829-3439 or visit our website www.SERVPROeauclaire.com

Why SERVPRO of Eau Claire?

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are a lot of restoration, and remediation companies to choose from in the Chippewa Valley, so why should you or your business choose SERVPRO of Eau Claire? Great question!

First: "Faster to any size disaster" isn't just a catch phrase, it's true. SERVPRO of Eau Claire average response time to the first emergency call or an agent or insurance adjusters call is less than 20 minutes. This means even at 2 a.m. or on a Holiday! SERVPRO of Eau Claire is available and ready to roll 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Within 2 hours from first contact, a highly trained SERVPRO Professional is on scene. When it comes to restoring your property and saving your precious memories, time and quick response are everything!

Second: There is no Disaster too big or too small for us to handle! Seriously! No matter if it is just a backed up drain that flooded a tiny bathroom or basement room, or the US Pentagon, SERVPRO will and has restored it. With over 1,700 franchises Nation wide, we come together and work as Team Green! Meaning, we can handle any size disaster that comes our way!

Third: Our highly trained professionals adhere to our industry standards of IICRC training. On top of continuous education provided by SERVPRO of Eau Claire, we require all of our employees to go through and pass certified training. When it comes to your home and or business, we want you to know, SERVPRO of Eau Claire takes it serious.

Last: SERVPRO is the largest restoration and mitigation in the nation. A company doesn't get to be number 1 in the nation without doing the right things and treating people the right way. So when it comes time to call a local restoration company, remember SERVPRO of Eau Claire.

Office number is 715-834-3473 or visit us at www.SERVPROeauclaire.comyou can also check us out on Facebook at SERVPRO Eau Claire.

Choosing the right restoration company

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Like it never even happened

How To Choose Water Damage Restoration Services

When a storm leaves a home flooded, or a burst pipe causes serious issues in the house, getting water damage restoration services from a respected company should be considered a top priority. Unfortunately, this industry is not regulated, and there are people out there who pose as professionals or overstate their qualifications. Therefore, homeowners should be mindful of who they hire, as an untrained technician may do more harm than good or delay repairs, resulting in a higher degree of destruction. Before selecting a company to handle the job, keep in mind these points of emphasis:

• Only choose certified professionals to perform water damage restoration services. Even though the industry is not regulated, technicians who have received certification have made the effort to get the best training possible, proving that they take their job seriously. Certification through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a sign that a professional has received the most up to date training and is knowledgeable in the latest techniques and technologies employed during repairs. The IICRC operates a Certified Firm registrant-only database on its site, making it easy to find a local, certified professional without trouble.
• Do not select a technician based only on the price or an insurance company’s recommendation. When possible, speak to neighbors or friends who have had to hire a technician recently and try to get a recommendation from them. Insurance companies often select a restoration company based on price, and unusually low pricing suggests the company does not use modern drying or repair methods.
• Choose a company that offers a range of water damage restoration services. The easiest way to determine the expertise of a firm is to see if they provide a full range of options for homeowners. Mold remediation, for example, is often needed given how quickly mold can set in. This is a standard field of knowledge that advanced technicians should possess. If a company doesn’t offer mold remediation, it may not be prepared for all job settings.
• A company that is available 24/7 is a good sign. Stay away from any firms that are reluctant to start right away. In many cases modern equipment can enable near-complete drying in as little as 36 hours,  although many situations require longer. Also, a homeowner should not have to wait before repairs begin. Every minute counts when there is standing water present, and reputable professionals understand this. If a technician insists on waiting to begin the  remediation portion of the loss, they probably cannot be trusted to see the job through in a reasonable timeframe.

Using these guidelines, a homeowner should be able to find a technician that can be trusted and is equipped to do the job the right way. A storm or other disaster is hard enough to deal with, and a remediation firm should do everything in its power to make this difficult process easier.