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 a Homeowner 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 The residue left behind in a bathroom from a fire 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 cleaning damage left behind by a commercial water damage One of our Crew Chiefs, Alex, working hard cleaning up the damage left behind by a 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.

October is Fire Prevention Month

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

fire damaged residence 100 years of Fire Prevention Month!

October is Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 9th - 15th) is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family is protected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire prevention and whole home safety.

Did You Know?

Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to educate and talk with your whole family about fire safety – including testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher and escape route planning.

  • 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires with no working smoke alarms
  • Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan*
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US
  • 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
  • Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
  • Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires

This information was provided by First Alert

Level Up Your Restoration Experience, We Did

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

funny staff photo in servpro uniform Our team has the experience to handle whatever life throws your way. Give us a call (360) 254-0049

Staff Experience

Paul McGraw, owner and operator of SERVPRO of E. Vancouver/ Clark Co. has been in contracting and restoration since 1987. He also served as president of the BIA of Clark County in 2013

Colette began with our franchise 18 years ago, working as a technician and now works in the office as our operations manager.  She has the following certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): Water Removal Technician and Fire Restoration Technician.

Erica started with our franchise 17 years ago as a field technician and now works in the office as our office manager. She holds the following certifications from IICRC: Water Removal Technician and Fire and Smoke Restoration. 

Desiree began her career in restoration nearly 12 years ago. She has the following certifications from IICRC: Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician, Contents Technician, and BIO and Crime Scene/Trauma clean up technician.

Nick, Alex, Andrew, Cody, Ryan and Avori each have had up to 7 years of experience in the restoration industry. Each of these crew chiefs have their water removal certifications. Cody also has his mold certifications and Alex was one of the scholarship recipients from the Builders Industry Association (BIA) for continued education. 

We have a staff of highly trained professionals the pride themselves on gaining the experience and certifications to better serve you! We're a compassionate team and we're here to help.

Preventing Reocurring Mold

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

"Leak?" graphic with franchise info and picture of kitchen sink leak We're here to help!

If you have a patch of mold that keeps growing back after you scrub it off, you may be wondering what you’re doing wrong. It can be even more frustrating if you’ve hired someone to handle the mold cleanup for you and it still grows back. The fact is, if you have a reoccurring mold problem, you have a problem with too much moisture in the affected area. An experienced mold remediation expert in Vancouver, WA, should be able to help you pinpoint the source of your moisture problem so that you can put an end to it.

Why and Where Mold Thrives

Mold releases spores, which are like tiny seeds that get carried from place to place by the wind. Mold spores can be found everywhere, outside and inside, so it’s impossible to completely remove all mold from your home. However, if spores don’t find the right growing conditions, they never grow into a visible mold colony. The key to keeping your home free from black mold is to make sure you don’t create the ideal conditions for it to grow.

Because spores are everywhere, mold only needs moisture and nutrition to grow. Most mold species can get nutrition from almost anything, including the paper in your drywall and the dust in the corners of your home. That means any area that is consistently damp is likely to grow mold. The most common sources of chronic moisture problems are the following.
• Poor ventilation
• Condensation
• Leaking roofs and windows
• Broken supply lines
• Leaking water pipes


Get Rid of Mold Forever

When you hire one of our SERVPRO mold mitigation experts, they will do more than remove mold from your home. They’ll also help you make sure it doesn’t return. With the use of hydrometers and infrared light, they can locate the hidden sources of moisture responsible for your mold problem. They also know how to open up walls to get at leaking pipes without doing unnecessary damage. Once you repair, replace or remove the source of dampness in your home, the mold won’t return.

Learn more at our East Vancouver site