Recent Why SERVPRO Posts
The Value of 24 Hour Restoration Availability
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may tackle disaster cleanup with the care and attention it deserves with our 24-hour service.
The Importance of a 24-Hour Restoration Service
Your commercial buildings need protection. Storms, fires, and other hazards can happen at any time. When disaster hits, you need to be able to respond quickly and effectively so that you can protect the structures and property that are vital to your business.
A professional restoration company with 24 hour service can help you contain the damage, even if something happens in the middle of the night. Here are some of the benefits of SERVPRO's 24/7 service in San Antonio, TX.
1. Fast Response Any Time
If a heavy storm strikes in the middle of the night and causes water damage to your building, you will need a cleanup crew on-site as quickly as possible to begin the drying and restoration process. There are many types of hazards and unexpected events that can cause damage to commercial property and the sensitive equipment and documents that your business needs in order to operate.
No matter when you need help, SERVPRO will respond to your call within 1 hour. They will be on-site in 4 hours, and they will provide a verbal briefing within 8 hours. These deadlines ensure that you will get a prompt and professional restoration whenever it is needed.
2. Get Expert Help
Disaster cleanup can be a stressful process for any business owner. You might not know the best ways to save damaged property and restore your building. The 24-hour service provided by SERVPRO includes the very best techniques and equipment for restoring damage related to mold, water, fire, and smoke. If your commercial property houses important documents, SERVPRO can safely transport them to a Document Restoration Facility that uses state-of-the-art technology to dry and restore sensitive materials.
SERVPRO is always open. 24-hour service ensures that you can approach disaster cleanup with the care and attention it deserves.
Minimize Water Damage Problems With These 3 Steps
4/13/2022 (Permalink)
The source of water damage may be simple to repair. However, broken pipes or sewer overflows cause a slew of issues for business owners.
Water Damage Problems Can Be Reduced With These 3 Steps
When faced with a soggy mess, commercial property owners encounter a daunting and costly situation. The primary cause of water damage may be easy to fix. However, those busted pipes or sewer overflows created severe secondary conditions, leaving proprietors with multiple issues to contain and remediate. Commercial owners in San Antonio, TX, must prioritize mitigating moisture saturation to safeguard the building and reduces. The following are three things to do right away.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Above all, minimize the amount of fluid exposure from broken pipes or a toilet overflow. Turn the valves to the utility to the off position, cutting the flow. If the problem continues, move to the mainline, stopping all water from entering the premises.
2. Remove Soaked Items
Water damage impacts not just the building, but the materials inside. Protect belongings that are unharmed by taking them elsewhere. Then, further cut down on space’s dampness by moving saturated objects to areas where they may dry out. Heavily saturated pieces should be disposed of in the trash.
These categories are hard to decipher. Owners working with a reputable water restoration company receive help identifying what may be salvaged through content cleaning practices versus what necessitates disposal. Businesses such as SERVPRO work hard to meet national standards and provide continuing education for certified employees, ensuring they have up-to-date knowledge and equipment to get the job done well. Expert assistance is pivotal in securing the area properly.
3. Eliminate Excess Moisture
During the water cleanup phase, specialists measure the wall’s wetness using a moisture reading tool. This information allows them to know what areas of the property require additional drying. They then work to place air movers and industrial dehumidifiers in those sections. Further readings will enable them to know when the location is dry and ready to move into a cleanup phase.
When water damage occurs, it’s time to run rather than walk, seeking assistance from a company with the right equipment and experience staff to defend the structure. The faster owners get dampness under control, the better off the property is.
SERVPRO Is the Superhero of Franchise Business Models
2/8/2022 (Permalink)
Whether in the office or out in the field, SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio always cares about the well-being of our clients AND our team members.
SERVPRO Is The Franchise Business Model's Superhero
Would you like to become a successful franchise owner? There are thousands of choices, but how do you pick the right one for you? Start by examining the top tier of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list. If you like to work with your hands, the SERVPRO franchise may be your top choice.
Entrepreneur Magazine does not casually rank franchises. Each one earns its position. The ranking of each franchise takes many attributes into account. These include its growth potential, standing in the marketplace and investment cost. There are several reasons why SERVPRO is a great franchise to own.
1. SERVPRO corporation has a vested interest in your success. Many of the top franchises sell food. Few cities or towns are going to suffer if a fast-food restaurant shuts down. As a SERVPRO franchisee in the San Antonio, TX, area, your business is locally owned and operated. However, when disaster strikes, SERVPRO responds with teams from all over the country. At times, your personnel and equipment will be part of those teams. Your local franchise is an essential piece in the disaster recovery plan.
2. Your SERVPRO team receives training and earns certification. As a franchisee, you will work in businesses and residences. You will clean and restore fire, water, flood, smoke and storm damage. You will remediate mold. As a SERVPRO employee, you will learn the proper techniques. Once you have shown proficiency, you will become IICRC certified. The IICRC is a nationally recognized certification. It documents the holder’s competence in a cleaning category.
3. The SERVPRO opportunity is moderately priced. If you wanted a burger franchise, the cost could be in the millions. With SERVPRO, the financial investment is a small fraction. However, the investment is more than about money. To be successful, you need to have passion and drive. You must believe in what you do and the people you serve.
Would you like to learn more? Visit the SERVPRO franchise opportunities website and see the available territories.
Can Your Belongings Recover From Mold Growth? 3 Actions To Take During the Salvage Process
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
Black mold was found in a home in San Antonio, TX.
Which Items Can Be Salvaged By Professionals from Mold Damage
Moisture and high humidity can attract mold spores into your San Antonio, TX, home, where they can grow across a variety of surfaces. While mold commonly grows on building surfaces like drywall and carpeting, it can also affect your belongings, such as clothing and furniture. Mold cleaning can be difficult; however, before you throw items away, you may want to learn about which could be saved by different types of professional cleansing processes and which cannot.
1. Throw Away Porous Items
Most porous surfaces can absorb water and encourage further mold growth. As such, some items like mattresses, thick rugs and stuffed toys that already show signs of mold damage are usually not salvageable. If your child has a favorite stuffed toy that you want to attempt to save, ask your remediation technicians if they have any mold cleaning processes that may help. You may want to remember, however, that porous items affected by black mold are usually considered unsalvageable because this type of fungus is particularly hard to eradicate.
2. Freeze Documents and Books
If you have important documents and books that developed mold, place them in sealable plastic bags and store them in your freezer. Freezing these items can inhibit further mold growth and protect them until they can be inspected by an expert mold remediation and restoration company. This can salvage items like original birth certificates, wedding albums and baby books.
3. Set Aside Moldy Clothing
If you have favorite items of clothing that have been affected by mold, ask your remediation technicians about what type of options you have for salvaging them. Wet, dry and immersion cleaning may all be possible, especially for leather jackets and shoes. Some companies have access to an Esporta Machine, which cleans soft contents by removing tough odors, dirt and mold in a way that even commercial-grade units cannot.
Mold can have a devastating effect on your San Antonio, TX, home’s contents. However, professional mold cleaning processes may be able to salvage your treasured possessions, even if you believe they are beyond repair.
The “Extra Mile” Is Just The Starting Point For US!
10/31/2021 (Permalink)
For some, going the “extra mile” represents some sort of special effort. But at SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio, it’s just part of our daily mindset!
We’ve all heard about a person or organization going that “extra mile” as a demonstration of either their compassion or dedication to a particular personal or professional credo. And this is usually accompanied by some sort of fanfare or recognition. Yet, this can also be viewed as equal parts inspiring and a slightly sad commentary – where doing something “extra” is so far outside the norm, it’s now noteworthy!
In fact, a major insurance company has created an entire award-winning marketing campaign based around the concept of “going the extra mile” with the now-familiar “Jake of State Farm” trying to convince customers that this is just the way they do business! And they aren’t alone in trying to capture a piece of their respective markets by demonstrating their commitment to customer service – consider the advertising of Chick-Fil-A and Lowe’s. But, again, wouldn’t it be nice if this were the practice for EVERYONE…no accolades needed?
Fortunately, we found a company where this IS “business as usual” every day – SERVPRO! When researching business opportunities (over 21 years ago, no less), our owners of SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio appreciated how closely the SERVPRO corporate model dovetailed with their personal values and business principles. With an ingrained mindset of service – c’mon, “serv” is right in the name – this company embodies the ideas of “going the extra mile” in every community from coast to coast.
So now, as a longtime locally-owned, family business, our entire team at SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio takes community service and involvement seriously. We not only live and work here, but our children attend school here, our families worship here, and we add to the local economy by shopping here. So, in this quest to find new ways to augment the "SERV" part of SERVPRO, we periodically introduce new services for our community – like our brand new local e-newsletter, the SERVPRO Sentinel!
Focused on local sports, timely information for local residents, our local team members, and some entertaining features, the SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio Sentinel is published monthly to deliver some good, old-fashioned "SERVPRO Clean" fun. After all, we ALL could use a little more good news in our lives!
Not only does our SERVPRO Sentinel provide community news, but also offers helpful tips for residential and commercial customers to help avoid situations where OUR services might be required. Yes, sharing “insider information” may prevent us from getting a job after a “mishap” – and we’re actually okay with that! We would much rather assist our local neighbors in avoiding the aftermath of a disaster, than profit from a tragic misfortune. See, it’s just the SERVPRO way…and one more way that going the “extra mile” is just the beginning for OUR team!
A Friend In Need, Is A Friend Like SERVPRO Indeed!
10/4/2021 (Permalink)
We’re not just “on-the-scene” after a disaster; you'll find local SERVPRO team members wading in to lend a helping hand…whenever & wherever needed!
How recently have you given some thought to the word “friend”? Usually we tend to evaluate “friends” when we feel betrayed or slighted – basically within the context of something going awry. Now, unconsciously, we have lists of people we can call in different situations: the close co-workers, the professional connections, the close acquaintances, and those “ride-or-die” best friends who are truly family.
Some favors you only ask of the closest, “You know I’d do it for you” type of friends…like for rides to/from the airport at unimaginable times, for help moving your piano into a second floor apartment, like borrowing a few bucks until payday. THOSE are the proverbial “friends in need” who honestly are “friends indeed!”
And here in the Lone Star State, we take “friendliness” very seriously. We’re encouraged to “Drive Friendly” all along our highways and byways. We keep it simple with our State Motto: “Friendship”…which actually pays homage to our “Texas” name derived from the Native American Caddo word “teyshas” meaning “friends” or “allies.” So for us, at SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio, being that true “friend in need” is built right into our Texas DNA!
Now, couple that with our owners’ good fortune in finding a franchise parent company who shared this same philosophy…SERVPRO. But, considering our corporate headquarters is located in Gallatin, TN we’d expect nothing less from anything originating in the South, known for our fine hospitality, helping hands, and yes, friendliness. And this company-wide mindset can be seen nationwide, in more than 1700 franchises – each willing to jump in to help even in those “BFF favor” situations.
The company even has designated specialty Disaster Recovery Teams, and in the most recent multiple-state flooding disasters from Hurricane Ida had 200+ crews manned, equipped and ready to mobilize to assist the local franchise teams already on the ground. And this was not an isolated response scenario…as SERVPRO details:
“SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team mobilizes from across the country, as needed, to support large storm events. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large loss and storm events across the country, including:
- 2021 Winter Storm Uri
- 2020 Hurricane Laura
- 2019 Hurricane Dorian
- 2018 Camp Wildfire
- 2018 Hurricane Michael
- 2018 Hurricane Florence
- 2017 Hurricane Irma
- 2017 Hurricane Harvey
- 2016 East Tennessee Wildfires
- 2016 Hurricane Matthew
- 2016 Louisiana Flooding
- 2016 Houston Flooding
- 2015 Siberian Express
- 2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding
- 2014 Polar Vortex
- 2013 Colorado Floods
- 2013 Alberta, Canada Floods
- 2012 Hurricane Sandy
- 2012 Hurricane Isaac
- 2011 Hurricane Irene
- Tropical Storm Lee”
Not many friends would show up in disasters like these, so we really treasure those we KNOW we can count on when you’re the “friend in need”…and it’s nice to know you can count SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio among those “friends indeed!”
Just Starting Out? Start With SERVPRO!
7/4/2021 (Permalink)
New grads may be pondering a possibly uncertain future…but regardless of the education path, SERVPRO could be your perfect step into the "real world!"
While most people may be winding down from their long holiday weekend activities, some could even be thinking about the week ahead. However, for recent grads, realizing they are now expected to join the "real world" and be "grownups" might be causing some sleepless nights and not a small degree of “So what am I supposed to do NOW?!?”
Those carefully nurtured career aspirations –involving years of study – must now translate into REAL jobs! And that can feel like a daunting task for someone just emerging from an academic cocoon. Don’t panic, yet. Believe it or not, we've all been there at some point. But, have you ever considered a future as a member of the SERVPRO family?
As a respected national company – started as a family enterprise – SERVPRO offers opportunities that would beautifully dovetail with a variety of professional goals. Headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee (supporting coast-to-coast franchises), regardless of whether your classroom pursuits followed a creative, analytic, mechanical, sales, engineering, marketing, IT or some other service-oriented passion, SERVPRO could be your perfect step into the "real world!"
With a nationwide infrastructure of state-of-the-art web support for literally over a thousand of individual franchise sites to oversee, along with marketing materials and brand consistency creative, not to mention the constant innovations in our cutting-edge equipment, processes and materials, or the precise administrative oversight needed to ensure will always be ready to respond to ANY situation, it’s easy to see why SERVPRO represents a wealth of career paths!
Or perhaps you have a more entrepreneurial spirit? Guess what...so did OUR owners and that's why they started SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio more than 21 years ago. Offering the ideal work-life balance (with the financial ability to support their growing family of three boys), Greg and Tammie Hall will gladly tell anyone they made the RIGHT step for their careers and family. But whether a first step, or a second or third...taking the step to join the SERVPRO family is never a wrong step!
We Speak FLUENT “Insuranc-ese!”
4/15/2021 (Permalink)
Every industry and profession has its own “language” and unless you have fluency in that particular vernacular, then it’s all Greek to you!
Have you ever been out in public or at a social gathering and heard people discussing something that left you feeling like you needed a translator just to understand what they were saying? Let’s face it, EVERY industry, profession and job has its own specific “language” – some WAAAAY more convoluted than others.
For instance, if you’ve never been within a country mile of a hardware store or lumber yard, you would have no idea what somebody was talking about if they mentioned locking cams and the A, B or C sides of plywood. The same holds true for many medical and healthcare professions. A dentist mentioning gutta-percha or a surgeon their sphygmomanometer, would send most people running for the nearest dictionary…if they could even spell them!
Luckily, you don’t need to know their specific language and specialized vocabulary. You can just ask someone at the home improvement store what they mean. And, thankfully, we don’t have to understand all the technical terminology to still have a productive visit to the doctor or dentist. However, sometimes it’s impossible to avoid the “-ese” languages we may encounter as a part of our daily lives.
Be honest…do you actually READ all the “legal-ese” in every download or app agreement? If so, then you’re most definitely in the minority. We scan, scroll, and hit “AGREE” and get on with our lives. Right? Hey, it’s okay – we all have done it on one occasion or another! And normally, this poses absolutely NO problem.
However, there ARE times when you can’t just muddle through well enough to get what you need…and one classic example is insurance. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own your residence, if your car is fresh off the lot, a hand-me-down from a sibling or parent, or a dealer lease, or if you have healthcare coverage through your employer or a government exchange. Have you EVER read through those complete policies – line by line – and walked away with complete clarity?!?
Yep, the insurance and financial fields definitely have their own unique languages. And under most daily circumstances, this isn’t really an issue…UNTIL you have a “problem.” Sadly, the times of greatest stress in our lives are when we MOST need to understand what all of the “insuranc-ese” really means!
During medical or dental emergencies, chances are you are miles away from being in the proper state of mind to decipher exactly what IS or ISN’T covered. You just want a healthcare professional to make it better…NOW! And who has committed every minute detail of their car insurance coverage to memory, and can recall it in the immediate aftermath of an accident? Which brings us to your homeowner or renter insurance, and trying to figure out exactly what the protocols might be for filing a claim – while you’re STILL living in the middle of a disaster!
Especially at THESE times, wouldn’t it be nice to have your own “insurance Sherpa” to guide you through the maze of restoring your life…someone who spoke “insuranc-ese” fluently? Fortunately, our SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio franchise is a preferred vendor with most major insurance carriers – like USAA, based right here in our San Antonio hometown – and we navigate the in-and-outs of insurance claims every day.
Not only can we walk you through the steps of mitigation, remediation and restoration, but can also provide in-house teams to perform all of the work AND coordinate claim payment with your policy carrier. We understand how daunting this whole process can be, and don’t expect you to be experts in translating all of that “insuranc-ese”…that’s why it’s good to have experts like SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio who speaks it FLUENTLY!
"Who You Gonna Call?" GROSS-BUSTERS!
4/13/2021 (Permalink)
While address books & landline “speed dials” may be relics of the past, you STILL need those “go-to” professionals ready to step-in when needed!
Let’s start with a little stroll down Memory Lane today. First, think back through your entire life and count how many times you have moved…whether across town, or to a different city, state or even country. And don’t forget to count those moves during your childhood, since they will also be applicable for this discussion.
Now, step back to those first few days, weeks and months once you’ve moved. After unpacking, chances are your biggest priority was finding those new “local” resources and vendors. Remember trying to find the “good” grocery store in your new neighborhood or city? How about looking for your closest primo coffee shop? And then there’s searching for new churches, schools, salons, gyms…see it can be exhausting!
We each have built an entire support network in our daily lives. And this goes for the younger family members, as well. They have “their” teacher, “their” friends, “their” neighborhood pals and activities, “their” doctors and “their” favorite restaurants. And with every move, they frequently have to start all over again – just like we do. Let’s just be brutally honest, moving is HARD on everyone!
One of our team members knows this better than most, and agreed to share her perspective on the “unseen” part of any move:
“As working journalists and communication professionals, my husband and I found ourselves ‘chasing’ better career opportunities across the country…which entailed a LOT of moves. Although we were both native Texans, we’d each had the occasion to live outside the Lone Star State at earlier points in our respective lives.
“However, once we met and married, this took our moves to a whole new level! In our 12 years of marriage, we moved a total of 18 – yes, 18 – TIMES! Sure, some of those moves were within the same city, moving from one home to another. Others were from one state to another. And this doesn’t even include the year we became ‘journalism gypsies’ traveling the country in a sizable travel trailer, writing and photographing stories.
“And, with the majority of these moves, it meant starting ‘from scratch.’ Yep, finding that ‘good’ grocery store, reliable stylists, new doctors and dentists, church congregations that were a good fit, honest mechanics, and most importantly, a new network of local friends, all yielded ‘mixed’ results through the years!
“Now, as a child, my mother had a little ‘flip-up’ address index. And right on the first page was a complete list of all our ‘preferred’ resources for any imaginable situation. Of course, we had doctors (including specialists), dentists, auto and boat mechanics, contracting trades, florists, stylists, school contacts, insurance agents, and anyone else you might need for pretty much ANYTHING life could throw at you. Boy, I would have given almost ANYTHING to have had something like that whenever we moved!
“Amid these renewed searches that accompanied each move, obviously we sought out the most highly-recommended local resources…and regularly patronized them. However, sometimes seeing a local franchise of a business name we ALREADY KNEW felt like a godsend.
“Up to this point, we’ve talking about those ‘day-in-day-out’ activities and locales. But, what happens if something ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ occurs??? That adds a new layer – and complications – to building a ‘go-to’ network. Fortunately, by the time we actually purchased homes in our new cities, we had the opportunity to assemble a trustworthy system of friends and service people. And this came in VERY handy at several crucial times in our transient lives!
“However, as we’ve become a more mobile society with fewer people spending their entire lives in just one city or area, that one ‘go-to’ list has evolved. Rarely do you see a written list of contacts delineated or posted somewhere. We collect contacts in our smartphones, tablets and computers…BUT, do you have an actual list of who you’re going to call when something goes awry or needs attention?
“When we had a fire in one of our homes, we would have promised someone like SERVPRO our first born for help in dealing with that mess! The same holds true for the storm damage I saw in the aftermath of hurricanes! So when I recently had an unfortunate ‘incident’ with my bathrooms, you can bet your bottom dollar, my SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio team was on my ‘speed dial!’
“And that’s one of the coolest things about SERVPRO; it’s a nationwide network with a local personal touch. So even when we were in Michigan or Ohio or Kentucky or Missouri – or anywhere else we roamed – there would be a local SERVPRO who would be ready at a moment’s notice to jump right in. We even saw tangible evidence of this powerful support system when teams from across the country mobilized to help storm-stricken Texas!”
So if you’re new to the San Antonio metropolitan area, be sure to add SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio (210-908-5544) to YOUR “go-to” comprehensive list of “who you gonna call” when things go wrong. Not only are we equipped to handle anything “gross” that may have happened in your life, but because we’re LOCAL we can also probably point you in the direction of some good tacos and margaritas!
“It’s The SERVPRO Way”
3/15/2021 (Permalink)
When the going gets rough – or in this case icy and cold – that’s when the nationwide SERVPRO teams REALLY get going!
Unless you’ve been on a remote trek, you heard about – and saw – the “once-in-a-generation” icy and snow storms which swept across Texas last month. And our San Antonio area homes and businesses certainly were not spared by what has been locally dubbed “snow-mageddon.”
As power grids fell like dominos and water pipes froze, the brutal conditions did not abate for days and left people to deal with impact of these conditions…while still in the midst of this frigid weather! And SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio was not immune to these effects.
While people desperately needed water damage clean-up, we not only fielded calls 24/7 but did this while our own facilities lost both power and water service. This unprecedented weather event did not slow down our dedicated teams – despite the fact that one of our production crew chiefs had broken water pipes flood HIS home!
Obviously, every SERVPRO in Texas was literally “flooded” with calls for assistance, as the damage continued to compound with each sub-freezing day. Along with plumbers, SERVPRO became the most in-demand pros and eventually had to accept they were in over their heads trying to serve everyone in need.
While willing plumbers from other regions tried to jump in to assist, the majority of property owners and managers found themselves scrambling to find someone – anyone – to help. And although these acts of goodwill did not go unappreciated, the lack of a central “clearinghouse” to prioritize and coordinate these service requests left many still floundering even weeks later. Fortunately, this was not the case with SERVPRO. Enter the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team!
Putting out the SOS to trained field technicians and crew chiefs nationwide, the Team marshalled these professionals, mobilized far-flung units and headed to Texas. These teams have the knowledge, equipment, and – most importantly – experience to deal with anything Mother Nature can dish out. This SERVPRO network of strategically positioned storm teams remains on standby should a disaster strike near you…available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Past mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:
- 2017 California wildfires
- 2017 Hurricane Irma
- 2017 Hurricane Harvey
- 2016 Hurricane Matthew
- 2015 Carolina floods
- 2014 Polar Vortex
- 2012 Sandy
- 2010 Nashville floods
- 2008 Ike
- 2007 Chicago floods
- 2007 Ohio floods
- 2007 California wildfires
- 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita
Our local SERVPROs have welcomed assistance from teams as far away as Montana, to ensure we can service all calls. With these added “helping hands” we encourage those who experienced property damage to call all of the local franchises, who have coordinated with the Recovery Team to dispatch personnel where needed. You will be placed on a prioritized waiting list, and the first available team will be assigned to your property.
Of course, those affected can minimize the impact by removing all damaged carpet or flooring, and any other “waterlogged” materials, so your response team can get right to work cleaning, drying and dehumidifying your space. This simple preparatory step can result in a noticeable lessening of required drying time. Many have relied upon their friends, neighbors, coworkers and members of their local church congregations to assist in these efforts. But, considering the nature of Texans, this “neighborly” attitude is just business as usual for us.
However, as any son or daughter of the Lone Star State knows, this “helping hands” attitude has been known to stop at our state line. So, why would someone from the far northwest of the U.S. trek all this way to help US?!? The owners of our SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio simply stated, “It’s just the SERVPRO way.” And for our money, that “Good Samaritan” philosophy ALONE is reason enough to always choose SERVPRO!
Is An Emergency EVER “Convenient”?!?
1/6/2021 (Permalink)
Nights? Weekends? Holidays? YEP...the SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio team will ALWAYS answer your call for help!
Have you ever given any thought to the word “emergency”? Truthfully, we RARELY give a thought to either the word or possible scenarios – other than when you might be in the midst of one! So indulge the “word nerd” in us, as we delve a bit deeper into this word.
According to Wikipedia, “An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment. Most emergencies require urgent intervention to prevent a worsening of the situation, although in some situations, mitigation may not be possible and agencies may only be able to offer palliative care for the aftermath…An incident, to be an emergency, conforms to one or more of the following if it:
- Poses an immediate threat to life, health, property, or environment
- Has already caused loss of life, health detriments, property damage, or environmental damage
- has a high probability of escalating to cause immediate danger to life, health, property, or environment”
Obviously, by its very definition, an emergency is traditionally “unexpected.” And while we can follow the old scout motto of TRYING to be prepared, any emergency typically catches us unaware. No surprise there!
If you think about it, part of what makes ANY emergency an “emergency” is the fact that whatever happened, traditionally occurs at possibly the most inconvenient time. Tires don’t get flats unless you actually have someplace to be, and burst pipes or overflowing toilets seem to ONLY happen on nights, weekends or holidays!
Fortunately, we now have an increasing number of businesses who understand the 24/7 nature of our society…like SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio. We understand that emergencies rarely strike when it’s “convenient” and that’s why we will ALWAYS be available to answer your call. And, the best part – this is just a part of our standard customer service philosophy.
So whether it’s a holiday cooking “combustion”…a “flood” of gifts AND water…or air filled with the scent of baked goods AND a furry invader, you can count on our dedicated professionals to make even the most inconvenient situation a little LESS “inconvenient!”
We Build “CARE” Right INTO Our Business
9/20/2020 (Permalink)
We KNOW you have put your life in our hands, and we will always CARE about every aspect of that life entrusted to us!
We have a unique business – we usually first meet people on one of the worst days of their life. Talk about an awkward “icebreaker” moment! After the initial exchange of pleasantries, it becomes all about the disaster. And that puts us in a position others rarely encounter at their work…much less DAILY.
Basically, our job is to just make everything “all better.” And that includes not just restoring their homes, offices and possessions back to “like it never even happened” but also trying to help them put their LIVES back together! If you think about it, our ENTIRE business is about taking care of others.
So it makes sense for “C.A.R.E.” to form the centerpiece of the SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio team philosophy. Our owners, Greg and Tammie Hall have identified the qualities that set our business apart: the C.A.R.E. Motto
C: Committed
“We’re personally committed because this is our business and it means everything to us to keep our promise every day to our customers and staff.”
A: Authority
“We remain focused on training and maintaining our level of excellence in everything we do, and SERVPRO is the recognized industry leader in restoration services.”
R: Respectful
“Not only do we treat our customers’ homes and businesses with respect, we also expect our staff to be respectful when dealing with the public – AND each other.”
E: Expert
“We strive to maintain our top industry rating, as well as the trust and respect we have earned from contractors, insurance carriers and businesses, which drives us to always improve our knowledge, our skills and our resources.”
“We’re a family business, taking care of other ‘families’ – regardless of whether they’re a ‘corporate family’ or a single person with two dogs and a goldfish. Each and every one of them is important to us!”
It’s not simply about doing the job and collecting a paycheck for our team. Each and every one of our staff takes an active interest in the needs of our customers, incorporating the CARE philosophy into everything we do…from dispatch to insurance assistance to marketing and, of course, to the actual restoration and remediation. Yes, we are a business; but we’re a business who actually has CARE built right into our model and operations! Who could ask for more when your LIFE needs restoring?!?
“First In Line”…Just IN TIME!
8/27/2020 (Permalink)
Standing on the front lines, we protect you, your business and your family because we CHOOSE to serve!
If you have ever worked within a traditional “institutional” environment, or belonged to a union or professional guild, the phrase “First in time, first in line” carries SIGNIFICANT meaning. For those unfamiliar with this philosophy, it literally has to power to determine whether or not you can work and earn a living!
See, tenure and experience carry weight; so those who have been “on-the-job” the longest, automatically have the greatest job security. But, not even THIS has been able to protect millions of workers sidelined by the COVID-19 crisis…including the usually-insulated entrepreneurs and business owners.
However, we have seen one NOTABLE exception to this concept of “first in line” as we navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 conditions. Frontline responders! That’s right – those “essential” workers who have not only kept vital healthcare facilities open to treat those afflicted by the virus (and any other maladies or emergencies), but also those who have ensured the wheels of commerce and our society continued to move forward.
Imagine heading off to work, bidding your loved ones goodbye, and having absolutely NO idea when – or IF – you would be able to see them again, KNOWING you were putting your life and their welfare on the line. How many of us would willingly step to the front of THAT line?!? Yet, those we customarily define as “first responders” such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel and emergency medical professionals, have CHOSEN to volunteer for these positions for years.
But the current COVID-19 situation has added a whole legion of people to that frontline vanguard. Teachers, who have dedicated their lives to positively shaping the entire future of our society, now face actual “life-or-death” choices. Postal workers, who took an oath to ensure that “no matter what” the mail WOULD be delivered, now must handle possibly-contaminated letters, packages and even “junk mail.” And how about those positions we normally take for granted in our “normal” everyday lives? Grocery store staff (because how ELSE would we get that toilet paper?!?), gas station personnel, pharmacists, farmers and food wholesale suppliers, skilled infrastructure monitors (after all, we need SOMEONE to keep the lights on, water flowing and internet connected) – among MANY others – have now found themselves classified as “essential” workers…and EXPECTED to do their jobs!
And one more group of “frontline heroes” may have escaped your attention. The expertly-trained remediation specialists of our SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio team. While others have had to learn how to adapt to their “new normal,” our dedicated personnel have continued to show up EVERY day, respond to EVERY call for help, walk into EVERY building and facility requiring decontamination…WILLINGLY! For us, it’s about a lot more than just collecting a paycheck; it’s about providing service and protection to our community. Just as all of those other “first-in-line” folks have placed the greater good above their own personal safety, our team takes their commitment to serve others EXTREMELY seriously!
As we rely on those who freely give of themselves – regardless of their place in the “seniority” pecking order – we take comfort in knowing those who now steadfastly stand “first in line” will be ready to serve us when we need them…and just in the nick of time!
How SERVPRO Of Northwest San Antonio Got Started
4/16/2020 (Permalink)
In addition to being SERVPRO owners, the Hall family are proud Aggies.
In 1999, Greg and Tammie Hall decided they wanted to go into business for themselves. Greg had worked for five years for the San Antonio Spurs, seeing David Robinson start his career with the Spurs. Greg then sold medical equipment for five years, and Tammie was a private math tutor following the birth of their first son.
One of the students that Tammie tutored was the son of the owners of another SERVPRO in San Antonio. Greg and Tammie soon became friends with Jim and Christine Preston and realized that a SERVPRO franchise was exactly the business they had been looking for. They opened SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio on May 1, 2000.
What was so appealing about the SERVPRO family was that everyone they met in the system truly wanted to help people. Greg and Tammie have a deep desire to serve their community, and they have this opportunity every day as their business goes into people's homes and work spaces. They also have built a business that has changed the lives of its employees. At SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio, you are encouraged to be a better person, look out for each other, and go out of your way for our customers. The staff is given one paid day a year simply for volunteer work. They are encouraged to find a local charity to get involved in, take a paid day off to help them, and then come back to work and tell everyone about the organization.
Greg and Tammie Hall have lived in San Antonio their entire married life, and Tammie grew up here, attending Robert E. Lee High School. They have three sons that have grown up knowing how to perform water damages, worked the Wimberly flood in 2015, and mowed the yard at the SERVPRO offices.
SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio is rooted in San Antonio and will continue to be here for all your residential and commercial needs.
When Do You REALLY Need To Call In SERVPRO Of Northwest San Antonio?
4/15/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio is here to help
In the current world circumstances, one of the questions we hear most often is: “When do we really need you guys to come in?”
We believe it is a very valid question! Not everyone needs a professional company to take care of their disinfection needs.
Here are 3 things to keep in mind that can help you figure out what is best for you:
1. If you’ve had no notice of an employee, tenant, or teammate being exposed or infected, your custodial staff can continue to provide cleaning. SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio also offers a precautionary cleaning with a hospital grade disinfectant as an option.
2. If you suspect your property or workplace has been exposed and your plan is to quarantine the space for 14 days, consider bringing in a professional.
3. If your property or workspace has been in contact with a person under investigation (PUI) or has been exposed to someone that has received a positive diagnosis, you will need a professional company.
- The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital grade disinfectant.
- Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA approved emerging pathogens claims.
- Unlike most janitorial companies, our staff is fully prepared for biohazard cleaning and will be in the appropriate personal protective equipment.
We believe that having the right information available helps us all make the best decision possible to keep us safe. Call us today if you need us. 210-521-3313
We are Cleaning Experts
3/17/2020 (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 space 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 Northwest San Antonio, 210-521-3313
24/7 Award Winning Service
1/7/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio are five time winners of the Golden Hammer Award!
We worked extremely hard to earn the Golden Hammer Award five times. We are a top performer when it comes to contractor connections.
SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio prides themselves on customer service and successfully completing the job correctly the first time!
Our professionally trained specialists work 24/7!
Our office has amazing customer service. We can answer all questions and needs in order to accurately assess the right technology and personnel to your property. Our highly trained professionals attitude and customer service are why we are five time winners for the Golden Hammer Award.
We would have never won this award if it was not for the hardworking, intelligent, and kind SERVPRO professionals. Our SERVPROs team mission is to successfully help every customer in any way possible, 24/7!
24/7 Emergency Service