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Large Loss Division

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. The rate at which things move with ease and precision is unparalleled.

The SERVPRO of Fort Smith's advantage is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Our team is massive and can be readied quickly to save you time!

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

The Hospitality Industry
Property Managers
Universities
Municipalities
Healthcare Facilities
Food Service
Retail
Entertainment Venues/Casinos
HELPING TO MAKE FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE “Like it never even happened.”

Electrical Fires

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Houses go up in flames in about three minutes, eight times faster than they would have 50 years ago. By the time you see the fire, it’s too late to do anything but evacuate.
Having an emergency plan in place is crucial for times like these. Most do not know that water is a huge no-no for electrical fires, can increase your risk of electrocution, and will do nothing to safely smother the fire.
You may not see signs of an electrical fire in your home or business, but the following problems put you at risk.
1. You Have Damaged or Old Wiring
2. Lights Dim for No Reason
3. Use a Lot of Power Bars and Extension Cords

Also, beware if your breakers keep tripping, or if there are charred, discolored outlets and switches, you may need to take precautions to assure your home or property is safe and properly wired.

SERVPRO of Fort Smith is a leading fire damage restoration company and we specialize in removing water after the firefighting efforts, especially following an electrical fire. Our professionals assess the damage and handle the cleanup and restoration process from to start to finish. We even perform smoke and odor removals to assure we make your business or residence "Like It Never Even Happened."
Call us today for a FREE Estimate!

Large Format Drying Equipment

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

When a water line breaks in your home or business, it's only a matter of seconds before the water starts causing serious damage. Once SERVPRO of Fort Smith removes the excess water, the floors and walls may appear dry, a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your property. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals. Professional and Industrial-grade dehumidifiers are used and help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. High-speed air movers are also utilized to create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Need Emergency Service?
Call Us 24/7
479-452-8282

We're always "Here to Help"

Specialty Cleaning Services

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

coming in entrance cleaning crew

When was the last time your home or business was deep cleaned? SERVPRO of Fort Smith understands maintaining a clean environment takes constant work and we are up for the job! Our certified technicians have the tools it takes to handle all your specialty cleaning projects. Most cleaning companies only have a couple of cleaning methods, but SERVPRO incorporates a variety of methods to assure your home, business, or property is properly cleaned and it looks "Like it Never Even Happened".

When we say SERVPRO cleans, we mean, carpet/upholstery cleaning, drapes/blinds/window treatments, ceiling/floors/walls, HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration, odor removal, vandalism/graffiti, and COVID-19 cleanings. Let us know if you think of anything else we can clean for you, we are always Here to Help.

Large Format Drying Equipment

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

While all jobs are treated with the same importance, whether it is your Grandma's basement or you kid's Elementary School, not all jobs can be done with the same equipment. This is why at SERVPRO of Fort Smith we have specialized large format drying equipment to tackle large commercial jobs. 

While we still use a lot of the same air movers, dehumidifiers, negative air machines, etc. there is other equipment we add for these large jobs. This equipment includes large trailer mounted generators, as well as large trailer mounted desiccant dehumidifiers. 

This allows us to rapidly speed up the drying process in situations where time means everything. Often times, these commercial structures are large office spaces, factories, hospitals, schools, and many others facilities. All of them need to be open as quickly as possible, and our team uses our resources to make that happen.

If you have a loss at your facility, call SERVPRO of Fort Smith at 479-452-8282 and allow us to get you back to pre loss condition as quickly as possible. 

How To Recognize and Clean Up Black Water Damage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

How to Identify and Repair Black Water Damage

Three hundred gallons per day: That’s how much water the average American household uses, most of which is indoors. What happens when it doesn’t go where it’s supposed to? When water escapes the confines of the pipes and tanks that hold it, severe damage can occur. The kind of damage done is divided into three categories based on the type of water and the possibility of harmful effects:

  • Clean water
  • Gray water
  • Black water

What's the Difference Between Black and Gray Waters?

While clean water comes from water pipes and is clear of any substances, black and gray water are contaminated. Also called category 2, gray water is residential wastewater and contains quantities of physical, chemical, or biological elements such as soap and other residues. It does not contain feces. Possible sources include a washing machine, dishwasher, or bathtub. Untreated, this category can develop further contamination and be reclassified to the next level.
Black, or category 3, water is grossly contaminated and carries high levels of biological waste such as feces, urine, and medical or other unsanitary materials. It is the most serious category. Several possible sources are broken or ruptured sewer/septic lines, backed-up toilets or other clogged sewage lines, or storm surges. This type of water damage poses the highest risk and requires fast and specialized cleaning and restoration to prevent further problems.

What Can You Do About Black Water?

A leak or flood of unsanitary material, and the resulting damage to your home, can be frustrating and stressful. Residential water contamination of all types, especially that which is highly polluted and requires sewage cleanup, needs remediation as quickly and effectively as possible. Due to the potential for health risks and progression, cleanup should be left to restoration professionals. Improperly cleaned and dried items can cause more damage over time, such as mold, foul odors, and even structural damage.
Black water can pose immediate and long-term risks to health and property. Seeking professional cleanup services in is the best way to mitigate any risks and bring you peace of mind.

How Safe Is It to Handle Each Type of Contaminated Water?

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Types of Contaminated Water

Contaminated water can take many different forms. Some homes will experience a flood of predominantly clean other while other abodes have to contend with black water. No matter what type of water came out of the supply line, you need to take quick action to have professionals remedy the situation right away.

1. Clean Water

While Category 1 water is called “clean” professionally, it may still contain substances that make it unsafe to drink. This type of water generally comes from a sink or tub. It may even pick up contaminants from the ground. For instance, tub water that overflows may pick up particles from the flooring outside of the tub. While you should avoid getting any Category 1 water in your mouth, it should not cause any ill side effects by simply pooling there.

2. Grey Water

Grey water, also known as Category 2 water, often comes from washing machines, dishwashers and sump pumps. It will contain physical, biological or chemical contaminants, but it will not consist of any fecal matter. Bacteria will likely be in it, so it can result in health complications if someone touches it. Sometimes even simply being exposed to this kind of contaminated water can result in health problems.

3. Black Water

Black water is the most dangerous type of water to be exposed to. Houses fill with this when water backs up from the septic tank, meaning there will often be fecal matter within the water. It can be extremely dangerous to be exposed to Category 3 water for an extended period of time.

No matter which category of water you have in your home you need to get it removed immediately. Standing water, regardless of the type of contaminants within it, can result in mold development. The contaminated water, as well as walls and other items exposed to the moisture, will need to be removed posthaste.

3 Things To Include in Every Fire Escape Plan

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Three Things To Include In a Fire Escape Plan

A fire can happen out of nowhere and devastate your life. While you likely hope that nothing bad ever happens to your home, you always want to err on the side of caution and prepare for the worst. That way, you and your family will know exactly what to do if disaster strikes. Here are three things to include in your fire escape plan. 

1. Know the Exit Routes
Because you won't know where the fire is coming from when you put your fire preparation plan in place, you need to map out several routes out of your home. If you have windows on the second floor, make sure you plan for ways to get down to the ground. If necessary, purchase emergency ladders to keep in multiple rooms upstairs, so there is always one accessible. 

2. Gather Home Fire Mitigation Items
No fire escape plan is complete without ways to alert you of a fire and help you try to control it. Install smoke detectors in each bedroom and the main living areas. Additionally, it's always helpful to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Depending on the size of the fire, it may not put it out completely, but it could give your family the time they need to get out safely. 

3. Compile a List of Important Numbers
Fires can spread quickly, and you might not have time to grab your phone while escaping. Instead of only keeping all of your important numbers on your phone, write down a list of emergency contact numbers to use in case of a fire and keep the list near multiple emergency exit points. Include phone numbers of friends and family members and a fire damage restoration company that will address the fire's aftermath. 
Putting together a fire escape plan might seem like an unnecessary step. However, if a fire hits your home, you'll be thankful you took the time to prepare. 

Protecting Your Commercial Building After a Fire

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Your business is your lifeline, so it is understandable that following a fire, your desire is to protect it from further destruction. Fire damage can also mean it is a safety hazard, so in the first place, you don’t want anyone getting inside and becoming hurt or looting your building – a common problem following damage to a business. Fire cleanup needs to wait until your insurance company is alerted, but there are some things that need to be done right away.

What To Do Immediately After the Fire

The first things you should do if a fire breaks out are to get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible and to call 911 to send firefighters. No attempts should be made to re-enter the building once the fire is out. Even though you may be tempted to go look around, you should notify your insurance company and call for local fire restoration professionals to come and board up and secure the building against the weather and looters. There are several methods that can be used to close openings.

The roof can be tarped to prevent wet weather from entering


Sheets of plywood may be fastened over doors and windows


Lay wooden studs in the tracks of windows and doors to prevent them from opening


Remove valuables to a secure location for storage

Fire damage can make your building more vulnerable to looting and weather damage as openings may be created by segments of the structure falling during a blaze, a firefighters battering ram through a wall or door to get water inside or even exploding chemicals. All of these openings are a potential threat to security and an invitation to a looter. Boarding up is critical to help maintain a secure building.


If you are dealing with fire damage in get the help you need to walk you through the process and stay by your side until the restoration is complete. Fire cleanup and rehabilitation of your commercial building can help make things as good as new.

How a Tornado Forms

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

There’s no denying that tornadoes are a destructive force; but how does something that destructive form? The UCAR Center for Science Education has a good explanation for what causes tornadoes to occur. We hope that knowing how these funnels of terror form might help in some way.

The first thing to note is that a tornado won’t form unless the circumstances are just right. As noted in the post on the UCAR site, “Air rising in thunderstorms can begin to spin when it's affected by winds blowing it in different directions. It starts to rise and is pushed to the side by wind. It rises a bit more and is jostled again by wind moving in another direction. Winds moving in different speeds and directions at different altitudes cause the rising air to start spinning.” They go on to say that this is most likely to happen in massive storms called supercells. However, it is important to note that not every instance of spinning air like this will result in a tornado. It is just that if there is a tornado, these are the factors that most likely will be the cause.

It is also important to note that spinning air near the ground is also necessary for a tornado to form. What that means is that Gusts of warmer and cooler air rise and fall as they blow. The right amount of air like this is what causes air near the ground to spin. If this continues the air will pick up speed as it is drawn inward. This is the air that will begin to move across the area it is in and can be tilted vertically. When that happens, that is when the gusts can be considered a tornado.

While this is a lot of information and some of it may seem scary, it’s important to know that not all thunderstorms will produce tornadoes. If a tornado does occur, just remember to follow any safety plan you have in place and stay calm!