Month: December 2017

8 Facts About Bio and Trauma Cleanup

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Bio and trauma cleanup is a bleak topic, but knowledge of the service is necessary. Dallas/Ft. Worth property owners should always have comprehensive guidance about the facts of bio and trauma clean-up, and we at RestoPros are here to provide this valuable information. As your trusted choice for bio and trauma clean-up, we know essential information that the public should understand. We’ve compiled the basic facts for our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors:

There is No Official Regulation for Crime Scene Cleanup

Believe it or not, no current official regulation exists for crime scene clean-up. Instead, other agencies such as OSHA and the EPA provide guidelines and legislations. Local and state government guidelines must be complied with as well. Having no official regulation does not mean anyone can perform bio and trauma clean-up services. Instead, this leads to our next fact:

Cleaners Often Go Through Several Training Courses

Although there is no official legislation, companies themselves require several training courses and certifications to be obtained before performing any service. Desired qualifications could be OSHA certifications, blood pathogen training, waste transportation permits, and much more. RestoPros hires only certified professionals who must go through continued training to ensure we provide quality bio and trauma clean-up services.

Bodily Fluids are Classified as Hazardous

In bio and trauma cleanup, a body is considered hazardous. No matter what fluid it may be, if it came from a body, it is considered and handled as hazardous material. Disease from contaminated fluid is always a concern. The risks associated with contacting germs and bacteria from bodily fluids is enough reason to label them as hazardous.

Supplies are Never Used Twice

Bio and trauma cleanups involve potentially hazardous materials. This means whatever tool, supply, or gear that goes into a clean-up is disposed of immediately after. Each time a service is performed, new gear and supplies are issued to perform the task.

Crime Scene Technicians and Biohazard Technicians are Different

Although their titles sound similar, they have very different job duties. Crime scene technicians essentially manage the crime scene, processing and documenting all materials and possible evidence. Biohazard technicians come after the Crime Scene Technicians finish their job and perform the cleaning service, properly disposing of all bio and trauma waste and materials in the area.

Toxic Substances Come from Seemingly Harmless Materials

Much like bodily fluids, hazardous substances can come from materials that, at first glance, look relatively harmless. Something as simple as a shoe within the infected area can be full of disease-carrying bacteria. Dead animals produce toxic fumes as well, and can cause serious illness if inhaled.

Biohazards Lead to Higher Costs than Housefires

Although a housefire may cause more damage, biohazards have exponentially higher costs for cleanup services. Several reasons contribute to these high costs. For one, insurance companies tend to not have any substantial plan or focus on these types of claims. Additionally, the service itself can fluctuate in price depending on the type of clean-up, when it happened, and the area infected. Furthermore, the cleanup process itself is lengthy, with problems such as the smell taking considerable time to remove.

Unqualified Biohazard Cleaning Services Pose a Greater Risk

Like most professional services, never go with an amateur. Unprofessional work leads to higher risks to your health, and higher costs to your property. When choosing a company for bio and trauma clean-up services, RestoPros is your quality-focused and trusted option.

Having some knowledge on bio and trauma clean-up will help you find the right solution if the need ever arises. RestoPros provides quality bio and trauma clean-up services throughout the Dallas/Ft.Worth area. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and consult with your local clean-up specialists.

5 Resolutions for a Mold-Free New Year

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We all like to start off fresh for the new year, and there’s no better way than setting some resolutions to accomplish personal goals. Setting a New Year’s resolution shouldn’t just be for yourself however – your home could always use some improvements as well. If you are one of the many Dallas/Ft. Worth homes that are constantly battling mold infestation, consider some mold-free resolutions to add to the list. A mold-free home is a healthier and happier home! The professionals at RestoPros, the trusted mold remediation company, have come up with 5 resolutions for a mold-free year.

Keep Your Home Dry

  • For mold to grow, there must be warmth, darkness, and most importantly, moisture.
  • Removing moisture stops mold from growing in your home, and prevents infected areas from spreading.
  • Be mindful of wet items left around the house. Never throw wet items on the floor or in a laundry basket. Properly dry wet towels and clothes (either hang them or dry them immediately).
  • Clean up any liquid spill immediately, and never leave damp trash around the house.
  • A portable dehumidifier helps remove humidity and moisture from an area, and runs quietly while you go about your day.

Have Mold Removal Products Ready

  • Preparation is a New Year’s resolution that can be applied to almost anything, especially preparing for mold growth.
  • Have mold remover stored in the kitchen and each bathroom for easy access to stop mold infestation in its early stages.
  • Store an opened box of baking soda in your fridge, as this prevents foul odors – and can help kill mold growth when applied with a water solution.
  • Always use disposable gloves when cleaning mold, and wash your hands immediately after.
  • Have ventilation masks ready to use when cleaning mold, as they protect you from the airborne mycotoxins that mold can produce.
  • Air purifiers can be kept along with dehumidifiers to disinfect and improve air quality, further preventing your home from contracting mold.

Keep Your Floors Clean

  • Mold and bacteria can be tracked into homes from shoes and pets.
  • Remove any dirt, mud, or debris stuck to your shoes before entering your home, and dry wet shoes before storing them in a warm, dry area.
  • Use floor cleaner to kill any mold or bacteria tracked onto your floor, whether it be tile, wood or cement.
  • Vacuum any bits or pieces of debris from dirty floors.
  • If you notice an area of flooring that has mold growth, make sure to keep it sealed off. A plumbing leak is usually the cause of mold growth on a floor (or home interior). Try to find the source of the outbreak first, but if that proves unsuccessful – contact RestoPros for a solution.

Prevent Leakage

  • Make a New Year’s resolution to prevent leakage in your home to save money and improve the quality of your home.
  • Seal your doors and windows with weather stripping to prevent leakage.
  • Clear out your gutters and downspout to stop build-up of debris; causing water to seep into your home.
  • RestoPros has more in-depth information on preventing leakage, especially during the winter, and you can check that out here.

Act Quickly When Mold is Present

  • Possibly the most important New Year’s resolution is acting quickly to stop mold growth.
  • When you discover mold in your home, you must act quickly to get rid of it – to stop continued growth and to keep your household healthy.
  • Removing mold is more important than identifying the mold type, and growth should be halted immediately.
  • Contact RestoPros for mold-removal services when you discover an outbreak that is too far along for you to deal with it yourself.

These simple New Year’s resolutions will kick off the year to a great start by keeping your home mold-free. If you experience a mold outbreak in your home, and it is too invasive to handle yourself, contact RestoPros immediately. We strive to keep Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners safe, and provide professional mold remediation services at an affordable cost. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment to meet with your remediation professionals. Happy New Year from RestoPros!

Keeping Your Home Free from Winter Leaks

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With winter coming fast in Dallas/Fort Worth, expect to see higher chances of rain, ice, and possibly snow if we’re lucky (or unlucky depending on your preference). For some, cold winds and frozen precipitation are just general nuisances, but don’t let your concerns stop there. Rain, ice, and snow all have chances of leaking into your home, which if left unattended can cause water damage and mold growth. Although winter is supposed to be a season of relaxation and comfort, don’t let water get cozy inside your home.

RestoPros knows that a homeowner should be prepared for potential winter leaks. Our experience as water damage and mold remediation professionals has given us extensive knowledge on how to prevent it in your home, and with winter bringing a higher chance of precipitation, practicing this knowledge will keep your mind at ease during the cold season. Thus, we have provided some tips and guidance on keeping your home free from winter leaks.

Downspout

• Clogged downspouts lead to fast build-up on your gutters as there is no passage for water and debris to escape.
• Make sure you clean your downspout before cleaning your gutter, as this allows mud and debris from your gutter to safely flush through your downspout.
• Place a water hose inside the downspout from the bottom to flush out any clogging.
• You can use a screwdriver to take apart the bottom of your downspout for easier access to clogged areas.
• After you flush out and unclog your downspout, reattach any parts you removed and begin cleaning your gutter.

Gutters

• Brisk and cold winds add both excess rain, mud, and leaves to your gutters, and less space for waterflow means water can spill around the gutter and even leak into your walls.
• Clogged gutters also begin to deteriorate if left unattended, and prolonged build-up may even cause your gutter to break from being unable to support the weight.
• Make sure to practice ladder safety when cleaning gutters: keep ladder legs locked and stable, have someone supervise the bottom, and never go more than three steps from the top.
• Clear the debris from gutters using your hands, and use a water hose to flush out mud and other debris.
• Be sure to check the corners of your gutters, as they easily become clogged.
• If you don’t want to use a ladder, there are gutter cleaning wands that allows you to unclog gutters.

Doors

• Rain, ice, and snow can enter in through the small cracks of your home, and your door has many openings for unwanted precipitation.
• Weather stripping can be bought at your local department store, and is used to seal the sides and bottom of your doors to prevent cold air and precipitation from coming in through the cracks.
• Place doormats on both sides of a door to act as a shield from water and mud from shoes and paws.
• Equip your door with door bottoms to further prevent water coming from underneath.

Windows

• Windows have as much potential for leakage as doors, and with more windows in your home than doors, protecting and sealing them is a must.
• Weather stripping can be used to seal the sides of your windows, and this will help stop cold air and unwanted precipitation from entering in.
• Water resistant blinds and shades are available at your local department store to place over your windows.
• Water resistant curtains are available as well, and help add further protection from winter leaks.
Never let your home go unprotected from winter leakage. If you are experiencing winter leaks, water damage, or mold growth in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Our dedication is for a safe home, and we provide expert water damage and mold remediation services to ensure your home stays protected for the winter season. Contact us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and meet your trusted mold and water experts.

Holiday Events in Dallas/Ft. Worth

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This Dallas/Fort Worth area is gearing up for one of the most festive holiday seasons yet! Strolling through the streets of DFW, expect to see beautiful lights, shining Christmas trees, and store windows exuding seasonal cheer. Along with the area’s sights and sounds, engaging holiday events will be keeping revelers happy throughout the end of the year. With so much to choose from, narrowing down the best events might seem tricky at first, but RestoPros did the research for you! Being DFW residents ourselves, we’ve done the research to find some fun events for families during the holiday season.

Below is a sampling of great family-friendly holiday events in Dallas/Fort Worth this season.

Christmas In the Square (at Frisco Square)

Until December 31st, 6-10pm Daily (Main Event is on December 16th 5-10pm)

Aside from being a beautiful town, Frisco also holds one of the greatest holiday events in North Texas. Christmas In the Square is an annual holiday event returning for its 13th year, and is located at the Frisco Square. This event celebrates Christmas with over 175,000 lights and a massive music show, making it the largest in North Texas. Besides the lights and music, expect to see nutcrackers, elves, Christmas trains, and Santa Claus as you traverse the square. The fun doesn’t stop there, as there are carriage rides, a tree lot, and an ice skating rink to keep the excitement going. Full of dynamic fireworks, luminescent lights, and awe-inspiring music, this event is sure to make lasting memories for you and your family!

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas

Until January 7th, Select Days

Enjoy Holiday in the Park as it takes over Six Flags for the holiday season! Turning the amusement park into a town of merriment, Holiday in the Park makes North Texas feel like the North Pole. Spend time at the Merry Marketplace to experience festive shopping and beautiful sights. Photo opportunities are plenty at Holiday in the Park, with Santa filling the park with joy. Fill up with tasty holiday treats such as the holiday s’mores and Christmas-themed funnel cakes. There’s even Christmas karaoke for your kids to enjoy!

Christmas at the Anatole

Until December 30th, 5-9pm Select Days

Christmas at the Anatole features plenty of games and activities for you and your kids. Located at the Hilton Anatole, this event features Peppermint Park, which is full of Christmas lights, train rides, and holiday shows that spread the Christmas spirit in Dallas. Expect to meet Santa, as you’ll be able to enjoy breakfast with him at this event. With this wonderful event taking place at a Hilton, you can spend the day at Peppermint Park, and spend the night at the Anatole.

The Trains at NorthPark

Until January 7th, Select Days

This festive event features a massive toy-train exhibit that has delighted families since 1987. The Trains at NorthPark event contains amazing displays of model trains as they traverse through varied exhibits set in America. With over 1600 feet of tracks, you’ll see these trains roll from the heart of New England to San Francisco, and in between will be stopping in New York City, Washington D.C., and our home in Dallas. This event lets your kids see the sights of America from the comfort of DFW! The trains might also come across some extraterrestrial visitors, but you’ll have to go there to find out! Not only is this a wonderful family event, proceeds go to help families at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Enjoy your holidays by taking your family to these exciting events! We want our Dallas/Fort Worth homeowners to enjoy the season – and hope it is both safe and joyous. And during your celebration, if you happen to find a bit of coal in your stocking (in the form of a mold infestation), RestoPros is the one to call. Our dedication to a happy homeowner keeps us the premier home service company in DFW, and our affordable mold testing and remediation services guarantee a safe and mold-free holiday season. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and improve the quality of your home. Happy holidays from RestoPros!

Mold and Pets: Knowledge, Prevention & Care

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When mold infiltrates a home it can be unforgiving. It is especially difficult for those homeowners with pets. Pets are constantly playing in mud and dirt; after playing outside they can track in wet organic material. Sometimes this can lead to a mold outbreak. Damp paws and fur and bacteria-carrying mud can infiltrate carpets, fabric and seep into wood floors. We love our pets, but we shouldn’t be constantly stressed about what they might be bringing into your home.

Pets are meant to be loved, not quarantined. Knowledge of pets and their role in spreading mold is key to a healthier home. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and prevention of mold indirectly caused by pet behavior. The professionals at RestoPros can help with keeping your home (and pets) safe from infiltration.

Causes of Pet Mold Contamination

  • Pets attract mold commonly from mud, dirt, and soil, especially during rainy and humid days.
  • Mud sticking to their feet holds many kinds of contaminants, with some that can lead to mold growth.
  • Pets rubbing themselves against moldy trees or plants can become contaminated and bring spores inside the home.
  • Chew toys and food bowls are often left with lingering moisture and bacteria, which can cause mold growth.

To stop the contamination of mold from your pets, you must take steps in both care and prevention.

Pet Mold Prevention and Care

  • Wash your pets regularly, and immediately clean their paws and feet if covered in mud and dirt.
  • Before letting them roam outside, check for any traces of mold in the trees, walls, and plants in your yard.
  • Keep all pet items clean and dry, and replace them if necessary (this includes beds, chew toys, bowls, etc.).
  • Store food in a dry location, and seal it airtight.
  • Mold-infected homes require immediate attention as well, and RestoPros provides affordable mold remediation services to quickly remove any mold.

Your pet can also become very sick from ingesting mold. Certain mold types can produce mycotoxins which exhibit varying symptoms in pets. Persistence of these symptoms could lead to severe health problems, or even death. If your pet has ingested mold, represented in the symptoms below, consult with a vet immediately.

Common Signs Your Pet has Ingested Mold

  • Constant itching and scratching, but no signs of fleas
  • Severe loss of appetite and thirst
  • Vomiting and changes in stool
  • Coughing, sneezing, and heavy breathing
  • Loss of energy and limpness
  • Nasal and eye discharge
  • Noticeable skin sores and bumps

Knowledge of mold and its relationship to your pets will help greatly in combating infiltration. Staying on top of their surroundings and being mindful of symptoms in case of ingestion will help keep them safe and healthy. If your home is experiencing a mold outbreak, consult with RestoPros immediately. We strive to give homeowners a safe environment for their loved ones – including their pets. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!