How to Stay Safe During a Flood

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding from a 2010 storm. Photo: FEMA

Homeowners in Louisiana face an especially high risk of flooding. These are especially common during hurricane season, but can also be caused by unusual or severe weather patterns. 

If you have experienced flooding in your home, it is important to conduct a list of safety checks before reentering your home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has produced an in-depth document outlining these safety steps. Some important steps from this list include: 

• Checking the roof for dips or weak spots

• Checking external walls to determine if they are no longer plumb 

• Conducting an external inspection of the foundation to determine if there is any damage

• Ensuring that electricity and gas have been completely shut off

Inside of the house, some additional hazards may be present, some of these may include:

• Contaminated flood water may have left dangerous contaminants behind or dangerous debris. 

• Mold may have developed in your home, crawl spaces, or attics. Certain species of mold may cause serious health risks to you and your family. 

• Older homes also run the risk of lead or asbestos contamination.  

The desire to check on your home and get back to normal after a flood or major water damage disaster is completely natural, but even a few minutes inside could lead to serious risks to your health. At SERVPRO® of South Shreveport, we provide emergency water disaster services for Shreveport, Bossier City, Northwest Louisiana and Northeast Texas.  Our mitigation specialists have extensive training for safely entering these types of dangerous environments and for getting the remediation process started.  It is our hope you never have to experience a water damage disaster, but if you do, we are a phone call away at (318) 865-4655 and are always here to help.

When Your Shreveport Home Floods

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Severe storms and flooding are common in our neck of the woods. Know that SERVPRO is always on call for your restoration needs.

Restoring a Residence After Flash Flooding in Shreveport

Flooding occurs in all 50 states, causing billions of dollars in yearly damages. While most floods come from heavy rains and river swells over days or weeks, flash flooding poses serious concerns. In just a short time, a flash flood can cause colossal destruction to homes and infrastructure, leaving homeowners overwhelmed by the amount of cleanup and restoration ahead of them. 

When your Shreveport residence has suffered flash flooding, IICRC-certified SERVPRO technicians are only a phone call away from providing service that can return your home to a preloss state. These restoration experts undergo extensive education on disaster mitigation, restoration, and repair to ensure that homeowners have a safe and comfortable residence once more. Technicians, staff, and franchise owners also receive additional education opportunities to expand their knowledge of mitigation and restoration standards and procedures. 

Preparing Your Home for Flash Floods

If you have time to prepare, take the following steps to minimize damage:

• Clear out drains, downspouts, and gutters to prevent water from penetrating your home. Check on any sump pumps and moisture detection systems on your property to ensure they work. 
• Elevate furniture, appliances, electronics, and other items to keep them out of the reach of floodwaters. 
• If you have not already, consider elevation for water heaters and an exterior backflow valve to minimize the risk of sewage backup. 
• Have an emergency kit with important documents, first aid, prescriptions, and contact information. 

How SERVPRO Dries Flood Damage

After extracting floodwaters and debris and sanitizing the space thoroughly, SERVPRO technicians rely on air movers and dehumidifiers for most of the drying process. These two devices pull moisture out of surfaces, wall cavities, and flooring and replace it with warm, dry air. 

The key to effective drying, however, is a consistent and active measuring of surfaces with a variety of moisture sensors and meters, as well as infrared imaging and thermohygrometers, to assess the relative humidity of both flood-affected structures and the air itself. This process determines accurate drying goals and times and ensures that materials are returned to humidity levels that are appropriate for the structure without encouraging microbial proliferation. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is proud to serve homeowners by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (318) 865-4655 for an experienced mitigation team with cutting-edge tools.

A Severe Storm Can Leave Your Shreveport Home in Urgent Need of Water Removal

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Hurry and mitigate the storm damage to your Shreveport property by calling SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Provides Storm Damage Restoration in Shreveport

A city that is settled on a water source has the chance of flooding during a storm, leaving many homeowners needing water removal services. A particularly severe storm can cause your home to flood with several inches of water inside of it. Any lower levels in your home will have water sinking into them. Reaching out for professional help is wise as soon as the damage happens.

Waiting to call for Shreveport water removal services to remediate the damage that the storm caused can be dangerous for the overall quality of your home. When contaminated water damage has breached the interior, Microbial growth occurs from the Black Water. Having mold grow in your home is generally never a good thing. Additionally, water can ruin your belongings. Rapid extraction and drying are keys to mitigating storm damage and possible demolition. We aim to salvage your belongings, keepsakes, and contents whenever possible.

SERVPRO understands how vital your belongings and home are to you. That is why we always strive to get to your home quickly after your call.

Our skilled technicians can bring advanced technology to help swiftly remove the water.

• Truck-mounted extractors
• Portable wet vacs
• Rover riding extractors
• Specialized wands for various surfaces
• Sump Pumps
• Trash Pumps

After we rid your home of the floodwater, SERVPRO can focus on setting up an ideal environment for drying out your home. We use trade tools like desiccant dehumidifiers and air movers to keep the airflow over the damp places constant. Simultaneously, we can dry out the contents of any items. The drying is monitored for effectiveness, and an antimicrobial agent is applied to disinfect affected areas of the structure.

Do not wait if a storm floods your home. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport by phoning (318) 865-4655. We always strive to make you feel "Like it never even happened."

After A Flood In Your Shreveport Home, Call Our Experts For Help!

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your crawl space can destroy the structure of the home. Call SERVPRO to investigate the extent, remove the water and remediate the damage.

Proper Mitigation Of Flood Damage Includes Crawl Spaces In Shreveport Houses

When a flood occurs in your Shreveport neighborhood, protecting your valuable furniture and other household contents by placing them upstairs can keep them from becoming ruined. SERVPRO is always here to help mitigate the damage to your home's interior and make everything safe again for your family.

Our mitigation services in Shreveport include taking care of the flood damage that happens below your home, in the crawl spaces that you might never consider as crucial to the rest of your house. This area's condition plays a vital role in the air quality of your house's interior, making it crucial that we also mitigate anything wrong.

Your home's crawl spaces allow flooding to make this location a severe mess, full of mud, debris, and water. When the sump pump becomes clogged with solid materials, pumping water out becomes impossible. We can use our large pump, mounted on one of our Green Fleet's trucks, to rid the area below your home of this murky water. Our mitigation team is ready with manual tools to remove the debris so we can get this area clean again and free of excess moisture that can harm the living area of your property.

Even if the floor of the crawlspace is hard earth, we clean down to the base, as well as to the walls. Exposing the brick or concrete means we can thoroughly dry it and reduce the chances of future problems. Getting a sump pump re-established helps keep the area dry as we complete work on the rest of your home. We continue to monitor the area for additional problems, as water from the flood can saturate the ground around homes and slowly seep in through cracks or other weakened areas in the foundation of a property.

Although crawl spaces make up a small percentage of a residence, the amount of water that such areas can contain can pose severe detrimental effects on the rest of the house above. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport to protect your Forbing area home from flood damage, especially when your crawlspace area also sustained damage. Our 24-hour services line, (318) 865-4655, is always available to you.

Battling Flood Damage In Your Shreveport Home

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

When storms flood your home, time is of the essence. Contact our SERVPRO team for a fast response to your emergency. We are standing by 24/7.

The War on Storm Damage Cleanup in Shreveport Falls to the Generals at SERVPRO

Severe weather has been known to affect coastal states the hardest, and your home in Shreveport is no exception. Even though you might not be on the Gulf of Mexico, many larger systems can pick up speed and devastation strength when they hit land. Soon your home is in a battle for structural integrity, and with the right conditions, can lose this battle to high winds and harsh precipitation. Even worse than the storm damage, though, is what these now vulnerable areas of your home can allow.

Storm damage can affect your Shreveport residence in a multitude of ways, but ultimately, the biggest concern is the potential flood damages that could get allowed to impact your residence. Though your home likely got constructed with reinforcement in mind, even against hurricanes, over time, these provisions of protection from the elements fade and weaken. You might not even realize that your home is vulnerable until you start experiencing high volumes of water pouring into the house.

From the moment that you call our experienced SERVPRO team, we work to respond to your call quickly and efficiently. We aim to help you prevent further structural damage to your home and to protect the contents inside of it as best as possible. This preservation of possessions is part of the reason why we implement policies like pack outs, to remove the items in your house that are in harm's way while the water extraction and restoration takes place.

After the inspection, our technicians have a better understanding of the cause of the water damage and can work to seal up these areas where possible. Once this completes, our SERVPRO professionals get to work on extraction and drying the area thoroughly to help combat the possibility of worsening conditions like microbial growth and moisture degrading sensitive electronics.

No homeowner ever gets prepared to see their property flooded. One of the best steps that you can do is to reach out to the professionals we employ at SERVPRO of South Shreveport to help you clean up the mess quickly and prevent the situation from getting any worse. You can give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

How Can Property Owners Handle Storm Damage in Forbing?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO protects exposed storm-damaged homes in Forbing from secondary damages by closing access points with poly sheets before repairs

They Can Hire SERVPRO for Flood Damage Repair in Forbing

The damage that storms cause is one of the most challenging things to recover from. They can cause significant damage, which is seen in the form of fallen debris and trees that strong winds blow against structures. Heavy downpours during a storm can also cause flooding that adversely affects flooring, walls, and structural elements of the house.

Storm and flood damage in Forbing homes can lead to insurance claims, and it is essential to document everything properly. SERVPRO can assist you in accounting for everything the storm ruined and restore your residence to its former condition whenever possible. The cleanup and repair process varies based on the severity of the damage, but the basic steps of our storm restoration process include:

• Inspect your home and offer a written estimate for disaster cleanup.
• Extracting floodwater from the home.
• Removing debris and contaminants.
• Drying the property.
• Performing post-construction.

Floodwater is often contaminated with chemicals and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. When restoring your home, our SERVPRO technicians can establish engineering controls so that contaminants do not spread to the uncontaminated areas of your home. Contaminants can spread when we start working because of foot traffic, air movements, equipment movement, and debris removal. Our crew reduces this cross-contamination by using suitable engineering controls like establishing negative pressure and building containment. To erect or build containment, we use 6-mil polyethylene plastic to seal off the openings or doorways of affected areas.

Within the affected area, our SERVPRO technicians place an air filtration device to blow air outside the building. This kind of setup controls airflow in the area. It allows clean air to come into the affected area, but contaminated air cannot get into the unaffected air. This is called negative pressure in the restoration industry.

Our SERVPRO team uses portable extractors to remove floodwater. We also place drying equipment like air movers to deliver rapid airflow to damp surfaces. We also position dehumidifiers to deliver dry, warm air to the affected area.

If you need storm and flood damage repair services, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Can I Return to my Shreveport Home after Flood Relocation?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

When the flood damage is severe, your best option may be to relocate from the premises. Team SERVPRO has the technicians and the equipment to help.

When Severe Flood Damage Strikes Your Shreveport Home, it Maybe Necessary to Relocate. SERVPRO Can Handle Flood Damage Recovery Responsibly.

Are flood move-outs expensive?

Temporary relocation from your flood-damaged Shreveport home is usually reserved for situations where the damage is so extreme it is unsafe for you to remain. These situations are typically time-consuming and expensive. Contents of your home need to be inventoried for storage as well as moved out of the property. The remaining structure can then be prepared for mitigation of damage, reconstruction, and restoration. SERVPRO conducts move-outs efficiently and responsibly using a combination of managers and employees who design and execute the task. Your possessions are carefully inspected for repairability and inventorying before any move-outs take place.

How is an empty structure prepared for flood restoration?

• Lockboxes may be set up on-site for secure storage of equipment.
• Auxiliary lighting to ensure work efficiency and safety of the site
• Disposal needs such as a dumpster for non-salvageable materials

How do content inventories secure my possessions during flood relocation?

There is much work to do on a property with severe flood damage in Shreveport. Crew chiefs and production IICRC-certified technicians need to sort and separate salvageable or non-salvageable goods first. Once these are sorted, SERVPRO can record salvageable possessions in a content inventory, of which you can gain a copy. We can then take the items for packing and load them into a movers van for secure storage. Our warehouses are climate-controlled, and your contents are safe to remain until your home is restored.

How are contents ordered during a flood move out?

• Boxes containing smaller, non-fragile items 
• Large items of furniture may be disassembled on site for easier packing and transit
• Electronic items and personal or high-value items are packed separately and stored securely in the warehouse

Severe floods can cause extensive harm to your home. For a restoration service, you can trust us. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

SERVPRO, Shreveport, Winds, and Flooding? We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet rescues storm-damaged homes in the Greater Shreveport area

Flood Water Removal Technicians in Shreveport Talk about Problems with Heavy Wind Gusts

Thunderstorms in Shreveport can create high-speed wind gusts to blow into your neighborhood. These winds can cause damage to your home that allows moisture to enter during a storm which can force you to have to call a professional flood water removal company such as SERVPRO in order to help you mitigate your problems. During severe rainstorms and hurricanes, winds can reach dangerously high speeds and cause your roof's shingles to blow off your house. The wind can also blow objects into your windows or exterior walls that puncture a hole in your building's structure. Once you have a hole in the exterior of your house, flood water removal may become essential.

Storm Damage

Heavy wind gusts can also cause more rainwater to get into your home. Any time excessive moisture enters a building, flood water removal in your Shreveport home by our SERVPRO professionals can help prevent secondary damage from taking place. As soon as water enters the interior of a structure, the problems can get worse over time. If the situation is not treated correctly right away, secondary issues like mold growth or humidity-related issues can occur. Whenever handling moisture-related matters, we begin by extracting water while it is still liquid.

We can extract liquid H2O using truck-mounted extractors and specialized tools. We have extraction tools that are handheld and ones that the operator can stand on to compress thick, wet carpets. After we extract the water, we can remove moisture using advanced rapid structural drying equipment.

These machines help us create the ideal atmosphere to speed up the natural evaporation and drying process. To do this, we use air movers to push wet air around and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the atmosphere. We set up the drying equipment and leave it inside the affected area until moisture levels of your contents and building materials return to what they were when the wind caused your water damage. "Like it never even happened."

If you ever suffer from wind-damaging events leading to flooding, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 any day of the week.

Shreveport Residents Can Trust SERVPRO to Handle their Flood Damage with Care

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skilled techs and equipment to extract flooding from Shreveport homes and mitigate the water damage

SERVPRO Offers Prompt, Effective Flood Damage Clean Up to Address Fallout from Shreveport Storms

Many evacuees of recent hurricane Ida have taken shelter and found a safe haven in the Shreveport area. However, seasonal storms are always unpredictable, and time only tells what may happen in terms of flooding in the region in the future. Whenever a storm brings washouts, damage to homes from debris, and raging floodwaters, SERVPRO is there to help with fast-acting teams on the ground. Should you need flood cleanup and restoration, we are there within hours to get started. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Understanding the full scope of flood damage in Shreveport is half the battle. We make your property a priority, with our crew chief and project manager taking the time to assess all aspects of your property before we begin. Even a few inches of standing water can lead to immense damage if not addressed using the proper precautions and protocols.

Skilled Flood Damage Restoration When You Need It

Flooding situations call for prompt extraction, which is where our recovery specialists begin after assessment. SERVPRO is the team to call, with proven methods that include:

• With our skilled water removal services, our technicians use various tools and devices to help us achieve our goals – this includes truck-mount extractors, submersible pumps, and more.
• Sump pumps working off the trailer generators within our Green Fleet, as needed depending on power outages in the area.
• Controlled demolition to gut areas where materials are entirely saturated with potentially toxic floodwaters, including contents.
• Removal of all silt, debris, and mud to facilitate restoration efforts.
• Reconstruction cleanup, detailed cleaning, and sanitizing with the help of powerful antimicrobials and deodorants.

Flooding may bring stress and worry, but the team at SERVPRO of South Shreveport is there to help you ensure your property gets back to pre-flood damage condition. Contact us 24/7 by calling (318) 865-4655.

Call The Professionals to Recover from Flood Damage Contamination in Shreveport

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Flood water is often contaminated. SERVPRO is trained and has the safety equipment to remove the damage.

Call SERVPRO for Black Water Extraction After Storm Damage

The Shreveport area is no stranger to weather-related flooding challenges. Heavy rains, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes take their turns, causing many residential property owners to seek assistance when floodwaters invade crawl spaces, slab foundations, and the lower levels of residences. Our crew of seasoned flood damage specialists achieves a fast and thorough recovery.

When several inches of rain falls during a short period, the runoff can cause flood damage to your Shreveport home. Water seeps in as the ground becomes supersaturated, unable to absorb the precipitation and directing it through the porous materials making up the structure of your dwelling's lower areas. The problem can be compounded by a backup of your home's sewer system as the local storm drains become overwhelmed and force liquids back into homes. Dealing with potentially contaminated water and the need to dry out structural components quickly suggests using our flood damage professionals.

SERVPRO employees train extensively in flood damage restoration, one of our core services. We evaluate the characteristics of the water filling lower levels of your home, determining if it is clean, gray, or black water. Clean water has few or any other substances mixed with the rain, posing a low risk of microbial growth if removed and dried out quickly. Gray water has some contamination, commonly traced to things like home appliances or dishwater.

Cleaning Up after a Sewer Backup

Blackwater contains hazardous substances like sewage or chemicals loosed by the flood. Fecal matter or bloodborne pathogens are a real threat if waste pipes back up or dead animals and insects mix into the floodwaters flowing through your home. SERVPRO crews observe OSHA and EPA protocols to contain and dispose of these polluted waters for your and your family's safety as well as the public at large.

Once the water is categorized, SERVPRO employees pump and extract the excess. Infrared scanners locate hidden pockets of floodwater, and we use an array of strategies to release and contain it. Finding and removing all floodwater is crucial as building materials continue to deteriorate when wet and microbial growth is possible within 24 to 48 hours. We use sensitive moisture meters to set drying goals, working with air movers, heat, and dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture content of structural components to normal levels.

We apply EPA registered disinfectants to affected surfaces to inhibit the effects of any lingering pathogens. SERVPRO employees receive comprehensive training and experience all the steps necessary to restore flooded spaces to preloss condition.

Do not wait to contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport when floodwaters put your home at risk. Our phone line at (318) 865-4655 is available for your inquiries and requests for help round the clock every day of the year.

Can SERVPRO Help with Floodwater Cleanup in Shreveport?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Storms are a common occurrence in our area. SERVPRO is equipped and ready to restore your home.

SERVPRO Offers Emergency Services Flood Damage Cleanup in Shreveport

Many of our clients take one look at their flood-ravaged homes and wonder how they will ever recover their homes after a flood. With so much damage, contaminated water everywhere, and the possibility of mold and mildew, they wonder how to make any sense of the mess.

SERVPRO provides flood damage clean-up, restoration, and reconstruction services to our Shreveport clients. Our team has the experience, and we have the equipment to deal with these kinds of issues. We also have access to other franchises if additional help is needed.

Our service includes:

• Floodwater damage remediation
• Water removal services & water damage repairs
• Disinfection, deodorization, and ready for reconstruction

We can help you with clean up after a flood. No job is too big or overwhelming. Once everything is cleaned and dried, your home is ready for reconstruction, which we can coordinate providing full-service treatment to return your home as good as new, “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport for flood damage services in Shreveport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655

Flood Restoration in Forbing is Easy with the Right Team

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flooding damage? It's no problem for SERVPRO!

Water Cleanup After a Storm in Forbing is a Job for Professional Water Restoration Technicians

Copious rain in Forbing can lead to unfortunate consequences, including flooding. It can be nerve-racking to watch water seep into your home, soaking floors, furniture, and personal belongings alike. Fortunately, certified water restoration technicians have the knowledge and equipment necessary for water extraction and cleanup.

Property owners in Forbing can delegate flood damage restoration to SERVPRO and our specialized team. Whether your problem is basement flooding or the result of a leaky roof, our certified staff has you covered from floor to ceiling. Flood restoration extends beyond water extraction; it also requires applying anti-microbial solutions and thorough cleanup of each surface.

Timing is essential in Water Cleanup

It is crucial to remember that water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when left unattended. Stormwater contains debris and pollutants, so the sooner our SERVPRO team can get to work, the less dire the situation becomes. To understand the danger of water in your home, consider this: 

• White water typically comes from a clean source, such as a leaky faucet. It carries a minimal health risk.
• Gray water can contain harmful contaminants and come from places such as a washing machine or an aquarium.
• Black water is contaminated and can include chemicals as well as waste. Typically stormwater is treated as black water and requires immediate attention.

Do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 as soon as you experience an emergency. Our team is ready to help and leave the experience behind.

Can Pipes Freeze in Shreveport Homes?

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Shreveport Properties with Frozen Pipes from Frigid Weather Means Water Cleanup and Restoration from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage to Shreveport Properties Following a Burst Frozen Pipe

When pipes freeze and burst in Shreveport residences, substantial water damages can result. While extreme temperature drops are less frequent, upcoming harsh winter conditions can come with unseasonably low temperatures that can impact poorly insulated pipes coming into the house. Often, homeowners do not recognize when inadequate protection of their water service exists until freezing occurs.

How Can Standing Water Get Extracted?

Once frozen pipes burst in Shreveport homes from over-pressurizing when ice blockages form, the resulting separation of the line or damage to connections can allow water to flow out unabated. Extraction is a vital portion of restoration and recovery after a water disaster like this, as pooling can occur rapidly as several hundred gallons can find their way to the house's flooring or structural cavities.

Can SERVPRO Complete Repairs?

As extensive and elaborate as the restoration process can be after a water disaster, it is often necessary for repairs and reconstruction to occur. With a general contractor license, we can provide many services to complete a comprehensive approach for your home or business. Some of the actions we can take as a one-stop-shop restoration company include:

• Controlled demolition
• Plumbing repairs
• Roof tarping
• Board-Up
• Content relocation

How Can Damage Get Reduced When Emergencies Occur?

Understanding your home and its utilities is one way that you can prepare for disasters before they happen. While you can depend on our SERVPRO team to stay prepared for water emergencies and storm damages, knowing the location of your main water shutoff can reduce total losses while you wait for restorers to arrive.

With lows expected in the teens this winter, disasters like frozen pipes might be right around the corner. Let our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team help with efficient mitigation and drying solutions. Call us at (318) 865-4655.

Prompt and Effective Restoration for Flood-Damaged Shreveport Homes

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Floods can cause major issues. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services needed.

SERVPRO is Ready to Restore Shreveport Properties With Storm Flood Damage

Shreveport is the third most populated city in Louisiana and the most populated city in the Shreveport-Bossier City Metropolitan statistical area. According to the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,311. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city's population decreased to 187,112 in 2019.

The Shreve Town Company founded the city in 1836. The government established the corporation to establish a town at the Texas Trail and the Red River's juncture. Before Texas gained its independence, the trail entered Mexico. Throughout the 20th century, the city grew due to the discovery of oil. Between the 1960s and 1980s, the city hosted United Gas Corporation and Standard Oil of Louisiana's headquarters. The recession in the oil industry led to job losses and the close of Shreveport Operations. The city struggled with violent crime, poverty, drugs, and a declining population. However, since Cedric Glover's tenure as Shreveport mayor, the city began reviving its economy, revitalize infrastructure, and lower crime to end its population decline.           

The History of Shreveport City

Captain Henry Miller Shreve made the Red River navigable by leading the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The Great Rift and a 290 km log jam (180 miles) had obstructed the shipping passage. The Captain used a modified riverboat to remove the log jam. Local authorities named Shreve town and the company in the Captain's honor.

Initially, the boundaries of a small piece of land that the company had bought from the indigenous Caddo Indians contained the town. The local authorities incorporated the city as Shreveport on 20th March 1839. 

The town later became a steamboat center of commerce, taking mostly crops from Caddo Parish plantations. The steamboats used the Red River to transport cargo, where stevedores unloaded and loaded cargo. Besides, the town had a slave market. However, other parts of the state did not appreciate the slave trade. By 1860, the town hosted a population of 1,300 slaves and 2,200 free people within its limits.

The economy of Shreveport                              

Shreveport hosts a wide range of riverboat gambling casinos. The city was second to New Orleans in 2005, before Hurricane Katrina, is hosting several riverboat gambling casinos. Bossier City hosts Harrah's Louisiana Downs, one of the three-horse racetracks in Louisiana.

A 550,000 square foot Louisiana Boardwalk shopping complex was opened in May 2005 in Bossier City. The facility features:

Several restaurants

Outlet shopping

Bowling complex

14-screen movie theater

Several Bass Pro Shops

In November 2008, the city residents were excited since the Haynesville Shale's development was to create new jobs over the next couple of years. The area residents enjoy huge bonuses for signing up to $25,000 per acre in mineral rights leases. However, the economic downturn led to a low market price for natural gas, slowing down drilling activities. The city expected to lease the mineral rights on public lands to generate revenue in the future.

The city also hosted a General Motors plant called Shreveport Operations, which closed down in 2012. The company produced a variety of vehicles, including:

Isuzu i-Series

Chevrolet Colorado

Hummer H3 series

GMC Canyon

GM later leased the plant to Elio Motors. Western Electric and General Electric are among notable companies that still have or had plants in the Shreveport assembly or manufacturing industry. In 2017, manufacturing and production jobs accounted for 5 percent of the city's occupations.

The Shreveport local government invested $16.5 million in building Mall St. Vincent in 2014. Fortune magazine grouped the city among the best place to start a business. The Shreveport Economic Recovery Task Force came up with a rejuvenation plan on 31st July 2020, focusing on the downtown area.

The Louisiana Floods of 2015

In 2015, the Red River flood occurred for several weeks in June. Areas such as Bossier Parish, Rapides Parish, Caddo Parish, Natchitoches Parish, and Shreveport, Coushatta, and Alexandria were significantly affected. Numerous road closures across Shreveport occurred due to flooding. The government deployed the Louisiana National Guard and other response teams to help residences under flood warning fill and place sandbags.

In over 70 years, the Red River got to its highest level in 2015. The flood levels rose to about 6 and 9 feet in most affected areas. On 9th June at around 4 PM, the river got 37.14 feet, its maximum height.

The most recent study released in 1990 by the US Army Corps of Engineers characterized the Red River's flood patterns when it last flooded. The Engineers are not planning for another study.

People in Louisiana have made many advances towards flood protection. However, flooding is inevitable, and no matter how high engineers build levees, the river's course continues. Researchers claim that the Mississippi River has a significant flooding pattern history every decade.

How SERVPRO technicians help property owners in Shreveport to handle flood damage

Immediately flood damage occurs in your property, act swiftly to minimize the chances of potential lasting effects. SERVPRO's flood restoration process includes extracting water, decontaminating, drying, and deodorizing the property. Our technicians can take the following steps during the restoration process.   

Removing valuable possessions from the ground and identifying salvageable items. We separate salvageable items from those damaged beyond repair so that they do not get irreparably damaged.

Water extraction using hi-tech equipment to speed up the drying process. If water is inside the walls, our technicians can remove the baseboards. We can drill a 1½" hole between each stud in the wall at the baseboard level. We drill holes on one side of the wall to force air up into the wall cavities as it gets into the wall. Our restorers attach an air mover to a wall venting system to force air into the wall.

Decontaminating the property using advanced and approved products. Our technicians decontaminate the affected area since floodwater can be hazardous.

Deodorizing the affected property using effective products or equipment that leaves your property free from any odors

It is essential to allow professional restorers who understand the damage that floodwater can cause to your property. SERVPRO technicians are always ready to respond to our customers' distress calls around the clock since we understand how fast secondary damages can occur. We have the right equipment and tools to handle flood damage of any magnitude.    

Even the slightest flooding incident in your property can cause costly damage. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport immediately after the unfortunate incident happens to minimize damage and restore your property to its normal condition, "Like it never even happened." Talk to us today at (318) 865-4655.  

Embark on a Magical Christmas Journey in Shreveport

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the Shreveport Aquarium!

The Shreveport Aquarium Has a Must-See Exhibition

The fun starts outside the Shreveport Aquarium when you can listen to Christmas music on your FM radio and see the synchronized dance of the lights decorating the exterior of the aquarium. Inside the venue, a fun adventure awaits with a full cast of holiday characters in costume. Each event goer gets an interactive BELIEVE magical wand that can turn on the lights, play music, and make the Grinch's heart grow three sizes. You can even create reindeer footprints and more during the tour. There will be an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and get a reply along with hot chocolate and cookies. At the end of the time, get a photo with Santa as a keepsake of a great Christmas adventure.

• Date: December 4th, 2020
• Time: 5 PM to 8 PM
• Ticket Price: $25

SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 serves local property owners with any size flood water removal in Shreveport homes and businesses. 

What Steps Ensure That Flood Drying Happens as It Should for My Shreveport Home?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and equipment your Shreveport home needs after water damage.

Extraction and drying are essential elements to our flood restoration work in Shreveport homes and involve multiple tools, technologies, and experience to complete correctly. 

Flooding can present rapidly changing conditions for your Shreveport home. As challenging as these disasters can be, the right response from qualified restoration professionals can help prevent the situation from getting out of control. We have skilled experts in flood restoration and water recovery that can implement the right tools to protect your property as efficiently as possible when we arrive.

Much of the need for flood water removal for damage in Shreveport homes hinges on an assortment of extraction and drying tools. These industry-leading devices are vital in helping to manage flood losses by removing present surface damage concerns. At the same time, other technologies and machines can work on labeling other areas of interest where thorough drying might be necessary.

What Initial Readings and Details Are Necessary? 

It can be essential to identify any possible atmospheric or environmental conditions that could impact the efficiency of drying your home. Moisture content is often one of the first factors to determine, and this might also include identifying where migration of flood loss effects has occurred. It is not challenging for water to find its way into structural cavities between wall systems, so we utilize sophisticated technologies like thermal imagery and hygrometers to detect moisture pockets and dampness to address these concerns as they get discovered.

Beyond standing water concerns, which can often be a substantial obstacle after flooding, we also must ensure that the entire impacted area gets prepared for extraction and drying efforts to come. Part of this venture's success hinges on isolating the affected regions of the property while preventing cross-contamination or migration of these effects to areas currently undamaged by flooding. We document conditions upon inspection with our SERVPRO DryBook software.  

What Extractors Are Best for Floodwater? 

Flooding almost always comes with a need for extraction and water removal. The tools used to do this vary based on the severity of the damage and where these threats might be in the house. With dozens of potential extraction units ranging from truck-mount pumps in our Green Fleet to mobile extractors like our wet vacuums, we have the right tools and technologies to address the conditions in your home after a flood loss incident. Flooding typically requires multiple water removal tools, including:

• Submersible Pumps – These pumps are often a vital need after a flood, as standing water can exist in various areas. Trash pumps are the common choice to pass debris present in natural floodwater.

• Truck-Mount Pumps – For excessive water damages after a flood, extractor trucks can have a fast and powerful impact. These pumps can remove water at 300 psi, making them the most efficient removal tool in our equipment inventory.

• Wet Vacuums – When water depths drop below two inches, pumps are less effective. Vacuums and their attachments can help to remove surface water and trapped moisture in materials like carpets.

Who Maintains Drying Equipment While It Runs? 

We often set up drying tools throughout your house in the appropriate places and allow them to run for several hours or longer unsupervised. We can trust in the efficiency of our tools and technologies, and it ensures that we can help begin the restoration process without being an overbearing presence in your house. Once affected area barriers and boundaries have been established in your home, we anticipate the devices to be left alone until our return.

We can reevaluate the drying process effectiveness and modify the placement and volume of drying tools like air movers, dehumidifiers, and drying mats to suit the new conditions. There are several reasons that we do not continuously watch drying progress, and these include:

• It can save you money
• It can give you time to process the changing situations
• We are not continuously needed through the drying phases

Is the Desiccant or the Low-Grain Refrigerant Dehumidifier Better? 

Dehumidifiers are a vital part of the drying process for many flood-damaged homes. The choice between desiccant and low grain refrigerant options often involves the conditions of the house and the unaffected areas or external influences like humidity levels. Desiccants can be a wise choice when dry air can get brought back into the property through the exhaust. When overly moist conditions exist outside of the house, low grain refrigerant models might be a better and more efficient option for moisture content inside.

Flooding can be a traumatic situation for your home, but our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team can help with effective water removal and drying practices. Give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

An Intense Storm Caused Flood Damage in My House, What Do I Do?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

When the storms roll in, so can SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Shreveport is Here to Help You During Your Hour of Need!

Storms can leave our homes in need of flood damage remediation services in what feels like the blink of an eye. However, no matter how the damage found its way into your Shreveport home, you need to get help immediately. Quickly addressing any water-based damage is the key to success. 

Imagine a severe storm hitting the city of Shreveport and causing flood damage to your home. Lightning struck a nearby tree and caused it to fall on top of your home's sunroom, crushing a section of the ceiling. Suddenly, rainwater is pouring inside your home and soaking your furniture. Calling for help is the best thing you can do for your home.

How Fast Can SERVPRO Get to Me During a Storm? 

Here at SERVPRO, we make it a priority to arrive as swiftly as possible. During a storm, we can help speed up the travel process by: 

• Taking pre-loaded vehicles, equipped with flood damage remediation equipment 
• Using city-wide reports to avoid flooding roadways 
• Use a GPS to ensure we're taking the fastest possible route 

No matter the time, we're ready to help you when you need it. 

What Can SERVPRO Do to Stop Water From Getting Inside? 

Our first priority upon arriving at your home is to stop excess moisture from getting inside. Using our team of highly trained technicians, we can: 

• Remove the tree from your home, even if we must cut it into sections with chainsaws
• Cover the hole in the roof of your sunroom with a tarp
• Help you get in contact with a certified contractor who can rebuild 

We're dedicated to helping you get the assistance you need for your home. From there, we can use advanced equipment to begin removing the water from inside of your home. Furthermore, we can send your porch-furniture to our facility to be professionally cleaned and dried. 

If flood damage suddenly strikes your home, get help now. Speak with SERVPRO of South Shreveport by dialing (318) 865-4655. No matter the time or the place, we're here for you.

What Should I Do While Waiting For Emergency Roof Repair?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damaged Roof in Shreveport? Call SERVPRO to Mitigate the Damages

If your Roof Has Blown Off, Contact SERVPRO Storm Damage Technicians in Shreveport Immediately to Secure the Property

Why do roofs blow off in a storm?

Most roof shingles can withstand winds of up to ninety miles an hour, although, in some storm risk areas like Shreveport, they may need to withstand up to one hundred and forty MPH. As high-speed winds blow over a roof, they create a pressure imbalance that can lead to a significant upward pressure against roof shingles. Sometimes the upward pressure is so intense that it can force part or all of the roof off, leaving a home exposed to rainwater, wind, and debris while also significantly reducing the structural integrity of your building.

How much damage is caused by a blown off roof?

Harm to the roof of your home is among the most severe storm damage a Shreveport resident can face. Homes rely on principles of shared loads, equal distribution, and tensile strength. Your roof is an essential ingredient to the overall structure of your home. Upper floors may have exposure to rainwater as well as large amounts of falling debris on the lower levels and yard.

What should I do when a roof is badly damaged?

• Contact your insurer
• Arrange for a restorer
• Distance your family from any hazards

Can a restorer repair your roof?

Roof restoration should only be carried out by a qualified professional. However, restorers play a vital role in the repairs by preparing the job site and establishing safe conditions for third-party roofers. Our SERVPRO team can repair roofs under certain instances. There is likely to be significant amounts of debris on your property that needs to be cleared away. Equally, scoping the property and setting up tarps to protect the structure is essential. SERVPRO technicians can transport your contents for safe storage while arranging a third-party roofer on your behalf.

We can help you salvage or repair your contents and structure after severe winds. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Did Your Shreveport Home Experience Flood Damage?

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

It's rainy season in Shreveport! Should spring flooding invade your home, call SERVPRO! We are equipped to handle your flood damage emergency!

Shreveport- Keep the Water Outside!

Shreveport is rich in history, and many people travel from all over the world only to see the sights. Our people are unique, as is our landscape. Unfortunately, the same thing that makes us unique can also be a danger for our homeowners. The elevation of our city is a threat whenever water levels rise and prompt water to travel through our neighborhoods and enter our homes. The ensuing debris and disruption of our lives are hard to wrap your arms around, but calling a professional service for help is a step in the right direction.

When there is flood damage to your home in Shreveport, call SERVPRO immediately. While keeping safety in mind, our team travels to your home to assess the damage and pull together an action plan to bring your home back to normal. Even if you make an initial move to extract water and minimize your loss, the expertise and equipment our technicians use help to make the difference. A call to our 24/7 hotline alerts us to travel to your home as soon as safety conditions allow us to do so.

One of the reasons why household-scale solutions are not enough is the debris, and bacteria floodwater brings into your home. Regardless of the volume of water standing in your living areas, only industry-grade cleaning solutions and equipment can counteract the damage inflicted by water as well as assist in preventing future consequences. The specialized nature of what our SERVPRO team does is evident at arrival when we don our personal protective equipment, such as suits and masks, and we apply our specialized measuring tools. Infrared technology, moisture detectors, air scrubbers, and many others have a place in your home. Let our crew be your guide during the restoration process, so the flooding becomes a memory.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is an essential part of our community. When you call us at (318) 865-4655 and invite us to be on your restoration team, we commit to being your most valuable resource. Like you, we want your home and life back in order. With our help, your home looks, “Like it never even happened.”

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How Floodwaters Damage Home Structures in Shreveport

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Floodwaters not only damage your home but bring contaminants into your property. SERVPRO has the expertise to restore your home.

Maintaining the Structure during Flood Damage Restoration of Shreveport Residential Properties

Bringing a property back from a disaster to a preloss condition takes care and attention to detail. Your home's construction and massive amounts of water are incompatible. However, in a natural disaster that leads to flooding, your home may have standing water levels as of several feet. Our emergency services are available to all residents experiencing a natural disaster. Acting carefully to remove water from a structure while mitigating losses and avoiding further harm is not an easy job.

We invest significantly in training our flood damage restorers here in Shreveport. Managing an emergency is a process that needs regular check-ins and monitoring to ensure that our strategy is going to be a successful one. Generally, the sooner you contact SERVPRO, the less damage floodwaters are likely to damage your home. However, early response is not always possible as you may be away from the property for several days before realizing there is a flood issue.

Water that remains in your property for longer than seventy-two hours can degrade and become a biohazardous emergency. Equally, long-term exposure to floodwaters can weaken or permanently harm a structure. SERVPRO technicians use pumping equipment with the necessary lift and volume to remove massive amounts of water from your home. Long exposures, however, can present a challenge when pumping out crawlspaces or basements due to hydrostatic pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure can become a primary concern when working with extreme flooding. SERVPRO technicians pump around two feet of water at a time before pausing to assess the impact it has on your home. Sometimes, hydrostatic pressure can cause walls to collapse or mortar joints to crack as the water removal process takes place. The consequences of pumping out water as quickly as possible can be disastrous, which is why SERVPRO technicians undergo strict training regimens and accumulate hundreds of hour's worth of experience before taking on a leading role in residential flooding restoration.

For technicians with experience and expertise in home emergency restoration, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

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Wind-Driven Rain Flooding in Shreveport Attics

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

We have the equipment to restore your home have flood damage

Call SERVPRO When You Have Flood Damage

Flooding that occurs as a direct result of structural breaches caused in a storm can become a challenging obstacle for Shreveport homeowners to restore. While many property owners in the area have invested in forms of flood insurance through their home coverage providers, many of these plans and policies do not cover flooding that can occur from pooling water resulting from wind-driven rain or roof vulnerabilities.

Pre-existing conditions and present weaknesses in structural elements of your property can be enough to reduce or remove coverage for storm flood damage in Shreveport houses. It is essential to know the extent of your policy before you need to delve too deeply into the fine print. Our SERVPRO professionals have become a preferred restoration vendor for many insurance companies in the area, allowing us to arrive and begin evidence and documentation collection to make the claims process as efficient as possible.

Wind-driven rain is a phenomenon in which the severe conditions of the storm can force water into your home through vulnerabilities like missing shingles, broken windows, or damaged siding. Because of how critical these conditions can become when repairs are necessary, and another storm passes through, it is vital to consider not only a team that can help you to dry and protect your investment but also repair any structural damages to the property as well. We have a full team of licensed general contractors that can help with many tasks after severe weather events, including board up and tarping, tree removal, temporary fencing, and eventual full-scale reconstruction.

Addressing the pooling water in the exposed areas of your household falls to the capable functions of our electric sump pump, wet vacuums, and a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. Working as quickly as possible to dry out the affected region of the house reduces the need for controlled demolition and build back.

Many homeowners are unfamiliar with loopholes and shortcomings in their insurance plans that can have them paying out of pocket for restoration after severe storms. Whether you need help after a disaster strikes or want to repair vulnerable areas of your home before wind-driven rain can flood your residence, our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team can help. Give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

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Guaranteed No Stress Flood Damage Remediation Success In Shreveport

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Many times there are no ways to prevent flooding and the resulting flood damage. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation services after flooding.

Help Flood Damage Restoration in Shreveport Yourself by Conducting a Few Easy Procedures

During the hurricane season this year, several tropical storms and hurricanes have been threatening the part of the country around where Shreveport is located. These vicious storm systems coming from the Atlantic Ocean have already caused several flood damage claims and the season is not even over yet. In some cases, your property can get damaged by weather that gets created on the outskirts of the hurricane or tropical storm.

Sometimes these side storms can come quickly without much warning and cause your Shreveport home flood damage suddenly. Once the interior of your home gets affected, the best thing to do is to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. However, if seeking help is not possible right away, there are several things you can do yourself that will help mitigate the moisture issues.

According to our experts at SERVPRO, the first thing you should do when you notice that water came into your dwelling as a result of a storm is to walk through your house and inspect your entire structure for damage. Look in areas where moisture could have maybe leaked in from the ground. Also, inspect your walls and building materials around all holes to the outside, including doors, windows, and skylights.

Next, it is wise to check around and make sure your building is safe. If there is any wet drywall hanging down, remove it and keep any debris out of walking paths. If there is moisture near any light fixtures or electrical wiring of any kind, shut your power off immediately.

Once you rid your house of any potential safety hazards, it is then smart to figure out where the water entered. Follow the wet materials to the exterior walls and then try to determine how the moisture is leaking in. Once you find the source of the leak, temporarily fix it so that water stops entering your structure.

Next, it is wise to remove any standing water or liquid that has soaked into your carpet. Use a mop and a squeegee for hard-surfaced floors and a wet/dry vac for carpets. Once you think you have removed as much liquid H2O as you can, you can start trying to dry out your structure by setting up fans and creating ventilation inside your home.

Having a storm destroy parts of your property in Forbing or surrounding areas is never fun, but if you call in our team of experts, we can take the load off of your back. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we can be reached 24/7 by calling SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Click here for more information about the city of Shreveport.

Do Yourself a Favor and Call SERVPRO for Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Shreveport

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Call on SERVPRO for the Heavy Lifting and Drying Needed after Storm Damage in Shreveport. We Can Help.

Restoring Your Shreveport Home After Flood Damage Calls for the Services of Experts

Flooding commonly occurs because of heavy rain that lasts several days or weeks. In Shreveport, heavy rain could cause high water levels in the Red River, and bayous may not be able to discharge water into it. The floodwaters can, therefore, end up in nearby homes.  Floodwater can cause the metal to rust, wood to expand and buckle, and furniture to discolor.

Water could also carry mineral deposits that leave stains on ceilings and walls. You can prevent further flood damage in your Shreveport residence by starting the restoration process as soon as you can. After weathering the storm, you should take the following steps:

For Brave DIY'Selfers
•   Turn off electricity to the flooded areas to prevent electrocution hazards. If the destruction is significant, avoid entering hard-hit areas and turn off the gas supply.
•    Notify your insurance company about the loss as soon as possible to prepare for filing a claim and have the adjuster calculate the actual expense of the repairs.
•    Move furniture and other belongings to dry areas.
•    Tarp a ruined roof and board up broken windows
•    Call a restoration expert for details about the proper procedures for restoring your home.

Ready to Call SERVPRO for all this heavy lifting?

When dealing with flooding, quick water extraction and drying is essential to prevent mold infestation and other problems. Since every hour counts, your safest option is to call SERVPRO franchise professionals because we respond fast to emergency calls. We start the restoration process with a thorough inspection and complete documentation as insurance companies require and then schedule flood damage cleanup and repairs. We perform the right tasks in the proper order.

In cases with significant destruction, we begin with securing the house with roof tarping and board-ups as required. We can pack out furniture for off-site treatment and protection and then return it when the work is complete. Our flood damage cleanup services may also include the removal of downed tree limbs and disposing of all unsalvageable items and debris.

Our technicians are well-trained and experienced in contaminated water removal. We use equipment like powerful portable pumps to extract standing water and antimicrobial agents to stop or limit the growth of microbes. Our technicians also use disinfectants like phenols, quaternary, chlorines, alcohols, and formaldehyde to destroy the organisms they contact on surfaces.

Hidden moisture migration is another problem you may deal with after a flooding incident. Water flows through tiny openings or gaps and spreads invasively. It can seep under baseboards and into wall cavities where the destruction process can proceed unseen. Our SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) use Thermal imaging cameras to find hidden dampness. These cameras read temperature differentials and help our technicians to track water migration through insulation, brick walls, and other parts of your home.  Our technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers to eradicate moisture from a house. We monitor the drying process to ensure the most precise results.

If your home has flooded, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 for help. We can complete the restoration process quickly. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Here is the official city site.

We Act Fast To Limit More Damage To Your Shreveport Home After A Flood

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

The flooding caused the floor to be covered in water and some damage to the trim and sheetrock wall panels.

Flood Damage Repair For Shreveport Homes

Flooding is a part of life around Shreveport. The last tropical storm is gone, but the Red River is still at risk for cresting with other rainfall in the future. When it happens, residents know that cleaning and restoring their homes needs to happen quickly. 

Unless the water recedes quickly, much of the flood damage to Shreveport homes centers around the floors. That is where SERVPRO restoration teams focus much of their initial efforts. The wood floors in many area homes absorb water, and if not removed after two or three days, begin to warp and buckle. The water can also damage and destroy the sub-floor underneath. Fortunately, team members can rebuild all of it. 

First, team members remove the floorboards and floor trim. If any of it is salvageable and approved by the insurance company, specialists can set it aside for reuse. 

Second, they remove all damaged pieces of the sub-floor and other support structures for the walls and the rest of the home. As the team clears out the debris, one of our inspectors makes certain the area remains safe. If there is a major risk to the home, the team leader immediately recommends the owner brings in a licensed construction firm to make repairs. 

Now, SERVPRO specialists install new supports and then the sub-floor. Each team member on the job trains to carefully lay-in the original flooring, if available, with the new floorboards. Since no home is perfectly square, each team has on hand the saws and other equipment needed to trim boards to ensure each piece fits correctly. If the homeowner requires it, team members also cover the floor with a new stain or other finish. 

In kitchens and bathrooms, each restoration team can also replace linoleum and tile floors. In each area, the flood damage can quickly loosen the glue that holds both to the wood or concrete flooring. Specialists can use heat and special tools to push linoleum and tiles back in place, but if the damage is in a wide area, replacing both is often cheaper than attempting to restore them. 

If you are dealing with the aftereffects of the recent storm or another flooding, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport today at (318) 865-4655. Our office proudly supports this community, Forbing, and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to return every residence to its original condition so owners and their families can move on with their lives. 

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Severe Storms, Flooding, and Your Shreveport Home

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is always ready to restore your water damaged home.

Severe Storms Can Cause Flooding in Your Shreveport Home!

Heavy rains that fall in Shreveport can quickly lead to dangerous flash floods requiring evacuating people from their homes. Unfortunately, you may find yourself returning home to a house flooded with extremely dirty Category (Cat) 3 Black Water. It is risky to attempt to clean up your home on your own. Without professional assistance, it is easy to make mistakes and potentially cause further damage to your home. Luckily, SERVPRO technicians can assist you with restoring your home as you go through the recovery process. 

SERVPRO technicians are experienced when it comes to flood water removal in Shreveport homes, and can quickly arrive at your home to begin the mitigation process. Time is of the essence when it comes to removing flood water. Although many floods already consist of Cat 3, Black Water, flooding due to rain drenching a room in your home may result in flooding from Cat 2 or Gray Water.  Cat 2 flood water can degrade to Cat 3 water if not removed within a few days of entering your home, making the restoration process much more difficult. Fortunately, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified professionals could assist you in the efficient removal of flood waters through the use of large pumps and industrial grade wet vacs.

After removing the floodwater from your home, our techs can begin the decontamination and drying processes. We can use high volume air movers to draw moisture from your walls and floors into the air and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. 

Note that should any upholstery or carpet absorb Cat 3 Black Water, they must be thrown out. Preventing further damage is why it is important to quickly contact professionals who can mitigate the crisis in your home before it causes irreversible damage. 

If you need flood water removal services after a massive storm, then contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. We are available 24/7 and can help you recover your home after a flood.

Learn more about Shreveport here.

Why Shreveport Flood Damage Restoration Always Encompasses Odor Control

11/25/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can be quite overwhelming when it causes damage in your area. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

Flood Damage to Your Home in Shreveport Includes Outbuildings

Shreveport neighborhoods can experience flooding from overflows, heavy rainfall, and many other sources. Residents can expect slight flooding in some locations to occur on a regular basis and prepare for the situation while others are entirely unexpected. We can help undo the damage brought on by such disasters and make it "Like it never even happened."
 
Once your Shreveport home sustains flood damage, things can become murky. Which items require disposal and which ones require cleaning are questions that never seem to end. We can help you by guiding you through to a safe and quick recovery. Flooding brings in various elements, some of which are organic. This can include microbes as well as other materials. As this dries, it also decays. The smell produced can become highly offensive.
 
We remove the debris and any flood-damaged materials that we cannot restore (such as drywall) and begin drying everything out. We also perform highly effective deodorization techniques. Ozone gas is not recommended for use in damp locations, so we rely on hydroxyl generators to eliminate tough odors. This is also very safe and we can continue to work on your home while these generators fill the air with hydroxyl gas. In fact, some industries that produce very unpleasant odors rely on these machines to make their workplaces more comfortable for their employees.
 
As we work at drying and deodorizing your home, we also clean every surface that came into contact with the floodwaters. Removing the debris on this level ensures that we detect any damaged items. Many items are hard and impermeable to floodwaters, but many others absorb the water and require special attention. We can assist you with extensive, deep cleaning of these items at our facility. This frees up space in your home and helps bring order back into a very chaotic situation.
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport wants to help put order back into your home and life. Flood damage can make your home seem unlivable but we are here for you. Call us at (318) 865-4655 and we can make things normal again.

Click here for more about Shreveport.

Stay Prepared For Flooding In Shreveport Homes Throughout Hurricane Season

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damages can happen in several different ways, but the damage to your Shreveport home is often widespread and challenging to overcome.

Stay Prepared For Flooding Throughout Hurricane Season

While Shreveport residents might be more than a little familiar with the severe weather systems that can pass through quickly through the summer and fall, it is always best to stay prepared as best as you can. The more that you can do to keep your home prepared for disasters like flooding, the less of an impact these occurrences can have and the faster that professional restoration work can complete.

Flood damages can happen in several different ways, but the damage to your Shreveport home is often widespread and challenging to overcome. With multiple homes and properties affected at once, securing professional restoration services can be equally challenging, and that is part of the preparation process for your home. Knowing when and how to reach out to professionals like our SERVPRO team can help you to get the mess in your home taken care of as quickly as possible.

With September being National Preparedness Month, it seems fitting to better understand the ways that you can prepare your home for the possibility of an emergency like flooding. One of the first things that you can do is to ensure that your home is in top form by regularly inspecting elements like your foundation and roof for structural weaknesses. This assessment can keep you ahead of a disaster by diagnosing and repairing problems before they allow flooding in your home.

Another way that you can prepare for a disaster like flooding is creating an emergency plan with your family. This plan does not have to be for flooding specifically, but having each member of your family understand what to do when tensions and panic levels are high can help you to avoid injuries or something even worse. Once everyone is safe, you can reach out to our SERVPRO professionals to begin restoring your home back to preloss conditions.

You do not want to think about the possibility of a flood in your home, but having a plan in place and staying prepared for this circumstance can keep you safe and help restoration happen more efficiently. If you have any emergency threatening your home, give our SERVPRO of South Shreveport restoration specialists a call today at (318) 865-4655.

Click here for more about Shreveport.

Lesser Considered Risks Of Flood Damage To Your Shreveport Home

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

If you experience flooding in your house, trust the experienced technicians of SERVPRO.

Risks Of Flood Damage To Your Home

When rivers, creeks, and streams around your Shreveport home overflow, water might not be the worst of what you have to contend with if flooding occurs. While the substantial volume of water assuredly brings its own manner of damages into your house along with it, there are other considerations that you also have to think of when it comes to getting these damages restored.

Flood damages are rarely the same from one Shreveport home to the next. Points of entry change and the circumstances and parts of the home affected change right along with them. While removing the water is one of the top priorities for even our experienced SERVPRO professionals, other possible problems stem from floodwaters breaching your home's exterior.

One of the first things that our SERVPRO technicians have to assess when we begin a restoration job on a flooded residence is the stability of the structure itself. Oversaturation in various areas of the house can lead to material failure and collapse, which can be dangerous to the residents of the household or to our own team of experienced professionals working to restore the damage.

Another consideration is dirt and debris carried in with the rising water from these various sources like a river, stream, or creek bed. These sources tend to bring muddy and turbulent water towards your home, leaving more than just saturated materials and water extraction to face. Ultimately, extensive cleaning becomes another facet of the flood restoration process to remove this dirt and debris left behind after extraction and drying efforts.

Still another consideration for those who are unsure of where the flood water originated is the risk of contamination. If this invading presence overflowed sewer mains or encountered chemical leech fields or runoff from industrial areas, this flooding in your home could carry bacteria, germs, or chemical contaminants that need to get assessed and removed appropriately.

Flooding is never a straightforward occurrence to your home and often requires skilled professionals to assess the situation and take precautionary measures for everyone's safety. If you experience flooding in your house, trust the experienced technicians of SERVPRO of South Shreveport. You can reach our rapid response team anytime at (318) 865-4655.

Click here for more about Shreveport.

Recovering after Flood Damage Pervades Your Shreveport Property

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

If your home faces a flooding scenario, contact SERVPRO right away for drying out services and to help prevent secondary damages.

Team SERVPRO Arrives With Efficient Equipment Ready to Dry Out Your Flooded Home

Flooding can affect any home in or near Shreveport, especially those in lower-lying areas. Because so many different bayous and smaller creeks and streams exist in the area, small blockages can spell disaster for nearby homes with only a small amount of rainfall.
 
Residents who own homes that sustain flood damage in Shreveport can find themselves and their families temporarily displaced. Such disastrous events often force families into temporary shelter arrangements, which can cause stress and hardship for even the strongest families. SERVPRO technicians can help reduce the time your family must remain away from home and restore everything "Like it never even happened." Returning your home to a safe, preloss condition means your family easily moves forward without memories of the flood persisting.
 
Silt retains moisture, as do waterlogged materials. We remove these so the house can return to normal moisture levels quicker. Once we take saturated materials out, our equipment dries everything faster and more efficiently. Cleaning your home's interior furnishings, such as furniture, appliances, and woodwork also proceeds more safely in the absence of soggy carpets and crumbling drywall. When special equipment may suffer problems, we partner with expert technicians who can help resolve any issues before they become permanent or worse.
 
Deodorizing your home after invasive water floods can also mitigate any microbial populations that might cause problems for your family and pets. We perform thermal fogging and other types of methods of odor elimination and control, leaving your home smelling like it should and without any wet musty odors. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) holds IICRC certification, helping ensure the work completed lasts long and provides you with the results you want.
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport is always ready to help our local families deal with flood damage. Call us at (318) 865-4655 so we can use the latest equipment and techniques to restore your home. We work quickly to restore your home. We want to help your family return to a safe and dry home, free of the risks left behind by flooding.

Click here for more information on the town of Shreveport.

Unchecked Roof Damage Could Allow Flooding in Your Shreveport Attic

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

Roof damage can cause a great deal of water to enter your attic. Call SERVPRO to remediate the damage and restore your home.

Team SERVPRO Assesses Your Roof for Damage to Prevent a Flooding Scenario

As a homeowner, you often fixate on things that are meant to improve the functionality of your home or the convenience of your living. What many Shreveport homeowners do not always have on their minds is the condition of their roof, namely how much wear and tear it experiences throughout the storm-ridden warmer months of the year. Without at least an annual inspection, you could miss impending damages and vulnerable points that later collapse or fall through, allowing widespread damage to occur to your house.
 
When your home’s roof fails to prevent water from entering the attic space of your property, high volumes of water can pool in a short period allowing flood damage in Shreveport. This damage might be detrimental enough, though if allowed to continue, can quickly spread to adjoining rooms through the flooring of the attic and out of the ceiling of the next floor down. The farther the reach of the water, the more involved and time-consuming the professional restoration process is.
 
Our SERVPRO professionals work quickly to seal off the damaged areas of your roof to prevent further water from entering through these vulnerable points. Once the threat has gotten removed, we set our sights on pulling the excess water from the entire affected area. Since the faster this extraction gets accomplished, the less potential damage occurs, reacting quickly to the presence of flooding in your home is critical.
 
Drying the area is another crucial component of our restoration process. With flooding that could affect multiple floors of your home, air movers, dehumidification equipment, and drying mats get used to pull the moisture from the environment. The drying mats penetrate deep below the flooring material to dry up the dampness.
 
Once the drying process gets completed, an assessment must get done to determine structural damages and what materials need repair or reconstruction efforts. For severely damaged areas, our SERVPRO technicians can remove just the damaged portions via controlled demolition to prepare these spots for reconstruction.
 
Flooding might not be anything new for the people in your area, but when it is your house that gets damaged, you want to make sure it is taken care of correctly. Trust the experienced specialists of SERVPRO of South Shreveport to work quickly and efficiently cleaning up the mess a flood leaves behind. Give us a call anytime you need at (318) 865-4655.

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