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Don’t Stand for Standing Water in Your Business | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties a call to get that resolved!
You head into work for the day, unlock the doors and start flipping on lights—only to notice a musty odor. Could there be a water leak somewhere?
This might be an unnerving scenario, but imagine walking into work for the day and suddenly finding yourself ankle deep in standing water. Now it is a true nightmare.
Whether it is from a plumbing failure or a natural disaster, tackling standing water in your business requires fast action. The sooner you can start addressing the problem, the less damage you will have overall. Get to know what to do so you don’t have to stand for standing water in your business.
One Step at a TimeFinding your business flooded, even if it was predicted and you did everything you could to prepare, can be very unnerving. Take a deep breath and follow a few easy steps in order to get things cleaned up quickly and avoid extensive damages or mold growth.
1. Stay safe. Your first priority should always be safety. If you can, find a dry spot to assess the situation. Call SERVPRO® right away, and we will start gathering your information and organizing a team to get to your business. Snap some photos of the damage while you wait for our professionals to arrive.
2. Control the disaster. Fast action is the best way to prevent major losses. Identify the source of the water if you are able. This is the best way to determine what kind of water you are dealing with. Shut off anything that is still spilling out water. If you know the water is coming from an internal source, but you can’t locate the exact leak, use the main water shut-off to cut water to the building.
3. Start the drying process. Because floodwaters can become contaminated and a biohazard quickly, the more you can stay out of them, the better. If you can safely do so, open windows around the flooded area and remove anything in the water’s path.
Work With the ProsOnce our restoration team gets there, water removal will begin immediately. While we start getting the standing water out, we will also complete a total assessment of your building so that we can walk you through what the restoration process will entail. We work directly with your insurance agency as well so that the whole process is as simple as possible.
While we tackle your recovery, you can focus on finding ways to keep business going. If our experts determine the flood was isolated enough, we can close off the section needing repairs so that you can use the rest of the building.
As you handle your crew, our crew will continue the drying process. We make it our goal to save as many of your belongings as possible, and you will be a part of every decision-making process along the way.
Don’t ever stand for standing water. Take quick action and call SERVPRO. We will get you working again in no time.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
The Types of Home Damage | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties right away.
There are a multitude of threats to our homes these days. Volatile weather, potential fires, structural aging…even just the rogue golf ball from the neighbor’s yard can leave you with a broken window and another reason to call your insurance company.
Even with the potential risks we all face each day, we can’t live in a state of worry. Natural disasters are not always predictable, but when you are prepared, you can often ride out even the most unexpected storm with minimal damage.
In order to prepare for them, you have to understand the ways your home can be damaged. When you know the threats you face, you will also understand how easy restoration can be when the team from SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties can handle every aspect of your recovery.
The Biggest RisksThe risks to your home from outside sources will vary according to where you live, but there are some threats everyone should be aware of. Water damage, roof damage and fire are some of the biggest dangers to structures and homes everywhere.
Being on the banks of the Mississippi means that flooding is a very big risk for our neighborhoods. We have seen it overflow many times after heavy rains, tornadoes and even the occasional snow shower. Tornadoes also threaten our homes, particularly in the spring and summer, with winds that could damage roofs or knock trees down.
Water damage can come from a multitude of sources, including internal sources like appliances and external sources like flooding. Your roof is vulnerable in a multitude of ways as well, with issues that could be created from strong winds, heavy rains or just seemingly random incidents like a loose limb falling. The same goes for sources of fire, although most house fires are from manmade problems, both internally and externally.
Compounding DamagesAs if it isn’t bad enough to suffer through one threat to your home, when a disaster strikes, it often results in compounded damages. A flood will not only leave your property wet, but it can also lead to mold growth that might affect your foundation.
A fire doesn’t just damage the part of your home that had flames in it—smoke and soot spread to adjoining rooms and can leave walls stained and your whole house with a lingering burning odor. When the fire is extinguished, the surrounding area can be affected by water damage or damage from the chemicals in a fire extinguisher.
Whether your home was damaged in a natural or manmade disaster, it is likely your recovery process will require many steps. Working with our team can make things easier. SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle every part of your unique restoration. We are highly equipped to handle water, wind and fire damage as well as construction, remodeling and mold remediation, meaning no matter what you face, we can help.
When your home takes on floodwater in the basement or rain water through the roof, we will first handle drying up every bit of moisture. This will include odor removal as well, particularly in your softer materials. We can also replace roof beams, seal areas of your home at risk from mold and sanitize the areas that need it.
If your home experiences a fire, we can repair burned areas of your home while cleaning any soot and smoke damage that spreads into rooms unharmed by flames. We can also address the water issues that will arise from the act of putting the flames out. If a part of your home is damaged beyond repair, we can tear it down and rebuild it exactly as you want it.
Working with SERVPRO not only means you have a team that will coordinate repairs with your insurance company, it also means you won’t have to hire multiple contractors. It is our goal to make your process as smooth as possible, and we have the availability, training and tools to do just that.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
Why Having an Emergency Plan Matters | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties is here for you when disaster strikes!
Did you know that there has been a significant increase in natural disasters over the last five years? Statistically speaking, natural disasters are not only happening more often, but they have also increased in strength—which means the damage they leave behind is greater than ever.
Statistics aren’t everything, though, right? While that may be true, even if you never experience a natural disaster that leaves your business damaged, there is still the potential for a manmade problem to come along and derail your workflow.
Considering the ways your business might be affected by a disaster can be scary, but it is crucial to stay ahead of your risks. When you have a plan, you can rest a little easier knowing that no matter what comes your way you are prepared.
The Importance of a PlanWith the frequency of natural disasters steadily increasing each year, creating a plan can save lives and even mitigate some of the extreme damage your business might endure. When you take the time to better understand the threats that could happen, you can take action ahead of them to stop potential flooding, wind or fire damage.
Natural or manmade disasters not only create physical damage to your property, but they are also one of the most financially challenging situations any business can face. Creating a plan can not only ensure your team is safe during a storm—it also can mean your finances are protected afterward.
Planning ahead of time also means you can get back to work faster after a disaster strikes. A large majority of businesses that experience damage that forces them to shut down never reopen. When you have a contingency plan, you can start immediately and you can keep your business going even without a physical location to work from.
An Emergency Ready PlanSERVPRO® has the perfect solution for keeping every business prepared for disasters. Our Emergency Ready Plan can be curated for your exact needs, which means that you have a personalized plan that will start the moment you need it.
When you are ready to start building your plan, our team will assess your business in order to lay out the best possible route of action that will protect you and your team. We can help walk you through what to do before a disaster, during a disaster and afterward.
Ahead of a disaster, your plan can include steps your team should take. This might include packing up important paperwork or ensuring their electronics are ready to work remotely. It could also include how to prepare your building when a storm is headed your way. With a plan, everyone can take action the moment you say “go” because they will know exactly what to do.
Our Emergency Ready Plans will also lay out communication during and after the event. Your team will know the chain of command and who to anticipate directions from. After the disaster strikes, not only will our crew be ready to respond and start the restoration process, but your team will be able to continue working. If your business is unable to operate remotely, we can include alternative work locations so that the moment things are safe, work gets started.
The Emergency Ready Plan is the total package your business needs in order to be ready for anything. With a plan, you can avoid financial losses and prevent a potential business closure. We make your plan what you need—and it comes with our years of experience, backing of a national brand and 24⁄7 availability to put everything back together fast.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
Have a Safe, Fire-Free Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties on the case!
Is there anything better than the holiday season? Regardless of which ones you celebrate, there is bound to be some pretty incredible food involved. While the comfort food of the season is certainly a highlight to look forward to, the possibility of home fires increases dramatically this time of year.
A vast majority of home fires start in the kitchen, which is one of the reasons they are so much more prevalent during the holiday season. The good news is you can truly have your cake and eat it, too, when you take preventive action to keep your home safe.
Reducing Flammable Materials in the KitchenWhen you are getting ready to spend time cooking, you start by getting your space prepared, right? Cleaning countertops and preparing ingredients is important, but so is making sure your space is free from fire hazards.
Keep flammable items like pot holders, towels and oven mitts away from your stove and other appliances that will be warm. A hot bubble of grease popping or a spark coming from your cooking can catch these items on fire quickly. Watch out for wooden utensils as well.
Be aware of what you are wearing, too. Working in the kitchen isn’t the best time to don the Christmas sweater with the fuzzy balls all over it, or even that fun apron. Anything with loose strings, dangling items or hanging fabric can catch fire and should be avoided while you cook.
Keep a Close Eye on FoodA good rule of thumb when you cook year-round is “if it’s hot, stay near the pot.” Never walk away from the kitchen while food is cooking or your appliances are still hot. Kitchen fires can get out of control in a matter of seconds, so if something does happen, you need to be close by in order to react as quickly as possible.
If you are planning on deep-frying a turkey this year, plan on taking a few extra safety precautions. Read all the instructions on your deep fryer thoroughly, and never overfill the oil.
Make sure your turkey is completely thawed—even a partially frozen turkey can lead to oil spatter that will ignite anything it lands on. Cook on a level surface that is clear of flammable materials and make sure kids and pets can’t get near the fryer.
Install Protective MeasuresYou might not be able to prevent all fires, but when you take as many precautionary steps as possible, you can reduce the possibility—and the severity—of home fires.
Another ideal step to take year-round is ensuring that your home has enough safety measures in place. There should be a working fire alarm right outside of your kitchen. Check it ahead of the holiday cooking to ensure it is ready to go.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in order to quickly put out flames before they grow big. You should also keep a lid for your pots and pans nearby to smother out grease that catches fire.
Stay safe so you can enjoy every moment of the holiday season. If you do suffer a fire, call us. We can handle restoration day or night so that you can get back to celebrating.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
Preparing for Winter Storms | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties has your back with these helpful tips.
Winter is a mixed bag in the Cape. We might have one week that feels like spring followed by a week full of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures. The weather could also bring us lots of rain throughout the season. Either way, we are left with dangerous roads and potential risks to our homes.
No matter what winter brings us, the more we prepare, the safer we can keep our homes and our families. When you are ready, you can prevent a disaster and avoid the need for costly repairs all season long.
Preparing Your HomeWhen a winter storm is predicted to be headed our way, the best thing you can do is prepare to be at home for a little while. You want to avoid travel as much as possible once things start getting wet—cold rains, snow or sleet can leave roads extremely dangerous.
Be prepared for the potential of a long-term power outage by checking on your emergency supplies. Make sure you have a weather radio that is in good working order, and put together a kit of other items that can help you stay safe and warm.
Your emergency kit should include basic first-aid supplies, batteries and flashlights. You will also want to make sure you have enough food and water for at least three days for each member of your household. The same goes for any prescription medications. Blankets, warm clothing layers and a safe way to stay warm are other items you will want to get ready ahead of a storm hitting.
Take a look at your contact list as well. You may need to consider another place to stay if things get really cold. Talk with family and friends, and check into community options for warming up. The Salvation Army in the Cape often opens for both daytime and overnight warming options.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormOnce a storm has passed and you can safely do so, assess your home for potential damage. Even if all is well for now, you may need to do a little maintenance to ensure it stays that way long after everything has melted away.
While heavy snows are not the most common form of winter weather in Scott County, when a winter storm rolls through, you should take a look at your roof. You want to make sure there isn’t snow or ice piled up anywhere and ensure your gutter system is clear. Cold rains can lead to ice that blocks your gutters or downspouts.
Walk the perimeter of your home as well, and make sure gutters are still firmly attached and connected. When ice or snow melts a disconnected gutter can lead to roof leaks or water damage to windows and siding. Make sure exterior vents are clear from any debris as well. A blocked vent can cause carbon monoxide buildup inside your home, which can become a deadly situation.
How We Can HelpOnce you have been able to assess your home, call our team to fix any damage you incurred. We are available 24⁄7, so even if you experienced a major disaster during the storm we can respond quickly in order to start safely securing your home.
We will handle any water, wind or other damage your home was left with quickly so that you can get back to enjoying (or hiding from) everything winter has to offer.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
Prepping for the Holidays (Recipe Included!)
11/7/2023 (Permalink)
During the holidays, there are many things to be excited for: spending time with family and friends, honoring traditions (or starting new ones), and preparing food. Review the following safety tips to help make your holiday a safer one. And be sure to make it all the way to the end to get a not-so-secret holiday recipe from local owner Sandy Hastings that you can try this season!
Safe Cooking Practices
Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter, to prevent bacteria growth. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw turkey and its juices away from other foods.
Child and Pet Safety
Keep children and pets away from the cooking area to prevent accidents and burns. Secure cords from appliances to prevent tripping hazards. Make sure anything hot or unsafe for pets and children is out of reach or closely monitored.
Travel Safety
Make sure all unnecessary home and kitchen appliances are unplugged before leaving the house and to turn off your water before leaving. This can help prevent fires and water damages.
And remember that SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties knows that emergencies don't take holidays. Should you need us, we have crews on-call 24/7 even on holidays.
Sandy's Poppy Seed Bread
Need to take a dessert to a gathering? Not sure what to take? This sweet bread is sure to stand out. Owner Sandy Hastings has made this a staple. You can also bake it while listening to our team's favorite Christmas songs!
Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 1 hour + cooling Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients for Bread
3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
3 eggs
1/2 c. softened butter
1/2 c. oil
2 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 Tbps. poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 1/2 tsp butter flavoring
Ingredients for Glaze
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1/4 c. unsweetened orange juice (no pulp)
3/4 c. granulated sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients for the bread in a mixer until well blended. Mix for an additional two minutes. Pour batter into two ungreased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. While the bread is baking, mix all the glaze ingredients together. When the loaves are finished baking, let them cool for five minutes and poke holes into loaves using skewers or a knife. Pour the glaze over the loaves.
Make Sure Your Commercial Team Is Prepared for a Weather Emergency | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to get you back in action.
“Always be prepared” is not just a motto taught to young boys and girls in scouting—it is also a great principle to teach your employees. When you own a business, no matter what it is, you need to have a contingency plan for everything and anything in order to avoid losses. A prepared team is a resilient team that works well together.
As a small business owner, you need your crew to be able to overcome lots of different work-related challenges in order to stay afloat. While you prepare them to handle a multitude of different situations, make sure severe weather safety is also on your list.
Weather emergencies can strike fast and with very little warning—and the last thing you want is a panic-stricken staff. Get your team ready to handle any storm and keep business going.
Know Your RiskOne of the best places to start in preparing your team is by assessing the threats they could face. Getting to know what weather is common in your area and what kind of storms have damaged property near yours can help you create better plans for every situation.
Here in the Cape and our surrounding areas, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding and high winds can’t be ruled out during any season. While spring brings us the most volatile weather, our mild climate means these threats happen year round.
Cape Girardeau and the surrounding counties see enough severe weather that a multi-layer alert system, including 19 different sirens, has been installed.
The more you can learn about potential weather threats, including everything from tornadoes to flooding risks, the better you can be completely prepared for anything that could leave your building damaged or your staff threatened. Make sure you always have two ways of receiving weather alerts as well in order to respond as quickly as possible.
Make a Plan to CommunicateCommunication is key when it comes to handling an emergency well. During a weather emergency, this can be particularly challenging as some systems may go down while the storm passes through.
Make sure every staff member has two reliable sources to receive weather alerts, including a battery operated weather radio. Create a plan to communicate how you will be taking action in order to keep everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction. This might mean creating a code that can be relayed around the office in order to get everyone out appropriately.
Plan Your EvacuationAlong with solid sources of giving and receiving information among your team, the best way to ensure a safety plan works is by practicing it often. Creating and regularly rehearsing an evacuation plan is key in making sure everyone in your building can get out safely and quickly. Make sure routes are well-labeled, and install emergency lighting that will work even if the power is out.
When exiting your building is not safe, make sure your team knows where to go. When you rehearse your emergency plans, visit your safe sheltering location so that everyone knows how to get there. Make sure it is also clearly labeled. Choose a room without windows and on the lowest level.
Not only does a prepared team respond well, they also can respond in a calm manner. Emergencies are scary for everyone, but when you know what to do you can keep stress levels lowered and clearly think through every step of your safety plan. Work with your team so that your emergency plan is like an extension of them, and your commercial team will be ready to handle any storm.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Storm-Proofing the Outside of Your Home | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties has your back when you experience water damage.
Wind, rain, hail, tornadoes, floods…the list of potential risks to your home from storms is long. While the extremes vary according to your location, there are always going to be threats you need to be prepared for.
Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. On top of everyday maintenance and regular cleaning, you should also take steps to protect your home from the countless possibilities of damages that can come from seasonal weather threats.
Life in Tornado Alley means that while most of our strong storms in the Cape happen during the spring, we have to be ready for them year-round. It is not uncommon to have strong thunderstorms, flooding and high winds as well.
When it comes to avoiding storm damages, the best place to start is outside. Take the time to storm-proof the outside of your house so you can mitigate your risks and avoid costly repairs later.
Seasonal PrepsThe good news about protecting your home from storms is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of getting your home ready for the season can be worked into your regular routines. Get the family involved and make it fun while you work!
No matter where you live, strong winds and heavy rain are always a possible way your home can be damaged. Keep your trees trimmed, clean your gutters and remove loose debris often in order to avoid flying objects that could break windows or pooling water that could flood your basement. Don’t forget about your patio furniture, either—tie it down or have a safe place to store it when a storm rolls in.
Spend some time walking around your property and looking for gaps or deteriorated wood. By maintaining caulking around window and door frames, you can avoid potential leaks during a heavy rain.
You should also check your roof after every wind event and at least once every four months. Replace missing or loose shingles as fast as possible, and watch for openings around gutters, edges or any chimney area.
Home UpgradesWhile most preparations for storms can be done cost-free, there are a few things you should consider adding or updating depending on the region you live in.
Storm shutters can be a great way to quickly protect your home, especially if your house is in an area where strong winds are common. You might also consider upgrading the windows themselves to thicker materials that can withstand a lot of abuse. In highly forested areas, gutter guards can help prevent clogged gutters and potential water damages.
Adding reinforcements to the bracing on your outbuildings or additional structural tie-downs to a modular home can also be a helpful way to keep everything where it is supposed to be during an intense storm.
Always have two ways to receive weather alerts, and identify a safe space in your home so that you can respond quickly when storms get severe. If you do experience damage, call us day or night. We are ready to get your home put back together fast.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Using Your Grill Safely | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to get your space back in shape.
Summer is the best time to get outdoors and enjoy your backyard morning to night. It is also the perfect time to fire up the grill and cook all your meals over the perfect flame. Before you light that flame, though, spend some time checking your equipment to make sure you can flip burgers and dogs as safely as possible.
Grills are one of the leading causes of backyard fires, and most of the time it is due to improper use. At SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties, we want you to enjoy your time in the backyard as much as possible worry-free. Keep a burger warm for us while you are at it.
The SetupWhile you are getting everything ready for your day outside, consider your setup to create a safe area for your grill. Grills should be in an open space, free of any overhangs. While most of us on the Cape have covered porches, your grill needs to be able to fully vent and shouldn’t have anything above that a rogue spark or overzealous flame could touch.
Another reason not to house your grill on the deck while you cook—the best place for cooking outside is at least 10 feet away from any structures. This can also allow you to create a no-kids, no-pets zone around the grill while you cook.
If you are cooking with charcoal, ashes should be cleaned out every time. Check the grill itself for holes, cracks or dents, and make sure there aren’t any buildups that could catch fire. For propane, you should check your lines and your tank before turning anything on. Make sure connections are tight and there is no sign of deterioration on the gas lines. Even a hole the size of a pin head could lead to a complete disaster.
Manning the FlamesOnce you are set up and have inspected your grill for safety, it’s time to cook! Always stay close by your grill from the time it is lit until it is cool enough to touch. Keep a water source nearby in the event that your flames get too high, and make sure your fire extinguisher or a garden hose can be quickly and easily accessed.
As your food is prepared, it could be easy to walk away and show off the steaming plate of your hard work, but in order to prevent a mistake that could lead to a fire, hand off the goods and start shutting down the grill. Turn off the gas and any additional burners you might have been using, or close off vents in order to stop the oxygen supply to your charcoal.
As soon as it is cool enough to do so, remove ashes and dispose of them in a metal can. These can relight even when they aren’t glowing red anymore, so removing them from the source of heat altogether is the best way to stay safe. Stick close by the grill while it cools, and make sure it is completely cooled off before heading to bed or indoors for the evening.
Make this the summer of safety. Summer in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area brings beautiful weather, so enjoy it in your backyard while keeping your family and your home safe from fire. If things do get out of hand, SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties is available 24⁄7 to start restoration fast.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties for a fast restoration.
Steps to Take After Your Home Is Damaged by Water | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties right away.
Water is such an incredibly powerful thing, even in the controlled sense. In our homes, we pump it through pipes and can turn it on or off with the wave of a hand. And if you have been to the ocean recently, you have seen and felt the raw and powerful nature that water holds.
While it certainly plays a critical factor in our everyday lives, when water gets into all the places it shouldn’t be, it can create utter chaos. The Cape has seen its share of flooding from the Mississippi that certainly resulted in a big mess. And a flooded basement from a busted water heater, a leaky roof from a strong storm or a flash flood seeping in through your doors and windows will also leave your home damaged and your life upside down.
There are plenty of ways that you can prepare and protect your home from water damage, but there are some disasters that no amount of preparation can stop. The good news is that you have water damage restoration experts right around the corner that are ready to take care of your home night or day.
The First StepsIf your home suffers any kind of water disaster, the faster you can respond, the better your outcome will be. Water can sneak into the most hidden of places in your home, so locating the source of the water and drying the surrounding area fast will be the best way to keep things in control.
Once you have located the source, you should do whatever you can to stop the flow of the water. While a natural disaster may mean just waiting for the water to stop coming, a leak from an appliance or other internal source can typically be shut off. Get to know where your water shut-off valves are, as well as where your electrical shut-offs are.
Never wade into water with live electrical wires. Turn them off at the source before moving forward with tackling the water.
As soon as it is safe to do so, the next thing you should do is call SERVPRO®. We are available 24⁄7, so the time of day will never matter. The faster you can call us, the faster we can start your restoration and the less damage your home will incur.
How We Dry Your HomeOnce you give us a call, we will immediately start assessing your situation over the phone. While we do so, it is a good idea to snap a few pictures of your damages. We will work directly with your insurance company to ensure the smoothest recovery process for you, and these photos can help keep the timeline of everything straight.
We will dispatch a team of experts to your home with industry-leading equipment to begin the drying process. Getting the water out and drying out soft materials is the first part we will tackle. It is our goal to restore as much of your property so that you do not have to replace it. As we dry out your home and your personal belongings, we will ensure that it is completely dry, sanitized and free of odors.
Our team can handle every aspect of your restoration, no matter where the water that damaged your home came from. If an area of your home was damaged beyond basic repairs, we can tear down and rebuild that area so that your house is exactly as it should be when we are done.
If you are dealing with more than an inch of water, you should always call in the professionals at SERVPRO. Stormwater and pipe failures require different kinds of response in order to be handled thoroughly and sanitarily, and our professionals are equipped to handle it all. With our team right around the corner, you can enjoy the incredible role that water plays in our lives without worry.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
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