Be Ice Storm Ready

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

Whether there is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, or sleet and snow; all of these can cause property damage. You can't control Mother Nature but you can be prepared so here are some tips to help you:

-Check for tree limbs and branches that might have fallen.

-Roofs, pipes and gutters should all be inspected and make sure they are in proper working order. Clear gutters from debris, a damming effect could cause roof damage or interior water problems. Downspouts should be facing away from the home or building.

-Clean your chimneys and exhaust systems from debris.

-Test your gas lines for leaks.

-Inspect your property for proper drainage.

-Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If any pipes are under cabinets leave the cabinets open. Make sure exterior pipes are properly insulated.

-If there are any outdoor faucets, you might want to shut the water off.

-Make sure all exterior doors and windows have sufficient weather stripping.

Do you have an ERP for your business? Ask your SERVPRO® Sales and Marketing Representative!

The Dangers of Flooding are Real

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

With all of the snow and rain that we have had lately, the ground is definitely saturated. The hazard of basements flooding is high when the ground is saturated, especially with the potential of more rain moving into the area. If your home happens to flood with water remember there are risks associated with the flooding. The water is most likely contaminated with... a ton of bacteria and there is always the risk of electrical damage as well. We would recommend not going into the water if at all possible and to turn off the breaker to all of the electrical outlets in the flooded area. Leave it to the professionals to remove the water and restore your home. Call SERVPRO of Hardin and Larue Counties at
(270)360-0448 or contact Christy Gordon at (270)300-1544 and we will have a crew at your home within hours to make it "Like it never even happened". We are here to assist you 24/7

How Much Equipment Would be Enough??

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

Do you ever wonder how we know how much equipment is needed to dry your home properly?

We use Psychrometrics which is the study of the air, and its properties.  The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO® Professional to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.

Water can damage materials in two ways.  First, materials absorb water through direct contact.  Second, materials absorb water from the air.  Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process.

Restoration professionals must establish an environment favorable for drying.  The restoration professional must also understand how to manipulate temperature and humidity levels to produce optimum drying conditions without causing secondary damages through improper drying processes. 

24 Hour/7 Days a Week Emergency Water Damage Service

2/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties provides fire and water damage restoration service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - Hardin/Larue Counties

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Process Makes the Difference

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

It’s all about the process. SERVPRO has built a tried-and-true system that is geared towards making the claims process smooth and efficient for all parties involved, from the adjuster to the property manager and essentially the property owner or resident. A couple of the key elements are COMMUNICATION and DOCUMENTATION. Optimally, SERVPRO will already have done a full property evaluation, or an Emergency Ready Plan, and photographed the entire facility or residence so that the preexisting condition is well established.

If these photos are not in place before a loss, we immediately begin to photograph the entire area and gather data such as moisture readings, evidence of organic growth, and conditions of all parts of the structure from the roof and exterior to the interior and insulation.

We then are able to build our estimates based on established IICRC protocols, so that everything is packaged for the Insurance Adjuster to compare data and evaluate the policy in accordance with accurate proof of the damages and evidence of the cause of loss. This makes for a swift turn around on getting claims approved, and allowing us to start reconstructing the property for the customer!! Easy as that! Call us today!

Danger of Candles

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Candles are an awesome way to light up, add nice decor, or make a home smell like fresh flowers. However, according to the NFPA, from 2014-2018, there were an estimated 7,610 house fires that were started by candles per year that caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in property damage. Save your home with some of these alternatives!

Flame-less candles

For those who just want the aesthetic of a candle and no scent, flame-less candles are a great option! They are typically battery-operated and give the same flame-like feature as real candles.

Wax warmer

Wax warmers are a great alternative because you can get that amazing scent that comes from real candles without the hazard. Warmers are typically either battery or outlet operated to melt the wax.

Diffuser

Calling all of our essential oil fans, this one is for you! With hundreds of combinations to try, diffusers are a great option for the whole house.

Stick diffusers

The most low maintenance option is a stick diffuser. Put your scent in the vase and let the sticks do the work.

If you still plan to opt for a candle, be sure to trim the wick before each use to minimize sparking, place the candle where it can’t fall or be knocked over, and always blow out the candle anytime you leave the room or plan to leave the home.

SERVPRO is a fan of diffusers!

Toilets Cause Water Damage Too!

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

You never know when you will need emergency water restoration services, but when you do, you can count on the professionals at SERVPRO® Here are some great tips for inspecting and preventing toilet failure:

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover, lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply, and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure you can turn off the water supply. If you have older screw-type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.
• Sewage backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians have the training, equipment, protective gear, and experience to safely restore sewer backups.

When your home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® is Here to Help.®

Keeping Your Company Running During an Emergency

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

One of the biggest fears for business owners is losing any progress they have gained when disaster strikes. Once you have a business emergency plan in place, there is no need to fear in losing momentum. Whether you have a new or an established company, protect your assets by building a plan custom tailored to you.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis Survey with your more experienced employees. You will need to assess the most vulnerable areas in your company and determine how to keep the risk of loss low. Where will you conduct your business if you have to vacate the premises, for example? When is the best time to contact commercial building restoration services? With a thorough assessment of your company’s needs, you can be better prepared to continue work, whether that means renting out an area from a nearby facility or having a temporary workplace set up.

2. Develop an emergency response team. Your team should be willing and able to handle its daily responsibilities and emergency response training. If you choose, you can have yourself or the team leader trained as a Business Continuity Plan Professional by taking a course from the Disaster Recovery Institute International. A certified professional can direct your team with efficient loss prevention techniques.

3. Update your emergency response plan with new training and revisions. As your business grows and changes, your plan will need to grow and change with it. Keep your employees informed of any changes and the reasons behind them. That way, when an unexpected setback occurs, you are ready.

In the event of flood, fire, or other emergency, you would hate to lose business because you had no plan to keep the wheels running. No one can expect when a flood or fire will occur, but you can prepare for the unpredictable at any time. No occasion is better than the present to develop a business continuity plan.

Fixing a Leaky Roof After A Storm

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on your property in but for most problems, there is a pretty straightforward solution. If the most recent thunderstorm pummeled your building with hail, high winds or heavy rains, it is likely that you will have a roof leak. Here are the four steps remediation experts can take to fix it.

1. Assess the Situation

Every damaged roof is different. Your roof may show no outward signs of a problem but definite signs of leaking through the ceiling. You may see lots of debris on the outside while everything inside looks intact. Professionals know the signs to look for both inside and outside so that they can address every issue that exists.

2. Remove Wet Materials

A roof leak will inevitably get something wet that shouldn't be exposed to excess moisture. For example, if your ceiling insulation is saturated, it will likely need to be torn out and replaced. Not only is storm weather contaminated, the dampness also tends to penetrate the porous material and weaken it.

3. Dry and Disinfect

After all the unsalvageable material is gone, everything that remains must be thoroughly dried. Failure to do this could lead to secondary damage, such as mold growth. Surfaces should be dry, and dehumidifiers should be used to control the moisture in the air. After drying, technicians will disinfect every part of the structure and every item that is going to remain within it.

4. Rebuild the Structure

The last step is reconstruction. Walls, insulation and ceilings that were removed must be rebuilt. Holes in the roof are patched and missing shingles are replaced. The restoration job is not finished until your building looks as good or better than it did before the storm.

A roof leak may cause a lot of damage, but that doesn't mean it can't be fixed. When you hire trusted professionals to restore your property, you can rest assured that the problem will be resolved.

More Winter Weather Ahead! BUSINESSES BE PREPARED!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

We have already seen the impact of winter storms in our area. We are in store for much much more. Here are some tips to keep your business going in a winter storm.

• Ensure your furnace is cleaned and working properly. Also, change the filter. 
• Line up snow/ice removal. Make sure they are able to have the sidewalks and driveways cleared before anyone arrives to work. Have extra salt on hand for sidewalks. The last thing anyone wants is for someone to fall. 
• Shut off any outside water source, and have the lines cleared. This will help to prevent frozen or burst pipes when the temperatures drop. 
• Have a plan for staff. Let them know where to check for any weather related delays. Also, who they need to call if weather prevents them from coming to work. Add a storm damage restoration team to your list of emergency contacts in case of emergency. 

Winter storms can be dangerous and cause great stress to businesses, so it is essential to have a plan.