How to Prepare for a Snow Storm

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

It is typical to have some preparation for snowstorms, and there are great ways to prepare and make sure that you and your family are being as careful and cautious as possible. 

Communication

Communicating with your family about the snowstorm is a great way to make sure that you are all on the same page. When you are all on the same page about what to do and what not to do, it will be easier to make sure that the entirety of the snowstorm goes smoothly. 

Insulation

Make sure that your Insulation is installed correctly. This will make a huge difference when temperatures drop, and if it is not installed properly, it will be horrible once you realize that it wasn’t and you can’t have anyone come out to look at it because of the road conditions. 

Storm Windows

The installation of storm windows can help to keep cold air out immensely, and if this is not obtainable, covering them with plastic is a good alternative. 

Fireplace Check

If you have a fireplace, it is vital that you are getting it checked semi-regularly. This will make sure that you have no issues when temperatures drop significantly and the weather gets nasty outside. Once you know that your fireplace is in great condition, stocking up on wood or coal is a great way to ensure that you will have as much heat as possible during the storm. 

Radio/Television

It is important during the entirety of any storm to stay updated and vigilant in regard to what is happening. The best way of doing this is to always have the TV or the radio. This will help you to stay updated and make sure that you are two steps ahead of the storm and prepared for when it comes. 

There is a multitude of ways to prepare for snowstorms and there is always a chance that there may be some damage to your home, and in that case, SERVPRO is here to help you and your family 24/7.

How to Be Prepared for a Heavy Rain Storm

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Rain has been known to make an appearance all throughout the year in Northeast Ohio, so it never hurts to get a refresher on how to prepare. Ohio can have unpredictable weather, but if you know a storm is coming, you should take some time to prepare for it.

1. Inspect your roof: Look for any missing shingles or other areas of concern that may cause a leak. The last thing you want is a leaky roof over your head. While you are up there, it might be a good idea to clear out your gutters so the water can flow better.
2. Close All of Your Doors and Windows: As silly as it may sound, sometimes we need to be reminded to do the simple things. Don't forget to check that your car windows are shut as well.
3. Look at the Lawn: If the weather is nice leading up to the storm, you probably have some miscellaneous items in your yard. Make sure they are stored safely. Don’t forget to put your umbrellas down!
4. Check the Sump Pump: Make sure that it is in tip-top shape so it can shine during the storm. It is also a good idea to have a backup battery in case the power goes out.

Storms are known to cause severe damage, which makes preparation so important. By completing the following steps, you are on your way to getting through a storm safely. If the storm ever takes a turn for the worse, SERVPRO is here to help. Call us, no matter what time of day, and we will be there to help.

Being Proactive in the Event of a Power Outage

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Power outages are not as common as rain, or even snow, but they still have a chance of happening. In the occurrence of a potential power outage, you need to be proactive and prepared. Here are some things to consider during the event of a power outage. 

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed

It’s important to make sure you are not opening your refrigerator or freezer in the event of a power outage. Your refrigerator will typically keep food cool for four hours. Your freezer will keep food cold for around 48 hours. You may want to use coolers with ice for other items that you may need to keep cold.  

When you’re consuming food, make sure you’re consuming food that does not require refrigeration or freezing.  

Do not use a gas stove to heat your home 

By not using a gas stove to heat your home, you are preventing the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Check on your neighbors and other loved ones

It’s best to find out how others you care about, and others in your community are holding up. This is important for the elderly as well as those who are young. These individuals are more vulnerable to temperatures. 

Disconnect any appliances and electronics

Doing this will help you to prevent any electrical surges and any other damage that could possibly be preventable.

What a Good Emergency Ready Plan Will Look Like For Your Business

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plans are the best way to prevent any disasters from happening in your business and are a great way to be one step ahead of any mishaps. Our SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan is a great way to make sure your business is staying proactive in situations where you will need some cushion. This plan includes many advantages and will be beneficial in the long run for your business. 

A No-Cost Assessment of Your Facility 

No need to allocate funds, giving you great value at no cost.

A Concise Profile Document 

It takes just a short time to complete the profile but could save long hours of time and effort if ever needed.

A Guide to Help You to Get Back Into Your Building

Having an immediate plan of action can help minimize the downtime to your business in an emergency.

Establishes Your Local SERVPRO As Your Disaster Mitigation

You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by.

Identification of the Line of Command

You can save time and money as we begin the work of mitigating the damage.

Provides Facility Details 

Such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. You’ll have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call ahead of an emergency.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

SERVPRO will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is not uncommon and can happen at any time. Whenever you are in a mold remediation crisis, SERVPRO is here to help. But, why SERVPRO?

24/7 Emergency Service

This is great when you have an emergency. We will get to the scene of the mold and start our process as soon as possible. Our quick response will help to lessen any damage, help avoid costly repairs, and help result in less damage to your family. 

Highly-Trained Technicians 

When dealing with mold, you need to be aware that only professionals should be handling these matters. Our professionals can handle your mold problem and have credentials from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

#1 in the Cleanup and Restoration Industry

We’ve earned our reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration industry and we specialize in mold inspection and testing, mold cleanup, restoration, and more.  

Our Insurance Claims Process

Our insurance claims process is easier and we will help you to navigate the process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience. 

In the event of a mold emergency, SERVPRO is always available 24/7.

What to Include in Your Fire Safety Plan

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

• Create a plan for each room

Your fire emergency plan will be different for each room of your home because the exit points are different. Some rooms are on the first floor while some are on the second or third which requires completely different escape routes. 

• Have two ways out of each room

It is important that your plan involves two different exits out of the same room. Most people do one exit plan through the door and one exit plan through the window. This is in case one exit is blocked by flames. 

• Have yearly family meetings about evacuation plans and practice

Each year, your family should familiarize themselves again with their fire escape plan. Some exit routes may change as the house and landscaping are updated. If your master bedroom's window exit relied on the tree in your front yard that was cut down, you will have to create a new plan for that room. 

• Choose a meeting spot after evacuations 

Included in your fire escape plan should be a meeting spot for the whole family once everyone escapes from their respective rooms. This can be a local park or just your neighbor's house, but this should be set in advance so you can quickly figure out who may be stuck in the house.

What Makes SERVPRO Water Damage Specialists?

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re looking for water damage professionals, you’ve come to the right place! But you may be wondering, what makes SERVPRO water damage specialists? 

SERVPRO professionals have extensive training and experience with advanced technology that can be used to make your home look just as good as it did before you had water damage. We’ll even finish the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents! 

Our team also makes sure to document every step of the drying and restoration process. That way, you can have complete confidence that your home is dry before the restoration begins and that you know exactly what has been done to help restore your home. SERVPRO professionals also clean and sanitize your home before beginning the restoration process after the area has been dried. This way, you can feel more confident that you won’t have to worry about mold in the future. 

Water damage restoration is the cornerstone of our business here at SERVPRO, and that’s all thanks to our highly trained team and the advanced technology that’s used to dry, clean, and restore your home. With SERVPRO, your home will be looking like new in no time!

Where to Go During Flooding

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding is ranked as one of the most expensive and regularly occurring natural disasters. This is partly due to the cause of flooding which is vast precipitation and storms, as well as waterways and dams being full or damaged, which means all climate regions can be affected.

With the commonality of flooding, it’s important to know what to do and where to go during a flood. It doesn’t take much water to knock a person down or even move smaller vehicles and fixtures, so it’s important not to walk or drive through flooded roadways.

Firstly, if you’re aware of a flood or flash flood warning, it’s important to vacate areas that are likely to flood such as canyons, flatlands, dips, etc. It’s a good idea to get to higher ground whenever possible as early as possible for flooding to keep yourself safe.

In more direct situations of an evacuation or emergency order by authorities, you should leave promptly following any recommended evacuation routes if provided by authorities as regular routes may be closed. If, however, you are trapped by moving floodwater, go to the highest point possible and contact emergency services.

Flooding happens regularly, so it’s important to try to remember these things and keep flood insurance and an emergency kit available if you live in flood-prone areas. You can check flood records for your area online and keep in mind that if a flood happens, you need to stay safe first and assess damages second.

How Can SERVPRO Help Restore Your Belongings After a Fire?

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s top priority is making sure that your space and belongings are safe after you’ve suffered fire damage. Our team is dedicated to restoring your belongings and making sure you need to replace as little as possible. There are four ways this is done:

1. Contents Restoration
1. SERVPRO professionals will use several methods to clean your belongings, including dry or wet cleaning, sprays, and foam, abrasive, and immersion cleaning.
2. Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
1. If your home or office requires more extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO may conduct a move-out. This ensures a quicker remodeling process and the protection of your belongings from further damage.
3. Electronic Cleanup 
1. It is important to avoid turning on fire-damaged electronics such as TVs, DVD players, or computers. If your electronics have been damaged, SERVPRO will coordinate the restoration by having them professionally cleaned and inspected by an electronics technician.
4. Document/Photograph Drying 
1. Photographs and important documents are priceless, and at SERVPRO we know that precious items like these are irreplaceable. While there is never a guarantee that your documents can be restored to their pre-fire conditions, our SERVPRO professionals will do our best to save them via air drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, and vacuum freeze or thermal drying.

How to Prevent Water Pipes From Bursting

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to devastating situations such as floods and damages done to your home, there are great ways to be prepared, and ways to prevent these situations from happening. Here are a few staple tips for preventing water pipes from bursting that will help to protect your home from any damage in the future.

Direct Warm Air to the Colder Areas of Your Home

Pipes that usually freeze are close to a window or an outside wall. This technique will help to prevent those pipes from freezing. 

Keep Your Facets Running

During the frigid cold months, keeping your faucets running slowly will prevent the line from freezing.

Staying Up to Date on Your Home’s Temperature

In places of your home where the pipes you want to protect are located, make sure that the temperature does not get extremely low. This will help to prevent the pipes from freezing. 

Look for Air Leaks

Keeping an eye out for any air leaks can be detrimental to pipes and if they are not caught early will cause your pipes to burst. Using insulation or caulk will help to keep the cold air out. 

If you are ever in a Water Damage Emergency, SERVPRO is here to help, 24/7.