SERVPRO Should Be on Your Emergency Contact List | SERVPRO® of Rome

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

Have you or someone you know experienced water damage to your home? Call SERVPRO of Rome to get the restoration process started right away!

It may not be our favorite subject to think about, but it is something that we have to plan for: disasters. Natural disasters and manmade disasters can leave a property owner with a hefty recovery bill and a life derailed.

When you have taken steps to protect your property before a disaster can strike, and when you have a plan in place in the event that one does, you can keep your business or home running and lower your overall risks.

Here in Georgia, weather brings a variety of dangers throughout each season. In the spring, as the weather warms, strong thunderstorms and tornadoes are not unusual, while in the winter, we can see deep freezes and the occasional snowstorm.

With each kind of weather that Mother Nature brings, your home is at risk for impact, water and wind damages.

Internal threats from manmade disasters can cause just as much damage to your property as natural disasters. Failed plumbing and leaky faucets can lead to flooded spaces that not only will be at risk from water damage, but can also lead to mold buildup that could affect the structure of your home.

Fire is also a serious threat to properties, whether it be a wildfire or a fire that begins somewhere in the house. While weather threats certainly cannot be stopped, there is plenty that you can do about it. 

Have you experienced damages from a disaster, or are you ready to get a plan in place to be ready before one can strike? We are here to help 24/7/365! Contact us today if your experience a water loss. 

Understanding Water Types

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.

• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.

• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.

• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.

• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.

• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO® of Floyd County at 706-802-1085.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 3

Flooding Can Happen Anywhere

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding

• River Flooding

• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems

• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)

• Ice/Debris Jams

• Snowmelt

• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)

• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO® of Floyd County can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible. SERVPRO® of Floyd County is ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 3

Hoarding: A Serious Problem

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging.

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO® of Floyd County encounters hoarding situations several different ways. Often, SERVPRO® of Floyd County is called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on-site. One of our trained professionals will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored by SERVPRO® of Floyd County, or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin.

Another way SERVPRO® of Floyd County encounters hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO® of Floyd County is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with your insureds, call SERVPRO® of Floyd County today at 706-802-1085.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 29, Iss 4

Tips to prevent Winter Water Damage

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

During the winter months, your building is susceptible to water damage due to the colder temperatures. Once the temperature drops below freezing, the pipes of your building could become frozen and possibly burst. Additionally, the formation of ice dams on the roof can cause damage to walls, ceiling, and insulation. Taking the proper precautions can help safeguard your organization against frozen pipes and ice dams.

Frozen Pipes

These preventive measures can help avoid frozen pipes:

• Wrap any water pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures and cold drafts, and those located in unheated or non-insulated areas, with pipe insulation.
• During cold temperatures, leave open the doors of cabinets where water pipes and drains are present to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• During extremely cold weather, turn faucets to a slow drip to reduce the chance of the pipe freezing.
• Consider installing an automatic detection system that can monitor the temperature of a specific pipe. If the temperature of the pipe drops below a pre-set temperature, the unit will automatically shut off the main water valve. This will not prevent the pipe from freezing, but it will protect the pipes from bursting. To determine the best system to install for your building, contact a qualified plumber.
• Set the thermostat to 50 degrees or above when the building will be unoccupied for a prolonged period of time during cold weather. If possible, ask someone to check the building daily to see that the heating system is working properly.
• Insulate the outside walls and unheated areas of the building.
• Heat the basement, and consider weather-sealing the windows.
• Close windows near water pipes and cover open-air vents. Freezing temperatures and wind drafts are a combination that can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
• Disconnect any garden hoses, and install covers on the outside faucets.

If a pipe freezes, contact a licensed plumbing contractor as soon as possible. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water at the building’s main water valve, if possible, then contact a licensed plumbing contractor as soon as possible. A licensed plumbing contractor should be listed in your emergency contact information.

Ice Dams

Ice dams can be prevented by taking the following safety measures:

• Make sure the attic has adequate insulation and ventilation. Rust spots, rusty nails, or the odor of mildew could be an indication of insufficient ventilation.
• Consider installing soffit vents to increase ventilation.
• Seal openings in the attic, such as heat ducts, light fixtures or vent pipes.
• Keep the gutters, eaves and downspouts clean.
• Clear snow two to three feet from the roof edges with a snow rake to allow melting snow to drain and not be trapped under snow and ice.

Cold temperatures and the weather that comes along with it are unavoidable. It is important to follow the recommended tips above to prevent damage caused by frozen pipes and ice dams. In doing so, you may not only be saving money, but your organization will be able to carry on without any disruptions.

**Courtesy of https://www.guideone.com/blog/winter-water-damage

Be Prepared (Tsunamis)

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know tsunamis can hit any U.S. coast? While they are more likely to hit states on the Pacific coastline or in the Caribbean, it is good to know what to do if a tsunami does strike where you live or even where you may vacation.
Ready.gov says, “tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”), are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance, such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite.” Areas within a mile of the coast and less than 25 feet above sea level have a greater risk of being affected.
As with any emergency, be sure you have a plan in place prior. Know the evacuation plan, move inland or to higher ground, and avoid the beach. “The first wave may not be the last or the largest,” according to the National Weather Service.
After a tsunami, do not return to the affected area until officials deem it safe. While drowning is the most common hazard, there are many aftereffects, like flooding and contaminated drinking water.

Restoration Newsline Volume 30 Issue 8

Hoarding: A Serious Problem

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging.

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO® of Floyd County encounters hoarding situations several different ways. Often, SERVPRO® of Floyd County is called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on-site. One of our trained professionals will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored by SERVPRO® of Floyd County, or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin.

Another way SERVPRO® of Floyd County encounters hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO® of Floyd County is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with your insureds, call SERVPRO® of Floyd County today at 706-802-1085.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 29, Iss 4