Our Water Loss Process

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

When problems with plumbing causes excessive pooling it requires removal equipment that most homeowners do not own. Whether it's a slow leak or a full-scale burst pipe, the after-effects of crawlspaces, sub floors and carpet pads become saturated by water can cause lasting harm.

The Process of removing water:

First, we use pumps, before moving in with more precise wet/dry vacuums and extraction wands. Our technicians must pass an in depth training program before working in our franchises. Their training allows them to use advanced techniques to make sure moisture is removed and prevent secondary damage from happening. 

Floorboards can be difficult to dry, which is why we use flat lay drying techniques. A process by which a sheet is laid on the affected surface and air-circulation is applied. As the sheet inflates, water is drawn out and into the air. We have found this technique to be extremely useful in the removal of moisture from in between floorboards or gaps within your property's structure.

Sometimes carpets are pulled up, pads replaced, and sub floors inspected to ensure proper removal of moisture. Next, we can place rapid air-movers into the affected area. These circulate hot air, evaporating moisture. It is part of a two-step process that guards against the risk of mold or mildew buildup after a leak. The second step is to place humidifiers into the affected area and remove the evaporated moisture from the air.

At the conclusion of service, our technician can remove all equipment as well as any materials that need to be discarded. We then encourage a final walk through in the affected area to show you where work has been carried out, where items have been restored and what needs replacing. At SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties we know replacing items can get expensive, so we work toward restoration rather than a replacement to keep costs as low as possible for our customers.

If you need urgent water removal, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties today! 270-580-2200

Space Heater Awareness

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

Winter related fires are extremely common, especially when you are trying to keep warm. 

Placing space heaters too close to other objects or using the wrong type of heater in a particular area can cause severe problems.

Oil Heaters - Should be used in areas where there is the possibility of moisture. This eliminates any electrical hazards that may be present due to water conductivity. Always keep a safe distance to avoid contact burns. 

Electric Heaters - These heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be useful for many areas in your home. However, they should never be left unattended. Thinking of electric heaters as giant toasters can help you understand how important it is to keep a constant eye on them. Make sure you have sufficient wattage to run the device and never use extension cords.

Our SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties staff receives an incredible amount of space heater-related calls every winter. Stay warm using a space heater, just use common sense, and always follow the directions of the manufacturer.

Guidelines when operating your space heaters: 

1) Always place space heaters on a flat, solid surface for proper stabilization. 

2) Purchase heaters with an automatic shut-off feature to prevent dangers from tipping. 

3) Maintain proper spacing between heaters and other objects in your home. 

4) Never leave children or pets unsupervised around operating heaters. 

5) Shut your heaters off properly before leaving your home or going to sleep. 

These simple steps will help lessen the likelihood for a fire. If this sort of incident still strikes your home this winter season, make the call to our office. We will respond quickly and provide you with the services you need to get back to normal fast. 

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties today at (270) 580-2200

We are Here to Help you Through Fire Damages

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fires do not take holidays off. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is here for you when fire damage strikes. Whether it be from a smoke in the breakroom at work from popcorn left to long in the microwave, or a space heater left to close to a blanket at home, we are Here to Help. We know that just because we deal with emergencies every day, you do not. So, we are here to share experience with you, as we guide you through the process of making it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews work with you and your insurance to take care of the details to insure you can come out after the disaster as if the fire never occurred. We walk with you through the process, guiding you with answers, advice, and experience. We are always open to help you, call us at 270-580-2200

Keep Water Damage From Hurting Your Business

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

It can happen to anyone. It can come from a broken pipe, a sprinkler malfunction or an overflowing toilet, water damage can be inconvenient and costly. It could cause harm not only to your building but to electronics and furniture as well.

How Can Commercial Water Damage Happen?

Water damage can be devastating to a company. The following list outlines some of the most common ways your building can suffer from a water disaster: 

• A storm causing flooding.
• A toilet in the restroom leaked overnight.
• A broken pipe or water main flooded the building.
• A fire sprinkler system went off, causing an indoor rainstorm all over the office.

What Can Get Damaged Indoors With Flooding?

It only takes inches of water covering the floor to cause costly damage to carpets and walls. Give it some time, it will invite mold and wood rot. Furniture and expensive office equipment can be ruined. In severe flooding, the water may seep into the walls and damage electrical wires.

Dealing with the Aftermath of Commercial Water Damage:

First step in your plan of action, should be to address the water damage as soon as possible. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties can get started on preventing mold, cleaning soaked carpets, and restoring waterlogged surfaces. Contacting your insurance company for information on flood and water damage coverage, should be the next step taken.

Can You Prevent Water Damage?

In some cases, you can minimize damage. Regularly have your plumbing and fire sprinklers inspected and maintained to prevent leaks and busted pipes. If a major storm is approaching, prepare by placing sandbags around entrances and moving important documents and computers to a safe place. Install a water shut-off valve under your water heaters. Unfortunately, not all disasters can be prevented, but these tips can minimize severe damage. 

Don’t let a broken pipe or toilet overflow disrupt your productivity. When you take swift action to prevent or address a flood, your water damage experts may be able to help you avoid a costly emergency and keep your business—not burst pipes—running smoothly.

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Imagine pulling out your favorite fuzzy blanket, the newest favorite one you added to your blanket collection. It's toasty, and smells like springtime fresh out of the dryer. Ready for your bedtime slumber after a long day, you forgot to empty your lent trap for the next use. Your impressive blanket collection, built up an even more impressive lent collection over time and caused a lint fire. Fear not, here are some preventative tips provided by your local SERVPRO of BGMH: 

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed
   Having your dryer installed by a qualified professional, will allow you to make sure that everything is installed correctly and working as it should. This will prevent any potential safety hazards.
2. Clean the Lint Filter and Dryer Vent Regularly
   The most common cause of a dryer fire, is caused by not keeping the unit clean. You should remove lint from the filter before and after each use. Lint can also build up in the back of the dryer, so be sure to clean that area too. The dryer vent should be cleaned at least every three months to prevent blockages.
3. Dryers Should be Serviced On The Regular.
   Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the appliance at least once a year can help minimize any problems and keep the unit safe to use.
4. NO Flammable Items Near the Dryer
   If a flammable liquid has been spilled on your clothing item, you should never put it in the dryer. Be sure to keep any flammable materials away from the surrounding area as well.
5. Keep the Dryer Off Before You Leave the House
   Unattended dryers could start a fire, and spread without you being aware of it.
   Prevent your home from harm. Keep your dryer cleaned and properly maintained. In the event of smoke or fire damages, you could hire a fire restoration company like SERVPRO. We are always here to help. 

Going Greener

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Turning Fans off

7/1/2022

As temperatures start to get a bit warmer and homes and offices start to warm up also, it is important to try and save energy and money when keeping your space cool. Remember to turn off fans including ceiling fans when you leave to cut down on cost and wasted energy. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is committed to helping create and foster a green, healthy, inclusive, and positive community for all of us to enjoy and thrive in. We are ready 24/7, 365 to help you, call us at 270-580-2200 so we can help make it “Like it never even happened” when disaster from a dishwasher leak or pipe break takes its toll on your home. We are here to walk through the process with you from start to finish, helping to answer questions and guide you through the distressing situation. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties has been serving the community since 2013. We are dedicated to helping our customers when disaster strikes and helping to make it “Like it never even happened.” We are ready 24/7, 365 at 270-580-2200 to help you. #SERVPRO #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #HereToHelp #ReBuildingStories

Frozen water pipe? Here are some tips to help.

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Pipe frozen

Frozen water pipes are a serious risk during very cold winter weather. When water freezes in a pipe it expands and can exert pressure at over 2,000 pounds per square inch. This pressure is enough to rupture almost any pipe filled with water, which provides no place for the ice to expand. A burst pipe can spill several hundred gallons of water per hour, and that equates to thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when they are located:

• in an outside wall
• in a cabinet under a sink (especially near an outside wall)
• in an unheated crawl space or basement

If your pipe is frozen but not yet ruptured, you must thaw it right away. There are a few thawing techniques to try, depending on where the frozen pipe is located.

Warning: Never use a blow torch or other open flame to thaw a pipe. This presents a serious fire hazard and can damage the pipe.

A frozen pipe that hasn't burst yet often reveals itself at a faucet: when you turn on the faucet and no water come out or it has slowed to a trickle, there's probably a blockage of ice somewhere in the line. It's time to take immediate action: 

• Shut off the water to the faucet locally or at the home's main water shutoff valve.
• Open the faucet that is supplied by the frozen pipe; do this even if you don't know where the blockage is.
• Identify the frozen pipe and locate the blockage: Follow the pipe back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas, such as an exterior wall or unheated crawl space. Look for areas on the pipe that have frost or ice; it may also be slightly bulged or fissured.

When you find that the frozen—but not yet burst—pipe is behind a wall or ceiling, you've got a challenge on your hands. You have three options for thawing the pipe:

• Turn up the heat in the house and wait.
• Cut out a section of the wall or ceiling to access the frozen section of pipe, then thaw the pipe as an exposed pipe (see next slide).
• Use an infrared lamp to help heat the wall section in front of where you believe the pipe is frozen. Infrared lamps are better than regular heat lamps because they pass through the air without heating it and will direct more energy to warming the wall and frozen pipe.

If the frozen pipe is exposed, you have several options for thawing it. Whichever remedy, use heat the pipe from the faucet toward the frozen area. This allows water to flow out as the ice melts.

• Hair dryer: Usually the easiest and safest way to thaw a pipe. If the pipe is close to the wall, place a cookie sheet behind the pipe to help radiate heat onto the backside of the pipe.
• Heat lamp: You can use an infrared or incandescent heat lamp. As with a hair dryer, if the pipe is close to the wall, use a cookie sheet behind the pipe to help reflect heat onto the pipe.
• Portable heater: A small, powerful heater works great for warming pipes under a kitchen or vanity base cabinet. Direct the heater onto the frozen section of pipe. It will work like a hair dryer on steroids!
• Electric pipe heat tape: Heat tape is a ribbon-like wrap that contains electrical heating elements. You wrap it around the pipe you want to heat and plug it into the wall. The temperature of the tape is controlled with a thermostat. Heat tape can also be used to prevent pipes from freezing in critical areas; you can leave the heat tape on the pipe and plug it in only when needed.

There are a few things you can do to prevent the problem of freezing pipes from occurring again:

• Leave the faucet dripping slightly during the coldest time of the day or night.
• Open the cabinet doors to allow the heated air from the room to reach pipes inside the cabinet.
• Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.
• Insulate problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces. Note: Insulation merely slows the transfer of heat and will not prevent a pipe from freezing if the surrounding air is cold enough.
• Heat unheated areas with a permanent heater, just to keep the temperature above freezing, or about 40 degrees F. Warning: Do not use portable heaters, which should never be left running unattended.
• Remove garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets (hose bibs or sill cocks). If the faucet is not a frost-proof type, turn off the water to the faucet inside the house and drain the exterior section of the pipe and faucet.

What to throw out and what to save?

2/26/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage information

Flooding in your home, is a downright disaster. Once your family is safe and you’ve checked with your insurance, it’s time to begin content cleaning. This is the first step to returning your home to its previous condition.

Is It Safe to Keep?

Your instinct might be to try to throw away everything that has been submerged in flood waters. However; there are many items you may be able to safely save, clean and restore. Depending on what type of water they were exposed to, items such as drapes, clothing and other material goods might be able to be saved by washing them. This could be in your washing machine or dry cleaning, depending on the type of material. Other items that could be saved and restored include these:

• Rugs
• Furniture
• Toys
• Collectibles

Don’t Risk It; Throw It Away

Certain items should always be thrown away once exposed to flooding. Content cleaning cannot save these, especially if they were exposed to black water. Flood waters will make these unsafe for use or consumption:

• Food or beverages
• Medical supplies
• Clothing or canvas items
• Building supplies such as carpets, pads, drywall, and wood floors

Getting Help Cleaning Up

Start cleanup as soon as it’s safe for you to enter the flooded area. You want to protect yourself with gloves, masks, long pants and sleeves and rubber-soled shoes. The less exposure to contaminated water and items, the better.

When preforming content cleaning after a water backup or residential flooding, don’t go at it alone. Get help from friends, family, or professionals. They’ll be able to help you sort out which items are salvageable, and which are better off sent to the dumpster and replaced with new ones. 

Safety during a Storm

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage information

Severe weather can happen at any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 tornadoes
• 2 land falling deadly hurricanes

Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms, and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.  If you incur any damage during a storm, we can help!  SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties.  270-580-2200.

How can SERVPRO help with Fire Damage?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Woman with fire damage

What would you do if you came home after a stressful day at work, and your house is on fire? Or you were about lock up for the night and you smell something burning and the business is in flames in the back room? Well, you’re going to call the fire department first but who is going to take care of all the damage and soot on the inside? SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties will take care of all your worries. We’re trained with all proper licenses to be able to handle fire damage cleanup.

To be able to give you the best result we can, it’s best that we start as soon as we have approval from adjuster. We have a “pack away” with customers permission, we pack up personal items, we clean items and return them at the end. We have non-salvageable sheets and we bag up what we think is not savable and with your permission, we trash them. After everything has been removed from the house, we clean the ceiling with a sponge and that removes soot off ceiling. Then, we use a two-step method of cleaning the walls. We go through the affected walls and our crew work together as a team, one will go through the wall with the first chemical and then the second person will wipe with another chemical. We also, clean the HVAC units in your home to make sure all the soot, smoke, and any other debris that could be in the system gets cleaned out. We clean all the furniture that was in the house and remove soot. Once we are finished inside the house, we clean all floors if they didn’t get removed from damage. We will also provide one more specialized service at the end of cleaning process to get rid of any other smell that didn’t get completely out during the cleaning process. If you have a fire in your home or business, let the professionals help you! SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties. Contact us at 270-580-2200

Do you have Water Damage at your commercial building?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Office with water damage

Commercial Water Loss projects are costly not only because the expense of the restoration can be higher based on the larger size of the project, but also from the potential lost business that will be a concern if normal operations are disrupted.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties has worked with many commercial customers over the years who have been concerned that the restoration process could be expensive from the point of view that their customers will not be able to continue using the business during the recovery.    

Routinely, SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties will work with the business owner to schedule the restoration work to minimize potential lost business.    

One way to handle this challenge is to perform the restoration during off peak-business-hours so normal operations can continue during the day with a minimum of impact. We were able to arrange this work plan with two medical centers.  They had water damage that required SERVPRO to work after business hours, working through the night and early morning. Our crews were able to get the medical centers up and running by the following Monday morning, saving the business operational time. 

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification - IICRC

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

IICRC

In the fire and water restoration business, it is important to perform all work in accordance with industry standards. Standards create a set of best practices to ensure restoration work is effective, and protects the health and safety of both workers and occupants. In the restoration industry, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the certifying body in the United States.

The IICRC develops and maintains standards for many facets of property restoration. It is the most utilized technical information in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. IICRC is ANSI-accredited, and recognized by some local, state and federal authorities.

Certification classes are taught by IICRC-approved instructors. There are over 25 certifications and continuing education requirements to maintain certification. This helps us keep all certified technicians refreshed and updated on any changes that may arise in the industry. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm. We are listed in the IICRC global locator, which is accessed by consumers and industry professionals.

A list of Certifications that is offered:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

• Applied Structural Drying Technician

• Building Moisture Thermography

• Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician

• Carpet Cleaning Technician

• Commercial Drying Specialist

• Color Repair Technician

• Floor Care (Hard Surfaces) Technician

• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician

• House Cleaning Technician

• Odor Control Technician

• Rug Cleaning Technician

• Resilient Floor Inspector

• Resilient Flooring Maintenance Technician

• Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician

• Senior Carpet Inspector

• Stone, Masonry and Ceramic Tile Cleaning Technician

• Trauma and Crime Scene Technician

• Upholstery and Fabric Technician

• Wood Floor Maintenance Technician

• Wood and Laminate Flooring Inspector

• Water Damage Restoration Technician

If you want to learn more about the IICRC, please visit IICRC.org.

What do I do when I have water damage?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can come from a plumbing leak. What will you do when you find this? Call SERVPRO!

Many of us do not know the first steps to take in the event of water damage in our homes. SERVPRO has over 40 years of leadership and training in cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO has put together a few Do’s and Don’ts to help in the event of water damage in your home.

Water Damage from Clean Water

DO:

• Shut off the source of the water as quickly as possible.
• Turn off any circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the breaker box is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping & blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove any documents, computers and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards are at risk.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches or circuit breakers are exposed to water/
• Leave books, newspapers. Magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove excess water. This could cause electrical shock or damage the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceilings are wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water

COVID-19 Cleaning

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need:

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tablets. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19.
Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of COVID-19, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local
authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning: (270)580-2200. If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties

Preparing Our Youth For Disasters and Emergencies

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Kids preparing for storms in schools

When the unexpected happens, will your child know what to do? Disaster can strike anywhere, usually with little to no warning. If your child is put in an emergency situation and doesn't know how to react, they could be severely hurt and may even feel significant anxiety that can follow them for years. With the proper education, though, your child can feel more secure, confident and helpful in the event of a disaster.

Preparing Our Youth

Ultimately, it takes the whole community to educate our youth through preparedness tips and advice. With everyone doing their part, children will understand the seriousness of an emergency situation and strive to become leaders in their classrooms and neighborhoods, ensuring that everybody is prepared for the next disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross and the Department of Education have worked together to create the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education a document that outlines a vision for prepared youth in the United States, and how communities can turn that vision into a reality. This document seeks to educate youth and their parents so that communities are better able to prepare for, respond to and recover from future disasters.

How to Prepare Youth for Emergencies and Disasters with Nine Steps

The National Strategy document indicates nine crucial steps that people and organizations at the local, state and federal levels should take to create a strong and prepared youth community. Here's how you can help prepare young people for several types of emergencies and disasters:

1. Make it important. Elevating the importance of youth preparedness learning programs in schools and civic organizations allows children to recognize that being prepared is crucial throughout every area of the community.
2. Evaluate. If existing youth preparedness programs aren't up to par, develop guidance, tools and up-to-date protective actions in order to ensure that the children in your community are given proper direction.
3. Support. Communities, organizations and schools should be able to prepare children without facing unnecessary resistance or interference.
4. Create. Establish a relationship between local youth and the first responder community, so that your kids can understand how first responders react in emergency situations. Your kids can also learn from their own heroes what they can do to help in a disaster.
5. Link. Connect youth preparedness to family and community participation, so that your child can become an advocate in your area.
6. Make school preparedness key. Schools, by their nature, promote broad community participation already, so adding preparedness programs that include curricula, drills and exercises for all local disasters can help children understand what to do when faced with a crisis.
7. Build and strengthen. Creating and maintaining partnerships among stakeholder agencies and organizations allows your community to receive up-to-date information about youth preparedness best practices. Local leaders can also be advocates to discuss your community's needs, especially if your area is prone to certain natural disasters.
8. Identify. Find opportunities to insert youth preparedness education into youth culture, such as using social media or local ads to initiate a conversation about the importance and effectiveness of preparedness programs.
9. Design. Create a sustaining model that designs, develops and delivers valuable programs to train youth in your community. Since certain areas are known to have specific recurring natural disasters, it's important to create a plan that's unique to your community's needs.

By implementing these nine priority steps in your community, your children can receive training to help them feel confident when faced with a disaster. Giving them the tools they need to understand how to prepare for, respond to and recover from several types of emergencies – from fires to floods and more – can make all the difference when disaster actually strikes.

What Makes SERVPRO Stand Out

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

As a restoration company, our aim is to be the trusted resource among clients. We ensure that we follow industry standard protocols. Our staff members go through IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) training to be best prepared for all the services we offer. They are also certified with OSHA, Lead, and Asbestos awareness. We maintain a large inventory of equipment for residential and commercial work. The extensive list was added to this past week with more equipment being sent to our team. Air movers, dehumidification equipment, air scrubbers, specialty drying equipment including desiccants and generators all help complete the work in a timely manner. Lastly, our team members utilize technology and client documentation to make sure that everything is recorded properly. Our proprietary software that documents and records all the essential information is needed to make sure that these pieces are easily accessible. 

Halloween Fire and Safety Tips

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

For kids, Halloween is often one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Dressing up, trick-or-treating, candy, parties, hayrides and corn mazes make for great fun and amazing childhood memories. Unfortunately, Halloween has become a holiday with increasing numbers of home fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations were the first item ignited in an estimated average of 860 reported home structure fires every Halloween between 2009 and 2013. These fires resulted in an average of 13 million dollars in direct property damage per year. At such a high cost, it’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to help prevent a fire from igniting in your home this season.

To help you enjoy a safer holiday, follow these important Halloween safety tips from the experts at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY: DECORATIONS

Use these tips to help prevent your Halloween decorations from catching fire:

Pumpkin Safety

The traditional jack-o-lantern features a smiling or spooky face that’s illuminated from within by a candle. Placing candles inside a cleaned-out pumpkin is a fire hazard. In fact, any lit candle left unattended is a Halloween fire hazard. If they’re inside pumpkins, they can tip over, ignite surrounding materials and cause a fire. To stay safe, use a battery-operated candle or LED light to illuminate your festive pumpkins.

Candle Safety

Using paper bag luminaries or lining a mantle, porch stairs or windowsills with lit candles can create an eerie effect for Halloween night. However, this type of decorating is a fire hazard and poses a risk of injury to you and your guests. To help prevent a fire from decorative candles, replace them with battery-operated, no-flame candles that still provide the same spooky ambiance.

Decoration Safety

Some decorations, both inside and outside of your home, can be dangerous if left near a heat source. Straw, hay bales, corn stalks and other dry materials are flammable. To protect your home from a fire, keep these decorations away from any kind of heat source, including fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles and outdoor fire pits.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY: YARD MAINTENANCE

Halloween has the potential to bring plenty of residents through your lawn. To help keep trick-or-treaters and their parents safe, check that your yard is properly maintained and has adequate lighting. Before night falls, complete these tasks:

• Remove large amounts of debris, including leaves or sticks, to help reduce the risk of trips and falls.
• Check that the exterior lights are working properly, including any path lights or Halloween decorations.
• Ensure that steps and railing are secure, if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help keep everyone safe. We hope you have a happy and fun Halloween this year!

Unfortunately, accidents still happen. In the event that a fire broke out in your home, call on the experts at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. We’re available 24/7 every day of the year to get your home back to normal after a disaster. With the proper expertise, tools and innovative equipment, we can restore your home fast. Learn more about our residential fire and smoke damage removal services before the unexpected happens.

How to Recover From Fire Damage

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can sweep through a commercial building quickly. The sooner the flames are put out, the less damage there will be. However, water is one of the main ways to stop a fire, and water damage can sometimes wreak just as much destruction on a property as the fire itself.

Water damage after a fire can occur from the water hoses firefighters use, as well as the activation of the built-in sprinkler systems inside a commercial building. Find out how your business can recover from both types of water damage after a fire with help from the experts at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties.

THE TRUTH ABOUT WATER DAMAGE

Excess water can soak everything inside a building, including equipment, electronics, upholstery, flooring and building materials. The longer water sits, the greater the risk that your building's contents will be permanently damaged or destroyed. Beyond the physical damage water can cause, moisture can also cause mildew and mold growth. If mold has an opportunity to spread in your business, you could face additional damage or restoration costs in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. That's why immediate water extraction after a fire is crucial.

Whenever water damage occurs, take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

After officials have declared it safe to re-enter the building, document the fire and water damage. Create a list of all items that were damaged or destroyed, and take plenty of photos before attempting any clean-up. Provide your insurance with as many details as possible about your losses so they can properly adjust your claim.

2. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, and advise your agent about any repairs you intend to make immediately. The agent may advise you to wait for an adjuster to visit your commercial property before you make repairs or begin the clean-up process.

3. REMOVE EXCESS WATER

Open doors and windows to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate and dry your building. If possible, use a sump pump to remove excess water.

4. PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE

Mold and mildew can begin to grow within one to two days of water damage. To prevent extensive damage to your property, contact a professional water restoration company right away.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WATER RESTORATION SERVICES

In order to minimize damage, removing excess water as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. A professional water restoration company will work to save as much equipment as they can, including saving your business's electronics after water damage. They'll also restore your commercial property back to its former state to help you get back to business.

When you call for water restoration services, you can expect professional technicians to help in the following ways:

• Use specialized equipment to quickly remove all water.
• Thoroughly dry affected areas, including wall cavities, flooring and other building materials.
• Get rid of remaining moisture in the building by dehumidifying affected areas.
• Conduct an expert mold and mildew inspection and provide treatments, if necessary.
• Conduct thorough bacteria inspection and treatment to ensure the building is safe to return to.
• Restore the building and any items that are salvageable.

Dealing with water damage after a fire can be challenging and stressful. When you call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties, you won’t have to go through it alone. Our commercial water damage services use state-of-the-art equipment to get your business up and running again. With a commitment to be at your side every step of the way, we'll work with you to develop a comprehensive plan that restores your building and helps you get back to business.

Flooding and your Business's Electronics

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

If you're like most business owners, your office electronics are the lifeblood of your company. In the event that a disaster strikes, all your records could be impaired and permanently lost, including invaluable company records, customer information, and even communication.

In the aftermath of a flood, it's important to know what to do to mitigate the effects of water damage on your computer systems and other electronics. If you act quickly enough, you may be able to save more information and get your business back on its feet faster. Find out what you should do after an emergency and when to call on the professionals after your equipment or technology has been damaged by high humidity, directly hit, or completely submerged in water with these helpful tips from SERVPRO.

DAMAGE TYPE: HIGH HUMIDITY

Humidity spikes can occur in a room with standing water or other significant water damage. Surprisingly, delicate electronics like computers, printers, work phones, fax machines and other devices can still be damaged even without direct contact to the water source. That's because in humid conditions, dust can turn into sludge and cling to wiring and circuit boards. This is even more likely if the flooding or high humidity was caused by an office fire that produced smoke damage to electronics.

What to do: In all instances of high humidity water damage, professional electronic restoration services are recommended to bring your equipment back to normal conditions. A professional cleaning provides a better chance that your costly electronics and devices can be fully restored to preloss condition.

DAMAGE TYPE: DIRECT HIT

Electronics can sustain a direct hit from running or splashing water without being completely submerged. This scenario can occur from accidental spills, water overflow, leaks, floods and virtually any other water-related incident. When direct hits to your electronics happen, try to remove them from the water source as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

What to do: Often, computer water damage from a direct hit looks worse from the outside than it actually is on the inside. Commercial restoration and cleaning, including an adequate drying period, can remove contaminants left by the water and restore the equipment to proper functioning, usually at least long enough to recover crucial data. However, there is always a risk of circuit board corrosion. Over time, you may need to replace either essential components, or the entire device.

DAMAGE TYPE: SUBMERSION

Submersion occurs when the electronic equipment has actually been completely covered in standing water – and possibly even muddy silt and sediment – for a period of hours or days. This type of damage can happen in serious disasters where people are unable to get to the office for long periods of time, or during weekends or holiday breaks when a pipe may burst and nobody is notified until the next business day.

What to do: Unfortunately, electronics that have been submerged are not usually good candidates for electronic restoration services. This is because most submersion incidents cause the computers to short out and damage the internal circuits beyond repair. While you could potentially replace damaged parts and have the equipment professionally cleaned, it may be prohibitively expensive unless your items were specially designed or extremely costly. In submersion cases, we recommend completely replacing your electronics and notifying your insurance about each damaged item.

Remember, if your business has sustained flood or water damage, it is never safe to just turn on your electronics afterward to test them. You run the risk of electrical shock, and even further damage to your equipment. That's why you should call on us. Our water damage restoration services work quickly with the innovative tools and expertise necessary to fix your equipment. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties to learn how we can get your business back up and running fast.

Commercial Cleaners Create a Safer and More Healthy Workspace

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Safety is a priority for a business owner for their employees and customers. The right janitorial company can play a crucial role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. It can also help keep your business in compliant with health and safety regulations. When a customer or employee walk into a facility a key factor to prevent an injury or an illness is to make sure the following items have been done:

Help prevent slips, trips and falls inside and outside your building:

• Parking Lots and Sidewalks – Check for potholes, uneven walkways, broken parking blocks. Properly mark any changes in elevation of walkways. Correctly mark all parking spaces.
• Inside Building: Install non- slip mats in front of doors to wipe wet feet. Place same mats in front of ice machines, sinks and drinking fountains. If there are wet floors, place caution signs.

Proper Lighting and Electrical Components:

• Make sure all emergency lighting is installed and checked regularly to make sure they are working. All exit signs are always visible and illuminated.
• In bathrooms and kitchens should have ground fault breakers. Make sure workstation outlets are not overloaded which could cause a fire.

Cleanliness of Workspace:

• Daily disinfecting of bathrooms and cafeterias to stop cross-contamination of the spreading of germs from colds and flu.

Emergency Fire Equipment:

• Make sure all fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are hardwired with a battery backup and are checked on a regular basis.
• Check fire escapes to make sure they are functioning and clear of any objects or debris.
• Sprinkler System is up to code and has been inspected and records kept on file.
• Portable Fire Extinguishers should be kept on each floor of the building and easily accessible. Teach each employee how to properly use an extinguisher. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

A safe workspace keeps employees productive, attract customers, and protects your business from potential lawsuits. Keeping employees and customers safe isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also important for your business.

Looking for a commercial janitorial company, please call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200 

How to Locate a Bathtub or Shower Leak

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

If you suspect water damage in your property, contact SERVPRO

Though some water leaks throughout your central Kentucky, home can be easy to spot, there're a vast amount of others that require more than a casual glance. A shower or bathtub leak, for example, can fall into the latter category, as they're a variety of places for leaks to emerge from in these areas. If you need help identifying a shower water leak, read how to locate one without much hassle effectively. Once the source has been identified, contacting a trained water restoration team can ensure your home removes any water damage, as well.

Check the Common Sources First

Before tearing into the tile work or uprooting your tub, it pays to investigate the more apparent areas first. After a shower, inspect familiar sources such as the:

• Showerhead face,
• The O-ring between the showerhead and arm,
• Faucet handles, and the areas surrounding them, or
• Caulking at the base or surrounding of a shower/tub combination.

Leak issues are generally noticeable in these spaces and can be detected by sight after running water through your shower.

Have a Professional Inspect Your Shower Pan

A shower pan leak is another usual spot for an issue, especially in tiled shower designs. These leaks can start from the pan being too old and faulty or merely due to a new one being installed incorrectly. Therefore, it pays to have someone inspect this space as a potential cause for any shower or bathtub leak.

Determine the Severity of the Issue by Searching the Levels Below

There's no more precise indication of a bad water leak within your shower floor than through the ceiling or flooring directly below the shower itself. Look for signs of water damage or condensation on the ceiling beneath a second-story shower or throughout your crawl space below a first-floor shower.

When eliminating a bathroom leak in your home follow any of these efficient methods for a quick solo inspection before contacting a professional for further assistance. For additional questions, contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties.

4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to prevent water damage in your Kentucky property.

With the school year coming to an end, this means kids will be “flooding” into homes this summer. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties for preventing water damage while your kids are home.

1. Be Careful Where You Plant.

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean Out Roof Gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.

3. Use a Drain Snake Instead of Unclogging Chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

4. Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease in an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays.

Safety Tips During a Storm

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Being prepared for a storm is the best way to stay safe!

Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These casualties are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.

1. Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.

2. Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.

3. Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.

4. Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.

5. Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.

6. If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.

Who Can Clean Up My Shop After a Sprinkler System Malfunction?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause unnecessary stress to a business owner. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to remediate the damage.

Our team has a fast response to help protect your wares and goods after a water loss in your shop and to get you back up and running as soon as possible.

It can often be a considerable challenge to address not only standing water concerns in your shop but also the effect that these conditions can have on your stock. Direct exposure can be devastating to many materials, so our SERVPRO team needs to respond as promptly as possible so that more of these wares do not suffer the same fate. With a location right in Breckinridge County, we can mobilize quickly with the full measure of our extraction, drying, and cleaning equipment.

For as problematic as water damage in shops like yours can be, many property owners still often choose to address these concerns on their own. While it might initially appear to handle the issues more efficiently, there are many shortcomings with DIY restoration. From content management through drying efforts that can penetrate beyond surface damage, our professionals have the experience that can more thoroughly and completely remove moisture and water loss effects.

What Do I Do with My Stock After a Water Loss?

As a business owner, one of the most considerable investments that you make is in the wares in stock that you sell to your customers. When water losses occur in our area, these wares could be in jeopardy. One of the most effective methods for protecting this investment in your business is allowing our technicians to either relocate or remove these items to our nearby warehouse for more intricate and focused cleaning.

• On-Site Relocation - Undoubtedly, some items are within the path of the migrating water damage but have not yet become affected or damaged by this spreading threat. Our technicians can remove these items from the drying zone to a safer location. By doing this, our team can remove the need for cleaning and restoration of these items.
• On-Site Cleaning and Restoration - There are many instances where relocation might not be the best option for the wares in your shop. On-site cleaning utilizes many of our potent cleaning products and techniques to restore your stock where it is stored. 
• Off-Site Recovery - Through our pack-out procedures, we can carefully protect and move belongings from your shop to our warehouse for focused cleaning efforts. Not only can we effectively dry these materials there, but we can also work on aspects like surface cleaning, deodorization, and safe storage.

How Does the Carpet Get Dried and Cleaned?

Carpeted areas are not uncommon in small shops here in the city. When sprinklers malfunction, however, these carpeted areas can become figurative magnets for pooling water and saturation concerns. With the use of several sophisticated tools, our professionals can work to remove trapped water from carpet and padding layers to protect the flooring from requiring removal and discarding. Some of the ways that our professionals can extract, dry, and later clean these flooring materials include:

• Carpet Wands
• Floating
• Hot Water Extraction

Will SERVPRO Repair the Damaged Plumbing?

One of the biggest questions that property owners might have after a loss incident stemming from broken fixtures is what subcontractors are necessary to get the job done. While many look to our SERVPRO professionals to offer fast and reliable restoration, many do not realize that we also offer real-time construction solutions from the temporary board up and tarping through a full-scale reconstruction of areas where the material was discarded. Some of the highlights of having commercial and residential contractors on staff include:

• Licensed In-House Commercial Contractors – With licensed contractors on our roster, we can offer more precise controlled demolition, faster build-back, and a seamless and efficient transition from upgrading. 
• Assessment – With experienced building trade professionals at the helm of this division, you get accurate assessments of structural concerns.
• Repairs – With specializing in areas like plumbing, flooring reinstallation, and general contracting, we can prioritize efforts like repairing the damaged sprinkler element so that this suppression system can get recharged and returned to operation. 

How Soon Can My Shop Reopen?

An immediate concern of business owners is how water losses are going to affect their bottom line. It is always a priority of our SERVPRO team to get you back in business as quickly as possible. Depending on the affected areas, it can even be possible to contain the drying zone in a smaller portion of the shop floor, allowing you to continue operating in a limited capacity until restoration completes.

No matter what your business needs to get back to preloss condition, our SERVPRO team can help. Give us a call anytime at (270)580-2200.

Structural Fire Damage in Our Territory?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties today at (270) 580-2200 if you need help with professional fire damage restoration.

Every year, structural burns account for a large percentage of residential insurance claims. The most common cause of blazes is cooking mishaps. Once the flames ignite, the smoke coming from it can travel through your home and cause several other issues.

During many fire damage projects in our territory, our technicians find that smoke causes issues, including residue-coated surfaces and unpleasant smells. To completely restore your structure after it suffers from smoke damage, our SERVPRO team can take the following measures:

• Removal of Residues: Depending on the surfaces that got affected, we can use water-based solutions or dry methods to clean off of your walls, ceilings, or contents.
• Fogging Procedures: If burnt aromas are still prevalent after all surfaces have been cleaned, then we can utilize either an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) or thermal fogger that dispenses deodorants into the form of a mist or fog.
• Ozone Generation: We can also use a machine that dispenses O3 into the air that oxidizes malodor molecules.

If you ever have a cooking mishap and a fire starts inside your house, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200.

Can Smoke Damaged Carpets Be Cleaned In My Home?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

To schedule a service call, contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200.

SERVPRO Can Restore Carpets in Your Home

Fire can do more than damage your carpet, it can leave behind unpleasant odors. These odors can be the hardest thing to remove after a fire, especially from carpet. The odors can become trapped in carpet fibers leaving you with a constant reminder of the fire you want to forget.

Do I Have To Remove My Carpet?

As long as there is no burn damage, you do not have to remove your carpet. SERVPRO offers carpet cleaning services that will get your carpet looking like new again. We have a range of services, including:

    •    Bonnet Cleaning
    •    Hot Water Extraction
    •    Deluxe Precondition and Rinse
    •    Showcase Premier Cleaning

We can get any carpet clean and ensure that smoky odors do not linger. Should any of the carpet be permanently damaged, we will remove it for you.

Is The Carpet Safe Once The Odors Are Gone?

Fires cause enough damage, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether the carpet is clean and safe. Can your kids and pets sit or play on the carpet? The answer is yes. SERVPRO provides professional carpet cleaning that removes all traces of fire odor.

We offer SERVPRO Cleaned standards which meet the requirements of the Center for Disease Control and state health agencies. The deep cleaning service even removes any other build-up and debris that may have been trapped in your carpet, making it overall a safe place to have a seat.

What Is The Next Step?

Call us today to schedule an inspection. How far the smoke traveled through your home will affect the level of carpet damage. We will assess the damage and begin work right away. Cleaning time frames can vary, depending on how much damage was done.

To schedule a service call, contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270) 580-2200.

How Do I Know if I Need Flood Restoration After a Storm Hits Kentucky?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm causes flooding in your home, calling the certified technicians at SERVPRO is your best recourse. We are standing by 24/7.

SERVPRO is Available 24/7 for Water Damage Restoration in Our Territory

Anyone who lives in Kentucky knows that thunderstorms can come in fast and furious in the summer. It could be nice and sunny for most of the day, and then suddenly, a fierce storm can strike your neighborhood. Rainstorms often bring with them high-speed winds and sometimes even hail or grapple. This combination of negative weather occurrences could create a situation where your structure gets breached. 

During flood damage restoration, our SERVPRO technicians often find that a branch or a rock that blew from the wind gets thrown into your house and breaks a window or part of your roof. Once the inside of your structure gets exposed to the elements, more issues could take place. For example, if it is still raining heavily after one of your windows breaks, moisture can leak in from the hole and damage your building materials and contents.

If items inside your house ever get wet after a storm, our SERVPRO can help you by providing the following services:

• Emergency Services after Water Damage
• Leaking Roof from Storms
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Flood Restoration
• Water Removal Services
• Water Clean Up

Since rainwater comes from the outdoors, there is a chance it is contaminated, so we classify it as a category two water damage, and we take extra steps to get rid of contaminants. If any of your carpets or other porous materials got wet, we can remove them and then spray antibacterial disinfectants on your non-porous building materials like floorboards and wall studs.

If water ever comes into your house after a branch shatters one of your windows, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties.

After Storm Tips

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 270-580-2200 if you experience flooding.

Here are some tips in case you encounter flooding or flash flooding. 

• Photograph The Damage. You can never take too many photos. Your insurance company will thank you and you will have a much easier time with your claim if you have good photos.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider. As soon as you have gathered preliminary information, you should contact your home insurance provider. In the event that your vehicle has suffered damage, contact your auto insurance provider.
• Safety First. Be mindful of fallen power lines and take care not to come in contact with electrically charged water.
• Inspect Plumbing. Turn of your water main if necessary. Contact a trusted plumbing contractor if you discover plumbing damage.
• Disconnect electrical appliances that have come in contact with water. Turn off main power at the power source. Contact a electrician if you discover damaged electrical wires.
• Inspect your roof. Heavy rains and wind may have dislodged some of your roofing. If you discover any damage, contact a roofing contractor.
• Contact SERVPRO of NW Portland. If the storm has resulted in flooding, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties immediately to start the water remediation process. Secondary water damage can occur in as little as 24 hours.
• DO NOT attempt to remove fallen trees yourself. Contact a reputable arborist if the tree is on your property or the appropriate municipality if it has fallen across public lands or roads.
• Always work with trustworthy local service providers. Unfortunately, there are some companies that attempt to take advantage of storm events. Always obtain a written contract that outlines the service expectations and a breakdown of costs.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a storm 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. If storm damage strikes your home, trust the damage restoration industry leader. 270-580-2200

Saving Money

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Saving as Business Owners

When you own or operate a small business, you typically don’t have unlimited financial resources to stay afloat. It is critical to manage your expenses so you can control cash outflow from your company. If your business is in a commercial building, your utility bills can make up a large amount of your monthly expenses. Managing and reducing energy consumption is a sure way to lower your bills, and keep more money in your business.

- Insulation Saves Energy

One fairly inexpensive way to reduce energy costs is insulating your property. You can save up to 10% of your energy bill by installing proper insulation and sealing your building. Sealing drafty windows is a great start, as well as adding insulation to exterior walls. Additionally, sealing around plumbing penetrations and correcting leaks in HVAC ducts is helpful.

- Turn Off Lights and Computers

At the end of the business day, have your employees power down their computers, and turn off all lights. Modern laptop computers and LED lighting consume far less electricity than their older counterparts. However, they still use a small amount of energy. Fully shutting off computers and lights can still result in savings in the long run.

- Utilize Smart Building Technology

Modern building controls, including programmable thermostats, are a great way to limit energy consumption. Smart thermostats can help you build a heating and cooling schedule that keeps your employees comfortable during business hours, while cutting back on usage during times that nobody is present. Motion-sensing light switches turn lights on when people are in a room, and automatically turn them off when no motion is detected. This minimizes electrical consumption, and cuts down your electric bill.

- Maintain your HVAC system

Dirty HVAC systems consume more energy to operate than a clean, well-maintained system. Clogged filters, dirty refrigeration coils, and dust buildup in the supply and return ducts all add resistance to airflow. The blowers have to work harder to push air, and consume more power as a result. Changing filters regularly, and scheduling periodic duct cleaning, can save you money in the form of reduced utility bills.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties can address your HVAC cleaning needs. We have the tools and training to keep your HVAC system running cleanly and efficiently, so you can keep a handle on energy consumption expenses in your business.

How Do I Get Water Out of My Kitchen?

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

When you are surprised by water damage in the morning as you are getting ready to go to work, please remember that SERVPRO is waiting to help you out.

Bring in a SERVPRO Water Removal Team to preserve your home  

The water line leading into your refrigerator broke down about 12:30 am on Saturday. You didn’t notice it, of course, until you got up for coffee eight hours later. Then you feel it between your toes as you splash your way around, trying to find the leak and turn off the water.

What are Water Removal Technicians going to do when they get here?

First, they are going to isolate the leak and turn it off or block it if you have not been able to do so. Next, team members use a pump or an extractor for physical water removal from your kitchen, depending on how deep it might be. Once they accomplish that, other team members use tools like long-handled squeegees to push any trace water off the surface, allowing natural evaporation to begin, releasing water into the air. 

Next, one of our technicians performs a visual inspection and uses a thermal camera to examine the sub-floor. She does this to determine a couple of key issues:

• Is there a crack or split in the kitchen flooring?
• If yes, did it allow water to spill into the sub-floor area?

If the answer is yes to either question, our technicians can take positive action. Each team has the skills to make repairs to linoleum and other floor coverings, or remove and replace damaged flooring so it looks exactly as before, or better than it was before the spill. Before replacement, they go into the sub-floor and use commercial grade water pumps with flexible hoses to remove water. 

Once everything is back in place, SERVPRO technicians then place a humidifier in the kitchen. This device draws the excess water in the air and off surfaces to lower the interior humidity and completely return the home to its normal condition. 

Our water removal team at SERVPRO is prepared 24/7 to return every home to a dry, safe condition here and in our nearby communities of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties. Call our office today at (270) 580-2200 to develop a restoration plan for your home. 

How Quickly Should Extraction Begin After Water Damage

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Each vehicle in our Green Fleet is stocked with equipment to dry your water damaged home. Call us today!

Importance of Fast Extraction in Water Damaged Homes 

There are many reasons that water loss incidents should not get left to resolve themselves in your residence. With even moderate situations, damaging effects can still spread far beyond the source to affect multiple areas, materials, and contents. Additionally, affected areas include remote locations and spaces where homeowners cannot accurately determine the presence of saturation and moisture so that these effects can go unchecked and uncorrected without the expertise and equipment of skilled professionals like ours. 

We know how vital it is to address damage in your home, beginning with water removal, as promptly as possible. While there are multiple tools at the disposal of our experienced SERVPRO team, for standing water scenarios it is often wise for our team to assess the severity of the situation before determining the best equipment to use. Our technicians arrive with the full measure of these options to immediately deploy the best tool for the job. 

There are multiple reasons why water extraction and mitigation as a whole must get started as promptly as possible following a water loss incident. Without full knowledge of the severity and spread of the situation, homeowners can allow moisture and saturation to persist out of sight. This lingering dampness can facilitate microbial growth and can also directly damage structural elements and degrade construction materials. 

Another reason why mitigation must begin as quickly as possible is the containment strategies that our SERVPRO professionals utilize. With these practices, physical barriers, and advanced equipment, we can stop the spread of water damage throughout your property while we get to work on removing pooling water and drying out the affected regions with air movers and dehumidifiers. 

It is imperative for professionals like our SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties team to get to work quickly on water damage that occurs in your house. We understand what equipment and tactics are necessary to make these damages “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (270)580-2200.

Is My Business A Total Loss After A Fire?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties

SERVPRO Understands Your Business is Your Life and Our Team of Professionals Work Hard to Restore Your Company to Pre-loss Condition
A fire does more than cause an inconvenience to your business. It damages, destroys, and stops your livelihood in its tracks.
How can my business be saved from total loss?
After a fire has ravaged your business, you may be overwhelmed by the way things look. There can be structural damage, ruined documents, and it may feel like you have lost everything. But a fire loss doesn't always mean everything is ruined. SERVPRO understands what your company is going through, and we are here to provide immediate restoration services to help you get up and running. Here is just a portion of what you can expect from our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT):
• Safety first – any components that are designated unsafe will be removed.
• Structure assessment – we examine the structural framing, support beams, and subflooring to ensure the above' soundness.
• Carpeting and floor coverings – these get removed for cleaning if possible and to prevent further damage to the floor underneath.
• Odor – Deodorizing is a big part of dealing with fire damage
• Smoke and soot damage – we clean using powerful chemicals that remove soot.
• Air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to reduce odors and airborne particles
• HVAC systems – we service ductwork, so that clean air gets restored quickly
Specialty Restoration
Restoration is preferable over replacement, and we restore as much of the contents of your business as possible. We can reupholster furniture and clean drapery to remove smoke damage. You need your business restored so you can get busy doing what you do best, and we help by doing what we do best – clearing up fire damage.

Fire can be devastating, but our Green Team is available 24/7. Contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties for professional fire damage service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How Can I Determine if My Office Building Has Mold Growing?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Moldy Wall

SERVPRO Helps Business Owners to Address Mold Damage Fast

Mold is present in every home, but if you have excess moisture, then your commercial space becomes a breeding ground for mold spores. Even if you think you may have removed one patch, there could be other areas where mold is present. It is critical that you have trained technicians on-site to assess the mold situation so that you can have it cleaned up properly.

How Can I Test for Mold?

To address mold in your business, there are mold test kits available at nearby big box stores or local hardware stores. However, SERVPRO highly recommends contacting a certified specialist, such as a Industrial Hygienist, to assess your commercial space rather than spending money on a kit that may provide inconclusive results. From there, our crew can start in with remediation services. This process may include:

    •    Testing and identification of mold infestations
    •    Testing for indoor air quality

SERVPRO is available to help with your cleanup needs once you suspect mold inside your business. It is essential that the areas suspected to contain mold are not disturbed in any way until we arrive. This can cause mold spores to travel through the air, and the potential for health effects multiplies. You should:

    •    Protect the affected area from drafts or breezes
    •    Lower the humidity within the space
    •    Turn off all fans or ductwork to the impacted space
    •    If possible, block off or isolate the area

Cleaning Moldy Areas

Our certified SERVPRO technicians have the necessary training on safely and efficiently handling all potential mold infestations. We arrive wearing the appropriate gear, such as:

    •    Coveralls
    •    Gloves
    •    Goggles
    •    Face masks/respirators
    •    Protective footwear

During the mold cleanup, we utilize dehumidification equipment and air purifiers to achieve our goals. Our team uses EPA-registered cleaning agents and disinfectants to stop mold in its tracks so that your business space is left clean and safe for your employees and guests.

Call SERVPRO today take a look at your mold damage concerns. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and available 24/7 for emergency response.

How Can SERVPRO Remove Smoke Odors from Homes?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties

Fire damage restoration hinges on appropriate cleaning and deodorization tactics

We appreciate how fast fire and smoke damage can spread through fire damaged homes and mobilize quickly after these emergencies to help. Often efficient mitigation and emergency services can limit the irreparable damage and destruction that post-fire effects can cause.

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire damaged homes
• Smoke remediation
• Fire and smoke damage

How Can Smoke Remediation Help Fire Damaged Homes?

The need for smoke remediation after fire damage in homes and businesses is often universal.

Between partially combusted fuels that generate smoke and soot particles coating surfaces in the damaged portions of the property to lingering odors, we have multiple tools and products explicitly designed for remediating, neutralizing, and cleaning smoke damage and soil.

Regardless of how damaging a fire might become, our SERVPRO team has extensive training and experience in making it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at(270)580-2200

Be Ready for Spring Break

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Spring break in Kentucky is rarely dry. If you are going to venture out you have to make sure you have a backup plan depending on how much rain we are getting in. Don’t forget to also make a plan on how to keep your home and property safe while you are away.

Follow these easy steps to help you have peace of mind and a real break over Spring Break.

-Keep valuables away from windows
-Set up times lights around your house
-Have a neighbor watch your house
-Turn your home phone ringer off
-Don’t announce your upcoming vacation on social media

It’s important to have someone watch and check your home not just for the potential break-in and robberies but in the instance of a pipe break or a leak. We often get calls from people who have just returned home from a trip to find their home flooded and a disaster. We highly suggest having someone check in on your home and know who to call for various emergencies.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (270)580-2200.

Types of Biohazard

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard sign

Many different biohazardous situations can occur in a home. Sewage backing up into a home is the most common biohazard problem. However, there are some less-frequent problems that may require special attention. In this blog, we will discuss two of these issues: Animal infestation, and hoarding. While many people think that these are not biohazard situations, they can each present health and safety risks that must be handled carefully.

Animal Infestation:

Animal infestation happens when non-pet animals take over your home. For example, birds or raccoons making nests in the attics or mice making their homes in your walls. Having these unwanted guests is not only damaging to your home, but it can be harmful to your health as well. Some animals can act as disease vectors, bring illnesses with them. Their droppings may also contain dangerous microbes that can cause disease.

Hoarding:

You’ve seen the hoarding shows on TV, and some people are wondering if that stuff is real. Well in some cases, it’s very real. There are a few different types of hoarders:

• “Clean” hoarders that collect an excessive amount of stuff, but they generally keep a clean house. You normally see this in elderly couples’ homes, where they have collected many items over a period of decades.

• “Dirty” hoarders that have a substantial excess of property and garbage in their home, and have lost control of the cleanliness of their living space. There may be piles of dirty dishes and trash everywhere, as well as large amounts of spoiled food. Insect and rodent infestation is a common side effect of this type of hoarding.

• Animal hoarders. These hoarders have a large amount of animals in their home. They typically can’t keep up with cleanup of the animal waste, or the animals’ basic needs. This can result in dangerous amounts of bacteria from animal waste, and present a substantial health hazard.

Hoarding can cause permanent structural damage in a home. But the greater concerns are the health and safety risks involved. There can be air quality issues caused by mold or bacterial growth. Proper cleanup and waste removal are critical to bring the property back to a state that is safe for occupancy.

If you know someone that is dealing with any type of biohazard issue, SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties has trained, certified technicians available to help anytime.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Slip, tripping, and falling

Slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of injuries in the workplace. When someone gets injured on the job, not only does it hurt the employee physically and financially, but it also hurts the employers through increased insurance rates and lost productivity.

Typical locations on the body for slip, trip, and fall injuries:

• Knee, ankle and/or foot
• Wrist and/or elbow
• Back and/or shoulder
• Hip
• Head

Typical Injuries:

• Sprains and strains
• Bruises and contusions
• Fractures
• Abrasions and lacerations

Some common workplace trips:

• Uncovered hoses, cables, wires, or extension cords across aisles or walkways
• Clutter, obstacles in aisles, walkway and work areas
• Open cabinet, file or desk drawers, and doors

Human Factors:

• Carrying or moving cumbersome objects, or moving too many items at one time
• Not paying attention to surroundings or being distracted
• Taking unapproved shortcuts
• Being in a hurry and rushing
• Failing eyesight and/or visual perception
• Age
• Stress or Illness
• Medications, alcohol and drug effects

Measures to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls:

• Design of workplace & work processes
  • Design workplace and processes to prevent potential exposures to slip & trip hazards
• Good housekeeping
  • Maintain clear, tidy work areas free of clutter
• Safe walking practices
  • Follow safe walking practices and routes
  • Wear proper footwear with good traction

Maintaining Your Furnace for a Warm, Worry Free Winter

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Most people don’t think about their furnace until it’s time to crank up the heat. however, neglecting this crucial piece of home equipment when it’s not in use could wind up costing you in the long run not only in higher heating bills but also in fire cleaning and smoke cleaning costs. Here are some tips to keep your furnace in good working condition.

Get Your Furnace Professionally Serviced

The general rule of thumb is to get a professional to inspect and service your furnace once a year, typically in the early fall. This timing gives you the opportunity to fix any problems a technician finds before temperatures drop and you need to turn up the heat. Professional furnace technicians typically do the following during an annual inspection:

• Clean your furnace
• Test for operational efficiency
• Tighten loose hardware and replace any broken parts
• Check the wiring for fire hazards
  
  

The last action is essential to preventing home fires and avoiding additional fire cleaning costs, including flooding and smoke remediation.

Perform Simple Furnace Maintenance Throughout the Year
While it is best to have a professional take on more complex furnace maintenance tasks, there are some easy things you can do throughout the year to keep your furnace in prime condition. The most critical thing is to replace your filters regularly — every 90 days is standard for some filter types. If you have pets, however, it is best to switch the filters every 60 days.
You also need to check your thermostat to ensure it is working in tandem with your furnace’s electrical system. Circuits can get tripped and if they aren’t fixed, it can cause a larger, more expensive issue down the line. Finally, make sure you choose a sensible temperature for your home so as not to exhaust your system and keep your heating bills down.
Avoid the need for fire cleaning. If you diligently maintain your furnace, it will thank you with years of worry-free and fire-free warmth.

Tips on Keeping Pipes from Freezing

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

A pipe break that is leaking water.

With winter right around the corner, there is always a risk of frozen pipes. With some seasonal preparation, you can significantly reduce your risk of plumbing breaks, and the water damage it can cause. Here are a few tips on how to do that.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
In extreme cold conditions, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to expose the pipes to warmer air. Make sure any harmful cleaners or household chemicals are out of reach for pets and children.
During freezing temperatures, allow a small amount of water to drizzle from the faucet. This continuous movement of water through the pipes helps keep them from freezing.
Keep the thermostat at the same temperature at night and during the day. During freezing temperatures, you want to keep the temperature at least 70 degrees.
If you’re going to be gone during the cold weather, you’ll want to leave the thermostat to at least 55 degrees.
If you happen to experience a water damage because of a frozen pipe this winter season, know that SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties is here to help.

Bio Hazard Clean Up

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Crime Scene Tape

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties is trained and equipped to respond to any type of biohazard situation. We can clean up crime scenes, hoarding, animal and human waste, and unattended death. This is not the most pleasant part of our job, but it is critical that it is handled properly. Here are a few types of biohazards, with an explanation of what they entail.

Unattended Death:

When a loved one passes away, and discovered after the fact, some cleanup is often necessary. We are aware that this situation can be very stressful for friends and family of the deceased.  The technicians at SERVPRO of Casper respond to these jobs with compassion, and perform the necessary services quickly and safely. It is our goal to provide our cleanup services in a caring manner, and to try to alleviate some of the stress, allowing you and your family to move forward.

Hoarding:

Hoarding can often develop into a biohazard situation. Excessive household garbage and spoiled food are common in a hoarder house. This can attract insects and rodents, and dangerous bacteria can be present throughout the home.

Other Types of Biohazards:

Sewage backups, certain medical emergencies, and crime scenes are examples of other biohazards that require special attention. Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens may be present. Special cleanup procedures and products are critical to ensure the health and safety of the occupants of the property.

If you have a biohazard problem that requires immediate attention, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties anytime. We can respond rapidly, while handling the situation with dignity and respect.

Holiday Cooking

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties 270-580-2000

A table that is full of a holiday meal.
Holiday cooking can be a lot of work, but it can also be very enjoyable. There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to doing a big holiday meal. How many people are coming? Do you have enough food? What time should you start cooking the bird, and all of the side dishes? With all these decisions, and the holiday conversations and chaos, safety is often forgotten.
Believe it or not, cooking is the number one cause of home fires during the holidays. The American Red Cross has come up with a list of safety items to do, so you have a safe and happy holiday.
• Make sure you have a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on every level of your home, and inside and outside of any sleeping rooms if you sleep with the doors closed.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
• If you’re frying, grilling, or broiling, don’t leave it unattended. If you leave the kitchen, make sure someone is in the area or turn off the stove.
• If you’re simmering, baking, or broiling food, check on it regularly.
• The timer is your friend. Be sure to set it when cooking to remind you that stuff is in the oven.
• It is best to keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire away from anything that generates heat. Oven mitts, pot holders, wooden utensils, bags, towels and curtains are examples.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis. This helps prevent grease build up.
• Make sure you double-check all your appliances before going to bed. You want to make sure everything is shut off.
• It is a good idea to get a fire extinguisher to put in your kitchen in case of an accidental fire. Make sure you purchase the proper type of extinguisher, and know how to use it.

We at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties want to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season!!!

Residential Water Toilet Overflow Is More Than a Messy Cleanup

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Dealing with an overflowing toilet in your Kentucky, home is frustrating, especially if the situation seems to frequently occur. Along with the mess it leaves behind, a flooded toilet can quickly lead to water damage in other areas of the home. As well as potentially being a costly endeavor, repair is made worse by the fact that the toilet could be a sign of a bigger sewer damage issue.

Toilet Problems

In most situations, there are three main reasons for a toilet overflowing:

Clogged Lines: This is the most frequent culprit, and a plunger often can fix the issues. In some cases, the clog may be too far down the line, a situation which may require calling a plumber. Frequent clogs may indicate it is time for a new toilet as well as serve as a reminder to only flush waste and toilet paper.
Blocked Vents: Plumbing fixtures store air and release it when flushing. Debris in vents can quickly lead to clogs that make toilets begin to drain more slowly or stop altogether.
Sewer Issues: The plumbing in your home is connected to the outside world. If the main line to the sewer is clogged or broken, it can cause sewage backup. Along with toilet issues, there may be leaks in the basement or around other drains.

Professional Cleanup
When the culprit is sewer damage, it means that the overflowing water is contaminated and should be handled by a sewage company. Considered black water, it contains potentially harmful pathogens and microorganisms. If the overflowing water had waste in it, it is best to contact a water remediation and restoration expert to handle the problem. Along with having the proper safety gear for the process, they have the know-how to detect additional damage and ensure that the cleanup is done properly. This guarantees your bathroom and affected areas are safe and clean.
While a toilet issue may seem like something that is easy to deal with, checking that there is no sewer damage is imperative before diving into cleanup.

Minimizing Flood Risk for Your Home

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Water damage due to flooding is in the top three reasons for homeowners’ insurance claims. Many homeowners don’t realize how common it is to have a first-level or basement flood. This summary of flood risk and flood prevention may help you reduce your risk level.

Common Sources of Home Flooding

The following flood dangers are a few of the ways water can make its way into your home and cause damage:

• Internal sources such as broken pipes or leaking appliances
• Rivers or streams overflowing during severe storms
• Sump pumps failing
• Municipal failures, such as water main breaks and dam breaches
• Drainage malfunctions during severe storms
  

Whatever flood culprit threatens your home, it’s important to minimize your risk. Determining your home’s risk level is the first step.

Reducing Your Home Flood Risk

The best strategy for reducing your risk of a ground-level or basement flood is to arm yourself with information and preparation. A flood risk assessment for your home will tell you whether you should have flood insurance and will allow you to design a custom emergency preparedness plan. Your local flood remediation service or insurance agent can arrange a risk assessment for you.
If your property bears even a moderate risk for flooding, it’s prudent to purchase a flood insurance policy issued by the US Government. Your conventional homeowner’s policy will not cover home water damage unless the source of the flooded area was inside your home; if a water heater leak caused a basement flood in your Kentucky, home, your homeowner’s policy would likely cover you.
Based on your risk assessment, you can create a comprehensive flood prevention plan. In general, it’s a smart idea to schedule a walkthrough of your home with your family to identify emergency evacuation routes and discuss your plan. Signing up for local and national emergency notification services is also a good precaution.
A home flood risk assessment is your template for your emergency response plan. Creating and implementing the plan can mean the difference between a little water in the corner of your basement and extensive water damage.

Microwave Oven Safety

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

We have all thought about the left-over pizza in our refrigerators and cannot wait to get home to reheat it in a microwave oven. These appliances are great to reheat and enjoy leftovers and other snacks without the hassle of actually cooking them. But, did you know that there are potential hazards to microwaves?

 When not maintained properly, microwaves ovens can become extremely hazardous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 in 6 of microwave ovens cause home fires every year. Once a fire is ignited in the microwave, it can quickly catch the whole appliance on fire. This can lead to the fire spreading to other areas of your kitchen and potentially your whole house. These fires can cause an annual average of 10 deaths, 150 injuries, and around $31 million in property damage.

To prevent potential, follow these tips below:

• Purchase a microwave oven that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Make sure to complete and return the product registration card. This way the manufacturer can reach you if there is a recall on the product.
• Make sure children are supervised when using microwaves.
• Plug the microwave oven directly into the wall outlet – never use an extension cord.
• Make sure the microwave oven is at a safe height, within easy reach of all users.
• Open food slowly, away from the face. Hot steam or the food itself can cause burns.
• Food heats unevenly in microwave ovens. Stir and test before eating or giving to children.
• Never heat a baby bottle in the microwave.
• Clean regularly.

If a fire happens to break out, follow these steps:

• Leave the door to the microwave closed.
• Turn the microwave off and unplug it from the wall.
• Call the fire department immediately.

Home fires happen unexpectedly and are can sometimes be out of control. Remember if your home suffers from fire damage, SERVPRO will be ready to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Stay Home and Create a Fire Plan

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Since most of us are at home, it is a perfect time to start creating a fire plan for your family.

SERVPRO can help you with the after effects from a fire and we can get your home back like nothing ever happened. More importantly, is the safety of your family should a fire happen to you.

There were an estimated 1,318,500 reported home structure fires and 3,655 associated civilian deaths in the United States in 2018.

They say that your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

Before a fire happens, pull together everyone in your household and make a plan.

• Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
• Visit each room. Find two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
• Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
• Practice your home fire escape drill!

If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties.

SERVPRO Helps Ensure Your Finished Projects Always Look Their Best

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Post Construction Cleaning:

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it is time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties can provide the debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.

Dehumidification and Drying:

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture issue, rely on our professionals to provide the help you need eliminating moisture and preventing the potential for mold growth.

Final Cleaning:

You want the facility to look its best when the doors open. SERVPRO of Romulus provides cleaning services to give the building that extra shine. Services include:

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep, and finish.
• Ceiling, walls, and fixture cleaning.
• Air Duct Cleaning.
• Debris Removal (if necessary).
• Window Cleaning.

The last thing you need is a fire, water intrusion or mold growth slowing down or stopping the completion of one of your projects. We provide 24-hour emergency mitigation, cleanup, and schedule quickly. In addition to fast response, our crews utilize industrial grade equipment, training, and electronic communication to help ensure the job is done right the first time, saving your time and money.

Biohazard Emergency Tips for Your Business

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk to you, your staff, and your customers. Sewer backups and flood water are two common biohazard scenarios that can affect businesses. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination to get your business back up and running!

After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in your business?
• Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
• Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Do not use your vacuum or other appliances to remove water.
• Do not use television or other appliances.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

We Are Here to Help 24/7

Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants.

Tips on Driving in the Rain

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Did you know nearly half (47%) of all weather-related car accidents — more than 700,000 a year — are due to rain? Read below for our tips on how to drive safely in the rain.

Here are 10 tips for driving in the rain:

Step 1. Exercise caution. Engine oil and grease build-up on roads and highways over time, and when combined with precipitation, you’ve got the equivalent of an automotive Slip ‘N Slide.

Step 2. Slow down. Wet pavement causes tires to lose traction and vehicles become more difficult to handle.

Step 3. Use headlights. Always use headlights in the rain – even if it’s just a sprinkle. Headlights help you see and be seen in wet weather.

Step 4. Keep your windshield wipers in tip-top shape. Summer can wreak havoc on your blades, so get them checked before fall’s showers arrive.

Step 5. Defog your windows. Precipitation can cause your windshield to quickly fog up, so use the front and rear defrosters to maximize visibility.

Step 6. Avoid pooling water. By splashing through puddles you can impair your vision and other drivers’. Additionally, standing water often shields potholes and debris from view and it can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s brakes.

Step 7. If your car begins to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly as this may cause your vehicle to go into a skid or spin. Take your foot off the gas and keep the wheel straight until your car reclaims traction.

Step 8. Increase your following distance. Slick roads, wet brakes and reduced visibility can lead to collisions. Give other vehicles plenty of room and brake early with reduced force.

Step 9. Don’t use cruise control. It can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning and reduces driver attentiveness.

Step 10. Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. This allows the vehicle ahead to displace any standing water that’s on the road.

By employing these safe driving techniques you can keep yourself and your passengers safe during spring drizzles and downpours. Rainy roads can be dangerous, but if we all slow down and use extra caution, rainy days might actually be a little brighter.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There is never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Romulus provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day, or night.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Romulus?

• We are Faster to Any Size Disaster: Floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
• We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists: As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians
• We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters: In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,800 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.

Our Disaster Recovery Team

Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,800 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2020 Midland Floods
• 2019 Hurricane Dorian
• 2018 Hurricane Florence
• 2018 Hurricane Michael
• 2017 California wildfires
• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a storm or major event strike, we will make it “Like it never even happened.” Call (270)580-2200, we are always here to help!

Destroy Odors with Deodorization

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

A Common Problem

We’ve all experienced it. You walk through the door and run right into a wall of odor. Sometimes, it’s when you’re returning to your building after a damaging event. Sometimes it’s when you’re moving into a facility with a pungent past. 

Don’t live with a smell that can turn away customers or guests. When SERVPRO® says that we make it “Like it never even happened,” that includes odors. 

Even a small fire or flood can leave odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places that could cause odors for years to come.

A Science-Based Solution

A prompt, professional cleaning will remove these residues and prevent permanent odor. SERVPRO® technicians don’t cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the source of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning.

Any restorable item in the affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts and more.

If your home or business has suffered a fire or some other accident, don’t live with the damage. Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200 to find out what we can do for you. We’re here to help.

Laundry Room Safety

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

When you’re thinking about household fire hazards, you probably think about your kitchen, fire place, or electrical system. But do you ever think about your laundry room? According to U.S. Fire Administration, home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss.

The most common reason for these fires by far is dirty or congested dryer vents and ducts. To reduce the risk of these fires happening, hire a professional cleaning and restoration company like SERVPRO® to clean your ducts when you notice your clothes are taking longer than normal to dry.

Other safety tips for your dryer from the National Fire Protection Agency include 

• Cleaning the lint filter before and after each load. Purchase a vent brush (it’s like a giant bottle brush) to use between professional cleanings.
• Making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not blocked by a bird’s nest or other potential obstacles
• Keep your laundry room tidy. Don’t leave laundry or old lint near the machine where they could be ignited by an overheating machine.
• Never run the dryer while you’re sleeping or away from home. 

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200. We are always here to help!

Safer Outdoor Cooking

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Summer is a great time to enjoy cooking outdoors with your family and friends, but that means it’s also time to remind ourselves of fire safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), non-gas grills were involved in 1,300 home fires per year. That’s why they’ve offered the following tips for using outdoor grills or fire pits.

Starting Fires

• Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. 
• Place an outdoor grill six feet from your home on level ground.
• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills, never gasoline or other accelerants.
• Store liquid fire starter  away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Never add starter fluid to charcoal or kindling that is already on fire.

Extinguishing Fires

• Fully extinguish fires before leaving a campsite or going to bed. Start by dousing the fire with water, then gently spread the ashes out to cool. Only leave a fire site once the ashes are cool to the touch.
• Keep something on hand in case the fire spreads. A fire extinguisher is obviously the most effective tool, but a spray bottle of water or garden hose can work if you’re grilling in your yard. If you’re camping, a bucket of sand is a helpful tool to keep near a camp fire.
• Never empty used coals directly into a trash can. Designate a metal container (with a lid) just for the purpose of disposing of coal.

For more information on fire safety, follow the NFPA on Facebook and Twitter.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties wishes you a safe and happy summer!

Preparing for a Storm or Flood

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Storms, floods, or any kinds of damage. Your local SERVPRO is here to help.

Sometimes a storm can bring some serious water damage, even a flood. Are you prepared for a flood? Most people aren’t, so here are a few tips to be storm and flood ready!

• Water (A 3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day.)
• Food (3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medications (7 – day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact info
• Extra Cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of any damage

Staying in Business After a Storm

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community, and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

This year, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: - Plan to stay in business - Encourage your employees to become ready - Protect your investment

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campagin, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses to prepare their employeees, operations, and assets in the event of an emergency. At ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to get started preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

Learn About the ERP

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

No matter where you live, it is important to be informed and prepared for any natural disaster that may occur. Natural disasters often strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. Though Mother Nature's disasters are often unpredictable, there are steps you can take to ensure you are prepared.

Contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your property. SERVPRO's ERP serves as a quick reference document, detailing important building and contact information for your property in the event of an emergency. The ERP is an ideal supplement to any existing preparedness plan, or may be used as a standalone document. Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is the key to timely mitigation, and can minimize the effects of any weather-related disaster, water, or fire damage to your business.

When disaster strikes, make sure you have experienced professionals on the line. No matter how big or small, SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties will be ready to help make your property damage "Like it never even happened."

Water, Water, Everywhere!

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

An Unwelcome Surprise

Imagine coming home from vacation, opening your front door, and seeing water on the floors and drywall scattered across your furniture and electronics as the ceiling is crumbling down. As you walk through your home, going up squishy stairs, you realize your whole home is flooded.

Your home is where you take refuge from the world. Home is where you're surrounded by memories. When your home is threatened by water damage, it can be a traumatic event. What do you do next? 

When we asked SERVPRO customers to describe our team, the one word that kept coming up was “hero.” We are here to help, with compassion, expertise and urgency.

About SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties is a full-service restoration company.  We provide emergency 24/7 mitigation services and complete reconstruction services. We make it “Like it never even happened.”  So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties  specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. No matter what size disaster, from single story and a complete high-rise, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and resources to restore your property.

Let us help you minimize and prevent further water damage.

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

There’s no such thing as a small disaster, especially when you have water damage in your home. Water damage can affect the value of your property and if not cleaned properly, may cause major problems over time. Don’t leave your property to chance, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties. Consider the following steps 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.
• Remove as much excess water possible by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not enter rooms with standing water; electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets 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 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 contaminated areas.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties today at  270-580-2200 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

What Steps Can You Take to Prevent Commercial Fire Damage?

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Details Strategies Business Owners Can Take to Reduce the Threat of Fire Damage

Commercial fire damage is one of the most devastating experiences that a business owner can experience in addition to doing severe damage to the structure of the building, fires can lead to excessive, standing water on the property as well as mold invasions. For these reasons and more, business leaders find it difficult to recover from a natural disaster or man-made accident. This is even the case when the business owner is an industry expert who manages the daily operations prudently. However, learning more about commercial fires and how fire damage remediation specialists can assist you is the first step towards limiting damages and preserving your equilibrium in the face of the disaster. Gather information you need regarding how to grapple with a fire by reviewing the data outlined below:

Fire Threats. There are several factors that can place a commercial property in harm’s way leading to burning and fire damage. Some of the more prevalent factors include:
• lightning strike
• electrical fire
• blown fuse, overloaded circuitry
• adjoining business fire

The Importance of Obtaining Business Fire Insurance

Unfortunately, some companies find that the losses endured due to a fire leave them unable to continue operating. Typically, companies who are not able to resume operations following the fire-damaging event did not maintain business interruption insurance. While any company impacted by a fire will have challenges with the fire damage restoration process, those that have business interruption insurance find it easier to keep their organizations functioning effectively. Because no company is invulnerable to fire and the damage it can cause, purchasing the insurance is important and advantageous. The insurance will cost roughly 10% more that the business owner's current premium. SERVPRO is well known for working with insurance and property management companies to expedite and mitigate the downtime and costs of the restoration.

Preventing Commercial Fire Damage: Strategies You Can Use

In addition to purchasing business interruption insurance, there are several strategies you can implement to decrease the impact of fire damage to your Kentucky business. Some of them include:
- Avoiding the storage of flammable items on-site
- Checking your smoke alarms to ensure that they are functioning optimally, having fire extinguishers strategically placed
- Implementing a fire evacuation plan, no blocking of exit doors
- Turning off appliances and machinery when no one is present
- Ensuring that all machinery is in good condition
- Placing backup drives and important paperwork in a fireproof safe, utilizing the cloud for document backup

Call SERVPRO Today

Assessing and implementing fire damage preventative strategies are important for your Kentucky business. You should also know who to call if a fire strikes your commercial property. A premier fire damage restoration company close by is SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified technicians offer 24/7/365 emergency services to ensure that your commercial fire damage services are addressed and resolved immediately. We are ready to assist you if the need ever arises. Our aim is to get your business back up and running.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. Call us to make it “Like it never even happened.” (270) 580 -2200

April Showers Bring May Flowers and More...

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

April showers help to bring us the most vibrant May flowers and we are so happy with this change of season. However, when April showers are more like torrential, relentless downpours we could face a flooded basement and other water damage causing costly repairs. Flooding generally occurs in the springtime as the result of heavy rains that cannot be adequately absorbed by the still thawing earth. Particularly formidable are the flash floods resulting from thunderstorms, swiftly melting snow and ice jams in creeks. Consider if more than one of these circumstances happens at the same time, you have the potential for a catastrophe with flooding waters and raging mudslides.

Homeowners you can take some simple precautions to secure your property and keep your possessions safe.

Elevate: Keep your furnace, water heater, electrical panels above predicted water levels to protect yourself from costly home replacements.

Install check valves: These valves close to prevent the backward flow of liquid and prevent water from backing up into the drains in your home.

Build barriers: Use sandbags to create flood walls to prevent or reduce flow of water into your home.

Waterproof the basement: Use a waterproofing compound to seal the walls of your basement.

Clean: Clean gutters, drains and downspouts for proper water flow.

Purchase flood insurance: Most standard homeowners' and business insurance policies unfortunately do no cover flood damage. In the event of a flood, you would be responsible for covering the full cost of repairs and replacing items damaged.

There is help close by should you experience an unfortunate event with your home or business. Contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Co 270-580-2200. We are trained storm specialists who will come in and quickly get your home or business back to a safe and healthy environment. We have the specific training and certifications to handle your restoration needs provided by an Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist, a Water Damage Restoration Technician, and an Applied Structural Drying Technician. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Fire Tips for Kids

3/29/2020 (Permalink)

Children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 73% of all burn injuries happen in the home. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

Do's and Don'ts for Water Damage

3/28/2020 (Permalink)

These DO's and DON'TS Emergency Tips for water damage will assist you in taking quick proper action to help you reduce damage and increase the chances of successful restoration before help arrives.

Sanitary Water-Clear

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may occur.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as this may cause staining.

Contaminated Water-Gray, Black or Sewage

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash you're hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area.

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Top Causes of Commercial Fires

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Ceiling Cleaning

Top causes of fires in commercial buildings

According to data from the United States Fire Administration, between 2006 and 2015, the top causes of fires in commercial buildings were: 

Cooking

Cooking is a huge danger, and it was a culprit behind 30,900 fires within the past decade. Therefore, it is so important to install fire alarms and a sprinkler system in your kitchen to prevent against the worst! 

Unintentional and Careless Behavior

This is a broad category. Unintentional and careless behavior, better known as accidents, caused more than 10,900 fires. While it’s hard to stop people from being careless, business owners and property managers can’t afford to be. 

Arson

Intentionally set fires represented 9,800 of the total fires in these properties. 

Electrical malfunction

Problems with the electricity or wiring in a building caused around 7,000 fires in the past decade. 

Heating problems

Problematic HVAC systems are the culprit behind about 6,000 commercial fires nationwide. 

Trust that SERVPRO of Birmingham keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So, our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened,” and your business is back up and running!

Knowledge to Handle a Commercial Water Damage

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties understands that Commercial property water damages have their own challenges.

This does not mean you need to be worried when an emergency does occur because we have certified technicians who understand the importance of getting your commercial property back up to normal as soon as possible. Our trained technicians work quickly to assess the situation, communicate a cleanup and drying plan, and start work immediately. We have the necessary resources to handle any size job. We understand that quick and efficiency must happen to minimize damage and to resume operations as soon as possible. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties has a large loss team specifically trained and ready to go in event of a large loss. If your commercial property experiences a water damage emergency call SERVPRO® of Birmingham. Our teams are readily available to make your property “Like it never even happened.” Our teams are staffed with highly trained technicians in property restoration under IICRC industry certifications, our teams are equipped with the education to restore your property.

NADCA

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

NADCA had some fantastic frequently asked questions so I had to share...

Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC system cleaning?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to collection a variety of contaminants such as mold, fungi, bacteria and very small particles of dust that have the potential to affect overall health, The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.

How can I determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective?

The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools. In addition, following the Residential Cleaning Checklist can help to ensure a top quality job.

How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?

 

Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the homeowner. Some of the things that may lead a homeowner to consider more frequent cleaning include:

• smokers in the household
• pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander
• water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system
• after home renovations or remodeling
• prior to occupancy of a new home.

How should a residential HVAC system be cleaned?

The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ source removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.

What are antimicrobial chemicals and why would they need to be used?

Antimicrobial chemicals are applied by some companies to the interior surface of the air ducts to treat microbial contamination such as fungi (mold), viruses or bacteria. Before any antimicrobial chemicals are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. It is critical that any antimicrobial treatment used in your system be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specifically for use in HVAC systems. The use of antimicrobial chemicals is an additional service that is not part of a typical air duct cleaning project. 

What criteria should I use when selecting an HVAC system cleaning contractor?

You should interview as many local contractors as possible. Ask them to come to your home and perform a system inspection and give you a quote. To narrow down your pool of potential contractors, use the following pre-qualifications:

• Make sure the company is a member in good standing of NADCA.
• See if the company has been in business long enough to have adequate experience.
• Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.
• Verify that the company is certified by NADCA to perform HVAC system cleaning.
• Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.
• Avoid advertisements for “$99 whole house specials” and other sales gimmicks.
• Ask if the company has the right equipment to effectively perform cleaning, and if the company has done work in homes similar to yours.
• Get references from neighbors if possible.

You can also use the Residential Cleaning Checklist as part of the contractor selection process. 

What is the normal price range for the air duct cleaning service?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that “duct cleaning services typically – but not always – range in cost from $450 to $1,000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climactic region and level of contamination” and type of duct material. Consumers should beware of air duct cleaning companies that make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning, as such claims are unsubstantiated.

Consumers should also beware of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies may also persuade the consumer to pay for unneeded services with and/or without their permission. (If you have knowledge of a practicing “blow-and-go” air duct cleaner, contact your local Better Business Bureau to report the company, and your local, federal and state elected officials to demand legislation.)

What kind of equipment is best for cleaning - truck mounted vacuums or portable vacuums?

NADCA does not endorse one kind of equipment over another. There are two main types of vacuum collection devices: (1) those mounted on trucks and trailers, and (2) portable units. Truck/trailer mounted equipment is generally more powerful than portable equipment. However, portable equipment can often be brought directly into a facility, allowing the vacuum source to be located closer to the ductwork. Both types of equipment will clean to ACR, the NADCA standard. All vacuum units should be attached to a collection device for safe containment prior to disposal. Any vacuum collection device which exhausts indoors must be HEPA filtered. A vacuum collection device alone will not get an HVAC system clean. The use of methods and tools designed to agitate debris adhered to the surfaces within the system, in conjunction with the use of the vacuum collection device(s), is required to clean HVAC systems. (For example: brushes, air whips and “skipper balls.”)

Why should I choose a NADCA member to have my air ducts cleaned?

NADCA members have signed a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer and follow ACR, the NADCA Standard, for cleaning to the best of their ability. Find a NADCA professional near you. Air duct cleaning companies must meet strict requirements to become a NADCA member. Among those requirements, all NADCA members must have a certified Air System Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) on staff who has taken and passed the NADCA certification examination. Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. ASCSs are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status. View the NADCA Code of Ethics.

Will HVAC system cleaning reduce our home energy bills?

Research by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.

Courtesy of nadca.com

We are Cleaning Experts

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO 270-580-2200

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform daily.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

·         Kitchen/Food Areas

·         Bathrooms

·         Schools/Classrooms

·         Offices

·         Retail Spaces

·         Water Fountains

·         Shelving/Racks

·         Sales Counters

·         Carpets and Rugs

·         Stair Handrails

·         Elevator Cars

·         Playground Equipment

·         Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – 

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200      

Local Restaurants in Breckinridge County

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Eat Local

If you are looking to support a locally owned restaurant, here is a list! 

The Brak
Bert's Rivertown Grill
China King
Green Valley Restaurant
Hawg's Ass Sammiches
Jenny's Sweet Shoppe & More
Little Dave's Restaurant and Pizza 2019
Miguel's El Gallo Mexican Restaurant
Pizza Tonight
Wired Rooster Coffee House

Unmonitored Space Heaters Can Cause Fire Damage

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO recommends never leaving a portable heater unattended in your home

Space heaters can be a great way to warm up the coldest areas of your house throughout the harshest of winter months. They are not without their potential threats, however. Monitoring them carefully and not leaving these heaters running unattended can help prevent unnecessary damage to your home, let alone those who live inside of it.

Electric and gas space heaters offer a great deal of warmth and can completely transform the coldest areas of your house into the most comfortable. They also put out lots of concentrated heat, and many of them feature grills or open flames that burn hot enough to scald a person or to catch loosely hanging fabrics or drapes on fire. There are some words of caution about these heaters if you want to virtually eliminate the possibility of fire damages to your residence.

The first step is to consider the placement of your heater very wisely. While it might require being close enough to an outlet to plug in, you should be mindful of the furniture and other objects in the room that could inadvertently contact the heater. With the excessive heat and open design of many of the small room heaters, something left too close to the heat could catch on fire (even without directly touching).

As many of our experienced SERVPRO team would tell you, preventing fire damage is often as simple as walking yourself through all of the scenarios that might happen. People do not intend to set their homes on fire, but these accidents can happen with a lack of foresight. As an added precaution, you should not leave these types of heaters on unattended in a room that you are not currently occupying.

While regrettable, house fires and small incidents do occur when using space heaters. While it might not be significant enough to force you to leave the house, sometimes the remains of the soot or the lingering odor of burned materials can be more than you can repair or remedy on your own. Our fire restoration team is equipped with deodorizing equipment to neutralize smoke and foul odors, and our commitment to mitigating your loss ensures that we restore the damage promptly.

No matter what degree of fire damage you might have to deal with, you can trust us at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Grand Opening Coming to Breckinridge County

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Grand Opening of Emmy Liz February 1st

On February 1^st from 11-5 join our community at the grand opening of Emmy Liz!

Emmy Liz is a locally owned and operating Custom Apparel & Gift Store coming to Breckinridge County. They will offer vinyl, sublimation, screen print, woodwork, clothing, unique finds and so much more!

To introduce to you the mastermind behind Emmy Liz you have the owners, the Adams Family. Roger, Ashley and their daughter Emersyn Elizabeth. Ashley says Emersyn is the fire and reason behind Emmy Liz!  The Adams Family have stated that they are excited for this next chapter in their life that their little home-based business, has now grown into something they cannot wait to share with everyone

Emmy Liz will have their Grand Opening Saturday February 1st from 11-5 CST at 5399 US – 60 Hardinsburg, KY 40143
There will be food and refreshments and LOTS of great deals going on that day as well as some awesome prizes and giveaways!!

The Adams Family hopes to see everyone out on February 1^st!

An Unwelcome Surprise

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties are always here to help!

Imagine coming home from vacation, opening your front door, and seeing water on the floors and drywall scattered across your furniture and electronics as the ceiling is crumbling down. As you walk through your home, going up squishy stairs, you realize your whole home is flooded.

Your home is where you take refuge from the world. Home is where you're surrounded by memories. When your home is threatened by water damage, it can be a traumatic event. What do you do next? 

When we asked SERVPRO customers to describe our team, the one word that kept coming up was “hero.” We are here to help, with compassion, expertise and urgency.

About SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is a full-service restoration company.  We provide emergency 24/7 mitigation services and complete reconstruction services. We make it “Like it never even happened.”  So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. No matter what size disaster, from single story and a complete high-rise, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and resources to restore your property.

Fire In Local Resturant

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire at local restaurant in Breckinridge County

This popular restaurant in Hardinsburg suffered from a devastating electrical fire. 

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties was on site the next  morning and have been working for the course of several days with the help of the owner and employees of the restaurant so that business can be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Many businesses are at risk for a fire. Our crew has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.

Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

270-580-2200

Pre Vacation Check List

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let anything ruin your vacation!

Going on vacation is always exciting! Before you go look over this check list and make sure all is well with your home or business before taking off!

• Suspend mail and newspaper services
• Arrange for lawn care services while you're gone
• Install Exterior lighting or motion detectors to deter burglars.
• Wait to post vacation pictures on social media until you have returned
• Check the batteries in home or business security devices, including motion detectors, cameras, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace them if necessary.
• Shut off the main water supply. If you would like to leave the water on for an automated sprinkler system, then at least turn off the water supply to the dishwasher, washing machine, and to each toilet. 
• Switch your water heater to vacation mode or turn it off completely.
• Set your thermostat to either four degrees above or below your normal temperature. For summer months, set the thermostat in the upper 70's. For winter months, set the thermostat in the upper 50's.
• Prevent a power surge by unplugging your electronics or make sure they are plugged into a surge protector.

Services We Offer Here At SERVPRO

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

We cover a range of restoration and cleaning services for your commercial or residential property.  When the unexpected happens, you can count on SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Restoration
• Fire, Smoke and Soot
• Water Removal & Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation & Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move Outs & Contents Restoration
• Electronics & Equipment
• Document Drying
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Lead Abatement (RRP)

Cleaning:
• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard & Crime Scene
• Vandalism
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Drapes & Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floors
• Deodorization
• Dumpster & Debris Removal
• Dry-Cleaning
• Data Center Cleaning
• Vandalism & Graffiti
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Sewage & Toilet Overflow

No matter what your restoration or cleaning needs are, you can count on SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties to get things back into working order.  Give us a call today! 270-580-2000

The Leading Restoration Team in Our Community

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties provides 24-hour residential and commercial services.  As a locally owned and operated business, we're dedicated to being faster to any size disaster, with the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.  

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties staff is always attentive and friendly.  During times that are often stressful, we take extra care to handle your situation with the attention and respect that you deserve.  Our goal is to make our clients as comfortable as possible when the unexpected happens. 

You can't always predict the unpredictable, but you can trust SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties to make it right.  With our experience, knowledge and ability to handle any size disaster

, no job is too big or small for our team of experts!

Being prepared for a Storm and Flood.

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties 270-580-2000

Sometimes a storm can bring some serious water damage, even a flood. Are you prepared for a flood? Most people aren’t, so here are a few tips to be storm and flood ready!

• Water (A 3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day.)
• Food (3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medications (7 – day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact info
• Extra Cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of any damage

IICRC Certified

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up to date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

How To Restore Your Belongings After Water Damage

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Water in home settings can be devastating, whether it comes from leaking pipes or backed-up drains or toilets. While there may be nothing you can do to prevent your items from becoming waterlogged in the event of an unexpected water leak, there are some things you can do to restore your belongings after water damage occurs. Here are a few ways you can clean up various items in your Kentucky home.

1. Separate Items

Before you officially begin the cleanup process, separate your items into those that are porous and nonporous. Porous materials may include wood, paper, rugs and other types of fabric. Generally, these are more likely to harbor mold and bacteria from broken pipe water, so it’s important to clean them quickly. Nonporous items are usually much easier to clean, since they don’t absorb water and are less likely to harbor bacteria and mold.

2. Dry-Clean Non-Porous Items

Dry cleaning may be appropriate when removing light water residue from non-porous items in your home. Items can also be dry cleaned before floor restoration professionals come in and thoroughly clean your items. 

3. Air-Dry When Appropriate

If you’re not dealing with hazardous water, such as sewage, it may be appropriate to gently air-dry most of your belongings. If possible, do so indoors unless the weather outdoors is ideal. You can increase the air flow inside your home with the use of open windows, air conditioners and fans. 

4. Toss Dangerous Items

Depending on the nature of floodwater in home settings, it may be dangerous to keep saturated items. If there is a high likelihood of the floodwater containing harmful bacteria, it may be best to throw away contaminated objects. In other cases, professionals may be able to safely clean and salvage some of your valuables. 

While you may be able to clean some of your belongings that water has damaged in your home, safety should always be your top priority whether you’re dealing with a broken pipe or a sewer backup. For help with dry-cleaning or salvaging contaminated items, it’s best to wait for professional help to arrive. 

Tips on Commercial Water Removal

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Finding water damage in your business can be quite disconcerting and cause panic. Call SERVPRO right away for remediation services

Tips on Commercial Water Removal

If you own a café, clothing store, or any business, you know that anything can happen. After all, owning a business is unpredictable. If there is a storm or hurricane, leaky pipe, or bad plumbing, then your business establishment can be drenched. In this situation, you know that commercial water removal plays an essential role. Many business owners know that it is important to immediately call in the expert before the water damage can escalate further. 
 
Before the experts can get to your location for the commercial water removal in the Kentucky area, there are some tips and strategies that you can take to remove water from your establishment. You can start by having all your employees help mop and blot out excess water from the floor. Make sure you remove any electrical appliances away from wet areas. After that, you can wipe off excess water from wooden furniture. Then you can place aluminum foil or wooden blocks between wet carpets and furniture legs. Don’t forget to turn the air conditioner on for optimal drying conditions. If you want to save your rug, make sure to remove it away from wet areas. If you have expensive art pieces, then it is best to place them in a safe and dry location. Gather any loose items that you can find on the floor. 
 
Once the SERVPRO technician arrives at your business site, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. The techs can begin the process by inspecting your business site to check for any damages and enough drying conditions. They can start the mitigation process immediately by using a vacuum to extract excess water. They can also use a moisture meter to measure the humidity in the air. They want to make sure that there is a right amount of dryness in the atmosphere to help them absorb moisture from the wet area. This strategy is to ensure optimal drying time. Afterward, the SERVPRO technicians can use disinfectant and odor neutralizing solution to get rid of any unpleasant odor that was left behind from the water damage. 
 
If you are interested in commercial water removal for your business establishment, then give SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties a call at 270-580-2200, and we can send our skilled technician to your business establishment. 

Talk About Structural Issues

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

If a fire ever burns inside your Kentucky home, the flames can cause devastation to your property. If the blaze gets hot enough, it can cause fire damage to your building materials and contents. If the conditions are ideal, flames can engulf just about anything that is in their path. The amount of time the blaze burns can make a difference as to how much fire damage takes place.

Items that are close to the source of the initial burn are the ones that get torched first. As the flames grow, your fire damage situation in Fort Worth can get worse and cause things to get ruined due to burning, charring, and soot residues. The amount of oxygen and how hot the fire got while burning can both change the types of damage caused during a burn. Slow burning, oxygen-starved blazes tend to create wet smoke that is tough to clean, but the number of objects burns may not be as high. When flames have plenty of oxygen and things, burn hot more charring on contents, and structural components are likely to occur.

Since insurance companies separate their coverage based on your contents and your building materials, our SERVPRO technicians categorize the damage caused to your home in either the contents or structure classification. If your possessions like furniture or art displayed on walls get ruined, then the problems would be placed in the estimate as damage to contents. If items such as your ceilings or walls get torched, then the problems would be classified as structural issues.

If fires do not get put out quickly, it is likely that structural components will get burnt. When things like drywall and ceiling materials get burned, they often get replaced. In some situations, our SERVPRO restoration crew has to remove and replace wooden studs or floor joists due to charring as well.

The general rule when determining whether wooden structural components are ruined or not is if there is more than a quarter inch of charring then the item must get replaced. If the charred material is less than a quarter inch deep, then it is possible to save the items by sanding them down and applying a specialized sealant paint to trap in pungent aromas. If you ever need help with structural charring issues, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200 24 hours a day.

Storms Can Cause Flooding and Water Damage in your home.

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

When your basement or main living space is under many inches of water, contact SERVPRO to dry out the property and help prevent mold

Storms Can Cause Flooding and Water Damage in your home.

A storm sweeping in can bring a storm with intense wind and rain that can cause water damage to your home. You may think nothing much of a storm staring when you are on your way to work, but if you have left your basement window ajar, it can be a problem for your home. By the time you get home, your downstairs entertainment room has been flooded, and your furniture has been soaking up water for hours. The situation can seem like a disaster at first glance, but there is help close by that can lend a hand. 
 
The longer that your home sits with the water damage in Kentucky accumulating, the more of a problem it can become for you. Your hardwood floors can blister and swell from absorbing the water, your furniture can soak up the water and become the perfect place for mold growth, and your electronics can malfunction. The sooner that you call for help, the more likely a successful remediation can occur. 
 
When we arrive, SERVPRO can immediately focus on getting the excess water out of your home. We can use tools like wet/dry vacuums and portable pumps to remove the flooded water from your property. After, we can use extractors to pull water from your furniture and curtains. Once the excess water has been removed from your home, SERVPRO can focus on any belongings that are in urgent need of remediation. 
 
We can send your electronics to a repair facility to try and draw any water out of them. Any boxes that had valuables packed in them can be emptied, dried, and repacked in new boxes. Once we are finished, we can set up tools like ventilation fans and dehumidifiers to help dry the structure of your home. 
 
If a storm hits your home and causes water damage, do not pause and consider what you should do. Reach out and contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200. Day or night, we make it our priority to get to your home as swiftly as possible. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Homeowners insurance may help cover certain causes of storm damage, including wind, hail and lightning. However, damage caused by flood and earthquakes typically is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. It's important to read your policy to learn what types of storm damage may or may not be covered.

WHAT TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

Homeowners insurance typically helps cover the following types of storm damage:

• Water and Ice Damage
• Lightning Strikes and Power Surges
• Wind, Hail and Fallen Trees

Water and Ice Damage

Whether it's a thunderstorm in the spring or a roof covered in ice, water can damage a home. While ice and hail damage are typically covered by homeowner’s insurance — up to the limits stated in your policy — coverage for water damage varies, depending on the cause. For example, you may find homeowners insurance helps protect you if a frozen pipe bursts in your home. Review your policy to learn what types of water damage it covers.

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

Should lightning strike your home or other structure covered by your policy, the resulting damage, such as fire or smoke damage, is typically covered by homeowners insurance. Some policies also provide coverage for power surges and outages that are the result of a lightning strike, such as damaged electronics or appliances. As with any coverage, limits will apply. Check your policy or contact your agent to learn the types and amount of coverage it provides.

Wind, Hail and Fallen Trees

If a strong storm roars through, you may find your siding damaged by hail and shingles that the wind ripped off the roof. Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage. Coverage also usually includes damage from hail, wind-driven rain or snow that gets inside the home when a roof or wall is damaged due to wind. Most policies also offer some coverage for fallen trees that damage your home, provided the tree broke because of a storm or wind.

Preventing Water Damage During a Vacation: What You Can Do

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

If you are going on vacation soon, you may be worried about what could happen if your Kentucky, home floods while you are away due to a water leak. You should try not to get to stressed out about this concern - there are several things you can do both to defend yourself against a flood and understand what options for remediation you would have if water pipe repair was required.

Prepare Yourself

If you know you are going to be away for some time, there are several things that you can do to help protect your home from a water-related disaster. Some of these actions include:

• Asking a friend, neighbor or family member to watch your house.
• Insulating external pipes (if it is cold outside).
• Cleaning and inspecting your sump pump, water hoses and gutters before you leave.
• Checking for leaks in water-based areas around your home.
• Turning off your water right before you go.

Taking action by following the advice above can help you avoid a flood and water pipe repair when you get home from your getaway.

What Might Happen

If a broken pipe floods your house while you are away, you may come home to find structural damage to various parts of your home. These could include floors, bathrooms and furniture, to name a few. Depending on how long the water has been sitting, it may be contaminated and require speedy removal.

Help is Available

You will hopefully be able to avoid a flood issue completely by following the preventative measures above. However, if you do come home from a relaxing trip only to find a flooded mess that will require water pipe repair, you will likely need to seek help from a water damage company, especially if highly contaminated water is involved. They will be able to understand what happened and what needs to be done to get everything back to a normal state as soon as possible.

Five Safety Tips to Prevent a Dryer Fire

6/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

A clothes dryer is a common and convenient household appliance, but it can be dangerous if not properly maintained. Not only can the dryer break and need replacing, but it can also cause a lint fire in your Kentucky home. Follow these safety tips to help prevent any emergency situations.

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed
   Having your dryer installed by a qualified professional can put you on the right path to keeping your home safe. They can make sure that everything is installed correctly and working as it should, preventing any potential safety hazards.
2. Clean the Lint Filter and Dryer Vent Regularly
   The most common cause of a dryer fireis not keeping the unit clean. You should remove lint from the filter before and after each use. Lint can also build up in the back of the dryer, so be sure to clean that area as well. The dryer vent should be cleaned at least every three months to prevent blockages.
3. Have the Dryer Serviced Regularly.
   It is a good idea to have your dryer serviced on a regular basis. Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the appliance at least once a year can help minimize any problems and keep the unit safe to use.
4. Keep Flammable Items Away From the Dryer
   A lint fire is not the only kind of firethat can occur when using your dryer. If a flammable liquid has been spilled on an item, you should never put it in the dryer. Be sure to keep any flammable materials away from the surrounding area as well.
5. Make Sure the Dryer is Off Before You Leave the House
   If you are leaving your house or going to sleep, make sure that you turn the dryer off beforehand. If a fire were to start while the unit was unattended, it could spread and cause a lot of damagebefore you were aware of it.
   You can hire fire remediation specialists to help in case of a lint fire, but keeping your dryer cleaned and properly maintained can help keep your unit safe.

A Guide for Sump Pump Maintenance

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

When you live in Kentucky you may find that owning and maintaining a sump pump on your property is a good step for mitigating potential water damage. However, simply installing a pump isn’t always enough.

Proper pump maintenance can also be important when it comes to protecting your home from water damage.

What Is a Sump Pump

The standard use of a sump pump is to keep water from accumulating in or around your home in order to help prevent costly damage that may arise from standing water. In most cases these devices are used in homes built in areas that experience frequent storms, wet climates, or frequent accumulation of water in areas such as a basement.

Some Steps for Maintenance

If you have or are considering installing a pump to combat accumulating water, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Some steps you may want to take include:

• Inspecting your pump for clogged screens or debris in the intake
• Inspecting the discharge pipe for clogs, gravel, mud or other debris that can affect operation
• Using a GFCI plug outlet for your machine
• Inspecting the cord for wear and tear that could create problems
• When in Doubt Ask for Help

If you feel your pump isn’t working properly, or that you may have too much water for it to handle, it may be time to call a professional for help. They may be able to tell you if there’s something wrong with your pump as well as help identify any issues that may be leading to the excess water. In the event of damage to your property you may want to speak with a water damage professional as well.

When it comes to protecting your home from water damage in Kentucky proper pump maintenance is just as important as having a sump pump installed. Keeping your pump maintained can help ensure it’s in operation when you need it. Remember, if you think there’s a problem with your pump or have more water than normal, it may be time to call a professional.

Do You Have Water Dripping From a Light Fixture?

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

Water dripping from the ceiling is a serious and yet all too common problem. When that ceiling drip turns into water in a light fixture scenario, the situation can become hazardous. That is because electricity and water can be a dangerous combination. To ensure your family’s safety in Kentucky, call in a water mitigation team. While you wait for the team to arrive, there are four steps you can take to help get the job done quickly.

1. Utilities

Make sure the electricity, gas and water are turned off to the area affected by the leak. Water can conduct electricity from an active electrical line, and that can become a very dangerous situation as the current flows through the metal parts of the light fixture.

2. Announcing

Make an announcement to everyone in your home that there is water in a light fixture. You should probably also let them know the gas, water, and electricity will be turned off for an unknown number of hours. Once the water mitigation team arrives, and the source of the leak has been found, you can make another announcement regarding the required shutoff time.

3. Draining

Ceiling damage from water can sometimes pool and cause a protrusion in your ceiling. If that is true in your case, you may consider draining the area. With a bucket in hand, softly pierce the center of the sagging ceiling bulge with an item like a small wooden dowel. Be prepared for a deluge from the tiny hole.

4. Cleaning

Not only is it important to remove the water from the floor, but you may find it necessary to keep additional water from hitting your newly cleaned surface. Use a bucket to catch the leaking water if it is still dripping, and place towels around as necessary.

If the leaking water in a light fixture fell onto the carpet, you can make a request that your water mitigation team handle the water removal and disinfecting of the flooring area. Once repairs have been made, your home should be good-to-go.

3 Ways To Limit Mold Spore Buildup

6/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

Mold spores are everywhere, but it is possible to limit the concentration of spores in a structure. Building owners and managers can arrange for carpet cleaning and rely on two forms of air filtration to prevent spores from accumulating at a property in Kentucky

1. Clean Carpets

Carpet is a porous flooring material that collects dirt, debris and spores. If humidity levels rise or water damage occurs, spores will obtain the moisture necessary to grow. Mold can feed off of cellulose in the carpet and organic materials. 

A high-efficiency particulate air or HEPA-certified vacuum can reduce the number of spores and food sources. Doormats near entrances can also limit the amount of dirt and spores tracked inside. Building owners or managers should schedule carpet cleaning several times a year.

2. Change HVAC Filters

Installing a fresh filter in an HVAC system can be helpful for lowering the concentration of spores in the air. In addition to regular filter changes, owner or managers may want to have this system inspected for signs of mold growth in drain pans, ducts or terminal units.

3. Use Air Filtration

Owners or managers can further reduce mold spores by running an air filtration or purification system. Most spores range in size from one micron up to 100 microns. A True HEPA filter can capture 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns or larger and will eliminate most spores. A HEPA Type filter may cost less, but this filter will only catch dust and spores that are 2 microns or larger. 

These are three effective methods for reducing the concentration of spores in a building. If a musty smell persists even after carpet cleaning and air filtration, a building owner or manager should arrange for mold testing. The best way to resolve mold problems is to hire a certified cleanup and remediation service in Kentucky

How To Prepare Your Business for a Flood

6/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

Flooding can occur with little warning, and if you haven’t prepared, it could be time-consuming to restore your business in Kentucky. Knowing how to prepare your business for a flood can make you feel more confident about handling a disaster of any kind.

1. Backup Important Documents

After a flood, it’s often necessary to access certain documents, and not being able to quickly and easily access what you need when you need can slow down the restoration process. In addition to storing your documents in a water-resistant container that is high off the ground, having extra copies of your documents can also be helpful. Many business owners choose to make electronic copies and paper copies to ensure that important information is not lost.

2. Check Your Insurance Policy

Restoration is often necessary after flooding but having to put a project on hold because of the cost can be a major setback. It can be useful to review your insurance policy and find out what costs your policy will cover prior to a flood. Additionally, knowing what resources are available to business owners in your area after a disaster can give you a better idea of what costs you might be responsible for as the owner of your business.

3. Contact a Mitigation and Restoration Company Before Damage Occurs

If you know that your area is likely to sustain any type of damage from a flood, especially if severe damage such as black water damage is likely, it can be useful to contact flood damage restoration experts before your property is affected. After a disaster, you may feel as if you don’t have the time to research a company. However, by contacting professionals before a flood, you can ask questions without feeling stressed or rushed.

By preparing for flooding, you can help to protect your business from major damage. As you prepare, it can be helpful to backup documents, review your insurance policy and contact a restoration company prior to a flood.

Tips for Using a Fire Extinguisher

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

As a homeowner in Kentucky, you need to be prepared for emergencies. If you've ever had a house fire and had to call in professionals to restore your home, you understand the importance of having a fire extinguisher on hand. Following the steps below can ensure that you're using it correctly.

1. Assess the Situation

First, understand what you're dealing with. If the blaze is already too big, the best idea may be to call the fire department and get yourself and anyone else in the house to safety. If you can safely douse it with a fire extinguisher, you need to next make sure that you have right type for whatever material is burning.

2. Use the Right Extinguisher for the Fire

Experts classify extinguishers based on the type of fire they can combat. These include:

• Type A: for fires involving plastics, wood, textiles and paper
• Type B: used on fires involving solvents, gasoline, oils, paints and other flammable liquids
• Type C: for electrical fires, including plugged-in equipment like computers or appliances
• Type D: for fires involving combustible powders or metals
• Type E: commonly used for a kitchen fire involving fats or cooking oils

These letter classifications are always found on the sides of the extinguishers, many of which are rated for putting out fires of more than one type.

3. Remember: "PASS"

The PASS method is an easy way to remember how to use most fire extinguishers. Each letter in "PASS" stands for the first word of an operational step. The "P" tells you to pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher; it needs to be removed before operation. The "A" tells you to aim the nozzle. The nozzle should not be aimed at the top of the flames, but at the bottom, where the combustion is taking place. The first "S" tells you to squeeze the handle to start the flow, and the second one reminds you to sweep from side to side while spraying.

By acting quickly and following the instructions above, you can safely prevent fire damage before it has a chance.

5 Steps To Take If You Smell Gas in Your Home

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

If a strong odor is lingering in your home that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, it is possible you have a gas leak. You might also hear a faint hissing noise. While natural gas is not toxic to breathe in, leaking gas is extremely flammable and is considered an immediate emergency. If you smell gas in your home, quickly take these five steps to avoid a gas explosion and keep your family safe. 

1. Turn Off the Stove 

Often, a suspected gas leak is actually the smell of gas from the stove that someone accidentally turned on. If that’s the case, quickly turn off the stove. Is the stove is not the source of the smell, make sure the oven and stove are both turned off regardless to prevent a gas fire.

2. Put Out Any Open Flames

If you smell a gas leak, never use a lighter or ignite any kind of flame. If any candles are lit or the fireplace is on, quickly extinguish the flames. 

3. Keep Lights and Electronics Off

As soon as you detect the smell of natural gas in your home, refrain from turning on any lights or electronics which can start a gas fire. Grab a flashlight if necessary. 

4. Open Doors and Windows

Allow gas to quickly escape your home by opening all the windows and doors. You can turn on the oven range hood fan to help remove some of the gas. 

5. Evacuate Your Home

As soon as you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home, quickly get everyone, including pets, out of your home. Once you make it across the street from your home call 9-1-1. 

Keeping your family safe and escaping your home should always be your priority if you smell a gas leak. If a gas fire does start, a fire damage restoration specialist can help restore your home back to its pre-fire condition.

3 Ways To Limit Mold Spore Buildup

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

Mold spores are everywhere, but it is possible to limit the concentration of spores in a structure. Building owners and managers can arrange for carpet cleaning and rely on two forms of air filtration to prevent spores from accumulating at a property in Kentucky

1. Clean Carpets

Carpet is a porous flooring material that collects dirt, debris and spores. If humidity levels rise or water damage occurs, spores will obtain the moisture necessary to grow. Mold can feed off of cellulose in the carpet and organic materials. 

A high-efficiency particulate air or HEPA-certified vacuum can reduce the number of spores and food sources. Doormats near entrances can also limit the amount of dirt and spores tracked inside. Building owners or managers should schedule carpet cleaning several times a year.

2. Change HVAC Filters

Installing a fresh filter in an HVAC system can be helpful for lowering the concentration of spores in the air. In addition to regular filter changes, owner or managers may want to have this system inspected for signs of mold growth in drain pans, ducts or terminal units.

3. Use Air Filtration

Owners or managers can further reduce mold spores by running an air filtration or purification system. Most spores range in size from one micron up to 100 microns. A True HEPA filter can capture 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns or larger and will eliminate most spores. A HEPA Type filter may cost less, but this filter will only catch dust and spores that are 2 microns or larger. 

These are three effective methods for reducing the concentration of spores in a building. If a musty smell persists even after carpet cleaning and air filtration, a building owner or manager should arrange for mold testing. The best way to resolve mold problems is to hire a certified cleanup and remediation service in Kentucky

3 Ways To Immediately Handle Sewage Damage in Your Home

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

There are a number of things you’d prefer to never have to deal with in your Kentucky, home, and one of them is finding sewage damage. Whether you’ve come across a stubborn flooded toilet, a clogged drainage system or a full-blown flood from sewer backup, the end result is never pretty. If you’re wondering just how to go about treating and disinfecting your residence, here are three ways to instantly start managing sewer cleanup in a safe and responsible manner.

1. Avoid using the water supply system in your home if the damage is overwhelming. 
You may be used to the occasional backed-up sink or toilet. However, if the damage is severe and the clog or disruption hasn’t been cleared yet, attempting to use any water in the home can result in even more destruction. It’s best to contact a professional team of water damage restoration specialists equipped to handle not only the immediate cleanup, but the necessary sterilization procedures afterwards to ensure your home is left safe and habitable.

2. If it’s still safe for you to be inside your home, wear protective clothing near the damaged areas.
When sewer cleanup is underway, keep your body covered in protective clothing and gear in order to prevent any contact with dirty, possibly infected water. Items such as goggles, rubber boots and gloves are best for keeping your skin and eyes covered, while a basic face mask can prevent you from breathing in any toxic fumes. 

3. Open your windows and utilize fans to air out the obtrusive smell.
While experienced restoration specialists are Here to Help and are prepared to deodorize your home before their job is done, you can help release some of the bad odors by using fans and keeping your windows open throughout the day.

Be Ready for Any Stinky Situation

Dealing with sewer cleanup in your Kentucky, residence is never fun or easy, but with these ideas in mind to help recover after the fact, you’re one step closer to getting over the event as quickly as possible.

Balloon Glow Planned For Hardinsburg In June

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

More than a dozen hot air balloons are expected to brighten the night sky on Friday, June 14in the area’s first-ever Balloon Glow. 

The Breckinridge County Chamber of Commerce and Airport Board are working with world champion balloonist Nick Donner, a UPS pilot, to organize the event, which will be free to the public. 

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with the balloon glow at dusk, or around 9:00 p.m. Hot air balloon rides will be available for a charge. . If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the event will be held the following day on Saturday, June 15. 

You can call the Chamber office at 270-756-0268 for more information

Call Our Experts Right Away After A Flood Causes Damage To Your Home

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

As a homeowner, you never think that it could happen to you, but suddenly torrential rains fall all around you, and your home is in the path of the water. Being prepared for the onset of disaster is the most crucial step you can take towards protecting your home. Aside from the necessary supplies and precautions recommended by local community helpers, you should also identify the best professional team to help you restore your home in case there is water damage as a result of the weather.

When a flood causes damage to your home SERVPRO is the right team for you to call. Our rapid response hotline is available 24/7 and is quick to respond to your emergency. Our Green Fleet is fully equipped with the latest equipment and technology to rapidly extract water from your home and mitigate the loss of time and money following a disaster.

One of the primary concerns, when there is flood damage, is the presence of bacteria in your home as the result of water coming from the outside, otherwise known as black water. Unwanted debris and organisms can enter your house and need to be removed as soon as possible. Our truck-mounted pumps are ideal to extract a large volume of water and dispose of it by relevant regulations. For smaller water accumulations our SERVPRO team can use handheld instruments that allow us to access hard to reach corners of your home.

Unfortunately, one of the by-products of flood damage is the removal of porous surfaces such as carpets and upholstered materials. Because of the hazard flood water poses, our SERVPRO team disposes of these items quickly and according to environmental recommendations. Our field experience lets us understand the intricacies of this process and make it simple for you as the homeowner.

Having your home be in the middle of the flood is overwhelming. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is here to help. We can be reached at 270-580-2200 when disaster strikes so our competent team can join you in restoring your property to pre-damage condition.

How SERVPRO Determines the Water Cleanup Processes for Your Home

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Various methods are used to clean up water damage in your home. Sub-floors, dry-walls, and carpet all have different cleaning processes.

Water cleanup is a necessary process when we are restoring your property after the unfortunate water event. Usually, there are different types of items in a building, and we must select a cleaning method which does the work efficiently. For instance, the method we use to clean a carpet may be different from the one that we use when cleaning items such as subfloors and walls. We aim to return your property to its former condition, if not better.  

Let us start by looking at the cleanup techniques we use when cleaning carpets in your water damaged property. To choose an appropriate cleaning method, we must begin by checking on the soiling level. In some instances, the dirt may be resting on the fiber tips, and in some situations, it might penetrate deep into the fibers. We also must check whether the fibers are stiff, sticky, or matted. Remember, we must clean the entire room, even if it is a small section of the carpet that is affected.  

The carpet's soiling level can be heavy, moderate, or light. When our SERVPRO technicians are dealing with deep or heavy soiling levels, we may use rotary jet extraction and a deluxe pre-conditioner to rinse the area. We may use hot water extraction when cleaning moderate soiling levels and shampoo when we are attending to low pile carpets. For light soiling levels, we may use hot water extraction, bonnet and shampoo to clean.  

While at the site, our SERVPRO technicians make a list of materials to clean. The degree of exposure to water and humidity determines the cleaning needs of a material. Once we clean the closets, we may come across clothing and other contents that require deodorizing and cleaning.  

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties offers a stress-free cleaning and restoration process to residential and commercial property owners. Have a chance of working with our highly experienced technicians at any time of the day by calling 270-580-2200.

What You Can Do When Your Child Floods Your Bathroom And Hallway

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Children are known to be curious, but sometimes that curiosity can leave you needing professional water cleanup services inside your home. When your child allows your bathroom tub to flood the floor of your bathroom, as well as the hallway, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the mess. However, it is essential for you to call for professional help.

It may be unwise to try and handle the water cleanup inside of your home by yourself, though it may seem tempting. While it is not always the case that you cannot clean up the mess yourself, it is wise to call for professional services when it comes to your carpeted hallway. It may even feel almost impossible to dry out your hallways by yourself because carpets can absorb so much water. In order to prevent further damages, such as microbial growth, it is wise to call for professionals who can make sure the moisture levels in your home are adequate.

Upon receiving your call, SERVPRO can send a team of our technicians to your home as fast as possible. Our professionals understand how important it's to handle water spills as quickly as possible to prevent further damages. We also know that the quicker we get the job done, the sooner you can get back to your everyday life.

When SERVPRO arrives at your home, our team of IICRC-certified technicians can begin the remediation process by using advanced trade tools. To address the puddles of water left behind in your bathroom, we can use wet/dry vacuums to remove the excess. To handle your soaked carpeting in the hallway, SERVPRO can use a tool called an extractor to simultaneously remove water while also providing heat to dry the fibers.

Should the walls inside your bathroom be damp from the water, SERVPRO can use further tools such as dehumidifiers and air movers. Using the tools together allows us to create an ideal environment that fosters evaporation. Once the moisture levels in your bathroom are back to an acceptable rate, we can leave you feeling "Like it never even happened."

Should your child cause your home to need urgent water cleanup services, never wait. Dial the number (270) – 580 - 2200 to get in touch with SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties Day or night, we're here to help

When "What If?" becomes "What Now?".... Emergency Ready Profile

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Being a property manager or landlord is not always an 8 to 5 job. Mishaps and problems do not care if you are on vacation or if you are out of the office; they can arise 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The key to being prepared before disaster strikes and dealing with these unforeseen circumstances is to implement our Emergency Ready Profile.

 A large percentage of businesses have to close down following a disaster. Majority of businesses that survive a disaster had some form of a preparation plan in place beforehand. SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile not only helps your business in having a plan in place but also assists to keep you and your staff members informed on exactly how to handle fire and water damage.

 To learn more about SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile you can visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com or call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200

Green Means Clean

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

SERVPRO® Industries, Inc. is a member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (DfE) program. DfE evaluates human health and environmental concerns associated with traditional and alternative chemicals and processes in a range of industries. These evaluations and analyses empower hundreds of businesses to select safer chemicals and technologies. The EPA/DfE has established a set of criteria for formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products and has put together a listing of safe cleaning components that can be used in Green cleaning formulations. As a member company, SERVPRO® can access this listing known as CleanGredients. From the listing, a formulation can be derived that incorporates “green” chemistry. SERVPRO® has formulated three Green Cleaning Products: Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251, All Surface Green Clean #250, and Window Green Clean #249. Spring is a popular season for Spring cleaning, and our green products will allow you to complete almost all your cleaning tasks.

What TO do and what NOT to do after a fire

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

What TO do after A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT to Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

What to expect from SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties when you have a water loss.

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

When problems with plumbing cause excessive pooling it requires removal equipment that most homeowners just do not own. Whether it's a slow leak or a full-scale burst pipe, the after-effects of crawlspaces, sub floors and carpet pads that become saturated by water can cause lasting harm to a property's structure.

When it comes to removing water, we use pumps at first, before moving in with more precise wet/dry vacuums and extraction wands. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties technicians must pass a stringent training program before working in our franchises. Their training allows them to use advanced techniques to make sure moisture can be removed from even difficult to reach areas.

Floorboards can be notoriously difficult to dry, which is why we use flat lay drying techniques. A process by which a sheet is laid on the affected surface and air-circulation is applied. As the sheet inflates, water is drawn out and into the air. We have found this technique to be extremely useful in the removal of moisture from in between floorboards or gaps in your property's structure.

Carpets may be pulled up, pads replaced, and sub floors inspected to ensure every ounce of moisture has been removed. Once satisfied, we can place rapid air-movers into the affected area. These circulate hot air, evaporating moisture. It is part of a two-step process that guards against the risk of mold or mildew buildup after a leak. The second step is to place humidifiers into the affected area and remove the evaporated moisture from the air.

At the conclusion of service, our technician can remove all equipment as well as any materials that need discarding. We can then walk you through the affected area to show you where work has been carried out, where items have been restored and which need replacing. At SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties we know replacing items can get expensive, so we work toward restoration rather than a replacement to keep costs as low as possible for our customers.

If you need urgent water removal, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties today! 270-580-2200

Commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties offers several cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning?
Call Today – 270-580-2200!

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

Preventative Maintenance

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.

IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Professional Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

Spring Time is Here - Is your home ready?

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Spring cleaning gets a bad rap. Yes, it entails work (unless you hire someone—which is totally legit, or you force your kids to work for free like you did for your parents), but the results are satisfying that you won’t even mind. We promise. Tackle these 15 indoor and outdoor projects and you’ll be loving life come sunny days.

Indoors

Super House Clean

You’ve got two options: deputize the family to be deep clean mavericks or hire a team of spring cleaning specialists to rock the job out. We’re not talking basic mopping here, this calls for wall scrubbing, ceiling dusting, oven cleaning, and curtain washing. It’s business time.

Take Care of Tile

If your tile grout has a mild case of wear and tear, use a DIY sealer painted on with a toothbrush to look as good as new. If mildew has set in, or large areas need to be redone, hire a tile pro to solve it in one fell swoop.

Clean the Carpets

Get the mud and dog and red wine out from a long winter spent cooped up. Either rent a steamer from your local grocery store or hire a carpet cleaning specialist to bring their big vans and fancy machines to breathe new life into your rug.

Wax or Restain Wood Floors

Life looking a little dull? Put new shine under your soles by having wood floors waxed or restrained. It will look amazing.

Organize Your Life

Every home mag in the world tells you spring is the time to clear clutter and organize your closet, home desk, and garage. We understand that saying is easier than doing. If this herculean task of handling your stuff is beyond your powers, call in an organization pro to save your sanity.

Clean Screens

Spring and summer mean letting in fresh air, not showing off the grubby screen door that’s been neglected for decades. Remove all the screen windows and doors in the house, wipe them down, hose them off, then replace them. The fresh air will smell all the sweeter.

Deep Clean the Mudroom

If you live in a snowy, rainy, or mucky area, your mudroom is coated in gunk. Get the space ready for spring! Clean and store winter wear in the garage. Wipe down the walls and scrub the floor. Put in a brightly colored rug. Hurray!

Ready the AC

Just check that it’s in working order before the first 100° day, that way you’ll get top-notch service when you need it.

Outdoors

Wash Outdoor Furniture

Wipe off the chairs, wash outdoor cushion fabric as needed, scrub down the picnic table, and restring the bistro lights. It’s patio party time!

Ready the Lawn

It’s probably looking pretty bad in your lawn right now. Piles of decayed leaves are showing under the melting snow. Get out there with a rake and elbow grease or call in a lawn specialist to clean out the muck, fertilize, and get you ready for spring.

Pressure Wash the House

Professional washers get exterior paint looking as good as new after a winter—or, let’s face it, decades—of rain, dirt, and snow. This is also an easy curb appeal boost if you’re putting your house on the market.

Clean the Deck

Clean the cobwebs, swab the deck, reseal as needed—get ready for sunny days outdoors! If you have a massive deck, or major repairs to be done, call in a pro to get you set safely.

Repair the Driveway

Cracks in the concrete and weeds growing in make the place look janky. Patch holes with concrete resurface, reseal asphalt driveways to look smooth, and reclaim your position as best looking house on the block. All that sound like a hassle? Hire a driveway specialist and sip lemonade on the back porch while it gets handled.

Wash the Exterior Windows

Yes, even the windows on the second floor. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, or have crazy angles on your house, have a pro window washer come so you don’t spend all spring in a cast.

Prep the Pool

Have the algae and debris cleaned off the bottom of the pool, make sure the filter is in working order, and safety check your ladders and diving board. If you’re hiring a pool pro to handle the chemicals, many companies offer lower rates for early spring visits when they’re slower than during the summer rush.

Good luck, have fun, and enjoy the spring!

Carpet Cleaning Tips for Your Business

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

Stains in your carpet can happen at any time. If you have the right tools, you can get some nice results on your carpet at home or business. Keep these tips in mind the next time disaster strikes!

Always blot spills and liquid stains. NEVER scrub. Scrubbing just pushes the stain particles further in the carpet fibers, making the stain harder to remove and accelerates deterioration. Blot the stain starting from the edges and much of the stain can be removed without other cleaning supplies.

Club soda works wonders in the event someone spills beer or wine on your carpet. Blot club soda on the stain. If club soda does not do the trick, mix it with a bit of white vinegar and spray the solution on the stain. Let sit for 15 minutes and then blot it up.

Scrape off stuck on debris. Families with kids need the best arsenal of carpet cleaning tips because children can do a lot of damage in a short period of time. When candy or gum are stuck to the floor, try scraping it off with a knife before applying any moisture.

The best carpet cleaning tip is to call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties for regular deep cleaning. This can help protect the integrity of the flooring and ensure that any stains or soil will not cause any permanent issues.

SPRING CLEANING

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Life happens and with life comes dirt, gunk and spills. Even the highest-quality items can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You already recognize SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration industry, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Trying to get your home "spring" clean? How about SERVPRO clean? You can see what services we provide at our website, or call us 24/7 at 270-580-2200. Our team will gladly work with you to get your home fresh and clean for spring.

Training is Important to Us

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is an IICRC firm. IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This organization sets the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. Our technicians can receive certifications in specific cleaning, restoration, and inspection categories such as upholstery, wood flooring, stone and tile flooring, carpet cleaning, odor removal, mold remediation, water damage, fire damage restoration and more. 

Not only can our staff complete IICRC certifications but our staff also has access to web-based training. This is a voluntary program and can be done at our staff's own pace. Video presentations and support materials are followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. This keeps not only our technicians but our office staff up to speed on industry standards and the professional quality you expect.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assure our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Winter Is Here, Are You Prepared?

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

We are at that time of year again.  This is when cold weather starts to show up and freezing temperatures threaten our area.  This can cause a headache if you are not prepared.  You need to take the time to help prevent damage from happening at your home or commercial building. 

Frozen pipes can cause extensive damage, but this can be prevented.

There are many ways to help prevent damage from a frozen pipe.  Here are a couple. 

- Opening cabinet doors will allow warm air to get under sinks and help keep pipes from freezing (especially where pipes are on exterior walls).

- Adding outdoor faucet covers to protect your exterior faucets.  You can pick these up at any of your local hardware stores.

When these things don't work... Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties to help with the cleanup.

270-580-2200

Space Heater Safety

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

SERVPRO Warns About the Dangers of Space Heaters When Not Used Properly

Fire does not care what season it is or whether it’s cold outside. Winter related fires are extremely common, especially when you are trying hard to keep warm. 

Our offices in Westview, KY have experience in fire damage from space heaters and can provide you with some tips to help avoid having to deal with these types of destructive events this winter season. 

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties technicians understand that accidents happen. Placing space heaters too close to other objects or using the wrong type of heater in a particular area can cause severe problems. Please take a moment to consider some factors leading to these fires.

Oil Heaters - Should be used in areas where there is the possibility of moisture. This eliminates any electrical hazards that may be present due to water conductivity. Always keep a safe distance to avoid contact burns. 

Electric Heaters - These heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be useful for many areas in your home. However, they should never be left unattended. Thinking of electric heaters as giant toasters can help you understand how important it is to keep a constant eye on them. Make sure you have sufficient wattage to run the device and never use extension cords.

Our SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties staff gets an incredible amount of space heater-related calls every winter. People are trying to stay warm and use space heaters quite often for this purpose. However, using a space heater does not need to cause so many problems during a cold spell. Just use common sense, and always follow the directions of the manufacturer.

The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties state that you follow a few simple guidelines when operating your space heaters. 

1) Always place space heaters on a flat, solid surface for proper stabilization. 

2) Purchase heaters with an automatic shut-off feature to prevent dangers from tipping. 

3) Maintain proper spacing between heaters and other objects in your home. 

4) Never leave children or pets unsupervised around operating heaters. 

5) Shut your heaters off properly before leaving your home or going to sleep. 

Following these guidelines does not ensure that you will never have to deal with fire damage from space heaters. However, you are less likely to have an unwanted consequence. If this sort of incident still strikes your home this winter season, make the call to our offices immediately. We will respond quickly and provide you with the services you need to get back to normal fast. 

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties today at (270) 580-2200

January 2020 Duct Cleaning Special - 10% off

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Hello Everyone.  SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is pleased to announce a promotion on air duct cleaning.  All month long, we will be offering a 10% discount on all air duct cleanings in residential homes and commercial buildings.  Our trained production techs utilize a soft brush duct cleaning machine to clean away years of dust and debris from your heating and air conditioning ducts in your residential homes and commercial buildings.  This is a great opportunity to breathe a little easier in your home or business.  We will clean the ducts, registers, handler, and fog with a deodorizer.  You can call us to schedule an appointment or get an estimate and mention the 10% discount.  We are open 8 am to 5 pm at 4135 S HWY 259 in Westview or call at 270-580-2200.  

Important Information You Should Know About Flood Cuts

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Flood cuts performed in Olathe, KS home due to water damage from a flood.

If your home has been affected by flooding.  You may feel overwhelmed by the process of restoration. A flood cut is sometimes needed after a home has been damaged by water, but you may be unsure if your home needs a flood cut, especially if you’re uncertain of the meaning.

What Exactly Is a Flood Cut and How Is It Done?

The term ‘flood cut’ is a simplified term for a common practice that is sometimes required after a home has sustained water damage. A flood cut:

• Is the process of making a cut in a wall 12 inches above the flood lines in order to tear out drywall?
• Should be done once the home is free of hazards
• Requires specified equipment and tools to allow for a safe removal of drywall

Why Are Flood Cuts Used?

Flood cuts are generally used to:

• Remove damaged drywall and decrease the risk of contamination in the home
• Allow for an accurate analysis of structural damage that has occurred
• Allow for the restoration of structural damage

How Do I Know if My Home Needs a Flood Cut?

After flooding occurs, flood cuts are not always necessary. However, indicators that your home might need a flood cut can include:

• Having water in your home that is contaminated with potentially hazardous bacteria
• Having standing water in your home, even if it appears clean
• The interior of your home remained wet or damp for an extended period

Understanding what a flood cut is, why it is sometimes necessary and when it should be used after flooding occurs can help you better understand what is going on during your home’s restoration process. If your home has sustained water damage due to a flood, it can help to contact flood damage restoration experts who can help you safely and effectively restore your home. 

Flooding in Kasas

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

The Living Room in this Kansas home was flooded after several days of nonstop raining. Our SERVPRO team was in town helping local franchises with an overabundance of claims. 3 people from our location dropped what they were doing and went to Kansas when we got the call that there was massive flooding and they needed as many crews as possible. Our Crew Chief was in town first to assess the damage and set up appointments so that when our production team made it to town they could begin work immediately. We were able to help several families get their property back to preloss condition. Our crew is very humbled to be able to help in times of crisis

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Storm in Kansas.

11/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties received a call to travel to Kansas to help with the influx of claims that had come in due to massive flooding. Our crew loaded up and was on the way in a flash. By the time the crew made the 8-hour trip, our crew chief who was in town first had called several customers and had appointments lined up and ready, so they could hit the ground running. We had three of our team members in the Kansas area for 10 days helping the local franchises during their time of crisis. 

Our team loves to be there to help and get people back on their feet and will work as many hours as it takes to get them back in their homes and "Like it never even happened."

Why Waiting For an Adjuster Has Risks

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flash flooding in Louisville, KY

You are relieved that you bought flood insurance, but when there has been widespread flood damage in Kentucky, it may take a long time before the adjuster makes it to your house. You are probably getting mixed advice. Some people say it is unwise to make repairs before the adjuster comes, but others say it’s your responsibility to prevent subsequent damage. It sounds risky either way, so what should you do? You don’t want to do work that the adjuster denies, but you also have a responsibility and a need to protect your property from further damage.

Here are some initial actions you can take and why:

• Document now. Take videos and photos of all property damage to share with your flood insurance company.
• Tarp exposed areas. If there was damage to your home’s exterior, allowing wind and rain to continue entering, then you should try to prevent this exposure.
• Remove water as quickly as you can. Your flood problem can quickly become a mold problem in as little as 24 – 48 hours. Mold spores are abundant in the air, and colonies multiply rapidly.
• Move belongings out of the water. If you have larger furniture items, they can be blocked or separated from the wet floor with foil to prevent further damage. Remove smaller items from the water.
• Begin the drying process. To prevent mold damage, continue ventilating and drying your property after water is removed. If your electricity is on and safe to operate, you should use fans and air conditioning to aid this process.

These actions are all in the category of preventing additional damage, which reduces costs for everyone. What’s great about working with a reputable flood recovery company is that they likely already have established relationships with flood insurance adjusters, paving a smooth path for the claims process and for getting your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Flooding in Kasas

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

The Living Room in this Kansas home was flooded after several days of nonstop raining. Our SERVPRO team was in town helping local franchises with an overabundance of claims. 3 people from our location dropped what they were doing and went to Kansas when we got the call that there was massive flooding and they needed as many crews as possible. Our Crew Chief was in town first to assess the damage and set up appointments so that when our production team made it to town they could begin work immediately. We were able to help several families get their property back to preloss condition. Our crew is very humbled to be able to help in times of crisis

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Answers to Common Questions About Mold

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

If you see signs of mold growth, smell a musty odor, find evidence of water leaks, or know of any past flooding, you should take immediate action.

What does mold look like? 

Mold can appear in many colors and could appear as a dark spot on the wall or as black specks around the window. Mold in the crawlspace may look like chalky white growth or could be dark spots behind the sink. Many people in Kentucky, recognize black mold, but it could appear in several colors, beginning with the most common. 

• Black
• Brown 
• White
• Yellow
• Blue
• Green
• Orange
• Red
• Pink 

Any sign of mold should prompt you to contact a mold remediation expert, even if the growth spot only looks like hard water stains running below the knobs in the sink. 

How can you tell if it's bad mold?

Not all types of mold are dangerous, but black mold and other forms of mold in large amounts could lead to expensive repairs and mold cleanup efforts. The best way to prevent extensive damage and repairs is to treat any appearance of mold as if it were bad mold. The only effective and reliable way to tell what type of mold is in a building is to contact an indoor environmental professional. 

Who can safely remove mold? 

An IEP uses specialized equipment and testing methods to determine which types of mold are on the property, how widespread growth is, how high levels of contamination are, and where mold growth began. DIY tests tend to be inaccurate and could lead to ineffective mold remediation efforts. 

When should you act?

If you see signs of mold growth, smell a musty odor, find evidence of water leaks, or know of any past flooding, you should take immediate action to prevent further growth and to begin mold cleanup. Mold remediation experts in Kentucky, can get you started. Any time you suspect the presence of mold in your building, you need to act quickly for the protection of your property and those people who live or work in the building. 

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building? 

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call: 270-580-2200

The mold cleanup and restoration process begin

 when you call SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect

mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from

plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the

contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores

from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of

surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to

eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing

of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate

heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using

fogging equipment. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties Park Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Commercial Fire Sprinkler Floods: 3 Ways to Protect Your Business

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding from a broken fire sprinkler system can be unexpected for you as a business owner

There are many different sources of flooding that can affect your Kentucky, commercial building. Some causes are common; however, even those that happen less often can be just as damaging. For example, you may not anticipate malfunctioning ceiling sprinklers to cause a flood but being prepared can help you protect your business in case the worst should happen. As you create a plan of action, there are a few strategies to consider that may reduce flood damage and allow your business to recover faster. 

1. Know Where the Water Shutoff Valve Is 

Trying to find your building’s water shutoff valve while the fire sprinklers are spraying water everywhere might prolong flooding and make matters worse. Locate your building’s main water valve ahead of time and map the fastest way to get to it. Give your managers a copy of the map so they can turn off the water if you are not there. The quicker you can cut off the water supply, the less serious the damage may be. 

2. Have a Flood Damage Service on Call 

Being able to call for help when your building suffers water damage can give you peace of mind, even during the worst of floods. Having a flood damage and restoration company on call that can perform mitigation services may reduce widespread problems that stem from a sprinkler malfunction. Experienced technicians can drain water from vulnerable areas and prevent water from spreading to adjacent rooms. 

3. Be Aware of Your Insurance Coverage

If you have business interruption insurance, take the time to fully understand what your policy covers so there are no unpleasant financial surprises after a fire sprinkler flood. Have your agent’s number posted in several different locations and call him or her right away after an incident so the claim can be filed as soon as possible. 

Flooding from a broken fire sprinkler system can be unexpected for you as a Kentucky, business owner. Being prepared for this or any type of water damage may help reduce the cost of mitigation and repair services, so you can recover quickly

Firework Safety

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Did you know fireworks cause nearly 20,000 home fires every year? Don't let your relaxing holiday weekend turn into a statistic

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

What Happens to Your Office After Storm Damage?

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Flooding is one of the most damaging environmental disasters that can occur in your office building. If you’re not properly prepared, you can face significant damage and financial consequences. It’s also important that you have the assistance of an expert to tear out affected areas and thoroughly clean up the water and other damage. The Professionals will follow effective steps to ensure you can get back to regular business soon.

Inspect the damage

The storm restoration team will begin its work by looking at the extent of the issues in your building. The team will assess how much water got into your facility and whether there was any black water involved. Once the restoration professionals see the effects of the water damage, they can formulate a plan of how they’ll get your building back to a state where you can resume operations. 

Get Rid of Water

The first cleanup effort will be removing water from the flood. The experts will use a proven process to do this.

• Use industrial strength water extractors.
• Dry the affected area once water is removed.
• Sanitize the area to discourage the growth of mold and other harmful materials and substances. 

Remove Flooring

Once the water is gone, the restoration team will remove any severely damaged carpet, flooring, or drywall. This tear out process can be extensive depending on how large the flood was and how long the water sat in the area. 

Restoration

In major flooding incidents, the team will perform restoration. This process can take several weeks and may involve rebuilding portions of your office space. Be prepared to make some adjustments to your operations because your facility, may not be in regular working order for a long period of time.

Water removal, drying, tear out and restoration are critical components of cleaning up after a flood. Make sure you call a reliable company to handle this effort.

Showers VS. Baths

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is committed to doing our part to battle climate change and save our precious natural resources. Throughout the month we will be providing green tips and information to help you know how Recycle, Reduce and Reuse. A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a 5-minute shower uses only 10-25 gallons. We are committed to making our community both here locally and globally better and stronger for this generation and ones to come. We are ready 24/7, 365 to help you, call us at 270-580-2000 so we can help make it “Like it never even happened.” when disaster from an upstairs neighbor’s bathtub overflows and you have water coming through your ceiling and making a mess in your condo or apartment. We are here to walk through the process with you from start to finish, helping to answer questions and guide you through the distressing situation

Safety in a Storm

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

We are right in the middle of the storm season here in Kentucky.  When storms are present in the local area, make sure to tune in to your local TV station or local radio.  Alerts will be announced on both.  If there is a warning in your area, you should go to the lowest level of your structure and get in a central location on that level.  Storms can move very fast and cause tremendous damage to structures. 

If you have damage from the storm... call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties.  We can help with drying any wet material that you might have.  We can also help with rebuilding or repairing the damage that has occurred at your home or commercial building.

When It Floods: What To Do and What To Avoid

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

When your home floods, whether from a storm or a broken pipe, your first instinct is probably to start getting rid of water and cleaning up. To makes sure the repair process goes smoothly, however, there are a few steps you should follow. The first priorities are safety and documentation, and then you can call flood restoration specialists to lead in the cleanup efforts.

Safety First

Water in the home can render it temporarily uninhabitable, so there are a few things to look for when you return:

• Damage to water, sewer or power lines
• Warped surfaces, such as floors or walls
• Damaged foundation
• Visible cracks or holes in any part of your home’s structure

Try to avoid wading in standing water, as it could be electrically charged. Just in case, it is a good idea to wear knee-high rubber boots to absorb possible shocks. Even if the water looks clean, avoid contact with your skin, as it could be contaminated, especially if you suspect it might have come from a broken pipe or sewer line.

Document Damage

Your insurance adjuster is going to need to know the extent of the damage. Be vigilant about keeping your cell phone charged so you can take pictures for the report. Avoid cleaning before you document the damage, or your settlement could be smaller because the problem will seem smaller than it is. Once you have adequate documentation, call your insurer. The earlier you file a claim, the sooner you can get the money for repairs or reimbursement.

Cleanup

Rather than attempt to clean up the water yourself, it is a good idea to hire a professional. Experienced restoration specialists can help locate the cause of the problem, whether the flooding came from groundwater or a broken pipe. They also know how to overcome water damage so that you do not experience mold or mildew problems later

Summer is here! Time to go for a dip in the pool to cool off for a bit!

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Now that swim season is in full swing it’s time to take a closer look at those spots around you pool. If a pool is left untreated or without some sort of chlorine product algae and or mold can start to set in quick.

While algae is not hard to get rid of and is relatively harmless, mold can be a huge pain and massive ordeal if not taken care of quickly and efficiently! Not to mention mold could become hazardous to your health.

If you happen upon a spot that might be algae or mold when cleaning your pool give it a few sprays with a water/bleach mixture and attack it with a scrub brush. If the stains do not go away it is probably mold and you should call SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200 to come look into a proper mold remediation service before you fill that pool back up.

Claims for Commercial Fire Losses

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

The process of putting out a fire can cause as much or more damage to property as the fire itself. While you want to resume normal operations as quickly as possible, it’s important to assess all aspects of fire damage and thoroughly understand how the provisions of your insurance policy can help you recover. Take these steps to begin the recovery process.

Mitigate Damage

Preventing as much damage as possible after the fire can reduce the amount of your claim. Consider implementing these fire mitigation measures:

• Limit access to the property to minimize the risk of injury or further damage
• If utility services have not already been cut off, switch off electricity, gas and water
• Resist the urge to begin clean-up efforts until fire damage professionals determine how to proceed

Document the Physical Damage

Your insurance provider will need to know the extent of your physical losses. These can be documented using 

 photographs that exist in off-site storage or on a website, and through business records maintained by outside accountants or vendors. Your bank may be able to provide blueprints that can assist in determining any level of damage to the structure that will require repair. Your insurance adjuster can help you through this process.

Determine the Extent of Records Loss

If vital financial records were damaged or destroyed in the fire and its aftermath, you may consider calling in a forensic accountant. Such experts can help you recreate financial records, substantiate your losses properly and ensure that you receive full value for the insurance coverage you’ve purchased.

Estimate the Cost of Business Interruption

You may need or want to continue operations at another location while restoration is in progress. In that case, you’ll incur these expenses, at minimum:

• Property rental
• Equipment and furnishings leasing
• Utility service fees

What To Salvage and What To Throw Away

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

Caring for your home under normal circumstances can be stressful. When you bring flooding into the picture, it can become a downright disaster. Once your family is safe and you’ve checked with your insurance, it’s time to begin content cleaning. This is the first step to returning your home to its previous condition.

Is It Safe to Keep?

Your instinct might be to try to throw away everything that has been submerged in flood waters. This isn’t necessary, however; there are many items you may be able to safely save, clean and restore. Depending on what type of water they were exposed to, items such as drapes, clothing and other material goods might be able to be saved by washing them. This could be in your washing machine or dry cleaning, depending on the type of material. Other items that could be saved and restored include these:

• Rugs
• Furniture
• Toys
• Collectibles

Don’t Risk It; Throw It Away

Certain items should always be thrown away once exposed to flooding. Content cleaning cannot save these, especially if they were exposed to black water. Flood waters will make these unsafe for use or consumption:

• Food or beverages
• Medical supplies
• Clothing or canvas items
• Building supplies such as carpets, pads, drywall, and wood floors

Getting Help Cleaning Up

It’s best to start cleanup as soon as it’s safe for you to enter the flooded area. You want to protect yourself with gloves, masks, long pants and sleeves and rubber-soled shoes. The less exposure to contaminated water and items, the better.

One thing is for certain, when doing content cleaning after water backup or residential flooding, don’t go at it alone. Get help from friends, family, or professionals. They’ll be able to help you sort out which items are salvageable, and which are better off sent to the dumpster and replaced with new ones. 

Fire Safety

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters respond to a home fire every 79 seconds. Simple steps can be taken throughout the home to reduce the risk of fire and injury/loss of life:

• Working smoke alarms should be found in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are working properly and the batteries are good
•  Be sure fire extinguishers are available on every level of the home and that each household member knows how to use them
• Reduce the risk of fire outside of the home by removing dying or dead trees and shrubs and by keeping dry brush and debris at least 30 feet away from the home. Keep gutters, roof, and eaves clear of debris
• Be sure any candles in the home are placed away from curtains and other furniture, as well as out of reach of children and pets. Consider using safer alternatives such as flame less candles.

10 Tips To Make Your Home Safer From Fires

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

It’s an unfortunate tragedy. A raging fire has ravaged your home. A restoration company has come to the rescue to return your home back to its prior condition. Hopefully you will never experience such loss again, but it is wise to prepare your home in the event of future disasters. Even if your home has never been devastated by a fire, the following fire preparation tips can prove beneficial in giving you greater peace of mind regarding fire safety in your home.

1. Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
2. Prepare children: Teach fire preparation to children, including the dangers of fire. Make sure they know the proper use of 911 for emergencies. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
3. Plan where to go: Create an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household is aware of it. Choose an outside meeting spot for all family members to gather upon escaping. Conduct practice drills at least twice a year.
4. Share contact information: Make sure all household members know who to contact in the event that they cannot find each other during a home fire.
5. Educate on proper techniques: Teach everyone in the household to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothes catch on fire.
6. Act if you smoke: Smokers should take extra precautions, as many residential fire deaths are caused by smoking materials. Avoid smoking in bed, especially while sleepy or medicated. It is better to smoke outside.
7. Handle heaters: Portable heaters should be turned off when not in use.
8. Take care of candles: Candles should be extinguished when not in use, and never left unattended.
9. Store other sources of light: Speaking of candles, consider using flashlights during a power outage instead of candles.
10. Examine the home for other fire hazards: Check the electrical wiring and home heating sources to make sure they are safe.

How Can You Prevent Water Damage?

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Regularly have your plumbing and fire sprinklers inspected and maintained to prevent leaks and burst pipes. If a major storm is approaching, prepare by placing sandbags around entrances and moving important documents and computers to a safe place. Install a water shut-off valve under your water heaters. Unfortunately, not all disasters can be prevented, but these tips can minimize the likelihood of severe damage.

Don’t let a broken pipe or toilet overflow disrupt your productivity. When you take swift action to prevent or address a flood, your water damage experts may be able to help you avoid a costly emergency and keep your business—not burst pipes—running smoothly.

A disaster in a home or business can be a very traumatic experience for people. We have a team of trained crew members who are experienced to help walk with you during the process and see what can be cleaned up and made like new.We love helping you make it “Like it never even happened." 

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. Give us a call at 270-580-2200

If you have mold, we can help.

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Mold is no match for SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties, we have been its number 1 enemy since 2013. Our team of dedicated professionals who have years of experience in the industry use advanced water detection equipment to locate the source of the problem. Saving you time and money as we remediate any mold or water damage from losses like a dishwasher leak, pipe break, sprinkler head malfunction, toilet overflow or your washing machine that is on the second floor and was a huge selling point when you bought but now is your least favorite part of your home. Our team of technicians help walk with you through the process of having a disaster happen in your home or office, through speaking with insurance and supplying them with the documentation that they need to complete the claim process. We empower you to make decisions that are right for you, your family or business. We have been helping customers like you since 2013 make it “Like it never even happened.

The Steps You Should Follow After Fire Damage in the Home

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

The Steps You Should Follow After Fire Damage in the Home

Few things are more complicated than having to deal with fire damage in the home. Sometimes, the steps that you as the homeowner take after the fire damage determine the speed at which the home will be restored to the state it was in before the fire damage happened. Below are is a guideline outlining the steps you ought to take after an electrical fire or another type of fire breaks out in your home.

Evacuation

The very first thing you need to do is ensure that all the people who were in the building have gotten out. In case there is someone still trapped in the building because of soot damage or smoke damage, you should call in emergency services such as the fire truck, fire sprinkler systems, fire hoses, and firefighters to help rescue them and put out the fire. Do not try to get back into the house once you are out where it is safe.

The fire suppression

The fire trucks and firefighters will arrive and assess the situation. The firefighters, fire hoses, and their fire trucks will do their best to try and put out the fire within the shortest time possible after getting to the scene. You might see a firefighter going into the house and trying to rescue people who are trapped in the soot damage. They use equipment such as fire hoses, fire sprinkler systems and other appropriate equipment to help them achieve fire suppression within the shortest time.

Understanding the Science Behind Molds and Mold Remediation

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Understanding the Science Behind Molds and Mold Remediation

The microscopic mold spores that eventually spread like a conflagration bringing about a mold infestation can be found pretty much everywhere. Their common spreading grounds include homes and business premises with plumbing or roof leaks.

All it takes for mold growth from the microscopic spores to a palpable infestation or the massive mold growth behind walls is a damaging water incidence and a 48 to 72 hours’ time-stretch. During this time you may arrange for the water to be removed so as to circumvent the mold in home problem that’s about to blow up.

Alternatively, you may get a licensed mold in home removal professional to help you inspect it and suggest the right course of action to tackle commercial mold damage.

Understanding Molds

The spreading of mold fungus mostly occurs as a result of water intrusion into a property or dry rot. No home is completely safe from the mold growth behind walls; considering they shoot from microscopic mold spores that often float about in the air or dry rot and are likely to enter your home through any available opening, including your windows, AC/heating system, and the door.

Mold growth thrives in the presence of moisture, not dry rot as many people love to assume. Meaning, they’ll be growing into colonies within two to three days whenever they’re exposed to water.

Mold in home or mold growth behind walls is detested for a number of reasons, among them is the fact that they tend to produce a very strong smelly odor. This is particularly the case with black molds. Speaking of which, mold remediation and restoration company often use the musty odor they produce to identify infested areas.

Also worth noting is that mold in home growth can also be supported by a higher-than-normal indoor humidity; to wit, anything above 45 percent.

Prior to any mold remediation process, it’s recommended that you make sure the humidity or moisture problem you’re facing in your home is properly addressed. Otherwise, it would just be a matter of time before the problem gets you back to square one.

Steps to Tackle a Commercial Mold Damage

• Use bleach and water solution to clean up the infested area. Read this bearing in mind that NO other household disinfectant can destroy black molds. It’s also important that you try to keep any member of your family or office staff away from the affected area.
• If the mold damage is contained within a room, then try to keep the door closed to prevent it from spreading further. The same can be said about mold growth behind walls.
• Never use a fan to dry the affected area. This will only disturb the spores, the result of which you’ll be spreading them somewhere else.
• In the event of a gigantic mold growth behind walls, you might want to call a mold mitigation or restoration company to come and help you tackle the problem.

You might also want to notify your insurance company. If your mold in home insurance policy happens to also cover mold removal and mitigation, you might want to notify them as soon as it’s reasonably possible to avoid creating up unnecessary complications.

Molds, Fungus and Mildews

While many people can’t tell the difference between molds, fungus and mildew, the difference between them is so striking to go unnoticeable. Of course, all the three are closely related.

First, be reminded that fungus is neither an animal nor plant. Neither does fit in the bacterium basket. If anything, it has its own unique kingdom of classification, and in which both mildew and molds happen to be subsets.

Both molds and mildews spread easily and thrive in the presence of water. They also have an almost similar smelly odor. But despite these common features, the two have their fair share of differences.

While molds feature multiple identical nuclei that tend to form black or green patches as they grow, mildews on the other hand have a flat growth with a tendency to lightly hang on surfaces as they grow.

Mildews can be found growing on paper, fabrics, damp surfaces and other organic materials in the house, whereas molds tend to grow on food, dry rot and permanent structures such as crawl spaces and walls.

Black Mold in home

As hinted by the sinister name, black mold is the most dreaded mold growth species. Its name alone is enough to strike fear in the hearts of many homeowners.

Easily identified by its black color, removing the black mold is even more problematic as opposed to the removal of its gray and green equals with a NOT so bad smelly odor.

Its smelly odor is also so intense and no kind of deodorization is enough to rid it off completely.

It’s for these reasons that it’s recommended that you reach out to a mold damage restoration and deodorization company for help every time you experience commercial mold damage.

Difference between Mold removal and Mold Remediation

As already mentioned, the mold grows from the tiny microscopic spores that naturally exist almost everywhere—both indoors and outdoors. Meaning it’s literally impossible to completely remove them from your home or premise.

This is to say any mold deodorization or Restoration Company claiming to also offer mold removal services is only selling a fallacy to clueless clients.

If you’re planning to have the problem tackled professionally, then you might want to pick on a restoration company that completely understands the science behind molds growth and their mitigation.

Suffice it to say that the best mold damage mitigation or deodorization company to settle for is one that offers mold remediation services and nothing about mold removal services. So by definition, mold remediation or mitigation focuses on reverting mold damage levels to manageable, natural levels instead of selling false hope to clueless consumers experiencing commercial mold damage.

How Water Damage Can Hurt Your Business and What You Can Do

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

Whether it comes from a broken pipe, a sprinkler malfunction or an overflowing toilet, water damage can be inconvenient and costly. It can cause harm not only to your building but to electronics and furniture as well.

In What Ways Can Commercial Water Damage Happen?

Water damage can be devastating to a company. The following list outlines some of the most common ways your building can suffer from a water disaster: 

• A hurricane or tropical storm causes flooding.
• One of the toilets in the restroom leaked overnight.
• A broken pipe or water main flooded your building.
• The fire sprinklers went off, causing an indoor rainstorm all over the office.

What Gets Damaged During an Indoor Flood?

Only a few inches of water covering the floor can cause costly damage to the carpets and walls and invite mold and wood rot. Furniture and expensive office equipment can be ruined. In severe flooding, the water may seep into the walls and damage electrical wires.

How Do You Deal with the Aftermath of Commercial Water Damage?

You should address water damage as soon as possible. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties can get started on preventing mold, cleaning soaked carpets, and restoring waterlogged surfaces. You should also contact your insurance company for information on flood and water damage coverage.

How Can You Prevent Water Damage?

Regularly have your plumbing and fire sprinklers inspected and maintained to prevent leaks and burst pipes. If a major storm is approaching, prepare by placing sandbags around entrances and moving important documents and computers to a safe place. Install a water shut-off valve under your water heaters. Unfortunately, not all disasters can be prevented, but these tips can minimize the likelihood of severe damage.

Don’t let a broken pipe or toilet overflow disrupt your productivity. When you take swift action to prevent or address a flood, your water damage experts may be able to help you avoid a costly emergency and keep your business—not burst pipes—running smoothly.

How To Tell Mold From Mildew: 3 Key Identifiers

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Battling mold and mildew in your home can be a year-round housecleaning challenge. From preventing costly mold damage to scrubbing away mildew in the shower, fighting household fungi can take time and a considerable amount of elbow grease. However, trying to clean up mold on your own may cause the further spread of spores and increase the risk of a severe infestation. Knowing how to tell the difference between mold and mildew can help you save time, money and let you know whether you need the services our service for mold remediation 

1. Texture 

Although mold and mildew are both part of the fungi family, they have different textures that are usually visible to the naked eye. Mildew growth is typically thin and slimy, while mold is usually fuzzy or wooly. You can perform a quick test by adding a few drops of bleach to the suspect area, as mildew grows lighter on contact while mold retains its color. 

2. 
   Color

You may be able to tell mold from mildew by the color of the growth. Mildew is usually grey or light yellow as it spreads, while mold growth comes in a variety of colors, from green to white to black. If you suspect what you see is black mold, it is a good idea to avoid touching the area and call in mold damage specialists to treat the problem instead, as this type of fungus can be aggressive and will likely need professional intervention. 

3. 
   Growth Pattern

While both mold and mildew have a few similar qualities, the way each grows and spreads can help you tell them apart. Mildew is a surface fungus that can be wiped away easily, as it develops in flat, thin patches. Mold spores, however, penetrate the surface of any material they attach to and grow into wide patches that can be difficult to remove. 

It can be difficult to tell mold from mildew when you encounter either in your home. However, knowing the characteristics of each can help you prevent mold damage and keep your home clean and sanitary.

When Storms or Floods hit SERVPRO is ready!

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

A disaster in a home or business can be a very traumatic experience for people. We have a team of trained crew members who are experienced to help walk with you during the process and see what can be cleaned up and made like new.We love helping you make it “Like it never even happened." 

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. Give us a call at 270-580-2200

Here for you

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

When tragedy strikes, we focus on getting your business back up and running.

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties has been serving the community since 2013. We are dedicated to helping our customers when disaster strikes and helping to make it “Like it never even happened,” We are ready 24/7, 365 at 270-580-2200 to help you. We are a certified firm who is committed to serving our community when disasters such as pipe breaks and fires occur.

A disaster in a home or business can be a very traumatic experience for people. We have a team of trained crew members who are experienced to help walk with you during the process and see what can be cleaned up and made like new.We love helping you make it “Like it never even happened." 

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. Give us a call at 270-580-2200

Cooking fires are leading cause of fires

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

Fire can and do happen anywhere and anytime, they do not take holidays off. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is here for you when disasters such as water or fire damage strike. Whether it be from a smoke in the breakroom at work from popcorn left to long in the microwave, or a space heater left to close to a blanket at home, we are Here to Help® you to life as it was before the disaster. We know that just because we deal with emergencies every day, you do not. So, we are here to share experience with you, as we guide you through the process of making it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews work with you and your insurance to take care of the details to insure you can come out after the disaster as if the fire never occurred. We walk with you through the process, guiding you with answers, advice, and experience through to the other side where life will come back together. We are always open to help you, call us at 270-580-2200

Mold is no match for us

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

Our professionals use advanced water detection equipment to locate the source of the problem and remediate any mold or water damage. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties has been serving the community since 2013. We are dedicated to helping our customers when disaster strikes and helping to make it “Like it never even happened,” We are ready 24/7, 365 at 270-580-2200 to help you. #SERVPRO #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #HereToHelp #ReBuildingStories #2705802200

A disaster in a home or business can be a very traumatic experience for people. We have a team of trained crew members who are experienced to help walk with you during the process and see what can be cleaned up and made like new. We love helping you make it “Like it never even happened." 

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. Give us a call at 270-580-2200 We are ready 24/7

Hitting the road to help in storm disasters

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

When a disaster strikes in an area across the nation, SERVPRO franchises unite and activate what we call, Storm. Being a corporate entity allows us to travel and help one another. 

It is important to use here at SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties to "keep it green" and make sure that anyone that has storm damage is being taken care of. 

We hold our staff of professionals to a high standard and expect nothing but the best for you.

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions

Torrential Rains cause flooding in Kentucky

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

This home in Kentucky was flooded when torrential rains caused the city to overflow. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties was at the scene to help local franchises that were inundated with jobs. There was debris scattered about and our crew was suited up in Tyvek suits, gloves, and masks to ensure their health and wellbeing was protected. The crew had to remove most of the contents from the garage and basement of this home due to the category 3 water that had saturated the items. Several hours were spent hauling out furniture and trash as well as mopping and wiping down hard surfaces. When all the mess was cleaned up, we then sprayed the area with antimicrobial to sanitize everything. The customer was very happy to have someone else take some of the burden of their loss away

Spring showers bring… unexpected water damage.

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

We hope spring brings you more flowers and fewer showers, but if you experience water damage, you know who to call. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is ready when a disaster occurs in your home or office, our experienced crews will assist in answering questions, bridging the gap between you and your insurance, insuring that all necessary parties have the information needed to complete the job faster, and get you back to life before. If your home or office should have a water damage from a sprinkler break, a dishwasher leak, or a washing machine overflow from the second floor (which you loved when you bought the house because it is so convenient). Know that you can trust us to help guide you through it, we are ready 24/7, 365 to help you at 270-580-2200.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

Many of us do not know the first steps to take in the event of water damage in our homes. SERVPRO has over 40 years of leadership and training in cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO has put together a few Do’s and Don’ts to help in the event of water damage in your home.

Water Damage from Clean Water

DO:

• Shut off the source of the water as quickly as possible.
• Turn off any circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the breaker box is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping & blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove any documents, computers and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards are at risk.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches or circuit breakers are exposed to water/
• Leave books, newspapers. Magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove excess water. This could cause electrical shock or damage the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceilings are wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Brandenburg KY

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, & Hancock Counties for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, & Hancock Counties specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 270-580-2200

August Duct Cleaning Special - 10% off

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Hello Everyone.  SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is pleased to announce a promotion on air duct cleaning.  All month long, we will be offering a 10% discount on all air duct cleanings in residential homes and commercial buildings.  Our trained production techs utilize a soft brush duct cleaning machine to clean away years of dust and debris from your heating and air conditioning ducts in your residential homes and commercial buildings.  This is a great opportunity to breathe a little easier in your home or business.  We will clean the ducts, registers, handler, and fog with a deodorizer.  You can call us to schedule an appointment or get an estimate and mention the 10% discount.  We are open 8 am to 5 pm at 4135 S HWY 259 in Westview or call at 270-580-2200.  Thanks

Candle Fire in Bedroom

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires - and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Facts:
* December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
* Roughly one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
* More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle!

Candles and Kids:
* Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
* Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach.

Candles are pretty and smell good, but think about using flameless candles, they look and smell like the real thing!

Be safe!

If something should happen, please don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200 for assistance. We will make it "Like it never even happened."

Satisfied Customer on Complete Water Restoration

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Before and After Photos from Bathroom Water Damage

I recently had a water loss in my bathroom. SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties was quick to respond. The staff explained each and every step of the process in a way that made me feel more confident that the job was going to be completed in a way that would meet my family's needs. I would highly recommend SERVPRO to anyone! 

From: Emily in Leitchfield KY

A disaster in a home or business can be a very traumatic experience for people. We have a team of trained crew members who are experienced to help walk with you during the process and see what can be cleaned up and made like new.We love helping you make it “Like it never even happened." 

Thank you for choosing SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. Give us a call at 270-580-2200

New location

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties new location at 4135 S HWY 259 in Westview KY

Hello Everyone.  SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is proud to announce that we have moved to a new location in Westview KY.  We are now at 4135 S HWY 259.  We still have the same telephone number... 270-580-2200.  We were due for a larger location and the added space we have now is working out great.  It seems just like yesterday that we opened up and I can't believe how quickly we ran out of room.  We keep growing and it's all because of our great customers.  We'd like to thank all of you for your continued support.   Please feel free to stop by to see the new shop.  We will still be faster to any size disaster.  Thanks again.