Natural Disasters in Kokomo, Indiana Affect your Pets, too – Have a Plan in Place

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

If a severe storm in Kokomo is forcing a residential area to evacuate, not only does there need to be a plan in place for the residents but there needs to be a plan in place for the family pets as well. That part of the plan is often overlooked when forming the evacuation plan to begin with but not for lack of caring about the pet; it is often forgotten because most assume they will just grab the pets and leave but it is not that simple. Pet safety plans are just as detailed as human safety plans. SERVPRO® of Howard and Tipton Counties wants to share the following pet evacuation tips with you:

• Know which hotels accept pets and which ones do not – this is critical for your evacuation route planning
• Do some research and find out which shelters, veterinarian offices, boarding facilities, etc. will take in pets during an emergency or evacuation situation
• When practicing evacuation drills, include your pets so they have a sense of normality when the time comes
• If your pets will be transferred in portable pet carriers, make sure they are comfortable being in one – practice helps with this
• Grab a free rescue sticker from the ASPCA and mark how many animals you have inside the home as this allows rescue workers to know they should look for animals as well

When it is safe to re-enter the Kokomo home, take note of any damage the house may have attained during the storm (including water damage) and when you are ready, call SERVPRO of Howard and Tipton Counties to come help with the cleanup and restoration process. We are here to help! 

SERVPRO of Howard and Tipton Counties is independently owned and operated.

Have an Evacuation Plan and a Shelter Plan in Place in Kokomo, Indiana

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

It is very important to have an evacuation plan in place before a big storm hits. The weather is unpredictable and unexpected damages can occur due to that. These damages can force homeowners and residents in Kokomo to evacuate to a safer area. If a resident does not have anywhere else to go, another option is a disaster shelter. The American Red Cross has a disaster shelter locator on their website. When preparing for a storm, one should always check and see if there are any disaster shelters around the area. Everyone is welcome at a disaster shelter. There are no qualifications to be met. Service animals are also welcome! What a great resource! 

Once the residential home is safe to re-enter, carefully evaluate any damage the home may have and take note of it. SERVPRO® of Hamilton and Tipton Counties has a team of trained professionals that are ready to help when property damage occurs! 

Here are some safety tips for the residents of Kokomo who are getting ready to evaluate residential home damage:

• Stay away from electrical lines and wires, especially if there is water damage nearby
• Examine the breaker box for any breakers that might have tripped, but DO NOT turn them on yourself – call an electrician to do this safely in case of wire damage
• Be extremely cautious if cleaning products have spilled – most are flammable so avoid using matches or candles

Again, we are here to help. Do not hesitate to call us if your home needs to be restored after a storm or water damage occurs. 

SERVPRO of Hamilton and Tipton Counties is independently owned and operated.

Tips for Staying Safe During a Storm

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Common safety rules and precautions state that the public should generally try to stay inside of a safe area or building when a lightning storm or thunderstorm occurs. There are many commercial buildings in the Hamilton and Tipton Counties area. SERVPRO® of Hamilton and Tipton Counties wants to share the following safety tips for staying safe during a thunderstorm while inside a commercial building:

• Stay away from all windows or glass walls, especially during a lightning storm
• Unplug appliances if possible
• Pay attention to all alerts and warnings, as a thunderstorm can develop into a tornado if powerful enough
• Avoid running water if possible since electricity can travel through plumbing

Weather is unpredictable. Although the weather can be predicted, it can also change in an instant without much warning. If a thunderstorm does happen to turn into tornado weather in Hamilton and Tipton Counties, consider the following tips:

• If the commercial building has a basement or storm cellar, head there immediately
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck in the event of flying debris or shattered windows
• Do not leave the safe area until the local alerting system says it is safe to do so

Remember, SERVPRO of Hamilton and Tipton Counties is here to help. Our trained team members will show up ready to go and can assist in cleanup and restoration after a thunderstorm, lightning storm, and even a tornado. 

SERVPRO® of Hamilton and Tipton Counties is Independently Owned and Operated.

Ask The Experts: Why does flooding cause mold?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water contains a wide variety of contaminants that range from debris to chemicals and microbes. Find out how flooding introduces the perfect combination of moisture and food sources to cause mold growth in a residence or business.

Moisture Is Present
Mold spores are present everywhere. Spores settle on moist surfaces and start to grow if nutrients are available. Flood water carries all of the following contaminants:

• Microbes
• Organic Matter
• Solid Waste
  
  

These are only the contents most relevant to mold. Flood water may also contain chemicals, debris, pests and other harmful contents. Any flooded area of a home raises the risk of mold growth throughout the premises.

Nutriment Is Available
The presence of food sources in flood water coincides with organic building materials. Cellulose is a plant-derived substance present in drywall, insulation, wallpaper and wood that supplies all the nutriment fungus needs to thrive.
Mold growth may occur anywhere in a flooded area. Arrange to have standing water pumped out as quickly as possible, bearing in mind that it may be necessary to equalize pressure on the walls of a flooded basement to prevent structural damage. Once water levels recede, have areas exposed to contaminated water inspected. Porous materials are difficult to thoroughly disinfect. Tear out damaged materials prior to cleaning and disinfection.

Delayed Cleanup Gives Time for Growth
When flood cleanup does not take place for more than 24 to 48 hours, the level of contamination in water increases substantially. Bacteria, fungi and other microbes multiply, raising the risks to which cleanup specialists will be exposed. Personal protective equipment is essential at any stage of flood cleanup.
Flooding is considered Category Three water damage or black water. If contaminated water originating outdoors or in a sewer system ends up pooling inside a domicile in Littleton, CO, quick extraction, disinfection and drying are necessary to prevent mold growth.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Important Things To Do Before A Flood Hits

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

During storm season, business owners in need to consider the risk of flooding. If the winds and rain pick up too much, it's possible that rivers, oceans or sewer lines could overflow, making their way into the property. Proprietors, should this happen, would have a lot to deal with including a ruined structure and lost valuables. While no one can control nature, people can adopt preventative measures to ward off the catastrophic effects from it. Therefore, it's best to understand and know what to do before the water rises.

1. Review Your Policy

Are you covered for flood damage? Many people have a hurricane or water clause; however, it doesn't always cover a flood. Therefore, it's best to spend some time now ensuring that your policy has everything you need. Locate the paperwork, have a copy with you at all times and be aware of your agent's procedures. The following are a few questions to which you should know the answers:

• Who do you call?
• How do claims work?
• What is your deductible?
• Do you have property loss?
  
  

2. Secure the Structure

Minimize the impact of flooding by taking precautions early. This includes moving items to higher ground, keeping them safe and dry. Locate someplace in your building, either a second story or stacking boxes. Anything of major value should be shifted for protections. Gather documents or contracts that you can't afford to lose. Floodwater is contaminated. You won't have immediate access to them. Thus, it might be best to backup files on a server or cloud, so you can access them elsewhere. Finally, establish an external barrier with sandbags.

3. Understand Restoration

If storm damage happens, it's important to seek immediate assistance. The black water contains microbes that could further ruin the premises and is not acceptable for personal repair. Rather than waiting to find someone when it happens, do some research ahead of time, locating a reputable water restoration company in your area.
Protect your establishment from flooding. 

If disaster does strike, give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get things back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tips: Regular property maintenance is crucial to mitigating storm damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Exterior maintenance is an ongoing concern for commercial property owners. The issue becomes even more important when storms threaten. The best way to avoid expensive trouble, especially during seasons of high winds and extreme weather, is to schedule routine inspections. This makes it possible for property owners to target problems before they get to be too large.

Some crucial areas to target include

• Membranes, such as on roofs and around windows
• Drains; watch for debris and other things that lead to clogs
• Aging roof shingles
• Foundations; watch for cracks and weak areas
  
  

Regular Maintenance

Whether you perform visual inspections yourself or schedule inspections through professional construction and damage remediation professionals, it's important to keep your building maintained. For example, keep the areas around exterior appliances and electrical equipment clear, for easy access and for a clear view during inspections. Other inspection maintenance should include trimming trees and shrubbery, clearing out rain gutters and spouts, and providing access to doors and windows.

Potential Trouble

During the building inspection, watch for problem areas, and plan for potential risks. For example, intruders often take advantage of times of crisis to break into properties. Be sure you can secure doors and windows quickly when storms hit. You may also want to learn more about how storms affect buildings. For example, during tornadoes, buildings may become pressurized, causing windows to burst. 

Other trouble spots may include the following:

• Power lines that could fall onto your buildings
• Tree branches that may break off during storms
• Weaknesses in the property perimeter
  
  

Professional Advice

It's important to note any suggestions and recommendations made by the professionals during a building inspection. In addition to tips about exterior maintenance, you may get valuable information about reducing property damage when storms arise and decreasing any risks to personnel, customers, and inventory.

Regular inspection and exterior maintenance schedule could prevent expensive damages. Don't wait for storm warnings to prompt action. 

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened." 

Nature can be brutal, but SERVPRO is here to help!

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Spring showers can lead to severe storms and the flooding of your home. We’re #HeretoHelp mitigate the resulting water damage to keep your shelter sturdy and safe. If a storm tears through your neighborhood, SERVPRO is here to get your home or commercial business back in working order. SERVPRO can handle any size disaster. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know by giving us a call. Don't hesitate to call us when disaster strikes. We are always #HereToHelp!

SERVPRO 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. 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.

We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Rains brings leaks, but SERVPRO of Howard and Tipton Counties is here for you

8/22/2020 (Permalink)

During heavy rains and winds, shingles can lift and be damaged in the storm. If the storm is not big enough to cause a leak at the time of damaging shingles, your home could be subject to slow leaks every time it rains. As a homeowner, you may not know of the leak if your attic is not a room you visit often.

SERVPRO sees it all too often when a roof was damaged a few months back and the next heavy rain causes it to rain right in the living room of the home. 

SERVPRO can offer assistance in roof tarping, water remediation, and reconstruction services for your homeowner's claims. We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened." We are ready to put our experience, equipment, and expertise to work for you!