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Preventing Water Damage During the Rainy Season | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
If you're facing water damage, rely on the assistance of SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties.
Spring is a beautiful season with new growth and warmer weather, but it also brings heavy rainfalls. As the temperature rises and storms roll through our community, water damage becomes much more common and your risk rises considerably.
Water damage can lead to costly repairs, mold growth and structural damage. Below are some tips from our SERVPRO® team to prevent water damage during the spring rainy season.
Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in preventing water damage to your home. They channel water away from your house and protect your foundation, and clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and seep into your home.
Make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs. You can also install gutter guards to help keep debris out of your gutters. You should also make sure that your downspouts are secure and pointed away from your home’s foundation.
Inspect Your Roof and Siding
Your roof is your first line of defense against water damage, so you should inspect your roof regularly for any missing or damaged shingles, cracks or holes. If you notice any issues, make sure to address them immediately. Water can seep through even the smallest opening and cause damage to your home’s interior. If you are not comfortable inspecting your roof, hire a professional to do it for you.
Water can also enter your home through even the smallest opening. Check your foundation, windows and doors for any cracks or openings that could allow water to seep in. Seal any openings or cracks with caulk or weather stripping. This will not only prevent water damage but also improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Be Prepared
Despite your best efforts, water damage can still occur, so it’s essential to be prepared in case of a water emergency. Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case you need to turn off your water supply quickly.
Keep important documents and valuables in a waterproof container and store it in a safe location. In the event of water damage, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our trained technicians have the expertise and equipment to quickly and efficiently restore your home to its pre-damage condition.
Preventing water damage during the spring rainy season is crucial for protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs. Regularly maintaining your gutters and downspouts, inspecting your roof, sealing cracks and openings and being prepared to react quickly can all help prevent water damage.
If you do experience water damage, remember that we are here to help. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to water emergencies and will handle your water damage restoration from start to finish.
Dealing with water damage? SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here to help.
Tips for Storm Planning to Keep Your Kids Calm | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
When the storm has passed, call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to help you recover.
Thunder roars, lightning strikes and tornado sirens blare. Your dog paces, the kids panic and you’re unsure where to start. Storms can be terrifying, especially as we make our way into the hot and humid summer season.
Though we can’t control the weather, we can prepare and react to it to keep everyone calm, especially the kids.
Our team has some simple suggestions to integrate storm planning into your family’s routine, ensuring everyone stays calm during emergencies. Keep reading for the details.
Keeping an Eye on the SkyWe can all distinguish between cloudy and sunny days, but not everyone knows what signs to watch for when clouds shift. Even without storm forecasts, it’s vital to monitor the sky. Teach your kids the indicators of an approaching dangerous storm—rotating clouds, dark or green sky, thunder and lightning mean they should head indoors immediately.
They should also recognize the sound of a tornado siren and when it might go off. Familiarizing them with the siren during tests can help, as it’s not an emergency and they can get used to it from different areas of your home. Let them practice listening for the siren and time how long it takes to reach your safe shelter.
Preparing for Incoming WeatherHave you made a storm emergency plan with your family? This includes deciding how and when to reach your safe shelter and ensuring your emergency kit is packed and ready.
Choose the lowest level of your home and locate an innermost room, preferably without windows. Keep a clear gathering area and practice building a fort with heavy items like a table or desk. Let your kids help and join in.
Involve your kids in packing your emergency kit! Start with essentials and let them choose items. Add their favorite foods and snacks, along with shelf-stable water for everyone.
Each child should select a flashlight and label it. Remember to include extra batteries, candles, matches and any necessary medications.
Lastly, let your kids pick special games or activities reserved for severe weather situations. They’ll provide a much-needed distraction if you lose power or need to shelter for a while.
Encouraging the CalmSevere weather can be frightening, especially for children, so it’s natural for them to feel anxious about storms and planning for them. Sometimes, it can be reassuring to explain that the chances of severe destruction or a direct tornado hit are actually quite low. Most storm damage, even from small tornadoes, typically affects the roof, siding and surrounding property.
Keep your children calm and distracted during severe weather, and try narrating the events in a lighthearted way as they happen. By facing severe weather together, you’ll all feel more confident.
Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.
Preventing Stinky Odors After a Water Disaster | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Trust our team at SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to provide comprehensive services for a full recovery for all water damage restoration needs.
The long day is over at last, and it’s time to go home and relax. You unlock your door and step right into a water puddle. Oh, no, a water leak!
Suffering from any sort of water disaster is always really frustrating, but especially if you aren’t expecting it. While you busy yourself with grabbing some towels or a mop to clean up the standing water, the damage may have already been done.
Depending on how long the water was left to sit before it was discovered, you could be dealing with moisture in really hard-to-reach places and things like mold growth and mildew are now possibilities. Our team explains what to do when you suffer a water leak to avoid all those unpleasantries below.
What to Do About the LeakOnce water has gotten where it shouldn’t, it can start to cause problems rather quickly. It will leak and seep through your floorboards, soak into your carpet, and get behind your drywall with little effort.
In the event of a water leak at home, your first instinct may be to grab towels and start wiping up the visible water. However, this will not solve the problem entirely. The moisture that seeps into crevices and behind walls can linger and cause more damage.
Without proper ventilation, this kind of moisture can lead to structural degradation, rusting of metal support systems and even mold growth. It is important to call in professionals to address water leaks to prevent further damage to your home.
We want you to call us within 24 hours of your water disaster! This is because mold infestations can set in within 24–48 hours after the water event. Time is of the essence!
Using Your Nose WiselyOne of the most familiar attributes about mold is the smell. It often gives off an earthy or musty odor, which can be easily identifiable if you have just suffered a water leak.
However, tracking down the mold may be more complicated than you thought because it could be growing under your floors or is tucked away behind your drywall.
That’s where we come in! Our talented team of professionals will locate the source of the stink, and we will work quickly to secure the area. We will start by turning off vents and your HVAC system and then we will start filtering the air to remove all of the odor particles. We will finish by cleaning and sanitizing the area to make sure your home is fresh and clean once more.
When it comes to water damage and unpleasant odors from mold, our team will take care of you from start to finish.
Don’t ignore signs of a water leak. Contact SERVPRO® for a full recovery.
Understanding the World of Insurance Claims | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
If you have ever experienced a home or business disaster before, you know just how scary it can be. While the event is happening, you are most likely focused on keeping your family or customers safe and focusing on the here and now.
The safety of yourself and of those around you should always be your top priority, but what happens when the event is over and you are left with the destruction around you?
That’s where we come in! Our team will be there for you to help clean up your property as well as help you navigate your insurance claim to make sure you are getting the most out of it.
The Steps to DocumentationWhether the disaster was caused by a fire, flood or storm, starting recovery right away can help you avoid more complicated damage from occurring at your property. Certain types of damage will cause more problems the longer they linger, so quick action is always recommended.
Of course, make sure that your loved ones and your neighbors are safe and accounted for immediately following the disaster. Once everyone has been deemed safe and no emergency services are needed, get us on the phone so we can get started on your recovery plan.
Take as many photos of the damage as you can, making sure to document all of the damage that you see. The more images you can get, the more complete your insurance claim can be.
The RecoveryOnce we arrive, our team will know exactly what to do and we will get to work securing your home to prevent further damage. Our goal is to prevent further damage while we assess your space, so we will quickly secure your roof, lay tarps or board up windows.
After that our highly trained restoration team will get to work rebuilding and restoring your damaged spaces. We will also focus on making sure we have all the documentation needed to help create the most comprehensive insurance claim possible.
We will focus on putting together an itemized list of your losses, and we will include that list along with the images you took and the professional ones we snapped as well. Our crew is also trained on how to meet insurance inspection standards to help lower your potential costs. Finally, we will focus our efforts on restoring your possessions rather than replacing them, which can also help reduce your overall costs.
Our team is ready to help you through every step of your restoration! Lean on us and we will help you recover while also helping you submit your insurance claim.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Flood Prevention Basics for the Season | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
When you want to get something done right but struggle to figure out the best way to start, what do you do? Go back to the basics, of course! Taking things back to the beginning can make it easier to understand and accomplish no matter what you are doing.
This is especially true when it comes to preparing for severe weather and flooding issues. By starting small with what you know, you can have a serious impact on protecting your home when a flood emergency is issued for our community.
We offer up some reliable flood prevention tips below so you can prepare your home and family for whatever comes our way this season.
Knowing Your Flood RiskFlooding doesn’t have to involve the weather. Flooding conditions can appear due to a manmade issue like a burst water line or a faulty appliance, which can both cause serious damage in a short amount of time.
Of course, Mother Nature can wreak havoc as well. Thankfully, our risk for weather-related flooding issues is rather low in the Conway area. However, it is not impossible! That is why being prepared at any time can help keep your home and family safe.
Depending on where you live in our two counties, your home could be at a higher flood risk, so your property might require a bit more preparation.
If your property has any low-lying areas or backs up to any sort of water source, it is important that you address any drainage issues right away. Add longer downspouts to your gutters or invest in a rain garden to encourage water to flow down and away from your home.
Properties with heavy tree coverage should also make sure to have gutter covers installed. While having a gutter system is crucial, yard debris can easily fall into the gutters and create stubborn clogs or blockages. Simple covers can help encourage the water to keep flowing through the system seamlessly.
Reliable Prevention StrategiesUnderstanding your flood risk is important, but taking permanent step to reduce your risk can have a significant impact on how dry your property stays during a rainstorm or other flooding event.
If you know that your property is at risk of suffering from a flood or you have dealt with a wet basement before, consider having your yard professionally graded. If your yard slopes away from your home, any rain that we get will flow away from your foundation instead of down into it. You should also add some absorbing landscape materials, like mulch, around your foundation to soak up any excess water.
Inside your home, take the time to check your windows and doors regularly for signs of wear and tear. Sagging frames and door jambs should be addressed right away and any deteriorating seals should be replaced quickly. Finally, if you have a sump pump, have it inspected professionally every year so that your home will stay dry no matter what!
When you prioritize the basics of weather safety, you can help safeguard your home against the strongest elements. However, we are always here to help if your home becomes overwhelmed and you experience any sort of water damage.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
Alert! Staying Informed During Spring Storm Season | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is ready to help you get from April showers to May flowers.
The temperature is rising, the days are getting longer and the flowers are about to bloom once more! There’s no doubt about it, spring is on the way. That also means that severe storms are going to start popping back up in the south, so we all need to stay vigilant so we can stay safe.
Are your alert systems ready to go? Our team explains some easy ways of staying informed during severe weather season, so read on to gather some great insight and ideas.
Harnessing the Power of the InternetWhere is your phone right now? In your hand or sitting next to your computer? We all have our devices so easily accessible, which is part of what makes them so useful in emergency situations.
Did you know that the Wireless Emergency Alert system is already programmed into your phone and can automatically issue weather alerts if needed? Just be sure to check your notifications and have them turned on. In addition, various weather apps can (and should) be downloaded so you can check the forecast daily and even more often when poor weather is on the horizon.
That being said, use caution when it comes to choosing which weather apps to trust. Not every app is created solely for informational purposes and some of them tend to inflate or over exaggerate the forecast for engagement purposes.
Be sure to download apps from national or locally trusted sources. If you live in Faulkner County, sign up for Code Red Weather Alerts. If you live in Conway County, check out the county’s website for helpful sheltering information.
The TV and local news stations can be really helpful as well! Local anchors track weather systems as they move across our counties, and you can watch the progression in real time. This is also an advantage because you will be notified immediately when it is time to take shelter.
Non-Electronic AlertsWhile having your phone nearby is a necessity, you should also have at least one backup alert system that will work even if we were to lose power unexpectedly. Your phone and your laptop will only work while your batteries are charged, and your TV will immediately be rendered useless. Because of that, having a system in place that will work regardless if the lights are on is crucial to your safety.
Weather sirens positioned around town can be a great way to stay informed. Take the time during the next siren test to walk around your home and determine if you can hear the siren from each space.
You should also consider researching and purchasing an NOAA weather radio. Weather radios are portable and compact, which means you can take them with you wherever you go. They also operate without the need for power via either hand-crank capabilities or by solar power, which makes them a really reliable way of staying informed no matter your situation.
Feeling prepared? Knowing what to expect is half the battle, but the other half is weathering through the storms as they pass over us. If your home suffers from any sort of damage, call us immediately so we can tackle your repairs and restoration.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
The Stinky Realities of Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties help you recover from sewage leaks around your property.
There’s no doubt about it, sewage leaks are one of the most frustrating experiences that a homeowner or business owner can experience. While they maybe aren’t as destructive as other home emergencies, the sheer gross factor is enough to send anyone reeling!
Unfortunately, sewage leaks are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone at any time. Dealing with them swiftly can help keep the situation from growing out of control, so we explain the first few steps below that you should take when you suffer from a stinky sewage leak.
What to Do FirstSewage backups happen whenever wastewater moves in the wrong direction due to a clog or blockage and the water moves back up into sinks, tubs or other places around your home. Sewage leaks can happen if a pipe or water line becomes compromised and the hazardous water leaks out of it.
No matter the situation, our first recommendation is to not touch the water. There are three different types of water, and they are categorized as white water, gray water and black water. Sewage is considered part of the black water category because it contains toxic substances that could be harboring dangerous or even deadly viruses, bacteria and other microbes.
Stay clear of the water, and find your water shutoff valves to stop the source of the leak. You should also start opening up windows and running fans to let the fumes escape. Block off the area to keep your family or customers out and then get us on the phone right away.
Where SERVPRO® Comes InWe have a highly trained restoration and cleaning team that can handle any biohazard situation with ease, which is why we want you to contact us right away! Our team will ask many questions about where the leak started and the extent of the damage and then we will be on our way to you with the appropriate safety gear and the right equipment for the job.
While you wait for us to arrive, start taking photos. These images are certainly not pictures you will want as keepsakes, but they are really important when it comes to working with your insurance company for your damage claim. Fresh images of the situation will make your claim go much smoother and will give us all a good starting point.
Once we arrive, we will get started by identifying the source of the leak and then we will get to work on removing the sewage and standing water. Since sewage water is toxic, our crew will be decked out in the latest and safest protective gear and we will encourage you and your family or staff to stay clear of the area while we work.
While some of our technicians will be working on fixing the problem that caused the leak, our cleaning crew will be focused on deep-cleaning and sanitizing your entire space to ensure it is safe to return to when we are finished. In addition, we will also employ deodorizers to make sure the stinky smell is entirely removed from the air and surrounding materials. If the leak damaged any part of your space, we can take care of those repairs as well.
Dealing with stinky sewage leaks on your own is never recommended, so give us a call and our team will take care of the mess for you!
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO and we will take care of you.
Restoring Your Business After Disaster, the SERVPRO® Way | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
2/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
Fires, floods and severe storms can be serious situations no matter where they occur, but especially if an emergency like this happens at your business. A single disaster can have a serious impact on your year and can be really frustrating for your employees.
While we know that we can’t control the weather or prevent every single emergency from happening, it is possible to make a full recovery when you rely on SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties for a quick and reliable restoration.
Preparing Ahead of the DisasterDisasters can strike at a moment’s notice, which means it is important to have a plan in place for multiple different scenarios. Your team should always know what’s next and what is expected of them.
One of the most important parts of your disaster plan is your communication strategy! Staying connected and informed is one of the most important ways to ensure your staff react appropriately. Assign specific tasks to people and establish a secure chain of command so that everyone knows what is going on.
You should also take a tour of your facility and show your team where all of the important valves and switches are. If your team can quickly shut off water during a water disaster or snuff out a fire with a nearby fire extinguisher, you will be able to avoid more serious damage.
In addition, you should also have a plan ready to use for after the disaster is over and your scene is secured. Establish the rules for remote work or gather your team at an alternate location while your repairs are taking place.
Recovering the SERVPRO WayOnce your space is secure and your staff are safe, it is time to call SERVPRO! Our reliable crew will take care of every aspect of your recovery and we will do it with confidence.
We will get right to work on restoring, rebuilding and cleaning, so we want you to focus on keeping your customers informed along the way. Business-customer relationships are everything nowadays, so it is important that your patrons know when you expect to be open again.
While you may have to be displaced temporarily, know that it is not forever! Hiring a professional restoration company can ensure you make a full recovery in a short amount of time. We will work hard to minimize the disruption to your workflow and staff while also making sure we leave a job well done.
Create the plans ahead of time so you can navigate through disasters more seamlessly, and then call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties for a thorough restoration no matter your situation. Your business is always in good hands with us.
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
Tackling Home Damage Restoration With Our Team | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!
The phrase “when it rains, it pours” can be applied to many life situations. Setbacks at work, relationship changes and even home disasters can all occur and take us by surprise. Any particular situation can become more than we expected, leaving us with many questions and not enough answers.
This is especially true when it comes to home damage following a disaster situation. The woes of Mother Nature, as well as simple home accidents like broken dishwashers, can cause serious damage without much warning.
The team at SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here to ensure you make a full recovery no matter the extent of your damage. We are ready to help when you need it most.
Disasters, ExplainedThe different disaster scenarios that are possible are endless, and each instance can cause a strain on your household or even on our entire community. It can be overwhelming even if we are expecting a situation, like a strong storm.
Heavy rain can have us all running for the safety of our homes, but it can become too much too fast and lead to flooding and mold concerns. Minor kitchen fires may seem contained in the moment, but you could be surprised to find soot and lingering smoke odors in other levels of your home.
These types of compounding damage can be really frustrating to deal with, and the longer you wait to address the problem, the worse it can become.
That’s why a quick response is always necessary! Our team is here to answer your call for help and we will get right to work for you.
A Single Team, Endless PossibilitiesEvery minute matters when it comes to reliable disaster recovery, which is why we are here 24⁄7 to respond to your home or business emergency. We know that quick action needs to be taken to avoid serious structural damage from setting in, so we get right to work to help you recover quickly.
Our highly trained team members will focus our efforts on your recovery based on your home’s specific needs. We will adjust your recovery plan no matter what kind of fire, water or storm damage is present. Our team is also locally owned and operated right here in the Conway community, which allows us to truly be faster to your home disaster.
We can do everything from securing your roof after suffering storm damage to pulling smoke odors out of your air after suffering a house fire. We have the tools and training to get it done for you quickly and efficiently.
Another benefit of working with us is that we are a one-stop-shop for all of your restoration needs! You can say goodbye to working with multiple contractors and agreements and relax in the knowledge that we will handle everything from start to finish.
We are ready to go to work for you, all you have to do is call. We know that suffering a home disaster can be frustrating, but we can assure you that SERVPRO® is here to make sure sunnier days are right around the corner for you.
Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.
Tips for a Safe and Toasty Warm Winter | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Now that the holidays are over and a new year has begun, we all settle in to ride out the doldrums of winter together. These chilly temperatures and unfavorable weather can have all of us running to the warmth and safety of our homes much more often.
Unfortunately, the number of house fires drastically increases in the winter as we all turn on space heaters or stoke our fireplaces. Our team explains some easy ways to reduce your fire risk without sacrificing your comfort below.
Prepping Your FiresWe can all appreciate how nice a warm fire can feel on a cold winter’s night, but fireplaces can be really dangerous if not cared for properly.
First, you need to be cleaning out leftover ash before each new fire, and you should also take the time to thoroughly scrub your chimney walls to remove creosote buildup. Consider hiring a professional to come out and perform a thorough inspection of your chimney every year to look for cracks or aging issues.
If you keep flammable materials on your mantle, remove them before starting a fire and check to make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order. If your fireplace is gas or electric, take the time to check the gas or electrical lines before flipping your switch on. A single leak or loose connection can be dangerous or even deadly.
Setting Up Heaters for SuccessWho doesn’t love having a toasty space heater at their feet while they are working or nearby while reading on the couch? However, space heaters can also be dangerous if they aren’t used properly. In fact, around 1,700 house fires are started by faulty space heaters or misuse.
The key to safe space heater use is to set it up in a fire-safe location. Choose a spot in your home that is flat, level and nonflammable, avoiding carpets or shag rugs. Keep the cord lying flat and consider taping it down to avoid tripping hazards.
This tip may surprise you, but your space heater should have a buffer of at least three feet of anything around it. This is crucial in case it tips over or gets knocked over. Try to keep pets and kids out of the area as much as possible.
Tips for Safety FeaturesIt is important to remember that not all space heaters are created equally, so don’t just buy the first one you see or the one that is on sale. Do your research to make sure you are choosing a safe heater.
Check their website to ensure that they have passed all of their safety certifications, and read reviews of the heater you are researching to check what actual users have to say about it. In addition, certain safety features can help ensure it is a good purchase. A safety shutoff feature can help be a great backup if you have a hard time remembering to turn off your heater!
Lastly, be sure the heater cord is well-made and long enough for your needs. A length of at least six feet can help ensure you can set your heater up in a fire-safe location without sacrificing your comfort in the process.
Stay safe, stay warm and stay fire-free out there, folks! We hope you have a great rest of your winter season, but remember that we are always here if you suffer from any kind of fire damage. We will put your home back together quickly and with the confidence you deserve.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.
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