Tips to Stay Safe during Fire Damage: SERVPRO of Williamson County

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how serious your property damage may be, SERVPRO of Williamson County is your local expert for restoring your home or business.

It's that time of year again - fire season in Williamson County, TN, and surrounding areas. Between February and May, the weather gets hotter and drier, while the risk of house fires rises. A fire may start from a variety of sources, ranging from a faulty wire to an overloaded outlet to a kitchen mishap to a bonfire left unattended. It's critical to know how to react quickly and effectively if your home catches fire.

Here's What You Need To Know If A Fire Starts: 

The first line of defense against a house fire is to know how to use the proper fire extinguisher for the situation. This simple procedure can help save lives and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. If the fire spreads uncontrollably, evacuate immediately and stay away, then call 9-1-1. Leave all of your belongings where they are and save yourself and your loved ones.

If your clothing ignites, remember the old adage: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

It's critical to utilize the stairs if you live in a building with elevators in case of a fire. The elevator electrical system may be damaged by a fire, causing the shaft to operate like a chimney and rapidly fill up with deadly fumes.

Doors may be used to your advantage in a fire, potentially saving your life. If the doorknob or handle is hot, don't open it. If you can't exit through the primary route, look for another option. Do not open any doors that are warm to the touch.

Close any doors that might obstruct your exits, lay a wet towel beneath the doors, and call the fire department or 9-1-1 if flames, heat, or fire block your avenues of escape. Tell them exactly where you are so they can find you.

If you're near a window that you can't use as an escape, open it and wave a brightly colored cloth or use your phone flashlight to signal for help.

What To Do After a Fire

After a fire, it is important to contact a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Williamson County. We have the training, experience, and equipment to properly restore your home - "Like it never even happened."

If you try to clean up the fire damage yourself, you could end up making the situation worse both in your home and with your insurance company's process.

Trust the experts, and call today!

Spring Storms and Weather Events in the United States | SERVPRO® of Williamson County

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to severe weather. SERVPRO of Williamson County is a click away if you experience any damage.

Because the United States is one of the world's most significant countries, it has a vast and varied terrain. As a consequence, seasonal weather in the United States isn't uniform—different portions of the country face varying types of weather conditions, which leads to different levels of weather concerns for various locations.

Let's take a look at the weather patterns that can form as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses collide across the country—and what we may learn from them in Tennessee.

From December through April, the Pacific Northwest is prone to heavy rain, which might cause flooding and water damage. Snow will continue to build at higher elevations as the season progresses, bringing difficulties of its own owing to melting and runoff.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast have the longest winter season, with temperatures remaining below freezing for the majority of it. People can anticipate ice storms, blizzards, and even significant snowfall until late spring or early summer in Maine to Minnesota.

Extreme heat waves, on the other hand, will be a major problem in the Southwest and southern West Coast. The possibility of tsunamis produced by tectonic activity in the South Pacific region, including Hawaii, will be high on watch.

From Iowa to Texas, the center of the country will need to be on guard for windstorms, derechos and the prospect of wildfires, which might swiftly spread due to strong winds and arid conditions. Tornado Alley is especially vulnerable to tornadoes, with a large part of this region being known as such.

Finally, throughout the Southeast, we can anticipate a wide range weather events, ranging from thunderstorms and tornadoes in low-lying regions to early-season hurricanes along the shoreline later in the spring. Late-season snow has hit numerous locations in Middle Tennessee.

Extreme weather can happen in any part of the United States. While it varies from state to state, being aware and prepared for severe weather is never a bad idea.

Help is only a phone call or an email away if extreme weather causes you property damage from water, fire, or other forces. For local, rapid, professional restoration, contact SERVPRO of Williamson County. We are always Here to Help.

4 Advanced Home Maintenance Tips That Can Save You Thousands of Dollars in Property Damage: SERVPRO of Williamson County

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Williamson County keeps its trucks ready to respond immediately to your water damage emergency.

Did you know? An average of 14,000 people experience home water damage emergencies every day.

Water damage is a serious problem that can be expensive and inconvenient in your home or business in Franklin, TN. SERVPRO of Williamson County frequently finds that careful housekeeping may help to minimize the danger and costs of water damage repair. The process of water damage restoration, while unpleasant, may be reduced by implementing some basic housekeeping techniques.

1) Inspect & clean the HVAC condensation lines to prevent leaks or flooding.

HVAC condensation lines tend to leak water when clogged and on especially hot months, this can cause water damage and flooding in surrounding areas of your home. Inspect your condensation lines every month and clean them as needed.

You should pour one-half cup of plain, white vinegar four times a year down your condensate drain to clear out gunk and debris. Bleach should not be used since it might spill onto your metal drain pan and cause deterioration and issues. If you find excessive debris or mold, our SERVPRO professionals can help you cleanup any water damage.

2) Inspect and clean the roof and gutters of debris and check attics for signs of water damage.

Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to back up and overflow onto your roof, which can damage the roofing material and seep into the home.

Check for leaking flashing around vents, valleys, chimneys, pipes, and skylights. Any place where your roof has holes or joins is a potential source of leaks later on down the road. If this flashing becomes bent, rusted, or loses its seal, it might allow water to enter your property.

Examine your attic for moisture or mold growth. If you detect damp, damaged, or moldy insulation, rotted or discolored boards or ceiling panels, or puckering in the sheetrock, you may have a leak on your hands.

3) Have a professional inspect your plumbing system

One of the best ways to avoid needing emergency water repair is by scheduling plumbing maintenance. Maintenance allows a plumber to check your plumbing system for any developing corrosion or pinhole leaks that you may not notice otherwise. They can also try to determine when your plumbing system will need repairs, so you aren't caught off guard by any water leaks in the future.

Meanwhile, avoid flushing unusual or insoluble objects down toilet drains to prevent clogging that leads to floods. If you experience three or more water leaks in less than six months, your pipes may need to be replaced.

4) Test your sump pump thoroughly for possible water leak issues

A sump pump protects your home from heavy rains and rising waters that leave behind enormous repair costs and structural damages. 

Conclusion

It is important to be proactive about home maintenance and repairs in order to prevent water damage events from happening in the first place. However, if a water damage event does occur, it is important to have a plan in place for how to deal with the aftermath. Our team of experts at SERVPRO of Williamson County is Here to Help!

Call us today: (615) 790-9634

Understanding Secondary Water Damage

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on hardwood floors.

When you have a plumbing emergency in College Grove, TN, that causes water damage in your home, proper cleanup is essential. If your cleaning is only surface-level, long-term secondary damage can set in, leading to more problems down the road. High humidity from water that is not properly removed can lead to black mold and other issues over time.

Understanding Secondary Effects of Water Damage

While it’s impossible to tell exactly what secondary effects will look like, there are a few known processes that happen when water is not removed and secondary issues set in.

• Black mold growth in humid, warm areas where water is trapped
  
• Atmospheric problems from mold spores and abnormal humidity
  
• Warping of wood materials and visible damage to surfaces from long-term water exposure
  
• Degradation of concrete, drywall, and other building materials over time
  
  

Depending on the extent of the damage and the level of cleanup applied, these effects could show up as structural weakening, stains, abnormal humidity levels, or a variety of other conditions.

Repairing Damage From Humidity

Working with a restoration cleaning service that understands water damage cleanup is the best way to repair secondary damage. This damage includes some hazards that might require special certifications for procedures like mold removal, so it is important to check for those credentials when you pick out a service provider.

Preventing Secondary Water Damage

If you want to make sure you do everything you can do to prevent secondary water damage from showing up years later, you need to work with water damage remediation professionals in College Grove, TN, who understand both the primary and secondary effects of water damage, and who have the certifications to handle both. That way, you can be sure your initial cleanup team understands black mold, high humidity, and other forms of secondary damage and acts to prevent or repair them during the cleanup process.

6 Hurricane Preparation Tips for Businesses

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

Keep computer files backed up on an external hard drive or cloud in case of an emergency.

Storm Tips For Businesses

For six months each year, businesses in and near coastal communities, such as Spring Hill, TN, are vulnerable to hurricane damage. Unlike other severe storms, hurricanes rarely occur unexpectedly. As a result, business owners usually have ample time to safeguard their property. Following six key measures can help every commercial organization prepare for these potentially devastating storms.

1. Shield Windows

During a hurricane, high winds can send debris flying, leaving glass doors and windows vulnerable to shattering. For this reason, it’s imperative that you shield these structures with plywood or shutters.

2. Trim Trees

Tree limbs near your building can also damage infrastructure. To alleviate this concern, you should keep landscaping neatly trimmed and routinely remove dead branches.

3. Raise Important Equipment

Significant rainfall can cause flooding. To prepare for this possibility and avert catastrophic water damage, you should elevate essential equipment, such as vital components of your HVAC system.

4. Erect Sandbag Barricade

Flooding can be an extremely destructive form of hurricane damage for numerous reasons. In addition to damaging equipment, severe water inundation can also saturate carpets, drywall and insulation, increasing the risk of mold contamination. To minimize these risks and help divert water away from your building, you can erect a sandbag barricade.

5. Protect Electronic Equipment

Protecting computers, printers and other electronic equipment may also be a priority. To shield these devices from water damage, you should turn them off, unplug every cord and wire and then wrap the unit in plastic.

6. Backup Important Documents

Important documents may not survive the storm. Because of this risk, you should safely store backup copies of employee files, legal documents and financial records offsite. You can also attempt to salvage onsite documents by placing them inside waterproof containers.

Keep Your Home Safe With Flameless Candles

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

Battery-operated candles can flicker and glow just like a real candle.

Candle Alternatives

Everyone loves the charm and ambiance of a flickering candle and the comfort of the scents that come from lighting one. But your home in Arrington, TN, is a place of safety and a respite from the hardships of the world, so keeping it safe from candle fire is an important safeguard. Candle alternatives can bring just as much satisfaction and enjoyment.

A real, burning candle is perfectly appropriate for setting the mood at dinner, but should be extinguished immediately upon leaving the table. Wax burns quickly and is a perfect fuel for a fire, so care must be taken. If using candles anywhere else, always make sure the candle is on a firm surface and surrounded by a non-flammable enclosure such as glass, and never leave it unattended while burning or allow children to play near them. Open flame is a fire hazard so try flameless options in your home.

Safe Candle Alternatives

Here are some ideas for options that can help your home and family safer while providing a glowing touch to your home’s atmosphere.

1. Candle warming lamps
   
2. Flame-free luminaries
3.  Wax melting pots
   
4. Battery operated candles or tea lights
   
   

What Each Option Offers

Battery-operated candles can flicker and glow just like a real candle and can even be set on timers and used with remotes, but will not give you the scent. Wax melting pots can disperse a scent as they melt smaller cubes or discs of wax in the melting chamber but do not provide any light. Flameless luminaries use a small bulb and appear more like the light of a tea light, also releasing aromas into the air. Candle warming lamps provide a soft glow and release your favorite scent. They utilize real jar candles and can be used multiple times – usually more than burning the same candle with a flame.

A candle fire can still happen and if it does a professional restoration service in Arrington, TN, can help clean up the waxy residue and smell that permeates the house as well as salvage your belongings. Using candle alternatives can help ensure you don’t have to deal with such a disaster in your home.

Creating a Fire Restoration Timeline for Your Business

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup and restoration in Thompson Station, TN.

Creating a Timeline for Your Business's Fire Restoration

When your Thompson Station, TN, business suffers fire damage, you may not be sure where to begin when it comes to making repairs and dealing with fire restoration plans. From the first moments after the fire to reopening your business, there is much to do. However, knowing how to proceed one day, week and month after the fire can help you get your business back to normal.

One Day After the Fire

The day after a fire, the first step you may want to take is to contact your insurance company before you touch anything inside the building. You can give them a variety of details as you file a report, such as:

• When the fire took place
  
• Whether the firefighters gave you a report
  
• Photos, if you were able to take any
  
  

Making a fire insurance claim as soon as possible can expedite matters and get you a return on your claim to pay for repairs faster.

One Week After the Fire

Once you make an insurance claim, the next step you should take over the following week is to ensure the property is safe for your employees and customers. You might need to close during fire restoration, so you may want to spread the word on social media and board up fire-damaged entrances. Keep your customers updated and offer them a projected reopening date, if possible.

One Month After the Fire

Once a month passes, you should have most of the damage cleared out, depending on the severity of the fire. However, your business might need smoke cleaning to remove stubborn odors. A company that specializes in fire restoration can remove smoky smells from your carpeting, walls, and other areas. Without this type of service, the smell of smoke may linger for months.

Knowing how to proceed when a fire damages your Thompson Station, TN, business can help you get back on your feet. From the day after the fire to the final steps of repairing the damage, creating a restoration timeline may be helpful in tracking repairs and allow you to project a reopening date.

Top Mold Damage Costs Explained

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a crawlspace.

Mold Remediation

The average homeowner may not have an estimate for removing mold, but they know that it’s costly. Understanding what is involved in removing mold from your Spring Hill, TN, home can help you know how much to expect to spend. Here are the top three costs to expect when it comes to mold remediation.

Why Mold Happens

Mold is the product of microorganisms that can grow inside or out, on most any surface so long as the environment is moist and dark. Indoors, some of the most common places for mold are:

• Leaky roofs
• Beneath sinks
• Crawl spaces
  
  

Since black mold removal is a multi-step process that must be done properly to ensure mold doesn’t keep coming back, it can be costly.

Mold Inspection

One of the first costs involved with mold removal is the mold inspection itself. This is when an expert comes in to examine your home, looking at potential problem areas. This can range from looking in obvious places like attics to more out of the way places, like air ducts. Expect to pay $300 to $900.

Mold Testing

Testing for mold is another way this fungus can cost you big. Mold isn’t always visible to the naked eye and in some cases, its smell is the only clue. Mold testing samples air to find toxins produced by mold. This can cost a few hundred dollars.

Mold Remediation

The actual removal of mold and restoration of mold-damaged property is where prices are highest. This can involve replacing drywall and carpeting, as well as deep cleaning and deodorizing fabrics. It’s not uncommon to pay upwards of $6,000 or even much more.

Mold removal can cost a pretty penny, but the cost of not removing it - to your home - is much higher. If mold is bothering you, call up your local mold remediation expert to start the removal process.

Don’t Panic Over Burst Pipes

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in College Grove, TN.

Burst Pipes Shouldn't Make You Worry

As winter comes in full force, burst pipes will become a reality for some homeowners. To wake up in the morning to a flood of water is a nightmare, to say the least. No matter how big or small the flood is, keep in mind that a little water can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. If you’re unlucky enough to be hit with water damage from a broken pipe, don’t fret, these three tips will help you through it.

1. Calmly Assess Damages

As with any emergency situation, the key is to stay calm. Stress can make it difficult to make informed decisions or recognize the reality of the damages caused by the flood. First, look for the most visible signs of water damage on walls, rugs and furniture. If anything is saturated, bring in a restoration specialist to ease your mind and start damage control.

2. Utilize Fresh Air

To dry out your home and protect against further water damage, you should air out your residence entirely. Open the windows and run a fan to get the air flowing through your residence. Additionally, you may use a dehumidifier to push the process forward.

3. Clean Mold and Mildew

After the water cleanup, mold and mildew have to be eradicated. Detergents and bleach may be appropriate for the cleanup. You can scrub nonporous furniture and objects free of mold. However, for nonporous contents, they may need to be tossed out.

Water damage due to broken pipes is common. When it happens, however, you don’t have to go into a panic over what to do next. It’s important to stay calm to be able to appropriately assess all the damage done to your College Grove, TN home. Once the damage has been fully gauged, you can begin the process to dry everything and address mold and mildew.

How to Remove Dryer Lint From the Exhaust

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

You can use a vacuum to pick up the debris and lint.

Lint can build up in several areas in and around your clothes dryer. A lint fire can quickly spread and cause severe fire damage. To avoid a dryer fire in your home in Nolensville, TN there are some smart tips to follow.

Clean Out the Lint Filter With Every Use

Each time you plan to use your dryer, gently pull out the lint screen before turning on the dryer. Using your hand, remove the lint from the screen. If the screen still looks dirty or filmy after removing the lint, you should rinse it off with clear water in the sink.

Clean Out the Dryer Vents

Every six months, you should clean out the dryer vents to reduce the risk of a lint fire.

• Unplug the dryer in the back.
• Pull out the exhaust hose. You will first need to remove the clamp on the hose.
• Empty lint from the hose using a soft brush or vacuum attachment.
• Completely clean the wall vent with a cleaning kit that can be purchased from a home improvement or hardware store.
• Reconnect the exhaust hose and tighten the hose clamp.
• Clean lint from the vent on the outside of your house using a soft brush or hand vacuum.
  
  

Conduct a Deep Clean of the Dryer’s Interior
Once every six months, you should also clean the interior of your dryer.

After the dryer is unplugged, carefully pull the dryer away from the wall and then unscrew the back panel.
Clean the entire inside area. You can use a vacuum to pick up the debris and lint. Metal parts can be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth.
Make sure everything is back in place and secure the panel before you plug the dryer back in. Push the dryer back to the wall.

Following these smart tips will significantly reduce the risk of a lint fire in your home.