How To Properly Treat A Burn

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage.

Basic Tips for Dealing With Burns

If you've ever had a bad burn, you know that it's more than just an inconvenience. If the skin is broken, it can become infected and lead to serious complications. Knowing how to treat burns quickly and correctly can mean the difference between minor irritation and major injury. So here are some basic tips for dealing with burns:

Cool down the burn.

Cool the burn. If you have a first-aid kit at home, it will probably have an ice pack or another method of cooling the burn. If you don't have one, cool water works fine. Use cool water on any burn; do not use ice or butter or grease—these can cause injury by freezing the skin or trapping heat in the area and can irritate your skin. Also avoid using lotion or ointment on a first-degree burn because these will trap heat and make your burn worse.

Remove jewelry and tight clothing

Remove jewelry and any tight clothing that might be near the burn. These things can easily cause irritation to the affected area and even increase the damage done on your skin. Remember to not apply any heat to the burn as it could increase damage to the tissue and delay healing.

Cover the burn

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment around the burn. If you do not have antibiotic ointment, apply Vaseline instead. Do not use lotions or creams because they may trap heat inside the wound and cause more damage than good.

Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Sterile gauze can be found in any hospital or medical supply store.  Do not use fluffy cotton balls, as the cotton can easily get stuck and trapped in the wound.

Leave the dressing on until pain is gone. It is common to see blisters formed after a burn. Don't cover with a plastic bag! The bag will trap moisture from your skin underneath it, which will further damage your skin and increase the risk of infection.

Seek medical treatment

After suffering a major burn on your skin, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that any damage done by the burn can be treated properly. The main goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to your skin and help it heal more quickly so that scarring will not occur.

Burns can be scary, but with the right treatment, you can quickly get your burn healed and back on your feet. Skin burns are very common in everyday life and can occur due to a variety of reasons. They can be caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can also be caused by exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays. Skin burns are usually minor and are not life-threatening, but they can cause serious injury if not treated properly. If you have suffered a minor burn on your skin, follow the steps above to aid the healing process. If you are ever involved in a fire or any other situation where you feel your skin has been exposed to extreme heat, please seek medical attention immediately.

3 Key Steps To Preventing Moisture Damage

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup is important to understand.

Preventing Moisture Damage in Three Easy Steps

Dealing with the issues that arise from an abundance of moisture in a commercial building in Claxton, TN, can easily become overwhelming. The best way to avoid any moisture damage is of course to avoid moisture; however, that is not always possible. Black mold and other spore growth can cause immense amounts of structural harm. Should the situation arise where there is excessive moisture exposure, the following three steps can be instrumental in preventing structural damage.

1. Locate the Source of Damage

First and foremost, it is essential to determine where the damage is coming from. If black mold is noticeable, did it come from a one-time event or is it from a recurring issue? Was there a flood or major snowmelt? Is there a pipe leaking somewhere in the building? Is there a clogged or unmaintained sewage system that could be leading to the moisture problem?

It is also possible for mold spores to be transferred through airflow. Did the spores found originate there or were they transferred through an HVAC system? Knowing what is causing the mold to form is essential to moving on to an eventual resolution.

2. Fix the Problem

Once the source that is causing the moisture problem has been discovered, remediation specialists can help determine how to best prevent this issue from recurring. Whether it is better preparation for a natural disaster or an improvement to a ventilation system, specialists can come up with a solution to keep excessive mold from gathering in your space.

3. Remove the Mold

Mold cleanup is important to understand. Since mold spores are always present in the environment, they can never be completely removed from an area. Getting the space back to a natural level should be the focus of the professionals removing the mold. Remediation of excessive spore growth can return your building to a functioning environment.

After the source of the damage has been determined and the underlying problem has been fixed, removing the black mold is essential to avoid any major structural damage to your building in Claxton, TN.

Why Do Faucets Leak?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.

Have you ever been lying in bed trying to fall asleep, but your bathroom faucet won't stop making a loud, constant, dripping sound? Dealing with leaky faucets in Oliver Springs, TN, isn't just annoying; it can actually waste a lot of water. Before you try to fix it, you need to understand what causes a leaking faucet in the first place.

Type of Faucet

Different kinds of faucets can have different problems, and the procedures for fixing them vary. You'll need to know what type you have before you can address the issue. The most common types are:

• Compression faucets
• Ball faucets
• Cartridge faucets
• Ceramic-disk faucets
  
  

Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause small leaks, resulting in a dripping faucet. If left unchecked, you may have to call a water damage restoration service to repair the damage.

Worn-Out O Ring
An O ring is used to hold the handle in place. It can wear out with regular use and cause leaks. This part can be easily replaced to fix your leaking faucet.

Valve Seat Problems
A valve seat is the name of the part that connects the spout to the faucet. Over time, these may become rusty or corroded. This will result in a dripping faucet. All you have to do is get it cleaned, and you'll have a fixed leak.

Worn-Out Washer
The washer may wear out as it rubs against the valve seat. This hinders the washer's ability to remain water-tight, allowing drips. This part can be replaced to repair the problem.

Loose Parts
Sometimes, parts become loose over time. If this is the problem, tightening the nut in the stream screw should fix it.
Checking the water pressure, O ring, valve seat, washer and nut in the stream screw will help you diagnose the problem. After you know the cause, fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge Shares Tips for Fire Safety!

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Ensuring your kid's safety in the event of a fire is a top priority.

Fire Safety

For a parent in an Clinton, TN home, ensuring your kid's safety in the event of a fire is a top priority. This is why it's essential to include them in your fire escape plans. While your plan may consist of essential things such as the location of a fire extinguisher or the number of a fire damage restoration company, you may also want to include fire safety lessons for your young ones. Here are three things you may want to teach them so that they know what to do during an emergency.

1. Where Are the Exits

During a home fire, it's essential to know where the exits are in case of a fire. Teach your children how to open an emergency window, or how to tell which door out is the safest. It might help to make a game out of learning possible escape routes.

2. How To Escape Safely

You may also want to teach your kids safety techniques for getting out of the home during an emergency. Teach them to crawl under the smoke, and also to test for heat from a door before opening it. Teach them to press the back of the hand to the door to feel for warmth, and if it's not hot, open slowly and check to make sure the way is clear.

3. Where To Meet Up

Another thing every member of your family should know is where to meet up after a fire. You will want to choose a location safely away from the home that every family member can easily find. This may be a mail box or a neighbor's yard. During your fire drills practice getting there as the end goal.

When ensuring your kid's safety in a fire escape plan, you may want to teach them these three things. How to get out of the home in the event of a fire, how to do so safely, and where to go afterward. Doing so can help ensure that every member of your family knows what to do during an emergency.

The ABCs of a Home Fire Extinguisher

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't choose an extinguisher that is too heavy to lift.

Homeowners should own a number of critical devices for fire protection and preparedness. Fire alarms in every sleeping room and on every level are a must. It's also important to regularly check that they are functioning and that the batteries still work. A fire extinguisher in the home is also a necessary tool. Equally important is to know how to use the implement and to understand what type of fire it will work on. The extinguisher should be placed in an easy-to-reach place and in proximity to a potential fire zone, such as the kitchen or near a wood-burning stove. In the best of worlds, your home in Oak Ridge, TN, will be equipped with multiple extinguishers, including at least one on every floor.

What Type of Fire Extinguisher

Remember, a home extinguisher is primarily to put out fires quickly. It can prevent a small home fire from engulfing your entire home. When looking for the perfect model for your home, consider these factors:

• Is it the right size for the user?
• Is it rechargeable or disposable after one use?
• Will it put out all types of fires, including an electrical fire?
• How effective will it be?
  
  

Knowing the answers to these questions increases your fire preparedness. Don't choose an extinguisher that is too heavy to lift. Understand what the A, B and C labels refer to: A is for wood, paper and cloth fires; B is for flammable liquids such as cooking oil or gasoline; C is for a live electrical fire.

How To Operate
The acronym PASS is helpful when you have to suddenly operate a fire extinguisher. First, you Pull the pin, next you Aim the chemical at the source of the flames, then you Squeeze the trigger and finally, you Sweep the extinguisher at the flames until it runs dry. When the fire is out, be sure to call in a fire remediation team in Oak Ridge, TN, to begin a professional fire cleanup.

What to Do if Water Floods into the Furnace

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect your air ducts.

What to Do if Water Floods into the Furnace

Flooding in your office can present some serious problems. The costs to repair the damage can be steep. Plus, you may experience a business interruption. A furnace flood is common where there are water issues in the workplace. If this happens, the HVAC system can fail. It's important to quickly address this emergency so you can reduce the risk of additional damages. 

1. Don't Touch the Appliance 
When water comes into contact with an appliance, safety is your chief concern. There is risk of shock or even electrocution with a flooded furnace. Do not try to turn off or on the furnace. Let a professional assess the damage. In fact, it's wise to turn off the electricity to your facility. 

2. Call an HVAC Specialist
A professional heating and ventilation technician should inspect the appliance after a furnace flood. The technician will review the extent of the damage and diagnose how to repair it or whether to replace it. You will want to call an HVAC professional as soon as possible after the incident. Waiting too long will lead to more expensive repairs and possibly replacing the entire HVAC system. 

3. Do Air Duct Cleaning
If the furnace has flooded, you will also want to inspect the air ducts. Water in the furnace means there is also likely water in the ducts. Failure to clean them could cause mold to form. If this happens, the air quality in your office could become unhealthy. An HVAC specialist will clean the ducts and replace them if necessary. You will want a professional water damage restoration team to repair or replace the furnace and air ducts before using the air conditioning or heating systems in the building.
The safety and well-being of your employees are vital. If there is a furnace flood in your office, follow these steps. 

3 Questions You May Have About the SERVPRO 24 Hour Response

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

24/7 Emergency Services

SERVPRO 24 Hour Response

One of the most important SERVPRO features is the 24-hour response to any case. No matter the situation in your Marlow, TN, business, a response team is always open for you. Still, you may have questions about this approach, from the specific procedures to its importance in damage repair. Learn more about it from the following responses. 

1. What is the SERVPRO Response?
Commercial disasters can happen at any time, regardless of preparation. This reason is why SERVPRO is available on a 24/7 basis. Once you call, they can contact you back within the first hour. Due to the company's various locations throughout the country, you can expect a commercial restoration team within four hours from the call. Once the situation is assessed, you might receive a verbal briefing up to eight hours from your report. 

2. Why Is the Fast Response Important?
Commercial damage can affect your property at a fast rate. The 24-hour period alone can severely alter your building and your equipment. For example, an excess of water can spread throughout the area and be absorbed by the floors and walls within minutes. Furniture can bleed its finish while vulnerable paper items can warp and swell immediately. Within a single day, the drywall and furniture might expand and crack, while anything made of metal could start to tarnish. You might smell odors around this time. 

3. What Are the Consequences of Delayed Response? 
A late response that goes beyond a day can worsen the situation. Metal surfaces might start to corrode, while wooden items and surfaces can swell and warp. The extended time and humidity might also encourage the growth and spread of mold and mildew. After a week, the building can become dangerous for occupants and the expenses for repairs and replacements might significantly increase. 
While a 24-hour period may be a relatively brief amount of time, it is long enough for commercial damage to escalate. SERVPRO is always available 24/7 to promptly investigate and treat damage at any point. 

3 Things To Remember During Roof Repair

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

A tarp should be used to cover the whole roof and protect your home from additional rain or debris.

Three Considerations for Roof Repairs

During storm season in Lake City, TN, your home may fall victim to some fierce elements. Heavy rains, wind and hail can all wreak havoc on your roof, siding and windows. After you call your insurance company, the work of repairing the roof damage and other problems begins. Here are three important things to remember during this process.

1. Not All Damage Is Visible

You may take it upon yourself to climb on top of the roof and survey what the storm has done. Just because you can’t see anything, however, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need repair. Wind damage occurs when branches and other debris are flung at your home. This can cause your shingles to break or become loose, and you may not know it’s happened until you see evidence of leakage in your attic. An inspection by flood damage experts can reveal these issues before they cause more problems.

2. Damage Does Not Automatically Mean Replacement

Most storms usually cause some roof damage, but not all of it is severe enough to warrant having to replace the entire roof. Unless the problem is severe enough to have torn up several parts of the roof, including the protective layer underneath the shingles, technicians will probably repair only the parts that need it.

3. Protection Prevents Further Damage

While the specialists are working on your roof, make sure they are protecting all the vulnerable areas when they take a break or leave for the day. Holes should be boarded up until they are repaired. If there are multiple areas of damage, a tarp should be used to cover the whole roof and protect your home from additional rain or debris.

Roof damage is common after a storm. Mitigation experts can help you identify the extent of the damage, advise you on the repairs needed and prevent further damage from happening during the process.

Steps First Responders Can Take To Work Safely in Floods

6/18/2022 (Permalink)

Working in or near a flooded area requires the right gear.

Steps For First Responders To Work Safely During Floods

As a first responder in Andersonville, TN, you know it is critical to protect yourself to be on top of your game. Working in a flooded area presents unique challenges, and taking precautions is one of the most important steps.

Wear Protective Clothing
Working in or near a flooded area requires the right gear. Be sure you have the following on hand:

• Disposable gloves, preferably on top of cut-resistant gloves
  
• Outerwear that's resistant to chemicals
  
• Boots
  
• Goggles
  
• N-95 masks
  
  

Properly discard any disposable equipment after using it.

Practice Good Hygiene
Before taking a break or at the end of your shift in a flood response area, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
When possible, avoid placing your clothing in your personal vehicle. Consider showering and washing your clothes before going home.
Avoid touching your face with work gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing them.

Stay Current on Immunizations
The CDC recommends that responders have a tetanus booster every 10 years. Hepatitis B vaccines are also required for responders who work directly with patients or may be in contact with bodily fluids.
If you are working outside the U.S., you may require other vaccines. Talk to your supervisor or healthcare provider if you have questions about what shots a first responder requires.

Take Care in Standing Water
Flooded homes can have contaminated water and may need storm remediation. If you're working around gray water from washing machines, bathtubs or dishwashers or black water from sewage, follow protocols closely.
While working in standing water, watch for electrical hazards such as submerged cords or appliances. Increase ventilation when possible by opening doors or windows.
As a first responder, your well-being is vital to your work. Ensure you are up-to-date on proper procedures, vaccines and best practices when responding to a flood in Andersonville, TN.

Key Elements of the Fire restoration Process

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Board up services in a commercial building in Rocky Top, TN.

Fire Restoration Process

When it comes to emergencies in your Rocky Top, TN, workplace, few could be more devastating than a fire. Fortunately, with the right help and response, fire restoration is possible. You can salvage some items and start to rebuild your building when you take the proper steps. 

1. Contact Emergency Personnel
As soon as you discover a fire in your Rocky Top, TN, building, you should get to safety and call 911. Once you are in a safe place, you can contact a team of local fire restoration professionals. A fire restoration company is available 24/7 to take your call and respond to your needs. 

2. Assessing the Damage
Once the restoration team arrives at your building, technicians will begin inspecting the area. They will carefully and thoroughly evaluate the extent of the damage, including how many rooms the fire affected and what was ruined or destroyed. The company will determine what fire rebuild actions are necessary. Technicians will work closely with your insurance company and fire marshals in this process.

3. Board up and Tarping Services
Team members will board up any damaged windows and tarp the roof where damaged occurred. This will promote safety and security in the house. 

4. Removing Any Water
Because firefighters will use a lot of water to put out the fire in your building, flooding and the development of mold could be a concern. Technicians will extract any water and thoroughly dry the affected area. 

5. Smoke and Ash Removal
Using specialized equipment, technicians will clean all surfaces and furniture of ash and soot. The team will sanitize and clean your building as well.

6. Making Necessary Repairs
Restoration companies offer rebuilding services after a fire. Construction work can commence on the building, including the structure and any components such as drywall and flooring. 
With the right fire restoration company on your side, you can have peace of mind. You can also enjoy working in a safe building again. 

5 Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

You can check if your Sump Pump is free of obstructions by pouring a few gallons into the basin.

Sump Pump Maintenance

The sump pump in your Norris, TN, home provides added confidence that you won’t have to seek out water damage repair services. If pump maintenance isn’t a part of your routine to-do list, you may not be able to count on the system working properly. Below are tips to help keep it operating as it should.

1. Verify Its Position
Although it runs quietly, it does vibrate. Those vibrations may cause to it shift enough that the float arm is unable to move freely. Ensure that the unit is upright and level, as well as clear or potential obstructions.

2. Check the Inlet Screen
Water enters through the inlet screen. This vital filter keeps debris from entering the unit and causing damage. If dirt has settled on it, it may block water from entering. It is recommended to clean the filter every six months and replace it after two years.

3. Inspect the Discharge Line
Even if the unit is working, you may still see unwanted water if it isn’t discharging correctly. A blocked discharge line may easily lead to standing water in your home. Along with checking the line for any blockage or leaks, ensure that it discharges away from the home.

4. Clean the Sump Pump
An annual deep cleaning is essential to keep your equipment running right. This involves removing and cleaning the basin and grate. Any water in the check valve should be drained, and any dirt should be cleaned out.

5. Test the Unit
After a thorough inspection and cleaning, it’s important to give the unit a test run. This task is as simple as pouring water into the basin to see if it automatically activates. This can be done multiple times throughout the year but should at least be completed annually. Be sure to conduct the test prior to heavy rains.
While a sump pump keeps the water at bay, it still requires regular maintenance. The tips above may help keep it confidently operating.

Why Mold Can Be a Scary Scenario for Property Managers

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Claxton, TN.

If you run a company that leases out buildings to clients or that deals with the rental of apartments, you might not be as familiar with mold insurance claims as you should. The presence of mold in your building in Claxton, TN, could lead to lawsuits. These could range from minor to serious, depending upon many circumstances. If you don't act quickly, your company could be sued. In the past, courts have awarded large compensation verdicts for tenants in these situations. This could put your company at risk of a devastating financial loss.

How To Prevent a Mold Claim

You have a number of tools to minimize your company's exposure to a mold lawsuit. Prevention is your first line of defense. By taking these actions, you insulate your company from detrimental mold insurance claims:

• Regular inspections of your property
  
• Timely repair of any water leaks or issues
  
• Fast response to any complaints of mold
  
• Professional cleanup if mold is discovered
  
  

Whether you are dealing with an industrial client or apartment tenants, you have a responsibility to maintain your property to local and perhaps federal standards. Failure to do so makes it more likely you will be sued.

How To Mitigate Mold
Unlike some maintenance issues, mold remediation is something that is best left to professionals. An experienced mold restoration company employs certified technicians that know how to deal with this difficult menace. A SERVPRO franchise can restore your building "Like it never even happened." An experienced crew knows how to stop the fungus from spreading and it knows the best way to remove the mold in an efficient manner. When the problem is taken care of quickly, you are unlikely to face any mold insurance claims that deal with liability. This makes handling a mold outbreak a little less scary.

5 Essential Elements of a Fire Management Plan

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

A smart company always has a contingency plan for unpredictable events.

How To Deal With Disasters Such As a Fire

A smart company always has a contingency plan for unpredictable events. This could include discussing what to do if a top manager becomes sick or if the economy goes into a deep recession. It also covers how to deal with disasters such as a significant fire. Solid preparation covers everything from fire prevention to dealing with the aftermath of a sudden blaze.

1. Fire Prevention
Stopping a fire before it begins is often the most effective approach, though it can never be guaranteed. Putting in fire alarms, equipping a facility with fire extinguishers and installing a sprinkler system are all excellent investments.

2. Fire Readiness
Focusing on what happens after a fire starts can have many benefits for a company. It can reduce injuries and even save lives. It informs employees and others where to go should a fire break out. An evacuation plan has the details written down in plain language and posted in strategic places so personnel can quickly get to a place of safety.

3. A Contingency Plan
This is a more detailed implementation of evacuation readiness. It lists resources such as fire departments and other emergency personnel in Oliver Springs, TN. It has the backing of most fire organizations and might even be a legal requirement in some communities.

4. Fire Cleanup
 A rapid response after a fire has been put out is essential to a company's survival. A professional fire mitigation team has the training and the equipment to clean up soot and smoke damage, clean and sanitize walls and eradicate smoke odors.

5. Building Restoration
Hot flames can do a lot of structural damage to a commercial facility. For the business to function again, quality restoration is needed to return the building to its pre-fire condition.
A contingency plan can protect a company in hard times. Fire management is needed for companies large and small. 

Why Commercial Insurance Can Be a Lifesaver for your Company

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

High winds can cause major damage to your property, it is important to be prepared.

Why Commercial Insurance Can Save Your Company's Life

Powerful storms sweep through parts of the country nearly every day. They cause multiple billions of dollars to companies in the U.S. every year. A business that does not have robust storm insurance is at a much greater risk of failure than other businesses. The impacts of storms are many and far-reaching:

• Extensive damage to property
  
• A business interruption
  
• A potential loss of income
  
• Added costs and expenses
  
• Harm to employees and customers
  
  

Just one bad storm is enough to cost a company many thousands of dollars. Proper insurance coverage will pay many of the expenses caused by storm damage. This will enable a company to restore and rebuild damaged property.

What Storm Insurance Covers

Every insurance policy is a little different, but a comprehensive policy typically covers damage from storms and fires. Polices are normally structured in a way to have deductibles that must first be paid before insurance payments kick in. Larger deductibles tend to reduce the overall cost of the premiums. Here are some examples of what a comprehensive insurance policy will cover:

• Roof damage caused by high winds
  
• Hail damage as the result of large hailstones
  
• Wind damage that breaks windows or doors
  
• Water damage from roof leaks
  
  

In general, so long as the damage from a storm is not caused by the failure of a company to maintain its property, many expenses will be paid through the claims process. In a big storm, this can add up to a large amount.

How Restoration Services Help

While proper insurance coverage will pay for many types of damage, a company will still need the services of a local storm restoration company in Oliver Springs, TN. These experts will arrive on the scene after a storm and restore the building to its original condition. Storm insurance is one of the main foundations of a strong business. It pays the way for a fast and successful recovery.

Should You Upgrade to a Smart Detector?

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

A smart detector uses traditional technology, but it can notify you and alert emergency services.

Should You Consider Purchasing a Smart Detector?

While households in Norris, TN, have used the lifesaving benefits of smoke alarm systems for decades, smart detectors are now on the market. Before you decide whether to upgrade, you can take a look at the different kinds of detectors and how they function.
Detectors fall into these main categories:

• Ionization
• Photoelectric
• Dual-sensor
  

What Is an Ionization Smoke Detector?

This type of detector has two electrically charged plates with a small amount of radioactive material between them. Electric current flows as the air in the middle is ionized. When smoke gets into the ionized space, it interrupts the ion flow, reducing the current and triggering an alarm. Ionization detectors respond slightly faster to fires that produce lots of flames.

What Is a Photoelectric Smoke Alarm?

A photoelectric alarm has a light beam in a chamber at an angle to the sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it reflects light onto the sensor and triggers an alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors are slightly more sensitive to smoldering fires.
The U.S. Fire Administration said both alarms will detect smoldering and flaming fires, but because no one can predict a type of fire, it is best to have both kinds or a dual-sensor alarm for fire safety.

What Is a Smart Detector?

A smart detector uses traditional technology, but it can notify you and alert emergency services when no one is home because it connects to the internet. This technology can save you from a more extensive fire that might require mitigation from an emergency restoration company.
You can also choose a device called a listener, which alerts you when it picks up the specific frequency of an alarm. Another option is a smart battery, which fits an alarm like a 9-volt battery but notifies you if the alarm is activated or the battery is low.
You have many options when it comes to choosing a smoke alarm system. A smart detector offers some advantages over traditional detectors, but the most important choice you can make is to keep a working system in your home at all times.

Is Your Home Affected With Category 3 Water? Here Is How To Find Out

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Don't ignore black water.

Is Category 3 Water Affecting Your Home?

Not all water is the same. Authorities class the fluid into three categories, clean, gray and black water. These degrees have to do with the hazardous impact of the fluid and how they enter the premises. While homeowners in Claxton, TN, shouldn't want to suffer from any of these infiltrating the property, the last one is of utmost concern, requiring thorough and meticulous cleanup. Here is how to know if you have dirty water in your home and how to clean it.

Where Did the Water Come From?

When you start to evaluate your flood impact, think about the following factors to determine if you require sewage cleanup:

• Where did the water originate?
• Could it contain bacteria?
• What is the level of possible contamination?
  

A busted clean pipeline is unlikely to bring in harmful microorganisms. The dampness could trigger mold, but it isn't introducing any waste product. A gray line occurs from an indoor leak, often an appliance. Washing machines and dishwashers have hoses that carry away the dirty water. This fluid houses food and organisms. While not overly fraught with bacteria, cleaning is needed.
Black water arises from places that have human waste, animals or dirt. The impact from an external water source such as the ocean, river, or sewer line falls under this zone. Leaving category 2 water alone, such as in standing puddles or without proper cleanup, may also turn into this group as bacterial levels fester and spread.

What Can Owners Do About This Concern?

When category 3 breaches the home, immediately contact a water and sewage restoration company. Specialists should assess moisture saturation and contamination, taking samples from the walls and air, and determining the type and extent of the flooding. Then, the team puts together an action plan to restore the residence using scientific studies and awareness.
The crew evaluates porous and nonporous materials, dictating what may be salvaged and what must go. They set to work reducing the humidity levels and securing the rooms from further harm.
Don't ignore black water. Because of its hazardous nature, it's prudent to work with professionals to sanitize the home quickly and effectively.

How To Respond to Burns in the Workplace

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Minor burns can usually be managed without medical assistance.

What to Do If You Get Burned at Work?

A fire safety plan is an essential for business owners, and part of that plan must include how to response when fire damage directly affects a staff member or a customer. Are you prepared to treat burns and administer first aid? Take a look at important steps for preventing injuries and an overview of the appropriate treatment steps.

Prevent Burns

The best scenario is to avoid using the burn first kit altogether. Use the following tips to decrease the possibility of fire in your workplace. Prevention starts by recognizing the three most common workplace burns:

• Thermal (heat)
• Chemical
• Electrical

Preventing burns starts with compliance with OSHA standards and MSDS safety protocols. The next step is to train employees according to your company safety plan. Finally, consistently maintain building safety systems and reinforce safe behaviors in your employees.

Contact Emergency Services

When fire damage affects the building, one of your first steps should be to contact emergency personnel and fire remediation and reconstruction experts. The same is true when an employee or customer is injured; immediately contact emergency medical professionals. With paramedics or EMTs on the way, it's time to implement some basic burn first aid.

Treat Minor Burns

Minor burns can usually be treated simply and without medical help:

• Cool the burned area.
• Remove jewelry and other tight items before swelling sets in.
• Leave blisters alone.
• Treat the area with a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera.
• Apply a sterile gauze bandage.

Treat Major Burns

Major burns require more attention. While waiting for the medical technicians to arrive, take the following steps:

Move the burned individual away from further harm.
Check for breathing. If the person isn't breathing, begin rescue breathing as appropriate.
Remove jewelry, belts, and other tight items before the person begins swelling.
Cool the burned area with a moist cloth or bandage.
Elevate the affected body parts above heart level.
Don't submerge large burns in water.

Hopefully, your Clinton, TN, business won't be affected by fire. However, it's best to take steps to reduce the possibility of fire damage and prepare for the worst with appropriate first aid training.

Identifying Black Water

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage Backup During A Storm in Oak Ridge, TN,

How to Recognize Black Water

After a serious residential flooding event in Oak Ridge, TN, the cleanup process may require you to correctly distinguish between different levels of water contamination. Consider the following procedures and water damage remediation measures when confronted with dirty water in your home.

1. Gray Water

Not all types of standing water receive the “black” designation. Under normal circumstances, water that flows from the sink or bath is termed “gray water” and does not need to undergo the same rigorous treatment process. This is because the amount of chemical and organic contaminants is lower in water that is merely used for washing. Irrigation water, such as the kind used in sprinkler systems or collected in rain barrels from roof runoff, is also typically gray water. After minor flooding, any backed-up liquids coming from these systems can usually be safely removed by hand as long as proper skin protection is maintained during water damage repair.

2. Sewage and Other Sources

Water that has made contact with sewage, sewer lines, or other forms of biological waste is designated black water by the IICRC standards. This means that a qualified HVAC service or restoration professional should perform the bulk of the cleanup. Just because the standing water is currently in the sink or tub does not automatically downgrade it to the less-problematic gray water category. Because flood water usually pervades entire floors of your home, sewage tends to contaminate any contiguous pools and pockets, making the entire water body black. To be safe, only personnel equipped with a hazmat-style protective suit and respirator should attempt to drain and clean surfaces affected by sewage.

Water damage from residential flooding doesn’t have to bring your daily routine to a halt. Whether your problem results from clogged drains, severe weather, or broken mains, you can take the first steps toward a solution by correctly identifying and avoiding black water.

Maintain Your Irrigation System To Prevent Flooding

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

You can control the irrigation by installing sensors.

To Avoid Flooding, Maintain Your Irrigation System

A healthy landscape attracts people to your business in Oak Ridge, TN, by giving it a pleasant look and displaying your professionalism. Consistent irrigation maintenance keeps the area healthy by ensuring the sprinklers spread the right amount of water at the necessary areas and at the appropriate time. Make sure the system works as intended and detect any mistakes by following these tips.

Inspect the System Often

System inspection is the most basic maintenance task you can accomplish. Everything from the faucets to the hoses should be free of cracks and holes. The sprinkler heads are the most important, since they are the most vulnerable to hazards such as:

• Common wear and tear
  Unstable ground
• Footstep and lawnmower damage
  Poor installation
  

Beyond the obvious signs of damage, look for nearby leaks and puddles. Fix the issue if possible or remove and replace the broken piece.

Control the Irrigation Schedule

As part of your irrigation maintenance, you should also set up your system to sprinkle the best amount of water at the right areas. The higher the temperature and the greater the sun's exposure, the more water that spot will need. Overuse can wear down the system faster and create sprinkler flooding that warrants professional water damage repair for your property. You can control the irrigation by installing sensors that shut down the system when they detect rain, ice or low temperatures.

Prepare for Each Season

You do not need to use the sprinklers during the winter and the closest time periods. Therefore, you should winterize them after usage is finished for the year, since the cold temperatures can freeze the water and damage the components. Drain all the water by shutting off the irrigation water supply and opening the drain valves until it is all gone. Disconnect the parts, put away the hoses and insulate the exposed pipes and faucets.

The proper care of your sprinklers guarantees a long lifespan and effective watering of your commercial landscape. These irrigation maintenance tips will help you keep the system in great shape.

How To Preserve Your Items After a Water Disaster

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Marlow, TN.

How to Keep Your Things Safe After a Flood

A broken pipe can transport water, bacteria, mold and debris into your property. Apart from the bad smell, the damage can be serious enough for you to throw away important documents or equipment. While a pipe burst cleanup should always be completed by a sewer cleanup company, there are immediate steps you can take to save your items and keep your environment safe.

1. Unplug Electronic Appliances

Entering a wet room that has appliances plugged into outlets can be dangerous. Getting your electronic devices out of a water-damaged room as soon as possible can prevent them from short-circuiting and keep the cleaning crew safe. Take care while transporting your items; don't yank the cord out of the outlet too fast, or it might spark.

2. Use Disinfectant

A pipe burst can cause bacteria to build up. To thoroughly disinfect your items, avoid simply drying them with a rag or towel. Instead, use a quality disinfectant cleaner on any hard surfaces such as furniture. You don't need to search far and wide for a good cleaning product; local grocery stores typically carry several reputable brands.

3. Consult With Professionals

If the situation is unfortunate enough so that important items like paintings, books or photographs are damaged, you shouldn't immediately throw them away. There are professional cleaners in Marlow, TN and surrounding areas that specialize in restoring such items. Call them right away to see if you can do anything to salvage your items. Sometimes, they might recommend rinsing them with water to prevent stains from setting.

A sewer cleanup company can usually send professionals to your home promptly for an emergency pipe burst cleanup. However, if you have to wait, taking these steps on your own can help minimize some of the damage. You don't have to spend a lot of money replacing your items if you get them away from a broken pipe and leaking water as soon as possible.

Reasons to Call SERVPRO for Your Document Cleaning Needs

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

With SERVPRO’s document restoration processes, you don’t have to lose these important items.

Document Restoration

During and after a flood, a lot of things can go wrong. You may discover significant damage to walls, floors, the ceiling and furniture. Also, flood water can ruin documents, including books and financial paperwork. You may think these items are a total loss, but when the right team gets on the case, there is hope for document restoration. The best emergency response companies can take even the most delicate documents and salvage them following flood damage.

How Does SERVPRO Approach Damaged Documents?

Hopefully, you have backups for your most sensitive documents. However, with items such as books, pictures and other keepsakes, you need an effective document drying process to save them. This is where SERVPRO comes in.

• Technicians will examine the affected items and determine the extent of the damage.
  
• Technicians will decide what they can save and what is beyond repair.
  
• Technicians will use top industry tools and techniques to dry and restore your documents.
  
  

Drying Methods

SERVPRO has some unique document drying techniques that you won’t find with all other cleanup teams. The technicians will employ vacuum freeze-drying to save your books, papers and other documents. In addition to this, SERVPRO will carefully clean and sanitize the documents. This is especially important if you’ve had a flood in your Lake City, TN, home, and sewage is a concern. The team will ensure that harmful substances don’t stay on your documents.

A Better Choice

SERVPRO isn’t the company that does document restoration, but it should be your No. 1 choice when you have these needs. One advantage is that SERVPRO will help keep your cleanup costs down compared with other commercial companies. In addition, the team will work closely with your insurance provider to get the ball rolling on coverage so you don’t have to shoulder the bill.

Don’t despair if your documents suffered damage in a flood. With SERVPRO’s document restoration processes, you don’t have to lose these important items.

A Homeowner’s Policy Does Not Cover All Fires

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

A home fire in Rocky Top, TN.

A Homeowner's Insurance Policy Does Not Cover All Types of Fires.

When it comes to a home fire, the fine print in your policy is your insurer’s friend. It describes the items and circumstances excluded from your fire coverage. They may use fine print to save paper. They may hope it’s too small for you to read. Look at your policy and decide for yourself. One fact you can be sure of is that the fine print is in policies everywhere, not just those in Rocky Top, TN.
Imagine having a fire where your insurer denied your claim. It would be a financial disaster that could drive you into bankruptcy. Imagine being in this situation:

• There would be no money for home repairs or replacement.
  
• There would be no money to replace the contents and personal items.
  
• There would be no money for relocation expenses.
  
• Mortgage payments would still be due.
  
• You would be homeless.
  

Naturally, you would appeal the decision and take them to court if necessary. There are two common reasons for denial of the claim.

Insurers Don’t Cover Fires Started by Arsonists

Many people find themselves upside down on their home mortgages. They can’t afford to keep their home, and they can’t afford to sell it. They are stuck. They fantasize about a home fire solving their problem. They would be happy to let the insurance company deal with it.
Sometimes, people will take that fantasy a step further and cause the fire. That is arson and is illegal. It gives the insurer a reason to deny the claim.

A Standard Policy Will Not Cover a Vacant Home Fire

Insurers typically consider a home vacant if unoccupied for 30 days or more. If someone regularly checks on it, is it vacant? If renovations are underway during the daytime, is it vacant? Could an insurer consider your home vacant? If so, be safe and buy a policy endorsement that covers this situation.
After a home fire, you want to recover as quickly as possible. There are fire restoration professionals nearby, ready to come to the rescue. They are here to help.

The Truth About What You Need To Do With Belongings Affected by Mold Damage

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere.

If you’ve recently discovered mold in your home in Norris, TN, you might be devastated to discover that the extent of the damage goes beyond the structure of your home. Since mold likes to attach itself to a large number of different types of surfaces, your personal belongings may be affected as well. The good news is that mold cleaning is possible for many different types of items around your home!

The Inspection Process

When a mold remediation specialist surveys the damage caused by mold to your home, they will inspect all the items affected. Often, the first step involves identifying whether items are porous, semi-porous, or non-porous. Porous surfaces have holes that quickly absorb water or other particles. Here are some examples of porous items:

• Paper
  
• Books
  
• Carpet
  
• Cardboard
  
• Mattresses
  
• Stuffed animals
  
  

Porous items that have experienced mold damage require a more extensive cleaning process, so they are often thrown out if they are not of any value. However, items of sentimental value or important documents can be restored using special mold cleaning methods. It is important to consider the cost of cleaning particular items when determining whether you should keep them or throw them away.

Item Restoration

Once the items you want to have restored are identified, the restoration specialist will identify the best cleaning method depending on the type of object affected. While non-porous surfaces can often be washed using dry and wet cleaning, spray and wipe cleaning, or abrasive and immersion cleaning, some items require special handling. For example, electronics, documents, photographs, and upholstery fabrics will go through a specialized mold cleaning process that will prevent further damage or corrosion from occurring.

While there is no guarantee that all of your items can be salvaged, it is certainly a relief to learn that you don’t need to throw out everything you own that has been affected by mold! With the help of a mold remediation specialist, you will be able to restore many of your most valuable belongings.

After a Commercial Fire Is Extinguished, Water Damage Looms

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Claxton, TN.

Water Damage Looms After a Commercial Fire Has Been Put Out

Few things in the realm of business can be more difficult than having your building damaged by fire. If a blaze has scarred your commercial structure in Claxton, TN, fire cleanup may not be the only task you face. Water cleanup can be equally important. After firefighters have quenched the inferno, you must often deal with extensive water damage. Calling in an experienced fire restoration company can help you get your facility back in working order so you can get back to business. These are common steps many professional fire restorers use to repair destruction from fire and water.

1. Appraise Damage

Firefighters have likely worked hard to extinguish the blaze, and to do this, they used water—lots of water. Anything the fire did not destroy, including walls, floors, ceilings, equipment, inventory and various smaller items, will probably be soggy. Your instinct may be to rush in and plug in fans, but this is where an experienced restoration company can help. Simply drying things is usually not enough. Water cleanup may involve much more.

2. Properly Clean Items

Professionals will often take salvageable items off-site to be cleaned since your structure may not be inhabitable after a fire. If you have a waiting room or lounge area, for example, pillows and upholstery can be removed for cleaning. Fire restorers may bring in special equipment and products to clean and dry internal features and recoverable equipment and inventory. Proper smoke cleanup may also be important, as soot can be oily and should be carefully removed, and the smell of smoke can linger indefinitely unless addressed properly right away.

3. Renovate Walls and Floors

Sometimes walls, ceilings and floors must be completely redone after a fire. You may be surprised at the damage fire suppression techniques can do. An experienced restoration company, however, should know how to remedy structures during water cleanup.

Opening your business after a fire can involve many steps. The wisest decision can be to work with a restoration company that uses specialized equipment and expertise to restore your Claxton, TN, structure.

3 Tips To Help You Prepare Your Home for Storm Season

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Standing water in a garage after a storm in Oliver Springs, TN.

Protect Your Home Against Water Damage

Storms can cause a lot of damage to your home in Oliver Springs, TN, and one of the main risks is flooding. Floodwater may not seem very threatening at first, but it can compromise the structural integrity of your home and ruin many of your possessions. You can take steps, however, to protect your home against water damage caused by flooding. Here are some tips to help minimize your risk.

1. Direct Water Away From Your Home

When it rains, having water on or near your home is inevitable. It doesn't have to stay there, though. There are several ways you can control the flow of heavy rainfall:

• Keep gutters and drains clear
  
• Aim drain spouts away from the foundation
  
• Update your landscape's grading to slope away from your home
  
  

While you can't keep floodwater from rising, you can keep it at bay a little longer with good water flow planning.

2. Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement

The basement is probably the first place in a flooded building to take on damage. As the lowest point, it is the most vulnerable. While water remediation experts can repair the damage in the basement, you can prevent some of it by having a working sump pump. This machine redirects standing water out of your basement. It is also a good idea to have a backup generator or a battery backup. That way, even if the power goes out your sump pump will work.

3. Purchase Flood Insurance

If your home is damaged by flooding from a storm, your basic property insurance is probably not going to cover it. You need a separate flood policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you are required to have such a policy. Your insurance broker can advise on the best plan to repair your home if water damage occurs.

When storms rage, flooding is always a possibility. With a little preparation, however, you are in a better position to respond when floodwater rises.

What To Do After a Toilet Overflow

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a toilet overflow don't clean it on your own.

After a Toilet Overflow, What Should You Do?

When a toilet becomes blocked, it can usually be taken care of with a plunger. However, when a flooded toilet is the result of sewer damage, the situation can quickly get out of control.

If you experience a toilet overflow that causes sewer water to flood your bathroom or worse, multiple rooms, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that pose a serious threat to humans and animals. A water damage mitigation specialist in Clinton, TN, will have the necessary safety gear to handle the situation. If a sewer backs up into your home, follow these basic steps to handle the situation quickly and safely:

1. Avoid All Contact With the Water

You might be tempted to try to move possessions that have already come in contact with the sewer water, but don’t. The most important thing is keeping you and your family safe and that means avoiding all contact with the water. Close off the affected area and stay away from it.

2. Shut Off Electricity and Gas If Necessary

If sewer water comes in contact with electrical outlets or gas appliances, it can create a hazardous situation. Shut off your electricity and contact your gas company to turn off the gas until the situation is dealt with.

3. Contact Your Utility Company

The location of the sewer damage determines who is responsible for repairs. Contact your sewage company to alert them to the situation and find out what they know. If it turns out the problem is on your property, you may be responsible for hiring a plumber to fix it.

4. Call a Water Damage Mitigation Specialist

Cleaning up sewage requires protective clothing, specialized equipment and knowledge about how to avoid spreading contamination to other parts of your property. An experienced water damage mitigation specialist in Clinton, TN, has all of these things and can return your home to normal quickly and efficiently.

When a toilet overflows due to sewer damage, the results can be devastating. Remember that the most important thing is keeping you and your family safe. Let an experienced professional handle the cleanup.

Why You Need a Specialist To Target Mold at Your Business

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Oliver Springs, TN.

Why Do You Need a Mold Specialist at Your Company?

The development of mold at your Oliver Springs, TN, business can occur for many reasons. While flooding is the most common, persistent, heavy rain, humid summers and even faulty plumbing can create environments where mold has the opportunity to grow. However, since mold can grow and spread quickly, it is a good idea to call in an indoor environmental specialist for the testing, targeting and removal of this substance before the problem takes hold and has a negative affect on your business.

Mold Can Grow Out of Sight

Mold growth in your commercial building may not always occur in plain sight. After moisture has been introduced into a space, mold spores may start to grow within 48 hours and may hide in a variety of places:

• In damp storage areas, such as a basement
• Behind walls
• Under or around hidden plumbing fixtures
  
  

A professional mold test can reveal hidden mold before it damages your floors, walls and stored goods.

Mold Must Be Eliminated at the Source

Even if you spot mold growing in one area, that may not be the source of the issue. As a result, for every spot you clean, there may be more growing at an unseen source. To eliminate the spread, the source must be targeted and wiped out. An indoor environmental specialist, such as one who works for a mold remediation company, can uncover mold wherever it lies and destroy all sources permanently.

Mold May Not Announce Its Presence

While you may be able to detect mold by the odor it gives off, spores that are growing deep in your business’s walls may not be close enough to the interior of rooms to have a noticeable odor. Hidden mold growth can spread unchecked as a result, and you may realize the problem too late. Testing for mold, even if you cannot smell it, is a wise idea if your business recently suffered a flood or other moisture issue.

An indoor environmental specialist can help target mold in your Oliver Springs, TN, business. The sooner mold can be eliminated, the lower the risk of it taking hold permanently.

Dryer Maintenance for Fire Prevention

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Clean lint filters every time you dry a load of laundry.

Dryer Maintenance for Fire Prevention

The clothes dryer is a modern convenience people in Claxton, TN, use every day without a second thought. However, if these appliances aren’t properly maintained, there is an increased risk of lint fire and dryer fire. Statistics show 77 percent of dryer fires occur in one- and two-family residences, with 34 percent caused by failure to clean the appliance and 28 percent caused specifically by dust, fiber and lint in the machine.

How It Happens

When clothes are dried, they shed small fibers that create lint. This lint is then either collected in the lint trap or expelled through the dryer’s exhaust vent. It is when the lint trap and the exhaust vent aren’t cleaned that fires can occur. When the lint trap is full or the exhaust is blocked by lint or even small rodent nests, it prevents hot air from escaping the machine. The resulting heat buildup can cause the debris to ignite, resulting in fire.

How To Prevent It

The easiest way to protect against a lint fire is with regular maintenance. However, if you notice your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry or they are coming out of the machine hotter than normal, these are signs that you may have a blocked dryer vent and you should check it immediately. Otherwise, following these tips can decrease the chance of fire and improve your safety:

• Use only flexible transition ducts listed by an approved safety testing agency to vent dryer exhaust
• Only vent dryer exhaust to the outside of the home
  
• Clean lint filters every time you dry a load of laundry
  
• Clean exhaust vents every three months
  
• Clean lint buildup from the area behind the dryer every six months
  
  

These precautions can help protect you, but accidents can always happen. If you do have a dryer fire or lint fire in Claxton, TN, contact your insurance company and a professional cleanup team for the fastest recovery.

How Long Does Water Damage Cleanup Take?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Oak Ridge, TN.

How Long Does It Take to Clean Up Water Damage?

Water damage cleanup can take anywhere from two to 10 days. You should account for the type of building materials and sources of water, such as bursting pipes, leaks, or flooding. The extent and duration of the damage may also prolong the cleanup process.

The Building Materials

Certain building materials require special consideration. Hardwood floors, in particular, can prolong the duration of cleanup when there are several factors involved:

• Water permeating the polyurethane coating
• Damaged planks
• Sanding, scraping or retrofitting of solid hardwood
• Wet plywood subfloor
• Moist concrete under the subfloor

Hardwood flooring should be dry all the way down to the concrete prior to restoration. Other building materials must also be completely dry before being repaired or replaced.

The Type of Water Damage

The source of the water that has caused the damage can add steps to the cleanup process.

• Category One water from bursting pipes is clean and only needs to be dried.
• Category Two gray water should be dried and disinfected.
• Category Three black water requires removal of solid waste, drying, and disinfection.

Once you fix the broken pipe or the other source of damage, call a restoration service. 

The Extent of the Damage

Extensive damage due to flooding will probably take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a backup, broken pipe, or leak. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process. 

The Duration of the Damage

The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or days can lead to more severe secondary damage.

Regardless of the conditions in your home in Oak Ridge, TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of restoration professionals. Call a plumber to fix burst pipes and hire a residential restoration company to eliminate water and mitigate secondary damage.

Home Insurance May Not Cover All Types of Fire Damage

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Arson fire is not covered by any type of insurance.

Home Insurance May Not Cover All Types of Fire Damage

During a home fire, your first thought may not be about your insurance policy. Instead, you may be concerned with a few other things, such as:

• The safety of your family
• The ability to get to safety
• The condition of your belongings
• The damage to your house

Once the danger has died down and the residential fire remediation team has come in, you have some time to start worrying about insurance and the nuances of your coverage. Under most situations, a homeowner's policy will cover the damage done to your house. However, there are two instances that are often not covered.

Vacancy

If a home is empty at the time a fire started, it may not be covered by your policy. Most companies define a vacant house as one that has not been lived in for more than 30 consecutive days. If a provider can prove a home was not lived in, you may have to pay for the damage done during a vacant home fire out of pocket. Summer or winter homes can be protected by an additional clause or endorsement to the normal policy. You should make sure your clause remains in effect every time you update your policy.

Arson

If a homeowner deliberately sets fire to his or her own house, the resulting damage often won't be covered by any type of insurance. Someone may commit arson with the intention of cashing in on insurance money. For this reason, many providers send out independent investigators to determine the cause of a home fire. If it is proved that the flames were started intentionally by the owner, the agency has no obligation to help pay for the repairs and restoration.

In Rocky Top, TN, the average home fire will be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy. However, the coverage provided by each agency may be slightly different. Most companies do not help pay for the damages caused by arsonists or vacancy.

10 First Aid Kit Essentials

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Protect the safety of occupants and visitors in a building.

Ten Must-Haves For Any Kit

Every building should have at least one complete first aid kit in case of emergency. Here are 10 must-haves for any kit.

1. Adhesive Bandages

Provide a variety of sizes and styles of adhesive bandages for minor injuries. Make sure to include butterfly closures and waterproof bandages.

2. Adhesive Medical Tape

Medical tape is stickier and more flexible than standard adhesive tape. Use this tape to secure gauze bandages or pads or maintain pressure on a wound.

3. Antibacterial Ointment

Use antibacterial ointment to prevent infection when cleaning and dressing wounds. You may want to select small tubes or sealed wipes to guarantee effectiveness.

4. Blankets

Include at least one blanket in a first aid kit. Blankets are useful for staying warm or creating a soft surface.

5. Elastic Wraps

Elastic wraps are handy for stabilizing sprains or other injuries. Include several wraps in an emergency kit.

6. Gauze Pads and Roller Bandages

Use gauze for wounds that are too delicate or large for adhesive bandages. You should also include a few metal closures.

7. Gloves

Latex or nitrile gloves are important sanitary supplies. Provide more than one pair, just in case.

8. Scissors and Tweezers

Scissors are helpful for trimming bandages. Use tweezers to extract splinters or other foreign objects.

9. Splint

A splint is an essential short-term solution for broken bones. You may want to provide more than one in a kit.

10. Resuscitation Supplies

A resuscitation airway, bag, or pocket mask can be vital in the event of an emergency. Be sure to include instructions on how to use this life-saving equipment.

Protect the safety of occupants and visitors in a building by keeping at least one fully-stocked first aid kit on the premises. If a property sustains damage from a storm or disaster, contact your insurance provider and a commercial damage restoration company in Norris, TN.

Steps To Take Following a Commercial Building Fire

10/31/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Claxton, TN.

Protect Your Building From a Fire

A house fire can be an upsetting experience in Claxton, TN. Beyond losing precious items, the aftermath of a blazing fire can leave you unsettled and frightened. Once the fire is out, you may immediately think about calling commercial fire restoration and cleanup services, but before you do, consider these steps.

1. Contact your insurance company and request a meeting. If possible, you may want an adjuster on-site during the first walkthrough. If the adjuster cannot visit the site immediately, take pictures.

2. Ask fire officials when it is safe to re-enter the building. The fire may be extinguished, but without knowing the amount of destruction to the structure, you may not be aware of where the safety zone is.

3. Request a copy of the fire report from the fire department. Not only can it have pertinent information for your insurance claim, but it may also have information to help you identify what data is still missing and possibly necessary for fire restoration specialists.

4. To prevent possible looting, or additional vandal destruction, secure the building. Most fire insurance specialists can offer information on how best to protect the structure.

5. Contact a commercial fire cleanup and restoration crew to assess the damage. Professional cleaners can help with water, soot, and smoke cleaning, as well as sanitizing the damaged areas.

6. If emergency personnel turned the electricity off, empty refrigerators and freezers. After emptying them, leave the doors open for air circulation.

7. If water was used to put out the flames, wiring might be damaged. Heat and water may also have damaged appliances. Before turning on lights, appliances, or HVAC systems, check with repair services.

8. If the damage is extensive, contact utility companies regarding service. Suspending utilities during restoration is often necessary.

Fire restoration can be a big operation whether it involves minor damage or extensive rebuilding. By following the above steps, you may find the process less stressful or overwhelming. You can also protect your building from additional damage.

How to Handle Water Damage

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Remove water to prevent mold growth in your property.

How to Handle Water Damage

Water Damage can do more than just damage personal belongings in your home. It can cause damage to the structure of your home and lead to mold formation in your home. So to be safe, we will tell you the best way to deal with your water damage situation.

1. Call a Water Damage Professional – Most water damage companies can come to your aid 24/7 to take action against the water damage that has just occurred in your home. Here at Water Damage Restoration of Oak Ridge, we only employ certified water damage and mold techs. For a more comprehensive scope of our business view our services

We provide service to all of Oak Ridge and Anderson County.

2. Do It Yourself – First, you will want to find the source of the flooding. You’ll want to check your bathrooms and plumbing, a roof for roofing leaks and gutters. Next, you will want to turn off all electronics and power in the affected areas.

Next, use mops, towels, and whatever other items that can absorb some of the water. Then you will want to dry the area with fans. You could also use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels down. After that, you may want to follow up with a water damage professional to access how bad the cost is and if it is severe enough to warrant the help of a professional. For additional info on water damage and flooding read what Lowe’s has to say here.

Best Purifiers for Mold Removal

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Quality air purifiers eliminate several types of indoor air pollutants, keeping us healthy.

The Best Purifiers for Mold Removal

Air purifiers are supposed to rid your Oliver Springs, TN, home of pollens, dirt and other unwanted particles. However, not all filtration systems have the ability to remove mold spores. If you work with a residential mold cleanup team, you may be able to get advice on the best purifiers for mold removal. You can also use this list of some of the best products available.

• Oransi OV200: This moderately priced purifier uses a HEPA air filtration system and pre-filter to rid the air of spores, pet dander, pollen, dust and bacteria. This product is easy to use and very efficient at removing particles from the air.

• Oransi Max: This air purifier removes pet dander, mold, bacteria, dust and pollen from the air through a pre-filter and a v-HEPA filter. One of the best things about this product is that it has good air flow and tends to be quieter than other options.

• Austin Air Healthmate: This purifier uses three types of filters—a pre-filter, HEPA filter and carbon filter—to rid the air of odor, dust, pollen and mold spores. While it's not as easy to use as some of the other options, it is still very efficient and not too loud.

• BlueAir 450E: This machine combines a HEPA filter and an air ionizer to better remove bacteria, dust and mold from the air. With this high-quality air filtration system, you'll love how clean the air in your house feels.

• Amway Atmosphere: This pricier option uses a pre-filter, HEPA filter and carbon filter combination to remove small particles from the air. The equipment is very good at removing particles from your home, but it has a high maintenance cost due to the expense to replace filters.

• RabbitAir MinusA2: This purifier uses four different kinds of filters to clean your air. The pre-filter, HEPA filter, medium filter and carbon filter work together in this effective appliance.

There are plenty of other air filtration products on the market. As you try to pick out one for your home, consider price and quality.

Cleaning Your Belongings After a Fire: 3 Steps To Take

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a hallway of a home in Clinton, TN.

Cleaning Items After a Fire

After a fire damages your Clinton, TN, home, facing the task of cleaning your belongings can be a challenge. Your clothing, furniture, carpeting and other items might have all suffered smoke and soot damage that can be difficult to remove on your own. However, there are some steps you can take to restore them, from sorting restorable belongings to having a fire remediation and restoration company use dry cleaning techniques and other industrial machinery to salvage as many possessions as possible after a blaze.

1. Gauge What Might Be Saved

Once fire officials have let you know it is safe to re-enter your home, the first step you may want to take is sorting through smoke-damaged items and finding those that could still be salvaged. Most non-porous items, such as metal kitchen items and certain types of building materials can be wiped clean or sanitized in boiling water.

2. Sort Out Saved Items

Once you find items you wish to salvage, sort them into piles so the company that handles your content cleaning does not have to work with one large pile of different belongings. This can also make the process more efficient. If any of the items have both smoke and water damage, keep these separate and ask your restoration company if they will require a different restoration process.

3. Note Building Cleaning Requirements

While restoration specialists can use dry cleaning machines on your clothing and other items, cleaning soot and smoke from your walls, ceiling and carpeting may be more of a challenge. As you note which rooms have sustained such damage, you can work with your fire damage techs and discuss whether you will require content storage for your cleaned items while stationery sections of your home are cleaned with industrial foggers and air sanitizing machines.

Cleaning items after a fire affects your Clinton, TN, home does not have to be an insurmountable task. From sorting your items efficiently to reaching out to a professional restoration company for dry cleaning and air purification services, there are several steps you can take to reclaim your property from the ravages of fire.

5 Tips for Dealing With a Minor Burn

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Burns can be painful. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve some of the hurt by fire.

5 Ways to Get Rid of a Minor Burn

The workplace is full of unexpected twists. Small fires may break out or employees may get burned using kitchen appliances. No matter what caused a workplace burn in Oak Ridge, TN, you likely want to address it as quickly as possible. Calling in a commercial fire remediation team to assess any fire damage done to the building can be a huge help to the situation. For minor burns to an employee, consider these helpful tips.

1. Provide pain relief. Burns can be painful. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve some of the hurt. A cool compress or cold running water over the affected area can also help alleviate pain and may reduce swelling.

2. Remove tight items. Part of burn first aid is knowing that this injury can cause areas to swell. If the injured person is wearing rings or a tight bracelet near the damaged skin, it may be beneficial to remove the objects before the swelling kicks in.

3. Avoid causing more damage. After fire damage at work, burn victims with minor injuries may be tempted to pop blisters. However, this skin actual acts as a protective layer against infection. If you want to avoid causing more damage, try to keep these blisters intact.

4. Protect the burn. Another major part of first aid is protecting the injured area. You can do this by applying antibiotic ointment, aloe vera lotion and bandages.

5. Seek medical attention. Even though the burn has been deemed minor, it is still a good idea to have all employees see a doctor or nurse to assess the injury. This can help you make sure everyone's burns are properly taken care of.

Commercial fires can be serious problems. Whether people are hurt or the building is damaged, you want to start the healing process as quickly as possible. Getting the fire damage assessed right away may make it easier for you to get your company back up and running.

Ceiling Fixture Leaks: 3 Quick Mitigation Solutions

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always ready to help you with any water damage in your home.

Three Quick Fixes For Ceiling Fixture Leaks

Dealing with leaks in your Oak Ridge, TN, home may be something you have dealt with in the past. However, it can be startling when they come from your ceiling's light fixtures. These leaks can cause flooding and damage your electrical system, so acting quickly to stop the leak when you notice water in a light fixture can prevent costly problems later.

1. Shut Off the Water

Shutting off the water to your home can prevent pooling and flooding, especially if the leak is up in your attic. This can also slow or stop ceiling damage caused by a broken pipe. Once you shut off the water, it is wise to avoid your attic space for a bit, even if you know that is where the leak originated, because it may not be safe to enter.

2. Turn Off the Electricity to Your Upper Floors

Water in a light shade can pose a severe electrical shock hazard, so turning off the electricity to your upper floors can reduce the risk of injury or fire. Be cautious operating your fuse box, and wear rubber gloves for additional protection. Have family members move to the main floor of your home to ensure their safety before you cut the power.

3. Call for Flood Cleanup Services

Having a flood cleanup and restoration company come to drain pooling water from your home and assess the damage can help you begin the repair process. These professionals can also advise you about ceiling damage and whether you will need to replace any sections stained or weakened by the leak. Once flood technicians clean up and ensure that the attic is safe to enter, you can go up and inspect the damage to report it to your insurance agent.

Finding water in a light fixture or dripping from your Oak Ridge, TN, home's ceiling can be a stressful experience. Knowing which actions might prevent serious water damage and keep your family safe might help you take action with confidence if a leak should occur.

3 Tips for Getting Rid of Odor After a Flood

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage is easy for SERVPRO, we can help you to restore your commercial building efficiently and quickly.

After A Flood, Here Are Three Tips For Getting Rid Of Odors.

Flood water in a commercial building can lead to a lot of bad smells. Mold might start to grow, the sewage system could get backed up or the stagnant water could simply start to give off its own aroma. Lingering mold growth is a common cause of bad smells. Depending on the source of your bad odor in Clinton, TN, getting rid of the scent can be a long process. Going about the odor removal the right way may help you better eliminate the bad smells and keep them from returning.

1. Find the cause. Finding the source of the smell, whether it's inside of your building or outside, can help you get to the root of the problem. Sewage loss, for example, needs to be taken care of differently than smells caused by mold growth. Without knowing where the smells are originating from, you may not be able to truly understand the odor.

2. Disinfect the area. Clean the source of the smell. Disinfecting the area where the odor is coming from helps remove the aroma without leaving any traces behind. If this step is skipped, you may notice the scent comes back after a short time.

3. Deodorize. Finally, if you really want to get rid of a bad smell caused by flooding, you need to be sure to deodorize your building. Saving this step for last ensures you're not simply covering up the bad smell, but actually getting rid of it.

It's not always easy to find the source of a bad smell. If you really want to get rid of the unpleasant aroma associated with mold growth or other flood damages, you should turn to experts in deodorization. They will have a better idea of what to look for after a flood. It may be tempting to try to take care of the problem yourself, but simply spraying a deodorizer will only mask your problems.

Detecting and Treating Plant Mildew

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

The discovery of mildew on plants requires immediate action.

Plant Mildew Detection And Treatment

Mildew is a fungus found only on living plants. Because it’s a parasite, it can quickly spread and completely destroy the infected plant and others in the vicinity. Damp climates can assist in causing plant mildew in Oliver Springs, TN. If there isn’t proper air circulation and the environment is especially humid, this fungus can show up and begin to take over your plants.

There are two types of mildew, and they are distinguished in two ways. The first is a powder-like matter that can be seen on the top and bottom of the leaves. The second is a velvety substance and will grow only on the bottom of the leaves. Of the two, the latter can actually be spread by watering.

Important Tips To Get Rid of Plant Mildew

The discovery of mildew on plants requires immediate action. Here are some ways to treat your plants and stop the fungus from spreading:

• Any leaves that are infected must be clipped and thrown away
• Ensure proper air circulation around the plant and don’t group plants too closely together
• Keep the room that the plants are in dry, not humid
• Water at the roots only
• Use a fungicide to treat the mildew growth

Things To Look for When Checking for Mildew

Your plants will show you in color if they are suffering from mildew. Look for discolored leaves, typically a yellowish color. Sometimes they will begin to look gray and faded. The obvious sign will be the appearance of the mildew itself, which may take on a range of different colors, such as yellow or purple. Once detected, take immediate action to save your infected plant and any others in your home.

Keeping your home free of excess humidity and checking your plants regularly are great preventative steps to protecting your plants. If you discover plant mildew, quick action on your part may save them. If you believe your home may be experiencing high air moisture content, you can always consult a professional company that deals with issues such as mildew for guidance.

Quick Guide to Mold Damage After Flooding

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

This hotel suffered a large flood that affected all 3 floors, but SERVPRO was able to extract all the water and dry up the affected area.

Mold Damage Following A Flood: A Quick Guide

It's never fun to find standing water in your Claxton, TN, commercial building. If you have to deal with flooding, you likely have a lot of questions. How can you get rid of the water? What sort of damage might this cause? Getting all your questions answered by a skilled remediation team can make the aftermath of water damage easier to deal with. If you're dealing with flooding in your building, there are a few things you should know about mold growth.

It Happens Fast

Mold can start growing in your building 24 to 48 hours after the flooding starts. This fungus can start growing so quickly for a variety of reasons:

• Mold is naturally present in the air both indoors and outdoors.
• The spores expand into colonies when exposed to water or excess moisture.
• The microscopic spores can float in the air and enter your building through vents, doors and windows, if not already present in the building.

If left unattended, mold can start growing overnight.

It Requires Quick Action

Because of how quickly mold can start to grow, you need to react quickly to a flooded building. However, this fast reaction doesn't necessarily pertain to the mold growth right away. Before you can worry about what's growing, you need to get rid of the standing water. If you choose to remediate the mold before dealing with your water problem, the mold will be able to return because there is still plenty of water in your structure.

It Comes With Other Growth

If standing water is left unattended, you may have to deal with other sorts of growth. Even clean water from a broken pipe can quickly transform into gray or black water. Gray water introduces bacteria and viruses into the equation, while black water includes sewage and harsh chemicals.

If you think your building might have a mold growth problem, you need to react as quickly as possible. Quick action can help you keep your problem small.

The Silent Killer

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide, considered “the silent killer,” is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It can be created when fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, methane, or wood, do not burn properly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, around 150 people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often, it is the result of faulty, improperly used or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine-powered equipment, such as portable generators. However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your employees from deadly CO fumes.
Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your workplace by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Consider switching from gasoline-powered material to computer powered by electricity or batteries. Prohibit the use of gasoline-powered engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas.
To protect your home, install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the house, including outside of all bedrooms. Consider having all fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well-ventilated areas away from doors, windows, vents, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

Five Types of Storm Shutters to Protect Your Home

8/1/2021 (Permalink)

Rolling shutters are a highly effective and more permanent solution.

Protect Your Home From High Winds

If your Norris, TN, home is at risk of storm damage from high winds, you might consider some protective measures. Storm shutters are a good option, but with such variation in quality and price, where do you start? Read on to learn about some of the different choices of storm shutters for homeowners.

1. Storm Panel

Metal storm panels are to be used only when there is an imminent threat of a hurricane or severe storm. This means that the rest of the year, your windows will be exposed. At about $7-$15 per panel, this is an extremely affordable choice for homeowners.

2. Rolling

Rolling shutters are a highly effective and more permanent solution. In addition to protection from high winds, they also offer privacy, insulation and an attractive appearance to homes. This option costs $20-$30 per square foot and is customized for every window on the house.

3. Accordion

Accordion coverings are similar to rolling shutters in that they are permanently affixed to a home in a box attached to the exterior of the building. The big difference, however, is that they are manually operated. Because of this, their price point is a little lower at $15-$25 per square foot.

4. Colonial

Colonial shutters are an aesthetically pleasing option for homes. They are similar to the decorative variety and made from metal or wood materials. They can be latched shut when a threat arrives. They come at a cost of around $200-$500 per window.

5. Bahama

Bahama awnings are permanently attached to homes with hinges. They are a great solution for warmer climates because they also provide shade. They can cost anywhere from $200-$1,000 per window.

There are many ways to protect your windows and home from the high winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes. Use your budget and personal preferences as a guide to finding the right solution for your home.

Essential Elements of an Emergency Fire Plan

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Creating a fire escape plan with your whole family can ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire breaks out.

The Basics Of An Emergency Fire Plan

As a homeowner in Andersonville, TN you want to be prepared for anything that comes your way. That's why you should create a fire escape plan with your family. This plan can help you and your loved ones know what to do in the case of an emergency. Use these tips from the American Red Cross to ensure you're ready:

• Know Who To Call: Part of your emergency escape plan should be knowing what to do once you're safely outside. This can include calling emergency responders, your insurance provider and a fire restoration team.
• Establish Safety Tactics: When escaping from the house, your family may need to leave in a unique fashion. For example, if anyone's clothing catches on fire, they may need to stop, drop and roll. If the house is filled with smoke, people may need to crawl out of the house.
• Think of Alternate Routes: Everyone knows how to exit the front door of your house, but this typical escape route might not be available during a fire. You and all of your family members should have at least two ways to get out of every room in the house. Don't forget going out a window may be necessary.
• Pick Out a Meeting Spot: During a fire, your family may have to leave the house from different points. Your fire escape plan should include a meeting spot that is a safe distance from the house.
• Establish Emergency Communication: In some unique cases, someone may not be able to make it to the family meeting spot. Everyone should know to talk with the emergency responders about who hasn't shown up outside of the home yet.

Creating a fire escape plan with your whole family can ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire breaks out. Once you have this plan created, you should practice it at least twice a year.

How To Keep Mold Out of Your Bathroom

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold cleaning.

Mold Prevention In Your Bathroom

Every bathroom contains moisture, and it can be a challenge to keep it at low levels. High levels of humidity make bathrooms a prime location for mold growth and water damage. Here are tips for mold prevention in your Claxton, TN, bathroom.

Collecting Tools You Need

Start by making sure you have the following on hand:

• Squeegee
  
• Grout sealer
  
• Bleach
  
• Detergent
  
• Scrub brush
  
• Sponge
  
  

If your bathroom isn't equipped with a fan, it's a good idea to consider installing one.

Eliminating Moisture
The best way to prevent mold growth and the need for water damage repair in your bathroom is to eliminate the moisture that can cause it. After bathing or showering, use a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls. This simple step can eliminate 75% of the moisture that encourages mold to grow.
If you have a bathroom fan, turn it on while showering or bathing and let it run for half an hour after you finish. This step will help remove moisture from the air. Your fan should have a label with a cubic-foot-per-minute volume. This rating is the amount of air the fan can move measured in cubic feet per minute. The standard is to have a fan that moves 1 CFM per square foot of room area.
If you have tile, use a grout sealer once a year to waterproof it.

Removing Mold
If you have existing mold, scrub the area with detergent and water. Use a solution of 90% water and 10% bleach if detergent alone doesn't work. Brush or spray on the bleach mixture and allow it to sit on the surface for 10 minutes before scrubbing, rinsing and allowing the surface to dry.
If you notice mold on caulking, remove and replace the caulk.
While all bathrooms have moisture, you can take simple steps to remove most of it and protect your Claxton, TN, bathroom from water damage and mold growth.

How To Mitigate Fire and Water Damage

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

House fire in Rocky Top, TN.

Fire and Water Damage To Your Home

Firefighters rely on hoses that are capable of dispensing between 300 to 800 gallons of water per minute or more, depending on the hydrant and fire hose. As a result, fire suppression efforts often lead to a combination of extensive fire and water damage in homes in Rocky Top, TN. Specialized mitigation and restoration methods are necessary to prevent the primary fire damage from becoming rapidly compounded and exacerbated by water. A company that specializes in both types of damage should pursue these three measures to mitigate damage.

1. Remove Water
The water used to put out a fire starts as clean, treated Category One water. Exposure to ash, soot, and smoke quickly degrades this water to Category Three flood water. A mitigation service will start by pumping out the water used for fire suppression.

2. Replace Materials

When no standing water remains, restoration experts can determine which building materials are capable of being cleaned or repaired and which need to be replaced. They will have to assess materials damaged by fire, water, or a combination of these two factors. This process will take longer than restoring either type of damage alone, as water can rapidly intensify the staining that results from fire damage.

3. Prevent Damage

In addition to concerns about structural integrity and air quality, water damage also introduces the risk of mold growth. A service specializing in both types of damage can take measures to ensure that no rebuilding occurs until the location is clean and completely dry, which can lower the likelihood that mold will develop.

If your home has been exposed to damage from both fire and water, rely on skilled restoration professionals with the experience and equipment to address all of the factors involved. Act quickly to notify your insurance provider and contact a water and fire damage restoration service in Rocky Top, TN.

Choose The Right Professional For Fire Damage

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a home in Clinton, TN.

Choose The Right Professional For Fire Damage

In the wake of a residential fire, the primary focus is on repairing the damage done to the inside of the house. However, moderate to severe incidents can lead to visible marks and blemishes on the outside of the building too. It is why SERVPRO conducts a full inspection of fire-damaged properties before we start any restoration work. 

The good news is that stains on masonry, concrete and other structural materials are almost always superficial. While brick and concrete are not impervious to fire damage in Clinton, TN homes, they are incredibly sturdy and don’t succumb easily to heat. It means that, in most cases, we can use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of the property. 

Light Stains 

If there is no structural damage to the masonry, the SERVPRO technicians use mild cleaning agents to wash soot and smoke deposits from the surface. Where the staining is very light, dry sponging is enough to wipe away the grime on block, brick, and concrete. Stubborn marks get lifted with alkaline detergents and direct scrubbing. Sodium hypochlorite is highly active when it comes to soot removal, and it leaves no residues. 

Moderate Stains 

The problematic thing about soot is that it can be highly acidic. If it is not removed quickly, particularly from structural materials, there is a chance of corrosive residues becoming embedded more profound and more in-depth into the masonry. It is why SERVPRO pays close attention to cracked joints. 

They are delicately cleaned and repointed to dislodge any soot deposits which may be trying to move into the capillaries. Once this is complete, larger areas are dry, sponged, and vacuumed. Then, they are jet washed with a high-powered pressure cleaning device. 

Heavy Stains 

The most severe staining occurs when heavily combustible materials have caught fire and burned for some time. In some cases, jet washing is still a suitable method of cleaning. We can add soot dissolving formulas like high PH degreasers, dry ice, or soda ash to increase optimal results. 

SERVPRO rarely recommends sandblasting for brick, block, and concrete because it is a very abrasive process and can cause additional damage. If there are smaller patches of masonry which are heavily soiled, the technicians may apply a poultice (sodium hypochlorite and diatomaceous earth). It takes 24-48 hours for the formula to take effect. 

The great thing about a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO is that we offer a complete package. We are part of a vast network of contractors, so there is no repair job too big for our team to handle. 

Tips for Successful Commercial Roof Maintenance

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your gutters clean.

Common Types of Roof Damage

Roofing on your commercial property in Oliver Springs, TN, has different maintenance needs than the typical residential roof. The flat, or low-slope, roof common to businesses is susceptible to specific types of roof damage during a storm or other weather event.

What type of damage is common on a flat roof?

• Ponding refers to an indent in the roof that can be caused by water accumulating due to compressed insulation or clogged drains. Signs of ponding include leaks, drooping ceilings, excessive debris in gutters, or foliage growing on the roof. In the worst-case scenario, your roof can collapse.
  
• Rainfall, continuous heat from the sun and buildup of pressure can cause a flat roof to crack or break.
  
• Age can cause the roof membrane to buckle, flashing to peel, or the asphalt to lose its elasticity.
  
  

Preventative Maintenance Steps

What maintenance steps help prevent significant storm or wind damage and extend the life of your roof?

• Twice a year, have a qualified professional inspect your roof for possible problems. This includes keeping an eye out for peeling edges, cracking roofing materials, or open flashing. Any problems should be repaired immediately. A storm restoration company can repair any water damage that has already occurred and may tarp the roof during the repairs to prevent further damage inside your property.
  
• Waterproof the roof. Sealing the roof can prevent cracking.
  
• Check and clean out the gutters or drainage system, especially after storms. A backup of debris can cause ponding on the roof.
  
• Prune trees around, or hanging over, the roof. During a storm, wind damage to the trees can cause them to fall on the roof.
  

Wind damage and roof damage do not have to put you out of business. Potentially avoid a full roof rebuild in Oliver Springs, TN, by keeping an eye out for fixable problems and adhering to proper maintenance procedures throughout the life of your commercial roof.

How To Prevent Electronics From Causing Extreme Water Damage

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Shut off the electricity at the breaker level.

How To Prevent Electronics From Causing Extreme Water Damage

Water damage can occur for many different reasons. Sometimes, it happens as a result of a flood due to heavy rains. Other times, it may be due to an inside flood, such as when a pipe or a water heater bursts. Whatever the case may be, if you are dealing with water damage or water-damaged electronics, appliances, or other devices, you need to proceed with extreme caution. The best thing you can do, after water damage has occurred, is to call on Nashville professionals who are familiar with dealing with such loss, such as our skilled pros at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge. In the meantime, make sure you practice some excellent safety tips with water-damaged devices.

First things first, before you start thinking about possible water damage restoration, you need to make sure that you are not in immediate danger and that the devices that you own are not going to cause a fire or another dangerous incident.

After water damage has occurred, check your home to see if you have any damaged devices plugged in. If you find that you do, shut off the electricity at the breaker level. This will keep damaged devices from being able to start a fire. You should not touch, go near, or inspect any devices that are plugged in until you are sure that the electricity is off. Following this critical tip will help you to avoid electric shock.

Believe it or not, it is not only plugged-in water-damaged electronics that pose a risk. Any device that contains a battery can also pose a severe threat. Thus, it's best to let our pros at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge handle any such tools if you think they may have been damaged. At the very least, before touching any battery-operated device, ensure that it is not giving off heat or smoke, bulging, melting, or making strange sounds. All these types of things are significant warning signs that something serious and potentially dangerous is wrong with the battery!

As you can see, you're not always in the clear once the water subsides! To keep safe, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge before you do anything. At the very least, follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Cleaning Up After Damages in Oak Ridge

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damages need specific equipment to mitigate!

Water damage and flooding in someone’s home or business is one of the most destructive and potentially expensive experiences a property owner can experience. Water damage can vary from being a small, easy to fix the problem, to being a complete disaster that could ruin your entire property. So, what should you do if your Oak Ridge home or business is affected by water damage? As soon as you suspect water damage in your property, it is essential for you to immediately contact your insurance company to notify them of the cost and have them assess whether your property is safe to be in or not.

As soon as you suspect water damage in your Oak Ridge property, it is essential for you to immediately contact your insurance company to notify them of the cost and have them assess whether your property is safe to live or work in or not. Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage for your home or business. It can be the difference between having minor damage that can be fixed, to ruining the entire structure of the building and costing yourself a lot more money to restore your property to normal.

Water damage or flooding poses severe risks for anyone in or around the property. You may or may not know some of the hazards you could run into while inspecting the property post water damage. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge are experts at water mitigation and restoration, and we want to inform people of the initial steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the property as well as provide the least amount of damage to their properties.

What Is a Flood Cut and Is It Important?

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

In some cases, your building in Norris, TN, may need to undergo a flood cut.

When flooding happens, building damage tends to follow. Often, that damage may require you to tear out more than you were expecting in your business. In some cases, your building in Norris, TN, may need to undergo a flood cut.

What Is a Flood Cut?

When your drywall is soaked in flood water, its porous material absorbs the moisture. This can lead to rippled, ugly walls, but worse, it could lead to contamination due to black water. A flood cut resolves this by cutting 12 or more inches above the highest point the water reached so as to remove all material that may have been exposed.

Why Are 12 Inches Necessary?
Water wicks along porous and absorbent surfaces, traveling farther than the point at which a flood directly touched them. Cutting a wide buffer out helps to ensure the contaminated material is removed entirely, restoring your building and business to being a safe environment for employees and customers again.

What if a Flood Cut Isn't Performed?
Flooding can bring with it a variety of contaminants, including chemicals and bacteria. Flood water of this type is called black water. The only way to eliminate this problem, once it occurs, is to completely remove the affected drywall.
In addition to concerns about black water, saturated drywall may retain moisture in the long term, which in turn could create an ideal environment for mold to propagate. Once mold takes root in a porous or absorbent surface, the most effective means of eliminating it is to properly dispose of the infested materials. A flood cut can clear away all dampened materials, provide aeration for remaining surfaces to dry thoroughly, and prevent the spread of mold.
If your business requires a flood cut to resolve the damage flooding caused, a professional cleanup service may be your best route. They can identify the extent of damage and whether additional problems lurk under the surface, providing you with peace of mind when you reopen your business again.

What to Do Before Help Arrives

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do before help arrives?

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage, and a host of other problems.

Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough

professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is essential to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until your local SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge arrives. The following tips may help reduce costs and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep your hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first
• contacting your SERVPRO® of Cedar Bluff
• Don't try to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water, as they may be contaminated.
• If the ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans.
• The wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Understanding Water Damages

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Consider taking the follow precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water In Oak Ridge, TN

-Shut off water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
-Remove as much excess water as possible my mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table items.
-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
-Do not leave books, newspapers magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water In Oak Ridge, TN 

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
-Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

How To Respond to a Partial Loss

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire loss in Claxton, TN.

How To Respond to a Partial Loss

You'll have a lot of questions and concerns after your building has been affected by fire loss. When fire damages, but doesn't destroy your building, the situation is a bit more confusing. The insurance claim may be referred to as a "partial loss" because only part of your property has been destroyed. However, partial losses still pose significant concerns:

• Water, mold, and smoke damage
  
• Lingering ash in hidden areas, such as ducts
  
• The temptation to rush cleanup and repair efforts
  
• Extended delays while waiting for insurance adjusters and other Claxton, TN, professionals
  
• Questions about how far repairs should go (such as replacing undamaged items)
  
  

Even if you can't find obvious damage, it's important to contact fire restoration professionals to identify and assess the extent of fire trouble.

Improve Your Experience With the Insurance Company
Whenever you experience property or fire loss, there are basic steps that can help you simplify the recovery process with your insurance company:

• Carefully and completely document all damage and destruction.
  
• File your claim promptly.
  
• Consider hiring a public adjuster who works for you, not the insurance company.
  
• Become familiar with the terms used by the insurance company.
  
• Expect and seek a full, fair payment.
  
• Prevent unnecessary traffic through the damaged part of your property.
  
  

It is always best to have a professional with experience and the right qualifications perform inspections to protect against injuries and hidden damage.

Insist on a Professional Inspection
The inspection should include all aspects of your building, including the roof, siding, windows, interior and exterior walls, and the plumbing and heating systems. The inspection should also include a close look at structural elements, such as concrete, steel, iron, wooden framing, bricks, and stucco.

Expect Consistent and Uniform Repair Results
The damage from fire loss isn't always recognized right away without a professional inspection. Be polite, but assertive when insisting on repairs, so the result is uniform across the undamaged part of your building and the newly repaired parts.

The Importance of Fire Alarms

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA). In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.
Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with
non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of the fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke
alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Oak Ridge.

Can Water Pipes Burst In Freezing Temperatures?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes at Oliver Springs, TN.

Make Sure Your Business Is Safe From The Severe Cold

When weather reports show severe conditions rolling in, many business owners find it helpful to prepare for the storm. While it's true your business can sustain flood damage from excessive rain, commercial storm damage often involves issues with water freezing and causing a burst pipe. Take the following basic precautions to make sure your business is safe from the severe cold in Oliver Springs, TN.

Avoid Standing Water
As temperatures plummet, water is more likely to freeze as it sits stagnant and exposed to the cold. To prevent a frozen pipe at your commercial facility, be sure all standing water is removed. Common ways to prevent sitting water during a cold spell may include the following:

• Drain pools
  
• Blow out sprinkler lines
  
• Store hoses indoors
  
  

Add Insulation
Some business owners make the mistake of believing that because a pipe is in an interior space that a burst pipe incident due to freezing is unlikely. By contrast, interior pipes are often left exposed and have little to no warm airflow reaching them. Keep interior spaces warm and consider adding insulation around pipes, in rafters and attics, under sinks, through crawl spaces and along pipes that touch exterior walls.

Keep Water Warm and Flowing
If you plan on being away from your business during the coldest hours of the day, it may be wise to take measures to prevent freezing from occurring. As always, keep your interior temperatures at or above 55 degrees, even if no employees are present. This will reduce the chance of a frozen pipeline. Additionally, leave a small trickle of water running to allow for continuous flow and movement of your water supply. Creating movement reduces the chance of freezing significantly.

Call The Local Experts
If you happened to experience a burst pipe during recent temperature drops, you should turn to a local storm restoration crew to assist you in the cleanup. Repairing the damage and preventing future freezing is the best way to get your business up and running again.

How SERVPRO of Oak Ridge is Assisting With the Fight Against COVID-19

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

How SERVPRO of Oak Ridge is Assisting With the Fight Against COVID-19 

COVID-19. It is on everyone's mind daily and the height of most people's concerns. How is SERVPRO assisting in the fight against this virus? SERVPRO of Oak Ridge is providing proactive cleaning services to customers that want to take measures to protect themselves, their families, and their employees in this fight against Coronavirus. This is not the first time that SERVPRO has taken to the front lines in a pandemic. We have encountered everything from the common cold to the swine flu, and now Coronavirus. Our highly trained professionals have been fighting pandemics for years and adhere to all CDC Guidelines when doing it. We are a firm believer in helping the members of our community stay healthy and ahead of the curve when it comes to health hazards. 

Proactive cleaning takes many forms, all of which should be performed by a trained professional. We have many cleaning products including sterilizing and disinfecting solutions that we use to combat airborne and direct contact diseases. Some are fogged into buildings and others are sprayed directing onto surfaces and wiped off. Dwell time is the duration a product is allowed to sit on a surface in order to perform its function. We always allow for proper dwell time and cleanup of all solutions in order to provide maximum effectiveness in sterilization and disinfecting of buildings.

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. If you or anyone you know is interested in proactive cleaning for their home or business, please contact us and we will be happy to assess your needs and provide you with some peace of mind during these trying times. 

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. If you are in need of COVID-19 disinfectant cleaning, give us a call at (865) 483-3911.

How Do I Prepare My Oak Ridge Home For a Storm?

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

It is always nerve-wracking when the weather channel warns about a large storm coming towards your city. Of course, your main concern should be the personal safety of yourself and your family. You shouldn't need to worry about your home or belongings- that can all be replaced. If a storm does occur in your hometown, SERVPRO of Oak Ridge focuses on ways to help you learn about and prepare your home for the worst. 

Secure Outdoor Items

The first thing that you can do in preparation for a storm is secure all of your outdoor items. This includes outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, and umbrellas, and other items like lawn mowers and grills. These items can cause damage if they are picked up by winds or swept away in a flood. Move these items indoors or in a garage or take measures to secure them in place.

Clear Out Gutters

Additionally, keep you gutters and downspouts clear. If heavy rains hit your city, it's important to create paths for water to flow away from your house. As long as the water has somewhere to go, it won’t stream into your home. Occasionally check your drainpipes for debris and clutter.

Sealing Your Home

Let's discuss sealing your home to prevent water leaks. Even if the rain water has a path away from your home, you should still take precautions. First, check the seal on your windows. The waterproof sealing around the outside of a window may need to be replaced over time. Also, check for holes in your siding. When electric or cable companies attach wires to the side of your house, they often drill small holes that can allow water to sneak through in the event of a flood or heavy rain water. Fortunately, these holes can be easily repaired using an affordable waterproof caulk. Small cracks that don’t cause problems during a normal rainfall can easily become a leak during flood conditions. Every year or so, take a walk around the outside of your home and check the foundation for any cracks or weakness that may allow water into your home.

If you’ve sustained storm damage recently, give us a call 24/7 at (865) 483-3911. Our team of professionals can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Outlining The Water Damage Restoration Process - Oak Ridge, TN

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Outlining The Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage, whether it be in Oak Ridge, Briceville, or Clinton, is going to be different- from the level of contamination it inflicts to the amount of water introduced into homes and businesses. Each scenario requires a different and unique solution, but the recovery process remains the same. Professional water damage repair and recovery experts understand that when it comes to standing water, the best response is a quick one. Whether from a flood, a storm, faulty household appliance, leaky pipes, and more, expert technicians in Tennessee have the experience, technology, tools, and equipment to help restore residential and commercial properties. 

When an Oak Ridge water damage expert appears at your office or home, they are well trained with the experience, expertise, and techniques to restore your property. Their water removal and cleanup process also provides validation and a cleaning process that goes into their full step system, which includes the following: 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration 

When water damage strikes, time is of the critical because the timeline between minutes to hours and 48 hours to a week is reflected in the damage water inflicts. For example, within minutes water begins to saturate everything, within hours water breaks down walls and all types of surfaces, including emitting a musty odor. Within 48 hours to a week, water creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow and a harmful biohazard contamination to occur. 

Our SERVPRO of Oak Ridge water damage technicians also specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold to save you money and to preserve those precious keepsakes that are irreplaceable. The cleaning methods utilized by water damage experts include the following: 

• Dry cleaning - cleans light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning. 

• Wet cleaning - removes various levels of residues. 

• Spray and Wipe - cleaning for items that can't be wet cleaned.

• Foam cleaning - upholstery fabrics that require specialized care. 

• Abrasive cleaning - involves agitation of different surfaces being cleaned. 

• Immersion cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of a cleaning product.

• Move-Outs/Pack-Outs - our technicians will carefully pack up your home to bring to our climate controlled storage facility until you are ready for your belongings to be moved back in.

When valuable documents including photographs that are damaged by water, they may be restored depending upon the type of documents involved and the level of water damage. Document and photograph restoration process can involve air drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, vacuum freeze, and thermal drying. 

Our expert's fire, water, and mold remediation can also help in easing home and commercial owner's worries and confusion with insurance inventory claims. Our knowledgeable staff begins by inspecting room-by-room inventory of all contents and to provide better information to settle claims quicker, thus giving our customer's peace of mind at a time when you need it the most. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge is locally owned and operated which makes us proud to be a part of the surrounding Tennessee communities of Clinton, Andersonville, and Oliver Springs. We are available to help for any water damages with our services available seven days a week – including holidays and our 24/7 emergency services. Call us at (865) 483-3911. When there is a fire and water damage emergency, we are always nearby and ready to help. For additional information, visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROoakridge.com/.

Winter Holiday Safety

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Oak Ridge!

Holiday Decorating

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Here at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge love decorating for Christmas just as much as anyone else!  There can be risks that the regular person may not consider when making their home a Winter Wonderland. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a few simple tips that will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season. 

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. 
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. 
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. 
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. 
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. 
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

From our Team to your home, we want to wish you all a Happy Holiday!  Stay safe, health, and jolly!  We are available 24/7 all year long! Give us a call if a loss occurs!

What to Consider When it Rains

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Call (865) 483-3911 for assistance if you experience any damage to your home and SERVPRO of Oak Ridge will make it "Like it never even happened."

While water damage is typically associated with events like flooding or plumbing malfunctions, another way your home or business can experience water damage is through heavy rain, which has its own set of issues regarding water damage around the house.

While any level of moisture can cause damage, heavy rain is considered rainfall at rates over 0.3 inches per hour and can work its way into much smaller vulnerabilities in your home. To help you better prepare and avoid water damage, us at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge have put together a list of how these rapid rainfall rates can cause issues.

How Heavy Rains Cause Household Water Damage

Backup of clogged gutters

Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home after heavy rains. If there is debris in the gutters, it will be difficult for water to drain away, which can then result in leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline.

Leaks around windows and doors

Windows and doors are supposed to be sealed against the elements, but as their weatherproofing ages, it can deteriorate as well. When heavy rains roll through, water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damages.

Poor drainage around the foundation

If your home is at the bottom of a hill or does not have adequate drainage around the foundation, heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and lead to leaks in your basement or crawl spaces.

Leaks in and around the roof

Roof leaks are one of the leading consequences of heavy rains, and they can sneak up suddenly. All it takes is for a shingle to be scraped away or a weak spot to form and rainwater can begin seeping in as it falls.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system

For homes with sump pumps, doing regular maintenance and checking for issues is key—otherwise, the pump system can get overwhelmed and will not be able to effectively move water away from the home.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights

Houses with chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains than homes without them. While they are nice features to have, the seals where they meet with the roof can grow vulnerable over time and become overwhelmed when rainfall is heavy.

Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of extensive damage and mold growth. Our Team at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge is ready to assist at a moment's notice with any of your water mitigation emergencies.

Restoring Your Oak Ridge Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge if you have a loss occur! We are ready 24/7, 365! (865) 483-3911

Flooding and water damage events at Oak Ridge commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Oak Ridge 

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge 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.

Click here to meet our highly trained staff members! 

How to be Prepared Before and After a Severe Thunderstorm

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Knoxville if you have any kind of loss! (865) 483-3911.

Storm Preparedness

As storms are moving into our area SERVPRO of Oak Ridge wants our community to know what to do during severe weather as well as how to minimize damage that your home can potentially face. We have compiled information from The Red Cross that covers: How to Prepare for Thunderstorms, Responding Appropriately During a Thunderstorm, and Recovering After a Thunderstorm.

How to Prepare for Thunderstorms

• Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms. 
• From the Oak Ridge Fire Department, “Many residences no longer have home phones but rely on their cell phone for communication. Individuals can now text the keyword ‘OAKRIDGE’, without a space, to 99411, and receive a response back containing the Community Notification Enrollment (CNE) link for the City of Oak Ridge.”  To learn more about this program please click here!

• Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household

• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail

• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm

• Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches

• Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home

• Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods

• Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies

• Put together an emergency preparedness kit

Responding Appropriately During a Thunderstorm

• Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
• If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
• Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.
• Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

Recovering After a Thunderstorm

• Never drive through a flooded roadway. You cannot predict how deep the water may be.

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.

• Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.

• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.

• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

• Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

If damage were to occur,  SERVPRO of Oak Ridge will be there to help bring you property back to the condition prior to the storm!  We are open 24/7, 365!  

What is an ERP, and Why Your Building Should Have One

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Don't wait for a loss to occur to get prepared. Call SERVPRO and we will make sure you are prepared before a disaster occurs.

Importance of an ERP in your Business

Will you be prepared in the event of an emergency at your business? How do you shut off the water supply to your building? Do you know where all of your electrical sub-panels are located? These are the questions that we ask every day at SERVPRO Oak Ridge.

Building emergencies can happen at any time and to anyone. Creating a contingency plan for when that happens is crucial to getting back in business and recovering from setbacks. Over 50% of businesses never recover after a disaster and we want to help make sure you are as prepared as possible for when disaster strikes. SERVPRO has created a program that allows one of our trained professionals to come to your business and create an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). 

Our Emergency Ready Profiles document things in your building including electrical shutoffs, fire extinguishers, water mains, and much more. It has a place for details regarding who to contact in the event of an emergency, account numbers for your utilities, and other services as well as the ability to add site-specific information. We see the ERP as a living document because of the ease of access and ability to make changes at any time and from anywhere. Because of this design, if you have a structural change such as an addition or add electrical or HVAC components to the building, you can easily update the ERP with the new information. Of course, SERVPRO is always happy to come out and do this for you!

The ERP comes with both online accessibility as well as an application that you can download to your tablet or smartphone. SERVPRO has very carefully designed this program with heavy-duty security measures including password protection, secured mobile data, secured data in transit, and a 256-bit encrypted TLS 1.2 Triple-DES SHA256 connection. In short, your information is well protected and you can sleep well knowing that you are prepared in the event of an emergency. This can be stored on a single device or multiple devices with the profile owner’s approval. We recommend that you only share your password and username with someone you trust, and oftentimes this means members of management, security staff, and key-holders of your company. 

If you are interested in the ERP program and would like to have a representative meet with you to discuss your needs, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. 

Stay Safe. Stay Ready.

Don’t Count Out Sprinkler Systems in Your Home Just Yet!

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our team members with the President of the NFSA, Shane Ray.

Don’t Count Out Sprinkler Systems in Your Home Just Yet!

It hasn’t been the most common house renovation in the past, but here at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge, we believe that home sprinkler systems have major benefits if a fire were to occur in your home.

We know that there are many myths about if one sprinkler head was triggered that would cause the whole system to activate, which isn’t the case. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states “Each individual sprinkler is designed and calibrated to activate only during the heat from a fire. They do not operate in response to smoke, burned toast, cooking vapors, steam, or an activating smoke alarm.”

Maybe you’re thinking that a smoke alarm is enough, well smoke alarms alert occupants to the presence of danger but do nothing to extinguish the fire. Home fire sprinklers respond quickly to reduce heat, flames, and smoke from a fire, giving residents valuable time to get out safely. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. However, if you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 85% when sprinklers are present.

Our team recently attended a Burn Event hosted by the Oak Ridge Fire Department and the National Fire Sprinkler Association. At this event, there were two units, one with and one without sprinklers and our team got to see firsthand how quickly a home can go up in flames when sprinklers aren’t involved.   

Even though the side with a sprinkler system will have water and fire damage most of the items will not be destroyed, that’s where SERVPRO of Oak Ridge would come and extract water and start the drying process as well as treat the smoke damaged content to make the items as good as they were before the fire took place.  In the unit without sprinklers,  the items will more than likely be destroyed beyond repair.

If you would like to watch our video with the President of the NFSA click here! Shane Ray explains further why sprinklers could be a way to prolong your chances of you and your family getting out of a fire safely.

There is Water in My Factory, How Do I Remove It?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage In Business

Call a Water Restoration Service to Perform Commercial Water Removal in Your Oak Ridge Factory

Water is necessary for life and beneficial for various reasons, but it can become damaging at times. Broken pipes can cause damage to your factory, and they can stem from reasons like deteriorated water supply lines and changes in pressure. When such an incident occurs in your factory in Oak Ridge, you should act fast to prevent further water loss and call SERVPRO to restore the affected areas.

Are the technicians from your company available at any time?

We offer water removal services on a 24-hour basis because it is impossible to determine when a water emergency can arise. We can help you perform commercial water removal in your Oak Ridge factory regardless of the time the incident happened. Our technicians are ready to handle any aspect of water extraction. We have the knowledge and equipment to remove all the water from your factory before it causes additional destruction. This statement is predicated on the condition and circumstances of the structure and the water loss.

How do you ensure safety during the restoration process?

Flooding in a factory is a severe problem for the individual business, the staff members, the restorers, and the community. Many factories have an open layout that makes it easier for water to spread quickly. Therefore, restorers have to move considerably during restoration. Human safety is a priority during the restoration process. We can take several steps to ensure safety, including:

• Securing hazardous or toxic materials
• Making sure machines are shut down safely
• Switching off electric and gas supplies
• Providing safe access for emergency services

How do you dry out the wet areas?

Removing water and drying out structures, equipment, and surfaces is part of our primary business. Our team can use various types of water extraction equipment to remove the water. If the water has covered a large area, our technicians can use ride-on high volume extractors to remove it. Efficient water removal can prevent corrosion of machine surfaces and bearing complexes that came into contact with the water. Our SERVPRO team can use industrial-strength drying equipment to eliminate water from affected surfaces and items. For instance, we can place dehumidifiers strategically in the factory to allow for the swapping of damp, moisture air with drier air.

Can you rebuild affected areas?

We offer complete restoration and recovery of damaged commercial buildings. Once drying ends, we can perform structural and cosmetic repairs. We have a transparent decision-making process that lets our customers see our recommendations and why we have chosen them as the most efficient and cost-effective.

As soon as you are aware of water intrusion in your factory, call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge to remove the water and dry the affected areas. You can reach us anytime at (206) 282-9500. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Things to Know About Air Duct Cleaning

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Is your dryer vent clean?

Merely living in your home creates dust and dirt. Have you ever seen dust floating in the air in your home when the sun shines in? That dust, dirt, pet dander, and those allergens get pulled into the air handling system in your home. It builds up in the ductwork, some of it gets recirculated back into your home, and the air filter captures some of it if the one you use is of good quality. Eventually, enough builds up to the point where more of it blows back into your home. Your furnace or air conditioner must run longer to cool or heat your home, which costs you more in utility bills. With a service call from Sears Air Duct Cleaning, you can feel comfortable in knowing that that accumulation of Dust, Dirt, dander, and allergens has been cleaned from your HVAC duct system. 

Clogged Dryer Vents

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Dryer vents clog when enough lint accumulates in your ventilation system to cause a blockage. Dryer vents can plug in a variety of ways. For one, a lengthy distance on a dryer ventilation system increases the likelihood of bends and curves in the system, where lint is most likely to collect. Second, dryer ventilation tubes are made from pliable plastic or foil, which can be easily crushed or dented given enough pressure. Finally, poorly connected ventilation or dryer vent screen can cause lint to trap. Some ventilation screens serve to prevent animals from accessing the ventilation, but these screens can also create a barrier for dust.

The highly trained professionals at SERVPRO of West Knoxville/Farragut can help. Give us a call at 865-690-9658

Commercial Cleaning

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Germs have been rough this year and continue to hit during spring. Reports on the potential dangers of antibiotic-resistant superbugs mingle with discussions of the effectiveness of vaccinations and various other medical interventions. While germs may be too small to be seen with the naked eye, encountering them can have a significant impact on your health, and these microscopic menaces can lie in wait on a wide array of joint surfaces. How long can germs live on surfaces? And what can you do to protect yourself and your health?

HOW LONG CAN GERMS LIVE ON SURFACES?

When germs are on the prowl, no place is safe. Buses, commuter trains, rental cars, and private vehicles transport both people and virulent bacteria. Retail establishments, health clubs, educational institutions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and even cruise ship cabins can shelter germs. Practically anything that you touch can expose you to viruses, putting your health at risk. According to the National Health Service, the lifespan of a germ varies depending on the type of germ and the surface that it is on. How long can bacteria live on surfaces? Below we explore a few common examples.

COLD GERMS

The common cold is a frequent source of misery. A variety of viruses can trigger it, and like other viruses, cold germs tend to survive for more extended periods on hard, nonporous surfaces like desktops and handrails. On suitable indoor surfaces, cold germs can linger for days, but fortunately, they rarely remain infectious for more than 24 hours. Cold viruses can also thrive on the skin, but their survival time there is generally measured in mere minutes or hours.

INFLUENZA GERMS

Viruses that cause influenza can survive in the air as droplets for hours and live on hard surfaces like phones and keyboards for up to 24 hours. Infectious flu viruses clinging to a tissue can last for about 15 minutes, but germs on the hands tend to fade quickly. Most will be only a minimal threat after five minutes. It may be a small window of time, but influenza germs don’t warn you of their presence and can make you very sick if you’re unlucky enough to encounter them when they’re infectious.

NOROVIRUS GERMS

A highly contagious virus that triggers stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea in those unfortunate enough to catch it, a norovirus can spread through small droplets that travel through the air before settling on surfaces like elevator buttons, tabletops, and clothing. While they don’t thrive as successfully on porous materials like tissues and fabrics, noroviruses can survive on hard surfaces for days or weeks if the conditions are favorable.

MRSA GERMS

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, the culprits behind dangerous MRSA infections, are unfazed by many of the antibiotics that are effective in combating other staph infections. Like viruses, these germs tend to survive for shorter periods on porous surfaces than they do on nonporous ones, but they’re capable of living for days or weeks on surfaces if the circumstances are right.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM GERMS

Everyone has seen it. If you’ve worked in restaurants or other public venues, you may even have wielded it: the dreaded wet, grey rag. Habitually passed over tabletops between customers with a few desultorily swipes, it is an inadequate weapon when it comes to eradicating germs. But what is required to disinfect a surface?

DISINFECTING BASICS

If you want to kill the germs lurking on a surface, you need to choose an appropriate disinfectant. You also have to apply it correctly. That means saturating the surface with enough of the germ-fighting chemical to get the job done and ensuring that there’s enough contact time (the time when the chemical is on the cover) to allow it to eliminate any germs present. Choosing a low-grade disinfectant or skimping on either saturation or contact time can compromise your germ-fighting efforts, so it’s vital that you select your products carefully and read and follow their directions.

Smoke Alarms

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage

SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury by half.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters, and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.
Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees, or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency.
Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Oak Ridge.
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from the cooking appliance.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old.

Insurance Coverage for your home.

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

When examining your home insurance policy, it is essential to note the difference between water and flood damage. Water damage is generally covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy and protects you in situations like a leak or burst pipe. Flood damage is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres and two or more properties of normally dry land. With flood damage, the water comes from a natural source, and two or more properties are involved.

Home insurance companies do not offer flood insurance, and policies must be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program. This means that homeowners who are unprotected and experience flood damage have to pay for water damage restoration out of pocket, which can mean thousands of dollars in expenses. 

Water damage mitigation does not have to be a painful process! Check your policy and ensure that you are protected in the event of a disaster. Call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge for your water or flood damage needs at 865-483-3911. We talk to your insurance company for you and make sure you are informed every step of the way.

It's The Water You Don't See

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Oak Ridge.

Even small water damages have the potential to cause severe structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the water damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology, and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.

- Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls

- Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Oak Ridge to monitor the drying process.

-Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO of Oak Ridge Professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing contaminated water loss, it is not only essential to dry the structure, but the fabric must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

- Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate, This device can also be sued to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

-Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing problems.

Heating Hazard Oak Ridge TN

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Oak Ridge home.

The winter season is here in Oak Ridge, and with it comes shorter days and lower temperatures. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. To keep our homes and workplace cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood-burning stoves. Did you know, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires caused an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually. Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire.

- Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.

- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cold before putting them in metal containers. Keep the box a safe distance away from your home.

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer for fuel-burning space heaters.

- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

- Have an adequate professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.

-Test smoke alarms.

Fire Prevention Month

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

October is Fire Prevention Month, a perfect time to examine emergency preparedness plans for your home and business, including your fire escape plan. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) designates a week each October to focus on fire prevention awareness. The 2016 theme is “Don’t Wait-Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years” designed to educate the public on the basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety. The NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom outside a separate sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement. Did you know that roughly half of the home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 pm and 7 am when most people are asleep? Smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

Avoid Holiday Hazards

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage Knoxville

Candles, pretty lights, and decorations are just a few of the items that add to the charm and cheer of the holiday season. However, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening very quickly.
Review the following simple safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association to significantly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.
Candles start two out of five home decoration fires. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable
Use sturdy candle holders that are not likely to tip over and place candles on transparent, uncluttered surfaces. Consider using flameless candles instead of real candles.
Make sure your tree and decorations are at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents.
Make sure you have the correct type of lights for your home. Some lights are designed for only indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
Carefully inspect light strands before hanging them. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of light sets.
Remember to turn off outside decorative lights and Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed.
Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the house. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

3/31/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarms Oak Ridge

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the group replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps are signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately.

Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of the fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Professional.

PREPARING FOR A FLOOD

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Flooding can happen fast in many environments. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.
• Water—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 secret documents
(medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact
information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula,
baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food,
carrier, bowl)
• 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 damage

Call The Cleanup Team That is Faster to Any Size Disaster

3/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Damage Oak Ridge Home

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately, five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal
Inundation from Tropical
and Non-Tropical Systems • Burn Scars/Debris Flows
(Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy
rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you will not live in the future. 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States.
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in your home as soon as possible.
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Professionals are ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Heating Safety Tips

2/17/2019 (Permalink)

Heaters Can Cause Fire Damage

Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or a portable space heater. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
-Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
-Test smoke alarms monthly.
-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge.

Refrigerator Line Bust in Oak Ridge Home

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Oak Ridge Home

Water damage can happen at any time; it is often at inconvenient times. This was the case for Mrs. Gilmore. Thankfully SERVPRO of Oak Ridge was available. Mrs. Gilmore's refrigerator line broke which lead to massive amounts of water damage throughout the kitchen and the dining room. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge was able to come out that night and set up drying units to limit the damage.

After further assessment and consulting with Mrs. Gilmore we decided the best course was the replace all of the flooring in the kitchen. Mrs. Gilmore was able to pick out the style that she wanted and new kitchen's appliances With the help of SERVPRO of Oak Ridge a terrible situation was turned into a good one.

Winter Weather Worries

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Weather

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams, which can create a major disaster at your home or property.

FROZEN PIPES
Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets.
A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the obstruction. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross.
-Be sure to thoroughly drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses.
-Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing.
-When the weather is frigid, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
-Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.

ICE DAMS
Ice dams can be a little-known, but a significant problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof ’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.
Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside, “check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of the exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.”
Removing an ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to help prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel or calcium chloride ice melter.
If winter weather causes water damage to your property, SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge are only a call away, 24/7, ready to
restore to preloss condition.

Water Damage Strikes When You Least Expect It

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage In Oak Ridge Home

Water damage can happen at any time, often when you least expect it. This was the case for Mr. Watson and his family in Oak Ridge, TN. Their washing started to leak while they were away on vacation. His first call was too SERVPRO of Oak Ridge The water damage had affected the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and bedroom. We were able to respond within the hour and preserve most of the flooring in those rooms. We set up drying units throughout the rooms. We then replaced a small portion of the tile in the bathroom. Because we were able to come out so quickly the water damage was cleaned up within two days. 

Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher

A portable fire extinguisher can be a life and property saving tool when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National

Fire Prevention Association 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.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar
with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have
limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility. For more information
on the different types of fire extinguishers and to ensure you have the proper one, visit nfpa.org.

Safety First Before You Eat

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires.

Review the following safety tips to help ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

-Never leave cooking food unattended–stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.

-Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

-Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

- Keep anything flammable–pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

-Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

-Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

- Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of extinguishers.

-Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

-Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge wishes you a safe
and happy holiday season.

What to do when water damage strikes

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Life is busy and sometimes mistakes can happen. Maybe one morning you are rushing around to get out of the house and accidentally forget to turn off the water. This the scenario for what happened to Mr. Ramsey, thankfully SERVPRO of Oak Ridge was there and ready to help.

Mr. Ramsey forgot to turn off the water in the sink of the upstairs bathroom by the time he returned from work his ceiling had collapsed into his living room. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge's highly trained professionals hopped into action to preserve the house so no further damage was done. We were able to set up dryers to ensure everything was properly dried and checked. The carpet was removed and the ceiling was restored as quick as possible.

Keeping Wind Damage in Check

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

When the weather turns ugly in Oak Ridge, TN, homes aren’t the only structures are risk. Business owners know they must take steps to protect their companies. While preventing a roof leak is a good strategy for protecting inventory and equipment, you can’t afford to ignore the risks of high winds. Here are four ways to protect your business from them.

1. Reinforce Garage-Style Doors

Garage-style doors often do not fare wear during inclement weather. These doors are usually large and flimsy. If your business has one, you should think about reinforcing it. Lumber or metal rods can increase the chances that your company’s garage doors will ride out the storm without damage. Moreover, if you are expecting heavy rains, you should ensure all doors are securely closed before evacuating ahead of a storm. 

2. Clear Trees and Other Debris

Damage to roofing systems can cause a roof leak. If you can keep trees and other debris from crashing through your business’s roof, you are ahead of the game. Consider trimming overhanging branches and removing landscaping waste a few times each year. 

3. Anchor Projectiles

Before severe weather hits, you should consider walking around the outside of your business. Pay special attention to possible projectiles. If you see anything that may fly freely through the air during a storm, you should anchor it. Moving hazards inside or using tie-down straps is often an effective approach. 

4. Use Tarps and Plywood

Water damage can destroy the inside of your business. If you have a damaged roof or missing shingles after a wind storm, tarps and plywood can help control water damage. Use these until you have time to schedule a total roof repair. 

If you have a roof leak or other storm damage, a reputable restoration service can likely help you return your business to its pre-storm condition. Still, with a bit of effort, you can keep wind damage in check.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH PREPARE NOW

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

This year for National Preparedness Month, 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 happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods but entire communities. Learn how to be prepared.

Make and Practice Your Plan
Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Make sure your family is informed and practiced in your emergency plan. Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app.

Learn Life Saving Skills
Do you or someone in your family know CPR? Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake? Knowing these life-saving skills could mean life or death in an emergency situation for you, your family or your neighbors.

Check your Insurance Coverage
Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster? Evaluate which hazards are relevant to your area and obtain the appropriate insurance for your home, business, or other property and become familiar with your coverage.

Save for an Emergency
Are you prepared financially in case of a disaster? Does your family have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses after a flood or fire? Check out FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit for an in-depth document to help you identify and compile important documents and account information all in one spot. Just search “EFFAK” on fema.gov for the free PDF. Whether its flood, wildfire or extreme winter weather, we must work together as a team to help ensure our families, businesses, places of worship and neighborhoods are prepared. Contact your local SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge to find out how they can help make it “Like it never even happened” if disaster strikes in your life.

National Day of Service and Remembrance SEPTEMBER 11, 2018

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

9/11

In honor and memory of those who died on September 11, 2001, as well as the survivors and First Responders, National Day of Service and Remembrance was established in 2009 as a day of reflection. Led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, this is a day to come together as Americans did following the events of 9/11 to help neighbors in need and to honor veterans and First Responders in your community.

On this day and every day, SERVPRO® salutes those heroes who arrive in the greatest times of need and stand strong in the face of disaster. These heroes are the First Responders who keep our communities safe in trying times.

Give back and make a difference in your community this year. To find a volunteer opportunity near you, or to register your National Day of Service and Remembrance event, visit nationalservice.gov/911day

Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage

Whether after a fire, storm, or other structural disasters, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through—especially if it is your property that has been damaged.

Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even
worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected damage can also be as dangerous as the damage itself.

Your SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can board up the damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”

Do You Have Dirty Ducts?

8/5/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of your local SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Professional’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary.
In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Professional can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning and be serviced before each heating season to protect
against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO® Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost-efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge
Professional uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

The process begins by using patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.

Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfer the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.

Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.

As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment, contact your local SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Professionals today.

Tools For Keeping You Safe

8/5/2018 (Permalink)

One of the best precautions you can take is to purchase a good quality weather radio. A weather radio is designed to alert you to potentially dangerous weather situations, like an approaching tornado. It allows you to be warned ahead of storms, providing you time to seek shelter. A weather radio is the most reliable source for weather alerts.

Weather radios have made any advancements over the years and are very affordable. Most basic weather radios average around $30 and can be programmed to only alert you for the weather alerts you choose.

When shopping for a weather radio look for the following key features.

• Reviewable alerts (you can scroll through alerts and turn off the siren for alerts you do not wish to hear)
• Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)
• Alert programming (alerts when specific counties are threatened, ensuring you only receive alerts for your country)
• Ease of programming

If you need help programming your weather radio, you can always contact your local National Weather Service Office or for additional information, including county codes for your state, visit NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.gove/nwr

Preparing Your Home For Spring

8/5/2018 (Permalink)

There’s still snow on the ground here in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, but there are also robins in the yard. And if you look closely you can see the tiny green spears of daffodils and crocuses peeking out. Spring is just around the corner! And we know you are ready for it. Is your home? Here are a few things to think about when it comes to the transition from cold winter weather to the warmth and sunshine of spring.

Rising temperatures mean melting snow and ice, and accumulated water can cause water damages to your property unless you are prepared.

First on your list should be your gutters. They can be full of dead leaves, small branches, and even dirt from the rough weather. Get those gutters cleaned out right away so the spring showers don’t cause mold problems and water damage to interior walls, because that can be a big issue. Make sure the downspouts are directing water the right way, as well. Tough Oak Ridge winter weather could have caused them to change position.

How’s your roof faring? As the melting begins, keep an eye on it to see if any leaks have started due to storm damage over the past few weeks and months. Take a look at any vents to see if vegetation or mold has take hold, obstructing air flow.

The filters in your HVAC unit likely need to be changed, and you will want to clean out ducts, vents, and the system itself. Duct work can be hard to check, so you may need to contact West Knoxville professionals to come out and help.

Your windows have taken a beating, so you will want to inspect them for storm and water damage. Cracks, damaged weather stripping, improper fit; all these issues can cause problems down the road. Now is a great time to get them professionally cleaned and let that warmth and sunshine in!

Shovel any remaining snow 3 to 5 feet away from your foundations and keep an eye out for cracks caused by the harsh winter conditions. They can be caulked and sealed as soon as you notice them, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes.

You can check your hoses and sprinkler systems at this time and replace anything damaged by all the storms and the water from melting snow and ice. Uncover plants, and believe it or not, fertilize the lawn and garden!  

While you are inspecting your home, if you notice any severe storm damage, take pictures for insurance purposes, in case you need to file a claim.

And don’t forget to call us here at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge for all your repairs and clean-up needs! We specialize in water and storm damage, fire damage, and mold prevention. You can contact us by phone at (865) 690 9658, or visit us on our website: SERVPRO Oak Ridge

Destroy Odors with DEODORIZATION

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected
areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot
damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially
permanent problems. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO® Of Oak Ridge provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® Of Oak Ridge do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO® Of Oak Ridge. Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Build an Emergency Kit

7/8/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Kit

Be prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit. Ready.gov suggest you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to include in your kit.

-3-day supply of non-perishable foods
- Water (one + gallon per person day)
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medication
-Sleeping bag or blankets
- Fire extinguisher
-Hygiene products
-Flashlights
-Extra batteries
-Cell phone charger
-Matches in a waterproof container
-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
-Whistle to signal for help
-Pet supplies
-Infant formula and diapers
-Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container.

Be Prepared This Summer

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Grill Fire

Each year, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. To enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of the mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

According to a recent study by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 11,900 Americans were injured by fireworks in 2015., with the majority happening in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Another 8,700 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill.

Grills also cause an average of 8,9000 home structure or outdoor fires. "These fires caused an annual average of 50 civilian injuries and $2 million in direct property damage," according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near water.

The summer season should be time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. Don't become a statistic. Take precautions to prevent these events from putting a damper on your summer months!

Celebrate Summer Safety

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Campfire

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

-When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills: do not add fluid after coals have been lit. When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hose will easily and safely reveal any leaks. When camping always use a flame-retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.

-Always build campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.

-Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling freshen a campfire.

You can be ruined or you can be ready

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Technology can now be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during or after to stay informed of the situation and in communication with others. From common technology you already use day-to-day basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare, the following will help you be ready in the event of a disaster.

Store Information Online
There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer a free way to store different types of files, from a Word document to images of important documents. Ready.gov suggest saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records and information about your pets, if necessary.

Follow The News
Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if rescue is needed through Twitter.

Mark Yourself Safe
The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in site to list yourself as asafe or find family and firends in situations. where communication is difficult to estabish.

Facebook also has a feature called Safety CHeck that is activated after natural disasters or crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you're located in an affected area at that time.

Get In Touch
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in your phone and email for communication with your family, friends, business contacts and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster.

Charge Up
Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well.

Get an Emergency READY Profile.

SERVPRO is proud to offer Emergency READY Profiles for free and ready.SERVPRO.com to help prepare you, your property, or your business for an emergency.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your property or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your property or business.

Put help in the palm of your hand with the Ready Plan App. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Oak Ridge today for more information on developing and ERP for your property or business.

Winter Season is Here

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

The winter season is here and with it comes shorter days and lower
temperatures. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. Many people use alternative heat sources like
fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves to help keep homes cozy. Did you know, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires cause an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually. Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a
heating-related fire.

Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Test smoke alarms monthly.

Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

If your property does suffer fire damage, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

What to do when Mold strikes

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Oak Ridge

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, SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge has 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 the Team in Green
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge. 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
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.

Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other
building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor
repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or
it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home.
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge understands mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home.

Faster To Any Disaster

5/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can fix it!

There is no disaster that hits home quite like a disaster to your property, home or business. When you have suffered a fire and water or mold damage, you don't have time to waste searching for a company to fix your property. When disaster strikes, depend on SERVPRO of Oak Ridge to fix it.

Whether the job is big or small, SERVPRO of Oak Ridge will be there to help make it "Like it never even happened." so you can get back to your home or business and on with your life.

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge has experts who deal with mold mitigation and remediation process and what may take place if you are dealing with mold loss. As well as expertise in biohazard, crime scene, and vandalism cleanup. Whatever it maybe you can count on SERVPRO of Oak Ridge.

Storm Season Is Here

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage

It may seem early but storm season is currently underway. The season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific storm season began in mid-May and also ends November 30.

Storms can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas. many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home and business. For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website www.ready.gov

Hoarding: A Serious Situation

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarding

Hoarding: A Serious Situation

According to The Mayo Clinic,“Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distresses at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of
items, regardless of actual value, occurs.”

Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem. Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look
at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging.

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard. SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge encounter hoarding situations in several different ways. Often, SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge is called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on-site. A

SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Professional will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored by the SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge, or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin. Another way SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, caseworkers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

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

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Clean Your Dryer Vents

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not
restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles.
Our certified professionals can come out for a free estimate. For more information on cleaning dryer vents, contact
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge.

Improve Your Air Quality

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

HVAC Cleaning

The ventilation system is often
the biggest culprit in poor
indoor air quality, but you
can help change that! Inspecting the
ductwork in your home should be a
high priority. In most cases, the HVAC
the system has been operating for some time
without much attention. Dirty ducts
can circulate odors, contaminants such
as mold, and irritating dust throughout
your home.

A routine part of
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge’s
service is inspecting the heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning unit
(HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and
ductwork clean can potentially extend
the life-span of the equipment by
allowing it to operate at peak condition,
which may help save you money. Duct
cleaning may not always be necessary.
SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge
will inspect your HVAC system and
ductwork and make recommendations
about the best way to address any indoor
air quality concerns. This inspection can
help save you money and provide peace
of mind on the health of your HVAC
system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as
after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold
growth, duct cleaning becomes an
essential part of the cleanup process.
In these cases, SERVPRO®
of Oak Ridge can often restore
the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage
condition.

If you have a fuel-burning
furnace, stove, or fireplace, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) recommends they be inspected
for proper functioning and be serviced
before each heating season to protect
against carbon monoxide poisoning.
The SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge Duct Cleaning
The system is proven and cost-efficient.
Unlike the majority of duct cleaning
services, SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge uses a portable ventilation
and air duct cleaning system to examine
ductwork and make a clean sweep,
removing years of dust and grime.

The process begins by using
patented equipment, including a
roto-scraper, which automatically
adapts to the duct’s shape and
diameter while traveling through
the duct, removing debris and filth
before vacuuming begins.

Next, a powerful push-pull air
delivery and collection system
transfers the debris from the
ducting to a 16-gallon container.

Air is filtered through a HEPA
filtration system, removing 99.97
percent of the particles in the
airstream. HEPA filters capture
debris and keep the indoor
environment clean.

As an optional process, a sealant or
coating product may be sprayed to
address odor or microbial concerns.

Filters will either be cleaned
or replaced to remove odor
and dirt.

For more information on duct
cleaning or to schedule an appointment,
contact your local SERVPRO® of Oak Ridge.

Busted Pipe In Oak Ridge Home

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Oak Ridge

Water damage can happen at any time. Most of the time it is when you least expect it. Mr. Summner experienced this when he was away on vacation. A pipe burst in his ceiling, but it was not until two weeks later that a neighbor noticed the damage. The pipe had been leaking from an 18-foot ceiling. His first call was to SERVPRO of Oak Ridge. Our highly trained professionals came out immediately to asses the damage. Since the pipe had been leaking for an extended period of time there was a lot of damage. 50% of the entire ceiling had to be torn out and replaced. All of the hardwood floors in the house had to be removed. The subfloor was either dried or removed. We were able to replace the flooring. All in all, over 5000 square feet of the house was damaged. Mr. Summner was extremely pleased with how quickly and professionally our team was.

Severe Weather Safety

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Severe Weather Safety

Severe weather can happen 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 landfalling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk 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 an 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.

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook and Twitter Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

Knoxville Water Damage

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Knoxville Home

There are many homes in the Knoxville area that suffer from water damage. The first 24 hours following a water loss is the most important in
preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO® Cedar Bluff will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.

INSPECTION

SERVPRO® Of Cedar Bluff will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage
and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

SERVPRO® Of Cedar Bluff will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal
belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed
emergency services to you step-by-step.

MONITORING

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO® Of Cedar Bluff will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.

RESTORATION SERVICES

SERVPRO® West Knoxville will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walkthrough of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

EMERGENCY WATER DAMAGE TIPS

Shut off the water source 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. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks of furniture legs and wet carpeting. Move any paintings, art objects,
computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always
avoid electrical shock hazards. Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this
could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enters rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

For more information on
recovering from water damage,
contact your local SERVPRO®
Cedar Bluff

Answering the Call

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Harvey Storm Damage

When Hurricane Harvey left his wake of destruction in Texas the Emergency Response Team from SERVPRO of Oak Ridge  answered the call sending teams to Kingwood, Texas. Taking supplies and equipment our teams went down to help the residents and were humbled by the generosity of a community that didn’t have any clue how they were going to recover financially, much less emotionally from the impact of the storm. Rescuees were evacuated by boats from their homes and neighborhoods, leaving everything behind, but the spirit of giving and resilience impacted the teams from Knoxville.

The long-standing relationship between SERVPRO and the insurance companies helped our teams make a big impact and quickly. The insurance adjusters were recommending people call SERVPRO because it was a name that they could trust. Our teams were able to start water mitigation quickly and come alongside homeowners and other countless volunteers to help these families begin to get some semblance of recovery started.

Imagine your home with six to eight feet of standing water with the rescue boat pulling up outside and telling you it was the last call. Our team was humbled time and time again meeting over a hundred different families that had met that fate and yet met our team with smiles on their faces. Unanimously our team was impacted by Texas Strong, and have spoken so highly of these families since their return.

“We are humbled and we are changed by so many families and their generosity, not only with their resources but their encouragement and their prayers”, said Nathan Lloyd, our Business Development Manager.

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge, are professionals at serving you. That is why we are here, and that is what we do.

Ready for whatever happens.

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Ready for whatever happens.

When a storm or disaster strikes, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is poised and “Ready for whatever happens.” With a network of more than 1,700 franchise, the SERVPRO System strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms.

2016 Houston, TX Flooding: In April, a nearly stationary mesoscale convective system developed over Houston resulting in widespread rainfall at the rate of 2.4 inches per hour. This was a historic flooding event for Harris County which saw a total of nearly 18 inches of accumulated rainfall. The Storm Team dispatched 81 crews to over 360 jobs mitigating over $3 million in damages.

2015 Siberian Express: Record sub-zero temperatures caused major problems for a large portion of the county stretching from Florida to Maine. The Midwest also experienced record breaking low temperature resulting in frozen pipes and ice dams causing major problems for residents. The Storm Team dispatched a total of 257 crews from 108 Franchises to assist local SERVPRO Franchises completing 2000 jobs.

2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding: Rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour caused major flash flooding stretching from Northeast Ohio all the way up to Portland, Maine. Eastern Michigan and Baltimore, Maryland were also impacted and 173 crews mitigated over $4.3 million in damages while assisting the local Franchises.

2014 Polar Vortex: Record low temperatures caused by a break in the North Pole’s polar vortex resulted in an unprecedented freezing event, spanning from east of the Rocky Mountains to as far south as Central Florida, affecting all or part of 39 states and 70% of the SERVPRO Franchises System.

2013 Colorado Floods: Heavy rainfall, with amounts up 17 inches in some areas, resulted in widespread flooding in the Fort Collins, Boulder and surrounding Colorado mountain communities, The Disaster Recovery Team responded with 109 crews from Franchises to assist the local SERVPRO Franchises in the emergency response

2012 Hurricane Sandy: Affecting more than 20 states, Sandy left widespread damage and flooding from Florida stretching the entire eastern seaboard to Maine, The Disaster Recover Team placed nearly 1000 crews in the affected areas, representing over 300 SERVPRO Franchises from across the country. Teams traveled from as far as Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.

OAK RIDGE'S FASTEST CLEANUP TEAM

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge

OAK RIDGE'S FASTEST CLEANUP TEAM

There is no such thing as a small disaster-especially when the water you do not see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unforeseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you try to clean and dry it up yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property.

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge knows how disruptive water damage can be for your home and business. We at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge are trained and equipped to manage the drying process of any size water loss. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, you home or business will be quickly and thoroughly dried helping to prevent secondary water damage. With rapid response time and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Oak Ridge can help you regain control quickly, ensuring your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized and protected.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local SERVPRO of Oak Ridge the water damage cleanup and restoration professionals.

Mold Damage Removal, Oak Ridge TN

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage In Oak Ridge Home

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 affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your SERVPRO of West Knoxville professionals has 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 SERVPRO of Oak Ridge

The mold cleanup and restoration process begin when you call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of the mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which 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. 

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the type of surfaces on which mold appears. Anti fungal 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 & Belongings

SERVPRO of West Knoxville clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas. 

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge understands mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

Ice Dams in Oak Ridge, TN Causing Storm Damage

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Ice Dam Diagram

SO JUST WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?

In the latest round of winter storms in Oak Ridge, TN, ice dams are forming on roofs all throughout the region, resulting in some substantial water damages. Which begs the question, just what exactly is an ice dam?

Simply put, an ice dam occurs when a ridge of ice forms at the edge of a roof, preventing any melting snow from draining as it should, into the gutter or off of the roof. Water backs up behind the ice dam and can leak into the home, possibly damaging walls, ceilings, insulation, and other interior building materials. (See a diagram of a typical ice dam to the right.)

What are the causes of ice dams? In most cases, once the roof is covered with snow and ice, it's the result of heat and warm air released into the attic or roof space. Once enough heat and warm air builds up, it can begin melting the bottom layer of moisture on the roof. With no place to drain, water can find its way into the roof, backing up under the shingles.

Most importantly, it's critical to understand that while ice dams can cause water damage to your home, it's not advisable to ever get on a roof to try and "fix" the problem, as a wet, frozen roof is an extremely unsafe environment, even for the trained professional.

Once ice dams are present, there is little to be done that is not potentially harmful to the roof. Using tools to break the ice can result in holes in the roof and damage to shingles. There are professional companies that use steam to mitigate ice dams, but here in Knoxville, TN, it's not a common enough occurrence to warrant companies here to have that expertise.

The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure proper ventilation and insulation within your attic. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge has the capability to mitigate and clean up water damages from the ice dam, but not remove the ice dam itself. It's best to let all the water stop infiltrating before cleaning, as there may be additional extraction and damages that occur. To find out more about our services and storm response, click here.

Storm Damage Cleanup in Oak Ridge, TN

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Clean up

DID YOU KNOW?

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge has been cleaning water damages in the local Oak Ridge, TN market for over 38 years. From toilet overflows, pipe bursts, dishwasher leaks, basement floods, and much more, SERVPRO of Oak Ridge has been providing Knoxville with quality cleanup and restoration work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That's over 332,880 hours of being on call to help our clientele!

SERVPRO understands that even the smallest of water problems can be a major catastrophe for the average homeowner. Whether it be damaged property, mold growth, health concerns or other problems, SERVPRO has all the right tools to make it "Like It Never Even Happened®."

With over 190 years of combined experience with our technicians, SERVPRO will promptly arrive at your business or residence, assess the damage, provide a solution, and begin work to ensure that secondary damages do not occur. From extracting water, dehumidification, decontamination, mold remediation, full repairs and construction, SERVPRO is here to help day or night.

With free estimates and consultations in Knoxville, insurance billing availability, we're standing by to be of assistance to anyone in need. Find out more about all of our services here.

NADCA FAQs

9/13/2017 (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. Review the NADCA White Paper on Chemical Applications in HVAC Systems for more information. 

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

Oak Ridge Companies Look To SERVPRO Technicians For Water Damage Solutions

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Oak Ridge Companies Look To SERVPRO Technicians For Water Damage Solutions

Hotels experience various types of water damage, including; plumbing leaks, malfunctioning fixtures, or storm damage that allows water to enter unprotected areas quite often and need professional assistance to help them recover fast. 
 
When your building is affected by these kinds of water damage incidents in Knoxville, it may be comforting to know that someone trustworthy is available to provide you with the services you need to keep your business running. 
 
SERVPRO technicians who respond to your service request live in the same area, giving us an opportunity to provide you with rapid response times, and a unique solution to your problem. With several years of experience in the restoration industry and quality equipment at our disposal, we have the ability to handle water damage incidents affecting a single unit, or your entire building. 
 
The information you provide during your initial call, helps us determine the amount of equipment and personnel needed to address your situation properly. So that once we arrive on your property, we can address any possible hazards and fully inspect the affected area for damages, getting to work immediately to solve your problem. 
 
After communicating your situation to your insurance company and agreeing on which services to implement, SERVPRO technicians mobilize as quickly and efficiently as possible, making every attempt to return your business to a quality pre-damage condition, in the least amount of time possible. 
 
We have access to both hand-held and truck mounted water extraction equipment, each with three main elements, a heater, pump, and vacuum system. Portable extractors hold anywhere from five to twelve gallons of water, while the truck mounted version handles up to 100 gallons of water or more, making it easy to remove excess water from various types of flooring, including carpeting and other upholstery items, such as rugs, and curtains. 
 
Our technicians use a variety of equipment to locate hidden moisture pockets, in walls, attics, and crawl spaces; water cannot hide from a quality infrared moisture detection device. Making it possible for us to dry hard to read, or hidden areas throughout your building and prevent secondary water damage from developing. 
 
During the drying process, SERVPRO technicians place the proper amount of air moving equipment and dehumidifiers into the affected area. We also use detection devices to check the vicinity for moisture and monitor relative humidity to ensure a proper drying environment exists to complete the water damage restoration and limit any interruptions to your businesses daily operations. 

USE A SERVPRO PROFESSIONAL WHEN WATER DAMAGE HITS YOUR HOME

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Knoxville

Imagine coming home from work to a flooded home, thanks to a faulty mechanism in your washing machine. You are ready to pull your hair out! You know you need help now because those hardwood floors will absorb a lot of water, as will the lower portion of your walls. If left untreated, water damage can lead to mold and mildew problems, as well as cause structural weakness to the damaged areas.
 
Trying to repair the water damage yourself to your Knoxville home may end up making the problem even worse. Our professional techs at SERVPRO know all too well the damages water can do to your home. We have all the equipment needed to dry your walls and floors before that damage becomes permanent.
 
We also know that problems can happen anytime - day or night; this is the reason we offer our customers 24-Hour Emergency Services. We understand you need immediate professional help after your home is flooded.
 
SERVPRO is a locally owned and operated business with professionally trained technicians. Our techs are skilled in water restoration, mold remediation, carpet, and furniture cleaning as well as any other cleaning that may be needed. We know how to assess the problem and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Our techs have all the knowledge, experience, and tools they need to restore your property correctly. We use four factors to help determine how long it will take to dry your home:
 
* Temperature: needs to be kept between 70 and 90 degrees.
 
* Humidity: ideally between 30% and 60%.
 
* Extraction of water: the more that can be removed, the better.
 
* Air Movement: need to steadily move wet air away from wet surfaces.
 
We finish each job by providing our customers with documents proving the property is restored to its preloss condition. SERVPRO works with you and your insurance company, providing you with any paperwork you need to process your claim. 

No matter what time of day or night, when an emergency happens, you can trust SERVPRO to respond to your water removal needs quickly. It's nice to know that someone has your back when a crisis strikes.
 
 
C

How to Minimize Fire Damage

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Oak Ridge

How to Minimize Fire Damage

Minimizing further fire damage is one of the first considerations after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Commercial fire damage can greatly affect the ability of a business to continue operations. In order to recover as much value as possible from a property that has undergone fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage, a restoration company should be contacted immediately after the premises are secure. The fire cleanup team can aid in evaluating the damage to the property and listing the items that are present. They can also perform fire damage restoration and offer an estimate on site.

A restoration company will also be instrumental in boarding up a property if commercial fire damage has compromised any doors or windows. Roofs and walls that may have been cut into by firefighters during the fire may also need to be boarded up. This process can be much more difficult than it originally appears due to the need to evaluate the structural integrity of much of the building's foundation. A professional contractor should be contacted before an individual attempts to board up his or her own property after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Boarding up a property that has undergone fire damage is important both to prevent the collapse of the building as well as to protect it from any intruders who may cause additional damage.

The fire cleanup will also involve drying up all the water that firefighters may flood the premises with in order to put out the fire. This water can cause extensive water damage as well as promote the growth of mold. A certified technician can employ all manner of techniques to dry out the property and prevent mold growth using industrial equipment that may include a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover. This process will also somewhat remove the smoke smell that may persist after a fire.

After a list of personal belongings have been identified and list along with the property owner, a restoration company can work with him or her to reverse the smoke damage and soot damage that may have settled into the property. Surfaces can often be fully cleaned, even if it is porous like carpet. Deep vacuuming and steam injection are often successful in removing the oily soot that may lead to residual smoke smell. Fire damage restoration requires techniques that require specialized equipment, and these techniques can be discussed with the property owner in order to decide whether or not to proceed with restoration.

If fire damage restoration is not possible on certain items, they may be more easily replaced. In this case, the restoration company will also help to dispose of these items in the appropriate manner. After a fire in a home or a fire in a business, much debris will need to removed anyway. Smoke damage and soot damage is reversible, but property owners sometimes choose to replace items and surfaces instead.

All surfaces are sanitized and cleaned after all soot damage and smoke damage has been reversed. The fire clean up team will also instruct property owners on how to prevent commercial fire damage in the future. Any residual smoke smell will be ventilated until gone. If the smoke smell persists, chemical solutions like an ozone treatment or thermal fogging are also options depending on the needs of the property owner. Additional treatments may be needed weeks or even months after the initial incident.

Fire cleanup is extremely daunting for an individual who is shocked by a fire in a home or a fire in a business. However, fire damage restoration is normal for a fire cleanup specialist, even after extension commercial fire damage. A specialist who has the experience and the expertise to guide a property owner will ensure that fire damage is minimized as much as possible. 

Moisture In Walls Can Lead To Mold Damage In Oak Ridge

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage in Oak Ridge Home

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly problems in the future is to handle every water damage as a threat to your property. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge has the equipment and training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology, and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by SERVPRO of Oak Ridge 
Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls
Moisture meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Oak Ridge to monitor the drying process.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO ofOak Ridge can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized. 
Ultra-Low-Volume Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. 
This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.
Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The go consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attached to and neutralize odor-causing particles.

Be Flood Smart

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage

Floods are one the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert- there is always potential for flood damage. Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, does not mean you won’t in the future. In fact, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low-risk areas. On average, floods cost 3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States

According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following flood safety tips

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.

If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

If a flood does strike your home or business contact SERVPRO of Oak Ridge. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO System is prepared to handle any sized disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will help you take it back.

Heating Hazards

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

House Fire

Eliminate Heating Hazards This Winter

The winter season is in full swing! The days are shorter and the temperatures are lower. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. According to the Nation Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is responsible for an estimated $893 million in property damage annually. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths, making it important to review ways to help reduce the risk of a heating-related fire.

Keep anything flammable at least three feet from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

Test smoke alarms monthly.

Understanding Water Damage In Oak Ridge, TN

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Oak Ridge Home

Understanding Water Types

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensure proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean, gray and black water is usually from a broken pipe. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminates to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Blackwater is highly contaminated and can be filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, and more. Blackwater is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or natural disasters. Blackwater should always be handled by trained professionals. When you have water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Damage from Contaminated Water

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

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

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

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

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

Be Flood Smart

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Flood Damage In Oak Ridge, TN

BE FLOOD SMART

Floods are one the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert- there is always the potential for flood damage. Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, does not mean you won’t in the future. In fact, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low-risk areas. On average, floods cost 3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States

According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following flood safety tips

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.

If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

If a flood does strike your home or business contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO System is prepared to handle any sized disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will help you take it back.

Be Storm Smart

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage In Oak Ridge

Be Storm Smart

Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of these following intense storms.

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms

• 5,000 floods or flash floods

• 1,000 tornadoes

• 2 land falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. 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 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 a 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. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-works and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

Build An Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (one gallon per person per day)

• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

• Manual can opener

• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Clothing

• Dust masks or bandanas

• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Hygiene items

• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information

• Cash

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof contain

Holiday Fire Season

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

It's the holiday season again. Brightly lit decorations, elaborate meals, and large gatherings are all a part of holiday celebrations. Unfortunately, these annual traditions also cause an average of 230 homes fires each year, with an average of 4 deaths, 21 injuries, and $17.3 million in property damage.

There are about 3 times as many cooking related fires on Thanksgiving Day and almost twice as many on Christmas Day as there on no holidays.  Luckily, homeowners can help keep their homes and their families safe during the holiday season by understanding the dangers.

Holiday Cooking Fire Facts from SERVPRO

• Thanksgiving Day has three times the average number of reported home structure fires involving cooking equipment. 
• The two other peak days for cooking-related fires are Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips from SERVPRO

• Supervise items on the stovetop. Fifty-eight percent of kitchen fires involve ranges; homes with electric cooktops have a higher risk of fire than homes with gas cooktops.
• Keep flammable items – potholders, packaging, wrapping, wooden utensils, loose clothing – away from the stovetop.
• Don’t let lack of sleep or alcohol consumption affect your ability to concentrate on preparing the meal.

Holiday Decorating Fire Facts from SERVPRO

• Half of all holiday decoration fires start because the decoration is too close to a heat source.
• On average, 32 candle fires are reported each day. December is the peak month for candle fires.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips from SERVPRO

• Keep all decorations away from heat sources like radiators, portable heaters, and fireplaces.
• Use flameless candles.
• If you do use traditional candles, burn them in sturdy candleholders, well away from drapes and other flammable materials. Never leave them unattended and never allow them to burn down to less than one inch in length. 

Christmas Tree Fire Facts from SERVPRO

• 50% of live tree fires occur between December 22 and January 5.
• 31% of tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
• 14% involve decorative lights.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips from SERVPRO

• Keep live trees well watered to reduce the chance of a fire.
• Check wiring on lights for breaks and wear, replace worn strings and don’t exceed manufacturer guidelines for connecting multiple strands of lights.
• Don't leave tree lights plugged in when you are away from home or asleep.

Prevent Frozen Pipes from Causing Water Damage

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a leading cause of water damage in the colder months of the year. Why?
Water has the unfortunate property in that as it freezes, it expands. This can affect all types of water lines, whether metal, plastic, or PVC. Simply, all pipes are subject to bursting given the right amount of pressure. As the water freezes, it can expand the pipe, eventually, cause a hairline crack or a complete break. At that point the portion unfrozen will then provide a continual stream of water until shut off, causing water damage throughout the property.
How can I prevent my pipes from freezing or bursting?
• If possible, make sure that all pipes and supply lines on exterior walls are insulated. Exterior walls will be much colder than interior walls given their location. Additionally, all water lines in basements and crawl spaces need to be insulated as they will be subjected to very cold temperatures. Simple foam insulation wrap can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
• Make sure all outdoor hoses are removed from exterior hose bibs.
• Always keep your heating unit on and operational, even when away on vacation. If leaving for an extended period of time, set your thermostat to no colder than 55 degrees to ensure that your home has enough heat to properly keep interior pipes from freezing.
• Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines located in that area. In extreme cases of sever cold for extended periods of time, ensure that exposed pipes are insulated. Space heaters (placed away from anything flammable) can provide heat and warmth to combat cold environments in garage areas.
• If you notice very low water pressure from water supply areas, a frozen pipe could be the cause. Immediate action should be taken to identify the problem.
What should I do if my pipes are already frozen?
• Turn on all the faucets with warm water, not hot, to a slow drip. This will help in supplying warmer water to the area without causing an abrupt temperature change. It will also help you in determining the location of the freeze.
• Apply exterior heat to the frozen section of pipe. This can be done with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, space heater, towels soaked in warm water wrapped around the pipe. NEVER use open flame devices as this can be a major fire hazard.
• Keep continual heat on the area until water flow is restored to normal.
• Once restored, try to determine why the area froze. It may be as simple as adding insulation, sleeve wraps, UL-listed heat tape, or another form of insulation.
• If you cannot locate, find, or properly thaw your pipes, call a professional plumber to assist.
What if my pipes burst and caused damage?
If your pipes have busted, cracked, or began leaking, immediate action should be taken to ensure that water damage can be minimalized to your property. Soak up as much water as possible with towels or extract with a shop vac. It's often necessary to have professionals like SERVPRO come in and completely mitigate the water. Home drying efforts can help reduce damages, but will not get rid of all moisture and humidity. It's important to ensure that your property is completely dry and dehumidified to prevent secondary damage from ruining your home, flooring, furnishings, or building materials. Call SERVPRO today if you've had water damage from a pipe leak, and we'll work with you and/or your insurance company to make sure that your home is restored correctly!

Managing Mold

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage

Managing Mold

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water lines. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property.

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.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using various technologies 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, like negative air chambers to 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 deposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongs

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Science of Drying

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Drying water in a Knoxville home.

Exploring the Science of Drying

Did you know, there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damage structure to its pre loss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and places a fan or two around the damage are.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air on the surface of the material but only if the air is, indeed drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

SERVPRO is proud to utilize a newly developed tool SERVPRO DryBook.

The SERVPRO DryBook is a proprietary tool allowing us to capture and track the steps of restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. This ensures your restoration is done properly and efficiently. It also improves results and restores your property at a faster rate, getting you backing your home sooner.

RESIPE FOR SAFETY

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Each November families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause of home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires. Review the following safety tips to ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

Never leave cooking food unattended-stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.

Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

Keep anything flammable-pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains- away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking.

Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build up

Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of extinguishers.

Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Flooding Can Happen In Oak Ridge, TN

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Flood Damage

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

Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
Ice/Debris Jams
Snowmelt
Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

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

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Oak Ridge can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile, or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.