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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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! 

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.