Weathering the Storm: Crafting Your Essential Emergency Survival Kit

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

Nature's unpredictability demands that we be prepared for the unexpected, especially when facing the fury of a storm. Creating a well-thought-out emergency survival kit is a fundamental step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your household during challenging times. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of crafting a comprehensive storm survival kit, empowering you to weather any storm with resilience and preparedness.

Water, Water, Water

Begin with the most critical element—water. Ensure a sufficient supply of one gallon per person per day for at least three days. This is essential for hydration, cooking, and sanitation. Stock up on non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items that can sustain your household for at least three days. Consider options such as canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts.

First Aid Kit

Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit that includes:

• Bandages and adhesive tape.
• Antiseptic wipes and ointment.
• Pain relievers.
• Tweezers and scissors.
• Thermometer.
• Prescription medications.

Flashlights and Batteries

Illuminate the darkness with reliable flashlights and a supply of batteries. LED flashlights are energy-efficient and provide long-lasting illumination.

Basic Hygiene Items

Maintain personal hygiene with a compact kit that includes:

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Soap and hand sanitizer.
• Feminine hygiene products.
• Wet wipes.
• Towels and washcloths.

Stay warm and comfortable with blankets or sleeping bags. Opt for compact and lightweight options that are easy to store in your survival kit. Include a change of clothes for each family member, taking into account the climate in your region. Pack sturdy shoes, rain gear, and warm layers A versatile multitool can prove invaluable in various situations. Choose one with features such as pliers, a knife, screwdrivers, and a can opener.

Stay informed with a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio. This allows you to receive weather updates and important information during power outages. Keep a battery-operated or solar-powered cellphone charger in your kit. Consider a portable power bank to ensure you can charge essential communication devices.

Safeguard essential documents in a waterproof container. Include copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records, and important contact information. Maintain a small amount of cash in your survival kit, as ATMs and electronic transactions may be unavailable during power outages.

Include items to keep spirits high during challenging times. Pack a deck of cards, a favorite book, or comfort items for children. Enhance your shelter options with a compact tarp. This versatile item can provide additional protection from the elements and create a makeshift shelter if needed. Include local maps and information about evacuation routes. Familiarize yourself with emergency shelters in your area. If you have pets, don't forget to include supplies for their well-being. Pack pet food, water, medications, and any necessary documents.

A well-prepared storm survival kit is your arsenal against uncertainty, providing comfort, sustenance, and the tools needed to navigate challenging situations. By dedicating time to assembling and maintaining your kit, you empower your household with the resilience to weather any storm that comes your way. Be proactive, stay informed, and ensure that your storm survival kit is a steadfast companion, ready to stand by you when the skies grow dark.

Assessing and Addressing Structural Damage After Storms in Oklahoma City

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

The breathtaking skyline of Oklahoma City is often accompanied by the occasional fury of severe storms. As a homeowner or property owner, understanding how to evaluate and manage structural damage caused by these powerful forces is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to assess and effectively handle structural damage after a severe storm, ensuring the safety and stability of your property.

Surveying the Scene

After the storm subsides, it's crucial to conduct a thorough survey of your property to identify potential structural damage:

Safety First: Prioritize safety by ensuring that it's safe to enter the property. Beware of downed power lines, unstable structures, and other hazards.

Exterior Inspection: Inspect the exterior for visible damage, including roof, siding, windows, and foundation.

Interior Assessment: Survey the interior for signs of damage such as cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as shifted door frames.

Utilities Check: Examine gas, water, and electrical systems for damage. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and contact professionals.

Recognizing Different Types of Structural Damage

Foundation Issues: Look for cracks, uneven settling, or bulging walls, as these could indicate foundation problems.

Roof Damage: Missing shingles, displaced tiles, or visible leaks are signs of roof damage that need immediate attention.

Wall and Ceiling Cracks: Cracks that are wider than a quarter-inch may indicate structural shifts and should be evaluated by professionals.

Window and Door Misalignment: Doors or windows that are difficult to open or close may indicate a shifted or compromised frame.

Engaging Professionals

After identifying potential structural damage, it's advisable to involve qualified professionals:

Restoration Experts: Engage a licensed restoration expert, such as SERVPRO of Oklahoma City, Midtown, to conduct a comprehensive assessment as well as recommend and perform necessary repairs.

Roofing Experts: Consult roofing professionals to assess roof damage and determine if repairs or replacements are needed.

Foundation Specialists: If foundation issues are suspected, foundation experts can perform detailed assessments and propose solutions.

Temporary Repairs

While awaiting professional assessments, you can take temporary measures to prevent further damage:

Tarping: Cover damaged roofs with tarps to prevent water intrusion and protect interior spaces.

Support Structures: Use temporary supports, such as beams or posts, to stabilize areas with structural damage.

Sealing Openings: Seal openings or breaches in walls and windows to prevent further exposure to the elements.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Document all damage with clear photographs and detailed descriptions. Notify your insurance company promptly and provide the necessary documentation for a smoother claims process.

Permanent Repairs and Restoration

Work closely with professionals to implement permanent repairs and restoration measures. Focus on ensuring that the structural integrity of your property is fully restored.

Assessing and handling structural damage after a severe storm in Oklahoma City requires a methodical approach and expert guidance. By swiftly addressing potential issues and involving professionals, you're safeguarding the stability and value of your property. Restoring your home's structural integrity not only ensures safety but also provides peace of mind as you continue to enjoy the beauty and resilience of Oklahoma City living.

Understanding Category Three Water Damage: What You Need to Know

6/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common issue that homeowners may face, and it is important to understand the different types of water damage and their potential hazards. Category three water damage, also known as black water, is the most severe type of water damage and requires immediate attention. In this blog, we will explore what category three water damage is, its causes, and what steps should be taken to address it.

What is Category Three Water Damage?

Category three water damage is water that is highly contaminated and poses a serious health risk to humans and animals. This type of water damage can be caused by sewage backups, floods, or other sources of contaminated water. Category three water damage can contain dangerous pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause severe illness or even death if not handled properly.

What Causes Category Three Water Damage?

Category three water damage can be caused by a variety of sources, such as

Sewage backups: This is the most common cause of category three water damage. When sewer lines become clogged or damaged, sewage can back up into homes and businesses, resulting in dangerous black water.

Natural disasters: Floods and hurricanes can cause category three water damage if they cause contaminated water to enter homes and buildings.

Pipe leaks: If pipes are damaged or leaking, they can release contaminated water into homes and buildings.

Standing water: Any standing water, such as in basements or crawl spaces, can become contaminated and pose a serious health risk.

What Are the Risks of Category Three Water Damage?

Category three water damage can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The water can contain dangerous pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A, which can cause severe illness or even death. In addition, mold can grow rapidly in the moist conditions created by category three water damage, which can exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies.

What Steps Should Be Taken to Address Category Three Water Damage?

Category three water damage should never be handled by homeowners. Instead, it is important to seek the services of a professional restoration company that specializes in water damage restoration. These experts have the knowledge, equipment, and experience needed to safely and effectively address category three water damage.

The first step in addressing category three water damage is to assess the extent of the damage. The restoration company will use specialized equipment to measure the moisture levels and identify the areas affected by the water damage. Next, they will develop a plan to remove the contaminated water, dry the affected areas, and sanitize and disinfect the space to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful pathogens.

In conclusion, category three water damage is a serious issue that should never be taken lightly. It is important to understand the potential hazards and health risks of this type of water damage and to seek the services of a professional restoration company if you suspect you have category three water damage in your home or business.

3 Things You Should Not Do After a Flood

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

3 Things You Should Not Do After a Flood

When dealing with floodwater, many homeowners are tempted to put themselves or their families at risk in an effort to save their home or their possessions. This is usually not a good idea. These are three things you should not do after a flood.

1. Don't Stay in Your Home

There is not much you can do to prevent damage by staying in a flooded home. If you have time, you can place sandbags, move possessions to higher ground, board up windows and take other precautions, but once flooding is imminent, it is best to evacuate to a shelter. Attempting to remain in your home puts you at risk of drowning, electrocution, and contact with contaminants in the water. It also puts the emergency workers who will have to assist you if you get in trouble at risk.

2. Don't Rely on Do-It-Yourself Solutions

You may be able to repair the water damage from a minor flood yourself, but when major flooding occurs, by the time it is safe to re-enter buildings, the damage is usually too severe for most do-it-yourself attempts to be successful. Have a plan in place to deal with the floodwater.

Contact your insurance company. Have the names and contact information of several contractors and flood mitigation services in Oklahoma City, OK, on hand. Don't count on being able to obtain equipment, such as generators, protective gear, and pumps, that you would need to attempt to dry out your property yourself.

3. Don't Walk or Drive Through Standing Water

Downed power lines can electrify standing water, posing an electrocution risk. As little as six inches of water can damage your car and cause traction issues, increasing the risk of accidents and drowning.

Flood water poses significant risks to homeowners attempting to salvage their property after a flood. In most cases, it is best to let your insurance company and restoration professionals take the lead and avoid putting yourself at risk.

What You Need To Know About Commercial Flood Insurance

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

What You Should Understand About Commercial Flood Insurance

Hurricanes and major rainstorms can cause severe flood damage to your Valley Brook, OK, commercial building. If you do not have the proper insurance coverage, you could be forced to use your business' money to pay for the repairs. Here are answers to some common questions about commercial flood insurance.

Who Needs Commercial Flood Coverage?

Just as a regular homeowners insurance policy does not usually include flood coverage, regular commercial insurance does not cover storm damage caused by flooding. If you are worried about the cost of flood cleanup, you need to purchase a separate flood policy. In fact, companies with property in high-risk flood areas must buy flood coverage for that building in order to obtain a mortgage from a federally regulated lender. Check out online flood maps to see which areas are most at risk.

What Is Covered by a Commercial Flood Policy?

A flood policy will cover flood damage caused by a variety of disasters, including storm surges, heavy rain, and melting snow. Flood insurance also covers flooding that results from flooding problems, broken dams, and blocked storm drains. The policy should cover the cost of repairs and help you pay for storm cleanup and restoration services.

However, not all water damage to your business is covered by a flood policy. Most policies do not include coverage for landscaping or vehicles. You also won't get reimbursement for loss of use or business interruption damages, unless you purchase excess coverage.

How Do I Get a Commercial Flood Policy?

Your private insurance provider may offer a flood policy. Otherwise, you can contact the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP. The policy typically goes into effect 30 days after you buy it. A typical policy includes $500,000 of coverage for a building structure and another $500,000 for the contents inside.

As natural disasters become more common throughout the country, you need to make sure your business is properly protected. This means purchasing a flood policy, especially if you are in a high-risk area.

Top 5 Flood Safety Tips for Homeowners

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Top 5 Flood Prevention Advice for Homeowners

Floods are the top natural disaster throughout the United States. Obviously, certain areas are prone to flooding, such as coastal regions, swamplands, canyons, plains and valleys. However, sudden heavy rains can result in flooding in any locality. Because of this, you can be prepared by following a set of tips for flood safety.

1. Stay Up to Date

Weather conditions can change at a moment's notice. Follow weather updates via smartphones, radio or TV. Staying informed helps determine whether you need to evacuate.

2. Gather Essential Supplies

A flood may require you to leave your home. There's also the potential for injuries, especially with flash floods. Prepare a survival kit containing three days' worth of supplies. Items include:

• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Phone chargers
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight
• One gallon of water for each person
• Non-perishable food
• Personal hygiene and sanitation products
• Copies of important documents

These items can sustain you during and after a flood. Make sure you keep the kit in a secure place that's easily accessible.

4. Watch Where You Drive

It doesn't take much flood water to make driving a vehicle nearly impossible. Six inches to two feet of water can cause a car, truck or SUV to stall or get swept away. When you near a flooded area, turn around and drive to higher ground.

5. Exercise Caution When Returning Home

Once the flood is over, it doesn't mean all is well. You still need to focus on flood safety, especially when you're returning to your home. Be aware that roads are weak and susceptible to collapse. Clean and disinfect all wet items in your home. Wait for news reports to find out if the water in Downtown Oklahoma City, OK, is safe to drink.

Stay Out of Harm's Way

Floods pose a real threat. Following basic flood safety tips keeps you and your loved ones out of harm's way. When it comes to cleaning your home after a flood, it's best to hire a professional water damage restoration company.

What Should a Business Do During a Thunderstorm?

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

What Should A Company Do If There Is A Thunderstorm?

When a strong thunderstorm strikes Smith Village, OK, there are some immediate steps you should take to protect life and property. A heavy rain storm can cause flash flooding and lightning is extremely dangerous; it can strike from miles away and hit anywhere – even inside.

The statistics for lightning hits in the U.S. are alarming:

• Around 40 fatalities per year.
  
• At least 9 times as many injuries.
  
• A high rate of permanent disabilities.

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent injuries and reduce property damage. In some cases, you may be expected to take reasonable precautions; for instance, if a customer is injured by high winds or other storm damage on your property, you may be liable if you’re shown to be negligent.

When Should You Begin Preparations?

Right now! Make a list of steps to take to mitigate damage to your property. Start by taking care of trees outside; dead branches should be removed and live ones should be trimmed to be at least two feet away from the building.

Now is also a great time to look at your landscaping. During a rain storm, where does the water flow? If the rain is extremely heavy, will it collect in your building? With terracing and drainage planned, you can prevent all but the most extreme storms from flooding your business.

You should also make a READY profile with your local storm damage restoration experts. This will put all the info you need in a secure cloud account so you can access it with a free app.

How About During a Thunderstorm?

There’s always a risk of lightning during convective storms. However, some really stand out for their cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. When you see lots of lightning, you should move employees and customers away from windows and access a weather report either on television, the radio or your smartphone. If severe weather or a tornado is approaching, you need to get everyone to shelter immediately.

If you’re well prepared for a big rain storm, you should have no worries about flooding. Heavy lightning storms and severe weather should be considered an emergency, so being ready to act quickly could save lives.

Modern Content Cleaning Methods

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning and restoration methods for various materials differ. Water damaged documents can be dried by freeze drying and heat drying.

Cleaning Techniques For Modern Content

If your Oklahoma City, OK, commercial building suffers storm damage, the restoration process may feel overwhelming. In addition to the structural damage, your business’s contents may be damaged. Fortunately, there are a variety of content cleaning methods available today that can restore your possessions to preloss condition.

Items That May Need Specialized Restoration

Your building contains a wide variety of items, possibly more than you realize. Some of these items, particularly nonporous items such as plastics, may be impervious to water damage. Other items, however, require specialized restoration techniques. The following is a list of common items that generally cannot be restored using simple methods:

• Antiques
• Photographs
• Artwork
• Electronics
• Upholstery

Flood water has bacteria and other contaminants. Unfortunately, not all affected items can be properly cleaned. A certified restoration service can let you know what can and cannot be restored using the available cleaning and restoration methods.

Content Cleaning Techniques

Different materials require different cleaning and restoration methods. Water damaged paper documents can be dried through freeze drying, thermal drying and dehumidification. Gamma irradiation is an effective cleaning method for many delicate items that have been contaminated by flood water. Foam cleaning is ideal for many types of upholstery. There are a variety of other cleaning methods, including the following:

• Wet cleaning
• Dry cleaning
• Immersion cleaning
• Abrasive cleaning

Professionals can select the best cleaning method for your possessions and ensure your items are fully clean, dry and safe to use. If your business incurred a lot of damage and many items need restoration, a professional team may decide to do a move-out and take the contents to an off-site location for restoration while other team members focus on the structure and building materials.

Water damage can be a major setback for a business. Fortunately, today’s advanced content cleaning methods are capable of restoring many items to preloss condition so that they can be returned to your commercial building.

Your Building Envelope: Keeping Your Building Dry

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

The Envelope Of Your Building: Keeping It Dry

Be it via flooding, snowfall or old-fashioned rain damage, moisture entering your building can have dire consequences. Just a limited amount of water exposure can lead to things like mildew, peeling paint and even the dreaded black mold - all hassles nobody wants to face. This can be especially menacing during storm season, but it doesn’t have to be. Your building has a remarkably effective water prevention tool via its natural building envelope, but only if that envelope is built properly. Learn how your envelope should work to keep your Oklahoma City, OK, building dry in a storm.

What Is an Envelope

Your building envelope comprises the exterior of your building, capable of repelling the elements. By using elements like:

• structural integrity
  
• moisture/temperature control
  
• air pressure boundaries
  it repels the sources of unwanted moisture.

When it’s built properly, your building’s envelope protects you and your belongings from rain, snowmelt, groundwater and all of their unpleasant side effects. When it fails, however, things can get ugly.

Why Envelopes Fail

There are several reasons why a structural envelope can be ineffective against rain damage, starting with design deficiencies. If builders use materials that don’t work well together or don’t meet performance criteria for a specific environment, your building may struggle to keep moisture out. This can also happen when materials fail, and is common among sealants, glasses and metals.

Another threat is simply poor workmanship. Inexperienced or time-strapped workers sometimes cut corners, resulting in an envelope not installed per the manufacturing specifications. Even with the best installations, however, extreme winds, driving rain or dramatic temperatures can overload a structure’s envelope, making it vulnerable.

When properly designed and maintained, a building envelope does an amazing job keeping your building airtight. Be sure to schedule regular inspections to make sure all elements of your envelope are intact and your risk for suffering rain damage is minimal.

Tips for Preventing Wind Damage

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Wind Damage Prevention Tips

During storm season in Oklahoma City, OK, business owners are most likely to be concerned with hail and rain that might cause a roof leak or flooding. High winds can also impact your building, though. Wind damage is often the result of debris or larger items that are flung against the building, on top of the roof or through windows during the storm. Here are some tips for preventing some of the problems that could be caused by high winds.

Prune Trees

The trees and shrubberies on your property should be regularly maintained to avoid a damaged roof. Many problems can result when trees are not pruned properly:

• Decay or disease in trunk
• Leaning sideways rather than growing upright
• Errant branches hanging too far down or over a structure
• Sharp, v-shaped angles in tree forks
• Crowded or crossed branches

If branches are near a power line, it is advisable to have the city or utility company remove them so that they don't fall and break the line when under duress. Responsible maintenance keeps trees healthy and well-shaped so that they are less likely to break and cause a roof leak during a storm.

Limit Debris

Take an inventory of your outdoor property, looking at it through the lens of storm preparation. Loose shingles can become missing shingles when breezes speed up. Gravel from the driveway can break windows more easily than mulch or dirt. Decorations, trash cans, signs and potted plants can be broken or hurled through windows. You can also consult storm restoration experts to help you identify potential projectiles and advise which items to bring inside when high winds are expected as part of your storm readiness plan.

Overall, preparing for the high winds that often accompany storms is a matter of limiting the objects the wind can pick up and fling at your building. Trim trees and limit lawn debris, and you will likely limit the probability of a roof leak or other wind damage.

Cleaning Up After a Flood

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Storm water problem in a commercial building.

Cleaning Up Following a Flood

Dealing with the aftermath of a flood in Oklahoma City, OK can be devastating. In addition to water damage that can take a long time to repair, a flood can damage main contents of a business. When you are content cleaning, you need to categorize each item into one of two material types to know if your belongings can be saved.

Porous Materials

Anything in your commercial property that could possibly absorb water may have to be thrown away, particularly if your building was flooded with black water. Porous materials can include anything from carpets to upholstered furniture and drywall. Because these contents can absorb filthy water, they cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough to prevent health hazards. When you begin the process of content cleaning, know that any item made of porous material that possibly came in contact with the contaminated water will likely need to be disposed of.

Non-Porous Materials

Any item that will not absorb water is made of non-porous material. These contents should be safe after a flood. Items may include metal desks or cabinets, waterproof safes, or even plastic furniture. Thorough cleansing with clean water and a little disinfectant will likely save any belongings made of non-porous materials and keep them useful after restoration. Because these contents did not absorb the dirty water, they do not pose a significant risk if they are kept.

Losing critical business information may be one of the most devastating parts of surviving a flood. Content cleaning can be challenging because you may have to throw away many items, but if you have the right knowledge of porous and non-porous materials, you may be able to save some items. When dealing with black water, knowing which items pose a health hazard is critical to the restoration process. Separating belongings into one of these two categories can help make the cleaning process faster and easier.

This Is No Time for a Swim: Staying Safe During and After a Flood

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and the resulting flood water are dangerous.

Do you know how dangerous flood water can be? A depth of 6 inches can sweep you away, and a depth of 12 inches can sweep your car away. Floods are fast-moving and aggressive, and if you didn’t heed the warnings to evacuate, then you need to know how to stay safe not just during the flood but after.

1. Staying Safe During

During a flood, you should stay in a safe location, and it is best to discuss this location with others so that when/if you need to be rescued your family can give first responders the most accurate information. Your safe place should be an elevated location. If you choose your house, do not go into the enclosed attic. The level you want should have numerous exit points so that the rising waters do not trap you. Additionally, when the flood begins, stay at your designated location. Do not attempt to leave, unless absolutely necessary because you could be at risk of drowning. Essentially, staying safe during a flood comes down to remaining calm and trying to stay above the rising water.

2. Staying Safe After

Standing floodwater can be potentially hazardous. Not only do possible downed power lines present the risk of electrocution, but the water itself may also be contaminated from sewage and other debris. While a building was your sanctuary during the flood, a flooded building now presents serious health risks. If it is not possible to stay in a dry area, it may be wise to wear heavy gloves and boots to prevent contact with any potentially hazardous materials, but it is best to avoid contact if possible. When the time comes, you can seek out restoration specialists in the Oklahoma City area to restore your home from any lasting water damage and to help with any hazardous cleanup.

Flooding and the resulting flood water are dangerous. It is never wise to ignore a call to evacuate, but it is not always possible to leave. When you must stay behind, it is essential to find high ground and avoid contact with contaminated materials.

Flood Water Prevention Methods

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Flood Water Prevention Methods

Engineers take considerable leaps to stop high water from flooding city streets and neighborhoods. As a business owner, you should take note of what measures Valley Brook, OK, has in the event of a natural disaster or flood.
These are some of the common methods:

Levees are concrete or sand embankments to prevent water overflow.
Dams block water completely, only allowing an area to flood when necessary.
Locks allow ships to move through higher water areas to lower areas.
Dikes are long walls or ditches that prevent the sea from crossing into cities.
Gates can block water when necessary but open and close to permit traffic and water flow.

Unfortunately, none of these methods are perfect. During storm season, don't let your business be caught unawares by high water. You should be ready to reach out to a water damage remediation company as well as familiarize yourself with how your city protects itself.

Unique Barriers
Some cities have devised unique ways to keep floodwaters from entering business and agricultural districts.
The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands is designed to open and close completely. When it is open, the water flows freely. As the water rises, the walls close to stop flooding and fill the adjoining pools with excess water. When the flooding recedes, the barriers open again, returning the channel to normal flow.
The barriers on the River Eden in England are a newer solution for flood prevention. They replace traditional sandbags with hydraulic barriers that can be raised or lowered when necessary. The barriers are now computer-controlled to prevent them from accidentally lowering.

Barriers To Protect Your Business
Along with understanding what your city does to protect against a flood, you should also be prepared to protect your business yourself. A dam can be built from sandbags to block water. Retention ponds, like small versions of the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier's retention pools, and french drains help control pooling water.
When a storm is coming, there are many things you can do to help safeguard your business from high water conditions.

When is it Safe for Employees to Return to Work After a Flood?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage in an Oklahoma City, OK office

When is it Safe for Employees to Return to Work After a Flood?

It's natural to want to return to work as soon as possible after your business suffers from a costly incident, such as a black water flood. After all, you have this big expense to pay off and you're losing money just by not being at the office. No matter how eager you are, you still have to consider your employees' personal safety. Keep the following safety considerations in mind before you send your employees back to your Oklahoma City, OK office.

1. Clear Out the Flood Water.
Both black and gray water floods pose major safety concerns for your employees. Black water is characterized by the presence of harmful biohazards, such as human/animal fecal matter, raw sewage and dangerous chemicals. You absolutely have to make sure you clear out all of the contaminated flood water and thoroughly disinfect every exposed surface before you allow your employees to return to the office.

2. Check the Air Quality.
It's very possible that the biohazards introduced with the flood water could have gotten into the air itself. Make sure to set up fans and other air filtration devices throughout your building to help eliminate harmful agents. As an additional safety measure, you may want to consider keeping these filtration devices running even after your employees come back.

3. Sweep Up Any Physical Debris.
The physical damages should be the first task you address during flood cleanup. Strong flood waters can introduce harmful objects into the office, such as stray nails, glass shards and other sharp, broken or otherwise exposed edges. Make sure to sweep the office floors thoroughly to ensure every hidden danger is taken care of.
As a business owner, your employees' personal safety should be your number one priority. Taking the time and effort to thoroughly clean and disinfect your office building following a black water flood is a non-negotiable task for you. Contact flood remediation experts for assistance during the cleanup process.

First Responders and Floodwaters

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

If you know anyone who's a first responder in Oklahoma City, OK, you have first-hand understanding of the major risks they take in disaster response and recovery. Lives are often at stake — including their own.
One critical responsibility is flood response. Apart from the ever present danger of drowning, rushing water can be deadly for other reasons. Both raging floodwaters and quiet standing waters harbor seen and unseen threats that are hazardous to human health and safety. Here's a rundown on why our civic heroes warn everyone to stay clear of flooded areas.

Reasons To Avoid Floodwaters

These are items, contaminants, rodents and animal remains regularly found in floodwaters:

• Sewage and livestock waste
  
• Hazardous household, industrial and medical waste products
  
• Coal ash waste that possibly contains cancer-causing compounds
  
• Other contaminants that can infect open wounds or cause illness
  
• Injury-causing debris, to include glass, lumber, vehicles and metal fragments
  
• Rodents, snakes and other animals (alive and dead) that pose threats to humans
  
  

Possible Health Consequences
Exposure to, or ingestion of floodwaters can potentially cause:

• Wounds and open wound infections
  
• Skin rashes, sometimes severe
  
• A variety of stomach and gastrointestinal illnesses
  
• Tetanus
  
• Blood infection
  
  

First responders are trained to rescue and protect others from floodwaters. However, they must also protect themselves if they are to continue to serve our community. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations, every first responder receives immunizations that lessen their personal health risks. Within the continental United States, these include vaccines for tetanus and Hepatitis B (if involved in direct patient care.)
Exacting preparation is key to effective disaster response. Much like a first responder, every homeowner should hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Keep a detailed flood plan at the ready, to include contacts for local water damage experts who can provide professional restoration services should your home ever be affected by interior damage from floodwaters.

Commercial Storm - Preventing Frozen Pipes

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Freezing temperatures may lead to a burst pipe, which can cause serious problems for your Smith Village, OK, business. Fortunately, a little preventive maintenance can help protect your property during the winter months.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Knowing which pipes are most likely to freeze will help you when taking steps to prevent it from happening. The following situations are some of the riskiest when temperatures drop:

• Exposed pipes under sinks
• Pipes in garages, attics and other unheated areas
• Pipes in exterior walls
  

Anywhere plumbing lacks adequate insulation and is exposed to freezing temperatures can lead to a frozen pipe. If possible, increase the temperature in the area. For example, opening the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink allows heat to reach those pipes. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night. Even if the building will be empty for a few days, leave the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Insulate pipes in areas that cannot be heated. If you are unable to acquire pipe insulation, newspaper will work as a temporary substitute. Additionally, leaving just a bit of water running through vulnerable pipes can help prevent freezing.

Cleaning Up Water Damage
If your business does experience a burst pipe, the first thing to do is make sure all electricity near the standing water is turned off. Call an electrician if you cannot do this safely. Next, dry out the area as thoroughly as possible. Standing water can lead to mold growth in as few as 24 hours. Some things, like carpets, may have to be fully removed. Use pumps and a wet/dry vacuum to dry out other items. Fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows can help speed the drying process.
Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may need to enlist the help of an experienced restoration service when cleaning up a burst pipe. They can dry out the property, prevent mold growth, and get you back to business.

Keep Your Crawl Space Safe from Water Damage

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

While every part of your Smith Village, OK, house is vulnerable to a home flood, some locations are hit harder than others, such as the crawl space. This location can be difficult to reach and clean, yet the problem can escalate and degrade the house's quality if left untreated. Learn more about crawl spaces, how they are affected by water damage, and how to resolve these issues.

The Purpose of a Crawl Space

A crawl space is a space between the ground and the first floor of the house. Houses that do not have basements have this location instead. It provides a few benefits to your households, such as reducing costs from moving dirt to stabilize a slope, venting outside air, and providing a space where you can install sewer piping and HVAC appliances. However, you can only perform inspections and installations by crawling around the area, hence the name.

Inherent Complications
Attributes such as outside air access and the tight, enclosed place also make it a troublesome area during a home flood. Flooding from leaking pipes or storm damage can result in the following complications:

• Mold and mildew
• Odors and insect infestations
• Structural damage
• Degraded insulation
• Increased energy bills
  

The unique structure that gives a crawl space its advantages also creates some issues during a flood. Prioritize this location when you inspect the building for damage.

Resolving These Issues
If you find water in your crawl space, you will need to contact a restoration company as soon as you can. These professionals have the experience and the equipment necessary to handle the problem efficiently. Due to the limited access to space, they will use pumps to remove the water, followed by the strategic placement of fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area. Afterward, they sanitize the area to make it safe.
A crawl space hit by a home flood can result in mold, foundational damage, and other devastating consequences for your home. Protect this area and hire a professional restoration company to stop the situation from getting worse.

5 Things Not To Do After a Storm

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

5 Things Not To Do After a Storm

After a storm in Smith Village, OK, flood water could find its way into your home. During a situation there are a few things you should remember not to do. Here are five of the most common.

1. Don’t Forget to Inspect for Damage

If you have a flooded home it’s important to inspect for possible damages outside of the immediately visible flooded area. Water can flow through crack and under furniture causing problems in unseen spaces as well.

2. Don’t Forget to Call a Professional

If you have storm flooding in your home it’s recommended to call a local damage restoration service. These professionals will have the tools and knowledge needed to safely restore your home.

3. Don’t Forget to Remove Water

The restoration service working on your home will need to remove the flood water from the property. This is something you can start ahead of time, as leaving water to sit can cause further damage. You can use a bucket, rags, mops, and other absorbent material to soak up water for removal.

4. Don’t Forget to Wear Safety Gear

Any time you deal with flooding it’s important to wear safety gear that can protect you from coming into skin contact with the water. Safety items such as boots, gloves, clothing covers, and masks are good examples.

5. Don’t Forget to Contact Your Insurance

Another important step to take is to contact your insurance agent. Often they can recommend a good restoration service to help clean up any water damage. Your agent should also know as soon as possible so they can begin the steps of filing a claim for your home.

When dealing with storm caused flood water in your home it’s important not to forget several things. Remember to inspect for damage, call a professional, remove the water, wear safety gear, and contact your insurance company. Not doing any of these things could potentially lead to additional problems.

3 Reasons You Need Commercial Flood Coverage

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Reasons To Purchase A Separate Flood Policy

Your business owners policy for your commercial property in Oklahoma City, OK, protect your building and its contents in a variety of situations. It's important, though, to have flood insurance, too. Having this coverage can help you pay for flood mitigation services after the next big storm comes through and causes damage to your building. Here are a few reasons why purchasing a separate flood policy is a good idea.

1. Legal Requirement

If your building is in an area that is in a flood plain, you are probably legally required to carry flood insurance on your property. Business owners in flood-prone areas who have federally insured loans on their properties must protect those properties with commercial insurance designed to cover flood damage. This not only protects your building but also lowers the risk for your lender.

2. BOP Exclusions

Any business can sustain damage from a heavy rain. If there is a weak spot in your roof, water can seep in, and your BOP policy likely covers the cost of repair. When a hurricane floods the area where your building is located, however, your standard commercial plan is not designed to cover the subsequent flooding. You need flood insurance to pay for damage remediation.

3. Secondary Damage

Ideally, all flood damage would be able to be cleaned before further damage can happen, but special circumstances can keep this from happening. The widespread destruction of a storm often taxes local resources so much that secondary damage such as mold makes the problem in your building worse. Flood coverage can not only pay for the original damage but also any related issues that occur.
It can cost a lot to repair flood damage from a storm. Purchasing a flood insurance policy for your commercial building can give you the peace of mind that, if your building is damaged during the next big flood, you are covered.

Types of Disaster Assistance Available to Flood Victims

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

Types of Disaster Assistance Available to Flood Victims

Flooding in Smith Village, OK, can severely damage your home. While flood damage is a major hassle for everyone, it can be particularly devastating if you do not have flood insurance. Fortunately, there are other sources of aid available.

FEMA Grants

If you are in a federally-declared disaster area and are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for a FEMA grant through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program. These grants can be used for disaster expenses, including the following:

• property repairs
• temporary housing
• disaster-related medical and funeral expenses
  

If you are eligible for a grant, you will receive a letter detailing exactly what the funds can be used for. Additionally, the grant money may be distributed to reimburse you for disaster-related expenses that you have already paid for out-of-pocket. In this case, it is important to have photo or video evidence of the damage before you began making repairs.

Other Assistance

If your flood insurance and any grant money are not enough to cover all of your expenses, you may qualify for a loan from the Small Business Association. Despite the name of the loan-provider, these low-interest loans are available to home owners and renters. Like grants, these funds are only to be used for disaster-related expenses and are only available to those in officially-declared disaster areas.
For individuals who need more immediate assistance or are not in a federally-declared disaster area, the Red Cross may be able to help. The Red Cross is a charitable organization that primarily helps with shelter, clothing, food and water.
Due to federal regulations, many people living in a flood plane will likely have flood insurance. However, some people may be uninsured or underinsured. In those cases, the federal government, the SBA and the Red Cross can all provide assistance. Whether your home-repair funds come from your insurance company or another source, a certified restoration company can help you get your home back to pre-flood condition.

3 Reasons Not to Wait for an Adjuster After Your Home is Damaged in a Storm

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

3 Reasons On Why Not To Wait For An Insurance Adjuster After Storm Damage

If you have experienced damage to your home after a storm in Oklahoma City, OK, and you are working on filing a flood insurance claim, you might think that the best thing to do is to wait for an adjuster to arrive. However, this might not be such a good idea. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. You Might Be Waiting for a While

During a large storm or a disaster, there will likely be many people who have suffered flood damage to their homes or buildings. Because of this, it might take a while before an adjuster is able to get to you. There will be quite a few people who are in the same situation that you are, so waiting might not be reasonable.

2. Water Damage Will Only Get Worse

While you are waiting for an adjuster to arrive, the water will continue to affect your house and belongings. If the water is not removed and the building cannot dry out, you will end up with a much larger problem to deal with. When it is exposed to water for long periods of time, wood can begin to warp and may end up rotting which can affect the structure of the building. Mold damage can occur quickly as well and may begin to spread within 24 hours.

3. It Can Affect Your Insurance Claim

In some cases, doing nothing to prevent further damage can affect the results of your flood insurance claim. You might not be approved for as much as you would have otherwise, and your claim might be denied altogether. Paying for repairs on your own can be expensive, so you want to avoid this if possible.
Instead of waiting for your flood insurance adjuster, the best thing to do after a storm is to document the damage. Take pictures and make lists of affected areas and items to provide as evidence. Once this has been done, a cleanup and restoration service can begin mitigation to prevent the damage from worsening while you wait to file your claim.

How To Deduct Storm Losses From Your Taxes

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

Conference room storm damage in Valley Brook, OK

How To Deduct Storm Losses From Your Taxes

As a business owner in Valley Brook, OK, you are responsible for making sure your building is properly restored when it sustains storm damage. These repairs can be expensive, though, and your property insurance may not cover the whole cost. This may leave you with quite a bit to cover out of pocket. To help ease the burden, you may be able to deduct the amount you spend from your taxes, giving you a little bit of a break. There are a few steps you need to take in order to take advantage of this tax break.

1. Take Action Quickly

There are several benefits to calling storm restoration experts as soon as you know your building is damaged:

• Prevent further water damage
  
• Prevent secondary damage, such as mold
  
• Get an estimate for your insurance claim
  
  

While you will probably take pictures and make a list of items with storm damage on your own, having the storm cleanup estimate from the restoration company can provide extra backup to your claim.

2. File Your Insurance Claim

Before you can find out how much of the loss is tax deductible, you need to see how much your insurance policy covers. When you contact your agent, an adjuster will be sent to verify the damage and assess your claim. If you don't file a claim, you are not eligible to deduct any amount of the cost of the damages from your taxes.

3. Claim Your Deduction

Once you know the total that your insurance company is going to cover, you can deduct other repairs from your business taxes. If the federal government has declared a national emergency in your area due to the storm that did the damage, you may even be able to choose the year on which you claim the deduction to maximize your savings.
Storm damage is typically covered by your business insurance, but it doesn't always cover the full amount. Talk to your accountant to see if a tax deduction is possible.

3 Things You Should Know About the Risk of Flooding After a Fire

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

The Risk of Flooding After Fires

After a flood, fires often occur. It can be helpful to learn about the risk of flooding after fires and to know how FEMA NFIP (the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program) can help to protect your home in Valley Brook, OK, from flooding after wildfire damage.

1. Why Do Floods Often Occur After Wildfires?

Floods often occur during the warmer months of the year. Likewise, wildfires are more prone to occur in the heat of summer, especially in an arid environment. When a fire occurs, the landscape in an area changes dramatically, and fires can cause the majority of plant life in an area to temporarily disappear. When heavy rainfall occurs, lack of plant life in the affected area allows water to flow more easily, which ultimately makes a flood more likely to occur.

2. Why Does Flood Insurance Matter?

Though a wildfire may not affect your home, flooding damage that occurs after the fire can devastate your home. However, general homeowner's insurance policies often don't cover damage from flooding. Purchasing separate flood insurance can help to keep your home protected if a flood does occur. FEMA NFIP is often a good option for homeowners since the agency offers flood insurance at affordable rates.

3. What Can You Do To Prepare Your Home for the Effects of a Flood?

There are several ways you can prepare yourself and your home for flooding. It can be helpful to make an emergency escape plan in case a flood occurs with little warning. Backing up valuable documents is also often beneficial, as you may need to access important paperwork after a flood. Additionally, it can be wise to keep contact information on hand for an emergency service restoration company in case you quickly need to begin restoration to your home.

Preparing your home in Valley Brook, OK, for disaster is often important. Understanding why floods occur after wildfires, how FEMA NFIP can help keep your home safe and what you can do to decrease the likelihood of your home from being affected by a fire, can help you feel more prepared for disaster.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Roof Damage

5/11/2019 (Permalink)

The roof is your building's main protection against outside elements. A roof leak can cause a myriad of problems such as water damage and mold growth. Conversely, a well-maintained roof can help you avoid costly flood damage mitigation. Follow these tips for successful roof maintenance.

Inspect Roof on a Regular Basis

High-speed storms can cause all sorts of wind damage. There are several signs that your roof may need repair:

• Pooling water
  
• Bubbles in roof cover
  
• Gaps or tears in roof flashing
  
• Detached gutters or lightning rod
  
• Noticeable water damage
  
  

If you notice any of these visual signs during your inspection, contact professionals in Oklahoma City, OK, for a follow-up inspection and any necessary repairs.

Clean Gutters and Rainspouts

Part of your storm cleanup should include cleaning twigs, rocks, leaves and other debris out of your rain gutters. The gutters are designed to help prevent a roof leak by channeling water off the roof and away from your building. If they get clogged, the water cannot drain properly, and the chance that storm damage will occur during the next intense rain increases significantly. Your drainage system should be checked before and after every storm and cleaned regularly.

Keep Trees and Bushes Trimmed

Most of the debris that causes storm damage to roofs comes from untrimmed trees around the property. Professional landscaping may seem like an extraneous expense, but it can save you thousands of dollars in roof repair in the long run. Landscapers not only make your property look clean and inviting, but they also keep twigs and limbs from turning into dangerous debris during a heavy storm. By ensuring that weak or broken branches are removed and disposed of properly, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble with your roof.

A roof leak can lead to costly flood cleanup, but regular maintenance can help you avoid the problem. Make sure your roof remains in good condition to protect your building.

Best 4 Tips To Prevent Mold After a Flood

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for mold removal and restoration. The air scrubber is one of the many equipment SERVPRO uses to retract any mold in your home.

Safety Tips To Prevent Mold After A Flood

Flooding in your house is bad, and mold growth is even worse. Mold develops in moist environments. This is why it normally appears after a flood in Smith Village, OK. One of the first things you must do is clean it up as soon as possible. Below is some practical advice for safely preventing or removing this fungus from your residence.

1. Wear Protective Gear

Think of your safety first. Before cleaning up anything in your home, make sure you have the right protective equipment. These items include:

  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Masks

These supplies go a long way to protect your skin, mouth, nose and eyes. Generally speaking, it's best to hire a professional mold remediation company to tackle the job.

2. Toss Out Items

Throw away personal possessions that are damaged beyond repair. Otherwise, place salvageable goods outdoors so they can dry. It normally takes wet materials up to 48 hours to air out. Afterward, bring them inside and wipe off the mold.

3. Dry Your House

Make sure it's safe to use electricity in your home after the flood. Air out your home by opening windows, using house fans and turning on dehumidifiers. This removes moisture from the house, which prevents mold growth from developing in your home.

4. Clean Away the Mold

Scrub or wipe away mold off your items using bleach. Take safety precautions when doing this. Make sure you wear a mask, gloves and goggles. Keep the windows open. Dilute every one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. As a best practice, never mix bleach with ammonia.

Free Your Home From Mold Growth

In some cases, mold is something you can clean up on your own. However, it requires that you follow strict safety precautions to properly prevent or remove mold from your home. If you don't feel confident taking this on as a DIY project, hire professional technicians who are experienced in mold removal and restoration.

Commercial Property: Flood Recovery and Financial Responsibility for Tenants

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Recovery And Financial Responsibility For Tenants

If your business is run out of a leased facility, you may be wondering what your financial obligations are after a flood or significant water damage. While business and renter's insurance will help you through the inevitable business interruption, there is the bigger picture of culpability and responsibility. Most of the answer depends on where you live and your lease agreement.

1. State Regulations

Most states require property owners to have commercial insurance coverage, and they also hold property owner’s accountable for repairs. However, depending on where you live, owner’s may be able to share responsibility with tenants under certain circumstances.

2. Lease Agreement

You may also want to review your lease agreement because there may be line items that refer specifically to water damage and who is ultimately responsible for the repairs. Your renter's insurance provider may be able to help you understand your rights as a tenant as well.

3. Personal Property

In most states, the property owner is responsible for the structure of the property, and the tenant is responsible for their personal property. In regards to businesses operating out of leased facilities, this means that the owner is responsible for the facility and you would be responsible for damaged equipment, which is likely covered under your business policy.

4. Restoration

While the owner’s property policy likely covers restoration work involving the structure of the facility, any damage done to your business, like inventory and equipment, is considered a personal business loss and will likely be covered by your insurance. You can contact your insurer or a disaster restoration specialist in the Oklahoma City, OK area for more details.

A flood is devastating for a business, but especially when that business operates out of a leased space. In most states, the property owner is responsible for structural issues while your business and renter's insurance is responsible for personal property losses.

3 Reasons To Have a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, the devastation can be tremendous. Extensive damage or loss of property can lead to uncertainty about the future of your business. To lessen the confusion that comes with a disaster, you need a plan of action in place before the devastation occurs. To protect your business in Smith Village, OK, an emergency profile is an indispensable service. This service can give you peace of mind in many ways:

1. Protect your assets. One of the most important uses of this type of profile is to protect your business’s physical location. An accurate assessment of your facility before a disaster is imperative. This assessment should include details of your business that would prove useful in the event of an emergency, such as contact information and safety details of the location. Your local emergency restoration service may provide a facility evaluation for no charge to your business.

2. Protect your clients. As a business owner, your clients are the priority. In an emergency, each client needs to be assured that your business will resume the operations and service of which he or she is a patron. An emergency profile lets your clients know that you are prepared for any emergency, and it can show that you value the loyalty shown to your business.

3. Protect your future. Only half of businesses that suffer an unexpected accident remain operational. Researchers have found that many of those businesses that do remain open have some type of disaster plan protocol. Within minutes, SERVPRO’s easy-to-use Emergency Ready Profile application provides you with the necessary tools to begin safeguarding your business with your own emergency plan protocol. With the ERP app and the experts from SERVPRO on your side, you will be able to better ensure the future operation of your business entity in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Creating an emergency profile is an excellent way to protect your business and its future operation, as well as the clients that allow your business to thrive. You can operate your business with the assurance that you are prepared for any disaster that could arise.

Seasonal Storms Hitting Oklahoma City

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Ready to Help with ANY Kind of Storm Damage

Oklahoma has a widely varied and often unforgiving climate, making it on the receiving end of damage from a wide range of dangerous storms and natural disasters. Tornadoes can cause huge damages to entire towns, massive hailstones have been known to destroy cars and smash through roofing, and storms in both the summer and winter have the potential for serious flooding and water damage. Storm damage here varies widely in appearance and specifics, but SERVPRO is prepared year-round for all types of natural disasters common in the season. 

 
Tornadoes 
 
Call them tornadoes, twisters, or whatever you like, but these violent natural disasters cause some of the most severe storm damage we see in Oklahoma City. Tornadoes can completely demolish a home, sometimes making rebuilding and replacing the only viable option for unfortunate homeowners. However, more commonly, a home may be affected to a mild or moderate degree and only require corresponding restorations to specific areas of concern. If you are unsure of how long or how much money a tornado restoration could take, be sure to call us for a quote. 
 
Snow and Ice Storms 
 
Snow is less voluminous than in other regions of the country, but can still cause significant damage in the coldest months of the year. Snow can seep into foundations, pile up and freeze in the yard, or cause ice dams that directly lead to water damage problems. When regular shoveling fails, SERVPRO is ready to help with any damages taken by your home. 
 
Heavy Rain Storms 
 
In some cases, ordinary rainstorms can be heavy enough to cause flooding or other severe damage to local homes, especially in the late spring and summer. A storm from the ocean may even make its way inland from the coast, bringing with it a massive amount of moisture and destruction. In the event of flooding, make sure your valuables are secured and elevated and try to stay in a safe place or on the upper floors of your home. 
 
SERVPRO of South Oklahoma City has helped hundreds in the local area to recover from water, storm, fire, and other types of damage to their homes. For our assistance after a storm, just call us 24/7 at (405) 677-4000.

Preventing Mold After Home Flooding

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

Standing storm water in an Oklahoma City, OK real estate office

Extensive flooding causes many problems beyond just the initial water damage. One of the most significant concerns is the issue of mold growth. Mold begins to form within 24 hours after a flood, which means that quick action is necessary to prevent the extensive and exhausting mold removal process. The four steps below can help you diminish the risk of mold exposure after a flood.

1. Dry It

It is wise to dry out your home as quickly as possible after a flood. You can begin the drying process by purchasing or renting several dehumidifiers, fans, and air movers. To help your furniture or other belongings dry out, it is best to place them in a dry location outside where they have exposure to the sun.

2. Clean It

Once all of your items have dried thoroughly, you can begin the process of cleaning them. You may use any number of disinfectants, but bleach is typically the most reliable and most cost-effective cleaner after a flood because it kills most bacteria and prevents the spread of mold and mildew. Also, for your personal items or furniture, you may want to find a local expert in the Oklahoma City, OK, to help you clean porous items.

3. Discard It

To prevent mold growth, it may be necessary to throw away certain porous items that cannot be professionally cleaned, like mattresses. These types of deep, absorbent surfaces provide an ideal location for the spread of mold and mildew.

4. Call Backup

Again, as the cleanout and salvage process following a flood can be exhausting, seeking help from local professionals, friends, family, or neighbors is beneficial. Having a support system in place will help to relieve your stress and worry.

Mold growth can be a definite concern after a flood, but with the right approach and the right group of friends, it may be preventable. The four steps above provide an outline for the systematically tackling of the flood cleanup process to give you the best chance at minimizing mold exposure.

Assessing Flood Damage After a Rainstorm

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rainstorms around Oklahoma City, OK have caused many homes to experience flooding, which can transport dangerous microorganisms into your residence. Unlike damage from a broken pipe or leaky appliance, floodwaters pick up bacteria and germs from outdoors and deposit them inside. Long after a storm has passed, leftover water and humidity lingers behind in absorbent and porous materials. Determining the source of water in your home is an important step in the restoration process.

Understanding the Three Categories of Water Damage

Each water category requires a different cleaning and restoration procedure. The most important thing to determine is whether the water originated from inside or outside the residence. All damage caused by flooding from rainstorms is considered category 3.

• Category 1 and 2: Water from a source inside the home, such as a leaky pipe or appliance.

• Category 3: Water from an outside source that is brought into a residence and causes flood damage. This category can introduce a variety of contaminants into a home. Floodwaters have oftentimes been in contact with harmful elements, such as sewage, that may harbor dangerous microorganisms.

Starting the Cleaning and Restoration Process

After determining the category, the next step is contacting a qualified professional service that has the proper equipment and skills to handle water damage.

• Cleaning Category 1 or 2: Using extractors, experts should remove any water from saturated areas. Affected walls and baseboards would be removed and vent holes drilled to allow airflow. Fans and dehumidifiers should be strategically placed throughout the area to decrease humidity. Any category 2 damage would also include carpet disinfection.

• Cleaning Category 3: Contaminated areas should be isolated, and all remaining water removed. Nonabsorbent materials should be disinfected. After the decontamination, the rest of the procedure follows the same steps as a category 1 or 2 cleaning.

Dealing with flooding situations is never fun. However, with the help of qualified professionals, your home can be decontaminated and restored safely, quickly and correctly. Visit http://www.SERVPROofsouthoklahomacity.com for more information on storm damage. 

What Is Business Interruption Insurance?

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

It can be overwhelming to imagine all of the steps to take if your Oklahoma City business has to unexpectedly shut down. Even if it’s only for a short period of time, you can lose a significant profit if you are forced to close after a natural disaster. Business interruption insurance often gives you peace of mind that temporarily closing your company’s doors doesn’t mean a complete loss of business. This addition to your property insurance can provide you with income you would have earned had you remained open while you rebuild. Utilizing this coverage can allow you to focus on quickly and thoroughly restoring your closed business to its full working capability.

Business Interruption Insurance Can Benefit You

Adding interruption coverage to your Oklahoma City, OK company’s plan helps to ensure that you’re not losing profits while you’re in the process of rebuilding your establishment. Your business might benefit from multiple aspects of this protection:

• This insurance generally covers the loss of income during a restoration period to your company, so you are still bringing in income. This amount is usually determined by historical data on the typical revenue and expenses of a business.
• Utility operating expenses, such as electricity that continues to be billed, can also be covered under this policy.
• Extra expenses insurance is also generally available. This often includes costs related to relocating a business, such as rent on a temporary location, while you rebuild.

Considerations

The price of this policy addition is usually related to the type and location of a business. Coverage can look different for a small retail shop vs. a large restaurant. Specifics of your building, such as sprinkler systems and likelihood of a fire, can also affect your policy coverage. Additionally, the amount of coverage can vary based on the length of time it takes to restore your business. The needs of a business that rebuilds in just a few weeks vary greatly from a larger renovation that takes several months.

Scrutinize your business’s needs and plan ahead for the worst-case scenario. By doing so, you can help your company rebuild and stay afloat even in unstable times. Visit http://www.SERVPROofsouthoklahomacity.com for more information on storm damage. 

3 Ways To Stay Safe During a Flood Cleanup

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Outdoor flooding in Oklahoma City, OK, can cause damage to your home in many ways. Whether flood water poured into your basement or invaded the main rooms of your house, the cleanup process can be a daunting one. However, there may also be a few dangers involved, and knowing how to stay safe as you recover from a flood can reduce the risk of illness or injury to you and your family.

1. Avoid Black Water

When rivers, streams and other outdoor bodies of water spill over their banks and create flooding, the water may mix with sewage overflow, chemicals from drainage ditches and other debris. As a result, flood water is typically loaded with contaminants and pathogens that may cause illnesses in people and pets. This black water should only be handled by a qualified storm cleanup and water damage company that has the ability and equipment to drain and dispose of it safely.

2. Beware of Electrical Hazards

Once flood water enters your home, it may create standing water in one or more rooms. While you may want to enter these areas to retrieve wet belongings, it is important to remember that electric outlets, wires and circuit panels may have been affected by water to create a severe electrical hazard. Before you enter a flooded room, cut your home’s power and wear rubberized protective boots and gloves to minimize the danger of electric shock.

3. Do Not Disturb Mold

A flooded home can be prone to mold growth, especially in the first few days after the flood when humidity is high. However, you may want to avoid cleaning up mold on your own, as disturbing it can cause spores to detach and settle nearby, increasing the spread of the fungus. Let your flood cleanup company handle the removal and treatment of mold. 

When flood water invades your Oklahoma City, OK, home, it can be difficult to know where to begin with cleanup efforts. However, when you make the safety of yourself and your family job number one, the path to restoration can be easier to travel. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROofsouthoklahomacity.com.

What To Salvage and What To Throw Away

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

Caring for your home in Oklahoma City, OK under normal circumstances can be stressful. When you bring flooding into the picture, it can become a downright disaster. Once your family is safe and you’ve checked with your insurance, it’s time to begin content cleaning. This is the first step to returning your home to its previous condition.

Is It Safe to Keep?

Your instinct might be to try to throw away everything that has been submerged in flood waters. This isn’t necessary, however; there are many items you may be able to safely save, clean and restore. Depending on what type of water they were exposed to, items such as drapes, clothing and other material goods might be able to be saved by washing them. This could be in your washing machine or dry cleaning, depending on the type of material. Other items that could be saved and restored include these:

• Rugs
• Furniture
• Toys
• Collectibles

Don’t Risk It; Throw It Away

Certain items should always be thrown away once exposed to flooding. These cannot be saved by content cleaning, especially if they were exposed to black water. Flood waters will make these unsafe for use or consumption:

• Food or beverages
• Medical supplies
• Clothing or canvas items
• Building supplies such as carpets, pads, drywall and wood floors

Getting Help Cleaning Up

It’s best to start cleanup as soon as it’s safe for you to enter the flooded area. You want to protect yourself with gloves, masks, long pants and sleeves and rubber-soled shoes. The less exposure to contaminated water and items, the better.

One thing is for certain, when doing content cleaning after water backup or residential flooding, don’t go at it alone. Get help from friends, family or professionals. They’ll be able to help you sort out which items are salvageable and which are better off sent to the dumpster and replaced with new ones. Visit http://www.SERVPROofsouthoklahomacity.com for more information on storm damage.

Calling a Reputable Company for Mitigation

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

How to Get Water Cleanup and Mitigation Done

In order to get water cleanup done, you're going to need to hire a restoration company that can come in and handle the flood damage for you. They do all of the drying for you when it concerns water in your home. If you have water in your business, restoration can be done by the same type of company. You may want to hire the pros to handle a pipe break or supply line break if this has become an issue for you. A flooded home should be restored as soon as possible to prevent further issues from surfacing.

How to Hire a Restoration Company
The best way to hire a professional company to handle water in your home is by finding one that has a lot of experience. These companies should ideally have a lot of experience cleaning up water in a business or any type of water in a home. They can also find and fix a supply line break or pipe break that you might currently have. In many cases, the reason for water in a business is because of a pipe break. If you have a supply line break, you might want to contact a professional plumber to handle the issue for you.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofsouthoklahomacity.com for more information on water damage.

The Ultimate Guide to Successful Storm Damage Restoration

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

The Ultimate Guide to Successful Storm Damage Restoration

Few things are more devastating than storm damage. When flooding happens, your priority should be getting everyone to safety. After leaving the premises, the next step should be looking for skilled restoration experts to help you with the storm damage restoration process. Below are a few of the things which can help you with the storm damage restoration process.

Handling water and flood damage

When water damage happens or flooding , assess whether it is safe to stay in the house. Make sure everyone in the house avoids all sorts of electrical and also slip and fall hazards. Be careful when handling wet materials because they can be extremely heavy. Flood pumps are typically used for water extraction. The water restoration company you contact should, therefore, possess quality flood pumps to deal with the flooding.

Dealing with roof damage, leaking roofs, and roof repair

The strong winds that result from storm damage sometimes blow entire roofs off buildings. The ice damage, ice dams and hail damage also lead to complications such as roof leaks. If you realize you have roof leaks after this damage, you should contact a storm restoration company that understands how to do roof repairs. Ice damage, ice damming and ice dams are all problems which can be resolved when experts are engaged in roof repair and storm restoration.

Dealing with frozen pipes

When the temperatures are too low after a storm, the water in the pipes tends to cool down. Frozen pipes should not be left unattended to because they will eventually and cause serious water damage in the home. Flood pumps and other equipment can be used to deal with the ice dams and ice damage which contributes to the presence of frozen pipes in the home.

Hail damage and hurricane damage

When the temperatures are low, rain tends to solidify and fall as hailstones. These hailstones can sometimes be as large as golf balls, and when this happens, hail damage will affect the roof, windows and other parts of the home. An expert should assess the hail damage, ice damming or hurricane damage which has occurred and come up with a workable plan for roof repair, home restoration, and storm remediation.

Ground water and flood water

The other huge complication that comes after flooding or river flooding is that when the water is left in the house, parts which are made of wood start rotting. The rotting from flood water, ice damming, and ground water weakens the structure of the house, which can lead to eventual collapse. Storm restoration experts use flood pumps to remove the river flooding water, and then they follow this up with dehumidification and drying.

When you have a reliable wind damage, flood water, roof damage and storm restoration company, you will have an easy time dealing with hurricane damage and storm remediation. Take time and choose a company that is trusted and experienced in storm remediation. This will save you money, time, and give you peace of mind.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofsouthoklahomacity.com for more information on storm damage.

Instant Flood Damage can Ruin Your Night in Oklahoma City

6/25/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Quickly Get Your Flooding Disaster Under Control

Mishaps happen to even the most cautious of us, even in our own homes. One situation that can bring about extreme damage can occur when you are preparing for bed, drawing your bath, shutting off appliances, and reach the television – something good is on – that movie you wanted to see so much, for so long, is finally on the screen. You sit down, relax, and forget that your bath water must be nearing the top of the tub by now.
 
Oklahoma City might have several theaters, and in situations like the one above, seeing a movie there might have kept you from forgetting about the overflowing tub that caused all that flood damage. However, then again, being away from home when a water pipe breaks wide open can create just as much of a mess, and sometimes, an even bigger one. In either situation, water can spread faster than you can mop it up. For that reason, you need to have professionals like those from SERVPRO help, and our Water Restoration Technician's (WRT) training can assist in ensuring that your home is more than just mopped up.
 
Before we leave any home and consider the job there complete, the residence's moisture and humidity levels are restored to their normal ranges. These include the structure itself, the belongings in it, and the air, also. A bathtub overflowing might seem like a simple task to remedy, but in reality, it can become very complicated simply because of the fluidity of the water permits it to seep into the tiniest of cracks and porous surfaces.
 
Water does not stop moving, either, but continues to flow, evaporate, condense elsewhere, and evaporate again. Just as in nature, water continues to do this, until we physically remove it from your home. SERVPRO uses different methods to achieve this goal of normal dryness.
 
We start by removing the largest amounts and collections of water with handheld extractors that pump the water into containers. When situations require larger amounts be removed, we use one of our pump trucks first, as this is much safer and highly efficient. When all visible water is eliminated, working toward the elimination of water trapped by carpets, wood paneling, flooring, and other porous materials, we use heaters and large air blowers. At times, we also use special pads that remove excess moisture.
 
When belongings are affected, we decide which method is best according to the item itself. Many items are not damaged by the actual water itself at the initial event, but instead, they are damaged later by moisture in the air that travels and then condenses on the surfaces. This applies in particular to photographs and paintings, making the use of dehumidifiers necessary.
 
No matter the cause of your flood damage event, call us, SERVPRO of South Oklahoma City, at (405) 677-4000. Because we know that accidents happen around the clock, we never close, keeping us available to you at all times.

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Storm Damage And Your Roof In Oklahoma City

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage To Your Roof

Even when there was no hail or rain produced during a storm, your roof can sustain damage. Strong winds make stress points on your roof which, over time, can weaken and be compromised. Roofs are made to resist typical winds; however, they can be damaged incrementally over years of high winds and debris blown around by the wind. It is important to fix the initial damage and replace missing shingles quickly to stop any high fuel costs and water damage that inevitably result from a roof which is damaged.

The effect that the wind has over your Oklahoma City home’s roof is not uniform. Areas such as the perimeter and corners of your roof are susceptible to high wind pressures and storm damage, while the center could have fewer stresses. Most wind damage begins at the edge of the roof. Anywhere the material of the roof is just a bit loose, the wind gets under it and pushes it up, therefore giving the wind more to grab onto during the next storm, which makes a peeling effect. This type of damage can begin quite small, but keep growing over time through repeated exposure to the wind.

SERVPRO can be counted on to help get your roof repaired when storm damage has ravished it. With our professional training and courteous, timely work, we can help to prevent further damage to your home from intruding water by covering damaged areas with tarps or plywood for temporary protection. We then focus on restoring water damage of the attic and other affected areas. Our technicians may be able to do the roof repairs, but we can always get help from one of our roofing contractor partners to rebuild your roof to code when needed.

Tree Damage And Flying Debris
Wind events which are significant also cause debris to fly into your roof. Tree branches, shards of glass, and other debris can be more damaging than the wind at times. When looking at your roof after a windstorm, investigate what could have blown across or onto the roof. It's a good idea to check your downspouts and gutters since debris can clog them and make other problems in the future. Make sure to keep your trees trimmed and away from the roof. Tree branches that touch a roof gouge and scratch roofing materials when branches are being blown around. Overhanging trees which have falling branches cause damage or even puncture shingles and other materials on your roof.

If you suspect damage to your roof, call SERVPRO right away. Remember, the longer you wait, the more damage occurs. The cost to replace or repair your roof is much less when you do not have added water damage and leak repair costs. We also help you speak with your insurance company to take some of the stress off you and to help you file your claim. All damage gets documented thoroughly, and we draw up a plan for remediation before we even begin any work.

SERVPRO of South Oklahoma City understands how important it is to repair a roof that has sustained storm damage. The protection of your family and home depend upon your roof, so we are available at all hours when you dial (405) 677-4000.