Recent Posts
Keep yourself safe against home electrical fires.
7/26/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles has seen a rise in house fires causes by an electrical malfunction in recent months. Understanding common causes and warning signs is very important. Make sure all electrical wiring installed correctly, do not overload the circuits and don't use defective or improper plugs. Make sure that you perform scheduled maintenance. Try to recognize the warning signs of possible electrical problems, such as, flickering or dimming lights, switches or outlets that are hot to the touch, look for discolored cords, outlets and switch plate covers.
Some other helpful tips for avoiding an electrical fire are to ensure that all electrical modifications are performed by a licensed professional. Inspect and repair outlets and switches, replace malfunctioning or outdated fuses and circuit breakers. Don't run cords underneath carpeting and discard any frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
Electrical fires are among the most dangerous forms of combustion due to how quickly they can spread and grow out of control. By following the information above, you can help reduce the chances of an electrical fire occurring in your home.
Source: https://www.thehartford.com/about-us/junior-fire-marshal/electrical-fire-safety
The initial steps in dealing with a water damage.
7/26/2021 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO we're no strangers to water damage, but you may not know what to do, or better what SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles can do FOR you.
Step 1: Disconnect the power, unplug any electronics, and remove electronics, furniture and movable items immediately.
Step 2:Get rid of the water. SERVPRO professionals will extract the water with our specialized equipment, not just your ordinary shop vac.
Step 3: Dry out the affected area. SERVPRO professionals will place specialized drying equipment such as dehumidifiers, air movers, and desiccants and monitor it's progress daily until it reads completely dry.
Step 4: Disinfect and Prevent Mold Growth. SERVPRO professionals will treat the affected areas with Sporicidin an anti-microbial formulated to stop the growth of any micro-organisms, including mold.
Step 5: Dispose of Damaged Items Responsibly. SERVPRO professionals will assist you in sorting your damaged items. Some things will be saved, however some will not. SERVPRO professionals know how to responsibly handle items that may be recyclable to alleviate the pressure on local landfills instead of simply throwing it all in a dumpster.
If you suffer a water damage we here at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you make it "Like it never even happened." Call us at 812-574-5744
Big Storms rolling though the area!
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, we see the aftermath of storm damage and how devastating the damages can be. We cannot stress enough the importance of PREPAREDNESS. We have compiled here a list of things you can do with and for your family to help in the event of a storm disaster.
Create you Home Emergency Plan
A household emergency plan is vital in ensuring you and your family knows what to do during and after a severe storm.
Every member of your household should be involved in developing your Home Emergency Plan, discussing things such as:
- How a severe storm could impact your home.
- The location of exit points in the house
- Where to go if you need to evacuate.
- How to stay in contact if you're separated from each other.
- Requirements for those with medical conditions or special needs.
- What to do with any pets
- What to include in your Home Emergency Kit.
- Whether your insurance is adequate and current.
Create your Home Emergency Kit
An emergency kit contains essential itemsw that you and other members of your household may need during and after a storm.
Your emergency kit should be able to sustain you for at least three days in case essential services have been disrupted or you have been isolated by flood water.
The following basic items should be included in your Home Emergency Kit.
- Your Home Emergency Plan, including emergency contact numbers.
- Portable Radio (with batteries or wind-up)
- Torch (with batteries or wind-up)
- First Aid Kit
- Sturdy gloves
- Important documents and cash in waterproof bags.
- Essential Medication
- Special items for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets.
- Drinking water and non-perishable food for three days.
Prepare your home
There are simple things you can do to minimize the impact of storms on your home and surrounding property, as shown in the following planning checklist:
- Check your roof regularly to make sure it's in good condition.
- Keep gutters, down-pipes and drains clear.
- Remove tree branches that are too close to your house.
- Fix and corrosion, loose fittings and rotting or termite-affected timber.
- Secure loose items around your property.
General Home Safety Preparations
- Ensure your home, contents and car insurance is adequate and current.
- Identify the safest room in which to shelter during a storm.
- Learn how to safely turn off your power, water and gas.
- Keep water containers, a camping stove and fuel safely on hand.
If you live in a flood-prone area
- Store poisons and garden chemicals well above ground level.
- Identify indoor items you'll need to raise or empty if flood threatens.
- Relocate power points well above previous flood levels.
If you live in a storm or cyclone-prone area
- Get a professional builder to asses the structural integrity of your house.
- Fit shutters or metal screens to your windows for added protection.
Tune into WARNINGS: If a severe weather warning or storm alert has been issued for your area, it's important to gain as much information as possible to help you prepare and protect your family and home.
We hope these tips are helpful and provide some examples of what it means to truly be STORM READY. If your home suffers damage due to a storm please call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles anytime, 24\7. We can help get your home back to pre-storm condition and make it "Like it never even happened."
Stay ahead of the curve for the next storm event.
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
With technology today, we can usually predict when a large storm is going to hit. Here are some helpful tips to prepare you and your loved ones for a storm.
Tune into your local weather radio station, TV channel, or app.
Depending on the type of storm, you must evaluate your situation.
Create an emergency plan.
Prepare an emergency kit. Each kit should include:
Prepare your home.
Make sure your insurance is adequate
Learn how to safely turn off your power, gas, and water
Remove tree branches or other dangers close to your home
Check your roof and gutters clear
Emergency Ready Profile
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
There's never a convenient time for your business to be sidelined with fire or water damage. We want to make sure you and your employees are equipped with all the necessary information to quickly respond to emergency water for fire damage. The Emergency Ready Profile is just that, all the information about your business, account numbers, phone numbers, utility shut off locations, work authorizations and more. All put together in an easy to access application for any device, as well as paper copies to have on hand for immediate use. And the best part is, it’s a 100% free service offered by SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles.
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster; of the businesses that survive, an overwhelmingly majority had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
What is included in an Emergency Ready Profile??
Details specific to your facility, such as shut off valve locations, photos of these locations as well as account information for major utilities will be compiled. Identification of the chain of command, which will save time, and when it comes to mitigation, time means money. It seems like a no brainer already, but there’s even more.
Our Emergency Ready Profile allows SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles employees to become familiar with your facility BEFORE a disaster happens, so when you really need us, we’ll be prepared with enough information to respond more efficiently than another company. Establishing SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles as your preferred mitigation and restoration provider means we’ll have access to your profile, and all that information will allow us to respond Faster to any disaster. From knowing where to park, the best route to the utility shut off, numbers to call for authorization and assistance, and any preferences you as the business owner may have; Again, saving time and therefore money.
It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. It will minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”
To enroll in the Emergency Ready Program and to start your Emergency Ready Profile for your local business, contact SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles TODAY!
(812)574-5744
Is your Commercial property EMERGENCY READY???
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
Like the majority of commercial properties and businesses, your facility probably has an emergency exit plan in place, with illuminated signs leading occupants to safety, and even facility maps strategically placed to identify alternate routes out of the building. But have you developed a thorough contingency plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours, to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible? SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Ready Profile. Even better, it will be at NO COST to you.
As part of a well-thought out contingency plan, your Emergency Ready Profile will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs. An added advantage to utilizing SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles in the development of your Emergency Ready Profile, is the opportunity to coordinate a preferred provider relationship. You will be familiar with our technicians and we will be familiar with your facility and key persons of contact. These small things could make a BIG difference when an emergency situation occurs.
CONTACT US today to set up an appointment to begin your personalized Emergency Ready Profile.
Professional Carpet Cleaning by SERVPRO
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
Carpet cleaning is important to maintaining the overall comfort and monetary value of a property. Any type of flooring is an investment for the property owner. Keeping the investment in the best shape takes a professional, but without proper certification, the consumer cannot be guaranteed of proper education and training on updated techniques used in maintaining the value of the flooring. Luckily, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles technicians are trained in the latest techniques and procedures--Always maintaining the highest quality of service possible for our values customers.
There are health effects that can arise from any unsanitary environment, and it can be surprising to learn what survives in and under the flooring. Allergens that are left behind can lead to serious health effects for family members and even household pets. Proper techniques can reduce or eliminate allergens in the environment, improving the health of the occupants.
Great strides have been made in technologies used in carpet-care. Today there are only a few basic wet and dry methodologies accepted by the industry leaders. Ensuring consistently high standards means understanding how the certifying body works to guarantee better results at lower costs.
Proper maintenance begins with regular vacuuming using a high-powered machine. Over time normal wear and tear leads to a dull, soiled appearance. Proper maintenance by the occupants can help keep the flooring looking good, but there comes a time when a certified technician has to be called to get to the really deep grime a normal household vacuum can miss.
SERVPRO employs highly trained and educated technicians who will use the proper techniques. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the accepted industry leader in floor maintenance and restoration. The non-profit organization ensures technicians remain competitive and that consumers receive better service. Our franchises as well as many of our employees have this IICRC certification.
While regular maintenance is beneficial to the healthfulness and attractiveness of a home or office, a certified technician is necessary to take care of the really deep jobs regular vacuuming misses.
If you need help keeping or getting your carpets clean, give SERVPRO a call today! 812-574-5744
Water Heater woes.
4/29/2021 (Permalink)
A common issue that we deal with day in and day out at SERVPRO are water heater leaks. A good majority of the time this is cause by a water heater failing and aged past the point of needing replaced. Unfortunately, the home owner doesn't usually find out about this until its to late.
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank or if it works erratically, it's probably time for a replacement.
In some cases, repairs and troubleshooting can save your existing water heater. Before you look for a replacement, make sure that an electrical problem, such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker, isn't the reason for the unit's failure. Regular water heater maintenance will extend the life of your unit, and some repairs — such as replacing a pressure relief valve or heating element — are pretty simple.
If the unexpected happens, call the experts at SERVPRO at 812-574-5744 and let us handle the unexpected.
Prepare you company for the unexpected.
4/26/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Madison, Versailles and Lawrenceburg has an awesome marketing team available to answer any questions you might have regarding the services SERVPRO has to offer to your business. On e of the items our marketing team is tasked with bringing to customers is the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). This is a complementary service that could possibly save you time and money in the event of a disaster at your property.
The ERP can be done on site with a maintenance employee or any office staff. Our marketing representative will use an iPad to go around the facility and take notes and pictures of different locations such as shut off valves, electrical boxes, emergency exits, parking areas for service vehicles, and take down all of the emergency contact numbers for each utility service.
In the event of a disaster at your location you can open up the app and contact SERVPRO, or any other utility company you use that might be necessary. If someone at your location needs to know how to shut off the water in the event of a water loss all of that information could be at their fingertips in seconds with the Ready App.
Contact us today at 812-574-5744 to schedule your complementary ERP today.
Cleaning Carpets.
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
The only reason someone would attempt treatment on their own is to save money, and this usually leads to bad results. It will, for example, cost much more to replace carpeting that has been damaged beyond repair, and this is possible if soils are allowed to remain for too long, or they aren't adequately removed during the cleaning process.
Without training and certification, a home or business owner may not pick the right detergent to use, or the right equipment. For instance, soils that have become matted in the fibers must be loosened from the fibers before they can be removed-- a process known as suspension. Suspension is normally done with special substances that professionals have access to, and certified carpet cleaning companies such as SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles have multiple suspension agents available, depending on what kind of soil is present.
If someone attempts treatment without suspending the soil, the results will only be superficial, and may make the situation worse in the days to come.
Do-It-Yourselfers often have trouble applying the correct amount of water to the affected area, which can lead to leftover detergent residue, or excess moisture below the surface, providing the perfect breeding ground for MOLD. Home and business owners attempting treatment on their own frequently cause color and odor damage during treatment as well, usually as a result of using unsafe detergent.
Professional, certified treatment provided by SERVPRO professionals is the answer for most, and should be the very first should when dealing with any kind of carpet damage.
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