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.

1. Tune into your local weather radio station, TV channel, or app.

2. Depending on the type of storm, you must evaluate your situation.

• Your location matters. You need to find a safe place that offers shelter.

3. Create an emergency plan.

• Know where you are going (locate fast exit points or where to stay)

• Memorize emergency phone numbers

4. Prepare an emergency kit. Each kit should include:

• Flashlights

• Batteries

• Non perishable foods

• Water bottles

• Blankets

• First Aid Kit (essential medications)

5. 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.  

Rain, rain go away!

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basements are a common catastrophe homeowner's experience due to substantial amounts of rain. It's important to mitigate the loss as soon as possible to prevent further damage and mold growth.

Here are a few tips to follow to help prevent a flooded basement:

Focus on prevention. Long before you're in a flooding situation, look around your property for ways to divert rainwater away from your home. Important considerations are extending rain gutter down spouts away from your home and making sure the grade of your yard surfaces slope away from your home.

Clean the rain gutters in the spring and after all the leaves have come down in the fall. Blocked gutters will cause all of the roof water to dump directly against your foundation, increasing the likelihood of basement flooding.

Extend the rain gutter downspouts well out and away from your home. Do not connect the downspouts to your foundation footer drain tiles or to underground dry wells. This will only cause the roof water to further saturate the ground and cause flooding in your basement.

Walk around outside in your yard during a heavy rainstorm. Watch to see if water is ponding next to your home and if surface water is being directed toward your home. If this is the case, seek a local landscaper or excavation contractor for advice on ways to regrade your yard so the surface water is directed away from your home.

Provide emergency power. Install an automatic emergency generator to provide electric service for essential circuits like your furnace or electric heat, well pump, refrigerator, septic tank pump and sump pump in the case when power is lost. Without emergency backup power, you may return home to unnecessary basement flooding, frozen water pipes and a flooded septic tank.

Install a sump pump. An automatic sump pump should help keep water leakage normal amounts of rainfall from building up in the basement. As long as the sump pump tank has an opening in the lid, the sump pump will act like a huge floor drain and keep the water from getting deep.

Install a backup sump pump. The sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. However, the most reliable sump pump available in the industry is still a mechanic device and can fail. A backup sump pump system, preferably with at least a battery-operated pump, configured with a switch device to begin working if the main is out of commission, greatly reduces the chance of flood. Some systems come with additional security features such as an alarm that goes off whenever the battery operated is started

Make an emergency family plan. Plan ahead with your family so that everyone has each other cell phone and other contact numbers. If you live in an area that is prone to historic flooding, plan ahead of time where you'll be able to stay until flood waters subside. Keep in mind that all your neighbors will probably need housing too. As local hotels are usually inundated during flooding events, try to arrange ahead of time with some local family members away from the flooding area to have temporary housing if ever needed.

Have flood insurance. Add flood insurance onto your existing homeowner's policy. Flood insurance is provided by the government and is fairly inexpensive. In the USA, if your home insurance agent does not provide flood insurance, contact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for local agencies that do.

You can trust our experienced team to take care of you and your needs. SERVPRO is here to help make it "Like it never even happened." Call us at 812-574-5744

Source:  https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-Basement-from-Flooding.

Beautiful Partnerships!

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Making sure you keep up with all the cleaning that needs to be done at your place of business can be a daunting task. SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles works with several companies is the area to keep their cleaning up to date.  

These companies have cleanliness at a high priority and they put it into the experts hands!  SERVPRO has the knowledge, and tools to make sure that your working environment stays fresh and clean. 

We also have the expertise to handle Covid-19 clean ups and decontamination. Let SERVPRO partner with you and your business.  

Call us today 812-574-5744

Why commercial cleaning is important for your business.

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

There are a lot of issues that business owners must worry about to keep their business running. Operations, sales, marketing, accounting issues…. the list goes on and on. With so much to worry about, sometimes issues such as ongoing commercial cleaning of a business is an afterthought, but this would be a mistake! Consistent commercial cleaning might not sound like a big deal, but a clean business sends a powerful message to staff and customers alike.

Why commercial cleaning is important to businesses of all sizes

Why is maintaining professional commercial cleaning from a company like SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles so important? Here are some of the benefits of prioritizing workplace cleanliness:

• It reduces the need to replace supplies and equipment as often. When dirt and grime are left to build up, they will cause unnecessary wear-and-tear on your office equipment. Flooring can become stained and unkempt, and office furniture left uncared for is unsightly, not to mention unsanitary. Regular professional commercial cleaning and maintenance will save you costly replacements of these items.
• It can help you find and fix damages before they become a problem. Regular deep cleaning can help you catch issues you might not notice. Regular cleaning maintenance can help you see the signs of water damage and mold growth that may otherwise go unnoticed. Damage from leaks are much easier to deal with at the beginning of the issue and easier to resolve. The longer the damage from a water leak goes on, the higher the costs for repairs are going to be and the higher the risk of mold.
• It can positively affect employee morale. An unclean workplace makes it difficult to concentrate and has been proven to cause stress, especially for those people who are highly sensitive to uncomfortable surroundings. When your workers are happy and productive, your customers and clients will know it, and an atmosphere of positivity will affect your business by encouraging repeat sales and referrals.
• It gives your business an image and reputation of professionalism. If your business looks like a mess, most people may assume it’s unprofessional. Water-stained walls, dirty carpets, unkempt furniture and machinery, and dusty light fixtures can give your prospective customers the idea that you are not a professional business. Simple commercial cleaning on a regular basis can help address this.

Are you ready for April Showers?

4/16/2021 (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." 

Storm Season is coming up!

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit South Eastern Indiana, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

If stormy weather causes waterdamage to your property call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles at (812) 574-5744, today!

Let the pros clean your carpets!

4/16/2021 (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 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

Follow these steps if you ever find yourself with water damage

4/16/2021 (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

Routine checks on your furnace can save you troubles down the line.

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

In the winter, your furnace is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. Without it, your central air and heating system won’t do the heating part.  

Making sure that you upkeep your furnace can save you so many headaches.  A dirty furnace can easily turn into a fire hazard.  To help avoid this, we've collected 8 valuable sets to help when your upkeeping your furnace.  

1) Do a visual Inspection: Making sure that your looking over all equipment to see if anything is out of place.

2) Clean or Replace the Air Filters: All air filters need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.  If not, this can severely hurt the performance of your furnace.  A good rule to live by is changing your filters every 1-3 months.

3) Install and/or Test your Carbon Monoxide detector: If you have a gas furnace you should have a carbon monoxide somewhere nearby.  Make sure you test and change out the batteries on a regular basis.

4) Keep all your registers clear: Air flow can be an issue if your registers get blocked and the heat cant properly distribute throughout the house.  This in turn causes the home owner to turn up the heat causing a higher heating bill.

5) Check the Pilot Light: If you pilot light is out you will need to either re-light it or call a professional to inspect for further issues.  

6) Keep Exhaust Pipes Clear: If you have a gas furnace there should be an exhaust pipe leading it outside.  Those pipes need to be cleared out.

7) Clear Out the Clutter: The surrounding area around the furnace should be clean and clutter free.

8) Keep the Drainage Tube Clean: Propane-powered and gas furnaces have a drainage tube for the water that drips out of the unit into a drip pan.  Make sure that tube is not clogged because the water can back up into the furnace and damage the flame sensor.

Washer worries!

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Getting new appliances in the home can be very exciting!  It can be easy to overlook if something wasn't hooked up properly in the excitement of getting something new!  

Our team at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles answered a call on Saturday of a laundry room being flooded.  The home owner had moved their washer out to clean behind it and once put back forgot to put back the drain hose properly.  One minute the home owner was watching tv while the laundry was getting done.  The next, the whole laundry room is getting flooded out because the washer is now draining all over the floor!  

Luckily our experts moved fast and was able to save the floor with minimal mitigation because it was caught early.  This won't always be the case so please be carful when installing new or replacing your washer.  

In the unfortunate and unexpected event that your laundry room does flood, call the experts at SERVPRO to get you back on your feet!

812-574-5744

Hotel floods

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO received a call from the Clifty INN about a bathtub overflowing and flooding out the bathroom. Being a hotel, that flooding affected the lower floor as well causing multi level water damage.  

Our team at SERVPRO was able to arrived on scene, extract all water. left on the floors and added our air movers and dehumidifiers on each level to start the drying out process.  

Clifty Inn has used SERVPRO in the past because they know that our experts and professional gear gets the job done quick and efficiently.

Put the experts at SERVPRO to work for you!

812-574-5744

Water spicket burst

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Sunday is usually a day of rest and relaxation but getting a call in the afternoon about a water damage is just part of the job for us here at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles.  

We arrived on site and the source of the water had stopped but the damage had been done.  We evaluated the damage as pretty minimal and we extracted the excess water and put equipment down to start the dry out process. 

The dry out only lasted 4 days and the family where set to get back to normal.

Don't let water damage ruin your weekend.  Call SERVPRO at 812-574-5744 and let us do the dirty work!

'Tis the season!!!

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Given the number of major rivers and tributaries that dissect Indiana and the fact that approximately 24 percent of the state was historically covered by wetlands, much of Indiana is susceptible to severe flooding, given the right circumstances. Conditions such as excessive rain, rapid snowmelt, and frozen ground prevent the upper soil surfaces from allowing water to percolate downward as groundwater and increase surface runoff, causing flooding.

This is why it is important to have SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles on speed dial.  Let our experts get you back on your feet when nature hits you with the unexpected.  Call 812-574-5744 and let the experts help you.

Spring is in the air!

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is upon us and here at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles we say out with the bad and in with the good! 

Let our SERVPRO experts clean up every nook and cranny of your home or business!  Our staff has the experience and knowledge to make sure you get maximum results in your dwelling.  Our chemicals are EPA approved to make sure they are safe for you and the environment.  

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles today at 812-574-5744 and leave the cleaning to us!

Prevention is key!

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is very unpredictable and usually leaves the customer with costly repairs. While many homes and buildings are protected against fire damage by installing fire alarms and detectors, only few have protected their properties against water damage. What makes it worse is that water damage, oftentimes, is unrecognizable until the damage caused is already huge. The best way to prevent water damage and costly repair services, it is important to protect yourself, your home, and your business against it by following the tips below.

• Perform regular inspections and maintenance on your plumbing systems
• Repair and protect your home or building’s exterior
  
  
• Winterize any exterior water shutoff valves each winter to protect from frozen pipes.

Finally, in case water has penetrated your home, the best option to take is to call a professional water damage repair services to minimize the damage caused. SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles has professional tools and water extraction systems that can quickly remove water inside your home or building and prevent the damage from spreading.

Don't let water back ups ruin your day.

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

The heavy rains can easily overwhelm your septic systems under the right circumstance.  Once that back up starts it can cause sever contamination throughout the home.  Thankfully this back up only contaminated the basement. 

The team was called out to Hanover Collage to assist the contaminated clean up as well as drying down the basement.  Our next step was to do an extensive clean up using our anti-microbial chemicals to make sure the pathogens and hazards are neutralized.  

The customer was able to get their basement back in order and life back to equilibrium. 

The importance of Fire Safety.

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is here for you. We also know how important it is for you to be as prepared as possible to limit injury and damage to you, your loved ones, and your property. We sincerely hope you find these tips helpful in your home.

Smoke alarms are key to helping you and your family escape a potentially deadly situation, unscathed. Place a smoke alarm on each floor of the home as well as the kitchen and garage.

Test your smoke alarms on the same day each week.

Be sure to clean your smoke alarm weekly with a vacuum cleaner only, it is never recommended to wipe it down or use water.

Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year. You could do this when you move your clock forward in the spring and when you move them back in the fall.

Replace your smoke alarm every ten years and replace your carbon monoxide alarm every five years.

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is always here for you. 

Space Heater Safety

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Space heaters are designed to supplement cold rooms and must be used with extreme caution. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), nearly half of all home heating fires occur during the peak months of December, January, and February.

According to NFPA - Space heaters are the type of heating equipment most often involved in home heating fires, figuring in two of every five of these fires and accounting for 86% of associated civilian deaths, 78% of civilian injuries, and 54% of direct property damage.

General Guidelines for Space Heater Safety

There are several ways people can prevent accidental fires in their homes. One of the most important is to select heaters that have been tested and certified by testing laboratories. Also, keep areas around the heat source free of paper and trash.

When choosing the placement of the heater, remember the three feet safety rule by keeping everything that can burn at least three feet away from the heat source. Only use the heaters to heat the small space. 

Place the space heater on a hard level nonflammable surface, never on carpet, blankets, or rugs. Never use a defective heater or one that is missing its heating element guard. Make sure you use the proper size space heater for the room.

When purchasing a new space heater, look for a model with an automatic shut-off in case the heater is left on too long. In addition, a tip-switch will automatically cut off the heat if the unit topples over. Even with the safety features, never leave the heater on when sleeping, out of the room, or away from home.

Stay safe this record breaking winter season

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Millions of people in the United States are under some kind of winter warning or advisory as extreme cold, snow and ice threaten almost the entire country. The American Red Cross is responding in some regions and watching the extreme weather to determine if more help is needed.
Millions of people are without power and several states have declared emergencies. The winter blanket extends from the East Coast to the West Coast and from Texas to Maine with icy roads, power outages and dangerously low temperatures threatening to snarl traffic and paralyze cities from coast to coast.
As many as 3.2 million people are without power in Texas as record-low temperatures brought a demand for power that the state's electric grid could not keep up with. Right now, the Red Cross is helping to support warming centers across Texas by providing cots, blankets, volunteers, water and ready-to-eat meals when requested. Red Cross workers are standing by to support local responses to the storms as needed.
“The dangerously cold weather we’ve experienced over the past week is unprecedented for the state of Texas,” said Keith Rhodes, CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “Amid below freezing temperatures, tens of thousands have lost access to gas and water, and millions have lost power leaving residents looking for alternative ways to keep their families warm. With additional extreme winter weather forecasted, the Red Cross is working with government and community partners to support warming centers across the region for temporary relief from the elements.”
The American Red Cross urges everyone to stay safe and stay at home if possible, and offers these steps to follow:
GET RED CROSS READY Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand. Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Check on relatives, neighbors and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Don’t forget your pets. Bring your companion animals indoors. Create a place where your other animals can be comfortable in severe winter weather. Horses and livestock should have a shelter where they can be protected from wind, snow, ice, and rain. Grazing animals should have access to a protected supply of food and non-frozen water.

STAY SAFE OUTSIDE
• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises first to reduce your chances of muscle injury.
• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.
• Get out of the cold immediately if the signs of hypothermia and frostbite appear.

Signs of frostbite include lack of feeling in the affected area or skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue)

What to do for frostbite:
• Move the person to a warm place
• Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area
• Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and feels warm
• Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings
• If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them separated
• Avoid breaking any blisters
• Do not allow the affected area to refreeze
• Seek professional medical care as soon as possible

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, numbness or weakness, a glassy stare, apathy or impaired judgment or loss of consciousness.

What to do for hypothermia:
• CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
• Gently move the person to a warm place
• Monitor breathing and circulation
• Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed
• Remove any wet clothing and dry the person
• Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person.
• Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying. Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water.
• Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet).

IF THE POWER IS OUT
• Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.
• If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment.
• Turn off or disconnect any appliances and electronics that you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
• Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
• During a prolonged outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to protect your food.

o First, use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables are safe to eat when they have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Then, use food from the freezer.
o If the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.

GENERATOR SAFETY
If you are using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outside away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Operate the generator on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up by poles.
• Don’t touch a generator with wet hands.
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet.

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

HOME HEATING SAFETY
• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
• Don’t leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

Experts say that fire damages happen more in the winter.

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

With winter’s coldest months upon us, we ask that people be aware of electrical fire hazards.

In an average year, heating is the cause of 17 percent of structure fires; however, in winter, especially during the coldest months, heating fires jump to 27 percent of structure fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Recognize Signs of Trouble

Be alert and learn to recognize signs of electrical trouble waiting to happen. Some warning signs that could lead to an electrical fire are:

• Lights flicker for no apparent reason
• You wiggle a switch and it feels “floppy” in your hand and/or the lights flicker or go on and off
• The light switch doesn’t turn the lights on or – even worse – won’t turn them off
• An unusual smell
• Discolored receptacles, switches or other electrical devices
• Sparks or noises (especially like “frying eggs)
• Frayed wires or loose connections
• Overloaded outlets, extension cords or surge protectors
• Circuit breakers trip – and be especially concerned if they won’t reset!

If you see any of these signs of electrical problems, call an electrician immediately. A qualified electrician can identify possible causes, such as short or overloaded circuits, improperly-rated fuses and breakers, and not having ground-fault protection where it’s needed to protect against shock hazards.

Winter Storms Can Cause Extra Hazards

Winter storms such as those the across the Midwest, can cause additional hazards. These include:

• Alternative heating devices such as space heaters, being used incorrectly.
• Damaged or downed utility lines.
• Water damaged appliances and utilities can be electrically charged.
• Frozen water pipes can burst and cause safety hazards.
• Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
• Generators are often used during power outages, but if they’re not properly used and maintained they can be hazardous.

People are always advised to follow manufacturers’ instructions and guidelines. Always use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside of the home in a well-ventilated location, as carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.

Why SERVPRO you may ask???

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Indiana, we're no strangers to the brutal winter weather conditions.  It's important to stay ahead of the game, and prepare your home to withstand these conditions.  At SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, we see a vast amount of claims during these winter months due to roof leaks caused by ice and snow, water leaks from frozen pipes and many other winter storm related causes.   We want you to be aware, even though we are leaders in the water mitigation industry, we would rather prevent the damage than clean it up.

  Some of the most common causes of loss for our Southern Indiana customers are roof leaks. Do a visual inspection of your roof to look for maintenance issues or things that could make it more susceptible to hail or wind or other damage—like missing or damaged shingles or tiles on sloped roofs. Or if it’s a flat roof, look for surface bubbles in the membrane material or missing gravel.  Take a walk around the home and look for overhanging trees and branches. Trim trees back and remove dead branches—things that have the potential to fall when you get high winds or heavy snowfall to keep from damaging your roof.  Check downspouts and gutters to make sure that after the leaves fall the gutters get cleaned out—anything with the potential to freeze and exacerbate the problem with ice damage. Keep the drainage of the water off the roof and not clogged in the gutters.

  Another common cause of water loss are frozen pipe leaks.   No one wants a frozen pipe, so keep an eye on yours. Drain the outside water faucets and shut them off before the first freeze. On very cold nights, open cabinets beneath the sink to let warm air in and, if you are especially worried about freezing pipes, let a slow drip of water run through them. Resist the urge to turn down the thermostat to save money – you want to keep the pipes warm. Extreme weather is not a time to start trying to save on your energy bill, crank your heat up during those weeks, a water damage can be incredibly more costly than a few weeks of high energy usage.

  Another thing to keep in mind is chimney maintenance.  Make sure your chimney is ready to go before the cold weather hits by having it inspected for cracks and other dangers by a certified professional. If you had a chimney fire and didn’t know it, the professional will find evidence and recommend fixing it before use this winter. A good cleaning – and at least one during the heating season – can help reduce the chance of a chimney fire. Remember, chimney fires can spread damaging heat to the walls, leading to total losses.  

  SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles hopes you don't need us this winter season, but accidents happen, and when they do we're "Here to Help"  24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Contact Us Online or call (812)574-5744. 

Reasons to insulate your water pipes!!!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Insulating water supply pipes in exposed areas of your home is a good idea for several reasons. In cold-winter climates, water supply pipes that are exposed to exterior walls or unheated spaces may freeze, burst, and flood your home. More than one northern family has gone south for a winter vacation, only to return to a months-long cleanup and restoration job when a single water pipe bursts. Insulating water pipes is a key element to any efforts to winterize the plumbing in the home.

Insulating water pipes can also save money on energy costs by preventing hot water pipes from losing their heat to the surrounding air. Insulating the hot water pipes leading out of your water heater, for example, can reduce heat loss and lower the costs of heating the water. Finally, insulating cold water pipes can prevent the pipes from sweating due to moisture condensation, which can reduce humidity levels in the house in the summertime. 

Where to Insulate Water Pipes

Which water pipes you insulate will depend on why you are doing it. If the goal is to prevent frozen pipes, then the critical pipes to protect are those that run through unheated spaces. These are located in exterior walls, unheated garages, the floor cavities above unheated crawl spaces, unheated attics, etc. Generally speaking, it's not necessary to insulate pipes that run through interior walls or in basements that are heated. When preventing freezing is the goal, insulate both the hot- and cold-water pipes. Hot water pipes can also freeze unless water is actively running through them.

If the goal is to lower water-heating costs, then it's wise to insulate hot water pipes wherever you have access to them. This will help prevent heat from radiating away from the hot water pipes and may allow you to lower the temperature setting on your water heater.

If the goal of pipe insulation is to eliminate pipe sweating and humidity, then it is the cold water pipes that are in most need of insulation. When exposed cold pipes contact warm, humid air, condensation can form on the pipes. This condensation may drip and puddle on floors, or it may contribute to overall high humidity levels, especially in basements. Insulating the cold water pipes can prevent this condensation.

There are several strategies you can use to insulate water pipes:

• Insulating them with strips of pipe wrap
• Using foam pipe sleeves
• Adding wall insulation
• Using faucet covers on outdoor spigots
• Installing frost-proof outdoor spigots
• Insulating gaps where pipes penetrate walls

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles if you discover water damage due to a burst pipe! 

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/water-pipe-insulation-2718695

Make sure your business has a plan for the uncertain.

2/17/2021 (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.   

Don't get Scammed by a "Storm Chaser"

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t get scammed by a “Storm Chaser”

Some advice from our friends at the IICRC.

1 Too-good-to-be-true prices. Often dubious restoration companies will offer low prices to grab your attention, but be wary of surprise costs that will hurt your wallet. Never let the price of the repairs be the sole criterion for choosing a restoration firm.

2 Requesting upfront cash payments. While it can be a regular practice to deposit up to one-third of the estimated price on the day repairs begin, avoid paying in cash or more than the expected payment. Pay by check or credit card, and pay the final amount only after the work is finished and you are happy with the quality of the repairs.

3 A lack of references. References are easy to check and can help you quickly identify if the company is legitimate and provides good service. Research the company online and check feedback on user-review sites such as Angie’s List or Yelp, or ask friends or business contacts if they have had any experience with the firm.

4 High-pressure tactics. Often a “storm chaser” will arrive uninvited to your door peddling their services. If the contractor is using high-pressure sales tactics, it is best to turn them away politely and shut the door. Technicians should be courteous, thoroughly explain the scope of work and answer all questions. You should never feel pressure to accept their services.

5 Lack of training. Professional cleaning and restoration firms require management and employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning and restoration disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing. Inquire about the formal training and certifications of technicians who will be working in your home or business. Look for organizations that require their technicians to hold certifications from organizations like the IICRC to ensure the work is done correctly.

6 Inability to show credentials. Never hesitate to ask for proof. Ask to see the individual’s certification card, business license and insurance certificate. To verify a company, you can contact the IICRC which is a not-for-profit standards-setting and credentialing body for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. Call the IICRC at 1-844-464-4272 to confirm the certification of any company that has contacted you.

Source:  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.IICRC.org/resource/resmgr/images/resources/2019CFStormChasers_Consumer_.pdf

Let us help get your Business back on its feet.

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is dedicated to being an ally in helping you recover from any-sized disaster.  In these historical times we understand that time is of the utmost importance.  We provide 24-hour emergency services and will respond immediately to your emergency and have the training and experience to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.  

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Fast to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A trusted leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

It's never a good time to experience a fire or water damage emergency, especially at your commercial property or business.  SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles understands that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.  SERVPRO professionals have the training and expertise to respond promptly for professional cleaning and emergency restoration service situations.  When the need arises SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is your go to Restoration Company to get your property back to business.  

Advice from our friends at State Farm!

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Safety After Severe Storms 

Know how to deal after a thunderstorm, tornado or hurricane has passed through.

Severe weather can be dangerous — flooding roads, damaging homes, down power lines and more even when the storm clouds pass. Here are some precautions to follow in the aftermath of severe storms. And remember, as with any project, beware of untrustworthy contractors who are looking to cash in on repairs.

After a Severe Thunderstorm

• Avoid driving if possible. If you have to travel, turn around if the road is flooded or blocked by debris.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Anything touching the power line can carry a charge. Report the downed line and avoid the area.
• Clean up or rope off dangerous areas. Cover hail- or wind-damaged windows with tarps and plywood until an inspector can assess the damage.

After a Tornado

• Wear appropriate clothing. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves are best for inspecting damage and handling debris.
• Avoid using candles or torches to inspect damage. Sparks from an open flame could ignite a fire or cause a gas-related explosion in a damaged building.
• Shut off the power if you smell something burning, see frayed or sparking wires, or suspect a gas leak. Turn off the main circuit breaker and the natural gas and propane tanks.
• Use caution around debris. Sharp objects, broken glass, or exposed nails may cause injuries that could lead to infection.

After a Hurricane

• Be cautious around electronics. Do not turn on wet appliances. If appliances are plugged in, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and have an electrician inspect appliances before you use them again.
• Throw away spoiled food. Toss perishables as well as any food that has come in contact with flood or storm water.
• Avoid tap water. Public water may be contaminated after a severe storm. Use bottled water for drinking, washing hands and dishes, brushing teeth, and making ice.

Source: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/safety-after-severe-storms

This knowledge will guard you against winter mishaps.

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Heating

Heating is the second leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries and third leading cause of home fire deaths. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, accounting for more than two of every five fires (44%), as well as the vast majority of deaths and injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment.

Carbon Monoxide

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. 

Winter storms

Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.

Generators

Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. 

Candles

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top two days for home candle fires are Christmas and Christmas Eve. Each year between 2013-2017, an average of 7,900 home candle fires were reported each year.

Electrical

Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters. 

 Source: www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes

Unpredictable Spring Weather

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Mark Twain once said, “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. For much of the world, this happens in spring and summer.

Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. And when severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense; prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps that you would for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:
• telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends
• insurance and property information
• telephone numbers of utility companies
• medical information
• According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:
• non-latex gloves
• assortment of adhesive bandages
• antibiotic ointment
• sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
• absorbent compress dressings
• tweezers
• scissors
• adhesive cloth tape
• aspirin packets (81 mg each)
• first aid instruction booklet
  (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• An emergency kit [1.08 MB] in your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little if any time to prepare for it. But we do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods are real possibilities. So why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home? If thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods do occur, you’ll be ready for them.

SOURCE: National Center for Environmental Health / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Be prepared to save you personal belongings

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

One of the most common topics after a client suffers water damage is how and what they can save from water damage.  Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to this question. Every water damage is unique in some sense, so what can be saved is really on a case by case basis. However, here are some guidelines that you can use to make the best decision possible.

What Type of Water Damage

Determining whether the water that damaged your personal belongings is clean or contaminated will be a big factor in whether or not it can be salvaged. Obviously, if you are dealing with clean water, the chances of you being able to save some of your belongings are higher.  Even though it may be possible to restore something that is damaged by contaminated water, it is more than likely not worth the health risk that it may bring.

Porous vs Non Porous Materials

Porous materials such as fabrics, wood, and paper are very good at retaining water. This also means it increases the chance of other dangers like mold growth, and damage beyond repair. This is not always the case and if handled quickly and properly, many times these items can be saved as well. On the other hand, porous materials like marble, metal, and porcelain - among others - usually have no problem being restored. Since there is really nothing for bacteria and mold to root itself in, a simple cleaning is usually no problem.

The Amount of Time the Water Saturated

Another factor that will come into the equation of determining what can and cannot be saved is how long the materials have been wet for. The longer an item sits in water, the deeper it can penetrate. As you can imagine, this makes it increasingly more difficult to bring it back to its normal state. The perfect example of this is wooden furniture. It takes quite a bit of time for it to really absorb and become completely water logged. If you get personal belongings out of the standing water and begin the drying process right away, you have a good chance of being able to save them.

Factor in the Replacement Cost

Water damage restoration of personal belongings is no different than any other type of repair. You will always want to evaluate how much it is going to cost to repair something versus simply replacing it. Is the item you want to save really worth paying a professional to do work on it? Sometimes it is, sometimes it is not.

You should also take into account that paying for restoration does not guarantee your item will be returned to its original state. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace the item anyways.

If you are unsure about whether or not one of your items could be salvaged, it is best that you get it analyzed by a SERVPRO professional. If you call SERVPRO of Madison Lawrenceburg and Versailles to handle a dry out of your property, we will be able to assist you in assessing damage to your personal belongings as well. To speak to a professional water restoration representative at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, contact us @ 812-574-5744 today.  We are always here to help.

Commercial loss? SERVPRO has you covered!

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events in southern Indiana commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Many business owners understand that the business downtime can be more devastating to the property damage -- we understand that many times the most important thing to Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles businesses is to get back in business . . . fast.

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

About SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg  and Versailles specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. We can be reached at (812) 574-5744

Source: www.SERVPROofmiamibeach.com

Do you have a Tornado Warning plan of action??

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They come from powerful thunderstorms. They appear as a funnel, or cone-shaped cloud, with winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour. They cause damage when they touch down on the ground. They can damage an area one mile wide and 50 miles long. Before tornadoes hit, the wind may die down, and the air may become very still. They may also strike quickly, with little or no warning.

Below are a few tips for what to do both DURING and AFTER you experience a tornado.  

DURING

If you're INSIDE:

• Get to an inside room with no windows.
• Or get to the lowest possible room
• Do not open windows
• Protect your head

If you're OUTSIDE:

• Get to a nearby vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and lower your head below the windows.  
• If you can't fine a vehicle, lay in a ditch or other area lower than the ground.
• You are SAFER in a low flat location than underneath a bridge or highway overpass.  

AFTER

• Wear sturdy shoes, there will be sharp debris on the ground including glass.  
• NEVER go near or touch dangling power lines.  
• TEXT; DON'T TALK Unless your situation is life threatening, try not to tie up emergency phone lines.  Plus, texting might work even when call service is down.  

Sources:  Ready.gov\make a plan;              Ready.gov/tornadoes

Flood Damage?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:

Ensure your safety

Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.

Shut off the water source

Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.

Call your insurance

Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.

Call a clean-up crew

Most flood damage clean-up projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.

Take pictures and document damage

Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.

If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.

Remove what can be saved

Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.

Begin the remediation process

This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is locally owned and operated and serves Jefferson, Switzerland, Ripley and Dearborn Counties. 

Source: http://www.SERVPROgreeleywindsor.com

The Levels of Commercial Loss

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawerenceburg and Versailles handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

If you experience a commercial loss, Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles today! (812) 574-5744

Source: http://www.SERVPROelizabethcityouterbanks.com

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, 812-574-5744.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

We are your 24 Hour Water Damage Specialists

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

MADISON, LAWRENCEBURG AND VERSAILLES

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg & Versailles provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Jefferson, Switzerland, Ripley, Ohio and Dearborn counties.

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property. Our staff is highly trained and use advanced equipment and techniques to clean and restore your home.

We are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. In fact, it's the cornerstone of our business. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help (812) 574-5744

 What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

ABOUT SERVPRO

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Understanding Mitigation

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

What is Mitigation?

1. Mitigation enables people to recover more quickly from a disaster.

2. Mitigation lessens the financial impact of disasters. 

3. As mitigation specialists, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg & Versailles focuses on reducing loss, enabling quick recoveries and lessening costs involved with restoration of property damage events.

Without mitigation the following could take place:

1. A longer amount of time the homeowner is inconvenienced.

2. A longer amount of time business is interrupted.

3. The potential for mold growth.

4. The loss of personal valuable and beloved belonging.

5. Increase in insurance.

One of the keys to mitigation is our immediate response!

The quicker you call, THE BETTER!

1. Less wood and drywall saturation

2. Less delamination

3. Reduced carpet and furniture stains

4. Fewer warping hardwood floors

5. Less mold/mildew

6. Less contents damage

Give us a call TODAY at 812-574-5744 for you mitigation services.

We are proudly serving Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio and Switzerland counties.

Have you inspected your electric panel lately?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Most of us take our electrical system for granted. We are able to effortlessly switch power on and off throughout our home or office, without much thought for the mechanics behind the scenes. Unfortunately for some of us, the wonder of modern electricity could be a little outdated and require a critical update to prevent a fire hazard.

Your electrical panel houses the circuit breakers which are the most important part of the electrical system for your home or office. This is where all the power is being received and distributed, as well as protecting from power surges or overloading a circuit. There are currently three brands of electrical panels that should be replaced, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Challenger, and Zinsco. These panels have breakers that have been found to overheat under normal circumstances and create a risk of fire. Since these panels were first installed, our “normal” demand for electricity has increased greatly and the failure rate has also increased. As insurance companies are aware of this problem, they are not writing new policies or renewing for structures with these panels. They will require panel replacement before securing coverage. Replacing your panel before it fails will save you financially, as well as the major inconvenience of having it fail when you are least prepared.  More importantly, this will ensure the safety of your family or employees.

You can check the brand of your panel yourself by looking inside the panel. Unfortunately, you will not be able to see if any overheating has started to occur as this happens from the back of the breakers. This is why replacement is critical, you don’t know how long the breakers may have been overheating and you can’t see how close the panel is to failing.

Older panels from other manufacturers are not free from potentials risks and should be inspected if they were installed a couple decades ago or longer. The components of the breakers that help them do their job effectively, breaking the electrical circuit when overloaded, can degrade over time and cause them to malfunction. This can lead to overheating and a possible fire hazard. Scheduling a panel inspection with a licensed electrical contractor will safeguard your family or employees from any potential hazard.

Source:  http://lightningelectricinc.com 

The importance of a home evacuation plan

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles cares about our customers, here are some things to consider when it comes to fire safety. 

Coming Up with a Fire Escape Plan

Walk through the entire house and figure out the best evacuation route. It's important to get all family members together so everyone gets the same information. You need to have things on paper so they can be posted on the wall for everyone to see. You can download an excellent home fire escape plan worksheet from this web page at the NFPA website. Click on the "escape planning grid" link. The NFPA site is one of the best places to get the latest fire protection news and information.

Don't forget to tell everyone to drop to the floor and crawl out of the house if it's full of smoke or hot inside. Many people are seriously injured or killed from breathing super heated air, and the air is the coolest at floor-level.

Draw up your floor plan. You can download a home fire escape plan template by going to the Red Cross website . It's a good idea to come up with a home fire drill checklist too. You can find a good one at the allParenting website . This will give you some good ideas.

 SOURCE:  http://www.aldrichtaylor.com/blog/entryid/12114/tips-for-protecting-your-home-and-family-from-fire

Make sure your family is PREPARED in case of a house fire!

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Would your family be prepared if a fire broke out in your home? If not, now is the best time to plan. Family fire preparedness plans save lives every year. Set aside time to gather as a household and create a plan unique to your home.

 Identify Exits

 Identify two different ways to safely exit each room if a fire broke out, such as doors and windows. Teach each member of your household how to safely exit through windows, especially on non-ground level floors.

 If you have members of the family who are unable to move themselves—such as babies, elderly relatives, or any individuals with disabilities—make sure to go over who can help them escape as well.

 Choose a Meeting Place

 Pick a spot outside of your home that’s a safe distance away to serve as your family’s emergency meeting place. Familiar locations like a mailbox, lamppost, nearby park, or a neighbor’s house are great. Walk out with your family to establish it as your official meeting place.

 Make sure every family member knows that once they exit the house, they should go straight to the meeting place and not go back inside for any reason.

 Teach family members to call the fire department only after they’ve safely arrived at the meeting place.

 Draw it Out

 Draw the layout of your home on a piece of paper. Mark the different exits and exit paths from every room. Don’t forget to include the family meeting place. Keep your plan somewhere accessible. When you have overnight guests, let them know about your safety plan.

 Practice Safety

 Once everyone knows the different paths they can take to exit the home and where to go, it’s important to know how to navigate through a burning house as safely as possible.

 Teach family members the following safety tips:

 Choose the escape route with the least amount of heat and smoke, but be prepared for less than ideal circumstances.

Before opening a door, lightly touch the doorknob. If it’s hot, the fire is close, and it’s likely better to choose another exit if possible.

If it’s necessary to travel through a room or hallway with a lot of smoke, stay low and crawl as necessary! Smoke rises.

In addition to these tips, make sure your house number is easily seen from the road. Firefighters need to be able to quickly find your home.

 Plan Realistic Drills

 Schedule practice drills at least two times a year. This is a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms, which should be switched twice annually and tested monthly.

 If you have young children, warn them about nighttime drills. The point of the drill is to prepare them, not to scare them. If the fire alarm fails to wake up members of your family, assign someone to wake them up in a real emergency.

 Practice the safety tips from above as part of the drill.

 Nothing is more important than your family’s safety. Things, and even homes, can be fixed or replaced, but your family is irreplaceable. Your family fire preparedness plan can save lives.

 If fire or smoke damages your home, give SERVPRO® of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles a call at 812-574-5744 or Contact Us Here. With our restoration knowledge and training, we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Frozen Pipes??

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costliest property damage events during the cold winter months. In fact, a burst pipe can result in tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Fortunately, frozen pipes can be prevented quite easily and inexpensively.

How do Pipes Burst?

Contrary to popular belief, pipes do not typically burst where the ice blockage is located. The expansion of the ice against the wall of the pipe does not cause it to break. Rather, after a complete ice blockage in a pipe occurs, the continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes water pressure to increase downstream, between the ice blockage and a closed faucet at the end. This increase in water pressure is what causes the pipe to fail. Usually the pipe bursts where little or no ice has formed. Upstream from the ice blockage the water can always flow back towards its source, so there is no pressure build-up to cause a break. Water has to freeze for ice blockages to occur. Pipes that are adequately insulated along their entire length are usually safe from freezing.

Which Pipes are Susceptible to Freezing?

Generally, homes and structures in northern climates are built with the water pipes located inside the building insulation, which protects the pipes from subfreezing weather. However, ex­tremely cold weather and holes in the building that allow a flow of cold air to come into contact with pipes can lead to freezing and bursting.

Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to reach the pipes. Research has shown that “wind chill,” can accelerate the freezing process.

Holes in outside walls where television, cable, or phone lines enter can allow cold air to reach pipes. When should you be alert to the danger of freezing pipes? That depends on the climate where you live, but the “temperature alert threshold” is 20 degrees F.

Original Posted by Rich Droste

If you've suffered a water damage due to a broken pipe, call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles 24\7 at 812-574-5744 or Contact Us Here

How to prevent a home electrical fire.

1/27/2020 (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

Are you Tornado ready??

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

How much do you know about tornadoes? We were surprised how much we didn't know. 

Please check our the information we have gathered below:

• The average tornado moves southwest to northeast.  
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30mph,but could be as much as 70mph.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported East of the Rocky Mountains during Spring and Summer months.  
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3:0pm-9:00pm.

Who will you call with your Storm Damage needs?

Calling SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles will ensure someone is there FAST, and that someone will be certified and trained to handle your specific situation. 

***************************************

Contact Us 812-574-5744

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is your local Water Damage Restoration company!

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

If you are looking for professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to restore your home and property after it has suffered water damage, then you call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles.

The water damage restoration professionals of SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles service businesses and homes that have suffered water damage around the Jefferson County area including Vevay, Hanover, Versailles, Aurora, Greensburg, Batesville, Lawrenceburg and beyond.

If you’ve had a pipe burst or a leaky roof or a toilet or tub that has overflowed, call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles to clean up the mess and restore your home as if nothing ever happened.

When to Call Water Damage Restoration Professionals

Water damage to an Madison-area business or home can be caused in many ways. Heavy storms can reveal roof leaks and foundation cracks that let the water inside. During the winter months, pipes exposed to cold temperatures can freeze and burst.

Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and clothes washers can slowly leak behind walls, under floors, and inside cabinets. Sewers can back up into basements and through the drains on lower levels of homes.

As you can see, there are many ways water can get into your home and damage it. While one may think that drinking water or rainwater isn’t as damaging as sewer water or black water, that’s not really the case.

Will Clean Water Damage My Home?

While sewer water or blackwater as is it defined can quickly lead to mold growth in a home, clean water can also lead to dangerous mold growth. Blackwater contains lots of dirty bacteria that can quickly promote mold growth by itself.

Clean water can cause mold spores that are naturally present in air and dust can also lead to mold growth. The dangers in clean water leading to mold growth are that clean water can easily go unseen in a home due to the lack of odor when compared to black water.

Clean water or gray water which is rainwater, can leak into a home’s attic or walls or crawl spaces and linger without being spotted. This water can then lead to mold spores activating and growing in these unseen areas. It’s not until the mold spreads to visible parts of the home or causes a musty odor that it is finally found. By that time, the damage caused by the mold can be quite extensive.

Look for the Signs of Water Damage and Call the Experts Right Away

Whenever it rains, it’s always a good idea to check around your home for any leaks. Check the external walls, the ceilings and around windows. If you have a basement or crawlspace, check it for any water entering into your home. Always check around sinks, tubs, showers, and washers for sitting water or even the smallest of leaks. It doesn’t take much water to cause damage to a home.

The quicker you spot a leak or water in your home, the quicker you can call water damage restoration experts like those at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles to stop the damage and restore your home.  

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles has the experience, expertise, and tools to properly and effectively remove the water and mold damage and restore your home "Like it never even happened." 

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles today at 812-574-5744 to learn how we can help with fire, smoke, water and mold damage.

Southern Indiana Home Fire Safety

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

2. Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

4. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Tips for good Family Fire Safety Preparedness:

1.  Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.

2. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.

3. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.

4. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.

5. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

6. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

If you do nothing else:

• Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States. If you smoke, take precautions: Smoke outside; choose fire-safe cigarettes; never smoke in bed, when drowsy or medicated, or if anyone in the home is using oxygen.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
• Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a minute.

*Source:

www.redcross.org 

What kind of Commercial Services can SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles provide?

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.  We provide 24-hour emergency services and will respond immediately to you emergency and have the training and experience to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.  

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Fast to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A trusted leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

It's never a good time to experience a fire or water damage emergency, especially at your commercial property or business.  SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles understands that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.  SERVPRO professionals have the training and expertise to respond promptly for professional cleaning and emergency restoration service situations.  When the need arises SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is your go to Restoration Company to get your property back to business.  

We are available 24\7\365!

Have Questions? Call 812-574-5744

College Dorm Safety and Preparedness

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

For most college students freshman year is the first time for many that they've lived away from home and subsequently their parents.  We've compiled a list of some helpful tips to make sure your student is prepared for an emergency.  

Learn your buildings evacuation plan.

If you're living on campus, chances are your dorm will have an emergency evacuation plan.  Once you get settled, familiarize yourself with the building and learn the pre-planned evacuation routes.  Practice various routes, and make sure your are familiar with where the posted maps of the facility are.  

Don't overload your room's electrical outlets. 

It's best not to push dorm outlets to their capacity by plugging in too many multi-plug devices.  If you notice any scorched marks or burning smells around an electrical outlet, stop using that outlet and inform someone of the problem right away.  

Cook with care. 

Cooking equipment is involved in 86 percent of dormitory fires.  Be super careful when cooking in your dorm room.  NEVER leave your dorm when cooking appliances are in use. 

Don't tamper with fire safety features in your dorm.  

Most schools don't allow you to smoke or burn candles or incense in your dorm.  Please only smoke in designated areas and never leave a burning candle or incense unattended.  

Don't tamper with fire safety features in your dorm. 

All dorms should have smoke detectors.  It is important that you do not cover them up with decorations.  Also, it's not wise to remove the batteries for any reason.  If your dorm has a sprinkler system in place don't hang any decorations from them.  

Be mindful of clutter and how you decorate your dorm. 

It would be wise to limit the amount of decor you hang in your room as well as to keep clutter to a minimum.  Every poster, every tapestry or piece of decor you hang can be considered a fire hazard.  Also, avoid draping materials over hot items such as lamps that could potentially cause ignition.  

Prepare your home for water damage

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at anytime, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains.  As we move into winter months, storm damage becomes more of a threat to your property.  Here are a few tips to avoid damage caused by storm and water.  

1. Modify your homes water valves.  If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a pile of you-know-what.  You may want to consider installing an interior or exterior backflow valve.  Backflow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines.  

2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.

3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 

4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles a call at 812-574-5744! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.  Carefully decorating your home can help make the holidays easier.  We have gathered some facts and information you may find helpful this holiday season.  

Picking the Tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the Tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2" from the base of the trunk.  
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.  
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. 
• Add water to the tree stand and make sure to add water daily.  

Lighting the Tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.  Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.  
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.  Read the manufacturer's instructions for number of lights on a strand to connect.  
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. 
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving your home.  

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas.  Dried out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or laced outside against the home.  Check with your local community to find a recycling program.  
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.  

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles wishes you and your family the very best this holiday season.  In the most unfortunate event you experience a home fire, we will be there for you.  Call 812-574-5744 or contact us HERE anytime of the day or night we are #heretohelp 

Common Mold Issues

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Any home or commercial business can quickly become  infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.  

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles:

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry 

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. 
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Why Mold Removal may NOT be a DIY Project...

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

There are over 1,000 types mold found in North America. Did you know mold will eat just about anything? This includes metals, concrete, fabric and wood. 

People spend about 90% of our time indoors. This makes mold and its destructive nature a major concern for many of us. Search DIY mold removal on the internet and you will find tons of articles suggesting different ways to rid your home of mold yourself. One of the most common suggestions is spraying the mold with bleach or some other concoction aimed at killing it. Mold cleanup is not that simple.

The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has come up with a rigid set of guidelines for mold removal. The Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings document recommends that you should only attempt to remove mold yourself if the area impacted is less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch. Even in this instance you should first wear protective gear and fix any leaky pipes or issues that caused the mold damage. IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) does not recommend spraying, but promotes removal of mold and proper air filtration. Major steps in a proper mold remediation process includes analysis of the impacted area, thorough drying, fixing any causes of water and wetness as well as wearing proper protective gear during the process.

Before you take the health and monetary risk of improper mold remediation review the EPA guidelines and contact your local Durham, NC mold remediation and abatement professionals to have an analysis of the area. This will give you a better idea if your mold problem is a do it yourself project or not.

Source: http://www.gotmold.ca/2013/03/20-interesting-facts-about-mold/

Do you have mold on your important documents??

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

If your home or business has important documents that are affected by mold, we can HELP!

We use a specialized process called Gamma Irradiation. This is used for cleaning/disinfection and decontaminating documents or other consumer goods. In gamma irradiation, high-energy photons are emitted from an isotope source (Colbalt 60) producing ionization (electron disruptions) throughout a product. In a CAT 3 situation (sewage or flood water), documents are not only deteriorating but are also infected with all types of bacteria. In most storm situations you are dealing with CAT 3 water. Therefore, most of the affected documents that you will encounter will be contaminated. If this is the case then decontamination is always a must. In living cells, these disruptions result in damage to the DNA and other cellular structures. These photon-induced changes at the molecular level cause death to the organism or render the organism incapable of reproduction. The gamma process does not create residuals or impart radioactivity in processed products.

For additional information or questions on processes involving fire, water, or mold damaged documents please call our office at 812-574-5744, and we would be happy to further discuss services.

How can I prevent mold?

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is an extremely serious topic, and one that we receive many calls regarding. Our research shows that these suggestions below can help prevent mold from entering your home.

• Humidity levels need to be low, as humidity is a breeding ground for mold.

• Be sure to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.

• Exhaust fans can help with ventilating your house. 

• Mold inhibitors can be added to paints before you use them. 

• Do not have carpet in bathrooms.

• If you carpets or upholstery becomes wet, remove them or dry them out if you are able. 

At SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg & Versailles we are known for our drying skills. Let us help you with that, call us today at 812-574-5744. We always answer, 24/7/365

Smell Mold??

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Odor Control

The only way to really control the mold smell is to remove the mold. Air fresheners, disinfectant sprays, and common household cleaning products may temporarily cover up the smell but they won’t really get rid of it.  Scented candles, incense, and potpourri are some other ways people sometimes attempt to disguise the musty odor of mold, and none of them work very well, either. The only truly effective method of mold odor control is to remove all household mold.

Of course, removing mold is not only important because it will improve the smell of your home. Removing mold is important if you want to be healthy, since mold can cause so many medical problems.  

If you think you smell mold in your home or commercial business call SERVPRO TODAY 812-574-5744

Do you suspect mold in your home?

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is happy to give estimates to those living in Madison, IN, Vevay, IN, Greensburg, IN, Batesville, IN, Aurora, IN, Versailles, IN, Lawrenceburg, IN, Hanover, IN, Dupont, IN, and Westport, IN, and surrounding areas. 

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

How does mold grow in Indiana homes??

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

How Does Mold Grow in Indiana Homes?

Perhaps you are walking through your home and notice a dark spot on your ceiling. Upon closer examination, the area around the spot is soft and it looks like the dark spot is mold. How does mold get into your home and grow? How do you remove mold growth from your home? How can you prevent mold from occurring in your home again? These are just a few of the many questions Indiana homeowners ask when mold is found in their home.

Where Does Mold Growth Most Often Occur in Homes?

Mold growth can occur anywhere in a home. The most common place mold is found, along with mildew, is in the grout between shower and tub tiles. If you don’t wash and clean your shower and tub files, the moisture from the bath and shower can promote growth from mold spores. These most often happen in the grout due to the porous-nature of the grout allowing the mold spores to collect and grow with moisture.

The most common places where you might discover mold growth is around areas of your home where moisture or water may be present. This can include around toilets, sinks, dishwashers, clothes washers, and water pipes throughout your home. The water pipes can spring a small leak or water can condense on the outside of the pipe, gather and drip behind the walls. While mold can be spotted pretty quickly around bathrooms and sinks, mold can be hidden from view for a long time if it’s the result of a leak inside your walls or a small roof leak.

Mold growth that’s hidden usually doesn’t get spotted until its spread to a more visible area or in the scenario at the beginning where it’s on the ceiling, will only show once the mold has spread through the drywall on the ceiling causing the visible dark spot on the ceiling.

How Does Mold Get Into Your Home and Grow?

Mold occurs when mold spores mix with moisture. Mold grows best in warm, damp and humid conditions. That is why you’ll find mold most often in bathrooms and damp basements. Mold spores can be found almost anywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores can lie dormant in dry conditions for years and years until they are exposed to moisture where they grow. The best way to prevent mold spores from growing is to keep the humidity down in your home. If you take a shower or bath, turn on the ceiling vent to pull the moisture out of the room. When done, leave the door open to allow the room to air out and the moisture to dissipate.

Can You Remove Mold Spores from a Home?

While a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity in basements and homes, they won’t remove or kill mold spores. Mold spores will continue to float and travel through the air in your home. To remove mold spores from the air, you will want to look at air filters that are capable of trapping or killing these tiny particles. The best advice is to reduce the opportunities for mold spores to cause mold growth by eliminating or reducing moisture and humidity in the home.

How Do You Remove Mold from a Home?

Small amounts of mold on hard surfaces can be normally cleaned with household mold cleaners or a bleach and water mix. This could be mold found around the tile of a shower. If you find mold growing on porous surfaces like walls, ceilings, wood floors, carpets, wood surfaces, and upholstered furniture; it’s best to call mold remediation experts like those at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles. Mold growth on porous surfaces can easily spread and grow not only along the visible surface but below the surface. Mold growth could also be hiding a bigger problem like a roof leak, pipe leak, or condensation on pipes behind walls. A mold remediation expert will remove the damaged materials, pinpoint the origin and cause of the growth, and remove the cause of the moisture or high humidity.

If you discover mold growing in your home, call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg, and Versailles today at 812-574-5744 to learn how to stop it and reduce any further damage from occurring.

Are you Storm Ready?

12/2/2019 (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." 

Are you Storm Ready?

12/2/2019 (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." 

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Services

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

A big 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.  

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles TODAY for all your carpet and upholstery cleaning needs!  812-574-5744

Is your commercial property EMERGENCY READY?

12/2/2019 (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.   

Why SERVPRO??

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage restoration are necessary when a family is at their most vulnerable, so they need a technician that is trustworthy and capable to act quickly and SERVPRO is just that. When disaster strikes a home, the damage left behind can make the building uninhabitable. Floods, noxious odors, unhealthy air quality and microbial growth are just a few hazards that can force a family from their home, and they must be dealt with immediately or they may worsen. Fortunately, SERVPRO is on call around the clock and capable of responding right away to any problems.

Our SERVPRO franchise professionals have several missions when they arrive at a compromised building. They have to assess the extent of the damage, determine its source, clean up any destroyed materials, set up a work site, remove excess moisture, remove any residue and ash, and rid the home of any lingering health threats. The entire process is completed as quickly as possible, so SERVPRO will be extremely busy from the moment they arrive at the home.

Every disaster is different, and SERVPRO is equipped for any situation. In some instances, there’s just a small plumbing leak in the attic and a patch of mold to get rid of. Sometimes, a flood powers through the building and leaves several inches of contaminated water behind. Other times, it’s a brief flame that scorches some drywall and a bit of flooring. Then there are times that it’s a rampaging inferno that nearly destroys the building. No matter how severe the disaster is, SERVPRO can get the building back to its former state.

SOURCE: http://www.IICRC.org/when-call-water-and-fire-damage-restoration-firm

Home Fire Safety

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
2. Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
4. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Tips for good Family Fire Safety Preparedness:

1. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
2. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
3. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
4. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
5. Make sure everyone knows how to call 911.
6. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

If you do nothing else:

Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States. If you smoke, take precautions: Smoke outside; choose fire-safe cigarettes; never smoke in bed, when drowsy or medicated, or if anyone in the home is using oxygen.

Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.

Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.

Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a minute.

*Source: www.redcross.org

What is Ultrasonic Cleaning and Why is it used?

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

It's never easy to recover from fire damage.  It's even more upsetting when it occurs to a home that contains precious and delicate items.  The challenge is hot to remove dirt, soot and smoke from very small and delicate objects?  In the past, this was done with chemicals and very delicate tools.  Pieces were bathed in solvents to loosen the soil, then workers would used specialized brushes and cotton swabs to clean the items.  Finally, the pieces were placed in an ozone chamber to remove the smell.  

  This time and labor-intensive process was able to save some objects, but some were just not recoverable using this process and removing the smell of the smoke was not guaranteed. This is were ultrasonic cleaning comes in.  Ultrasonic cleaners use cavitation and solutions that are able to penetrate into every little corner of an intricate piece of content to make sure that all the soil comes away. 

  Ultrasonic cleaners are a game changer in the cleaning and restoration business.  Our highly trained SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles technicians  will utilize this new technology to care for your most precious belongings.  We want to make it "Like it never even happened."

Source:  http://blog.omegasonics.com/archives/SERVPRO-restoration

The Basics of Water Damage Restoration

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration training is one of the important skill sets that a team of professional cleaners need in order to offer comprehensive services. This is a service that involves going into a home or business after a wet disaster, such as flood, burst pipes, or snow destruction, and not just cleaning up the mess, but actually drying and repairing the substructures that high volumes of moisture will affect, such as plaster and drywall, wood, concrete, and metal. Mold is a concern, of course, but there can be many other problems related to moisture damage; crumbling drywall and plaster, weakening beams and supports, rusting metal surfaces, and more. If the moisture is left to sit long enough, it will eventually bring the house to ruin. By having professional water damage restoration training, a cleaning crew will be able to properly assess the situation and devise the best plan for repair.

According the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), which sets the standards for the cleaning industry and water damage restoration training; there are several different levels and classes involved in liquid destruction. From the IICRC’s S-500 standards, there are three categories describing the type of liquid involved.

•    Category 1. This is liquid from a clean and sanitary source, such as faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc. But, category one can quickly degrade into category two.
•    Category 2. This category of liquid used to be called grey water, and is described as having a level of contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but not feces. 
•    Category 3. This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. It used to be called black water, and sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.

Next are the classes of destruction.

•    Class 1. The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low-permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
•    Class 2. With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials. 
•    Class 3. This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 
•    Class 4. This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

The education involved in water damage restoration training teaches the technician to tell the difference between all the classes and categories and form a restoration plan based on those factors. Whether the work is done with a professional, broad-spectrum cleaning company, or if it’s a company limited strictly to moisture damage work, it’s important to make sure the technician has the right knowledge and tools for the job. Infrared probes are used to tell the extent of the destruction, as well as air movers, air scrubbers, different sizes and types of dryers and blowers, special hardwood dryers, and dryers designed specifically for drying the sub-floor and inner wall cavities.  Armed with water damage restoration training and the proper tools, most situations are salvageable.

Our team members   are Water Damage Restoration certified by the IICRC.  If you suffer water damage SERVPRO is only a phone call away.  24 hours a day 7 days a week! 812-574-5744

 SOURCE:  http://www.IICRC.org/the-basics-water-damage-restoration-training-a-23.html

Professional Carpet Cleaning by SERVPRO

11/1/2019 (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 concerns 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 problems 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

Emergency Ready Profile

11/1/2019 (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

How and Why you should insulate your pipes this winter.

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water pipe insulation is a good DIY project that can protect your home from water damage, if done correctly and maintained after installation.

Where to Insulate Water Pipes:

Which water pipes you insulate will depend on why you are doing it. If the goal is to prevent frozen pipes, then the critical pipes to insulate are those that run through unheated spaces, such as exterior walls, unheated garages, the floor cavities above unheated crawlspaces, unheated attics, etc. Generally speaking, it's not necessary to insulate pipes that run through interior walls or in basements that are heated. Both hot- and cold-water pipes should be insulated when the goal is preventing freezing.

Pipe-Wrap Insulation

A common way to protect pipes is with the traditional pipe wrap insulation. This type of insulation is available in many different materials, including flexible foam with rubber backing tape, foam-and-foil pipe insulation, bubble-film pipe wrap, foil-backed natural cotton, and rubber pipe insulation tape.

Tubular Sleeve Insulation

Consider tubular sleeve insulation when longer runs of straight pipe need to be covered. Most tubular sleeves are available in 6-foot lengths, so you can cover a lot of ground quickly. The tubular sleeves can be made of either foam or rubber insulation, and both are available in self-sealing styles. Different diameters are available for different pipe sizes—1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch. 

Outdoor Faucet Covers

A great many burst pipes occur where hose bibbs extend through the walls of the home to the outdoors. When these exterior metal faucets are exposed to frigid winter temperatures, water trapped inside the faucet can expand and burst—causing a split in either the faucet itself or the pipe just inside the walls of the home. If you are lucky, it will be the faucet that bursts and leaks water outside the home, but if you are less fortunate the burst may occur in the pipe inside the home, causing water to pour into your walls or basement.

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles if you discover water damage due to a burst pipe! 

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/water-pipe-insulation-2718695

Holiday Cooking Fire Safety Tips for You!

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

What to Do If a Cooking Fire Flares Up

By exercising caution at all times in your kitchen, you can help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. But if a fire does flare up, you need to be prepared.

• Your safety should always come first. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to fight the fire, leave the scene, call 911 for help, and let the fire department control the fire.
• If a small fire flares up and you are going to attempt to extinguish it, call 911 for help first. A fire may grow out of control more quickly than you anticipate. It is safer to have help already on the way.
• Smother a grease fire – never throw water on a grease fire. The super-heated water can change to steam, and can cause severe burns. Oil also can splash and spread the fire. If a grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding the lid – while wearing an oven mitt – over the pan. If safe to do so, turn off the heat source. Do not move the pan, and keep the lid on until the fire is out and the pan is completely cool.
• If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat source. Keeping the door closed will help smother the flames. Do not open the door until the flames are completely out.
• If a fire starts in your microwave, turn off the microwave and do not open it until the fire is completely out. Unplug the microwave only if you can safely do so.

Winter is Coming

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Indiana, we're no strangers to the brutal winter weather conditions.  It's important to stay ahead of the game, and prepare your home to withstand these conditions.  At SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, we see a vast amount of claims during these winter months due to roof leaks caused by ice and snow,  water leaks from frozen pipes and many other winter storm related causes.   We want you to be aware, even though we are leaders in the water mitigation industry, we would rather prevent the damage than clean it up.

  Some of the most common causes of loss for our Southern Indiana customers are roof leaks. Do a visual inspection of your roof to look for maintenance issues or things that could make it more susceptible to hail or wind or other damage—like missing or damaged shingles or tiles on sloped roofs. Or if it’s a flat roof, look for surface bubbles in the membrane material or missing gravel.  Take a walk around the home and look for overhanging trees and branches. Trim trees back and remove dead branches—things that have the potential to fall when you get high winds or heavy snowfall to keep from damaging your roof.  Check downspouts and gutters to make sure that after the leaves fall the gutters get cleaned out—anything with the potential to freeze and exacerbate the problem with ice damage. Keep the drainage of the water off the roof and not clogged in the gutters.

  Another common cause of water loss are frozen pipe leaks.   No one wants a frozen pipe, so keep an eye on yours. Drain the outside water faucets and shut them off before the first freeze. On very cold nights, open cabinets beneath the sink to let warm air in and, if you are especially worried about freezing pipes, let a slow drip of water run through them. Resist the urge to turn down the thermostat to save money – you want to keep the pipes warm. Extreme weather is not a time to start trying to save on your energy bill, crank your heat up during those weeks, a water damage can be incredibly more costly than a few weeks of high energy usage.

  Another thing to keep in mind is chimney maintenance.  Make sure your chimney is ready to go before the cold weather hits by having it inspected for cracks and other dangers by a certified professional. If you had a chimney fire and didn’t know it, the professional will find evidence and recommend fixing it before use this winter. A good cleaning – and at least one during the heating season – can help reduce the chance of a chimney fire. Remember, chimney fires can spread damaging heat to the walls, leading to total losses.  

  SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles hopes you don't need us this winter season, but accidents happen, and when they do we're "Here to Help"  24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Contact Us Online or call (812)574-5744. 

Holidays can bring more than presents...

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is about coming together with family and friends. For many people, this means hosting family celebrations and get-togethers inside of their homes. With this brings potential for water damages.

There are a few steps you can follow, to better prepare yourself and your home.Have your plumbing inspected. Check lines forsuitable insulation in unheated areas in your home, this could be an attic or a crawl space. If you have the means, insulating zones in your home that lose heat will keep pipes from freezing and over time help eliminate heat costs.

I you're planning a holiday vacation, leave water running while you are away. Just a little trickle can help reduce the likelihood of freezing and need for repair.Have someone check on your home while you’re gone, if there is an emergency, it will be better to know about it sooner rather than later.

Be aware of what’s being poured down the drain. Common causes of holiday water damage are drainage issues. Don't pour cooking oils or liquid fats down the drain; they will likely solidify resulting in blockage. Also, make sure you are utilizing your garbage disposal correctly--Try not to put things in it that are hard to grind up, such as coffee grounds, egg shells, peels from fruits and raw vegetables.

Another very common cause of holiday water damage is toilet backups. Never flush anything that is not meant to be flushed, keep a plunger handy or a snake to deal with clogged toilets. And place them in an area where all your guests will have access to save them the embarrassment of having to ask.

The Holidays are never a good time for water damage. Good thing SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, EVEN HOLIDAYS! Our Crews of professionals will be onsite fast, ready to handle any situation! Contact Us Online or Call 812-574-5744 if you have an emergency.

How to Prepare for a storm

9/25/2019 (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.

1. Tune into your local weather radio station, TV channel, or app.

2. Depending on the type of storm, you must evaluate your situation.

• Your location matters. You need to find a safe place that offers shelter.

3. Create an emergency plan.

• Know where you are going (locate fast exit points or where to stay)

• Memorize emergency phone numbers

4. Prepare an emergency kit. Each kit should include:

• Flashlights

• Batteries

• Non perishable foods

• Water bottles

• Blankets

• First Aid Kit (essential medications)

5. 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

Fire Damage Tips

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Rain, Rain Go Away

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded basements are a common catastrophe homeowner's experience due to substantial amounts of rain. It's important to mitigate the loss as soon as possible to prevent further damage and mold growth.

Here are a few tips to follow to help prevent a flooded basement:

Focus on prevention. Long before you're in a flooding situation, look around your property for ways to divert rainwater away from your home. Important considerations are extending rain gutter down spouts away from your home and making sure the grade of your yard surfaces slope away from your home.

Clean the rain gutters in the spring and after all the leaves have come down in the fall. Blocked gutters will cause all of the roof water to dump directly against your foundation, increasing the likelihood of basement flooding.

Extend the rain gutter downspouts well out and away from your home. Do not connect the downspouts to your foundation footer drain tiles or to underground dry wells. This will only cause the roof water to further saturate the ground and cause flooding in your basement.

Walk around outside in your yard during a heavy rainstorm. Watch to see if water is ponding next to your home and if surface water is being directed toward your home. If this is the case, seek a local landscaper or excavation contractor for advice on ways to regrade your yard so the surface water is directed away from your home.

Provide emergency power. Install an automatic emergency generator to provide electric service for essential circuits like your furnace or electric heat, well pump, refrigerator, septic tank pump and sump pump in the case when power is lost. Without emergency backup power, you may return home to unnecessary basement flooding, frozen water pipes and a flooded septic tank.

Install a sump pump. An automatic sump pump should help keep water leakage normal amounts of rainfall from building up in the basement. As long as the sump pump tank has an opening in the lid, the sump pump will act like a huge floor drain and keep the water from getting deep.

Install a backup sump pump. The sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. However, the most reliable sump pump available in the industry is still a mechanic device and can fail. A backup sump pump system, preferably with at least a battery-operated pump, configured with a switch device to begin working if the main is out of commission, greatly reduces the chance of flood. Some systems come with additional security features such as an alarm that goes off whenever the battery operated is started

Make an emergency family plan. Plan ahead with your family so that everyone has each other cell phone and other contact numbers. If you live in an area that is prone to historic flooding, plan ahead of time where you'll be able to stay until flood waters subside. Keep in mind that all your neighbors will probably need housing too. As local hotels are usually inundated during flooding events, try to arrange ahead of time with some local family members away from the flooding area to have temporary housing if ever needed.

Have flood insurance. Add flood insurance onto your existing homeowner's policy. Flood insurance is provided by the government and is fairly inexpensive. In the USA, if your home insurance agent does not provide flood insurance, contact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for local agencies that do.

You can trust our experienced team to take care of you and your needs. SERVPRO is here to help make it "Like it never even happened." Call us at 812-574-5744

Source:  https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-Basement-from-Flooding.

Steps for Handling a Water Damage

7/1/2019 (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

Are you Storm Ready?

12/17/2018 (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." 

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Services

12/17/2018 (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.  

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles TODAY for all your carpet and upholstery cleaning needs!  812-574-5744

Is your commercial property EMERGENCY READY?

12/17/2018 (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.   

Help with Storm of Flood in South Eastern Indiana Homes or Business

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

When the waters rise, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles are here to help make it "Like it Never Even Happened"!

SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit South Eastern Indiana, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

If stormy weather causes waterdamage to your property call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles at (812) 574-5744, today!