3 Tips on Sewage Clean Up

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

What To Know About Cleaning Up a Sewage Backup

When a home in our servicing area experiences a sewer backup, it is suggested that you call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County immediately. This is highly recommended because specific standards should be met when cleaning sewage material. Here is what you may want to know about cleaning up a sewer backup in a home or business.

1. Sewage is Called Black Water

One thing to remember about sewer backup from a flooded toilet is that it is categorized as black water. This category is used to classify any water that may have had to contact with harmful materials such as fecal matter. There are standards for dealing with this type of water designed to help avoid the spread of these contaminants and bacteria.

2. Following Safety Procedures is Important

Following safety standards when performing cleanup from a sewage backup is essential. This includes wearing proper safety gear such as boots, coveralls, gloves, and masks. It is also vital to ensure that no sewage material is tracked to unaffected locations to avoid the spread of bacteria.

3. Professionals Should Handle the Restoration

Any time sewage is involved, a professional must be called. A restoration business will have the tools, training, and standard knowledge to handle any cleaning and repair as quickly and safely as possible. A restoration team should also be able to decontaminate the space and check for any related damages resulting from sewage flooding.
When performing a sewer cleanup, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional for help, as these professionals have the training and tools for safely performing a cleanup. Sewage is considered black water, and all safety precautions should be observed when dealing with this material to help avoid the spread of bacteria. If you have any questions, please contact us at 636-467-5444.

Are You Ready for Storm Damage?

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can catch homeowners by surprise.

As anyone here knows, the weather in Southern & Central Jefferson County brings intense rain, wind, and ice storms. With weather that can switch quickly, it’s essential to ensure your home is storm-ready, prepared to handle and withstand unpredictable conditions.

It’s always a good idea to conduct a home and ground inspection before weather conditions worsen. Things like leaky roofs or windows can be very problematic in the midst of heavy rainfall and strong winds, so checking them and ensuring they are all fitted correctly is a critical step.

Checking for loose shutters and trimming back any trees or shrubbery that may be surrounding your home is another good way to get it storm-ready. Shutters, tree limbs, and other loose debris can get picked up by the wind and thrown in any direction, including toward your house. Also, inspect any drainage areas near or around your home, clearing them of debris-creating blockage. This will help reduce the chances of flooding your property during a storm.

Another thing to consider when preparing your home for a storm is what kind of system to have that will allow you to communicate with your loved ones and receive weather updates. In some cases, storms can become strong enough to put your cell phone’s service signal at risk, so it’s good to be prepared and have an alternative form of communication in place.

And as always, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is here to help in the event of storm damage. We’re available 24/7 and ready when you need us. Give us a call at (636) 467-5444.

3 Things That Must Go After a Fire

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are some items you may be able to salvage and restore. However, there are other items that you should throw away. If you’re not sure what is worth keeping and what you should get rid of, check out these three suggestions:

1. Makeup. After spending hundreds of dollars on the best foundations, concealers, and eyeshadow palettes, no one wants to trash some of their most valuable makeup. Unfortunately, the makeup you’d normally wear may no longer be in such good condition due to the high flame heat. Some of these products may have melted and are no longer usable.

2. Medication. If your medicine cabinet was slightly destroyed by the fire and smoke in the home, throw away the medication and talk to your physician about getting refills. Most physicians understand situations like this because it’s not safe to take medication that has been exposed to such heat in the first place.

3. Food. If food smells like smoke and soot is on it, toss it in the trash. You may not like wasting food you’ve purchased, but it’s simply not safe to eat any contaminated food due to the chemicals commonly used to put out fires. You never know if those chemicals are on certain products, such as your bread, crackers, and even your box of cereal, so don’t take any risks.

Water Damage is not a DIY Project

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

Despite the magazines, television shows, and internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals.

SERVPRO of Rolla technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold. Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.

Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.

Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

Preparing Your Home for Summer Vacations

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call anytime!

When summer comes around, most of us enjoy going somewhere else every now and then on an extended vacation. But even during a time of relaxation, it’s important to remember that even while you’re gone, things can still go wrong in your home. And the bills of damage left unattended can wreak havoc both during and after your vacation. But fortunately, the TODAY Show has a list of helpful tips to prevent the unexpected damages while you’re away; 

• If able, set your water heater on “vacation mode”
• Make sure storm drains are clean to prevent backups
• Turn down the house temperature
• Leave some of the lights on to make it appear that someone is home
• Consider turning off your water while you’re away to prevent water damage
• Mow your lawn before leaving to allow the freshly cut grass to absorb more rainwater
• Lock your doors and windows
• Consider investing in a monitor or camera to be able to check on your home while away

By remembering to take some simple steps, you can help ensure that your home is protected from a variety of damage. We all want to enjoy our vacations without stress, and it’s a simple task with the right preparation. With a bit of planning, you can make sure you come back to your home in the same condition you left it.

Source: https://www.today.com

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is here to help! Call us 636-467-5444.

We give you a five star experience every time!

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

We strive to give our customers a 5 star experience!

Guess who’s one of the most highly recommended restoration company in the Jefferson County area? That’s right, it’s us! We don’t need to toot our own horn, because we’ve got over numerous reviews between our 2 franchises to do that for us. We are really proud of them, because we’ve worked really hard to make sure each and every one of those reviews is well earned. Our SERVPRO team strives hard to make sure every one of our customers has a five-star experience, no matter the size or type of job. Whether it’s a fire or a water loss, whether it’s a home or a commercial building. We want you to have the same experience no matter what, and if you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.

Give our SERVPRO Team a call today at 636-467-5444!

Should I file an insurance claim?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Need advice on what to do? Give us a call 636-467-5444.

As a homeowner, renter, or business owner it is important to fully understand your insurance policy. Every policy is different, with exclusions and named perils. Being knowledgeable about your insurance as much as possible will help you in deciding if it is necessary for you to file a claim in the event your home or place of business suffers water damage. Here are some things to consider before filing an insurance claim:

If the total amount of repairs is less than your deductible, avoid filing, especially if other claims have been filled in the last ten years.

If it is an uncovered loss, you are responsible for the mitigation and repairs, be aware of what is covered under your insurance.

Claim frequency could affect you in the form of non-renewal for being a high-risk.

If damage occurs due to lack of maintenance that is your own responsibility, do not submit a claim. But remember, continuously maintaining your home or business can get you better premiums in the future.

Ultimately, being aware of all exclusions and coverage limits is important by knowing your options in which direction you need to go to mitigate and repair damage that occurs on your home or business.

Advice from American Red Cross

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage? We can help!

Great Advice from American Red Cross!

Did you know:

• Every day 7 people die in the United States due to a home fire
• You have two minutes- that 120 seconds – to escape a home fire
• On an annual average, the Ohio Buckeye Region of the Red Cross responds to over 3 home fires per day in 45 counties!

The American Red Cross cares about your safety and encourages you to test your smoke alarms and replace your batteries as needed.  This is a lifesaving action of our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, which rallies communities across the country to protest people from these every day disasters. Don't ignore the beeping sound of batteries going dead on a fire alarm, take a few minutes and go change the batteries right away! Your safety is in your own hands!

Trees and Tornadoes

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage? We can help you.

Tree Branches Become Debris in a Tornado

We love to have our tall leafy trees in our yards to keep our house cool during the summer heat. The shade they provide is wonderful when the sun is high in the sky.

These same trees we love can also be very harmful during a storm or tornado if they are not trimmed regularly. Strengthening the trees around your property can help keep their limbs from being torn off and becoming debris in a storm. Here is what to look for when trimming trees around your home:

• Limbs with wounds
• Decaying branches
• Structural defects
• Limbs rubbing against each other
• Exposed roots

If your trees are trimmed properly before the stormy season they will be less likely to become debris. Many homes can be destroyed by tornadoes in our servicing area if a tornado would arise. Learn more about the ways SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County can help during stormy weather. As always, you can call us anytime at 636-467-5444.

Storm Ready Kit

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Always be prepared! Here' an idea of what a storm kit looks like.

It feels as if we are constantly prepping for a storm - whether that is a tornado, thunderstorm, or even the rare winter storm that passes through the southeastern part of Missouri. 

Our team at SERVPRO headquarters (HQ) has put together a list of basic household items you may want to keep in stock and store in a weather proof, safe place in case you find yourself in an emergency storm situation. We encourage checking on your items every 3 months to ensure they are in working order and haven't passed the expiration date.

 Suggested items:

• Water- one gallon per person for at least three days.
• Food- at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight.
• Extra batteries.
• Candles.
• Phone chargers.
• Road flares.
• Rain ponchos.
• Tarp.
• Wet wipes.
• A whistle to signal for help.

When you get caught in a storm, damage to your home is likely. It could be from a limb on your tree or rain leaking through a window. If you see any damage to your home due to a storm, call us at 636-467-5444 so we can help you through the mitigation process.