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Jumping Into Action When Your Business Floods | SERVPRO of Allen
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Allen a call to get that resolved!
It’s just another day at the office, or so you think. You get to work, unlock the doors, turn on the lights and are all of a sudden hit with a musty odor and your socks are now soaked through. Oh no, your floors are covered in water and it is currently raining down from the ceiling! What do you do?
Water leaks can happen at any point, but they can be especially troublesome when they occur and no one is around to help immediately. Over time, this simple leak could turn into a flood that impacts multiple levels of your business.
No matter how the leak started, getting it under control as quickly as possible is always recommended to prevent serious damage from occurring as well as to prevent mold growth. Following these steps below can help you navigate this uncertain and frustrating time.
Following Step by StepWhen you discover water damage or even a flood, it can take you by surprise and can be a very unnerving experience. Try to stay calm and focus on what you can control in the moment.
Taking action quickly can help you avoid serious issues that could plague your business for years.
1. Stay safe. We always want you to stay safe! First, make sure your employees stay out of the area and stay out of the water. Assess the damage from dry location and then get us on the phone. Our team will discuss the situation and start working on a recovery plan right away. You should also take some photos at this time as well to help jumpstart your insurance claim.
2. Control the disaster. Fast action is the best way to prevent serious or long-term damage, so focus on identifying the source and shutting off the flow of water as quickly as possible. Closing off the specific water valve or simply shutting off the main water valve to your entire building for the time being can stop the problem from getting worse.
3. Start the drying process. While you wait for us to arrive, you can certainly start the drying process! Just be sure to stay out of the water as floodwater can contain chemicals, storm runoff and even sewage. Open windows, set up fans and keep the area closed off to employees and customers.
Working With Our Water Damage Restoration TeamOnce we arrive, we will get to work right away to remove the excess water, and we will also perform a visual assessment at this time. Our project manager will be with you every step of the way to ensure you know what is going on and what is coming next. We will even make contact with your insurance agency at this time.
While we work on your building, we want you to focus on your staff and your business. Oftentimes, we are able to secure the area where the flood occurred so you can still operate, even in a reduced capacity. We will do whatever we can to help!
You shouldn’t have to stand for standing water at your business. Contact SERVPRO of Allen for immediate assistance, and we will help you dry out and rebuild right away.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
The Impact of Different Types of Home Damage | SERVPRO of Allen
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Allen right away.
Disasters and unexpected situations can happen at any point. Severe weather, house fires or broken windows from a fly ball that flew a little too high while your children were playing can all leave your home damaged without much warning.
Even though we know that we cannot prevent every situation from occurring, we can take steps to be prepared for as much as we can.
Understanding the different types of home damage and what to expect can help you prepare more thoroughly. If you do suffer damage, SERVPRO® of Allen can handle every aspect of your recovery.
The Biggest Risks in the Allen AreaIn our particular area, we are at risk of heavy rain, flash flooding and tornadoes. We can also be at risk of suffering from wildfire damage if a season gets particularly dry and the conditions become volatile. Of course, the general risk for water damage, roof damage or fire is always present.
Water damage can happen due to rain or flooding, but it can also happen in an instant if your dishwasher malfunctions and leaks or a pipe in your wall bursts and leaks everywhere. Fire can also start in a variety of ways, but they most commonly start due to human error or negligence.
What Are Compounding Damages?Suffering through one disaster situation is often stressful enough, but that single situation can lead to further issues, called compounding damages. For example, a flood will leave your home soaked and damaged, but that lingering water can also lead to structural issues or even mold growth.
A house fire will certainly damage the walls and floors where the flames were present, but the soot and smoke can travel to parts of your home that the fire never reached. When the fire is extinguished, water damage and chemical residue will all need to be addressed as well.
No matter how your home was damaged, a proper recovery is required so you can avoid lingering issues or further damage. SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle your recovery process from start to finish. We are trained in water, storm and fire damage repair as well as mold remediation and home remodeling.
If your home suffers water damage from a storm or a household accident, we will get to work drying out the excess moisture and tackle any repairs quickly. We will also make sure any lingering odors are taken care of and your entire space is sanitized.
If your home suffers a fire disaster, we will get right to work removing burned debris and cleaning out any soot and smoke damage. We will go room to room to make sure every bit of lingering damage is repaired. We can handle the smallest repairs all the way up to entire reconstructions of levels or sections of your home.
We are a full-service restoration company, so we come with everything we need to tackle your project from start to finish. Our team is trained in the latest restoration techniques, and we have years of experience helping homeowners like you overcome home damage challenges.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
Why an Emergency Plan Matters for Your Business | SERVPRO of Allen
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Allen is here for you when disaster strikes!
It should be no surprise that the number of natural disasters has steadily been increasing over the last five years. All of the hurricanes, fires and floods in the news can be overwhelming at times.
Natural disasters can happen without much warning, leaving you with serious damage and a lot of uncertainty about the future of your business. By planning ahead, you can reduce your risk of extensive damage and weather through the disaster more smoothly.
Taking the time to create a reliable emergency plan can help you respond faster during a true emergency.
Why a Plan Is ImportantSince natural disasters are happening more frequently and are becoming stronger, the possibility of suffering through one yourself is increased. Taking action against the possibility of dangerous fires, floods and storms can help you and your staff stay safe.
Disaster situations can cause extensive damage to your business, but they can also cause a trickledown effect on your staff. Lost wages, reduced revenue and the uncertainty of what comes next is something no business owner should have to deal with.
If you have a plan in place to recover, you can ensure your staff that you will be back open for business in no time at all. We don’t want you to have to shut your doors forever, so we are here to help.
The Creation of an Emergency Ready PlanSERVPRO® has the perfect solution for helping your business prepare for disaster situations. Our Emergency Ready Plan service helps outline the various threats to your business and gives you step-by-step directions on how to respond to them.
Different businesses have different levels of risk depending on the service or product they offer. For example, a small storefront that sells local goods will have a different plan than a huge warehouse that works with dangerous chemicals on a daily basis.
We will go through each scenario and explain what to do before, during and after a particular disaster. This may include keeping important documents in an easily accessible area or having emergency bags ready for your staff to grab quickly on your way out the door.
Staying in communication with one another during emergencies is also crucial, so we will create a section in your Emergency Ready Plan that explains the chain of command and who is responsible for what. Having specific people designated to call 911 or to grab your fire extinguisher helps keep everyone calm and in control.
The Emergency Ready Plan is everything you need and more when it comes to disaster situations. We will ensure you have the information you need to respond smoothly to any emergency situation that comes your way.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
Tips for a Safe Holiday Season in the Kitchen | SERVPRO of Allen
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Allen on the case!
We don’t know about you, but we love this time of year and all of the delicious food that our friends and family bring to holiday gatherings. We would bet you have a family recipe that has been passed down for generations that you have also perfected over the years.
While you dust off your aprons and get ready to make your delicious seasonal food, you also need to take precautions when it comes to reducing your risk of starting a house fire. Kitchen fires are more common at this time of year, so incorporate these tips below to help you stay and fire-free.
Addressing Your Kitchen SpaceA cluttered kitchen can be a dangerous one, so the first thing you should do is prepare your space. Many kitchen fires start due to an accident or some type of flammable material getting too close and catching on fire.
Removing flammable materials like pot holders, wooden utensils, kitchen towels and holiday decorations can help reduce this risk.
You should also dress for the part! Flammable or loose clothing can easily catch fire and lead to serious or even deadly consequences. Tie up your aprons tightly and roll up your sleeves before you get to work.
Watch for Signs of FireIt doesn’t matter how often you make a certain recipe or how many times you have cooked in your kitchen, the risk of fire is always there. Grilling, frying, boiling and baking all come with a certain level of risk, so stay close by whenever you have something on the stove or in the oven.
A single spark or popped grease bubble can quickly lead to disaster if you aren’t there to catch it right away.
If your family partakes in the holiday tradition of deep-frying a turkey, choose someone that will be in charge of the entire process that will be responsible and safe. Find a flat, non-flammable surface to set the fryer on and only fill it with the amount of oil that is recommended.
Be sure to take your turkey out of the freezer in enough time for it to thaw completely, as a partially frozen turkey can lead to an unpredictable reaction with the oil.
Check on Your Smoke AlarmsWe all know that routine battery testing is important when it comes to your smoke alarms, but you should make it a point to check them before your holiday festivities get started. Test every alarm in your home, not just the ones near your kitchen, and replace batteries as needed.
You should also consider investing in a fire extinguisher that is designated just for your kitchen space. Put it in an easily accessible area and regularly check the expiration date on it to make sure it is in good working condition.
We wish you and yours a safe and relaxing holiday season, but remember that we are always here if a kitchen accident goes awry and leads to fire damage. We will work hard to help you recover faster so you can enjoy the rest of the season ahead.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
Preparing for Chilly Texas Weather | SERVPRO of Allen
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Allen has your back with these helpful tips.
The winter season is a tricky one in our community—there’s no denying that. Depending on the time of year, we could see heavy rain, freezing temperatures and even accumulating snow, sometimes all in the same day!
Regardless of the weather situation, knowing what to do and how to prepare your home for what is forecast can help you avoid serious property damage.
Getting Ready for the Incoming WeatherDepending on the type of storm, avoiding travel when the weather comes to town is always a good idea. If the temperature is hovering close to freezing and it is raining, it can quickly create slick roads and snow can make travel difficult or even impossible.
Stay home instead and fire up your weather radio to stay in the know. Start gathering your supplies so you can stay comfortable if the storm lasts for a while or knocks out power to your home.
Locate your extra flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, blankets and safe drinking water. You should also have an extra heating source in case the power is out for a while. Clean out your fireplace just in case.
While your home is usually the safest place to be during winter weather, it simply may become too cold to stay in if the power is out for multiple days. Have a backup location like a friend’s home or a warming center in mind that you can head to if needed.
Addressing Damage After the StormUse caution when you are walking around outside after a storm. Slick walkways and snow can cause many different dangerous conditions, so carry your phone and be careful.
If we do get any snow, brush it off of your roof and gutters right away. That snow can eventually melt, only to refreeze again at night, and that can lead to structural damage for your roof.
If the storm brought strong wind, check your roof and siding for impact damage as well as your vents. Wind can blow rain or sleet into your vents, which can freeze and cause ice blockages. Any blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up in your home, so clear away these blockages quickly.
Our Storm Damage RestorationIf your home suffers any sort of home damage, give us a call right away. Our team can address water damage and structural issues quickly to help you avoid further damage and costly repairs. We will assess the situation, clean and sanitize and tackle repairs for you in a timely manner.
The winter season may be an unpredictable one, but we are always here to assist you. Contact us day or night for immediate, reliable restoration assistance.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Allen for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
Recovery Tips After a Summer Storm | SERVPRO of Allen
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Allen to restore your space in no time!
The summer season here in the Allen area can be tranquil and beautiful one minute and storming like crazy the next! Preparing for the possibility of severe weather is always helpful in avoiding significant damage, but sometimes storms can take us all by surprise.
Even just a few months ago, many of us were surprised by the hail storm that came through town! Even the best preparations sometimes don’t stand a chance against Mother Nature around here. In addition to hail, strong winds, floods and tornadoes can develop in a moment’s notice.
Keeping your family and pets safe during a weather emergency should always be your main goal, so stay inside and away from windows until the storm has passed on. Once it is gone, you can start investigating your property for any damage, then call SERVPRO® of Allen for a complete recovery.
Steps After the Storm PassesBe extremely cautious about heading outside immediately after a storm passes your home. We all know that thunderstorms can come in waves, and another one may be on the horizon. Stay connected to your weather radio or tune into a local news station for updates.
If anyone in your household was not home when the storm came through, connect with them to ensure their safety and call your relatives or friends if they were in the path of the storm.
You should also take the time to check on your neighbors! Storms affect houses differently and can have very specific damage paths, so stop by to make sure everyone is OK. Just be cautious about going into any damaged rooms or spaces that seem unsafe.
Once everyone is safe and accounted for, head back home and start taking pictures of any damages you see. We will use those pictures to create your restoration plan, and we will also use them to communicate with your insurance company about your storm damage claim.
As Time Goes OnWhile you wait for us to arrive, you can survey the damage around your home and start collecting your possessions. Be careful while you move about. Hidden loose floorboards or bent nails could be lurking out of sight, or parts of your home that you can’t see could be structurally damaged. Walk cautiously and carry your phone with you in case you run into any trouble.
If your home has been significantly damaged and it is still raining or drizzling, cover your possessions with a tarp or board up your windows while you wait for us to arrive. We will do this extensively when we show up, but do what you can in the meantime.
Our team works directly with your insurance company to handle your entire restoration, so rest assured that everything will be done properly and in an efficient manner. We can also help you figure out lodging if your damage is extensive and you need to live off site for a few days while the repairs are taking place.
SERVPRO of Allen is dedicated to helping you however you need it during this process. We are here 24⁄7 to respond to your call, and we won’t stop cleaning, sanitizing and repairing for you until you are 100% satisfied with the final product.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
When the Rain Comes Pouring In... | SERVPRO of Allen
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Allen on the case!
A soft and gentle rainfall in the late summer or early fall can be relaxing and much-needed at this time of year. Rain has a way of calming everything down and refreshing our community!
However, not all rain is light and idyllic. Sometimes it can wash over the area in intense waves, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and even hail. While our homes are strong enough to withstand moderate storm conditions, sometimes the rain can fall fast enough that our homes can’t keep up and the rain comes leaking into our homes.
Our SERVPRO® of Allen team wants you to stay as safe as possible during severe storm situations like this, so we offer some tips for taking quick action and seeking shelter below.
Hazards of Intense RainIf rain falls hard and fast, it can cause all kinds of problems for our area. Flash flooding conditions can appear if rivers overflow or roads can’t drain fast enough, which can make travel impossible or treacherous.
It can also cause ground issues if the water is moving fast enough. Landslides can sweep away trees, plants, cars and even houses. Since we live in the aptly named “Flash Flood Alley,” we know how quickly rain can turn into a major issue. We could easily get three to six inches of rain in a short amount of time when the clouds open up.
While this act of Mother Nature is not preventable, preparing in advance can help you avoid certain situations and severe damage. Stay connected to local authorities, and take action immediately if a flash flood warning is issued or intense rainfall is expected.
Staying SafePreparing your home and family should always be your top priority. If you are out and about, head for your house right away and avoid any low-lying areas, drainage ditches or any roads that you know flood easily during storms. Get whatever you can into your house or garage that you don’t want swept away by the water, including your cars, lawn equipment and outdoor furniture.
Get anything fragile or sentimental off of the first level of your home and move it upstairs and consider shutting off the electricity for your lower level just in case the water starts to flow in. If that happens while you are home, stay calm and stay above the water line. Remain in a safe location until the water stops rushing in. Move carefully through your home and avoid walking through the water and call us for a complete restoration.
Future Prevention StrategiesWe know that weather can be unpredictable, which is why it is impossible to plan for every scenario. After you have recovered from this particular flooding incident, consider taking measures to prevent this from happening again! Start with getting a professional opinion about your property and whether you would benefit from getting it professionally graded. This can help water flow down and away from your foundation, even if it becomes heavy at times.
Another helpful investment is a sump pump! If your home is in a low-lying area, having a sump pump is crucial during intense rain storms. Sump pumps work to remove water from around your foundation to keep it from leaking down your walls and ruining your walls, floors and ceilings.
Remember that we are always here if you need assistance recovering from water damage. Our SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists will help dry out the excess moisture, repair whatever was damaged and sanitize your space to prevent mold growth.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Tips for Enjoying Fall Bonfires, Safely | SERVPRO of Allen
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Allen has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
What a crazy hot and humid summer we experienced! Now that we are into September, we are looking forward to the reprieve and we will happily welcome the cooler temperatures and changing seasons. The fall season is all about fall decorations, pumpkin spice and cozy outdoor bonfires.
Spending more time outside around a bonfire is a wonderful way to enjoy the changing seasons, but we can’t let our guard down when it comes to fire safety and the potential risk of starting a wildfire.
Our SERVPRO® of Allen team explains more about fall fire safety below so you can enjoy your s’mores, campfires stories and cozy evenings without worry.
Tips For Starting the Fire SafelyDo choose a safe location for your fire pit. Permanent pits cannot be moved, but you can still clear brush away and ensure your log pile is far from the ring. Portable pits should be set up on level ground that is far away from your house, shed and garage.
Do keep water close by for emergencies. Buckets of water or a garden hose that is turned on and ready to use are both reliable water sources that you can use in an instant if needed. If you are camping or in an area without easy access to water, ensure you have a shovel close by to extinguish the flames with dirt or sand.
Do pay attention to the weather and obey local burn bans. Windy days or lingering dry conditions can create dangerous fire situations quickly. Check with our local authorities before lighting your fire and choose another day for your plans if the conditions are less than ideal.
Tips for Controlling the FlamesDon’t use anything other than matches, lighters or tinder to maintain your fire. Gas and lighter fluid are extremely flammable, but are also extremely unpredictable. They can easily start your fire pit and surrounding grass on fire and lead to a serious situation in seconds.
Don’t let your kids or pets get too close to the fire pit, and certainly do not leave them unattended near it. Serious burns, injuries or accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
Don’t let your fire get too large. It can be fun to feed the fire and watch the flames grow, but large fires can be harder to control and can be more unpredictable.
Don’t go inside or leave your home until you are 100% sure that your flames are out. Pour water over the entire area until the embers are extinguished and the logs are cold to the touch.
Reducing Wildfire RiskWe can all do our part to reduce the number of wildfires or fire damage in our community. While not all wildfires can be prevented, the vast majority of them are actually caused by humans. Be responsible with your flames, listen and obey all burning restrictions and never leave your pit unattended at any time.
Our team is here for you 24⁄7 to help you recover if you ever suffer fire damage at your home or property. Contact us right away for a complete restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Easy Storm-Proofing Steps for the Summer | SERVPRO of Allen
7/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Allen has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
Wind, hail, rain, tornadoes and floods…it’s summertime here in Allen! The threats associated with severe summer weather can pop up at any time, so everyone in our community needs to be prepared for this possibility.
Owning a home comes with many responsibilities. In addition to everyday maintenance and household chores, you also need to prepare for any upcoming or dangerous weather patterns.
Our community needs to be on the lookout for strong winds, hailstorms, heavy rain and the occasional tornado that passes through town.
The best way to avoid home damage during any of these scenarios is to prepare for it! Read our tips below so you can start prepping your yard and home ahead of the next storm.
General Yard WorkOne of the nice things about storm preparation is that many of your yard work tasks are actually things you should be doing on a regular basis anyhow! By splitting up the tasks amongst your family, you can get a lot done in a shorter amount of time.
Strong winds and downpours are some of the most common causes of home damage. In order to avoid this, keep your trees trimmed, your gutters cleared and your property free of debris like fallen branches.
Whenever you are giving your home a visual inspection, pay special attention to your windows and doors. Check these areas for rotten wood or gaps along the frames and address those issues right away. You should also focus on your roof! Water can easily get up under broken shingles, so those should be repaired as soon as you notice them.
Additional Home UpgradesStorm preparation doesn’t have to be expensive! Some of the best preventive steps you can take are cost-free. However, there are some additions you can make to your home that will take your protection to the next level.
Storm shutters are a reliable investment if your neighborhood frequently experiences strong winds. Triple-pane windows can also add a layer of protection against the blowing wind and flying debris. If your property has heavy tree coverage, investing in gutter guards can help reduce clogs and blockages.
If you have a shed or other outbuilding on your property, consider adding reinforcements or tie down the roof before a storm comes through to help keep it intact.
Once your home is ready, stay current on the weather forecasts and make sure your safe shelter location is ready to use at any time. Remember, SERVPRO of Allen is always here to put your home back together in the event of storm damage.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Allen to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Steps to Protect Your Employees During Severe Weather Event | SERVPRO of Allen
7/14/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Allen to get you back in action.
Running a business is hard work at times! You are constantly being pulled in different directions while also trying to stay focused on the day-to-day operations and the eventual big picture.
While you are busy preparing and planning for the week and months ahead, don’t forget to have a plan for severe weather. Extreme weather situations have the potential to be catastrophic for your business as well as create unsafe conditions for your staff.
Your team relies on you to have a plan ready to use, so use our tips below to come up with a great plan that will keep everyone safe when the weather turns severe.
Knowing Our RiskWeather threats look different all across the country, and they can even look different based on whatever season we are in! The threat of heavy rain, wind and particularly tornadoes are the main threats to us here in Allen. One tornado has the potential to cause complete devastation in a matter of minutes.
You should also understand the flood risk for your business location. This can help you prepare for the possibility of flooding and purchase flood insurance if necessary. Other methods like staying current on the weather patterns and understanding the weekly forecast can help you stay prepared.
Communicating EffectivelyWe are all connected in many ways through our computers, phones and the internet, so this step should be really easy! Be sure that you have your entire team’s contact information so that you can share updates about severe weather situations quickly.
If bad weather is in the forecast, you can send out your safe shelter location and explain how to access emergency supplies or how to evacuate in an emergency.
Getting Out QuicklyYour staff’s safety is your top priority during any severe weather emergency. Knowing how to quickly evacuate can help keep everyone safe. Explain the different evacuation routes and exit points throughout your building, and keep them all clearly labeled. Consider hanging your evacuation strategy near exits to help make this process go more smoothly in an actual emergency.
Evacuating might also be the worst option at the moment, depending on what is going on outside. To plan for this scenario, prep your safe shelter location now and store food, water and an emergency kit in it so that if your team has to hunker down, they can still be comfortable.
Practice going through these various scenarios a few different times, and always be sure that everyone understands their role during an emergency situation. This can help ensure everyone’s safety no matter the weather!
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
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