Storm Damage in Gallatin

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

If you have any storm damage in Sumner County call SERVPRO

Not only are you faced with a frightening event most times, but as soon as the storm fades you are faced with unpleasant and unwanted damage. At SERVPRO of Cheatham, Robertson and Dickson Counties our goal is to make the restoration process as seamless and straightforward as possible. Our teams are equipped with the knowledge and certifications to complete the necessary restoration with as little disruption as possible.

From the moment that we receive the first call regarding storm damage to your home or business to the moment that we arrive on site to meet with the home or business owner and begin the restoration process our focus is on the customer. Our onsite professionals will explain the process and ensure that you are informed throughout the duration.

If you find yourself in need of restoration call the professionals at SERVPRO of Sumner County. We are always here to help and ensure that your home or business is brought back to its previous condition.

Summer Storms

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

If you house is affected by a storm reach out to your local SERVPRO

When most people think of summer they think of warm weather and lake days. While those are all positives there are some negative sides of the summer season. Summer brings a higher percentage of thunderstorms. In the summer, thunderstorms typically develop in the afternoon when the sun heats air near the ground. If the atmosphere is unstable, bubbles of warm air will rise and produce clouds, precipitation, and eventually lightning. This blog will focus on the three ingredients that cause a thunderstorm.

Moisture 

Without moisture there would be no thunderstorms. In the summertime, most areas of the United States have sufficient moisture to generate thunderstorms if the other ingredients are present. 

Atmospheric Stability 

Rising air is needed to produce clouds, and rapidly rising air is needed to produce thunderstorms. For air to rise rapidly, it must become buoyant compared to the surrounding air. When the atmosphere is unstable, air near the ground can become buoyant and rise rapidly through the atmosphere.

Trigger in Atmosphere 

This may be some sort of boundary such as a front, heating caused by the sun, or cooling aloft. Once a thunderstorm has developed, it will continue to generate boundaries that can trigger additional storms.   

Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Its important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a warning

With spring storms in full effect I thought it would be a good idea to create a blog that dives down to the difference between a tornado watch vs a tornado warning. These terms get thrown around quite a bit during this time so I think its important to have an understanding on the difference.

The best example I've heard that shows how they differ is to think of it in cooking terms. Instead of using the term tornado we will use tacos. A taco warning means all the ingredients are there but there are no tacos yet. Meaning you have a shell, meat, and toppings all separate but they are available. 

A taco watch meaning all the ingredients are put together and the taco is here and ready to be eaten. This same comparison is true for a tornado warning. 

When Storms Hit Hendersonville SERVPRO is Ready

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

When storms hit Hendersonville SERVPRO is ready to help

SERVPRO of Sumner county 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 Hendersonville, 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 615-672-1905.

Winter Storm Damage

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure you are prepare for winter storms the same way you would for a tornado or flood.

When most people think of storm damage they think of tornadoes and flooding. These are the most common types of storms in our area that we help out with yearly. Winter storms are very common and don't get the same amount of coverage that tornadoes and floods get. This blog will focus on the affects of winter storms and some tips to be prepared.

Wind

Winter storms can bring in very high winds. These winds can be just a strong as tornadoes. Its important to make sure your roof is in good shape before a winter storm. Make sure there are no missing shingles. This can lead to water damage.

Ice Damning

One of the most common forms of water damage comes from ice damns during winter storms. This is where water freezes in your gutters and has no where to drain when it melts. If you see water spots on your celling after a winter storm please give us a call!

Winter storms can cause a lot of chaos and in some situations could result in death. Its important to treat them the same as a tornado or a flood. Go ahead and have a plan in place and don't hesitate to call us if you need any assistance!

Preparing For A Storm Event

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Its never too early to prepare for a storm

Preparing For a Storm Event 

Storms can happen unexpectedly and can be extremely dangerous. Its very important to be prepared form a storm long before it occurs. This blog will focus on ways you and your family can be ready for the next storm event. 

Knowing your risk is a key part of ensuring you are prepared for weather hazards that arise. Always ensure that you are checking your local weather forecast before leaving home. You can also follow weather patterns and possible threats on all forms of social media.

Planning for weather hazards, such as tornado, flood or lightning strike to your home is an essential part of preparedness. Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food items, water and basic first aid supplies to ensure that your family is taken care of in case of emergency. Also ensure that your family has an emergency plan in case of evacuation, loss of power or fire. 

If you find yourself with damage to your home from spring weather hazards SERVPRO is here to help. From water damage to fire damage, you can count on our highly skilled project managers and staff to restore your property and ensure that it is back to normal as quickly as possible.

Important Information on Flash Flooding

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Flash flooding can happen in a short amount of time. Its important to be prepared.

Flash flooding occurs when there is a sudden influx of water onto normally dry land. Flooding can happen for many reasons, including heavy rains, ocean waves, snow that melts too quickly or dams and levees that break. Floods are the most common and wide spread weather-related disasters.

Flooding can happen very quickly with little or no warning. The destructive power of a flood combined with unpredictability make them extremely dangerous. Flooding can occur anywhere that receives rain fall. In the United States floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning.

What areas are at most risk from flooding?

Areas that are densely populated are at a high risk. Heavy construction and areas that have little to no dirt or grass that is not covered by concrete have nowhere for water to run off. In turn, instead of the water dissipating back into the ground it rises. In these densely populated areas if the streams have been re-routed underground and into storm drains they are at risk of overflowing and causing damage.

Areas near rivers are at risk. Levees are built along rivers and are used to prevent high water from flooding bordering land. If these levees are not maintained or the rains cause them to fail they cause devastating damage.

Mountains and steep hills produce a high amount of water runoff. If there are streams around these areas it causes them to rise quickly due to the rock and soil sediment. A creek or stream that at its regular depth might be 6”-7” can swell to a 10 foot raging river if a thunderstorm with heavy rain lingers.

Flood Alerts:

Flash Flood or Flood Watch-Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area-be alert.

Flash Flood or Flood Warning-Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent-take necessary precautions at once! Get to higher ground.

Urban and Small Stream Advisory-Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains is occurring.

Flash Flood or Flood Statement-Follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event.

Ensuring that you are well educated on flooding and why it happens is the first step to safety. If you find yourself in a flood situation stay calm and get to higher ground.

Hurricane Elsa Update

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

While most people were excited to finally get some rain this past week, others were relived in the fact that it meant the end of hurricane Elsa. Although this last hurricane wasn't as deadly as previous ones, hurricane Elsa definitely left her mark across the east coast.

Elsa became a tropical storm on July 1st and was quickly upgraded to a hurricane July 2nd. It started in the Atlantic ocean and hit Barbados and St. Lucia first. Luckily Elsa weakened as it entered the Caribbean Sea and moved closer to Cuba.

Unfortunately Elsa picked up more steam as it head closer to the US. Once Elsa hit Florida it was upgraded to a hurricane. From there it made its way up the east coast all the way to Virginia.

Thankfully there was more property damage than casualties. This is another reminder to make sure your home and business are prepared for any type of disaster.  

Storm Damage Response Time

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damages are never convenient and don’t wait for regular business hours – thankfully neither do we. SERVPRO of Sumner County provides emergency water damage mitigation and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. We will respond immediately day or night. When dealing with a damage from a storm its extremely important to respond to the damage quickly.  

Water is particularly invasive, and it will spread very quickly throughout your property. It will be absorbed into your floors, walls, furniture, etc. Therefore, water damages require immediate action, and quick response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. We will arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.

Below is a Water Damage Timeline that shows how damage will progress if it’s not addressed quickly:

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery and anything else it touches.
• Furniture finishes may start to bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, magazines and other paper goods located on the floor will begin to swell.

1 - 24 Hours:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Furniture begins to swell and some may possibly crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor will begin to appear.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may begin to grow and spread.
• Doors, windows and studs will begin to swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture may begin to warp and show signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Hardwood flooring begins to swell and warp.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible at this time.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically, and replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Preparing For A Storm Event

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

With todays technology we are able to prepare for storms days in advance. This blog will focus on things homeowners and business owners can do to prevent damage from storms, as well as go over things restoration companies do to prepare for a storm event.

One of the best tools to have your home or business is an Emergency Ready Profile. This is a free service provided by SERVPRO. We will be happy to come in and document all your shut offs as well as compile a list of all your emergency contacts. By doing this, you will be prepared for any type of disaster. According to FEMA, up to 40% of businesses never reopen following a major disaster. This is why early preparation is key when it comes to disasters.

When it comes to storm events home and business owners aren't the only ones who need to be prepared. The restoration company needs to have everything lined up well before the storm hits. 

The first order of business is to decide who is traveling for the storm and where are they going to stay. Hotel and Air Bnb's can be hard to book during natural disasters. If you are traveling, you must also have all the local work accounted for too. You cant send all of your production guys to the storm because then you wont have anyone to finish up the work that is currently going on. As well as responding to new jobs.

Hopefully you never have to experience a storm event. But if you do, its important to be prepared and to have SERVPRO's number on speed dial.  

Hurricane Laura

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Laura was devastating category 4 hurricane that hit August 20th 2020. Louisiana was the first place to get hit followed by Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Our franchise was called upon to help restore damaged property. This blog will focus on how our storm team operates and why SERVPRO should be your first call if you are affected by a hurricane.

SERVPRO has a whole division to help out with large catastrophes like hurricanes. Its called the Disaster Recovery Team. Its composed of the best of the best in restoration. The team is made up of large loss specialist that are pre qualified and strategically placed throughout the United States. This way we are quick to respond to any type of disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a project manager to make sure communication is accurate and the work is completed in a timely manner. Our team was assigned to travel to Texas to help restore property there. Our team was gone for over three weeks!

SERVPRO does a great job of filtering calls that are all going to the local franchise and dispersing them throughout the storm team. By doing so, we are able to help out more people in an organized way. 

Hopefully you never experience a hurricane or another other type of disaster but if you do its important to know that SERVPRO is here to help! 

Ice Storm in Hendersonville

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

According to recent weather predictions, an ice storm is potentially on the way for Hendersonville and other cities in Sumner County. Just like any other storms, ice storms can be potentially dangerous for your business or home. Its important to have an emergency plan already in place. Here are some reasons why these types of storms can be dangerous or potentially deadly.

The Length of the Storm

Unlike a tornado or flash flood, and ice storm can last from days up to weeks. Once the ice is settled the temperature must heat up for the ice to start melting. Considering we are in the middle of winter the temperatures are expected to remain low. 

Loss of Electricity 

Once an ice storm hits its very common for the electricity to go out as well. Its important to make sure your generator is ready to go. If you don't have a generator make sure to have the proper food and flash lights available.

Little Amounts of Ice Still do Damage

All it takes is less then half an inch of ice to cause a damage. Trees can then start falling on powerlines, and roads become undriveable.

Make sure to take a quick trip to the grocery store to make sure you have enough food to last in case this upcoming ice storm is a bad one. GO ahead and compile a list of emergency contacts as well as charge your phone. Good luck!

Preparing For A Storm Event

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

A storm event could potentially damage your business or home depending how bad it is. We have no way of preventing storms from happening. However, that doesn't mean that we cant be prepared before a storm hits. Here are some tips to help you be prepared for a bad storm.

• Create a family disaster preparedness plan.
• Establish a meeting place outside your home and the neighborhood in case of a community disaster such as flooding, mudslides, earthquakes, or radiological and hazardous materials accidents. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to contact each other if you get separated.
• Establish an out-of-state contact (relative or friend) that you can call after the disaster to pass the word around that you and your family are okay.
• Assemble a disaster survival kit and stock emergency supplies. You will need:
• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day.) 
• A three-day supply of ready to eat canned meats, vegetables, and fruit for each person.
• A change of clothing and footwear for each person.
• A first-aid kit that includes prescription medicines.
• One sleeping bag or blanket per person.
• A battery-powered radio and flashlight and extra batteries. 
• Special need items such as diapers, formula, baby bottles, denture and contact lenses supplies. 
• A credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
• Tools and supplies such as paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils; a battery powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, non-electric can opener, tube tent, plastic storage containers, compass, matches and  plastic sheeting. 
• Sanitation needs will include toilet paper; soap and liquid detergent; personal hygiene items; plastic garbage bags, plastic bucket with a tight lid; and household chlorine bleach.

Storm Season is Underway

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

With storm season underway, there are unfortunate cases of flooding and power outages taking place in Gallatin, Hendersonville, Portland, and Westmoreland. The humidity and flooded areas create a perfect combination and environment for mold to grow, giving you more than just flood damage to take care of. The sooner the water damage is cleaned up, the less likely there is a chance for mold to produce, leaving you with less to cleanup in the end. According to Angieslist, there are important steps to take in order to prevent mold damage after a flood.

Flood damage cleanup

1. Remove furniture and upholstery to clean or repair separately.
2. Start by using a wet/dry vacuum to get rid of as much water as possible so the water is not sitting. 
3. Use fans to circulate air and speed up the drying process. A dehumidifier can also be used to remove the excess moisture in the air to prevent mold growth.
4. Once the water and moisture is cleared, start cleaning and treating the carpet and flooring throughout the flooded area. Steam clean any carpeted area to properly sanitize and check the padding under the carpet to ensure that it does not need replaced. Carpet padding usually needs replaced when a flood occurs.
5. Clean walls and baseboards with warm water and soap to remove any residue. Then apply bleach and water mixture to sanitize the surface. 

Water damage produced from a flood can be dangerous and cause illness due to the bacteria sitting in the water. It’s important to act quickly when it comes to flood and water damage to prevent illness and worse damage to occur.

Source - http://www.angieslist.com/articles/6-steps-prevent-carpet-mold-after-water-damage.htm

Is Your Business Prepared?

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Take advantage of our FREE Emergency Response Plans and call our office at 615-822-0200 to schedule your appointment today.

Is Your Business Prepared?

Storm damage comes in all shapes and sizes and can have ill effects on your business. Having a Disaster Recovery Plan in place in case of business interruption can keep your business running at a certain capacity in the event of an emergency.

If your business takes the time to create and implement a good disaster recovery plan that includes steps to contain the effects of a storm damage, as well as minimize the potential for down time it can assist in getting your business back up and running quickly.

Take advantage of our FREE Emergency Response Plans and call our office at 615-822-0200 to schedule your appointment today. Our SERVPRO® of Sumner County professionals can help put a tailored plan together for your business that ensures you can effectively bounce back from storm damage that might occur.

Storm Prepardeness

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared if a storm hits your Sumner County home? Storms come in all shapes and sizes and it is important to be prepared with an Emergency Supply Kit if a storm becomes an Emergency situation. We have compiled a list of important items to keep in that Emergency Kit below!

-Non-Perishable Food & Can Opener

               -(3) days worth of food per person

-Bottled Water

               -(5) days worth of water per person

-Personal Hygiene Items

-Prescription Medication

-First Aid Kit

-Extra Clothing

               -(2-3) days of clothing per person

-Battery Operated Radio

-Flashlight

-Spare Batteries

-Extra Cash

The items above are only suggestions. Emergency Kits should be personalized to fit your families needs. We are always here to help at SERVPRO® of Sumner County. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection or services for storm damage that has occurred to your Sumner County home please call our office at 615-822-0200.

You Weathered the Storm. Now It's Time to Weather the Insurance.

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

It’s not often that you file a homeowners insurance claim, but when and if that time comes there are many aspects to keep in mind during the process.

If you have endured storm damage in your Sumner County home it is important that you assess your property, but only after it is safe to do so. Ensure that there are no downed power lines or other dangerous conditions before investigating the damage. Once you have investigated your property for damage it is time to report the damage to your Insurance Company. Knowing what to look for and what to expect with the claims process can relieve some of the stress in the situation.

How Do You Evaluate Your Property for Damage?

It is important that you complete a visual inspection of the exterior of your home, paying special attention to your roof, windows, gutters, facia and siding. If you have a chimney you will want to inspect it as well. Notate any missing shingles, cracks in the siding or brick, fallen gutters and window damage. Also, inspect your HVAC unit for any noticeable damage. Be sure to discuss all of the items and areas notated with your insurance adjuster.

Adjuster Insurance Inspection

Once you have contacted your Insurance Company and filed a claim they will assign an adjuster. The adjuster assigned to your claim will schedule a time to come and assess the damage of your property. Adjusters are trained to look at certain areas of the home that are prone to damage, but be sure to share the items that you notated on your initial inspection as well. Once their inspection is completed they will begin the process for your claim.

Once you have everything in order you can begin the process of repairs to your home. SERVPRO® of Sumner County is here to help. We are experienced and skilled in Water & Fire Damage and have years of experience in the construction as well. Call our office today at 615-822-0200 if you would like to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.

SERVPRO® of Sumner County Encourages Hendersonville Property Owners to Prepare Now for Severe Spring Weather

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S. SERVPRO® of Sumner County wants local home and business owners to know that the approaching spring season is notorious for flood-producing weather, so now is the time to prepare for the unpredictable.

“The water damage caused by a broken pipe, malfunctioning clothes or dishwasher, backed up gutters or damaged roof is typically limited in scope and pretty straightforward to deal with,” says Richardson. “Depending on where you live and work; however, you may also be at risk for flooding caused by rain, melting snow, coastal storms, storm surges, dam overflows, ice jams affecting rivers or a severe spring storm. Those are the types of flooding risks you need to plan for in advance.”

While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, FEMA warns that everyone lives in an area with some flood risk, so it’s important to understand your risk and take the appropriate steps to prepare. Even those who live in a “low flood risk” zone should heed weather warnings. Here are some of spring’s common flood-related weather hazards and where they are most likely to occur.

• Thunderstorms: The Southeast sees the greatest number of thunderstorms while the West Coast sees the fewest. They occur most often in the spring and summer months during the afternoon and evening hours but can occur anywhere and anytime. These powerful storms can dump large amounts of rain in a short period of time, resulting in flooding and power outages. In an average year, the U.S. experiences about 100,000 thunderstorms.
• Snow Melt: Areas of U.S. that receive a lot of snowfall are subject to flooding from snow melt. As warming temperatures melt the snow on top of the frozen ground, water can pour into basements and flood yards and streets. Communities downstream of heavy snowpack areas are at flooding risk from streams and rivers swollen with melted snow and ice. Communities along rivers are subject to flooding due to ice jams that block the river’s flow.
• Coastal Flooding: Flooding events during or following a coastal storm are common, but changes in average sea level and ongoing development have led to a phenomenon for coastal communities-Blue Sky or Sunny Day Flooding. Spring is one of the times when this phenomenon occurs, when Moon’s orbit brings it closest to the Earth, and the Moon, Sun and Earth align, resulting in extraordinarily high tides. Coastal flooding is most common along the Northeast and Gulf Coast.

“It’s great to look forward to warmer days of spring, but it’s also important to remember that this change in the weather can trigger some unsettled and even dangerous weather,” says Richardson. “Prepare now for the risk of flooding events by making an emergency plan for meeting up with loved ones, storing fresh water in the event of water supply contamination, having fresh batteries on hand in case of power outages, and stockpiling non-perishable food.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, floodwaters can pose several health risks and cause injuries, infection, chemical hazards and more. Ever drive through flooded roadways, and avoid contact with floodwaters when possible as it may contain downed power lines or electric current from a home or business; human or livestock waste; household, medical or industrial hazardous waste; debris; or wild animals such as rodents and snakes. If the water has entered a structure through the flooding of a creek, stream or river, or if it has fileted through insulation during its intrusion, it is also to be considered black water and could be hazardous to your health.

“If your home or business is affected by a flood, remember, quick action is critical to minimizing damage and long-term health risks,” Richardson says. Add SERVPRO® of Sumner County to your contact list in your phone. We’re here to help.”

SERVPRO® specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO® of Sumner County, please contact Katie Sellens at 615-822-0200 or ksellens@SERVPRO8267.com. For more information on SERVPRO®, please visit www.SERVPRO.com.

Sumner County Flood Evacuation Emergency Kit

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

 SERVPRO® of Sumner County wants you to be prepared if a flood forces you to evacuate.

Some of these items can be kept in a waterproof container (your emergency kit). Medications probably cannot, but you can have them ready to bring with you.

If a flood in Sumner County means you have to evacuate your home, you will need:

• Written contact list
• Copies of medical insurance & Medicare cards

• Warm blankets
• Extra clothing, especially socks & undergarments
• Bottled water
• Batteries for your electronic devices

Some people in Sumner County will also need:

• At least one other person who can get your medications &  supplies
• At least a week-long supply of prescription medicines
• A list of all medications, allergies, and dosages
• An extra pair of glasses or extra contact lenses
• Hearing-aid batteries
• Games & activities for children

If you have pets in your home, consider:

• Pet food and toys
• Toys or comfort objects
• Vet information

Some shelters will not or cannot allow pets. Ahead of an emergency, SERVPRO® of Sumner County suggests you find out which ones will allow your 4-legged loved ones. All shelters allow service animals. 

SERVPRO® of Sumner County 24-Hour Emergency Storm Damage Service

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Sumner County: Tornadoes

Tornadoes are a major cause of storm damage in Sumner County.

Tornadoes:

• Look like funnels
• Are air columns that rotate from thunderstorms down to the ground
• Bring winds that may move over 200 mph
• Bring heavy rain
• Can create missiles out of objects
• Can destroy buildings and flip cars
• Can lead to flooding
• Are not always predictable
• Move quickly

A tornado watch usually lasts about (6) six hours.  It means that conditions are right for tornadoes to develop. Listen for updates from the weather service and plan where you will go if the weather service does spot a tornado.

A tornado warning means that the weather service has spotted a tornado. SERVPRO® of Sumner County has these suggestions:

• Find shelter immediately.
• You should know where to take shelter if you are at home or work
• Shelter areas are away from windows.
• Shelter areas are away from outdoor walls.
• Follow signs or guides to shelter
• Stay in the shelter until the tornado warning is over.

SERVPRO® of Sumner County urges you to be safe.

Customer Service Through Storm Damage

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

If you have ever suffered through a storm that created wide spread damage in your area then you more than likely understand what it is like to feel helpless. Our office provides support to our storm teams within the SERVPRO® franchise system and travels to affected areas to offer help and support to the many victims that are affected by the storms. Our office are constantly watching weather patterns and are put on alert or stand by when major storms are about to make landfall. By watching the weather patterns and having our own meteorologist on staff we are able to prepare to travel to the areas affected when we are called.

We send our teams and technicians to your areas to begin the process of mitigation. We know that the longer these damages sit the more likely there is to be secondary damage. Unfortunately, most storm damage is widespread and therefore it is difficult to assist everyone with the damages to their homes. Our offices and on the ground teams attempt to help as many people in one day as possible. Many days they are out at calls from sun up to sun down and if there is electricity, no curfew being enforced and we have the homeowners permission we have stayed until 10PM – 11PM.

Our office staff is trained to obtain certain information regarding the damage to your home, but also additional information such as accessibility and power. We know that when you have a damage such as this you emotions are heightened and you are ready to begin the mitigation and repair process to ensure that things return to normal as soon as possible. Our office staff tries to remain empathetic and reassuring while still collecting all of the pertinent information needed to schedule services to begin. We are happy to help in any way possible and our main objective is to service your damage as soon as we possibly can.

If you find yourself in a storm situation call your local SERVPRO® franchise. The friendly staff will get you on your way to normalcy as soon as possible.

Does Your Business Have a Plan In Case of a Tornado?

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Does Your Business Have a Plan In Case of a Tornado?

Tornadoes are destructive and can leave cities and towns with unimaginable damage. Tornadoes develop with little to no warning, leaving families, homes and businesses vulnerable with very little time to react. Because of the vast destruction that a tornado is capable of causing it is important that your business is prepared and has a plan in place.

We have compiled a checklist for your business in the event of a tornado.

Before the Tornado

-Keep weather alert radios in all buildings

-Have a plan for providing emergency notification to all employees, clients, vendors and visitors.

-Put your plan in writing and distribute to all employees and departments.

-Conduct drills with employees to prepare.

-When establishing a timeline for preparation and closure for the workplace after an emergency, consider that employees will need to prepare and care for their families and any personal matters that might arise after as well. Always allow ample time for them to execute their personal plans.

-Always identify and speak with critical employees and department heads regarding expectations and duties. For example, many times there are IT functions that need to be established to protect and restore technology systems. If they are needed to work remotely be sure to establish travel, hotel and meal arrangements in advance and know what equipment that will be needed as well.

-Develop a contingency plan for any HR related functions. ie. Payroll, Benefits

-Update your employee contact information often.

During a Tornado

-Move employees to interior room or hallway.

-Stay away from windows

-Go to a pre-designated area. Get underneath tables and use arms to shield your head from debris.

After a Tornado

-Ensure that you are able to locate all employees

-Following the tornado, be sure to implement the plan that you put in place and notify all critical people of the next steps, based on the damage that has occurred.

Is Your Sumner County Home Prepared With An Emergency Kit?

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes will you be ready?

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs; one way to do that is by building a basic emergency kit. The following items are recommended for your Sumner County home emergency kit.

• Water, one gallon per person per day
• Food, 3-day supply of non-perishable food items
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing, 3-day supply per person
• Dust masks or bandannas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape

Don’t be ill prepared if disaster strikes at your Sumner County home. Collect the above items and have your emergency kit ready in the instance that you need to use it. If you find yourself with damage from storms call SERVPRO® of Sumner County we are here to help.

SERVPRO® of Sumner County – The Risks of Standing Water

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Any standing water in Sumner County can be a powerful source of diseases.

Even a small puddle can pose a risk. Floods are worse because there is so much more water.

Sewage, dead animals, and rotted plants can be in flood water. If the flood water is indoors, there might be rotted food.

Virus and bacteria can cause diarrhea or vomiting. There are many different problems that standing flood water can pose against your well being and most are all exceedingly unpleasant. 

To reduce your chances of catching something, SERVPRO® of Sumner County says:

• Wash your hands after contact with the flood waters.
• Wash dirty clothes and towels in hot water. Use bleach if possible.
• Use bleach or other disinfectant on hard surfaces.
• Remember that you can shake hands with an infected person and get infected. That means you need to wash your hands before you eat.
• Do not allow children to play in the flood water.
• Wash children’s hands before meals.
• Disinfect toys before letting children play with them.

According to the CDC cuts and rashes can become infected, protect yourself and others in Sumner County:

• Avoid flood waters if you have an open rash or a cut.
• Clean cuts or rashes. Cover them with a waterproof bandage.
• Clean cuts with soap and clean water.
• If a cut becomes red, swollen, or is oozing, get medical attention.

SERVPRO® of Sumner County 24-Hour Emergency Storm Damage Service

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

There are several different types of storms that could effect Sumner County. Storms have proved to result in injuries, deaths and damage to homes, properties and businesses. Below are different types of storms and what they consist of individually.

Thunder Storms -

Heavy rains and heavy winds can cause storm damage and can also result in water damage around Sumner County. Most property damage from thunderstorms is from hail or wind, but lightning is also possible. Lightning is a major cause of storm and fire damage in the U.S. The NFPA states that between the years of 2007 and 2011, local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lighting strikes. In addition to the possibility of fires, lightning strikes can be deadly. Data from the National Weather Service shows that between the years of 2008 and 2012, an average of 29 people per year died as a result of lighting strikes.

Hail Storms -

Hail storms often come with thunderstorms. Hail occurs when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere where the rain freezes into ice. Hail can cause extensive damage to structures, crops, livestock and vehicles.

Ice Storms -

If a winter storm causes more than a quarter inch of ice on exposed surfaces, the storm is considered an ice storm. Ice build up can pose severe impacts to the residents of Sumner County. Ice can increase the weight of tree branches up to 30 times and can add 500 pounds of additional weight to power lines. If more than half and inch of ice forms on trees and power lines, widespread damage is expected leaving roads impassable as well as residents without power and damage to homes.

Tornadoes -

The winds from tornadoes wreak havock on whatever they touch. Tordandos are funnels of rapidly spinning air. Winds from tornadoes vary and can top out at 250 miles per hour. Large tornadoes are highly destructive and can clear areas as much as a mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornadoes derive from thunderstoms and are often accompanied by hail.

Blizzards -

A blizzard is a severe snow storm that produces winds in excess of 35 miles per hour and low visibility of less than a quarter mile that last for more than 3 hours. By itself, the heavy snow can cause roof collapse and trees to fall. The combination of wind, snow, and cold is very dangerous.

Flooding Can Happen Anywhere

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOOA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO® of Sumner County can help.

Storm Damage And How It Can Affect Your Sumner County Home

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sumner County was happy to help this small business in South Carolina become a success story when they got them back up and running.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documents that almost 40% of small businesses never reopen after suffering from hurricane or storm damage. The faster you can get your building up and running, the faster you can get your employees and customers rolling again. SERVPRO of Sumner County has exhaustive experience helping businesses open as quick as possible. It doesn’t matter if it the weather damage is from wind, hail, rain, flooding, lightning, or even hurricanes, we can assist all along the way.

The sad thing about storm damage is it can affect an entire community. There are not many restoration companies that can handle large scale destruction, but because SERVPRO has over 1,700 locations nationwide, we are able to pull resources from all over the country when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Sumner County was happy to help this small business in South Carolina become a success story when they got them back up and running in record time. We are here to help.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108451

If A Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
• Develop and test emergency communication plans.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
• Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
• Collect and safeguard critical documents.
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
• Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergency and storm situations can happen at anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself, your family and your property.

Have You Accounted for Fido or Feline When Emergency Planning?

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Pets are just as important as any family member to most people, so why would you not make them a part of your preparedness planning? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well during an emergency.

Pet Emergency Kit

Ready.gov/animals lists the below items as essential to building your Pet Emergency Kit.

Food. At least a three day supply in an air tight, waterproof container.

Water. At least three days of water specifically for your pets.

Medicines and medical records.

Important documents. Registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents. Talk to you veterinarian about micro-chipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery data base.

First aid kit. Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is a good idea too.

Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and leash.

Crate or pet carrier. Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Sanitation. Pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.

A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items. Familiar items, such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.

Evacuations

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans, be sure to include pets. If an evacuation happens, don’t leave pets behind as they can be lost or injured.

Identification

Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners that will read the microchip information to help find a pet’s owners.

After Hurricane Katrina, “It’s estimated that over 15,500 animals were ultimately rescued. Of the 15,500 animals rescued, only 15%-20% were ever reunited with their owners.”

Be sure to take four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. Visit ready.gov/animals for further tips and safety precautions to think about for you or your families’ pets during a disaster.

Is Your Sumner County Home Equipped With An Emergency Kit?

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit. Ready.gov suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days per family member.

Below are some suggested items to include in your kit:

• 3-day supply of non-perishable foods (per person)
• Water (one+ gallon per person per day)
• First-aid kit
• Prescription Medication
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Fire extinguisher
• Hygiene products
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone charger
• Change or clothes (per person)
• Matches in waterproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Whistle to signal for help
• Pet supplies
• Infant formula and diapers
• Important documents such as insurance policies, ID’s and bank records in a plastic container

You can also keep a condensed emergency kit in your vehicle as well. For a more extensive list, check out Ready.gov.

Are You Prepared?

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to your mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing person alerts in your area (e.g., AMBER Alerts). Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to you mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service. WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters. Visit www.ctia.org/wea to learn more about Wireless Emergency Alerts.

When Storms or Floods hit Hendersonville, SERVPRO is ready!

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 615-822-0200.

SERVPRO of Sumner County 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 Hendersonville, 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 615-822-0200.

SERVPRO-The Calm After The Storm

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO-The Calm After The Storm

When storm damage occurs to your home or business the restoration process can seem daunting. Not only are you faced with a frightening event most times, but as soon as the storm fades you are faced with unpleasant and unwanted damage. At SERVPRO of Sumner County our goal is to make the restoration process as seamless and straightforward as possible. Our teams are equipped with the knowledge and certifications to complete the necessary restoration with as little disruption as possible.

From the moment that we receive the first call regarding storm damage to your home or business to the moment that we arrive on site to meet with the home or business owner and begin the restoration process our focus is on the customer. Our on site professionals will explain the process and ensure that you are informed throughout the duration.

If you find yourself in need of restoration call the professionals at SERVPRO of Sumner County. We are always here to help and ensure that your home or business is brought back to its previous condition.

Flash Flooding And How It Affects You

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

Flash flooding occurs when there is a sudden influx of water onto normally dry land.

Flash Flooding And How It Affects You

Flash flooding occurs when there is a sudden influx of water onto normally dry land. Flooding can happen for many reasons, including heavy rains, ocean waves, snow that melts too quickly or dams and levees that break. Floods are the most common and wide spread weather-related disasters.

Flooding can happen very quickly with little or no warning. The destructive power of a flood combined with unpredictability make them extremely dangerous. Flooding can occur anywhere that receives rain fall. In the United States floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning.

What areas are at most risk from flooding?

Areas that are densely populated are at a high risk. Heavy construction and areas that have little to no dirt or grass that is not covered by concrete have nowhere for water to run off. In turn, instead of the water dissipating back into the ground it rises. In these densely populated areas if the streams have been re-routed underground and into storm drains they are at risk of overflowing and causing damage.

Areas near rivers are at risk. Levees are built along rivers and are used to prevent high water from flooding bordering land. If these levees are not maintained or the rains cause them to fail they cause devastating damage.

Mountains and steep hills produce a high amount of water runoff. If there are streams around these areas it causes them to rise quickly due to the rock and soil sediment. A creek or stream that at its regular depth might be 6”-7” can swell to a 10 foot raging river if a thunderstorm with heavy rain lingers.

Flood Alerts:

Flash Flood or Flood Watch-Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area-be alert.

Flash Flood or Flood Warning-Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent-take necessary precautions at once! Get to higher ground.

Urban and Small Stream Advisory-Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains is occurring.

Flash Flood or Flood Statement-Follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event.

Ensuring that you are well educated on flooding and why it happens is the first step to safety. If you find yourself in a flood situation stay calm and get to higher ground.

SERVPRO of Sumner County Spring Safety Tips – How to be prepared for spring weather hazards

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

Spring is often a welcome change from the cold winter months, but there are spring weather hazards that can arise.

How to be prepared for spring weather hazards

Spring is often a welcome change from the cold winter months, but there are spring weather hazards that can arise. You are not powerless to inclement weather that produces tornadoes, water events and lightning. Make sure that your family has a plan in place for these types of inclement weather to ensure everyone’s safety.

Knowing your risk is a key part of ensuring you are prepared for weather hazards that arise. Always ensure that you are checking your local weather forecast before leaving home. You can also follow weather patterns and possible threats by downloading apps such as Accuweather or Yahoo Weather.

Planning for weather hazards, such as tornado, flood or lightning strike to your home is an essential part of preparedness. Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food items, water and basic first aid supplies to ensure that your family is taken care of in case of emergency. Also ensure that your family has an emergency plan in case of evacuation, loss of power or fire. You can visit Ready.gov  for a free template to create your plan.

If you find yourself with damage to your home from spring weather hazards SERVPRO is here to help. From water damage to fire damage, you can count on our highly skilled project managers and staff to restore your property and ensure that it is back to normal as quickly as possible.

How Flood Damage can Affect Your Home in Hendersonville

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can damage floors and much more in your home. Call SERVPRO quickly to remediate!

A Quick SERVPRO Assessment will Give You a Detailed Remediation and Restoration Plan

Flooding can happen at almost any time of the year, and sometimes these events are completely unexpected. Without time to move things to a higher level in your home, if available, many things can actually be swept around in your home haphazardly. At the least, it is important to close off doors so that the disarray when the flood recedes will not be as dramatic as it might be if the water had full access to every part of your home. The water might be able to seep in under doors, but items will not find their way from one end of the home to another.

Hendersonville homes affected by flood damage need special cleaning and restoration work. The water itself can cause substantial damage in your home. You might find that your specialty flooring has come loose because saturation in water can loosen the adhesives used to lay floors of this type. Curling at the edges and bubbles elsewhere are indicative of this type of flood damage. Saturated carpeting most likely will need to be replaced. Leaving soggy carpet in place can keep the floor underneath from drying, and also from being cleaned to a sanitary level.

Furniture will also need to be assessed for how soiled each item is. Some items that are upholstered may require additional time to dry before cleaning can commence. At SERVPRO, we have the technology to not only assess how contaminated your items are individually, but to also clean most of these items to acceptable levels by decontaminating them. Handling items before they have been adequately decontaminated can bring about serious water-borne illnesses because pathogens can be carried from the hand to the mouth all too easily.

Walls and floors will need to dry quickly or will need to have their water damaged sections replaced. This may be true if the flood lasted a long time or took an extended period to drain away. Walls must be dry from their exterior surface that you can see, all the way through to their interior surface. Feeling dry to the touch is not a good indicator of what is going on inside your walls.

If you are caught dealing with flood damage, call us, SERVPRO of Sumner County at (615) 822-0200. We can get your home back to a clean, livable state quickly so you can go back to your normal routine.

Flood Damage Affecting Bethpage

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Stormy Weather in Bethpage is for the Birds

Commit to SERVPRO for Swift Restoration After a Storm

Sometimes floods can hit without warning, catching you off guard and cause you to do little more than stand by watching events unfold. In some areas, rivers or streams can be affected by storms hundreds of miles away. These storms cause water levels to surge out of control and wreak havoc on our community; leaving you wondering what to do to limit the damages that are sure to affect your property. You won't always get enough warning to move all of your belongings, or adequately prepare for every situation. However, having a plan in place to deal with these types of events is crucial for limiting the number of damages that may occur on your property.
 
We have a locally owned and operated franchise near your home in Bethpage with technicians who specialize in flood damage restorations. There is no reason for you to deal with these situations on your own, nor should you. We can help restore your property to a quality preloss condition, "Like it never even happened." Giving you the assistance you need to handle the situation properly and get things back to normal as soon as possible.
 
SERVPRO provides you with emergency services to fit your unique circumstances. After your initial call to our offices, we determine the amount of equipment and personnel required to perform your repairs correctly and efficiently, arriving at your home within four hours, many times even faster, and beginning work immediately. Our technicians thoroughly explain what they intend to do and fully address your concerns before proceeding.
 
Once SERVPRO technicians have had the opportunity to assess the situation correctly, we use a variety of scoping procedures to determine the extent of damage to your property and limit additional losses from occurring. We'll locate and eliminate the source of water, determine the type of water we're dealing with and reduce the possibility of safety hazards on your property.
 
After establishing a safe environment, SERVPRO technicians use quality water extraction equipment, such as portable extractors or truck mounted pumps. Depending on the size of your situation, large submersible pumps are available to remove water over two inches high, quickly and efficiently. We can safely remove standing water and additional moisture from every area of your home and set up a proper drying environment to assist with drying the structure and contents of your home efficiently.
 
We have many procedures available to help with restoring many of your belongings you thought may be lost to you forever and work hard to provide you with the services you deserve.
 
Give SERVPRO of Summer County a call today. (615) 822-0200