Recent Posts
Tips from SERVPRO to Reduce Flood Damage and Property Loss
10/4/2022 (Permalink)
When a flood is imminent, and you have time before you need to evacuate, there are different things that you can do to decrease the amount of damage from floodwaters. These should only be done if there is enough time – you should never risk the lives of others or your own, in attempting to act on these tips.
There is not immunity to the effects of flood damage in East Louisville Jefferson County and this harm can include effects caused by increased levels of humidity in the air inside your home. Higher levels of humidity can cause photographs to stick together and also permit mold to start growing on otherwise seemingly mold-free garments, among other things.
SERVPRO can always help undo the damage to your home, but you are in charge of your safety and that of your family. Floods are responsible for thousands of dollars in damage every year, and many deaths, as well. Here are some suggestions that can reduce the damage from a flood.
Move more fragile belongings to a higher level.
Simply taking items higher, such as electronics, television sets, stereos and speakers, computers, to another floor, or even to the attic, can keep these items from ever being touched by the dirty water that floods are known to bring.
Guard your food.
Food that is even slightly submerged cannot be consumed. Microbes can settle on indentations in cans and under the rims, posing risks even after food has been cooked correctly. Boxed foods should be placed in a large garbage bag and taken to a higher level to protect the packaging, and the contents, from high humidity levels.
Canned foods should be placed in sturdy boxes and also stashed in a safe location. Pathogens such as e-Coli produce toxins that are not removed or rendered inactive by cooking, making the food dangerous to eat. Food that is refrigerated or frozen might be able to be saved if it can be placed higher-than-normal in the refrigerator, but this is not guaranteed to protect the food, and everything should be examined upon your return before preparing any of the contents.
Open upper floor windows slightly.
Having windows open a slight amount can allow humidity to escape. During a flood, while it may seem like there is water everywhere and that humidity levels remain the same everywhere, this is not true. Humidity inside your home can become elevated rather quickly. Higher levels of humidity travel to areas of lower levels until an equilibrium is reached. However, do not open windows completely, as this can allow rain to enter, making matters worse.
As you go through your home, have a basket or two to place items in that must go with you when you leave.
When you evacuate your home, you will most likely need certain things while you are in a shelter or temporarily living with friends or family. These should include important items and anything else you want to protect, such as photo albums. Keys to vehicles and doors, personal identification and other documents, both prescription and non-prescription medications, cell phones, chargers, baby monitors, and few days' worth of changes of clothing for yourself and family members. Personal items and even memorabilia that are located in easy-to-reach areas that do not require any extra time to grab and place in your basket can help ease the stress of having to relocate temporarily.
We at SERVPRO of East Louisville live in the same area as our customers, and we know how damaging floods can be when they affect our homes. We are always here to help your family return home as quickly as possible. Call us at (502) 897-3608, and we can begin working within an hour on restoring your home.
Big Or Small, When It Comes To Storms, We Help With Them All
10/4/2022 (Permalink)
Whether it is a tree blown over onto a 10 year old home, or a city leveled by an EF4 tornado, SERVPRO is here to help folks recover when storms damage their homes or businesses.
SERVPRO of East Louisville crews are ready to be dispatched all over the country to assist in the cleanup and restoration after major flooding, strong storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and any other event that causes damage to property.
While it can be a stressful time for homeowners and/or business owners in the aftermath of a flash flood, tornado or hurricane, it doesn’t have to be! SERVPRO derails with these types of disasters every single day and can help to walk you through even the most complex storm damage scenario.
Our crews are HERE to HELP and make things “Like it never even happened." We treat each job with respect and do our very best to keep the customer informed every step of the way.
SERVPRO of East Louisville is proud to be a part of the Disaster Recovery Team!
Be Prepared for Disaster
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
As our country has been faced with the recent flooding in Texas with Hurricane Harvey and now in Florida with Hurricane Irma SERVPRO of East Louisville feels that we should prepare for the effects we are sure to feel locally in our state. Here is a list of things you should be prepared for ahead of time.
- First of all, you should recognize the flood risk in your area by identifying the flood prone areas around you.
- You should know your communities warning signals, evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
- During storms that cause flooding stay tuned to the local weather stations.
- You should have emergency supplies ready ahead of time.
- Before evacuation, you should be sure to turn off the electric, gas, and water.
- If you decide to stay in your homes be sure to unplug appliances and electronics so that if the water reaches the outlets you can avoid electrical shock and fire.
- One of the most important things you need to remember, is NEVER to walk or drive through high water. People forget how easy it is for moving water to sweep people and cars away.
Safety is the first priority. After the storm, remember that SERVPRO is here to help you get your life back in order.
Fire Damage Cleanup And Restoration Company For East Louisville
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East Louisville will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Fire or Smoke Damage?
Call Us Today – (502) 897-3608
We are proud to be an active member of this community. SERVPRO of East Louisville is locally owned and operated so we’re already nearby and ready to help East Louisville residents and business owners with any-sized fire and smoke damage emergencies.
Residential Fire Damage
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
When you need a quick fix for Louisville residential fire damage you'll need to hire a locally owned and operated company. If your property has suffered severe damage due to fire and smoke, it’s important to use a team of experienced damage control professionals.
Our certified technicians can quickly diagnose the damage, assess the general situation, and get right to work on containing and correcting the problem. The sooner you contact them, the less chance you have of further damage. With any fire damage, time is of the essence.
Louisville Residential Fire Damage Cleanup Needs
The trouble your property faces isn't over when the actual fire is finally put out. In fact, it may just be beginning. After the fire is extinguished, there is still the damage from smoke, as well as damage to the structure itself, to deal with. There is also plenty of work to be done to get the property properly cleaned up, such as removing debris, neutralizing odors, and ventilating the area.
A Fast Response Means Less Problems
The primary goal of SERVPRO of East Louisville fire damage cleanup service is not only to limit the damage to your property but also to respond quickly enough to salvage as much as possible. A fast response is necessary to limit the damage and the overall cost of the job. After smoke and debris are cleared out, the restoration can begin, getting the property owner back to normal life in their family home.
Restoration Rather Than Replacement Is the Key
When it comes to fixing any fire damage in Louisville, KY, the key to a successful solution is restoration rather than replacement. While it would be easy for a cleanup team to simply recommend that the entire structure be torn down and replaced, the reality is that such a drastic measure may be completely unwarranted. It's usually far easier, more convenient, and more cost-effective to do a complete restoration job on your property rather than tearing it down.
What to Look for in a Fire Damage Service
Most people choose to go with a locally owned and operated business as they can respond to your emergency within a very short period and get immediately to work. A reputable restoration service will give you an overview of what to expect before you begin. They should clear away the debris, do a thorough cleansing of any fire damage to your structure, clean up your upholstery, and purify the air so that you won't fall victim to any noxious and poisonous odors.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (502) 897-3608
Why it's important to call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
The amount of damage water can cause is amazing and often underestimated by homeowners. Excess moisture is bad enough, but when a home is flooded or hit with a plumbing disaster (like a busted pipe), the situation can quickly get out of hand. There’s a reason why these incidents are among the most expensive problems a homeowner can face.
Floods, sewage back flows, and other sources of contaminated fluid usually cause the worst damage. Water can be filled with all kinds of deadly substances, ranging from chemical residues to animal feces to parasites. Bacteria, viruses and fungi grow in an alarming rate in contaminated fluid, and severe health risks can be caused by these contaminants.
This problem is compounded by the composition of most homes, which are filled with organic materials. Drywall, wood and the matter that is trapped in carpet fibers are just a few examples, and they can give pathogens room to grow. Within 48 hours, mold may begin creeping behind the walls and releasing spores, and any organic materials that have been soaked through by contaminated fluid will usually have to be destroyed.
SERVPRO of East Louisville will dry the home quickly and apply antibacterial, antiviral, and anti fungal agents to all surfaces that had contact with the water. This ensures the family can return to a safe home.
Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (502) 897-3608
Why SERVPRO of East Louisville
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Louisville specializes in more than just water, fire, and mold remediation, we also do a lot of bio-hazard clean up, we work with a lot of local companies and apartment complexes when they need clean up of bodily fluids or clean up of dangerous material.
SERVPRO of East Louisville was recently called out to a local business to do clean up after pepper spray has been used in contained area. SERVPRO of East Louisville came and made it "Like it never even happened." Our technicians are trained to handle any situation. The crews were on site quickly to clean the affected areas by hand, set up equipment to clean the air, get the duct work properly cleaned, and took care of any carpet or upholstery that was affected.
SERVPRO Is More Than A Company - We Are Part Of The Community Too
6/19/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Louisville has always done our best to help the community when needed. Our crews have stepped up to help the Wounded Warrior project in the past to assist an injured veteran to build a ramp to get into his home, and also helped clean out his basement.
In addition to helping out a wounded warrior we have also been donating coats, gloves, hats, and shoes to an underprivileged school in Louisville, Kentucky for many years. These families to not have the monetary means to keep their children warm while waiting for the bus in the morning and we are here to help them each year.
We've also donated our services to fire departments to clean vehicles during the pandemic.
Our owner, Jason Wilson, has participated in numerous other donation and charitable events to help the people of Louisville, Kentucky. This community has been good to us over the years and we know the importance of giving back to the community.
If Your Sump Pump Ain't Pumping - Now Is The Time To Call SERVPRO!
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
Today SERVPRO received a called about a sump pump failure in a customers home. Sump pumps don't last forever, aside from electrical interruptions the sump pump has a life expectancy of only 10 years.
We arrived on site and most of the water had already dried up but the customer was very aware of the risk of mold after standing water has been in your home even if it was a short period of time. After the water was extracted SERVPRO placed several dehumidifiers and air movers in the basement to pull all of the moisture out of the air to prevent any possibility of mold becoming a problem for the customer. Sump pump failures are more common than people think, SERVPRO suggests people perform regular maintenance by regularly pouring a bucket of water in it to make sure it start immediately, making sure the vent hole is clear with no blockages, and making sure all pipes are tightly connected.
Another option to make sure the battery isn't a concern is "deep cycle batteries" they are made to use a steady amount of energy over a long period of time so they are less likely to fail as quickly.
SERVPRO Is A Full Service Restoration Company
5/26/2022 (Permalink)
This year has been one of the most active years for severe weather the Commonwealth of Kentucky has experienced in years. From the deep freeze we experienced in January, to the flooding from heavy rains from February- August, SERVPRO of East Louisville has been there for businesses and homeowners through each and every storm.
The Majority of people who are familiar with SERVPRO know us as a Fire and Water Restoration and Cleanup Company. What they don't realize is that SERVPRO of East Louisville is a full service restoration company. Not only are we faster to any disaster, but we can facilitate the rebuild on every job.
So what does that mean to our clients?
It means dealing with one company throughout the whole process.
For example: A client has a sump pump that fails due to a power outage from a strong thunderstorm. Within a couple of minutes water has spread across the basement, and within an hour the client has several inches of water in their basement. SERVPRO of East Louisville is dispatched to the clients house to extract the water, remove damaged trim and drywall, and set air movers and dehumidifiers so the drying process can begin. In many cases other restoration companies take care of the extraction, tear-out, and drying. The client is then task with choosing another company to come in and replace the drywall and trim that was torn out, which can be annoying and overwhelming.
SERVPRO makes the process seamless because we do it all from start to finish. Our construction division works side by side with our production teams and when the drying process is complete we come in and do all the put back. Clients love working with SERVPRO because we are a one stop shop. Which means dealing with one company who coordinates everything takes all the pressure and emotion off the clients plate. The next time you experience a commercial or residential disaster call SERVPRO of East Louisville. We are a true full service restoration company.
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