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The Basics of Seasonal Flood Prevention | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

When life gets tricky, sometimes it is best to take things back to the basics. Dealing with frustrating math homework, getting stumped over how to fix a leaky sink, or struggling with a work conflict can all sometimes be handled easier when you start at the beginning.

The same holds true for disaster preparedness. Starting with what you know and working your way forward can make sure your home is ready for anything, especially when it comes to floods.

Unfortunately, flooding emergencies are a common issue, so doing what you can to prevent serious damage can help minimize your situation.

Understanding Your Zones

Flooding can happen in a variety of different ways, even if it is not actively raining. Broken dams or levees, busted water lines or faulty appliances can all lead to watery messes. Of course, Mother Nature can also bring heavy rain that can cause water to infiltrate your home as well.

Being surrounded by lakes and rivers makes our community susceptible to flooding whenever we are experiencing a particularly wet season. This is why knowing your property’s flood risk is crucial to your safety.

Even if your property isn’t in a specific flood zone, it is still important for you to prepare for the possibility of a flood. Low-lying areas of your property can easily fill up with water or heavy rain can fall fast enough to overwhelm the earth around your home. Install longer downspouts to help keep the water farther away from your home or add extra drainage so your property can stay dry no matter what.

It wouldn’t be northern Wisconsin without all of the wonderful tree coverage in our area, but the trees and vegetation can be troublesome when it comes to rain and flooding issues. Install gutter covers for your gutter system to help reduce the risk of clogs or blockages in your lines, and get in the habit of checking your roof regularly for signs of damage.

Future Preparation Tips

Even if you property does flood, you can still learn from it and you can take permanent steps to help prevent the situation from happening again.

If your basement always gets wet during the spring thaw, consider having your yard professionally graded. If your property slopes away from your home instead of towards it, you can utilize gravity to help keep your spaces dry.

Inside your home, you should be checking the seals around your windows and doors regularly and replacing them as needed. In addition, you should consider completely replacing anything that is sagging or not hanging right anymore to ensure your home is air and watertight.

When you start with what you know, good things can happen! Remember, we are always Here to Help® you recover if you wind up with any sort of water damage.

Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.

Staying Informed: Tips for Receiving Weather Alerts | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties help you get from April showers to May flowers.

Can you believe it is already time to start thinking about and looking forward to spring weather? After the weird winter we had, many of us may be excited to focus on the more predictable rain and thunderstorms that accompany the spring season.

However, spring weather also includes severe storms from time to time, and the farther we get into the season, the higher the risk that we will experience tornado watches and warnings. Being prepared for this weather starts with being informed! Our team explains some easy ways to stay informed ahead of any severe weather below.

When We Have Electricity

Screens make up a huge part of our lives nowadays, so it should be no surprise that the vast majority of us get our weather alerts through our phones and the TV. Wireless Emergency Alerts is a national system that is already programmed into your phone so alerts can be automatically issued in the event of an emergency. Just be sure your notifications are turned on. You can also download weather apps that forecast regular weather patterns as well as developing storms.

If you go the app route, just be sure that the app you are choosing is reliable and reputable. There are many different weather apps out there, and not all of them should be trusted. Stick with only nationally recognized organizations or trusted local sources.

Trusted local sources would include local news stations that report weather systems as they approach our community! Tune into your favorite station when a weather watch is issued so you can keep an eye on how it is tracking across the area. This real-time forecast can also ensure you seek shelter immediately as needed.

When the Lights Go Out

We all take our phones, TVs and constant communication for granted, so it can be really scary if we lose power in the middle of a storm. If you don’t have a reliable way of staying connected even without electricity, you might be putting yourself into a really vulnerable or dangerous position.

We recommend having at least one other way of receiving alerts that does not completely rely on electricity in order to work. Start by identifying your nearest weather siren and determine if you can easily hear it from your property.

You should also have some sort of weather radio on hand at any time. Hand-crank or solar-powered options allow you to stay connected no matter your situation. Plus, they are portable! You can take your radio with you into your sheltering location or with you around your property after the first wave of a storm comes through.

Planning ahead and making sure your alert systems are ready to go will only benefit you during a true weather emergency. If your home or property suffers from serious damage, call SERVPRO® right away for immediate recovery assistance.

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO 247 for immediate restoration assistance.

Recovering From Commercial Property Damage Reliably | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

business man in office talking to female SERVPRO rep SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

What business owner wakes up one morning determined to suffer through a disaster at work? We would hope no one is thinking or assuming the worst every day!

Unfortunately, disasters happen to businesses across the country every day, so having a plan in place ahead of a fire, flood or storm situation can help you navigate the unknown a bit more smoothly. SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to help you plan, but also here to help you recover from any disaster situation.

Preparing Ahead of the Disaster

The best disaster is the one that didn’t happen, right? In order for that to be true, it’s also important to have a plan in place so you can react immediately when something goes awry. If your team is prepared for what could happen, they are much more likely to respond appropriately.

Once your basic emergency plan is formed, create a clear line of communication so your team knows where information is going to come from and who is in charge of what during an emergency. You should also be taking the time to show your staff where fire extinguishers, water valves and emergency kits are located.

While it may be true that your custodial staff are in charge of responding to situations like this, it is always helpful for your other staff to be able to help in a true emergency situation.

In addition to explaining what should happen before and during a disaster, your team also needs to understand where to go and what to do afterward. Remote work policies need to be in place or an alternate location needs to be secured for your team to continue working in an adjusted way while your repairs are taking place.

Your Personalized Recovery Process

When you have a plan in place and you use it during an emergency, you are much more likely to come out the other side without having to worry about long-term or permanent closures. The faster you can react by calling SERVPRO®, the better your chances will be at a full recovery.

While we work on restoring and repairing your home, you will need to focus on keeping your staff in good spirits while also communicating to the public about your restoration process. Let everyone know how the restoration is coming and offer up tentative re-opening dates to keep people informed throughout the process.

Depending on your type of restoration, you and your team may be able to remain in your building while we work, albeit in an adjusted way. We can oftentimes secure areas or block off sections while we work so you can still operate in an abbreviated capacity during your recovery. We will work with you to find the right balance that you need.

Planning ahead and executing a quick recovery is exactly what your business deserves when it comes to recovering after a disaster. We are here to help you so you can open back up for business faster with a smile on your face!

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

Dealing With Multiple Kinds of Home Damage, Confidently | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

When the rain comes pouring in or a house fire starts in the middle of the night, it can leave you with serious damage and a lot of questions. It always seems like the most unsuspecting situations are the most frustrating to deal with!

That is especially true when it comes to home damage as you always have to take action right away to stay in control of the situation. Whether Mother Nature caused structural damage to your roof during a tornado or your old dishwasher leaked yet again, dealing with the aftermath quickly is what will help you recover more confidently.

That’s why SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to help! With one simple phone call, all of your home damage woes will be taken care of as we get started on your entire recovery.

The Facts of Worsening Damage

The toll that disasters can take on communities can range from minor inconveniences to total emergencies, especially when it comes to serious storms or unexpected natural disasters.

For example, heavy rain can lead to flooding, which can be dangerous if you are out and about or can lead to mold growth in your home. Strong wind can knock out power for days or rip shingles off of your roof. A house fire can cause structural damage in the room that the fire occurred in, but it can also lead to soot and smoke odors all over your home.

The longer the damage sits in your home, the worse the situation can become. This is why a quick call to us will get the ball rolling and you will be able to recover faster and more completely!

Restoring With Confidence

When disaster strikes, we want you to pick up the phone no matter what time it is or what day it happens to be. We are here 247, 365 days a year to respond to your emergency. We will get right to work by gathering a team and supplies and then be on our way to you quickly.

Our highly trained team members have years of experience helping our community overcome disaster. We are all trained on the latest and most advanced restoration techniques and we will tailor our plan to fit your home’s individual needs. We will be with you from start to finish no matter what.

Damaged roofs will be tarped and secured, flooded rooms will have the standing water removed and the walls repaired, and fire-damaged spaces will be cleaned, sanitized and restored with confidence.

We are even confident enough in our skills to tackle entire rebuilds of sections of your home! If a water disaster or fire caused too much damage to be repaired, we can tear down that section of your home and build it back up for you with precision.

One of the best things about working with us is that you are only ever working with us! It can be exhausting dealing with multiple different contractors and agreements, but you are only working with our team for every aspect of your restoration. That can make your recovery process much smoother and much more relaxing for your family.

When the rain pours in or a house fire takes you by surprise, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for a faster and more reliable recovery. We can help you find sunnier days in no time at all.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restoration? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Tips for Staying Toasty and Fire-Safe This Season | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

brick chimney with lit fire logs Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

We are in the heart of cozy season right now, and we are cuddled up with blankets and enjoying the cooler weather right along with you. While you dust off your fireplace and bust out your space heaters on the coldest of nights, make sure you are being safe!

The number of house fires skyrockets in the winter season, and most of them are caused by preventable accidents with space heaters, fireplace issues or other electrical troubles. Our SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties team explains some easy ways to stay safe while also staying warm this season below.

Addressing Your Fireplace

The ambiance and warmth that a fire provides can’t be beat, but fireplaces can also be downright dangerous if not used properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to clean out ash from previous fires, and be sure your chimney is cleaned regularly to remove creosote buildup.

Keep flammable materials and decor far away from the flames and off the mantle, and make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, check the connections regularly to ensure you don’t have a small leak happening and clean it off to remove dust buildup. Make sure your fire extinguisher is always close at hand as well.

Space Heater Safety

Did you know that space heater mishaps are responsible for 1,700 house fires every year? The best part about space heaters is their ability to easily move around your home to provide warmth wherever you need it.

However, that is also what makes them fire hazards! Choose a hard, level and nonflammable surface to set yours up on, and check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring before plugging it in.

Create a three-foot barrier around your space heater to keep out kids and pets, and make sure things like curtains, couch cushions and bedding are nowhere near the heater. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord, and always turn off your space heater before going to bed.

Suggested Safety Features for Your Space Heater

Not all space heaters are created equally, and cheaper doesn’t always mean a good deal or good value. You need to do your research before choosing the right space heater to ensure your safety while you are using it.

First, make sure you are purchasing from a certified and reliable company that has passed all of the necessary safety certifications. Next, you should make sure it has a shutoff feature that can take over after a certain period of usage. Space heaters should never be left unattended, but the automatic shutoff switch can add another level of protection.

Finally, inspect the cord that comes out of the heater. It should be sturdy and well-made, and it should be at least six feet long so you can easily set up your space heater in a safe location in your room.

Stay safe, stay warm and call us right away if you suffer a house fire this season! We will remove damaged debris, tackle smoke odors and repair your home from top to bottom.

A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.

Sneaky Places for Water Leaks to Start | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

Water is a necessary part of our lives, and we use it every day in a variety of ways. Water flows into our homes every time we run a load of laundry, wash our hands or clink ice into our glasses. While most of the time the water stays where it should, water leaks can happen at a moment’s notice and wreak havoc all over the place.

We can’t always predict or prevent water leaks, but knowing where they happen the most can help you take action quickly and track down the source of a leak faster. Catching one quickly can help you avoid serious damage and a longer repair process.

Under the Sinks and Taps

Where there’s a sink, there’s a water line. We often don’t think twice when the water flows down the sink and into the drain, but that water has to go somewhere! If a water line is loose or a seal has started to break down, that water can easily leak onto your floor.

If the leak starts under your sink, it will start to seep into the cupboards, get onto your floors and leak behind your walls. Check your water lines often and don’t forget to pay special attention to the water lines coming from your dishwasher! Tighten loose connections and recaulk old seals as you discover potential problems.

Under Your Water-Reliant Appliances

Which appliances do you rely on the most during your daily life? Chances are they are the ones that use water to function. Water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers are essential parts of our households nowadays, but they also have the potential to leak at any time.

Get into the habit of pulling them away from the wall often to check for moisture issues. Water spots, mold or new puddles should quickly be investigated before the problem gets worse. Try to do this every time you deep-clean your home because water leaks tend to get worse the longer they are left unaddressed.

Behind Any Wall

Your water lines run behind your walls, so unfortunately, water leaks can happen behind your drywall without you even noticing! A single drip will probably not be noticed for a while, but sudden gushes of water from a burst water line will quickly become obvious.

If you start to smell something musty or earthy or one of your walls is starting to feel soft, it is time to call in the professionals so we can check it out for you and address any necessary repairs.

Exterior Windows and Doors

As condensation forms on your windows, it can easily leak down your windowpane and settle on your sills. It can also get under your trim and leak behind your walls. Over time, this lingering moisture can lead to structural damage and mold growth.

Moisture can also sneak into your home through any gapping or cracks around your windows and doors. If you have a draft problem or your home is getting older and your windows are starting to sag, you should be checking these spaces often for signs of water damage.

If you do suffer from water damage, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for a faster and more reliable restoration. We will quickly remove standing water while handling your repairs with confidence.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.

The Importance of Relying on Your Local Restoration Team | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

group of 3 SERVPRO reps standing near a green semi truck at a work site No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties!

When disaster strikes, it can cause all kinds of overwhelming feelings to take over, and it can seem like an insurmountable task to look around your home after suffering from a water, fire or storm disaster.

While disasters can certainly be scary, having a reliable team to help you recover can make all of the difference. That’s where SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties comes into play!

Our talented and local team will be able to help you recover faster and more efficiently no matter what your situation is.

Choosing the Right Team

It can be a really vulnerable experience to suffer through disaster, especially when you have strangers in your home working on your recovery at all hours of the day. Thankfully, when you work with SERVPRO®, you can rest easy knowing that we will treat your home like it was our own.

The restoration company you choose should be trustworthy, kind and highly knowledgeable about your particular restoration project. They should also be available to take your call 247 or whenever you need them.

At SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties, we pride ourselves in providing all of that and more for our customers. We are also locally owned and operated, which makes us uniquely connected to our community. It is our job and our duty to help our fellow community members overcome disaster.

A History of Reliable Experience

While having a friendly and local team is crucial to your comfort and your confidence in your restoration, you also want to make sure that the team you choose knows what they are doing. SERVPRO comes with the backing of a national brand that ensures we have the tools and the staff needed no matter the size of your project.

SERVPRO has also been in business for years and has grown from one branch in 1967 to over 2,000 today, including ours here in the Barron County area.

When you work with our team, you are working with professionals with years of experience who will help you recover faster and more confidently. We are trained and certified in every applicable area of disaster recovery, and we can handle your situation, too.

We will handle everything from the initial tarping of your roof and securing your home all the way to rebuilding entire sections of your home. Every SERVPRO employee will ensure to use the top-of-the-line equipment and only the latest recovery methods so we can help you put your life back together faster.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

Taking Control of Your Flooded Business | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties a call to get that resolved!

We all have those morning routines we stick to when arriving at work. Unlocking doors, turning on lights, getting the mail…so when the unexpected happens, it can throw us off our routines entirely. This is especially true when you come upon a developing problem or a disaster situation, like a flooded room or water leaking from the ceiling.

If you get to work one day to find your lowest level flooded or your storefront’s carpet soaked through, what do you do first?

Having a plan in place ahead of any potential floods can help you stay in control and respond quicker in an emergency situation. Get to know what to do below so you can overcome this frustrating situation faster.

The First Few Steps

When your business is flooded, it will take precedence over everything else for the time being. Try to stay calm and follow these simple steps to help get things cleaned up right away.

1. Stay safe. Your top priority is always safety when it comes to situations like this. Keep your employees out of the area, and avoid walking through the water. Stay on higher ground as you assess the situation and then get SERVPRO® on the phone right away so we can get started on your recovery plan.

2. Control the disaster. If the water is still actively pouring out of a burst pipe or is still flowing into your space, stopping the flow of water should be your next step. Locate the appropriate water valve and shut it off to stop the water from rushing in. If you can’t locate it quickly, shut off the water for your entire building to be on the safe side.

3. Start the drying process. We will be on our way to you as soon as you call, but you can still start the drying process while you wait for us to arrive. Open some windows and turn on a fan to start circulating air in the area.

Recovering After a Water Disaster

Once we arrive at your building, we will get right to work removing the standing water. We will also complete a total assessment of your building so we can make sure to get all of the water cleaned up and address the damage thoroughly. This is the point where we also make contact with your insurance company!

While we focus on your recovery, we want you to focus on finding ways to keep your business running smoothly. We can oftentimes secure the location of the flood so you can continue to operate in any capacity that you can.

We will make sure that your business is clean, dry and repaired as quickly as possible so you can open back up completely faster. Call us 247 for immediate assistance.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

Possible Home Damage in the Rice Lake Area | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties right away.

We rely on our homes to support us and keep us safe on a daily basis, and that takes a lot of work! Severe weather, house fires or even mold infestations can impact your daily life in a split second and leave you with significant damage.

By understanding the kind of damage that is possible in our community, you can take steps to reduce your risk of suffering extensive damage whenever the unexpected occurs.

SERVPRO® of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to make sure you recover faster and more efficiently if disaster strikes. We explain some of the ways your home can be damaged below and what we can do about it.

Common Home Damage Scenarios

We experience all kinds of weather conditions here in western Wisconsin, which means that we can suffer from storm damage at any point in the year. Strong storms can bring tornadoes in the summer, and snowstorms can bring damaging winds or other dangerous conditions through town in the winter. In addition, general damage like house fires and water leaks can pop up at any time and cause a large amount of damage.

Water damage is often associated with rain or flooding, but it can also happen from a simple household accident like a burst pipe or leaking appliance. Fire is also unpredictable, but oftentimes house fires are started by human error or negligence.

When the Damage Compounds

It can be really scary to suffer through a disaster situation, and unfortunately, it can lead to even more damaging situations after the disaster is over. For example, floods can soak through your home and cause extensive water damage, but that lingering moisture can eventually lead to a mold problem that impacts your home’s foundation.

Another example of compounding damage is the residual fire damage after the fire is out. Soot and smoke can travel to areas of your home that the fire never spread to and leave stubborn odors and stained walls behind. Water damage can also be present due to the chemical agents and water used to put out the fire.

No matter what happened, your home deserves a complete recovery. That’s why we are here! We can help clean, restore and repair your home faster and more efficiently.

We will arrive right away to your water disaster to dry up the excess moisture and tackle repairs. The faster we get to you, the better chance you have of avoiding mold issues or musty odors in your home.

The same holds true for house fires! Our team will arrive quickly to make sure the damaged debris is removed and your entire space is cleaned and sanitized. We will remove smoke odors and restore your home from start to finish.

When you work with us, you can rest easy knowing that the job will get done exactly when we say it will and we won’t stop until you are 100% satisfied with the final product. We are always here for you!

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.

Planning for Emergencies at Your Business | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

clip board with a disaster preparedness checklist and emergency supplies in the background Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here for you when disaster strikes!

Have you been wondering why you have seen so many natural disasters on TV lately? You aren’t just seeing things! Natural disasters have slowly been increasing over the last five years. Not only are they happening more frequently, but they are also getting stronger and causing more destruction.

While natural disasters can’t be controlled or prevented, you can be prepared for them when they affect your business.

Creating a plan for how to handle emergencies is crucial! We explain more below about the different reasons why having an emergency plan can help mitigate damage at your business.

When a Plan Is Important

Having a plan is important every day, but especially lately. With the rise in natural disasters, the chance that your business will suffer through some sort of disaster has increased. If you know how to respond ahead of time, you can reduce your risk of extensive damage from situations like floods, strong storms or fire.

Disasters certainly cause extensive physical damage to your property, but they can also lead to serious financial struggles for yourself as well as your employees. Long-term closures can lead to lost revenue and lost wages, but having a recovery plan can help you get back on your feet faster.

Some disaster situations can be severe enough to cause you to close your business while the repairs are taking place. It is also always a possibility that your business will close and never reopen again.

The Benefits of SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan

We have the perfect solution to all of your emergency planning needs! Our Emergency Ready Plan is a comprehensive guide that explains the different threats to your business and how to respond to them when they occur. It can help you keep a clear head and a clear direction as you navigate through a specific disaster.

Our team will assess the different risks that could impact your business, and we will lay out your response to each of them. Your plan will include steps on what to do before, during and after a disaster. Details for planning may include organizing your office to protect important paperwork from water damage, gathering electronics in a certain area that your staff can grab and go in an emergency or determining places to position your fire extinguisher for easy access.

Having a way to communicate with your team during an emergency is also crucial. We will help identify a chain of command that will lay out who is in charge of what during each emergency situation. Having people responsible for certain tasks will ensure your team’s response will go smoothly.

Our Emergency Ready Plan is comprehensive enough to walk you through whatever disaster situation you are faced with. We will help you prepare for and prevent damage, but we are also dedicated to helping you clean up after a disaster event as well. We are always here for you.

Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.