Recent Storm Damage Posts

Storm Preparation Ideas

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for a storm in advance can help you be ready when high winds, rain, or flood water arrive. These five storm preparation tips can help you stay safe and limit wind and water damage to your home here in Kentucky

  1. Trim Trees To Clear Your Yard

Pruning trees and shrubs can keep heavy branches from falling and damaging your roof or becoming dangerous wind-blown debris. Bring in items kept outside to prevent them from sustaining or causing damage.

  1. Cover Windows With Secure Shutters

Cover the windows if high winds and flying debris are expected. Board up openings right before a major storm or have storm windows or shutters installed if you live in an area with frequent tempests.

  1. Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Make a plan that accounts for every member of your household. Gather non-perishable items of food, a first aid kit, flashlights, hand cranked or battery-powered radio, and extra batteries. You will need at least one gallon of water per person and enough food for at least three days; in addition, throw in some garbage bags and moist towelettes for sanitation.

  1. Anticipate Power Line Outages

Have flashlights and batteries on hand and make sure you know how to shut off the power to your home. Turn off the electricity if you see rising flood water, downed power lines, or need to evacuate.

  1. Prepare a Go-Bag for Evacuation

Fill your vehicle up with gas and prepare a go-bag car kit with more non-perishable food, jumper cables, flares, maps, tools, a first aid kit, sleeping bags, flashlights, and batteries. Collect important papers in a secure box that you can grab if you need to flee a flooded building.

Prepare for adverse weather by following these five steps. If your home sustains damage from wind or water damage from flood water, contact SERVPRO!

Fixing a Leaky Roof After A Storm

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on your property in but for most problems, there is a pretty straightforward solution. If the most recent thunderstorm pummeled your building with hail, high winds or heavy rains, it is likely that you will have a roof leak. Here are the four steps remediation experts can take to fix it.

1. Assess the Situation

Every damaged roof is different. Your roof may show no outward signs of a problem but definite signs of leaking through the ceiling. You may see lots of debris on the outside while everything inside looks intact. Professionals know the signs to look for both inside and outside so that they can address every issue that exists.

2. Remove Wet Materials

A roof leak will inevitably get something wet that shouldn't be exposed to excess moisture. For example, if your ceiling insulation is saturated, it will likely need to be torn out and replaced. Not only is storm weather contaminated, the dampness also tends to penetrate the porous material and weaken it.

3. Dry and Disinfect

After all the unsalvageable material is gone, everything that remains must be thoroughly dried. Failure to do this could lead to secondary damage, such as mold growth. Surfaces should be dry, and dehumidifiers should be used to control the moisture in the air. After drying, technicians will disinfect every part of the structure and every item that is going to remain within it.

4. Rebuild the Structure

The last step is reconstruction. Walls, insulation and ceilings that were removed must be rebuilt. Holes in the roof are patched and missing shingles are replaced. The restoration job is not finished until your building looks as good or better than it did before the storm.

A roof leak may cause a lot of damage, but that doesn't mean it can't be fixed. When you hire trusted professionals to restore your property, you can rest assured that the problem will be resolved.

Roof Tarp & Board Up Service Available

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm or other emergency leaves your home open to the elements, you must act quickly to help prevent further damage and protect your home’s interior. We are able to provide that fast action necessary!

Roof damage to your home or business can be caused by a storm, fire, or other emergency. Damage needs to be addressed immediately to help avoid further harm by the elements or intruders. Our professional SERVPRO crews use roof tarping and board-up techniques to help keep your home or business secure while the roof is inspected and repaired.

If your windows or walls are damaged, you will need professional board-up services to secure your property. We use approved board-up techniques to help minimize further damage and secure your home or business from weather, animals, and illegal entry.

Is Your Building Ready for Spring?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Many owners of business and commercial buildings think that just because temperatures outside get warmer, the potential damages of winter weather pass. Spring thawing can easily cause flooding in your building! Make sure your building is ready from the bottom to the top for those April showers.

  1. Basement Preparation

The basement or lowest floor of your building is susceptible to a spring flood as soon as winter snow and ice start melting. In addition to taking the appropriate measures to keep water out, such as having your foundation inspected, you should also complete and check the following items off your list:

  • Purchase an automatic sump pump
  • Install flood sensors
  • Elevate sensitive machinery off the floor
  1. Plumbing Protection

A frozen pipe can burst even when it starts warming back up. If the temperature change is too sudden, the pipes may not be able to withstand the contrast. Keep the thermostat in your building set to at least 55 degrees all the time so that your pipes are still kept safe overnight.

  1. Roof Inspection

The beginning of spring is a great time to have your roof professionally inspected. Contractors can identify damage and other weak spots, and water restoration specialists can remediate any flooding that occurred during the winter.

  1. Drainage Clearing

Falling leaves and twigs that get blown into gutter and downspouts during the winter need to be cleared out before spring rains begin. When a spout is clogged, rain must find another path off the building, and it is usually not the path you would prefer. Clean your drainage system completely so that rainwater has somewhere to go.

When you see ice and snow melting, you know it’s time to prepare your building for warmer weather. Following these tips can help ensure a smooth transition from winter to spring and keep your building from flooding.

Emergency Kit for Winter Weather Storms

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Kit for Winter Weather Storms

The icy cold winter weather is coming in fast this year, with ice storms, snowfall, and flooding right around the corner. It's always a good idea to keep your family safe by having an emergency preparedness kit just in case. Our friends at the American Red Cross suggest these items for your kit. All items should be personalized to fit your family's needs. Make a plan right now!

Include:

  • According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:
    • non-latex gloves
    • assortment of adhesive bandages
    • antibiotic ointment
    • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
    • absorbent compress dressings
    • tweezers
    • scissors
    • adhesive cloth tape
    • aspirin packets (81 mg each)
    • first aid instruction booklet
  • A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

Stay Warm!

Fall Flooding and Storms Means Call SERVPRO

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

This year has seen an unprecedented number of flooding and storms in our area and the forecast this fall is no different. SERVPRO 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. We are available 24/7, just contact us!

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit our area 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.

March Theme of the Month

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

March Theme of the Month

This month we are focused on what we can do when there is a bad storm in your area! The devastation that recently hit Texas and other surrounding states rocked many families, and SERVPRO Franchises from all over the country traveled to assist in the cleanup… including our very own! We have had crews in Katy, Texas for going on 4 weeks without a break. While these are very tiring and trying times for our crews, but it is always well worth it to see the before and after, and know that we help lift the stress from these home and business owners’ shoulders.

While this time it was in another state, it could be Kentucky next time. SERVPRO is the company to call when there is any type of disaster to your home or business. No matter if it is big or small, SERVPRO has the resources to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO's Roofing Services

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

When a large storm hits, we brace ourselves for water damage calls. This can come from several different sources, such as window and door leaks, but most of the time it is from roof damage. While SERVPRO has been doing emergency roof tarping for quite a while, but what is the next step?

In most instances, SERVPRO must wait until the source is fixed before we can begin cleaning up the mess. But SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties has recently added a new service to our lineup… Roofing!

If you have any roof damage during a storm or normal wear and tear, SERVPRO can help! We have a dedicated crew that can do anything from small repairs to total replacement.

If you have any questions, contact our Rebuild Division Project Manager, Mike Witcher, at 270-670-1767!

Merry Christmas!

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties want to wish you and your family a very  Merry Christmas! This time of year is filled with family fun, and celebrating the season. It is also a time of the year when many families let their guard down, and we start getting a lot of calls about accidents happening.

Be careful and safe this holiday season, and make sure to remember that SERVPRO is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to service any emergencies you may have. 

You can contact your local representatives if you have any questions or concerns: Madison Short - Representative over Allen, Barren and Green Counties. 270-670-8661 Sydney Gossom - Representative over Hart and Taylor Counties. 270-670-2575

#NationalPreparednessMonth – Wrap Up

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

#NationalPreparednessMonth – Wrap Up

Throughout the month of September, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties has been working through the weekly recommendations of Ready.gov about how to become better prepared for disasters in your area. Each week covered different topics:

Week #1 – Make A Plan

Week #2 – Build A Kit

Week #3 – Educate Yourself About Disasters and Emergencies

Week #4 – Teach Youth About Preparedness

Thank you to everyone who followed along with us this month, and if you missed it, you can still work through the weekly recommendations and activities. It is never too late to become prepared for an emergency!

*NOTE* - Also, do not forget to periodically update your emergency kits and run through your emergency plans with the whole family. Doing this will not only help your family remember what to do, but will also ease the minds of everyone by them knowing and practicing what to do.

Hurricane Laura Damage

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season 2020, June 1st – November 30th, 2020

This hurricane season, we have been warned of several large, developing storms. The most notable storm so far this year has been Hurricane Laura. Hurricane Laura quickly developed and caused major damage in multiple countries before making landfall in the United States. While many states and areas of the coast got heavy rain and storms, Louisiana and Texas were hit the worst by the storm.  

The one positive thing about Laura was that it took several days for her to gain the amount of power that she made landfall with. This gave residents time to make plans or evacuate the area. Now that the hurricane is completely gone, families are now seeing the damage firsthand, and working on putting their lives back together.

While most areas in the county have local franchise locations, in an event like this, they are often overrun with calls and cannot handle the workload. This is when the franchise aspect of our business really becomes a positive. If there is too large of a workload coming in, we are able to call in other franchises from around the country to come and help.

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties was happy to accept an invitation to come help with the Hurricane Laura cleanup. Our team has been there going on two weeks, and will continue until all our clients' homes and businesses are taken care of.

As one of the primer restoration companies in the world, we are able to respond and help make it “Like it never even happened.”

September: National Preparedness Month - Week #3

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

September: National Preparedness Month

Week #3 – September 13th-19th

Goal: Educate Yourself About Disasters and Emergencies

There are many different types of disasters and emergencies that can happen in your area that you may not think about. Find out what may impact your area, and visit www.ready.gov/be-informed to access information on each of these emergency situations:

  • Active Shooter
  • Attacks in Public Places
  • Avalanche
  • Bioterrorism
  • Chemical Emergencies
  • Cybersecurity
  • Drought
  • Earthquakes
  • Explosions
  • Extreme Heat
  • Floods
  • Hazardous Materials Incidents
  • Home Fires
  • Household Chemical Emergencies
  • Hurricanes
  • Landslides & Debris Flow
  • Nuclear Power Plants
  • Pandemic
  • Power Outages
  • Radiological Dispersion Device
  • Severe Weather
  • Snowstorms & Extreme Cold
  • Space Weather
  • Thunderstorms & Lightning
  • Tornadoes
  • Tsunamis
  • Volcanoes
  • Wildfires

It is also important to educate yourself on what you can do to recovering from disasters. You can get involved with the community, volunteer, join the citizens corps, learn more about your local community emergency response team, get involved with your neighborhood/neighbors, research what organizations are active during a disaster, and check out the “5 simple steps that may save a life.”

Other Resources:

If you are a business owner, is to prepare your business for disaster. Follow this link for everything you can do to prepare: www.ready.gov/business.

Have young children? www.ready.gov/kids is a great resource for information and games to help them prepare without being scared.

September Theme of the Month

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

September Theme of the Month

Our September theme of the month is focused on the fact that September is National Preparedness Month! With hurricane season being at its peak during the months of mid-August through late October, this is the time of year to be proactive about you and your family’s safety for all natural disasters that may impact your area.

Week #1 – September 1st-5th

Goal: Make A Plan

Step #1- Put a Plan Together

When beginning to make a plan, make a list of all the main types of disasters that could hit your geographical area. Doing this will give you a solid jumping off point and will guide you in the right direction. After that, ask yourself these questions while referencing your list:

How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

What is my shelter plan?

What is my evacuation plan?

What is my household communication plan?

Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step #2- Consider Specific Needs in Your Household

When building your emergency plan, look at the specific, daily needs of each family member. This can include how each member will communicate, the care of small children, elderly family members, pets, or anyone with specialized medical equipment.

Having a list of any special needs for your family unit will ensure that you are taking care of each need and are ensuring that members safety in all aspects of their life.

Step #3- Fill Out a Family Emergency Plan

Find a premade Family Emergency Plan to fill out, or create your own. Here is one plan that is a great resource: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/create-your-family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf

Step #4- Practice Your Plan with Your Family/Household

Going over this plan thoroughly will help you find any holes you may not have noticed and will also help all family members feel safe and comfortable! It is also a good idea to put a reminder on your calendar to go over the plan again in 6 months.

For more information, visit: https://www.ready.gov/plan

Storm Damage Tarping Services

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties is considered an essential business, and provides emergency services to our surrounding communities. While we are typically known for our fire and water cleanup services, another emergency service we provide is tarping. This includes both homes and businesses, roofs and buildings.

When a severe storm hits and causes major damage, it is important to do what you can to minimize the continued damage being caused. When there is a hole in your building, one of the fastest and easiest things to do to prevent more damage is to tarp up the area. With SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties having a complete rebuild division, we are able to quickly handle any of your tarping needs, both large and small.

We have worked on jobs where trees made holes in roofs, cars ran into the sides of buildings, homes finding leaks in their roofs, or even buildings having construction done to them. Any situation, we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Contact our rebuild division at 270-659-0067 for more information and to get on our schedule!

Not all Storm Damage is Created Equal!

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

During the summer and into the fall, Kentucky experiences a lot of different types of weather. Some types are a lot harsher than others, but often times these storms bring heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes. In our area, we can even experience rain and storming from hurricanes traveling up the coast.

Any of these types of storms can cause issues to your home or business. No matter what happens, is it important to know the different types of damage that could be caused by a storm.

Wind Damage: Most of the time, this involved your roof. This could be anything from a few shingles, to your entire roof gone. Even if there are an only a few shingles missing, you need to have a professional come out to take a look, as it can cause large leaks in your home. This can even lead to mold being developed if not quickly dried out.

Flooding Damage: With many caves, and lowlands around Kentucky, it is easy for homes, basements, road and driveways to flood. After the flooding is ceasing, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties can help you dry out, and rebuild your life back.

Lighting Damage: If a bolt of lightning strikes your home or business, it can cause a fire to quickly start. It does this through the static discharge it gives off when running through the home.

You can also read about the difference between a storm warning and a watch here.

Garage Mold Prevention

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Now that it’s the New Year, it’s time to celebrate by preventing a disaster from happening to your home!

One of the easiest places for mold to begin growing is in the garage. Mold loves a moist, humid climate with little sunlight or ventilation. Your garage has all of the conditions, and it is also somewhere you may not pay as much attention to. Here are some things to do in your garage to ensure the mold stays away this year:

  • Look for leaks – Inspect all areas, including the roof, floor, gutters, and pipes. If there are any problem areas, fix them as soon as possible.
  • Seal garage door – Check to see if the weather stripping is old and torn, and if so, replace immediately. This will help keep the weather out and keep moisture down.
  • Decrease humidity – Since garages naturally have a high humidity reading (typically over 50%), it is important to control this as well as you can. Take the time to use vents and fans to help, and another tip is to leave the garage door open a few sunny hours a day. You can also continually use a dehumidifier to keep the levels down.
  • Install waterproof walls – If building or remodeling your garage, you can use mold resistant drywall, as well as waterproof paint. This will cut down on the amount of water retained in the area. You can also use pre-coated aluminum or vinyl siding for even more protection against mold growth.
  • Remove standing water – Hopefully, you find none of this in your garage, but if you do, remove with a mop, and let dry as quickly as possible. This will eliminate the source for mold growth.
  • Extend gutter downspouts – Gutters and downspouts are the home's first reference of keeping water out of the home itself. Make sure that your downspouts extend at least 10 feet away from the home. This will help redirect the water away from the garage foundation.
  • Use waterproof storage – Water is attracted to cardboard, paper, normal drywall, and other porous materials. Using plastic or metal storage containers will help keep water from sticking around in your garage. It also helps keep items inside clean and mold free.

After doing these tips, mold will have a much harder time growing in your garage. If you find any issues that have begun, give us a call at our SERVPRO office at 270-659-0067, and we can come out and preform a mold test to find out exactly what is going on!

Snow Damage

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

While our winter in 2019-2020 has been fairly mild so far, it does not mean that it is not going to turn nasty by springtime. Before we get snow, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties want to warn everyone about the risk of snow potentially turning into a water loss.

While it typically takes a few days for the snow to melt after a large snowstorm, it can still cause a leak in your foundation once that starts happening. With there being existing or new cracks, it is easy for trapped water to slowly seep in. This also happens quite a bit when the ground is still frozen, since it cannot absorb any water that needs draining. It is important when there is snow present to keep watch, and make sure your home is well protected.

There are also a couple of other things that can happen when water enters your home or business: odor and mold.

Calling a professional company to come out and take a look when water is present is your best bet at making sure each potential issue is avoided. The longer a loss sits, the worse the damage gets.

Call us at 270-659-0067 for a free estimate on any water loss!

STORM - Chicago, Illinois 2019

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

There were just a few of the beautiful homes we were able to assist!

The past few weeks, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties has been traveling for Storm in Chicago, Illinois!

Over the past few weeks, our team has assisted 22 homes in being torn and dried out for a local contractor to come in and put everything back. When a microburst hits an area like this, it is hard for the local franchises to handle the huge workload that is called into them. This is when they call in backup, and other SERVPRO’s travel to assist in the cleanup.

While this is always a very stressful time for home or business owners, there is no better feeling than seeing professionals available to help put their lives back together quickly, and efficiently.

Even after 3 weeks time, we still have people in Chicago finishing up jobs. At this point, they are waiting on homes to finish drying, they are answering questions, putting together documents, and much more. While our team is ready to be home, this part of the job is always very rewarding.

Using Technology During Storm Season

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Being September, we are right in the middle of Hurricane Season for the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico (June 1st-November 30th). Because of this, it is important to use technology to help stay up to date on the weather and keep your family safe.

Store Important Documents Online

There are many different paid and free services where you can store word documents and PDF’s. A couple of these include Dropbox and Google Drive.

Ready.Gov suggested to upload insurance policies, identification for each family member, important medical records, and any information you may need on your pets. Even if you never need these documents during a Storm Event, they still may come in handy in day-to-day life.

Follow News Outlets

Take the time to set up automatic alerts on your phone or iPad to send you the latest Storm updated. Many areas also have text message alerts that would be texted to your phone, even if you are not connected to internet.

Mark Yourself Safe

The American Red Cross has a Facebook program where you can “Make Yourself Safe” in major disasters. This is a quick way to let your family and friends know that you are okay and ease their worries.

Get in Touch

Make sure you have up to date phone numbers in your phone for all emergency outlets. Also have a paper copy somewhere easy to access in your home.

Charge Up

Even when it isn’t Storm Season, always keep a phone charger with you. This can really help you out in a pinch!

For more information, visit ready.gov!  

Storm Warning vs. Storm Watch

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

With it being mid-August, we are in the midst of Hurricane Season (June 1st-November 30th). With this being the case, there will be many different degrees of storms developing on the coast and in the gulf over the next few months. While these storms do not make their way up into Kentucky, we do receive some of their backlash in the form of rain and thunderstorms. While they are not near as dangerous as what we see on the coasts, severe weather is always to be taken seriously. In the coming months, there will be many different alerts and alarms going out about various weather developments. Two of these are “Storm Watch” and “Storm Warning”. But, do you know the difference between these two?

Watch

When a watch is going on, this means that it is very likely that severe weather could quickly develop.

Warning

Somewhere nearby, a storm has developed, and they are expecting more outbursts in the area.

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While both of these warning should be taken seriously, knowing the difference is important for everyone to know!

https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww

FREE Emergency Ready Profiles

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t you hate that moment when you need a piece of information quickly, but you cannot find it? Searching though papers and emails is never fun, especially when you are in a hurry. The same goes for when you are faced with a disaster.

When a disaster strikes, no matter what kind it is, you need to get professionals onsite as quickly as possible to remediate the problem. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. This is why it is important to have all of your information on hand, up to date, and ready to go. This is where SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties can help. We help you get prepared by providing a FREE service called an Emergency Ready Profile.

One of our representatives comes in and takes the time to gather all the information needed when a disaster strike. This does not take long, but can save you a lot of headache when the time comes when you would need it.

Contact our marketing representative, Travis Hunt, at 270-670-2575 for more information about this FREE program!

January Theme of the Month

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

January Theme of the Month:

In your day to day life, we want you to think of SERVPRO first when you come across a situation where you need to call an emergency services or cleaning company of any type. We want you to always remember us as being #1!

We want you to call us FIRST when a disaster strikes.

We want to be the FIRST professional eyes on the job. We can then assess the damage and decide the best course of action from there.

Our marketing representatives are giving out these bright green ice scrapers this month to remind our contacts that when the weather gets bad, to remember us FIRST!

Even though you might not use us everyday, or even that often, we are nice to be able to count on when it means the most. Just like an ice scraper!

Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries partnered with The Weather Channel this year to bring consumers tips and tricks to avoid their water pipes from freezing or busting. The host takes us through each trick to show exactly what to do. These include: putting your garden hose away for the winter and putting on a faucet cover, attach insulated pipe sleeves in your crawlspace or exterior, add insulation to the attic, open up the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to help the air circulate around your plumbing, drip your faucets, and use a fan to move air into colder rooms in the home.

Check out our Facebook page where the video is posted:

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO/videos/578010849311157

If you do encounter a water burst, don’t forget to call SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties at 270-659-0067! The faster we arrive on site, the more damage we can avoid.

#HurricaneMichael Damage

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Collapsed Church Ceiling

#TeamElkins was still working Storm in North Carolina cleaning up from Hurricane Florence when Hurricane Michael hit the coast of Florida, Georgia, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. Even though we were not finished in North Carolina, we sent one of our crews to Mexico Beach, Florida to help with the cleanup there. Photos were sent back to us, and it was described that it looked like a bomb had went off in that area. Homes and businesses completely gone. No cellular service. Nothing to eat. Traffic backed up everywhere since many roads were still flooded or blocked off. The complete chaos was overwhelming to not only the residents, but to the relief workers also. It will be years before the areas impacted will be fully recovered from Hurricane Michael.

If you want to donate to hurricane relief, follow the link below:

https://www.helpmedonate.org/hurricane-michael-relief-event/donation?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5JSbvNCs3gIV242zCh1aLARWEAAYASAAEgIVhPD_BwE

Storm #TeamElkins - Hurricane Florence

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Flooding

Before Hurricane Florence hit, the predictions about how much damage it would cause kept changing, and many residents on the coast of North and South Carolina evacuated. Now that Florence has hit the east coast with its full force the past few days, it is time to start putting these cities back together. The amount of damage caused surpassed what the local franchisees could handle, which is when Storm was activated. Storm Teams from across the county have traveled to help clean up the destruction caused by the storm, and so have we. Right now, #TeamElkins is working in North Carolina in the cities of New Bern, Sebree, Trent Woods, and Atlantic Beach. These cities are right off the coast and have been hit extremely hard. Team members have been sending back photos, like the one to the right, of all the destruction and it is devastating to think about. We are happy to be able to help those in need, and plan on staying as long as we can to help with the cleanup.

Is your business prepared for an emergency? Let us help!

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Owning a business comes with a lot of variables. One of these being if a disaster hits, are you able to get back on your feet quickly? Are you fast enough that your revenue does not become impacted beyond what you can handle? Many commercial businesses have a plan in place for what to do, but many do not. Preparing ahead of time can determine how quickly you can be back on your feet after a loss.

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties has a unique program that can assist you in becoming prepared, our Emergency Ready Profile. These profiles are conducted for free and collect all the important information you would need in an emergency. Having the information gathered ahead of time can speed up the clean up process and help get help on the way faster.

Call our office at 270-659-0067 to get more information and schedule an appointment for your businesses ERP!

What is Storm?

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

On our social media sites and on the website, we talk about being on Storm a lot. But do you know what that really means? When large disasters strike all over the country, it can become too much for the local SERVPRO to handle on their own. That is when Storm is activated. When the franchise realizes that they need help, SERVPRO Corporate steps in and calls in more teams from around the country to assist.

Not every franchise is able to assist on Storm. You must meet certain corporate requirements and have a certain number of employees available to send. Because we cannot predict when Storm will break out, our franchise is constantly ready to send our employees to help. We have certain machines set to the side that are ready to be loaded, and our employees are warned about the possibility of being away from their families for upon being hired. We also have a special group of employees that love going on Storm, and that know that they will be going if our franchise gets activated.

It is hard to prepare for when disaster strikes, but we strive to be as prepared as possible for that moment. We are always ready to help fellow SERVPRO franchises and help anyone in need.

STORM - Des Moines, Iowa '18

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Our Storm Crew!

Two weeks ago, our franchise was asked to assist in Iowa on Storm. We were able to send seven employees to assist, and we also hired some temporary workers in Iowa to help with the workload. We were able to run over twenty jobs in the two weeks our employees were there.

Being away from home for long periods of time is hard on many of our employees, but they sacrifice this time to help others. Without everyone pulling together in times of need and helping, these families and businesses would be in a hard place without anywhere to stay or not be able to continue their business.

While most of our employees have returned to Kentucky, we still have several in Iowa to continue checking on jobs that are drying out, picking up our equipment once the buildings finish drying, and taking care of customer questions. These employees are due to return by the end of the week. Upon returning, these employees will enjoy a few well-deserved days off, then will be back to continue helping the community! #TeamElkins

IICRC Certified Firm & Employees

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

IICRC Badges for Employees

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, green and Taylor Counties has worked hard to be accredited as an IICRC Certified firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

About SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

One of the rules be receive this certification is that at least one employee on every job site must be IICRC Certified. We strive to keep our employees up to date with trainings, and learning opportunities. If you visit our "Employees" tab on the website, you can see what certifications have been earned by which employees.

If you are experiencing a disaster and needs assistance, call the professionals at 270-659-0067!

2018 Iowa Storm Event

7/8/2018 (Permalink)

The Kollath girls were so kind for taking the time to create these masterpieces for our Crew.

June 25, 2018 Team Elkins hit the road to help aid and assist the flooding and storm damage in central Iowa. Sioux City and Des Moines experienced flooded basements & sump pump failures causing large losses to homes and business throughout the region. Our Team assisted many families in the clean-up effort by packing up contents, hauling off the debris and drying the effected areas.

We could not be more proud of our team who sacrifice time at home to go help others. Storm Team Elkins has been working nonstop to put home and business owners lives back together. We are very grateful to be able to service other communities other than our own.

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor counties is there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

#TeamElkins #SERVPRO9750

SERVPRO® To The Rescue

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

After the flooding occurred in Louisiana, SERVPRO's from across the nation were called in to help assist. Many franchise locations across the United States are on stand-by, ready to dispatch crews at any given notice in the event of a storm or catastrophe. The flooding was so severe that most people in the affected areas lost everything they had. Some homes and businesses were deemed total loss and others needed to be completely gutted. We are thankful to be part of a team that is happy to help any time, any place. Team Elkins encouraged our local communities to donate to the American Red Cross to help those in need in Louisiana. Our crew experienced first hand the devastation and loss that occurred from this horrendous storm event. Luckily, SERVPRO is there to make it, "Like it never even happened." 

Did You Know We are Available 24/7?

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

This commercial facility was flooded after recent storms.

With the recent weather, our employees have pulled together as a team from every department to assist with the local storms that affected the area in July. Here at SERVPRO, it takes the help and knowledge from every person on our team to assist our clients. SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties have been in high demand after several homes and businesses experienced flooding. When water or fire affect your home or place of business, call on the professionals to get the job done. Some may think they have to wait until "normal" business hours to reach a team member. We are on standby 24/7 365 days a year. We can guarantee that anytime you call, you will get a SERVPRO professional on the line to help. Call us today 270-659-0067.

Using Social Media to Stay Safe

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

With everyone being connected with social media profiles these days... Put it to work for you and your families safety! Follow your local weather stations and emergency personnel to get the latest updates as soon as they are available. Twitter and Facebook are both great platforms to find the most updated news in your area. Preparing your social media for disasters today, could give you a few extra minutes when disaster strikes. This could be the difference between your families safety or facing a disaster unprepared. While it is heart wrenching to lose your home and belongings, make sure that your families safety is your #1 priority. If a storm does come your way, call the us at 270-659-0067 to make it "Like it never even happened." 

When Storms or Floods hit SERVPRO is ready!

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties 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, 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 - 270-659-0067

How to Protect Pipes in the Winter

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Water Freezes at 32 Degrees Fahrenheit

With snow in the forecast, here are 5 tips from the Red Cross on making sure your pipes do not freeze or burst during cold weather:

1. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes.
2. Keep the garage door closed if any water supply lines are in the garage.
3. Keep a trickle of water going through the lines. 
4. Leave your thermostat at the same temperature both night and day.
5. Open cabinet doors to help warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage because it has the potential to flood your home. If the five tips mentioned above do not protect your pipes, give SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties a call at 270-659-0067!

To read more tips, visit the Red Cross website at:
http://www.redcross.org/…/types-o…/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

#SERVPRO9750 #TeamElkins

Outdoor Storm Safety

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Safety Guidelines

Being outside during a treacherous storm can be extremely dangerous if you do not take the right precautions. The type of environment you are in during the time of the storm influences what precautions you must take.

If you are in an open area, it is important to find low ground. Finding lower ground has potential to protect you in a thunderstorm because lightning usually strikes on higher ground.

If you are on any body of water, you must seek land immediately. Being on open water during a storm is one of the most dangerous places you could be because lightning strikes water at a higher rate.

If you are in a forested area, it is important to seek shelter under a growth of small trees in the lowest area you can find.

If you happen to be stuck in your car during a storm, you must keep your windows closed. You also should stay in the car to provide shelter.

Round 2 of Heavy Rains re-floods Kansas City

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

As our Storm Team prepared to tie up all the loose ends in Kansas City, Heavy rains came down Saturday night and caused more damage as well as saturating homes and basements that had just dried out.   Thankfully, SERVPRO and Storm Team Elkins was still on hand and able to assist Kansas City residents immediately.  As the calls came in at midnight we were able to rally the troops and be on-site quickly preventing additional damage.   

Our Storm Team assists customers all over the country that have storm Damage and any other type of flood or disaster.

When you need help and you need it fast, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties are there for you. When you have water damage in your home or Business, every minute and detail matters! We are available 24/7 for all emergencies, especially when water extraction and drying from flood water is crucial.

Don't hesitate to call! 270-659-0067

Flood Basement in Kansas City

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

8 feet of water in basement

Shown are pictures of a home that flooded in the recent Kansas City flooding.  There was 8 feet of water in the basement.  Walls, baseboards, all the carpet, and contents were affected by the water damage. The homeowner was an elderly woman and wanted to go through everything before it was thrown out.  Our trained staff worked with her to go through the contents one by one.  She was able to recover lost items that she had thought were ruined and salvage many heirlooms feared lost forever.

Experiencing a major disaster like flooding is not something we deal with everyday.  Unfortunately this is not a ordinary or common service but thankfully SERVPRO is there when you need a company that can act quickly and handle the uncertainty and confusion that is presented to homeowners during a time like this.   This time is also very stressful and many times people have no idea where or who to turn to so poor decisions or no decisions are made which can cost the homeowner a variety of other problems such as financial or health related issues down the road.  Untreated category 3  flood water can lead to a variety of issues such as Mold.

We want every client treated with care and have every question answered while they are going through this very stressful time.  SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties will work closely with the homeowner, insurance adjusters, and everyone that may be included in getting your home back “Like it never even happened.”

If you find yourself in an emergency situation don’t hesitate to call us.  We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Call us today: 270-659-0067

Request Help today: http://www.SERVPROallenbarrenhartgreenandtaylorcounties.com/fnol

Heavy Rains causes Flooding in Kansas

7/30/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Team Elkins heading to Kansas

This week Team Elkins Storm Team traveled to Kansas City, MO where heavy rains caused major flooding in the entire area. Many homes and business were damaged by flood water and mud. According to news reports, Thunderstorms had dropped up to 7 inches of rain in just a few hours.

Our Storm Team assists customers all over the country that have storm Damage and any other type of flood or disaster.

When you need help and you need it fast, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties are there for you. When you have water damage in your home or Business, every minute and detail matters! We are available 24/7 for all emergencies, especially when water extraction and drying from flood water is crucial.

Don't hesitate to call! 270-659-0067

Storm Team Elkins Activated!

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

Our Storm Team hard at work!

This week, Northern Illinois experienced spontaneous heavy rain that caused major flooding problems within people’s homes and basements.  A basement is the easiest place for flooding to occur because it is the lowest level of the home or building.  Most basements are built below the ground where a lot of rain will run into.  There are several reasons why your basement could end up flooding: these include…  

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe 
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more.

Our Storm Team was prepared and ready to assist in the clean up effort with specialized equipment to ensure that homes were all dry and clear of any other damage or other future problems.  If water damage is not handled correctly and efficiently, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure in addition to potentially hazardous health issues from mold.  Our entire team worked together to get the trucks loaded and on the road in a moment’s notice so our Storm Team could hit the area ready because the longer you wait, the worse the damage may be.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, & Taylor Counties of Kentucky and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill the Insurance Directly – One Less Thing for You to Worry About
  • Our Technicians Are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 270-659-0067