10 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

12/16/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a costly and disruptive event. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing water damage in your home or business.

Here are 10 essential tips:

1. Elevate Electronics: Keep electronics off the floor to protect them from potential water damage.
2. Inspect Washing Machine Hoses: Regularly check washing machine hoses for wear and tear. Replace them every 5 years to prevent leaks.
3. Monitor Water Bills: Keep an eye on your water bill for any unusual spikes, which could indicate a hidden leak.
4. Locate Water Shut-Off Valves: Ensure everyone in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located.
5. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections: Professional roof inspections can identify and address potential leaks.
6. Inspect Plumbing Pipes: Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, or condensation on your plumbing pipes.
7. Limit Toilet Flushes: Avoid unnecessary flushing to reduce water usage and potential leaks.
8. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris to prevent water damage to your foundation.
9. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use natural cleaning methods or gentle drain cleaners to avoid damaging your pipes.
10. Flush Your Water Heater: Regularly flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of water damage and protect your property.

When you can't see where the water is hiding?

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

When home or business owners experience a disaster to their property, often the first step is to start cleaning up the water with a towel, mop or even a shop vac. Although this is very common practice, what about the water you do not see? Just because there is no visible water, doesn’t mean that the area is considered dry. It is very important at this time to call on the professionals at SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties to make sure your property is properly dried to prevent secondary damage to your flooring, furniture, or even the possible threat of mold growth.

Our crews are available 24/7 to help in the event that something unexpected happens. We understand the importance of response time when it comes to water damage. 

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. 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.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today – 270-659-0067

Frozen Pipes

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can cause big problems but there are steps you can take to reduce some of the stress and worry of that happening in your home or business.

Short-Term Steps for Preventing Frozen Pipes

Installing a Foam Faucet Cover. If you don't have much time to prepare, there are still steps you can take to protect your pipes. These measures help reduce the risk from subfreezing temperatures:

• Find your main water shutoff so you can turn off the water quickly if needed. Locations vary — look in the crawlspace or basement where the water supply enters the house, inside a water meter box directly outside the house or near the water heater.
• Disconnect garden hoses from exterior faucets to prevent water from freezing in the hose and rupturing the faucet. Drain the hoses and, if possible, store them where they will be protected from cold weather.
• If your exterior faucets have cut-off valves, close them and drain the faucets. If they don't, insulate them with foam faucet covers.
• Close foundation vents.
• Fix broken basement windows.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air flow around the supply lines. Move any cleaners or other chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Keep your thermostat at the daytime setting during the night. If you'll be away for several days during subfreezing weather, keep it set above 55° F.

There may be other areas around your home that need attention. Irrigation systems, swimming pool supply lines and devices in unheated garages — such as washing machines, water softeners and pressure washers — are at risk. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for winterization. Information provided from https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/frozen-pipes-prevention-and-repair

Toilets Cause Water Damage Too!

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

You never know when you will need emergency water restoration services, but when you do, you can count on the professionals at SERVPRO® Here are some great tips for inspecting and preventing toilet failure:

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover, lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply, and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure you can turn off the water supply. If you have older screw-type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.
• Sewage backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians have the training, equipment, protective gear, and experience to safely restore sewer backups.

When your home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® is Here to Help. ®

What To Do When A Pipe Breaks

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

When bursting pipes leave your home flooded, it’s normal to panic. No one is expecting to see water gushing into a previously dry room.

The best thing to do when a broken pipe causes water damage in our area is to call a professional. Remember, a flooded room can cause the following:

• Water damage to walls, furniture, and belongings
• Damage to insulation, which must then be replaced

Standing water can also attract insects, so it is important to address the broken pipe and flooding as soon as possible. The following tips will help you stay protected throughout the process while providing you with peace of mind.

Stay Calm and Turn Off the Water

It can be easy to panic, but try to stay calm and remember that the first step when you have bursting pipes must be to stop the flooding. To turn off the water, you’ll need to find the stop valve on the water main. You can usually find this where the main service line connects to your house, or under the kitchen sink. You should make sure everyone in your family knows where the shutoff valve is located so the water can be turned off quickly in emergencies.

Get to Safety and Call a Professional

Once the water has been shut off, you should immediately get to safety. This is especially important if the water is contaminated, as it can be a serious health hazard. Once you are safely in a dry area, call a professional to fix the broken pipe and clean up the mess.

Trust the Professionals to Dry the Area

Even if the water damage from bursting pipes initially seems minor, you should contact a professional water restoration company when you have water damage in our area, professionals will ensure the area is dry and free from mold and bacteria, keeping you and your family safe.

Don't Let Water Wait!

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

The age-old question, what happens when water damage sits for too long in a home or commercial property?

Basically, the worst.

The First Hour

Water will spread throughout your home ruining paper goods, finishes on white furniture, and sometimes cause permanent staining on flooring.

The First 24 Hours

In the first 24 hours after a water damage has occurred, drywall begins to swell and breakdown, an odor will begin to appear, usually musty or sour. The paint on the wall will begin to blister, windows/doors begin to warp, metal can begin to rust, and mold can even start to grow on furniture and other surfaces.

Forty-Eight Hours Later

The safety concerns for any one in the house increases drastically. Anyone who has a heightened sense of allergies or mold will become irritated and even sickly. The damage cost goes up by thousands and more property begins to breakdown and become unsalvageable.

Water damage is not a friend to your home. Once water damage occurs, it is important to call for help to get the water cleaned up as quickly and efficiently as possible. Water damage experts are standing by, and at SERVPRO® of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties— we are here to help 24/7 and 365!

When it comes to water, the longer it sits, the worse it gets.

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

This home was water damaged, and we are working to dry out the carpet for reuse!

Did you know that often times, even fire damaged buildings have water damage present?

This is because many times fires are put out with water, but the water damage is often times overshadowed by the fire. Because of this, the majority of SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties jobs involve water in some form or fashion. With water being one of our specialties, we can tell you firsthand how important it is for you to prevent this damage from happening to your home or business!

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

One of the easiest things to do to prevent damage from happening is by regularly looking for leaks, drips and cracks in your water pipes. The next step is to educate yourself and others around you about the dangers of water damage and what to do if it does happen. Do this by learning how to properly cut off water supply throughout the home or building.

IMPORTANCE

Water pipe damage per minute:

A ½ inch pipe can spill up to 50 gallons a minute

A 1-inch pipe can spill up to 210 gallons a minute

A 2-inch pipe can spill up to 850 gallons a minute

A broken pipe can cause more damage than many of us realize. Above are estimates of how much water can pour out of a pipe at any given time. It is important to prevent, then minimize any damage that happens. The longer it sits, the worse it gets.

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties, Kentucky is Here to Help ® with our 24/7/365 services. Give us a call anytime, day or night!

May Theme of the Month

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

May Theme of the Month

Spring has sprung! It is the time of year when many people take their regular cleaning duties to the next level. This year, add another task to your list that you may not always think about: water heater maintenance!

Like anything else, with the proper maintenance, you can extend the life of items in your homes water heater. This can also help avoid a major water spill if something broken and can be detected and fixed early!

6 Easy Maintenance Steps:

1. Test the TPR Valve
2. Check the Anode Rod
3. Drain the Tank and Wash Out Sediment
4. Adjust the Temperature
5. Insulate the Pipes
6. Insulate the Heater

For more information visit:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21016402/how-to-maintain-a-water-heater 

What to Expect Working with SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

What to Expect Working with SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties

What can you expect when calling in a water job with SERVPRO?

The first thing to expect is timely, and friendly service on the phone. You can also expect quick service, as we are open 24/7/365, and always have crews on call to respond to emergencies. No matter the time of day, holiday, or weekend, we are there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

You can also trust that SERVPRO will….

Quickly respond-

Along with peace of mind, it is also important to get onsite in a timely manner to prevent more damage from happening to your home, business or items.

Arrive in a timely manner-

Our goal is to have a crew onsite to any emergency situation within 4 hours of the initial call.

Do an inspection/verbal briefing-

Our team has the ability to walk a property and to see what would be the best course of action for the home or business owner, whether this is to file a claim or continue as a self-pay. Identifying this early helps prevent a denied claim later in the process.  

WINTER WEATHER WARNING IN KENTUCKY!

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

WINTER WEATHER WARNING IN KENTUCKY!

Throughout South Central Kentucky there has been an ice storm warning issued now through Thursday evening (February 11th, 2021).

Weather.com states that significant ice and snow mixture are on the horizon. Power outages and tree damage are both to be expected during this time. Extreme caution should be used while traveling, and staying home is strongly encouraged.

While the temperature continues to stay low throughout the week and power outrages are possible, make sure you take precautions against any frozen pipes, as this is the ideal environment for them to quickly happen.

Drip your taps.

Cover outside faucets.

Open cabinet doors with pipes in them to promote air flow.

Keep inside doors open for more air flow.

Keep garage door closed as much as possible to keep warm air inside.

Give us a call if you have any water issues, and we can make it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews are on standby, and we are ready to help at a moment’s notice!

December Theme of the Month

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

December Theme of the Month

This month SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties is focusing on what to do if your pipes do freeze over in the cold weather!

1. Locate the water main shut-off valve
2. Open the faucet so thawing water can flow freely & relieve pressure
3. Warm the pipes with a small space heater or hairdryer
4. If you find any leaks that are causing water damage, give us a call right away!

If they have not frozen but we are expecting below freezing weather, here are some ways to prevent your pipes from getting too cold:

• Keep Your Garage Doors Closed
• Drip Faucets
• Keep the Thermostat Consistent and Leave the Heat Above 55° F
• Open Interior Doors
• Open Cabinet Doors

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

October Theme of the Month

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

October Theme of the Month

Each month, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties focuses their efforts on one central marketing theme. This month is all about fall home maintenance! There are a lot of things you can do in early fall that will prevent damage from happening during the winter months, or to prepare for next year.

Here are the top 9 simple tasks you can do:

1. Clean Out Gutters – When gutters are full, it can cause water to build up and leak into your home
2. Check for Window Drafts – Tight seals around both doors and windows help the warm air from your system from quickly escaping outside
3. Store Outdoor Hoses – Putting away hoses during the winter season ensures there will not be water trapped that could freeze and expand. When this happens, often times a water leak inside your home can be the result.
4. Store Outdoor Furniture for Winter – This can include putting it inside or using covers to protect it. While it is made to be weatherproof, doing this will help prolong the lifetime!
5. Fix Cracks in the Driveway Pavement – When there are small cracks in your pavement, they can quickly grow without much warning. Small amounts of water can freeze, expand, and bust open the small cracks.
6. Check Filters –The cleaner or less debris there are in your filters, the better your system can run. This can not only help the system out, but also your electric bill!
7. Fertilize Your Lawn – This is a great time of the year to think ahead and fertilize for the next year. It gives the fertilizer all winter to get deeply rooted into the ground.
8. Winter Equipment – Check to make sure your snow shovel or snow blower, is working properly and that each vehicle you own has ice scrapers inside.
9. Check Fire and Carbon Monoxide Device Batteries – While this should be done at least twice a year, it is a great time to go ahead and check the batteries and replace as needed!

7th Annual Guns 'N Hoses & 4th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drives

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

General Manager, Chad Burckhard, giving blood at our annual blood drives!

During the last full week of June 2020, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties hosted the 4^th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Campbellsville, KY, and the 7^th Annual Guns ‘N Hoses Blood Drive in Glasgow, KY.

These two blood drives are something that SERVPRO employees look forward to hosting, along with the local police and fire departments, each year. Being able to team up with these first responders to bring in donors, and be out in the community serving while helping those in need is a huge blessing to everyone involved. With the spread of COVID-19, we were concerned that we would not have the turnout we have had previous years. But with all the safety precautions being taken by the Red Cross along with SERVPRO, we are happy to announce that both drives exceeded their target donor goals! We even have first time donors at both drives.

June 23^rd – Campbellsville, KY. 45 units collected, which have the potential to save up to 135 lives.

June 26^th – Glasgow, KY. 60 units collected, which have the potential to save up to 180 lives.

We encourage any business, church, or organization to give back and help host a drive with the American Red Cross. They make it a painless, and a great experience!

Recent Local Flooding

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

South Central Kentucky has not experienced very much rain in the past few weeks. That all changed this weekend though, when we got several major downpours. While the rain was much needed, there are consequences to so much rainfall coming at once. This can cause flooding in low areas, which can impact both homes and businesses.

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties is not new to flooding situations. We have had our fair share over the years, and were ready to react when calls started flooding in over the weekend. We had several worried clients in need of emergency services. When it comes to a water job, the faster we begin cleaning up, the less damage there is. SERVPRO knows the importance of being timely, so this is why we are open 24/7/365. Because of this, we had crews ready to respond at a moments notice!  

If you are experiencing water damage or have any questions, give us a call at 270-659-0067!

Types of Contaminated Water

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are different types of water in water losses? Depending on how long a water loss is there before it is found, or where the water comes from, it is one of three categories.

Category #1- Clean Water

This water category is when the water comes from a clean, sanitary source. This means that the water poses little to no risk to humans or animals. Examples of this are: broken water supply lines, sink or tub overflows, or any other water line, such as a line to an ice maker.

Category #2 – Grey Water

This water category is when it comes from a source that contains significant contamination. The contamination includes chemical, biological or physical elements that could cause illness or discomfort after exposure. Examples of this are: overflowing toilets with urine, sump pump leaks or discharged water from appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine. If left too long, grey water can quickly turn into black water, and cause even more damage to your home and health.

Category #3 – Black Water

This water category is when it is considered very harmful. This contamination includes unsanitary agents, dangerous bacteria and fungus, and toxic substances. This category has an extreme risk of causing illness and exposure should be avoided at all costs unless you are a trained professional, in properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE). Examples of this are: sewage, seawater, and overflow from bodies of water.

Four convenient tips to prevent a water loss

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Four convenient tips to prevent a water loss-

1. Check Your Trees: While having trees around your home is nice to have, you need to be careful about what types of trees will grow well close to your home. It is a great idea to plant trees at least ten feet away from your home, and to make sure that trees with invasive roots should be planted at least 25 feet away.
2. Regularly Maintain Appliances: It is a great idea to check your appliances for any issues, and make sure they are working properly. Over time, even small issues or leaks can cause big problems if not found in a timely manner.
3. Watch Your Bill: Looking at your water bill every month, and paying attention to any spikes in water usage. This is a huge red flag that there could be an issue that you have not found yet.
4. Take Action: Once you find a leak, GET IT FIXED! Not making it a priority could be a big mistake, Water can cause more damage by the minute, and then the wet area can begin mold growth.

Call SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties for any water damage you may come across!

Home and Business Roof Maintenance

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Throughout the lifetime of your roof, it goes through regular wear and tear. But there are several things you can do over the years to help prolong life of your roof.

Check for Normal Wear and Tear

While your roof will eventually wear out, there may be times where there slight damage that can be easily fixed before it becomes worse. Twice a year, take the time to inspect your roof for any issues, so that you can have them repaired before it becomes a major issue. Also, do not forget to check on previous repairs.

Maintain Gutters

Gutters are important for a roof to properly drain, and remove water during rainstorms. Check that gutters are properly installed, and secure. It is also a good idea to semi-annually clean them for the best drainage possible.

Check for Storm Damage

After any storms blow through, check for any damage that it could have been caused issues for your home or businesses roof. This includes missing shingles, damaged shingles, or any flashing that has come loose.

Keep Your Roof Clean

Having items or debris on your roof can cause extra stress, and issues. Keep an eye on your roof in case there are any buildups of limbs or leaves. Having these items on your roof can also cause mold or mildew to begin growth, and can cause erosion.

While these tips may seem time consuming, it is important to take preventive measures to prolong the life of your roof. If you notice any issues with your roof, feel free to give SERVPRO a call. We are now providing roofing services, including repairs and replacement. We also have financing options available.

Protecting Your Home From Water Damage On Vacation

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

When going on vacation, you are always in a hurry to get out the door and hit the road. But take time the week leading up to leaving to make preventative measures against any water issues that may arise while no one is there.

Preform a Visual Inspection

This includes checking your windows, pipes, and large appliances.

Windows- Look for any leaks around the window, and check to ensure that the seals are in good condition.

Pipes- Along with broken pipes, also check and make sure there are no signs of weakness in the metal, like rust or cracks.

Appliances- Inspect hoses that run in and out of appliances for weak sections, tears, or kinks. This includes dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters. Doing this can also help find and prevent any slow leaks from happening without your knowledge.

Guard Against the Elements

If leaving during the colder months, leave your thermostat set to low, but never turn off the heat completely. This prevents any water pipes from freezing and bursting. Also, take the time to insulate any outdoor pipes, or any in the garage.

Enlist Backup

If possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to stop by and check on the house a few times while you are gone. This ensures that if there is an issue, it is quickly found and taken care of.

While you may not want to take the time to take these preventative measures, it could be the difference between arriving home to a disaster, and being able to enjoy being in the comforts of home.

January Theme of the Month

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

January Theme of the Month 

Each month, our Marketing Team has a theme we call go by and promote. These themes are based on the weather, time of year, and other things that may be going on within the SERVPRO world.

The first month of this year we are bringing it back to the basics, and talking about how we want to be your FIRST thought when you have any type of disaster cleanup, or even any type of cleaning you do not know how to do. We are best known for our fire and water cleanup, but we can also do mold, rebuild projects, biohazard, hoarding, HVAC cleanings, and much more.

For our insurance clients, let us be the FIRST on site to check out the damage. We can be your eyes and ears, qualify the situation and help your customers make the best decisions possible. The longer it sits, the worse it gets. Call us as soon as you know there is a problem!

Give your local representative a call today: Vicky Matthews, 270-670-2575

WARNING: Excessive Heat 7/18-7/21

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Over the next several days, there has been an Excessive Heat Warning declared for Central Kentucky. This means that the temperature will be ranging from 100-110 degrees each afternoon, and that prolonged periods in this temperature are very dangerous. This impacts anyone who will be working, exercising or playing outdoors during this time. This also means that car interiors will be rising to lethal temperatures within minutes.

Drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, check on your neighbors and the elderly, and either bring your pets inside or make sure they have a cool shady spot to hang out in. It is also important for all animals to have plenty of cool, fresh water. If possible, delay any outdoor activities until it has cooled down, or move them until the morning time.

Take caution over the weekend, and make sure you take note of any signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke!

Guns 'N Hoses 6th Annual Blood Drive Winner

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Van Robarts presenting the winning plaque to the fire department!

Each year SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties partner with the fire and police departments and the American Red Cross called the Guns 'N Hoses Blood Drive. With 2019 being our 6th year of this partnership, we are excited to announce that the FIRE DEPARTMENT has finally one the competition again! After winning our first drive, they had fallen short to the police department for 5 years straight. We are excited for them, and cannot thank both departments enough for supporting this great cause. 

Even when we are not hosting the drive, it is very important to continue to give blood throughout the year. With someone needing a transplant every 2 seconds, hospitals are continually spread thin. Take the time to help Save A Life! 

#SaveALife #AmericanRed Cross #FireDepartment #PoliceDepartment 

July Theme of the Month

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

July Theme of the Month

We are constantly striving to educate business owners along with the public on all the services that SERVPRO can provide them. After a disaster strikes, 50% of businesses do not ever reopen. SERVPRO wants to change that number. By assisting businesses ahead of time, we are able to prepare you to handle whatever life may throw at you.

After scheduling an appointment, our trained staff walks you through your building and puts together a profile of key information. It is then delivered to you to keep on hand. We will also periodically reach out to ensure all the information is still up to date.

Another way we are here to help minimize damage for both residential and commercial is our emergency 1-4-8 rule:

• 1 Hour to call the customer
• 4 Hours to be on site looking at damage
• 8 Hours to have a verbal briefing

4th of July Fire Safety Tips

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again! Many people are already setting off fireworks in preparation of 4^th of July weekend. But are you taking the proper precautions when shooting them off? With fireworks starting an average of 18,500 fires a year, it is important to take cautions when using them this holiday weekend. See below for some of the top tips on how to prevent sparks from flying:

1. Avoid fireworks that are packaged in brown paper: they are only like that for displays.
2. Always have adult supervision, especially when allowing kids to play with sparklers!
3. Back up as far as you can after lighting any fireworks.
4. Never point or throw fireworks at people.
5. Keep water on hand in case of accidents. Also douse used fireworks in water before throwing them away.
6. Do not allow young children to play with or light fireworks.
7. Do not shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
8. Do not touch fireworks that have not fully ignited.
9. Never stand above fireworks when lighting.
10. Make sure it is legal to shoot off fireworks in your area before purchasing or using them.

Follow these tips for a fun and safe 4^th of July celebration!

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Fireworks

https://www.allprodad.com/10-fireworks-safety-tips/

March Theme of the Month

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

March Theme of the Month:

This month SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties is focused on educating the public on how we SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY. We are committed to being onsite as quickly as possible when a call comes in to ensure we prevent as much damage as possible. This, in turn, can save the home owner or insurance company a lot of money.

Our goal is to dry your home or business before ripping anything out. Being able to do this not only saves money, but the headache of trying to put your home back together after a loss.

To remind our clients and contacts of how we are trying to SAVE time and money, our representatives are giving out Lifesavers this month!

Polar Vortex 2019

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

After the first half of winter being so mild, it was joked that we completely skipped it this year. The last week of January has shown us something completely different. With a Polar Vortex hitting the United States, temperatures have been extremely low, and in some parts of the county the wind chill has been down to -43 degrees. Schools, colleges and many businesses across the nation are having to shut down because of this cold spell.  

While many other businesses have been closed, SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties have been all hands-on deck. With this being an emergency time of the year, we always have a crew ready to assist when things go wrong.

Continue to trickle water through your lines, open cabinets, and try to keep all of your water lines as warm as possible. If you do see that a pipe has frozen and busted, or is leaking water, feel free to reach out to us as quickly as possible. The sooner we are on site, the more damage we can prevent from happening! 270-659-0067. 

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

When we think about a water or fire loss, we think about people going in and tearing out anything that has any damage to it. That is not what SERVPRO strives to do. Being a restoration company, our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We want to restore as much of the building materials and items as we can, without having to toss them out. As a restoration company, we fully support Reduce-Reuse-Recycle method. When we are working a job, the first thing we do is figure out what all we can save, and we get to work. Repairing damaged items will always be cheaper than replacing them. Doing this will save either the home owner or the insurance company a good deal of money. It also keeps more trash out of our landfills and helps our environment stay healthy.  

10 Ways to Avoid a Water Loss!

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

Here are 10 helpful hints to help avoid damage to your home or place of business: 

1. Do not leave electronics on the floor. This includes, iPads, computers, DVD players, etc.
2. Leave a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection. Replace your washing machine hose every 5 years.
3. Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak.
4. Make sure each resident in your home or place of business knows where the main shut-off is located.
5. Have a professional roof inspection annually.
6. Inspect your plumbing pipes on an annual basis for condensation or obvious leaks or corrosion.
7. After flushing the toilet, remain in the area until the fill valve has finished refilling.
8. Make sure your downspouts are directed 5 to 10 feet away from your house. Clean all build up of debris from downspouts monthly.
9. Chemical drain cleaners can eat away at your pipes. Use a drain snake first. This is suggested every 3-4 months depending on the size of your household.
10. Flush your hot water heater every 6 months to remove sediment. You can call in a licensed plumber to assist.

Battle of the Badges '18 Results!

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Battle of the Badges, 2018

Our Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Campbellsville, Kentucky had a huge turnout this year! We more than tripled our donor turn out from the previous year. Even though it was a close race the entire day to see would come out on top, and we are happy to announce that the Fire Department won by one donor! With this only being the second year we have held this blood drive, we appreciate everyone who came out to help or donate!

A special thanks to Campbellsville United Methodist Church donating their facilities. We really appreciated your help throughout this whole process, and to our American Red Cross Representative, Renee Biggs, who has worked tirelessly to make it a success. Without the help of you all, we could not do it. We are excited to raise the donor goal even higher in 2019!

Thank you again for all the community support!

It's The Water You Don't See That Causes The Most Damage

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

When home or business owners experience a disaster to their property, often the first step is to start cleaning up the water with a towel, mop or even a shop vac. Although this is very common practice, what about the water you do not see? Just because there is no visible water, doesn’t mean that the area is considered dry. It is very important at this time to call on the professionals at SERVPRO® of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties to make sure your property is properly dried to prevent secondary damage to your flooring, furniture, or even the possible threat of mold growth. Our crews are available 24/7 to help in the event that something unexpected happens. We understand the importance of response time when it comes to water damage. 

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Service

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 270-659-0067

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green and Taylor Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

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. 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.

 Meet Our Crew http://www.SERVPROallenbarrenhartgreenandtaylorcounties.com/crew-photos

Water Removal Experts

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties have been ridding homes of water damage for a very long time, so we know how stressful it can be when you find your home flooded or with water damage. It is common practice for individuals with damage to attempt to clean it up themselves, but then smell a musky smell a few days later. Restoring water damage takes a certain science, which is why our crew is required to go through extensive training before they can repair your home or business. Our training gives us the knowledge and expertise to clean up your property before future damage has an opportunity to occur. Floods can happen at any point, so it's important to be prepared. We recommend that you save our number into your phone so you will be prepared in the case of an emergency! 270-659-0067

Do you have an Emergecy Ready Profile?

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

As a homeowner or business owner it is important to have an emergency plan and contacts close by in case anything out of the ordinary and unexpected happens. In most cases you cannot fathom the amount of stress involved. SERVPRO understands that stress. In most cases people don't think about the unanticipated things that may occur to your business such as flooding, tornadoes, fire, etc. 

Pre-planning is key and SERVPRO has the experience. SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Program that is available to you.  Our Emergency Ready Program, also known as an ERP, is the best way to minimize and reduce any interruption in your business following a disaster.  According to the latest industry research, as much as 50% of businesses will not recover following a devastating disaster.  A majority of the businesses that had a preparedness plan in place were able to reopen for business and survive.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you can minimize the business disruption. Pre-planning will give you an immediate plan of action and serve as a type of peace of mind insurance policy.  Knowledge of what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation. 

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is a NO COST assessment of your facility.  The ERP profile document will contain valuable information that will be needed in the event of an emergency.   We will identify details such as shut-off valve locations, high priority areas, and 1st in line contact information. Our SERVPRO staff will come out at NO COST and walk you through the process. It takes very little time to complete and save a lot of time in the event you ever need it.   This Profile will get you back on track quickly in the event of an emergency or disaster because you will have a plan of action to execute.

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties is your local professional resource to assist you through the process of mitigation and restoration. You will have an industry leader close by and a life line to help you command authorization for the work to begin quickly.  When your business has a quick reference of what, when, how, and who to call, you are able to respond and solve decisions that need to be made efficiently. Our number one goal is to have you re-open for business while saving you time and money.

Give us a call today and set up your ERP!

270-659-0067

IICRC-Water Damage Restoration Technician Certified

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification,  “Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.”

SERVPRO of Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties believes in education and making sure our entire Staff is trained and obtains as much knowledge in our industry.  When a home or business experiences a major water loss from flooding, our IICRC-certified restorers will arrive with the knowledge and equipment to dry your home or business facility back to preloss conditions.  When water damage has been present for a long period time you increase the possibility of mold occurring. Our staff will carefully monitor the amount of water damage including substructure materials.  This monitoring is to minimize possible mold and prevent health issues. “All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.”

When water and flooding impact your home or place of business, call on the professionals to get the job done. You can reach a team member any time of the day or night. We are on standby for you  24/7, 365 days a year! We can guarantee that anytime you call, you will get a SERVPRO professional on the line to help.

Allen, Barren, Hart, Green, and Taylor Counties

Call Us Today : 270-659-0067

Request help online: http://www.SERVPROallenbarrenhartgreenandtaylorcounties.com/fnol

http://www.IICRC.org/consumers/care/water-damage/