Don't Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Holidays

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

The holidays are coming up. Keeping your home up-to-date is crucial to ensure that you can enjoy your holidays without any pipes bursting your bubble!

Begin the pipe burst cleanup. If any electrical outlets or equipment were disturbed, shut off electricity to the area. Use a wet vacuum or sump pump to remove any standing water and then clean, sanitize and dry any affected areas and items.

Keep in mind that an area that doesn’t dry quickly enough can develop black mold and lead to further damages to your property. To ensure the area is properly cleaned, sanitized and dried, you should work with a water cleanup company in Chattanooga, TN, that is experienced with commercial and residential pipe burst cleanup.

Our Technicians are certified in commercial and residential water damage cleanup. We are open 24/7/365 for you. Visit SERVPRO of Bradley County for more information on water cleanup.

Reopening Your Business After a Natural Disaster

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

A natural disaster can be a devastating experience for any business.

Opening Your Company Again Following a Natural Disaster

Natural disasters can strike at any time, and when they do, businesses need to be ready. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, many companies are understandably concerned about their employees and customers. But what about the business itself? How does a company get back on its feet after a natural disaster? The answer depends on the type of damage sustained by your business premises. Some building damage can be fixed relatively quickly, while other problems may take months or even years to resolve. This guide walks through some best practices for getting back up and running again after an earthquake or flood wreaks havoc on your city’s infrastructure—and ultimately helps keep both employees and customers happy in the process!

Have A Disaster Plan

Your business plan should include an outline of what you would do in the event of a disaster, how you would communicate with customers and suppliers, and how long it would take for your staff to get back up and running.

It can be helpful to have a template for this kind of plan in place before a disaster strikes so that you can quickly make adjustments as needed.

Call Your Insurance Company

You should call your insurance company as soon as possible to let them know that your business has been damaged. They will want to know the extent of the damage, and they will be able to tell you what kind of coverage your business has. They may also help you file claims for any damages, which can make it easier for you to get repairs done right away.

If it seems like there aren't any options for repairing or replacing equipment after a natural disaster damages your business, talk with an insurance agent about finding restoration companies in your area who can help with cleanup and rebuilding efforts so that everything is back up and running as soon as possible.

Keep Track of Your Contents

As you begin to get your business up and running, don’t forget about your business contents. You need to make sure that you have a plan for how to handle the insurance claims process in the event of a disaster. This will ensure that your belongings are accounted for and covered by an appropriate amount of insurance coverage after a natural disaster has occurred.

You should also consider having some sort of data recovery plan in place so that any lost data can be recovered quickly and efficiently after a natural disaster has occurred at your business's location. Your employees' personal effects should also be considered when working on this aspect of getting back into operation after a natural disaster has occurred.

Turn to FEMA for Help

Beginning the rebuilding process is daunting, but you can get help with FEMA. The agency provides resources for businesses in need of temporary housing, disaster loans, and other assistance after a natural disaster. FEMA also offers financial relief for businesses that were affected by natural disasters through its Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program.

Call a Professional for Cleanup

You should not try to clean up on your own. It is dangerous, and you could get hurt. You may damage your property and spread germs if you do not use proper safety gear, such as rubber gloves and respiratory masks. If you need to remove debris from the building, hire professionals.

You should know who is handling restoration services. This can be a contractor, vendor, or another business that specializes in disaster relief. Not only do they have the equipment and manpower to deal with the situation, but they also have a lot of experience doing so and will know what questions to ask when dealing with insurance companies and government agencies.

A natural disaster can be a devastating experience for any business, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many resources are available to help you get back on your feet and get back into the game of running your Cleveland, TN company. If you are unsure about what steps need to be taken next, talk with an insurance agent or someone else who has experience dealing with these types of situations before proceeding. The last thing anybody needs is more stress while trying to rebuild their lives after this terrible event! If your home or business is damaged by flood, fire, or storm, give SERVPRO of Bradley County a call!

Preparing Your Business for Severe Storms

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Keep computer files backed up on an external hard drive or cloud in case of flood damage

Create a Planning Team

Even with your leadership position, you cannot prepare your business alone. Create a task force team that can handle important elements such as:

• Employee and client safety
• Data recovery
• Property protection
• Communication system
  
  

Depending on the team size and the complexity of these areas, you can either delegate these sections to one team or split them up between smaller groups that meet later. Build a team where members vary in experience, work shifts, and locations, as they may have different perspectives on how a storm impacts their day.

Take Advantage of Technology
Today's technology is particularly helpful for disaster preparedness. For instance, wireless communication makes it faster and easier to send emergency messages to team members and clients about any sudden situation via phone call, email, text, or social media. Your data is also crucial to your business, so use advancements like the cloud system to move it to an offsite facility. This move ensures that important information is safe from any physical storm damage.

Practice for the Situation
A detailed and careful plan never matters without a successful execution, and business preparedness is not an exception to this. Once you have created plans for safety, evacuation, and property protection, it is time to practice them to ensure everything runs smoothly during an unexpected event. Assign roles to employees, such as leading the evacuation of certain areas to ensure an orderly procedure. You can both schedule drills and run some surprise ones to test the organization's readiness.
Disaster preparedness allows you to protect both your employees and your building from unexpected storms. Enact these safety measures now and stay in contact with helpful organizations like the insurance company and storm damage remediation to handle the aftermath effectively.

How To Inspect Your Sump Pump

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

It is a good idea to inspect your sump pump on a quarterly basis.

Sump Pump Inspections

Your basement may be a fun place to entertain or give you a lot of extra storage. Whatever its purpose, it can’t serve it well if it gets flooded. Regular sump pump inspections are necessary to ensure that, if extra water does flood your basement, it won’t stay there long. A reliable pump can significantly lower the cost of water remediation services if your basement floods. Here are some things to check off your list during the inspection.

Get Rid of Debris

A big part of pump maintenance is just cleaning it out. There are several places dirt, rocks and other debris like to hide in your pump:

• Discharge pipe
  
• Vent hole
  
• Intake screen
• Pit
  
  

Any obstruction in these areas can cause your pump to malfunction when you need it the most.

Check Cord and Power Supply

Over time, cords can wear out, especially if they are in an area like the basement where they may be trapped under boxes or twisted around other obstacles. Check the cord to make sure it is not broken. You also want to ensure that the sump pump is hooked up to a working power supply. It is a good idea to connect it to a generator so that if it is needed during a power outage in a storm, it will still function.

Test the Pump

Every time you inspect your pump, it’s a good idea to simulate a flood scenario to see if it works. Flood the basin with a bucket of water. If your pump is working, it will activate and drain the water. If it does not do this, you need to contact a repair technician in Cleveland, TN, to fix it.

It is a good idea to inspect your sump pump on a quarterly basis. This ensures that all debris is removed, it is connected to a reliable power source and it actually does what it’s supposed to do. Then when storms come, you know your basement is protected.

After the Storm: Roof Repair Expectations

6/18/2022 (Permalink)

The roof of a home destroyed by a storm in Charleston, TN

Roof Repair Expectations

Once the storm calms, it’s vital to check the roof of your Charleston, TN, damage. Any signs of missing shingles or leaks in the attic mean a roof repair is needed. After filing a claim with your insurer, the next step is mitigating the damage while you wait and secure the services of a trusted water damage cleanup and restoration company.

What To Expect
The first step, which is often required by insurance companies, is to complete any temporary repairs. When wind damage has torn off shingles or a branch has punctured the roof, those areas need to be tarped over to protect against any other bad weather while you wait. Once the roof repair company arrives, you can expect the following:

An assessment will be completed of the damaged areas both on the roof and inside the home.
Any wet materials or items in the attic will be removed, as well as any saturated materials on the roof.
The source of the water damage will be replaced, which may mean removing framing or other roof components.
Sheathing and underlayment will be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Damaged flashing or shingles will be replaced.

Roof Damage Prevention
While bad weather, especially hail and high winds, may not be avoidable, there are ways to prevent damage from happening.

Have the roof inspected prior to and after storm season. Look for missing or damaged shingles, mold or mildew growth and potential animal activity. Be sure to check the attic for any signs of a leak.
Keeping your gutters clean is the best way to eradicate standing water on the roof. They should be cleaned at least twice a year.
If you have trims near the home, ensure they are trimmed. A branch rubbing against the roof will slowly cause damage and creates the potential for it to fall on the home.

After a storm, it's important to ensure a roof repair is done quickly. This helps minimize secondary damage and gets your home back to being protected.

3 Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Roof

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Missing shingles on a roof due to high winds.

Commercial Roof Maintenance

When you live and work in East Cleveland, TN, storms and other powerful weather events can be a standard part of everyday life. They're also the reasons for all kinds of industrial and commercial roof damage, from damaged skins and flashing to leaks and clogs. Unfortunately, these kinds of problems can sometimes force businesses to close for repairs or clean-ups. Here are three non-nonsense tips for maintaining your commercial roof for years to come.

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

Two times a year is the recommended frequency for roof inspections. Whether they're done by you, the owner or manager, or by a professional roofing company representative, an assessment can highlight current or potential problems. Examples include issues involving the roof's materials, drainage and surrounding trees, and sunlight and wind damage.

2. Take Care of As-Needed Repairs

If you find that a recent storm or high winds have caused roof damage, go ahead and fix the minor problems before turning them into major headaches. Whether debris compromises a section of flashing or a microburst dislodges shingles, resolve these issues as soon as possible. If you and your team don't have the knowledge, tools and safety equipment to make the repairs, hire a reputable commercial services company to do the work.

3. Invest in a Maintenance Plan

Consider investing in a maintenance plan to reduce your stress and the risk of a complete roof rebuild. Many reputable commercial roofing companies offer maintenance plans that take into consideration your unique property and its needs. Having help on speed dial and on the way after a storm or unexpected event gives you great peace of mind.
These three tips for maintaining your commercial roof can take some of the stress out of business and property ownership or management. Implement one or all three to enhance the integrity and longevity of your property. Don't let roof damage ruin your or your customers' day!

Ice Dams 101: Understanding the Risk

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Ice dam, can tear off shingles, cause water damage, and more.

Understanding the Risks of Ice Dams

Ice can be functional and even beautiful -- that is, until it’s all over your roof. The ice that builds up along the edge of your roof, also known as an ice dam, can tear off shingles, cause water damage, and more. Make part of your winter prep learning the signs and impacts of these ice structures, as well as how you can prevent them in your South Cleveland, TN, home.

What Is Ice Damming?
This is the result of a combination of heat, pressure, and cold temperatures. They occur when snowfall packs onto a sloped roof that’s poorly insulated. Heat from this type of roof combines with pressure from the snow’s weight to melt the snowpack at its base. The snowmelt drips can result in:

• Gutter damage
• Water leaks
• Popped shingles

How Do They Destroy?
It may not seem like an ice dam can wreak havoc, but it can. Water can melt, pool and refreeze in gutters, forming a heavy log of ice. Before long, your gutters can tear off under the weight.
Ice that has nowhere to go can also start backing up into your roof. It can get under your shingles and re-melt. The result can be everything from popped shingles to water damage in your attic. If the water continues to leak into your house, it can start to damage insulation, drywall and more.

What Can You Do?
The good news is, besides investing in ice dam coverage, there are many ways to tackle dam prevention. You can start with improving your roof’s insulation. It’s also a good idea to clear your gutters so they can more easily channel meltwater away and don’t get backed up.

An ice dam can be an unfortunate side effect of cold weather, but it doesn’t have to be. Understand how these ice blocks form and what you can do to prevent them. Work with a winter storm professional to help prepare your home, and you’ll get through the season dam-free.

Why Is Flood Water a Type of Black Water?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded entrance of a building in East Cleveland, TN.

Flood water is considered Category Three black water because it may contain harmful contaminants. Flooding results when surface water overflows or heavy rain falls in East Cleveland, TN. Although this water may not initially contain solid waste, chemicals and other contaminants are likely to leach into standing water. Find out what the water resulting from flood or storm damage might contain and the risks it could pose.

Which Contaminants Are Found in Flood Water?

Water can pick up a variety of contaminants as it collects and stands outside or in a structure. These may include:

• Chemicals
  
• Heavy metals
  
• Pathogens
  
• Solid waste
  
  

Any of these contaminants can cause problems for humans or animals that are exposed to, or attempt to ingest, this water. In addition to potentially dangerous substances, contaminated water may also contain microbes that can cause illness.

What Are Some Possible Flooding Risks?

In addition to posing a threat to building materials and contents, water resulting from flooding can also pose a threat to individuals. A few possible risks include:

• Exposure to toxigenic substances
  
• Irritation of skin or other bodily systems
  
• Contagious infections
  
  

If water is allowed to stand for 24 hours or longer, the risk of mold growth will rapidly escalate. Schedule a complete cleanup sooner rather than later.

Are There Any Other Sources of Black Water?

Sewer backups are another common source of Category Three water, and these incidents may coincide with a storm. If heavy rains or flooding cause a municipal sewage system or septic tank to back up, it will also be necessary to drain, disinfect and dry the affected area.

Flood water can cause structural damage and expose occupants to contaminants. Mitigation experts will wear personal protective equipment and use professional cleanup methods to quickly remove water and limit the extent of secondary damage. Rely on a commercial storm damage restoration company in East Cleveland, TN.

How To Identify Roof Hail Damage

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

If hail has caused damage to your Charleston, TN, business, you can call SERVPRO for assistance and support about it.

Roof Hail Damage: How To Spot It

There is no question hail can cause a lot of damage. While some people pay closer attention to their cars or other personal items, others remember how important it is to inspect roofs for further damage. Consider how costly any kind of damage to your roof or ceiling can be. Your business deserves a thorough check by a professional service after a hailstorm.

1. Asphalt Roof Damage

With an asphalt roof, you may find the shingles look shiny after a hailstorm. This is due to hail damage. The roof damage itself will often present as random denting. You may feel the dent is too soft to the touch or you may see a loss of granules. Additionally, the felt may be exposed.

2. Wooden Roofs

Generally, the impacts of hail damage look randomized. You will not usually find a pattern, and you may see split or cracked shingles. When it comes to shingles, they are often an orange or brown color when split. There will often be impact and dent marks over the wood. While roofs can be damaged through other types of weather, it is relatively easy to discern hail damage. Serious splits will have sharp corners and edges rather than the regular wear and tear of a shingle that was damaged over time.

3. Flood Water

Roof damage, especially during rainy seasons will often lead to water damage. Water can seep through the roof and into the attic. If you find wet insulation or mold growth in the attic itself, then you may have a compromised roof. Although it is easier to miss water damage in the attic, you should always check after a large storm.

After hail has caused damage to your Charleston, TN, business, it is important to have it taken care of quickly. This type of damage can only get worse over time. In order to work through mitigation quickly, a restoration company can assess and work through the process with you.

Warm Spells during Winter can cause Flood Damage to Properties in Wildwood Lake

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Flood Damaged Wildwood Wall Demolition

Water Seepage Can Result in Surprising Damage

Winter can be a beautiful time of the year, with the crisp white background brightening up the trees in the nearby forests. While this scene can be one that reminds many of winters past, the water is hidden in the ice and snow can also quickly melt, turning into water. If your home is in an area that typically receives some runoff in the spring time when the snow melts, you should be aware that this can also happen if there are warmer periods during the winter months.
 
In Wildwood Lake, flood damage can occur even in the winter time. An area that has snow but then receives a great deal of sun on a windless, warmer-than-normal day can become warm enough to melt the snow on it. This melted snow, which might now be muddy water, can become a problem if it enters your home. While it will not be as deep a flood as what you might experience in the spring, this extra water can still cause you problems if it enters your home.
 
Because this is not a torrential flood, you might not even know about it until it is too late. Small floods like this can enter through basement windows that have been left open for ventilation on warm days or because you're working in the basement, sorting and organizing things for your family. Alternatively, the caulking on the basement window could be old and faulty, or the glass has areas where it is cracked. It could also find its way inside through an open door, seeping in under the kitchen flooring.
 
With any flood or any size, the floor is always affected. The relationship between the speed with which the water is removed and the floor is returned to a dry state, and a number of damages experienced later are an important one to remember. When homeowners wait to repair even minor flood damage, they can often find themselves with an increased level of damage to their homes, even in areas that weren't affected by the actual water. Water does not disappear on its own – it only changes its state.
 
When water first enters, it can cause damage by discoloring the items it contacts, by weakening drywall so that it eventually crumbles, and also by inundating materials in your home with pathogens. Water that is allowed to stay around because it seems to have dried up on its own can create problems in the form of mold within the other areas of your home. These other areas can also experience other types of secondary water damage – swelling walls, buckling floorboards, sticky photograph collections, and doors and drawers that don't want to close correctly.
 
Higher than normal levels of moisture can cause all those and more. When your sunny spot on the nearby hill has caused you a streak of grief, don't worry. At SERVPRO, we have got this, and many others, type of emergency covered. We will get your home dry again, and back to its normal self.
 
Call SERVPRO of Bradley County at (423) 614-5552, anytime, day or night, and we will get started in making things “Like it never even happened.”
Warm Spells during Winter can cause Flood Damage to Properties in Wildwood Lake

Save or Throw: Taking Care of Equipment After a Flood

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

If your commercial building is flooded, SERVPRO can help you to remove the flood and restore it efficiently

After a Flood, Should You Save or Throw Your Equipment?

Content cleaning is a major part of storm damage cleanup in Cleveland, TN. You can't leave your old office furniture and equipment in a restored building because they could be reintroducing too much moisture to the environment. As you set out to clean up your possessions, how do you decide what you can keep and what needs to be thrown away?

What You Can Keep

Most non-porous materials can be saved after a flood. This can include anything made of hard plastic, metal and glass. Some porous and semi-porous items may also be salvageable, depending on the type of water damage you are dealing with. Once you have determined what can be kept, there are a few different cleaning methods you may be able to use, including the following:

• Contents dunked into a bath of cleaning products for immersion cleaning.
• Contents are wiped dry with a cloth for light residues or pre-clean processes as part of dry cleaning.
• Furniture has a foam cleaner applied as part of foam cleaning.
• Items are sprayed with cleaner and wiped down with the spray and wipe cleaning.

Content cleaning specialists may be able to help you determine what items can be salvaged. These professionals can also tell you which cleaning method is best for each item.

What You Should Throw Away

Typically, it is harder to save porous items because the water is able to better soak into the content. If you are dealing with a black water flood, you may have to throw away more items than if you have clean water in your building. Sometimes, you can try some of the aforementioned cleaning techniques on porous objects to see if they can be restored, but it won't always work.

As you try to come back from high waters in your commercial building, you have to go through a long restoration process. Content cleaning can help save you money because it allows you to repair what you can rather than replace everything.

The Difference Between Storm Damage and Water Damage

8/1/2021 (Permalink)

Home destroyed by a storm in South Cleveland, TN.

Storm Damage vs. Water Damage: What's the Difference?

Storms in South Cleveland, TN, can cause flooding in your home. Before you decide to tackle the problem yourself, however, you need to understand that all floods are not created equal. There is a big difference between flood damage and regular water damage, and it mainly stems from the contamination level of the water involved. Knowing the three categories of water contamination can help you determine if the flood in your home is something that you need to call in the experts to manage.

1. Category 1 – Clean Water

The first level of contamination is clean water. Any time water is coming from a leaking faucet, it is likely clean water, at least at first. Likewise, when a pipe or a supply line breaks, you most likely are dealing with clean water. Even if the resulting flood makes a mess, the water is not likely to be contaminated. If neglected, however, clean water can easily become gray water.

2. Category 2 – Gray Water

Gray water is the second category of contamination. Gray water is not safely ingestible because it is likely to contain bacteria or viruses. Flooding from a washing machine or an overflowing toilet is probably gray water. If it is not dealt with in a timely manner, it can become black water.

3. Category 3 – Black Water

There's no telling what's in black water, and that's what makes it the highest category of contamination. It often contains raw sewage, microbes and chemicals. Flood damage from storms or rivers is black water, as there is no way to keep sewage, debris and any chemical washed off the street or the top of buildings out of it.

The contamination level of storm water is the main reason you should always have damage that results from flooding from a storm remedied by professionals. They not only extract the excess moisture but clean the contaminants out of your home.

3 Steps for Cleaning Up Your Business After a Storm

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Damaged roof in Hopewell, TN.

Content Cleaning Steps

When violent storms rip through Hopewell, TN, they can cause considerable damage to your business. From broken windows to a damaged roof, there may be much to contend with in the aftermath. One of the most common issues after a storm is water damage, and before you can move ahead with reopening your store, there are a few content cleaning steps a restoration service might take to ensure both the property and the items inside are properly dried.

1. Inventory Scanning
The first step to take after a storm-driven flood at your business is to take inventory of all the damaged items. Your restoration technicians can help you with this by determining what can be salvaged and what must be discarded. Porous items, or those that absorb water, may have to be thrown away while non-porous items, such as metal and glass, can be set aside and inventoried.

2. Water Cleanup
If a flood at your business caused contaminated black water to enter one or more areas, your water damage technicians will have to drain it away before any further content cleaning can take place. This type of floodwater usually contains sewage, chemicals and other foul debris, so its removal must be handled properly with large trucks and then disposed of in a way that will not cause people or property further harm.

3. Drying Contents
Your storm damage and restoration service can help you salvage items that require careful drying, such as documents and electronics. They may be able to freeze invoices, employee files and customer lists for later preservation, which can save you the time and cost of having to recreate them.
When strong storms and flooding impact your Hopewell, TN, business, you may not know where to turn for content cleaning and restoration needs. Connecting with a service that can offer you effective solutions in the aftermath may help you feel more confident about the future of your business.

Call Your Local Restoration Company to Assist With Storm Damage

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call Your Local Restoration Company to Assist With Storm Damage 

Flash floods and storm-related flooding events have plagued Tennesseans for years before dams were constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Floods remain the number one weather-related destructive force. 

Cleveland businesses and residential homeowners also have their share of other water damage issues, such as a sewer backup, roof leaks, burst pipes, and fires. However, whenever it rains consistently, this city's location makes it the perfect area for heavy flooding. Also, inland waters overflowing their banks contribute to excessive water damage. 

Our SERVPRO certified technicians help Tennessee residential and business owners to restore their property from clean up to the rebuild. We are your neighborhood restoration experts with additional locations throughout the Bradley County area including Cleveland, Hopewell, and Charleston. There is no job that is too big or too small for us. When water or flood damage occurs in your home or commercial property, time is of the essence. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If your property has been damaged by water caused by flooding or other events, we at SERVPRO of Bradley County have the experience, expertise, and tools to restore your property. Our water damage or flood damage steps involve a thorough assessment, water extraction, drying, dehumidification, cleaning, sanitizing, and restoration. As part of your removal water damage, we also provide validation and documentation for your claims. Call us today at (423) 614-5552 whenever you have flooding or other types of emergencies. 

Round-the-Clock Home Restoration Services

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Round-the-Clock Home Restoration Services

As we enter into the winter season, be aware that ice damage can cause extensive roof damage such as a significant roof leak. You cannot wait until morning to deal with flooding, wind damage for which roof repair is needed, hail damage on the outside of your house, or other types of hurricane damage or storm damage. You need to know that there is a 24/7 contractor available to handle ice damming, use a flood pump to pump out river flooding, repair roof damage, pound out hail damage, and take care of other types of storm damage.

Many storm restoration companies are available anytime day or night to help you cope with ice damage, thaw out an ice dam, dry out flood water, perform a roof repair to seal off a roof leak, clean up wind damage, and soak up flood water caused by pipes that are flooding and flowing out of the bathroom. Even if the emergencies occur in the middle of the night, you can call the restoration company in your area for a fast and immediate response. Many also are able to work with your homeowner's insurance company to minimize your worry and to help you keep your out-of-pocket costs low.

Storm damages can make your home uninhabitable, unsafe, and downright dirty. You cannot cope with such crises alone. You need to know that a professional restoration service is at the ready anytime day or night. You can reverse water damage, thaw out frozen plumbing fixtures, and otherwise restore your house regardless of the hour by knowing what service to call during this kind of emergency.

For more information about our storm services visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com

What To Include in Your Storm Restoration Plan

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Putting Together a Storm Restoration Plan

You never know when emergencies like river flooding, ice damming, frozen pipes, hail damage, or wind damage will hit your home. You may go to bed with the weather calm and predictable only to awaken to extensive roof damage, a roof leak, ground water pooling up in your basement, or hurricane damage ravaging the rest of your structure.

Moreover, you might not have a flood pump to use to deal with flood water from river flooding or melting ice damage inside your house. Even if you had a flood pump, chances are you would not be fast enough to deal with the needed storm remediation. Instead of letting river flooding, ice damage, and ground water claim your home's interior or risk frozen pipes or an ice dam from overtaking your plumbing, you can get help immediately by calling professional water restoration and home restoration services.

When you call 24/7 home restoration and water restoration contractors, they arrive with equipment like a flood pump that they will need to pump out the flooding, reverse hurricane damage, remove an ice dam, start an extensive roof repair, and perform other types of storm remediation. This storm damage equipment will come in handy for creating a tailored storm restoration plan designed just for your home. Whether you need ground water pumped out of your basement, flood water shop vacuumed out of your upholstery, roof damage fixed, or frozen pipes thawed out because of ice damming, you can get the personalized water restoration services you need just for your home.

For more information about our storm services visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com

Leave the Storm Damage Cleanup to the Professionals

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Professional Storm Damage Restoration

The best laid protections against the elements may do little to protect your home from all types of storm damage. Even if you board up your windows, patch your roof, or wrap your pipes, you still may be left to deal with a roof leak, frozen pipes, flooding, and wind damage inflicted on your home.

Because home restoration projects require special care and attention, it is always best that you leave this storm restoration work to professional contractors who specialize in water restoration and storm remediation. You can start the process of roof repair, removing ground water, thawing out ice damming, reversing hail damage, and more today by contacting services devoted to fast and thorough storm remediation.

SERVPRO of Bradley County utilizes a variety of cleaning equipment and chemicals to return your carpets and floors to a usable state. Depending on the size, material, and color-fastness, the options range from simple spray and wiping to immersion cleaning.

Storm damage can leave odors as well as a damp carpet. We use industrial grade air scrubbers and specialized fogging equipment to remove the musty smell and rather than just covering it up. While removing the odor is important, getting rid of the mold which causes it is even more so. The application of a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is necessary. Our personnel is trained to use the product that will not only restore your property but do so in a manner that is safe for your family and employees as well as the environment.

Once the mold has been remediated, each item should be either disinfected or sanitized depending on its function. Kitchen, breakroom, and bathroom equipment must be sanitized to ensure the health of anyone who may use them. Standard office spaces such as conference rooms would not need that level of cleaning unless the contaminated floodwaters wetted the flooring and walls. Our IICRC certified technicians can be relied upon to provided the highest level of professionalism and courtesy.

SERVPRO of Bradley County does its best to help you restore your home or business to its pre-storm damage condition as quickly as possible. As a locally owned franchise from Cleveland, we value our customers as neighbors and not just a job to be completed. If you want to schedule an inspection or believe you may need our restoration services, please call us today at (423) 614-5552.

For more information about our storm services, click here. 

Re-Entering Your Flooded Home

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water in your home is a situation that calls for smart action. Take the steps you need to take, and avoid the things that work against you.

Re-Entering Your Flooded Home

When storm damage like flooding happens SERVPRO of Bradley County knows that there are many thoughts running through your head: How did this happen?  What should you do?  How bad is it?  Once you re-entering your home after a flood to ensure the safety of yourself, home, and others.   

Try to return to your home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.

• If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
• Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning the power on again.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
• If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time.
• If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold.
• If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage. See Floodwater After a Disaster or Emergency.

Throw away unsafe food:

• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out. For more information, visit Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency.

Use safe water:

Floodwater can contaminate your drinking water. Some contaminants from surface water get into the groundwater and affect private drinking water wells and municipal water systems that use groundwater.

• Follow local guidance on whether your water is safe to drink.
• If you have a private well and live in an area with flooding, get your water tested before you use it.
• Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. For more information, visit Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency.

Dry out your home to prevent mold:

If flood or storm water has entered your home, dry it out as soon as possible to prevent mold. Follow these steps:

• If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it’s safe to turn it on, use a “wet-dry” shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.
• If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Note: If you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structures, or less than 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.
• Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold cleanup before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.
• Prevent water outdoors from reentering your home. For example, rainwater from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
• Ensure that crawl spaces in basements have proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate to allow the area to dry out.

For more information on mold cleanup, visit Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters.

Flood water in your home is a situation that calls for smart action. Take the steps you need to take, and avoid the things that work against you. SERVPRO of Bradley County is here for our customers and community every step of the way 24/7 , and we promise to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How to Prepare For A Tornado in Cleveland, TN

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Spring weather brings us warming, balmy days, but it is also a time of unpredictable weather. For this reason, it is good to always be prepared for that chance of severe thunderstorms that lead to the perfect conditions for a tornado touchdown.

In this blog, we are sharing some tips and information on tornadoes that can help keep your family prepared and safe for the worst possible scenario.

What Are Ideal Tornado Conditions?

The United States experiences roughly 1,200 tornadoes every year, resulting from severe thunderstorms, in particular those known as “supercells.”

Prime conditions for a tornado to form are when changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell. This is then tipped and dropped into a vertical position by the rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

At first, you will not be able to see the tornado’s signature funnel cloud, but it will become visible as water droplets from the storm’s moist air condense or when it picks up dust and debris as the tornado travels along its path.

A typical tornado can grow to be 660 feet wide and will move at 10 to 20 miles per hour, although larger and faster storms have been observed. Hail and intense winds of more than 200 mph can accompany tornadoes.

The air masses aloft generally become unstable in the late afternoon during the spring and summer, making it prime time for a tornado to occur. But it is important to remember that they can occur at anytime during the day and anywhere.

What to Do in Case of a Tornado

Have you learned the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning? A watch will be issued when the conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning is issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

In other words, the tornado watch is a way of alerting you to the fact that there are favorable conditions for a tornado to develop, but if a warning has been issued for your area, you should take quick action to find safe shelter—especially if you are in the path of the tornado.

Shelter options include:

• Underground options like a basement or storm shelter.
• The lowest part of your home, in an area that is away from outside walls, doors and windows. Interior closets and bathrooms can be ideal options.
• If you are outside, try to get to a sturdy building. Mobile homes and trailers are not a safe option.
• If on the road and no building access is available, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Instead, find a low, flat location and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

As you take shelter in your home, use furniture cushions, mattresses or blankets to help keep your head and neck covered and protected. You should also make sure that you have flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries in your selected tornado shelter.

If you are caught out on the road during a tornado, DO NOT try to outrun it because chances are you won’t win. Attempt to seek a safe, sturdy shelter nearby immediately, or if that is not possible, exit your vehicle and lay flat on the ground.

Tornadoes are unforgiving and can wreak absolute havoc in their paths. While meteorologists and weather services can provide some advanced warning to potential threats, tornadoes can still occur with little to no warning at all.

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO of Bradley County is ready and waiting to jump into action and get cleanup and restoration of your property underway.

What Kind of Storms and When They Occur in Cleveland TN

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

In Cleveland, the summers are hot and muggy; the winters are short, very cold, and wet; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 32°F to 88°F and is rarely below 19°F or above 94°F.

Based on the tourism score, the best times of year to visit Cleveland for warm-weather activities are from mid May to late June and from early August to early October.

The most rainfall during the past year occurred in November with an average of 4.8 inches. When lots of rain occurs flooding or leaks may become prevalent. Those conditions paired with freezing temperatures that winter brings can cause pipes to burst.  This means that when rain storms occur be on the lookout where water is puddling up and make sure all openings to the outside are sealed. 

Snowfall occurs usually December-March, alongside the tips for rainfall additionally during cold temperatures make sure all heaters and heating accessories are being turned off when not under supervision. 

For the wind season Cleveland Tennessee,  The windier part of the year lasts for 6.6 months, from October 25 to May 12, with average wind speeds of more than 4.3 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is February 26, with an average hourly wind speed of 5.4 miles per hour. The calmer time of year lasts for 5.4 months, from May 12 to October 25. The calmest day of the year is July 31, with an average hourly wind speed of 3.2 miles per hour.

Even though different weather happens at different times of the year, SERVPRO is always here to help!  If a loss occurs we are available 24/7 at 4233261406. We promise to make it like your loss never happened! 

SERVPRO of Bradley County Storm Team

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bradley County's Disaster Recovery Team is dedicated to helping customers who have experienced tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood damage. Much like our local production teams, the storm team is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, always prepared for the unpredictable. We are getting our crews ready to head to Florida after Hurricane Dorian makes its way through. 

According to the SERVPRO corporate website, "The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster." We are proud to participate on this team!

To be invited to participate on a Storm Team, a franchise has to be in compliance of all corporate Storm Team requirements and then accept the invitation when a storm event requires our services. When a loss occurs, whether it is a hurricane, flood, or tornado, we send a commercial Production Manager (or two) with a production crew with trucks full of appropriate equipment. The Production Managers ensure that there is seamless communication and timely mitigation during the chaos of the loss. 

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. We are proud to be a part of this team and help our community during the most devastating times. 

Reasons Why You Should Call A Professional After Storm Damage

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

Whether the cause of the water damage in the home is from a natural disaster or wear and tear, it is always recommended that you get proper assistance from professional flood cleanup and restoration companies. The benefits of contracting a professional mitigation and restoration company include: 

• They respond quickly to your flood or other case and make sure that they have done water cleanup, drying and fixed the damage before the structural integrity of the home is completely compromised.

• They will have the right equipment to handle the water cleanup, the drying, and the restoration so that the flooded home can look as good as it did before any of the water in the business damage occurred.

• They will offer you excellent results at very affordable costs, as opposed to cheap DIY projects that could cause massive losses and even loss of the entire building in the future.

• They will ensure that after water cleanup, drying and restoration, any plumbing issues like pipe breaks and supply line breaks are repaired after a case of water in the business or flooded home as mitigation against future recurrence of the same problem.

It is therefore advisable to make sure that a professional restoration company handles your case of flood damage, water in the home or water in the business, drying and restoration to preserve your home.

Visit http://SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on storm damage. 

The Different Types of Weather Alerts

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

You have likely received storm alerts before, but are you fully aware of what each alert means? In order to take proper precaution in the event of a thunderstorm, tornado, or hurricane, it is important to understand what each alert means and how to remain safe during the events. 

A Flash Flood Warning is issued by the United States National Weather Service when a flash flood is imminent or occurring in the warned area. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood after a heavy rain, or occasionally after a dam break. Rainfall intensity and duration, topography, soil conditions, and ground cover contribute to flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is issues when a flash flood occurs. 

In the event of a severe storm, there are multiple alerts the National Weather Service may issue. A Dense Fog Advisory alert communicates that for two or more hours, fog will cover a large area with visibility reduced to ¼ mile or less. Fog may sound harmless, but it often arrives in thick layers, making it very difficult for drivers. In fact, fog was the cause of a devastating 99-car pile up in Bradley County in 1990. You should take the warnings very seriously.  

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when there is a possibility of high winds combined with thunderstorms or hail at least an inch in diameter. Once these conditions are present or imminent the alert will move to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. It is important to remember the difference between the two, as a thunderstorm watch serves as a warning to secure items around your home and seek shelter. 

A Tornado Watch is intended to prepare yourself, your family, and your belongings because tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. A Tornado Warning means totake action immediately. In the event that a warning is issues, a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property, and you must move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. 

Normally, a watch will indicate that a weather condition is possible, while a warning indicates that said weather condition is occurring or is imminent. Knowing this differentiation makes other weather alerts clearer as well.

These advance warnings provide time to prepare for weather events. Be aware of the signs and seek shelter when it is needed. As always, we are Here to Help in the event of a loss. Our storm team travels across the U.S to assist those who have lost their homes in natural disasters. 

Storm Damage for Beginners: What You Need to Know

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Facing storm damage can be an overwhelming experience. No one wants to consider the possibility that their home might experience water damage, hail damage, or even ice damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners will experience hurricane damage, water damage, or hail damage that will require storm remediation. A home restoration or water restoration company can perform storm remediation. SERVPRO of Bradley County has a storm team dedicated to assist those that need home repair following a particularly bad storm that leads to ice damage, hail damage, water damage, and wind damage. 

Flood water can also happen due to frozen pipes in your home. Frozen pipes typically occur during the cold winter months. Frozen pipes may be something you don't even notice until they burst and you find ground water in your home. If you suspect frozen pipes have burst, make sure you get a water restoration company out as quickly as possible to use a flood pump and repair your frozen pipes.

Unfortunately, flooding is one of the most challenging problems since it requires a flood pump. A flood pump is something your professional remediation expert can help you with. Whether you experience river flooding or ordinary flooding, ground water should be avoided and a flood pump can help. A flood pump will remove standing ground water in your home as a result of river flooding or flooding caused by other factors.

Remember that flooding can occur for a variety of reasons and can even be caused by hurricane damage. Hurricane damage can lead to broken windows that enable flood water to get in your home. Flood water can be treated by a professional who will help you to restore your house. Click here for more information on storm damage restoration. 

Three Main Classifications of Floodwaters: What You Need to Know

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Storm water comes in various categories

Flood Water Classification Overview

There are three main classifications of floodwaters: clear water, gray water, and black water. Although their names imply it, these aren't wholly determined by the color of the water, but instead by a few factors related to how many contaminants are in the water. Clear water is somewhat rare, as most of the time it picks up enough contaminants to become at least gray, but black water is by far the most hazardous and damaging of the three. Never try to deal with black water yourself, as its interaction necessitates the kind of heavy gear and training that SERVPRO equips its technicians with. Here are a few key facts about each type of water. 
 
Clean Water 
 
Clean water originates from water mains, pipes, and other sources of relatively untampered water in your home. Flood damage with clear water is lighter and easier to restore than other types of damage, due to both reduced volumes of water and lighter safety procedures during the task. This water is usually identifiable as being clear and unclouded. However, time is important, as without quick removal clean waters can progress and become gray. 
 
Gray Water 
 
The awkward middle child of flood damage, gray water concerns water that may or may not have significant contaminants in it, and thus pose a potential health risk. More care is required in these waters, and they can be deceiving, as they too may sometimes be clear in appearance. 
 
Black Water 
 
The most dangerous and damaging type of water is black water, which can originate from a storm flood, a major health hazard such as a septic tank overflow, or when gray water is left untreated. This water contains dangerous contaminants, including fungi and microbes that may cause health effects. Black waters stain surfaces easily and are often more violent in their damage, so in addition to having the most restrictive safety precautions, this type of water also often causes the most damage. 

If you have experienced storm damage in your home or business, call the storm remediation experts at (423) 614-5552.

How to Prepare for a Storm in Cleveland, TN 37320

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

We may not live close to a beach, but the rain can certainly do some damage as we saw late last year with the floods. Storms can lead to an array of types of damage caused to your home, business, and rental properties. As we saw last year in North Carolina and Florida, the wind, rain, and debris can expose weak points in construction, such as poorly maintained gutters. Storms strike fast- sometimes without much warning. So, how can you prepare your home before a storm hits? Here are a few tips to ensure that your home, family, and belongings stay safe during a storm.

1.Know your evacuation routes. You need to have discussed and drawn out an evacuation plan in case you are pressed for time. The plan will give you the peace of mind that you will know what to do when disaster strikes.

2. Create a home safety kit. The Department of Homeland Security recommends you have:

• Enough water for each person to have a gallon a day
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Garbage bags
• Towelettes
• Phone chargers
• Wrench or pliers
• Manual can opener

3. Be aware of your location.The National Weather Service recommends that you are aware if you live in a flood zone. If you live near a hazardous structure or area like a dam or river, listen to safety instructions from your local news and community.

5. Prepare your medications. If you take medications, make sure you know how to store them in case the power goes out for a few days. Medications that must be refrigerated can be put in plastic bags and placed in a cooler on ice so they remain cold, without getting wet.

6. Take out cash and fill up your gas tank. The NWS recommends that you keep cash on you at all times and a full tank of gas before a storm is scheduled to hit, in case you must evacuate in an emergency. You may not be able to grab gas during a state of emergency, and you might not be able to use a credit card if the power goes out.

Of course with heavier storms, it is always a good idea to have some plywood on hand to board up windows in preparation or as need. Flying debris during heavy winds can easily shatter windows, exposing your home to outside elements.

These are just a few tips for home and business owners, if you would like more helpful tips please visit our storm damage page or for help with storm damage cleanup call us directly (423) 326-1406.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If a water disaster mars your custom built home, your quickest and most effective solution is to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Chattanooga. Call us at (423) 326-1406 confident we will restore your high-end abode and its contents from storm and flood damage damage. 

After a Flood: What Not To Do

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage led to flooding family room in a Charleston, TN home

If your home in Charleston, TN, is plagued by flood water, you will undoubtedly get a lot of advice about what to do to make the recovery process smoother. Avoiding unnecessary or harmful behavior, however, is just as important, if not more so, than taking positive steps. Here are five actions to avoid so that you don't make a situation that's potentially dangerous worse for you and your family.

1. Don't Stay.

Step one of dealing with a flooded home is getting out of it. Don't try to stay in your house, especially if you have significant damage or if evacuation is recommended or mandated. You could be putting your family's safety at risk.

2. Don't Wade.

A number of problems could arise from standing flood water. It could be charged with electricity, hiding sharp or dangerous items or filled with bacteria. At any rate, you don't want this water to touch your skin or be anywhere near you.

3. Don't Play.

If you are waiting to be rescued or waiting on an adjuster to arrive, you may feel bored. Fight the urge to play games on your phone or use it in any way that depletes the charge. You may need it for emergency reasons, and you may not have any place to recharge it.

4. Don't Buy.

Purchasing new furniture or replacing destroyed items is the very last item on the restoration to-do list. Buying these things before you have a clean, restored place to put them is inadvisable.

5. Don't Hesitate.

You may see widespread water damage all around you, but don't assume that your insurance company and flood restoration specialists won't have time to come and assess your property. Go ahead and give them a call to report the damage to your home. The sooner you call, the sooner they can help.

Flood water in your home is a situation that calls for smart action. Take the steps you need to take, and avoid the things that work against you.

An Explanation of Black Water and Its Effects

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Any type of flooding can be dangerous and can cause widespread damage to your property and home. It’s important to protect yourself and those things you value most so that when water damage does occur at home, it’s as minimal as possible. The worst situation you can find when flooding occurs is black water. If you find this making its way into your Cleveland, TN home, you must exercise extreme caution and place appropriate safeguards to ensure your safety.

What Is it?

While any type of water that invades your home is a concern, black water poses serious health concerns to you and your loved ones. This type of water mixes with raw sewage, including your toilet water. It can make you ill if you come in contact with it. This type of floodwater can even cause serious bodily harm if you ingest it. Here’s why it’s so hazardous:

• Contains feces from septic systems, toilets and sewers
• Contains urine
• Contains other dangerous materials such as bacteria

How it Gets in Your Home

Water damage can ruin furniture, walls, flooring and even treasured keepsakes such books, pictures and trinkets. However, water mixed with sewage can be destructive. When heavy storms overwhelm storm drains and get into sewage, it can infiltrate homes and other buildings. This type of water can also be a problem if you have plumbing issues, and your toilets overflow or your pipes break.

The Solutions

While this type of flooding should alarm anyone, you can combat it and take appropriate measures. First, if you notice this flood type of water, avoid it at all costs. Get to a safe place, and ensure your children don’t come in contact with it. You should then call a disaster cleanup company and public works official to address the matter.

You worry about water damage anytime there’s flooding. Black water is an even bigger problem, so it’s vital that you take the right steps to remedy this situation. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on storm damage. 

Is Storm Damage Tax Deductible?

6/16/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that if you’ve suffered storm damage, you may be able to claim tax breaks when filing that year? However, the situation in which you can claim a tax break for your Cleveland, TN commercial property are very specific.

What Counts as Storm Damage, Anyway?

Before looking at what is and isn’t tax deductible, let’s take a look at what is and isn’t covered under storm and flood insurance. Believe it or not, this type of storm damage is actually not covered under your regular commercial insurance policy. You can submit a claim to your insurance company for:

• Storm-related flood damage to building structures and interiors
• Loss of furnishings, equipment, and inventory
• Other interior damage and losses caused by primary and not secondary flood damage

However, even with this coverage you may not receive enough from a claim to pay for repairing all damages and replacing all lost property. That’s when a tax deduction comes in.

So When Is Storm Damage Tax Deductible?

If you have to cover repairs or replacements for storm damage out of pocket, that’s when it becomes tax deductible. It doesn’t necessarily refund the entire cost of the losses, but it does at least reduce your tax liability and amount of business taxes owed by deducting from your taxable income.

When filing your taxes you would list this as businesses losses or damages, and itemize the entire amount spent on recovery. However, this is only viable if you took the time to file a claim that itemized all damages. You should also make sure to keep your receipts for any services or purchases, should the IRS choose to audit your returns.

Even if it may not fully defray the losses, even a percentage of savings can help you get back on your feet. Take a detailed inventory of all losses and don’t miss a single penny when filing and claiming business losses due to storm damage.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on storm damage. 

5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Flood Damage

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

If your home has flooded, you should contact a storm damage restoration service in Cleveland, TN, as soon as possible to address primary damage and l

If heavy rains or other types of flooding are frequently forecasted in your region, there are several strategies you can take to prepare your home. You can help prevent extensive flood damage that endangers the foundation and structure of your place by planning ahead. You should be ready to immediately follow any evacuation order issued for Cleveland, TN, and only return to your home after authorities declare the area to be safe.

1. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts allow for proper drainage away from your residence during heavy rain. The accumulation of water around the base of your home during flooding can pose a threat to your foundation. As well, water collecting on your roof can work its way under shingles and cause leaks.

2. Have your basement waterproofed. A flooded basement can also endanger the condition of the foundation and frame of your home. You may install a water alarm that will notify you if water begins to accumulate in your basement.

3. Make sure your sump pump is operational. Install a battery-powered backup or a generator system that will work even if the power fails due to storm damage.

4. Elevate critical utilities and furniture. This can reduce electrocution risk and reduce the extent of damage to your possessions.

5. Be prepared to evacuate. Pay attention to flood or flash-flood warnings and watches issued for your region. Listen to the radio or check your phone's alerts. You should plan ahead to prepare your home and be ready to evacuate at any time with important documents and valuables.

These five steps are intended to help you prepare your home for flooding caused by any type of adverse weather. If your home has flooded, you should contact a storm damage restoration service in Cleveland, TN, as soon as possible to address primary damage and limit the extent of secondary damage to your residence. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/. 

How to Prepare When a Storm Is in the Forecast

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

You should know well in advance when a storm is going to blow through Hopewell, TN.

While there is only so much you can do to prepare and protect your home, you should still take action to do everything possible to prevent flood water from entering your abode and water damage from harming your property, because a completely flooded building is the last thing you need to deal with.

1. Learn How to Shut Off Electrical and Water Supply

If you do not currently know where your circuit breaker and water main are located, then you need to find them on your property. You should turn off the power if your block experiences a power outage. You want to shut everything off because in the event power is restored, the sudden burst of energy could overload the system, resulting in significant damage to electrical appliances. You should also turn off all utilities right before you have to evacuate, if necessary.

2. Relocate Valuables

Keep any precious heirlooms out of the basement, which is most susceptible to flood water. You also want to keep valuables away from doors and windows, because they are entry points by which water or winds can enter.

3. Trim Trees

When you have several weeks’ notice of an oncoming storm in Hopewell, TN, you should consider hiring a professional service to trim and prune trees that are too close to your home. A diseased tree or weakened branches can break off and strike a building.

4. Move Lawn Accessories Outside

With strong enough winds, outdoor ornaments and furniture can become projectiles. Move them inside for the time being, or secure them outside by using a bungee cord or cable.

5. Maintain Gutters

Your home’s gutters help keep flood water away from the siding and foundation of your house. Remove leaves and other debris from them regularly so water does not become impeded.

Why Seeking Professional Help is a Must When it comes to Storm Damage

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Why Seeking Professional Help is a Must When it comes to Storm Damage

Damages due to natural calamities such as flooding from storms are unpreventable but can be controlled. People affected by any of these calamities should seek professional help to restore their homes. The attempts to recover from the effects of these natural disasters include processes such as home restoration, roof repair and water extraction.

Any home hit by a storm suffers significant losses and sometimes the loss of the entire building. River flooding could result in the whole house submerging. It is crucial that the owner seeks the help of experts for home restoration. Professionals have the right equipment and skills required to deal with issues of flooding. They also follow specific steps to ensure safety after storm damage.

Professionals are essential because they follow strict procedures. They first assess the extent of damage caused by the storm. They then evaluate the safety of the building before they start the processes and evacuate residents to prevent accidents due to roof damages. A flood pump should be used to remove standing water. The process of home restoration includes clearing out objects washed into the building by flood water or blown in by the wind such as tree branches and leaves.

The team then proceeds to carry out roof repair in case of roof damage and roof leaks. They ensure furniture and other household appliances are dry and free of contamination. Household appliances can also be treated to prevent molding where flooding occurred. Experts can also repair walls and fences that might have suffered wind damage.

A series of processes that require precision are involved in Storm restoration and storm remediation. Therefore, including a team of professionals is vital. Using do it yourself methods in storm damage removal could result in further damage and accidents that may cause harm to the people involved.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on storm damage.

A Guide to Storm Restoration

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

A Guide to Storm Restoration

The best laid protections against the elements may do little to protect your home from all types of storm damage. Even if you board up your windows, patch your roof, or wrap your pipes, you still may be left to deal with a roof leak, frozen pipes, flooding, and wind damage inflicted on your home.

Because home restoration projects require special care and attention, it is always best that you leave this storm restoration work to professional contractors who specialize in water restoration and storm remediation. You can start the process of roof repair, removing ground water, thawing out ice damming, reversing hail damage, and more today by contacting services devoted to fast and thorough storm remediation.


Putting Together a Storm Restoration Plan

You never know when emergencies like river flooding, ice damming, frozen pipes, hail damage, or wind damage will hit your home. You may go to bed with the weather calm and predictable only to awaken to extensive roof damage, a roof leak, ground water pooling up in your basement, or hurricane damage ravaging the rest of your structure.

Moreover, you might not have a flood pump to use to deal with flood water from river flooding or melting ice damage inside your house. Even if you had a flood pump, chances are you would not be fast enough to deal with the needed storm remediation. Instead of letting river flooding, ice damage, and ground water claim your home's interior or risk frozen pipes or an ice dam from overtaking your plumbing, you can get help immediately by calling professional water restoration and home restoration services.

When you call 24/7 home restoration and water restoration contractors, they arrive with equipment like a flood pump that they will need to pump out the flooding, reverse hurricane damage, remove an ice dam, start an extensive roof repair, and perform other types of storm remediation. This storm damage equipment will come in handy for creating a tailored storm restoration plan designed just for your home. Whether you need ground water pumped out of your basement, flood water shop vacuumed out of your upholstery, roof damage fixed, or frozen pipes thawed out because of ice damming, you can get the personalized water restoration services you need just for your home.


Round-the-Clock Home Restoration Services

As mentioned, you never know when an ice dam will build up in your pipes, ice damage will cause extensive roof damage like a big roof leak, or hurricane damage will result in flood water coming inside of your house. You cannot wait until morning to deal with flooding, wind damage for which roof repair is needed, hail damage on the outside of your house, or other types of hurricane damage or storm damage. You need to know that there is a 24/7 contractor available to handle ice damming, use a flood pump to pump out river flooding, repair roof damage, pound out hail damage, and take care of other types of storm damage.

Many storm restoration companies are available anytime day or night to help you cope with ice damage, thaw out an ice dam, dry out flood water, perform a roof repair to seal off a roof leak, clean up wind damage, and soak up flood water caused by pipes that are flooding and flowing out of the bathroom. Even if the emergencies occur in the middle of the night, you can call the restoration company in your area for a fast and immediate response. Many also are able to work with your homeowner's insurance company to minimize your worry and to help you keep your out-of-pocket costs low.


Storm damages can make your home uninhabitable, unsafe, and downright dirty. You cannot cope with such crises alone. You need to know that a professional restoration service is at the ready anytime day or night. You can reverse water damage, thaw out frozen plumbing fixtures, and otherwise restore your house regardless of the hour by knowing what service to call during this kind of emergency.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on storm damage.

Putting Together a Storm Restoration Plan

9/17/2017 (Permalink)

Putting Together a Storm Restoration Plan

You never know when emergencies like river flooding, ice damming, frozen pipes, hail damage, or wind damage will hit your home. You may go to bed with the weather calm and predictable only to awaken to extensive roof damage, a roof leak, ground water pooling up in your basement, or hurricane damage ravaging the rest of your structure.

Moreover, you might not have a flood pump to use to deal with flood water from river flooding or melting ice damage inside your house. Even if you had a flood pump, chances are you would not be fast enough to deal with the needed storm remediation. Instead of letting river flooding, ice damage, and ground water claim your home's interior or risk frozen pipes or an ice dam from overtaking your plumbing, you can get help immediately by calling professional water restoration and home restoration services.

When you call 24/7 home restoration and water restoration contractors, they arrive with equipment like a flood pump that they will need to pump out the flooding, reverse hurricane damage, remove an ice dam, start an extensive roof repair, and perform other types of storm remediation. This storm damage equipment will come in handy for creating a tailored storm restoration plan designed just for your home. Whether you need ground water pumped out of your basement, flood water shop vacuumed out of your upholstery, roof damage fixed, or frozen pipes thawed out because of ice damming, you can get the personalized water restoration services you need just for your home.

For more information about our storm services visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com