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Keep Your Crew Safe During a Storm Emergency | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to get you back in action.
Initial and ongoing training is a typical offering for every business owner to provide to their employees. These essential first steps help prepare your team for just about any roadblock they encounter during a regular workday.
Alongside your typical workplace training, though, it’s important to make room for a storm safety plan. Through communication and some practice, your Kenosha team will be ready for any commercial weather emergency.
Don’t leave your team to face the storm alone! Use this guide to fully prepare your Kenosha workplace for weather threats of all types.
Know Your RiskKnowing the weather hazards unique to your region is the starting point for developing a storm-prepared plan for your workplace. Because each area is unique, your company will require its own set of safeguards to handle these specific threats.
Kenosha is struck by a variety of weather threats like snowstorms, tornadoes, thunderstorms and floods. These common hazards are capable of shutting down businesses and creating devastating, lasting damage.
Assessing your flood risk is a great place to start since Kenosha is at risk of them year-round. You should also check the nearby weather forecast each day and turn on live notifications for local advisories.
Make a Plan to CommunicateWhen a Kenosha disaster strikes, open lines of communication are a lifeline for your team. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available when it comes to seamless communication in the workplace!
Your workplace should be connected through a system that allows everyone to stay updated in the midst of an emergency. This communication will be helpful in a number of ways, such as alerting your team to seek shelter, notifying them of an impending storm or informing them to gather supplies.
Plan Your EvacuationIf a weather emergency gets bad enough, a workplace evacuation may be necessary. Prepare your team by going over any emergencies that would call for an evacuation, and highlight any routes or exits they’ll need to take
Your crew might also need to shelter in place during weather like tornadoes. To keep everyone coordinated during a situation, like this, select an area that everyone can quickly access.
No matter how severe the Kenosha emergency is, you’re going to need a plan in place to keep your whole team safe! Be mindful of the devastation that storms can create, and prepare your team to deal with them when they occur.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Tips to Safeguard Your Home Against Stormy Weather | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of North Kenosha County has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
Thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, blizzards—North Kenosha County sees a variety of severe weather throughout the year. You name it, we see it!
That means that we need to take extra precautions to protect our houses and properties from inclement weather that can seemingly strike in the blink of an eye. Taking preventive action now can help protect your home and your family later.
Things to Prepare SeasonallyPreparing your home for storms doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Storm-proofing can easily be seamlessly integrated into your typical routines—and some of these activities may already be on your regular house maintenance list.
As the summer warms up and storms become more common, it’s important to take steps to ensure your home can withstand them. For one, you need to check out the structure of your house, looking for gaps or places where you need to apply a new layer of caulk to prevent leaks and potential water damage. You should also have your roof inspected regularly for loose shingles, especially after powerful storms.
Prepare your property for storms, too. This includes regularly pruning your trees to remove dead or dying tree branches, which can become projectiles during a storm. You should also strap down or otherwise secure objects like patio furniture or trash cans that remain outside at all times.
Enhancing Your Home’s DefensesWhile many storm preparations can be done without incurring additional costs, you may want the added protection of some upgrades. Explore these options to strengthen your home’s resilience against storms.
Storm shutters can be helpful in protecting your windows if your house is in a location that’s susceptible to high winds. You may also want to consider investing in better windows overall, looking for options that are identified as storm-resistant.
If your house is surrounded by trees, it’s a good idea to install gutter guards to keep tree branches, leaves and other debris from clogging up your gutters. If gutter guards aren’t an option, you need to be sure your gutters are cleaned out often.
Live in a mobile home or have a modular building on your property? Those structures need to have secure tie-downs installed to make them more resistant to the wind.
In the unfortunate event of storm damage, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is available 24⁄7 to efficiently restore your home.
Safety Precautions for a Summer BBQ Without Fire Hazards | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to get your space back in shape.
With summer arriving, everyone is ready for fun in the sun and cookouts with family and friends. It’s crucial to prioritize safety to prevent dangerous situations and potential fires when you’re grilling out this summer.
Remember, Kenosha County residents are not to start recreational fires when wind speeds exceed 15 mph. Make sure to always double-check Kenosha regulations before grilling or having outdoor fires.
In addition to checking community regulations, these essential precautions will help you to ensure a delightful summer BBQ experience while keeping fire hazards at bay:
Finding the Right Spot for Your GrillWhen it comes to grilling safety, the first step is selecting an appropriate location for your grill. Keep it outdoors, away from enclosed spaces such as garages or awnings. Proper ventilation is an absolute must.
Also, make sure to check that there are no flammable materials positioned above the grill that could pose a fire risk. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet between the grill and your house or wooden deck railing. Additionally, create a designated area free from children and pets to avoid safety risks.
Before using a charcoal grill, thoroughly inspect it for any accumulated ash, dents or cracks. For propane grills, carefully examine the gas lines for leaks and ensure secure connections. Addressing any issues with leaky lines or propane tanks is crucial to prevent hazardous fire situations.
Handling Flames With CautionIt’s essential to be close by while grilling and to have a water source near by as a safety precaution. Flare-ups can be controlled using a spray bottle, and having access to a hose or fire extinguisher is important.
When you’ve finished cooking, pass the food to someone else and remember to turn off the gas or close the vents for charcoal grills to cut off the oxygen supply. Always dispose of ash and embers in a metal can to eliminate potential fire hazards, even after the grilling is complete. Make sure the grill has completely cooled down before calling it a day.
Have a Fun, Safe SummerKenosha residents, we hope you and your family have a safe and memory-filled summer. However, in the event of a fire incident during your BBQ, remember that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is always ready to save the day.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County for a fast restoration.
What to Do When Water Damage Strikes Your Kenosha Home | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County right away.
Most water we use in our daily lives is kept well-controlled. You turn on the faucet in the bathroom to wash your face, then cut it back off. The water kicks on automatically when you turn on the washing machine or the dishwasher. And there’s always water in the water heater.
Contrast that water use with the water you see in nature. Water in the ocean or even in a lake can be wild and wavy. When rain fills up a body of water during a storm, the water can quickly become overwhelming.
That same thing can happen inside your house when water gets into places it doesn’t belong. This can happen when that bathroom faucet springs a leak, or when the washing machine malfunctions. It can also happen when a storm blows through and a tree busts through your roof.
While we do everything we can to prevent these things, it’s also important to know what to do when water damage occurs. Our SERVPRO® team fills you in on the details below.
Your Best First MoveWhen water damage strikes in your home, the faster you can respond, the better your outcome will be. Because water damage can quickly compound as water continues to flow in or sits for a while, it’s essential to act quickly.
Your first move should be to find the source of the water damage. Sometimes, like in that aforementioned roof leak, the source will be obvious. In other cases, though, like faucet links, you may have to search a bit to uncover the issue.
Once you find the source, stop it. That may include cutting off your water supply to stop leaks, or it may require tarping the roof to keep rain from coming inside. You’ll also need to cut off electrical outlets near the water to avoid creating additional hazards.
Once you and the family are safe and secure, give us a call! Our water damage restoration team is ready to jump into action 24⁄7.
A Look at Our ProcessWhen you call, we’ll first ask you questions to better understand the type of damage you’re facing and the extent of the damage. We will ask you to snap a few pictures of your damages that can later be provided to your insurance provider to ensure your claim is swiftly resolved.
From there, we handle the damage itself. Our team of water damage restoration specialists will bring industry-leading drying equipment into your home to dry up every drop of water. That includes both the puddle of water in the floor and the microscopic droplets we can’t see that can encourage mold growth. We will also remove soft materials and your belongings and dry them out, too.
Once we have mitigated the water damage issue, we will focus on completing restoring your home. This can include everything from installing new flooring to replacing drywall and comprehensive construction services.
We won’t leave until you are entirely satisfied with the work and your home is back to preloss condition.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
How to Handle the Aftermath of a Storm | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to restore your space in no time!
Weather is unpredictable, which means that storms can strike at any notice and leave a trail of damage and destruction behind. Despite preparing and getting ready as much as you can in advance, the sheer force of a severe storm can catch us off guard, leaving our homes in disarray.
In the aftermath of such an event, knowing what steps to take can make a big difference in how you move forward.
Prioritizing Safety FirstAbove all else, prioritize safety—for yourself and your family. If you’ve barely managed to reach your shelter with minutes to spare, take a moment to catch your breath and gather proper clothing, including sturdy shoes, before assessing the situation.
Once you’re in a secure position, take measured steps to ensure a swift recovery while continuing to safeguard your loved ones. This means avoiding further danger, thinking critically and helping others when possible.
Taking Immediate Measures After a StormEven as the storm fades, stay alert. Lingering rainfall, hail or lightning could still pose a threat. Keep your radio, phone and other communication devices within arm’s reach to stay updated.
Contact family and friends if communication channels are available once the immediate threat has subsided. Text messages are often an easier means of communication during emergencies, as storms can disrupt cell towers and phone lines can become flooded with calls.
If you can’t reach anyone on the phone, go to your neighbors’ homes, taking care on the way to avoid damaged buildings or paths. There’s always safety in numbers!
Moving Forward and Getting to WorkTo get a jumpstart on your restoration work, document the damage to your home and property extensively through videos and photographs. You can reach out to our SERVPRO® team immediately to get work underway as well. We have plenty of experience dealing with insurance providers and can offer valuable insight throughout the process.
Though the aftermath of a storm can be disorienting, we know what it takes to restore order and we’re dedicated to seeing your home returned to its original condition! Our technicians can help you discuss all the ways to move forward, including how to future-proof your home against the potential for repeat storms. We can provide remodeling services to rebuild damaged structures and fortify existing ones so they can hold up over time.
Above all else, try to remain calm throughout the entire process. Storm damage can be heart-wrenching, but with a crew of well-trained professionals on your side, your property will be restored in no time.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
What to Do Next After the Rain Pours In | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of North Kenosha County on the case!
We need rain to make flowers, gardens, yards and trees grow and be healthy! Rain washes away debris and helps keep our community healthy, vibrant and beautiful. Most people think of rain as gentle, calming, and even relaxing!
However, extreme rainfall is the opposite of calming. Strong rain can result in strong winds, hail and even flash flooding. It can contribute to home damage, like roof leaks, or other catastrophes.
At SERVPRO of North Kenosha County, we want you to feel as safe and prepared as possible for all kinds of weather-related disasters, including storm situations. Here are some of our pro tips for what to do when the skies open up and heavy rainfall arrives.
Hazards of Intense Rain Flash flooding is what happens when rivers overflow or roads don’t have available drainage. It can make travel dangerous or even impossible, affecting everything from the ground to trees, plants, cars and homes.
While you can’t prevent a flash flood from happening, you can feel more confident that you know what to do should one arrive. Stay alert and keep in contact with your local authorities once a flash flood alert has been set for your area.
Safety FirstPreparing your home and family is the top priority in a flooding situation. If you’re caught in a flood while you’re away from home, avoid any low-lying areas. If you feel you can, try to get home immediately, avoiding any roads prone to flooding on your route back.
With any extra time, prep your yard and lawn. Move cars into the garage. Take deck furniture and lawn equipment indoors for safety. Strong flooding can sweep away belongings.
In the interior of your home, move any valuable or sentimental belongings to higher ground. If rain gets inside your house, always stay above the water line. After the flood, call us for water damage restoration services, and avoid moving through any standing water until we can drain the area and evaluate the structural damage to start on repair work!
Prevention Strategies to KnowThere’s no preventing the weather, but you can take steps to plan for it! In the aftermath of a storm, it’s important to take a few moments to review ways you can strengthen your property to defend against future weather catastrophes. For example, you might consider investing in professional lawn grading to help direct water away from your home’s foundation.
You might also look into adding a sump pump to your home. If your property is in a low-lying area, a sump pump can help remove water from around your foundation, which can prevent leaks that ruin walls, floors, and ceilings.
When it comes to water damage restoration services, we’ve got your back! Our team at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County can help with all your water damage restoration needs, from drying your home to preventing mold growth.
Remember that we are always here if you need assistance recovering from water damage. Our SERVPRO® water damage restoration specialists will help dry out the excess moisture, repair whatever was damaged and sanitize your space to prevent mold growth.
You’re not alone in facing water disasters. Contact us at any time for water damage restoration services.
The Ins and Outs of Backyard Fires | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of North Kenosha County has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
The summer season is coming to a close and it is time to start embracing the chill in the air already. It’s the fall season in Kenosha County! While you are busy pulling out fall decorations, indulging in all the pumpkin spice and enjoying lazy Sundays watching football, we bet you also like to spend more time outdoors enjoying the changing seasons.
Bonfires can be a really great way to unwind and relax outside, but they can be dangerous at this time of year if not taken seriously.
Our SERVPRO of North Kenosha County wants you to enjoy your fire, s’mores and family time without the risk of starting a wildfire, so read on to learn more about fall fire safety.
Starting Your FireDo find a safe location for your fire pit. Permanent pits may not be able to be moved, but you can ensure any brush or log piles are moved away and the trees are trimmed above the ring.
Do keep a water source close by just in case. A hose or a bucket of water can quickly extinguish any flames and should be ready to use at any time. If you don’t have water close by to use, keep a shovel on hand so you can shovel sand or dirt on any growing flames.
Do keep an eye on the weather conditions or any local burn bans. Windy days or dry conditions can make it really easy for even the smallest of fires to grow too fast or out of control. Choose another day if the conditions aren’t safe.
Tips for Maintaining the FireDon’t use gas or lighter fluid to revive a dying fire. Yes, these substances are really flammable but they are also unpredictable, so using them in an uncontrolled setting is really dangerous.
Don’t let your children play near the flames, especially if you aren’t close by. Accidents happen in seconds and can lead to injury or a situation that causes the fire to spiral out of control.
Don’t let your fire grow too large. The taller and wider the flames, the harder they are to control. Keep it small and only feed it with necessary tinder to keep it going.
Don’t head inside until you are sure the fire is completely out. Pour water over the flames and embers until everything is cold to the touch and extinguished.
Preventing Wildfires in Your CommunityWhile we all know that Mother Nature can be brutal and can start wildfires in any manner of ways, the unfortunate truth is that most wildfires are caused by humans. Reduce your risk of starting a wildfire by being responsible with flames and ensuring they are extinguished at night.
We are here for you if your home or property is ever damaged by a fire. Just call us and we will jump into action to help you recover faster.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Make Fire Safety Fun for Your Kenosha Kiddos | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
Raising children comes with a number of challenges, and ensuring your child’s safety stands out as one of the biggest priorities. Even as children grow older and become adults, fire safety is a vital topic that should never be overlooked.
Teaching fire safety to young children may seem overwhelming initially, but it is an important step toward keeping everyone in your home safe and informed. There are numerous approaches to the topic that will not overwhelm you or your kiddos!
Fire safety can be a fun and informative lesson that the whole family can get in on. Here are some ideas as you work to keep you Kenosha household fire-informed:
Explain the Dangers of FireWhile it can be difficult for them to understand outcomes without seeing the real repercussions, children learn topics best through exposure. Talk about the typical places where fires might start in your home, and show your kids the rooms and items (like the stove or a fireplace) that are the most dangerous.
Talk about the dangers of matches and lighters so they understand how to handle these hazardous items. Tell children to bring any matches or lighters they find right to you, emphasizing the havoc even a single tiny match or lighter might start.
Familiarize Them With AuthoritySeeing a firefighter in full uniform can be scary for children (and even adults), so it helps to regularly expose kids to books and videos about firefighters to help alleviate any fears they may have. Look for meet-and-greet events near you that will allow your child to interact with these essential heroes in an open setting.
These exposure exercises will teach your children to trust these people, especially when they need them the most, such as during a house fire. You can prepare kids for an event like this without putting them under too much strain by incorporating a game into the mix, such as seeing who can stop, drop and roll the fastest!
Make a Game Plan TogetherTo ensure everyone in your household is prepared for a fire emergency, you’ll need to put together a fire escape strategy. Involve your kids in the making of your escape plan to make them more likely to retain the essential information you brainstorm as a family.
You should also explain how your windows work so that your children know how to open them in an emergency. This is valuable knowledge to remember in the case of a fire, but it could potentially endanger a young child. Remind kids that opening windows should only be done as a last option during a fire emergency.
To wrap up your fire safety lesson, let your kids choose a safe location you can all reach after escaping during a fire emergency. After running over the plan, go through the process of contacting authorities so they know who to call when flames emerge.
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
Don’t Let Extreme Winds Ruin Your Day | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
6/9/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of North Kenosha County your first call.
A cool breeze can be a lifesaver on a sweltering hot day. A nice gust of wind is a welcomed surprise when it’s muggy out, but at times it can take you by surprise for the worse.
Wind can either be a huge relief or a major hazard, and you can never tell when it might blow in and wreak havoc. You might expect dangerous winds to only strike on a cloudy day, but they can blow in on a clear day, too!
Be aware of the destruction severe winds can cause and learn how you can safeguard your home when they blow your way.
The Different Kinds of WindThe NOAA claims that nearly half of reported severe wind events strike during thunderstorms. This is a danger that is worth preparing for, especially in the upcoming months.
Alongside a plethora of risky weather hazards, thunderstorms can produce winds of up to 60 miles an hour. Wind that blows this fast can pick up and toss around heavy debris.
Straight-line winds are one of the types of winds you might see during a thunderstorm. These winds can move insanely fast, at around 100 miles per hour, and they can wreak havoc on just about any region.
When you think of severe winds, tornadoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Tornadoes can also produce a variety of destructive winds such as straight-line winds, downdrafts and micro- and macro-bursts.
Tornadoes are uncommon in Kenosha, but our area is still vulnerable to threats such as thunderstorms and high winds. While tornadoes aren’t as widespread in our area, strong winds are something you can plan for to avoid damage.
Wind Damage and PreventionToppled trees, flying debris and downed power lines are just a few of the ramifications of dangerous winds. When these rampant winds reach up to 80 miles per hour, they can even pick up an anchored mobile home!
To keep yourself safe when severe winds blow, you’ll need to be able to receive and interpret local weather alerts Beyond staying weather-aware, it’s smart to fasten any outdoor furniture so you can keep it from being picked up by strong winds.
Cut down any trees or overhanging limbs that might be a danger to you and your home when winds get heavy. Keep extreme gusts from throwing outdoor debris at your Kenosha home by cleaning up any limbs outside too.
Once the wind has come and gone, search your entire property to make sure no damage has occurred. The roof is a good place to start since broken or missing shingles can quickly lead to water damage. If you do experience destruction after a severe wind event, our expert SERVPRO team can rapidly get your home back to its former glory!
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
Locate the Source of Hidden Residential Water Damage | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to find the source.
Many water troubles in the home are unavoidable, but it is far more typical for problems to lurk for a while and then turn into a major problem. Concealed water damage can be found deep within your home, allowing it plenty of time to cause problems such as mold, excess moisture and of course, costly damage.
The best approach to safeguarding your Kenosha home from catastrophic damage is to detect hidden water damage before it develops. If you know where to look, it’s simple to keep your entire property safe from issues like mold, excess moisture and a future water emergency.
Be cautious of these areas in your home as you try to avoid hidden water damage:
Your roof. You might not like climbing up on your roof to check for damage, but this chore is essential to catching hidden water damage!
Small leaks on your roof can go undetected until they grow into a massive water damage disaster that seeps into your Kenosha home.
Even bigger problems might arise when roof water damage flows down from your roof straight into your Kenosha attic. Roof leakage doesn’t just lead to water damage; it can also lead to the spread of mold growth in your dark, humid attic!
In your bathroom. It should come as no surprise that water damage frequently occurs in bathrooms. Water fixtures like your toilet can form leaks that can be hard to catch without a thorough inspection.
Search around your sink for wet spots and your faucet for excess water droplets. You might notice similar issues near your toilet and bathtub, like water puddles and increased bathroom moisture.
Problems that start in the bathroom won’t always be apparent, so you’ll need to examine your appliances often. It’s also helpful to keep your plumbing in good shape and schedule repairs as soon as they are needed.
Other appliances. Appliances can be a big help in the home, but when they break down, they can cause concealed water damage. These big machines can cover water leaks and mold, making it hard to spot damage once it forms.
Pulling your appliances away from the wall regularly will allow you to inspect them for any hidden damage.
Remember to check for damage before and after using your appliances so you don’t miss any warning signs. You can avoid issues altogether by retiring your aging appliances before they get the chance to malfunction.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
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