Recent Posts
SERVPRO is here to help!
1/13/2025 (Permalink)
Did you know that SERVPRO offers emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Fire, water, and storm damage doesn’t always strike during regular business hours. And often, at the most inconvenient times, homeowners find themselves in need of immediate service to secure their property after an emergency event.
SERVPRO can provide temporary protective measures to prevent additional damage to the property after a disaster. Examples of these services include board ups, roof tarps, tree removal, temporary fencing and portable power. If after a fire or flood, the contents of a property need to be removed from the affected property during the restoration process, SERVPRO can pack the contents and move them to our temporary warehouse location until the restoration process is complete. And once restoration is complete, the contents are then returned to the homeowners
Did you know that SERVPRO offers emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Fire, water, and storm damage doesn’t always strike during regular business hours. And often, at the most inconvenient times, homeowners find themselves in need of immediate service to secure their property after an emergency event.
SERVPRO can provide temporary protective measures to prevent additional damage to the property after a disaster. Examples of these services include board ups, roof tarps, tree removal, temporary fencing and portable power. If after a fire or flood, the contents of a property need to be removed from the affected property during the restoration process, SERVPRO can pack the contents and move them to our temporary warehouse location until the restoration process is complete. And once restoration is complete, the contents are then returned to the homeowners.
Winter storm damage
1/13/2025 (Permalink)
Hail is a form of solid precipitation that consists of balls of ice called hailstone and occurs during severe storms. According to the National Storm Damage Center, hail causes approximately $1 billion in damages per year in the United States to homes, buildings, cars, and crops.
Types of Hail Damage
Roof Damage – When hail storms hit, the most common damage to homes and buildings is to the roof. When the roof damage goes undetected or unrepaired, more damage can occur to the home or building as water leaks through the roof and into the walls.
Window and Siding Damage – Often high winds accompany hailstorms causing the hail to fall at angles. When this happens, windows and siding can crack which also leads to the threat for additional water damage to the home.
Automobile Damage – The glass, plastic and metal surfaces of vehicles are particularly susceptible to damage from hail. Dents in the metal or cracks in the windshield glass are common occurrences in hailstorms.
Steps to Minimize Hail Damage
There are a few steps that one can take to minimize hail damage.
Close Curtains or Blinds – Closing the window treatments can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into the interior of the building.
Park in Garage – To protect vehicles, park inside a garage or under a carport.
New Roof – If replacing your roof, consider using impact-resistant materials to help avoid future hail damage.
Hailstorms can be extremely destructive to commercial or residential buildings, especially roofs. If you are caught in a hailstorm and suspect that you have damage, SERVPRO of Boone County provides 24 hour emergency restoration services including board ups and roof tarps. We respond quickly to prevent further damage to your property!
Just call SERVPRO of Boone County! 859-746-3400
SERVPRO helps get you prepared!
1/13/2025 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Helps You Get Prepared
When disaster strikes your home or commercial property we know that the last thing you want to do is answer a million questions. Unfortunately, to be as prepared as possible the questions we need to ask are a necessary evil to best serve you. So you know exactly what information we’ll need from you, our office has come up with a list of the most prudent information we’ll need about your company and what damages have been done so far.
Here’s What We’ll Ask
- What is your name and your position with the company?
- Will you be our main point of contact throughout the duration of the work?
- If not, what is their name and number?
- What is the Legal name of your company?
- What is the loss address?
- What is the best phone number to get a hold of you?
- What is your email address?
- What is the billing address?
- Who is the billing point of contact?
- Will this be an insurance claim?
- If yes, Who is your provider
- What is your claim number?
- If no, does your company work on invoices?
- Do you need an estimate before we begin?
- What is the cause of the damage?
- What areas are affected?
- We’ll need to know:
- The number of rooms
- The approximate square footage
- What materials are affected
- Examples
- Was the flooring affected? If so what kind of flooring do you have?
- Were the walls affected? Do you have plaster or drywall?
- Do you have baseboards?
- What office equipment has been affected?
Be Prepared
If you don’t have all of this information don’t worry. We can proceed without some of it. The most important information we need upfront is the loss address, our point of contact, what kind of loss we’re dealing with, and approximately how big the area is. All the other information can wait for a time that is less hectic.
Statistically speaking 50% of companies are forced to shut their doors after a catastrophic event. We want you to succeed. Beat the statistic and set up an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) with SERVPRO of Boone County. Before disaster strikes, fill out this form with all of the important information that we’ll need to get you started. Then reach out to one of our Commercial Account & Marketing Managers to schedule a free consultation.
When you need a fire extinguisher in your home
12/28/2023 (Permalink)
When you need to extinguish a fire in your home, it's important to have the right tool for the job. And if you're like most homeowners, you probably don't know much about fire extinguishers. So, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Let's look at what makes a good home fire extinguisher, how they work and how to use them properly so that you can be prepared in case of an emergency. Keep extinguishers where you'd need them. Once you've purchased your extinguisher, consider where you would use it. In general, any room with an open flame should have a fire extinguisher nearby. You'll also want to keep one in the garage for oil and gasoline fires and in your bedroom for candles or faulty wiring. When choosing where to place your fire extinguishers, consider how far away from the source of the flames they need to be located. Most recommendations suggest keeping them within 15 feet of wherever you think they may be needed. Your best bet is probably mounting them on walls near exits so that they're easily accessible when needed, but be aware that this will require more than just drilling into drywall. If this option is not feasible—or if you want something more permanent — you could install a fire sprinkler system instead: these systems are installed above head level and spray water directly onto burning materials when activated by heat detectors inside them or through manual activation by first responders who know where they are stored in advance. Choose the right type of extinguisher for your needs. The first step in selecting the right fire extinguisher for your home is to determine what type of fire you'll need to fight. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which sets standards for how fire extinguishers are constructed, recommends that homeowners purchase and use three types of extinguishers: Class A, Class B and Class C. Class A: For fires involving paper, cloth, or wood. Class B: For fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner and solvents. Class C: For electrical equipment such as wiring or appliances with exposed current-carrying parts like motors and transformers. Pick the right size extinguisher. If you're using a home fire extinguisher, be sure to check the size of the extinguisher. The size of a fire extinguisher depends on the size of the room and how much water it needs to put out a fire. But if your kitchen is large with lots of cabinets and flammable materials like paper towels or plastic utensils, then you'll need a different type of fire extinguisher — one that has larger gallons of water in it so that it can put out larger fires. It's important when choosing what kind of fire extinguishers at home stores should be aware which types are available in each store before making any purchases! How to use an extinguisher properly. It's important to get training from a professional before you use your extinguisher in an emergency. You can take a class to learn how to use an extinguisher properly, or hire someone who is certified as an instructor. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers courses on how to use different types of fire extinguishers, and many fire departments offer free classes at local community centers or schools. Once you've learned how to read the label and understand the color coding, it's important not only that you know how your particular model works but also how best to handle and operate it safely and efficiently in case there ever is an emergency situation at home where this knowledge could prove vital. Check the pressure gauge, tamper seal and safety pin regularly. You should check the pressure gauge, tamper seal and safety pin regularly to ensure that your home fire extinguisher is in good working order. The pressure gauge should be in green; if it's in red, you need to change the cylinder (the container inside) as soon as possible. The tamper seal should be intact; if it's broken or missing, the contents could have been tampered with by someone other than yourself. Finally, make sure that the safety pin hasn't been removed from your home fire extinguisher; if it has been removed and replaced with another pin, then there may be something wrong with your unit! Replace old or out-of-date fire extinguishers. Once you've purchased your fire extinguisher, it's important to remember that you should replace it every 5 years. Replace an extinguisher that has been dropped or damaged in any way. Replace an extinguisher that has been exposed to heat or cold. Replace an extinguisher that has been exposed to water, oil, grease, or other chemical agents. Fire damage is scary, but if you are prepared with the right tools and know how to use them, you can avoid a lot of problems. It can cause a lot of damage and ruin your home, leaving you with a headache to deal with after the fire has been put out. But if you’re prepared for it and know how to use the right tools, you can avoid a lot of problems. Fire damage happens when there is an uncontrolled fire in your home or place of business. This can happen from a variety of sources: Cooking on an electric stovetop (or any kind of stove) Electrical malfunctions Smoking cigarettes Incandescent light bulbs You may be wondering why these types of fires are so dangerous? Well, because they burn at extreme temperatures which makes them hard to extinguish and extremely destructive if not contained properly! If you are looking to improve the safety of your home and family, a fire extinguisher is a great first step. From properly selecting an extinguisher for your needs to knowing how it works, there is much more information available than ever before. If you have any questions about what kind of home fire extinguisher will work best for your situation, contact us today!
How to prepare for an adjuster visit
12/28/2023 (Permalink)
What to Do in Advance of an Insurance Adjuster Visit
If you've suffered a loss due to fire, vandalism, or storm damage, you may be wondering what the adjuster will do when he or she arrives at your house. Here are some tips for making sure that your home is ready for an adjuster's visit.
Know What Type of Policy You Have
The first step in preparing for an adjuster's visit is knowing what type of policy you have. There are several different types and each one has its own set of benefits, so it's important to know what exactly you're covered for.
There are two main types of policies: named peril and all risk. Named peril policies cover specific incidents like fire, windstorm, or hail damage, but won't cover a loss such as theft or vandalism if those incidents aren't specifically listed on your policy. All risk policies don't list out specific incidents that are excluded from coverage; instead, they only exclude certain perils (types of losses). These perils tend to be things like earthquakes or floods — the rarest and most catastrophic kinds of losses that might be excluded from some other kinds of insurance policies.
Take an Inventory of Damages
You'll want to start your preparation by creating an inventory of damaged items. Take photos of each item or make sketches if you're more comfortable with that. If there are receipts for replacement items, keep them on hand. You may also want to keep receipts for any repairs you need to make because of the damage and deduct those costs from your claim if possible.
You should also consider keeping receipts for anything else related to the claim; this could include furniture rental while your home is being repaired, hotel nights when damage occurred during a trip away from home, cleaning services after water intrusion into your house and more.
Set Aside Damaged Property
Make sure your damaged property is in a safe place.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Don't throw out anything until you know what the insurance company wants done with it.
Take Photographs of Damages and Repairs
Take photos of the damage.
Take photos of the repairs.
Keep receipts for any repairs you make and take a picture of them. Make sure to take pictures of these receipts in case there is an issue with your claims later.
Always get contact information from the contractor who made repairs to your home so that they can be contacted by an adjuster if necessary.
Gather Receipts for Emergency Home Repairs and Replacements
When an insurance adjuster arrives at your home, you'll want to be prepared with receipts if necessary. If your home was damaged by the flood, it's a good idea to keep receipts for all emergency repairs and replacements that are over $500. You may want to keep these receipts in a separate file so they're easy to find when you need them—and remember that it's better to have too many than not enough!
Make Copies of all the Paperwork You Send To Your Insurer
Make copies of all the paperwork you send to your insurer. Keeping a copy for yourself is a good idea, but it's not enough. You'll also want to keep copies for your attorney, if applicable; they might need them later if they're working with you on a case against the insurance company. Finally, make sure that there's at least one more copy of each piece of paperwork that goes out: one copy should go directly into your file, and another should be sent to the adjuster who handles claims related to this incident.
This last step is especially important when dealing with an insurance adjuster because they will likely be using this information in their investigation into whether you're eligible for compensation after an accident or injury—and they'll have access only to what you give them! Make sure there are no holes in your file so that nothing slips through the cracks during this process and ends up costing you thousands.
Get a Repair Estimate from a Contractor or Repair Person
The first thing you should do is get a repair estimate from a contractor or repair person. It's important to get an independent estimate, so don't use a friend or family member to do the repairs. It's also not advisable to use the contractor recommended by your insurance company; this tends to be more expensive because the companies have relationships with certain contractors and may benefit from recommending them over others.
Once you've gotten two estimates for all your damages, compare them side by side and make sure there aren't any discrepancies between them. You can also ask questions about anything you don't understand — for example, how long it will take for each contractor to complete their work or what materials they're using in their repairs (this can affect pricing).
The more your insurer knows about the damages, the better they can assess your claim. Be sure to have a working knowledge of your insurance policy to minimize stress in the event of a disaster.
What to do if your roof is damaged in a fire
12/28/2023 (Permalink)
What Do I Do If a Fire Damages My Roof?
A fire can cause major damage to your roof, and it's important to know what steps to take if you have experienced this kind of damage. Here are some tips.
The roof is one of the most exposed areas of your business to the elements.
It can be damaged by fire, wind and rain, snow and ice, hail, or even fallen trees after a storm.
It’s important to note that a fire-damaged roof may need repairs if it was not destroyed in the fire. Even if all that remains is charred wood or cinders from smoke damage on top of your existing roofing material (such as asphalt shingles), you may still need repairs.
A fire can cause major damage to your roof.
If your business is affected by fire, the roof is one of the most exposed areas to damage. Roofs are also built to resist a lot of weather conditions and extreme temperatures, so they can withstand a good amount of abuse before they start showing signs of wear or tear. However, fire will cause heavy damage on any type of material including steel and concrete.
The most obvious sign that your roof has been damaged by a fire is holes in it, but there are other things you need to look out for as well:
- If there's smoke damage on the outside walls or vents
- Fire residue (charcoal dust) in the ceiling
- Water or moisture stains on ceilings and walls
You should make sure you have enough tarps for the size of the roof.
To protect your roof, you should use tarps. Tarps are the best option for covering a damaged or destroyed roof after a fire. They are economical and easy to install and can be used for all sizes of roofs.
To install a tarp, you need to first measure the length and width of your roof by holding one end of your measuring tape at one corner of your house, then measuring from wall-to-wall in another direction until you reach another corner. Then add an extra foot or two onto each measurement so that when you buy tarps, they will fit snugly over all four sides of your house without any gaps between them and/or leaves a few inches overhang on each side (which helps prevent rainwater from getting into areas where there might still be standing water).
If you have experienced fire damage, call in a professional who can help you figure out what to do about your roof.
If you have experienced fire damage, call in a professional who can help you figure out what to do about your roof.
Here are some tips for using tarps:
- Make sure to have enough tarps for the size of your roof.
- Use them to keep out rain and snow.
- Use them to keep out birds, animals, and insects as well as rain and snow.
If you have experienced fire damage, call in a professional who can help you figure out what to do about your roof. Roofing companies can fix the damage and make sure that your business is safe from fire harm. They will also inspect your property for any other problems that could lead to another fire or injury at another time in the future.
How to Limit Mold Growth After a Flood
10/2/2022 (Permalink)
Drying completely an area will allow removing moisture from the air.
How to Prevent Mold After a Flood
If there is floodwater in your home after a storm in Union, KY, it can contribute to a variety of problems. A common issue for homeowners is mold growth. It only takes a short time for this fungus to grow and spread throughout your home when it has the proper conditions. Taking the right steps can keep this growth at a minimum.
1. Remove Excess Water
Mold requires moisture to grow so water damage from a flood creates a perfect opportunity. To reduce mold growth, it is important to remove as much water from the building as you can. Once this has been done, allow everything to dry completely. Using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air can be helpful during this process.
2. Clean or Throw Out Damaged Property
Not only does flooding affect your house but also the items within it. Objects with hard surfaces are relatively easy to clean and can be quickly sanitized. On the other hand, porous and absorbent materials that hold water can contribute to the growth of mold if they are not thoroughly cleaned. Items that cannot be easily cleaned may need to be tossed and replaced instead.
3. Arrange For Professional Mold Removal
Because mold grows so quickly, it can be difficult to prevent it completely after a flood. A professional mold remediation company can find and remove mold that you may have missed. It is best to have this done by a professional as attempting to clean the mold on your own could spread it further throughout the house. These professionals can also treat the area to help prevent the mold from returning.
Mold growth is a common type of damage that occurs after a flood. You can limit the growth by reducing the amount of moisture in your home. If there is a mold infestation, professionals can help you remove the fungus and keep it from returning.
3 Reasons Why SERVPRO Is Faster to Any Size Disaster
9/19/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Boone and Kenton County has all the equipment needed for any disaster
Three Reasons Why SERVPRO Is Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster because its vast network of locally owned franchises extends across 90% of zip codes in the United States and also into parts of Canada. As a result, when disaster strikes, businesses needing restoration services don’t have to communicate with a far-off headquarters unfamiliar with the area and out of touch with their local employees. Instead, restoration professionals from a locally owned SERVPRO franchise can often arrive at a damaged property in less than two hours. Here are three reasons why SERVPRO can operate that quickly.
1. Planning for an Insurance Claim
SERVPRO offers its Emergency Ready Plan to businesses that want to have a plan for when they suffer damage from an accident or severe weather. This plan consists of completing as much insurance paperwork as possible ahead of time, allowing workers to focus on the cleanup. The plan also prepares restoration experts to deal with specific needs, including cutting off water and gas lines and other mitigation requirements unique to that property.
2. Training Disaster Mitigation Experts
SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster due to its dedicated employees. They want to be part of the team and undergo extensive training to become certified technicians. Because SERVPRO’S services are available 24/7, 365 days per year, its employees know they are on call any time of the day or night. And for their commitment, SERVPRO workers are paid well.
3. Preparing the Equipment
SERVPRO’S over1900 locations don’t waste any time when they get a call requesting their help. Some franchises prepare by packing equipment and supplies into trailers, so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. And, for businesses that participate in SERVPRO’S Emergency Ready Plan, their local franchise will know which disaster mitigation equipment they need for that specific situation.
SERVPRO’S commitment to excellence is why they are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Each franchise takes care of its employees so that they can make a difference in Union, KY.
How To Prevent a Natural Gas Fire
9/2/2022 (Permalink)
Gas leaks can be identified by several recognizable signs.
How To Detect a Gas Leak
Natural gas is used to efficiently power appliances and heat many homes, but an unattended leak can lead to a gas fire. To protect your Florence, KY, home, learn how to detect a gas leak and what to do in the case of an emergency.
Noticing a Gas Leak
Gas leaks can be identified by several recognizable signs. Take caution if you detect:
- The smell of rotten eggs
- Hissing sounds coming from an appliance or pipe
- An unexplained spike in your gas bill
- Physical symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea or a headache
- Dead indoor or outdoor plants that were previously healthy
- Air bubbles in standing water or mud outside of your home
Preventing a Gas Fire
If you believe you have a gas leak in your home, check your appliances that are powered by gas to see if a stovetop or pipe is leaking. Know where your gas meter is located and how to turn it off safely if you think you have a leak. Immediately open windows and doors to ventilate your home. Do not turn on any lights or ignite any open flames, as they could spark a fire.
Calling Professionals
Contact emergency services and your gas provider to report the leak. Evacuate your home, bringing with you any pets, and distance yourself. You can wait across the street or in your vehicle parked away from the house. Wait for first responders and a representative from your gas company to arrive and deem the property safe before returning inside. In the event of a fire, call a professional restoration company to help with the rebuilding process.
Keep your home safe from a gas explosion by knowing what to do in the event of a leak. By taking the proper precautions, you can prevent a gas fire and ensure you are out of harm's way.
When Clean Water Becomes Category 2 Damage
8/30/2022 (Permalink)
When a tub overflows you have gray water and Category 2 damage
Secondary Water Damage
A broken pipe on the second floor has flooded your building in Oakbrook, KY. You have shut off the water and completed the water pipe repair, but the flood has seeped through the floor into the apartment below. Unfortunately, that clean source water has become contaminated. You now have Category 2 water damage.
Any flood will require clean-up and repairs, but leaks and overflows involving contaminated water can result in a more extensive restoration process.
There are three categories of water damage.
Category 1 - Clean water
Category 2 - Gray water
Category 3 - Black water
What Is Category 2 Water Damage?
Category 2 water damage involves gray water, which is clear water that has been exposed to household chemicals, detergents, or biological matter. When a tub overflows or a washing machine leaks, you have gray water and Category 2 damage.
Clear water passing through building materials such as wallboard soaks up chemicals and contaminants, turning it into gray water. Water that sits around too long can become gray water as well.
How Do You Handle Category 2 Water Damage?
With any flood, the first step is to stop the source of the water. Turn off the supply and if necessary, complete any required water pipe repair. Next, you need to remove as much of the floodwater as possible to minimize the spread of damage. Then dry the affected area completely.
If the water is from a clean source and has not soaked into building materials or otherwise become contaminated, that is the end of the clean-up process. With gray water, you have the added step of removing organic or chemical residue left behind from the flood.
Water damage restoration professionals recommend performing regular maintenance on your building's plumbing. Complete routine inspections on a regular basis and perform any needed water pipe repair before calamity strikes. If you have a flood, try to prevent clean water from becoming contaminated and causing more extensive damage.