How to Reduce Water Damage from Summer Storms

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Summer in Missouri is in full swing, which means high temperatures along with higher humidity. Summer also means strong storms in our area which can cause flooding and other water damage on your property and/or in your basement. But if you take the time to prepare for storms, you can protect your home against Mother Nature. Here are some summer weather storm-proofing tips from SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County to protect your home from water damage and keep it dry when summer storms hit.

Inspect Your Gutters

Inspect your gutters and downspouts for clogs, structural failure, leaks, and sagging. They’re designed to capture and direct runoff, but if clogged or damaged they won’t move water away from your home effectively and can lead to standing water in your yard and even structural damage.

A 1,000 sq. ft. roof will shed about 620 gallons of water during a 1-inch rainfall. If this water swamps a clogged or damaged gutter system, all that water could end up next to your foundation, eroding it over time. Make sure leaves, sticks or other debris aren’t blocking the inlets of the downspouts and preventing water from flowing down them. Also, make certain your downspout extensions are discharging the water far from the foundation. If you don’t care to see downspout extensions laying across your yard, install underground downspout drainage lines with pop-up drainage emitters to keep water from gutters far from your home.

Protect Your Basement from Flooding

Did you know that Greene County homes with basements have a higher probability of experiencing water damage? Some 98% of all homes with a basement will file at least one claim for water damage.

Basement water damage occurs during spring storms for several reasons:

• water flows towards your house and not away
• poor weatherproofing
• improper drainage system
• clogged gutters
• broken sump pump

For example, a year’s worth of debris and fallen leaves can clog window wells and below-grade drainage systems, so summertime is a perfect time to clean them out. Additionally, check that below-grade drains near stairs and doors are operating properly. Domed covers for drains will provide added protection against clogs by not letting trash cover them up.

A sump pump is a draining device that keeps your basement dry from groundwater. It collects excess water from the foundation or rainfall and drains it outside of your home. If you have a sump pump, now is a good time to perform a maintenance check:

·       Unplug the pump and examine it for rust or corrosion.

·       Clean the pump inlet screen.

·       Remove any debris.

·       Reinstall the pump, plug it in, and pour five gallons of water into the sump to confirm that the float switch turns the pump on and off properly.

·       Outside, check that the pump discharge pipe is not blocked by dirt or vegetation. Clear all debris so that it can function correctly.

Consider adding a sump pump failure and water backup rider to your insurance coverage. You’ll pay a little more but you’ll have better protection which can bring real peace of mind when heavy rain starts to fall.

If Disaster Strikes, Call the Experts

Sometimes no matter how hard we try to keep it from happening, we will still experience water damage of some sort. Whether it’s from summer storms or another source, it can be overwhelming. So call your neighborhood water damage experts at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County. Insurance agents and plumbers recommend us because we remove all traces of water and storm damage from homes and businesses.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes a House

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has been damaged by storms it is crucial to act quickly as this will lessen damage, limit further damage, Call Us Today (417) 865-7711

Lightning is the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud.  This violent and sudden electrostatic discharge generates a bright flash and sometimes thunder.  There are about 25 million lightning strikes a year in the United States. A cloud to ground lightning bold will find the path of least resistance.  Most houses have a path that the lightning can follow, causing damage in its wake.   Gas lines, water pipes, electrical lines, phone, and cables lines, to gutters and downspouts and metal window frames. 

 It is important to understand some of the damages that can occur when lightning strikes. Shock wave damage, the lightning can crack and bust masonry bricks, concrete stone, and cinder blocks.   It can damage your homes chimney, shatter glass and plaster walls and crack foundations. Power surges can damage the electrical system of a house. When lightning strikes a nearby power line it can travel from the power line to the meter and then into the homes electrical panel.  This can be a potential fire hazard as lightning travels through a house it can ignite a fire.  The attic or the roof is the most common area that lightning fires start.

 There are some preventative measures you can take.  Having a professional install a lightning protection system can prevent a direct lightning strike.  Trimming trees, tall objects attract lightning. Unplug computers and other appliances. During a storm avoid direct contact with potential lightning routes. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of lighting and thunderstorms is to be prepared.  Purchase a portable NOAA Weather Radio.  Seek shelter in the event of a thunderstorm.

 If your home has been damaged by storms it is crucial to act quickly as this will lessen damage, limit further damage, and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential, and commercial.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (417) 865-7711

What to do when your home basement floods?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

1. Shut off electricity and gas to the area.
2. Try to determine the source of the water. Excessive rainfall or a burst pipe are two top reasons why your basement may flood.
3. If safe to proceed and only when electricity is shut off, while wearing protective gear like boots, gloves, and a mask, enter the water to investigate the source further. If your basement has a drain and you can safely navigate to it, check to see if it is clogged.
4. Time to get that water out of there. Depending on the amount of water, this may be as simple as using towels, a mop, or a wet vacuum. If the flooding is more extensive, a sump pump is necessary. Once the bulk of the water has been removed, soak up all remaining moisture with towels.
5. Assess damage. Remove any items, like furniture, that appear damaged by the water and move them to a space where they can dry. If the drying process on items is taking longer than a couple days, unfortunately, they may not be able to be salvaged. Any items that were within boxes should be removed to air out, and all items should be monitored for mildew growth.
6. Get the air moving in the basement to dry it out. Open windows and doors, and use fans placed around the space to inspire quick drying of the flooded area. If you have a dehumidifier, move it to the basement to aid the drying process.

Sometimes it is apparent that you need a professional’s help.  Calling a professional for help with a flooded basement is always a good idea, especially if the amount of water is more than a foot deep, many items have become wet, or mildew is beginning to take hold. Quickly removing the water and beginning the drying process is essential to lessen the possibility for mold to form, which can greatly increase the damage and cost involved.

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County has the experience, qualifications and knowledge needed to help you quickly deal with a flooded basement cleanup, because we handle these types of jobs all the time. Let us deal with the stress and get your basement back in working order.

Preparing for Spring Storms

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for Springs Storms in Southwest Missouri

Being prepared for severe weather can help minimize damage to your home and property.

 Knowing your risk is important.  Understanding what types of weather affect you are important, do you live, tornadoes, lightning, thunder, and flash floods all present different issues for homeowners.  As we all know in Springfield severe weather can happen any time of the year, but our risk for storms is even greater in the spring. Ways to be prepared, you can sign up for the Emergency Alert System (EAS). You can purchase a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Weather Alert Radio.

Create a plan for your family so you know what and where to go during severe weather. Identify a safe sturdy shelter for your family.  Prepare your home in advance for severe weather by cutting down limbs that might fall on your home. Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods or a lightning system to protect your home, appliances and electronic devices.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Restoration Company for your Springfield Business

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

A Springfield Missouri Event center suffered a recent water damage.

When a disaster hits your Springfield business, you want the right restoration company in your corner, one that has the experience and resources it takes to get the job done in an efficient manner but also has the knowledge to get the job done right the first time.  

We recently completed mitigation services on a large 22 story commercial structure, several floors were affected.  This loss was due to a condensation drain being improperly installed. Our team’s main concern was to get the main floor dry as quickly as possible, save the wood floors in the large event space and mitigate further damage to the floors below.  The main floor that had most of the damage required heavy demolition, drying including tenting of the wood floor.  The floor below required light demo, drying and some light reconstruction.

At SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County we understand that there is never a convenient time for a water damage to strike your business.  Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Whether the damage occurs in a small business or a large box store, we have the experience, equipment, and training to handle any restoration emergency, give us a call 24/7, 365 days a year at 417-865-7711.

Gutter Damage After A Storm Can be Costly

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Most homeowners in Greene County make the common mistake of not checking out their home’s or businesses' roofs after a severe weather event. That’s an omission that could cost you dearly in the future.

Rain, snow, hail, sleet, and high winds can cause gutter damage. Some of that damage is easy to spot, like downspouts that have detached and tumbled over. But sometimes storm gutter damage is difficult to observe as it can be hidden entirely from ground level. If it goes unnoticed, it can cause problems later to your home's interior.

What is Gutter Damage? 

A storm, wind or heavy rain can loosen and bend gutters and downspouts. Here at SERVPRO, we have seen countless damaged gutters, especially if they’re old, in bad condition, and not securely attached. Heavy rains can also wash leaves and dirt into your gutters, causing a potential clog. Once clogged, they no longer carry water away from the roof. When the gutters stop doing the job that they are designed to do, there is a potential for backup and water damage to the roof or interior of your Greene County home. So after a storm passes, it is vital that you have your gutters and roof inspected.

What Can Happen if Gutters Aren’t Repaired

1. Weakened foundation: Depending on the size of your home, every inch of rainfall can translate to over 1000 gallons of water pouring down your roof! When gutters function properly, that water will flow through a downspout and away from your home. But when clogged or damaged or the downspout is detached, water will pour down your walls. Pooling water around your foundation can cause erosion, leading to foundation cracks and settling which can weaken the structure of your home.
2. Additional gutter damage: When your gutters are clogged and the water has no place to go, they can become very heavy. A gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds and just one foot of gutter can hold up to 2 gallons. Add that to the mass of dead leaves and other gunk and you can see how all that extra weight can bend your gutters or tear them away from the roof.
3. Wall and ceiling damage: Trapped water from damaged or clogged gutters can rot the wooden fascia boards your gutters are mounted to, allowing moisture to enter your home. And during our Missouri winters, clogged gutters can help create ice dams which can drive snow melt underneath your shingles.
4. Wet basement: If your basement hasn’t been waterproofed, the water pouring down your foundation due to damaged gutters can seep through your basement’s porous walls and floor, leading to a damp basement. And where it’s damp and dark, mold can easily begin to grow, quickly becoming a problem.
5. Insect invasions: Nobody wants mosquitoes buzzing around in their backyard. But pooling water in broken or clogged gutters is a perfect breeding ground for them. Mud and damp leaves can also be a welcoming spot for bees and wasps to build their nests.

As you’ve probably noticed, severe weather events in Greene County are more than a rare occurrence. Since having secure gutters is essential to protect your home and your valuable assets inside, it’s a good idea to get your gutter system inspected to catch potential issues. When problems are found by a SERVPRO professional, they’ll offer you a detailed plan of action to repair the damage early on to save you money down the road. 

It is always a good time to get your roof inspected even if you do not think there’s an issue. SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County can provide an inexpensive, professional assessment of your roof, rain gutters, attic, and all other related parts that make up the home's protective shield.

Powerful Storms are Here to Stay

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

A tree has fallen on a home after a strong spring storm came through the Springfield area.

Does it seem to you that Missouri storms are becoming both more frequent and more violent? Well, they are. Actually, there has been a staggering rise in the number of extreme weather events globally over the past 20 years, driven largely by rising global temperatures and other climatic changes.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has published a report showing that from 2000 to 2019, there were 7,348 major natural disasters around the world, killing 1.23 million people and resulting in $2.97 trillion in global economic losses. By comparison, the previous 20-year period, 1980-1999, had 4,212 natural disasters, claiming 1.19 million lives and causing $1.63 trillion in economic losses.

A recent U.S. government report shows the devastating effects of climate change. The U.S. Global Change Research Program, a team of 13 federal agencies, was put together with the help of 300 leading scientists. It found that if greenhouse emissions aren’t reduced, the annual average global temperature could increase 9 degrees Fahrenheit or more by the end of this century. This will cause more occurrences of fires and flooding.

In areas with forests, the report anticipates that wildfire seasons could burn up to six times more land annually by 2050, damaging buildings in those regions. On the coasts, facilities and infrastructure are threatened by rising sea levels, flooding, and storm surges, which will affect $1 trillion of real estate. Sea levels have already gone up 7 to 8 inches since 1900, with almost half that rise occurring since 1993.

On top of that, a recent study published in the journal Science made known that the frequency of large-scale tornado outbreaks (events lasting one to three days, featuring several thunderstorms along with six or more tornadoes in close succession) have been increasing in the U.S., almost doubling in the last half century.

Why You Should Plan a Course of Action

"These are all things we should expect to see more and more of as climate change takes a deeper hold on our climate and on the extremities that it creates in our weather," Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, told weather.com in a recent interview.

We don’t provide this information to scare you. These are realities of the times we live in. They’re also an important part of the challenges that many in Missouri will face in coming years as we’re forced to prepare for more instances of fires, flooding and wind damage.

What Can Homeowners Do?

Acting swiftly is crucial as this will lessen damage, limit further loss and reduce restoration costs. Know ahead of time who to call for help if storm damage occurs. As a locally owned and operated business SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is nearby and ready to respond 24/7 to your flooding or storm damage emergency. We specialize in flooding and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job and get your home back to normal quickly.

What Can Businesses Owners Do?

To eliminate as much down time as possible, it’s important to plan now for disasters. Preparedness planning tools like the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program can help business owners know who to call and what to do when disaster strikes. Under this program, a business owner works with a SERVPRO disaster recovery specialist to create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. This comprehensive document contains critical information about the business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

Having this information in hand helps business owners and SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County react to an unexpected event quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption. And, because disasters are unexpected, there’s a Smartphone app and web version of the Program available to provide business owners with access to their ERP 24/7.

So, whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, small or large, and you’ve experienced storm damage, give SERVPRO a call. Besides having a national network of over 1,700 franchises, we also have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events day or night.

A Look Back at 2020 Hurricane Season

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Laura and Sally 2020

Although 2020 is now in the record books and we're not sorry to see it go, we can't help but look back at the record breaking hurricane season we experience this year.  There were 30 named storms and 12 landfalling storms in the continental United States, 6 of those were major hurricanes.  This is the most storms on record in one year surpassing the 2005 record of 28 storms. 

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County was honored to be a small part of the recovery efforts from these storms.  Our teams traveled in September to Lake Charles, Louisiana and also to Gulf Shores, Alabama to assist in the restoration efforts of back to back Hurricanes Laura and Sally.  We are privileged to be a part of the SERVPRO nationwide traveling storm team, helping other communities across the nation build back from these catastrophic storms that destroy their homes and businesses. In like when catastrophic storms and flooding hit our southwest Missouri community  storm teams from across the nation partner with us and are available to assist the needs of our community if needed. It is a wonderful partnership. 

As shown in the photo here a few large projects we worked on during this storm season, we also were able to assist local home owners as well. While in the Lake Charles area we were able to help a local Parks and Recreation restore 7 buildings at 5 different locations across the city.  These buildings suffered wind and water damage and had no power for weeks.  Our team was able to successfully bring in power needed via large generators and desiccants to clean and dry their buildings to prevent further damage. 

In Gulf Shores, Alabama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally our team was responsible for restoring 385 units in two large condominium buildings.   

We are very proud of the work we were able to accomplish in these communities but we know that it would not be possible without the dedication and sacrifice of our outstanding team.  Those that travel and those that stay back home in the Springfield area to serve our local customers and keep operations running smoothly on the home front.  

Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team Ready for Action

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is ready and available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Call us at 417-865-7711 for more information.

We are excited to announce that our recent addition is now equipped and ready to serve our customers. SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is part of SERVPRO’s nation-wide Commercial Large Loss Division’s Disaster Recovery Team. Our experienced Disaster Recovery Team members are large loss specialists. We are highly trained, with 35+ years of experience; we are prequalified and positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is able to dispatch trained production professionals and cut cost through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

We are excited about our recent addition of a 53-foot Disaster Recovery Team Trailer to our fleet.  Our trailer is now equipped and ready to roll out and handle your commercial large loss.  It is now equipped with 300 air movers, 30 Dehumidifiers, 10 Air Scrubbers, 2 Portable extraction units, cleaning supplies, tools for demolition, power distribution and containment along with a portable office. 

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is ready and available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to help with your commercial water damage or major event strikes. Please call us at 417-865-7711 for more information. 

No Job is Too Large

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is pleased to announce the addition of a new 53 foot semi trailer to our fleet.

You may not know but SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is part of  SERVPRO’s nation wide Commercial Large Loss Division’s Disaster Recovery Team. Our experienced Disaster Recovery Team members are large loss specialists. We are highly trained, with 35+ years of experience; we are prequalified and positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

I’m addition to this SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is excited to announce the expansion of our fleet of disaster recovery vehicles by adding a 53 foot semi trailer. This semi trailer will be ready and equipped to roll out to your commercial large loss or storm event. It will be equipped with approximately 200 air movers, 20 dehumidifiers and 2 extraction units as well as consumables and other equipment that is needed.

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is ready and available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to help with your commercial water damage or major event strikes. Please call us at 417-865-7711 for more information. 

What to do About Warehouse Water Damages

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Unchecked water can wreak havoc on any structure, it goes without saying the larger the structure the larger the problem could potentially be.  In many cases water is the single largest cause of property damage for commercial structures. The staggering size of the building alone can work against you, sometimes standing water can stay hidden for much longer causing possible mold contamination and more severe damage to contents and merchandise.   

As with any disaster, prevention is crucial.  The best way to prevent water damages is to have a plan.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County can develop a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) specifically for your business.  We have seen proven results of this minimizing damage and business interruption.  It gives our customer peace of mind of having a plan in place and of knowing what to do and what to expect.   This is a no cost assessment of your facility that offers the business owner or facility manager a concise profile document that contains all the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.  It takes very little time and will not take you away from any of your current projects, but will save much time if ever needed. This profile provides facility details such as shut off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.  Having a quick reference of what to do and how to do it.  We know that as many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Contact SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County today at 417-865-7711 to schedule a time to develop your free SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile.

4 Actions to Take After a Storm

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

This storm damaged home was the result of a recent tornado that struck southwest Missouri.

Most storms do little to no harm to your property. BUT, every once and a while the other shoe drops and a powerfully destructive storm rages through the Ozarks and damage is inevitable. If your residential or commercial property suffers damage, then it should be addressed and repaired by storm damage restoration professionals. But before a professional can get to you, you may need to take your own course of action.

1. Think Safety

Following a severe storm, you’ll reasonably be concerned about the status of your home or business. However, your main priority should be safety; yours, your family’s, and/or your employees.

While inspecting your property, look out for hazardous debris, such as nails and sharp, broken edges that may cause you injury. If there’s water damage or standing water present, DO NOT turn on the power or using any appliances.

If a tree has fallen into your building, then it’s advisable not to not enter the property. Tree limbs can be a hazard as they’re extremely heavy and may have left the building structurally unsound.

In general, if you feel unsafe, then trust your intuition and stay out of any damaged structures until the professionals at SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County make it safe to enter again.

2. Assess the Damage

IF it is safe to do so, carefully go through your property to see what damage has occurred. Start by inspecting the outside of the structure. To ensure your safety, evaluate the roof for any damage from the ground where you should be able to spot obvious damage, such as holes or missing shingles.

While inside, check for damaged building materials, leaks, and other signs of structural and/or water damage. Water stains on ceilings and walls can indicate a leaking roof, which will require repair or replacement.

As you inspect your property, take plenty of photos, videos and written documentation of the damage. This will be necessary evidence your insurance company will want when you’re filing claims for the damage.

3. Tarp the Roof

We strongly suggest that you wait for professionals to handle this as it can be dangerous. But if the storm has created a hole in your roof and it continues to rain or snow while waiting for help to arrive, then here’s what needs to be done if you have the ability and equipment:

• Clear any leaves, branches, and other debris off the roof first.
• Get a thick, high quality tarp. You’ll want to make sure it’s large enough to cover the damaged section and allow for a four-foot overhang.
• Nail the tarp to a 2×4, wrap it around the board, and then screw the board to the roof. This board serves as the anchor board.
• Then take more 2×4 boards and attach them to the roof perpendicular to the anchor board. When you screw the boards in, they should first go through the board, tarp, then roof.
• Finish by attaching the overhanging tarp to the roof eave, making sure it’s secure.

If you have broken windows or holes elsewhere, then use plywood to cover up those openings.

4. Get Storm Damage Restoration Help

If your property has been damaged in a storm, it’s important to get help immediately! Prompt action will prevent the damage from worsening and allow your property to be restored to its previous condition faster. SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is nearby and ready to respond 24/7 to any storm damage emergency. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential or commercial.

When Storms Hit Do you Have a Plan?

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

This home was affected by recent storms in southwest Missouri.

On May 22, 2019 the Storm Prediction Center issued a moderate risk for severe weather in the Southwest Missouri area including Springfield and surrounding communities. During that weather event there were 48 strong tornadoes and 2 violent tornadoes that hit the Missouri/Arkansas Ozarks. 

The SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene county team responded quickly to numerous residential and commercial structures that sustained storm damage from tornadoes, high winds and flooding from the heavy rains that accompanied this storm system. 

Immediate action, such as roof tarping and sometimes tree limb removal to prevent further damage  and lessen the cost of repair and restoration to your home or business.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County has the resources to make this happen during storm events such as this one.  

Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (417) 865-7711

3 Signs of a Broken Pipe

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

This office was flooded by a broken pipe.

Sometimes a plumbing problem is obvious; like when it’s raining from the ceiling - and you’re on the bottom floor. Or when a small river begins to seep under your bathroom door. But at other times, broken or damaged pipes aren’t quite so obvious. But they can still let you know they exist if you pay attention to the warning signs. By doing so, you can address the problem more quickly and avoid the damage and expensive repairs that come along with water damage. So, here’s what to watch out for:

Weird Sounds

Do you ever hear whistling in your home? You’re not doing it, nobody else in the house is doing it and strange dogs are showing up at your door? Well, whistling or whining also occurs when pipes get dented. It’s caused when water is no longer able to flow freely through a pipe. This increases water pressure and may cause a pipe to burst.

The sound can also be the sign of a worn out pressure-reducing valve. Without being replaced, it could lead to burst pipes, overflow, and other issues over time.

Bad Smells

Another indication of a broken pipe are unusual or unpleasant odors. A common issue is with the p-trap. The p-trap is the U-shaped pipe that holds a small amount of water that forms a preventative seal against sewer gases coming up from your toilet or sink and into your home. If a crack causes that water to leak out of the p-trap, then you’ll have the odor of sewage in your home.

Also, when pipes become broken or backed up, sewage can’t exit the plumbing system properly. It’s important to deal with these problems quickly as sewage poses a significant health risk to your family and pets.

Unusual Sights

Are you blaming little puddles in your home on your kids or pets? That could be one answer. But if they continue to show up, especially in the same place, then that could be an indication of broken or damaged plumbing.

Another unusual (and scary) sight that may indicate a broken pipe is a curiously high water bill. High usage could be caused by leaky toilets or faucets. Another cause may be that one of the underground pipes feeding water from your meter to your home may have a crack or loose joint. This can be caused by pipe age, seismic activity, tree roots, or animal activity.

Broken pipes aren’t uncommon and can usually be quickly and easily handled by a professional. But don’t put if off. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done and the more expensive it’ll be to fix. If you suspect you have broken pipes in your home, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County. Not only will we have your plumbing repaired, we’ll also fix any damage that was caused, making it “Like it never even happened."

How Storms Affect You

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

This home was damaged from a severe storm. SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County was able to quickly board up and secure the home.

Severe weather isn’t something that only happens in other areas. Even in Greene County, inclement weather can affect you and result in costly storm damage repairs. ?Here are some of the events you and your property may experience: ??

Power Outage?

A major storm can leave you without power for several days. ?In the summertime, that means you’ll not only be uncomfortable, but refrigerated food may be ruined. During winter, you may have to leave your home until the power returns, and you may experience water damage caused by pipes that have frozen and burst. So, having a generator available may be worth the cost.

Wind Damage?

When tornadoes or even strong thunderstorms sweep through, they often come with strong wind speeds and gusts that can easily pick up outside objects and fling them into your home. Those wind gusts can also knock over trees and break off branches that, if close to your home, can cause massive destruction to the roof and structure.

Lightning ?

Lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death and injury in the United States. Most people don’t realize that they can be struck by lightning even when the center of a thunderstorm is 10 miles away and above are blue skies. It’s estimated that our planet is struck by an average of more than a hundred lightning bolts every second and that 1 out of 200 houses are struck per year.

Hail ?

When hail strikes during a severe thunderstorm, it can cause enormous damage to your home depending on how large the hail was and for how long it fell. If hail damage is ignored, you may see your roof structure weaken over time, especially if damaged or removed shingles aren't repaired in a timely manner.

Flooding?

Floods are the most common natural disaster according to  Ready.gov. Heavy rain from severe storms or melting snow can cause flooding in Greene County. ? Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Let the Pros Handle It

One mistake many homeowners make is trying to repair storm damage themselves. To the untrained eye, damage may not appear severe. However, there could be further damage lurking underneath that can’t be easily seen. If that damage goes unattended, you could be looking at repairs that will take much longer to fix such as mold remediation. So, trust SERVPRO to handle it.

Here are just some of the services you’ll receive from SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County:

• Roof tarping and Board Up Services
• Category 1, 2 and 3 Water Extraction & Cleanup
• Drying of affected areas, including walls, carpets and furniture
• Cleaning and Restoration of affected possessions
• Remediating mold and mildew
• Reconstruction and Repairs

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has been helping our local communities for over 30 years. We’re prepared with expert training and quality equipment to mitigate and restore your commercial or residential property. Our technicians are available 24-7 with our Emergency Service Team to help cleanup and repair your property damage from water, sewage, smoke or fire. Our priority is providing quick and effective service and solutions to restore your property and belongings, making it, “Like it never even happened.”

Do You Have Storm “Four” Knowledge?

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Preparation in Springfield

Throughout life, there are many things you plan for. You try to structure your education so you’ll have a fulfilling and well-paying job. You may plan for a vacation weeks or even months ahead. Maybe you planned for the type of home you wanted, gathering blueprints, getting contractors lined up, choosing color swatches, etc.

But unfortunately, many of us don’t plan for disasters, natural or man-made. When they happen, people may say things like, “But I never saw it coming,” and “We didn’t have time to react.” Well, the time for action is long before a tragedy befalls you or your property!

According to FEMA, there are four main ways to prepare for storms you can and should do NOW:

1. Get informed
2. Make a plan
3. Assemble a kit
4. Maintain your plan and kit

1. Get Informed - Many areas have local emergency management offices and/or a Red Cross Chapter. These organizations can provide you vital information concerning local emergency response arrangements, evacuation plans and emergency shelters. It’s also a good idea to invest in a NOAA Weather Radio that will alert you during any time of the day or night for when possible destructive conditions materialize.
2. Make a Plan

• Conduct a family meeting that will inform everyone what your emergency plans are.
• Have an out-of-town contact that each one knows the number to. This is who you’ll call to inform where you are after a disaster strikes.
• Teach your children how and when to call emergency numbers.
• Have a prearranged location picked out as the place your family will meet in case you get separated from one another. Make sure everyone knows not only the best escape routes but the safe places to go inside your home if a tornado approaches.
• Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves.
• Have fire extinguishers ready and show everyone where they’re located and how to use them.
• Inventory your possessions and keep that list along with important documents in a safe deposit box.
• Keep your homeowners or renter’s insurance company’s telephone numbers readily available. (Also, be sure to keep SERVPRO® of Springfield/Greene County’s phone number close at hand!)

3. Assemble a Kit – this is a collection of basic family needs you’ll need after a disaster. These should be stored in a portable container and enough to last you three days. It should include food, water, a battery powered radio, a flashlight, etc. You can find a full list of items for your survival kit at redcross.org.
4. Maintain Your Plan – every six months, review your plans with your family, conduct evacuation drills and restock expiring food and perishables in your kit. Also, confirm your fire extinguisher is recharged and smoke alarm batteries are replaced.

Alan Lakein, an author on personal time management, once wrote, “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” That’s very empowering when you think about it. It’s almost like time traveling without a DeLorean or having to mess with all that space-time continuum stuff. Planning ahead for emergencies can also bring you great peace of mind. Think of it as an insurance policy against future disasters without the pesky premiums.

My House is Flooded, Now What?

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

A Flooded Basement After Recent Storms

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (417) 865-7711

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

What To Do After a Storm Hits Your Home or Business

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Recent Storm leaves Flooded Basement

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Have A  Storm or Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County at (417) 865-7711

Be Prepared for Winter Weather in Springfield Missouri 

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared for Winter Weather in Springfield Missouri 

What you should know about Winter Weather in Springfield, Missouri 

• Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm.

• Listen to local officials.

• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.

• Stay off the road during and after a winter storm.

• Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices.

• Use safe heating devices.

• Have an Emergency plan in place with phone numbers to call in case of disaster such as Fire or Water Damages.  Call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County 24 hours a day at 417-865-7711.

Emergency Kit

• Include enough food, water, meds & anything used daily in your emergency kit to last for at least 72 hrs 
• Before a Winter Storm: Have emergency supplies ready in your home; when the storm hits, stay put and off the roads. WinterSafety
• Get ahead of winter storms by making sure your emergency kit for your car is fully stocked
• Keep water, non-perishable food, and an extra set of warm clothes in the car in case you get stranded during winter weather. 
• Prepare for winter by keeping an emergency supply kit in your car with these extras:
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares or reflective triangle
  • Ice scraper
  • Car cell phone charger
  • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction

Pet Safety

• WinterSafety Tip: Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! 
• Tip: Wipe dog’s paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal #WinterSafety
• WinterSafety Tip: Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! 
• Your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly. 

Heating Safety

• Space heaters cause 1/3 of home heating fires and 4/5 home heating fires deaths. 
• Heating is the 2nd leading cause of home fires after cooking. 

• Winter fires can be deadly. When using your fireplace always keep a metal or heat tempered screen around it to stay safe. 

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater.

• If you’re running a portable generator, you need to have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home. 

• Winter Safety Tip: NEVER use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, gasoline or propane heater indoors.
• NEVER heat a home by using the stovetop or oven. 
• Keep generators outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to avoid accidental CO poisoning.
• Wear layered clothing and use blankets to stay warm during a Winter Storm.

For more tips visit https://www.ready.gov

If your home is damaged by a winter weather storm call SERVPRO Springfield/Greene County at 417-865-7711.

For Immediate Service in Springfield/Greene County

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County provides 24-hour emergency service.

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the greater Springfield and Greene County area. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Whether your Springfield home needs emergency flood damage or your crawlspace has mold, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians 

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 417-865-7711

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is Hiring a Production Technician!

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is hiring!

Do you love helping people through difficult situations?

Then, don’t miss your chance to join SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County as a new Production Technician. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened”!

 Our Franchise is seeking someone who is comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoys meeting new people, has excellent communication skills, and is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you’ll thrive in this work environment. Are you highly dependable and super-excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then you may be our perfect hero!

As a valued SERVPRO^® Franchise employee, you will receive a competitive pay rate, with opportunity to learn and grow.

Primary Responsibilities

• Inventory and load the work vehicle with equipment, products, and supplies needed for each project.
• Maintain a clean and organized vehicle and clean equipment appearance.
• Prepare rooms/areas for work activities. Set up staging area and equipment for each project.
• Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.
• Perform production processes following SERVPRO^® production guidelines per work order per crew chief directions.
• Ensure clear two-way communication with crew chief and other technicians (especially regarding customer needs and concerns).
• Perform end-of-day/end-of-job cleanup and breakdown. Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.

Position Requirements

• Effective oral communication
• Basic math skills
• Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred
• High school diploma/GED
• IICRC certifications preferred
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly, occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Ability to climb ladders, work at ceiling heights, work in tight spaces (e.g., crawls spaces, attics)
• Ability to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to repetitively push/pull/lift/carry objects
• Ability to work with/around cleaning products/chemicals
• Ability to travel locally and out of state when necessary
• Ability to successfully complete a background check subject to applicable law

To apply please click the Contact Us portion of our website and send us your resume. 

SERVPRO^® of Springfield/Greene County is an EOE M/F/D/V employer

When Storms or Floods Hit Springfield, SERVPRO is ready!

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Springfield/Greene County.

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

At SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County  we are local family owned and operated business with 30 plus years of experience, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Springfield/Greene County area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams http://www.SERVPROspringfieldgreenecounty.com/storm-flooding-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 417-865-7711