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Navigating the Insurance Claim World With Confidence | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
When disaster strikes, your first goal will most likely be keeping your family safe. While you focus on taking whatever action is necessary to get your family to safety, your home could be damaged significantly in the process.
Experiencing home damage is always unfortunate, but as long as your family is OK, the rest can be taken care of in time. One of those tasks that follows a disaster situation is submitting an insurance claim, and those can be tricky if you aren’t sure how to start.
That’s where we come in! Our crew is here to pick up the pieces after a fire, flood or storm to help you recover while also being there to help you understand how to properly submit a claim through your insurance company.
Starting Quickly, Documenting EverythingNo matter what kind of disaster happened at your house, the faster you can start recovery, the better off you will be. Damage will only worsen the longer you leave it unaddressed, which can leave you with a much larger problem than you expected.
When the disaster situation has passed or is over, make sure you are checking in with your loved ones and neighbors to make sure the authorities don’t need to be called right away. After that, call our SERVPRO® office so we can get started on your recovery plan.
Take as many photos as possible, making sure to document as much of the damage that you can see. The more photos you can get as soon as the event is over, the more complete your claim will be.
Leave It to UsOnce we arrive, you can rest easy knowing that we will prioritize securing your home while also getting started on your restoration. We can lay tarps over exposed sections of your home, remove fragile belongings from the damage site and board up windows quickly.
Our team is highly trained in all things restoration, but we also fully understand how the insurance world works and what is needed to get the most out of a claim.
We will put together an itemized list of your losses, add the photos that you took and incorporate the ones our professional team took in order to make your reporting really simple. We are also trained to meet insurance inspection standards to help lower your potential costs. We are focused on helping restore rather than replace your belongings, which also helps reduce costs overall as well.
Our team is proud to be with you throughout every step of your recovery, whether you suffered from fire, flood or storm damage. We will help get your insurance claim processed correctly and rebuild your home with confidence.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
What’s That Smell? Discovering Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
If you have a sewage leak in your home or business, chances are that you will know pretty quickly. Sewage has a very distinct smell that can send anyone scrambling to cover their nose and mouth.
Unfortunately, sewage leaks can happen at a moment’s notice to anyone, which means your property is vulnerable even if you don’t think it will ever happen to you. We explain some helpful tips below on how to respond to a sewage leak so you can stay in control and minimize the situation as much as possible.
The Discovery of the LeakThe sewer lines in your home are designed to move wastewater down and away from your property in a smooth manner. However, that doesn’t always happen the way that it should.
Any sort of clog or blockage in a pipe can force the wastewater to move backward up the pipe and back into your sinks, tubs or toilets. Leaks can also happen wherever there is a loose connection or a crack in your pipelines.
No matter how the leak or backup starts, it is crucial that you avoid coming into contact with the water. Water comes in three different categories, and sewage falls into the most dangerous category called black water. Viruses, bacteria and microbes could be lurking in the water that can make you really sick.
Keeping in mind your safety, try to shut off the water valve for the pipe in question without getting messy, and then start opening up windows and turning on fans for ventilation. We would bet the space is probably really smelly, so keep customers or your family members out of the area while you do this. Afterward, get us on the phone so we can get started on your cleaning!
Where SERVPRO®’s Restoration Team Comes InOur restoration team and cleaning team come together in times like these! Wastewater leaks can cause serious damage, but they also need to be treated carefully. This is why our biohazard cleaning practices come in handy. Our crew is highly trained on dangerous situations like these, so we want you to call us as soon as you discover the leak.
Our team will start gathering supplies and then we will be on our way to you. While you are waiting, snap a few photos of the damage you see. Even though these images won’t be added to a scrapbook or a family album, they will be necessary for your insurance claim.
Once we arrive, we will first focus on identifying the source of the leak and then we will work on removing the standing water from your space. Since the wastewater could be toxic, we will make sure to wear the proper PPE to stay protected while we work.
After the water is gone, we will then be able to sanitize your space to make sure it is safe to return to and then we will tackle lingering odors with our deodorization equipment. Finally, we will address any structural damage caused by the water.
Dealing with sewage leaks is always serious business. Call us right away so we can take care of your situation safely.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.
The Basics of Seasonal Flood Prevention | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
When life gets tricky, sometimes it is best to take things back to the basics. Dealing with frustrating math homework, getting stumped over how to fix a leaky sink, or struggling with a work conflict can all sometimes be handled easier when you start at the beginning.
The same holds true for disaster preparedness. Starting with what you know and working your way forward can make sure your home is ready for anything, especially when it comes to floods.
Unfortunately, flooding emergencies are a common issue, so doing what you can to prevent serious damage can help minimize your situation.
Understanding Your ZonesFlooding can happen in a variety of different ways, even if it is not actively raining. Broken dams or levees, busted water lines or faulty appliances can all lead to watery messes. Of course, Mother Nature can also bring heavy rain that can cause water to infiltrate your home as well.
Being surrounded by lakes and rivers makes our community susceptible to flooding whenever we are experiencing a particularly wet season. This is why knowing your property’s flood risk is crucial to your safety.
Even if your property isn’t in a specific flood zone, it is still important for you to prepare for the possibility of a flood. Low-lying areas of your property can easily fill up with water or heavy rain can fall fast enough to overwhelm the earth around your home. Install longer downspouts to help keep the water farther away from your home or add extra drainage so your property can stay dry no matter what.
It wouldn’t be northern Wisconsin without all of the wonderful tree coverage in our area, but the trees and vegetation can be troublesome when it comes to rain and flooding issues. Install gutter covers for your gutter system to help reduce the risk of clogs or blockages in your lines, and get in the habit of checking your roof regularly for signs of damage.
Future Preparation TipsEven if you property does flood, you can still learn from it and you can take permanent steps to help prevent the situation from happening again.
If your basement always gets wet during the spring thaw, consider having your yard professionally graded. If your property slopes away from your home instead of towards it, you can utilize gravity to help keep your spaces dry.
Inside your home, you should be checking the seals around your windows and doors regularly and replacing them as needed. In addition, you should consider completely replacing anything that is sagging or not hanging right anymore to ensure your home is air and watertight.
When you start with what you know, good things can happen! Remember, we are always Here to Help® you recover if you wind up with any sort of water damage.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
Staying Informed: Tips for Receiving Weather Alerts | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties help you get from April showers to May flowers.
Can you believe it is already time to start thinking about and looking forward to spring weather? After the weird winter we had, many of us may be excited to focus on the more predictable rain and thunderstorms that accompany the spring season.
However, spring weather also includes severe storms from time to time, and the farther we get into the season, the higher the risk that we will experience tornado watches and warnings. Being prepared for this weather starts with being informed! Our team explains some easy ways to stay informed ahead of any severe weather below.
When We Have ElectricityScreens make up a huge part of our lives nowadays, so it should be no surprise that the vast majority of us get our weather alerts through our phones and the TV. Wireless Emergency Alerts is a national system that is already programmed into your phone so alerts can be automatically issued in the event of an emergency. Just be sure your notifications are turned on. You can also download weather apps that forecast regular weather patterns as well as developing storms.
If you go the app route, just be sure that the app you are choosing is reliable and reputable. There are many different weather apps out there, and not all of them should be trusted. Stick with only nationally recognized organizations or trusted local sources.
Trusted local sources would include local news stations that report weather systems as they approach our community! Tune into your favorite station when a weather watch is issued so you can keep an eye on how it is tracking across the area. This real-time forecast can also ensure you seek shelter immediately as needed.
When the Lights Go OutWe all take our phones, TVs and constant communication for granted, so it can be really scary if we lose power in the middle of a storm. If you don’t have a reliable way of staying connected even without electricity, you might be putting yourself into a really vulnerable or dangerous position.
We recommend having at least one other way of receiving alerts that does not completely rely on electricity in order to work. Start by identifying your nearest weather siren and determine if you can easily hear it from your property.
You should also have some sort of weather radio on hand at any time. Hand-crank or solar-powered options allow you to stay connected no matter your situation. Plus, they are portable! You can take your radio with you into your sheltering location or with you around your property after the first wave of a storm comes through.
Planning ahead and making sure your alert systems are ready to go will only benefit you during a true weather emergency. If your home or property suffers from serious damage, call SERVPRO® right away for immediate recovery assistance.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
Recovering From Commercial Property Damage Reliably | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
2/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
What business owner wakes up one morning determined to suffer through a disaster at work? We would hope no one is thinking or assuming the worst every day!
Unfortunately, disasters happen to businesses across the country every day, so having a plan in place ahead of a fire, flood or storm situation can help you navigate the unknown a bit more smoothly. SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to help you plan, but also here to help you recover from any disaster situation.
Preparing Ahead of the DisasterThe best disaster is the one that didn’t happen, right? In order for that to be true, it’s also important to have a plan in place so you can react immediately when something goes awry. If your team is prepared for what could happen, they are much more likely to respond appropriately.
Once your basic emergency plan is formed, create a clear line of communication so your team knows where information is going to come from and who is in charge of what during an emergency. You should also be taking the time to show your staff where fire extinguishers, water valves and emergency kits are located.
While it may be true that your custodial staff are in charge of responding to situations like this, it is always helpful for your other staff to be able to help in a true emergency situation.
In addition to explaining what should happen before and during a disaster, your team also needs to understand where to go and what to do afterward. Remote work policies need to be in place or an alternate location needs to be secured for your team to continue working in an adjusted way while your repairs are taking place.
Your Personalized Recovery ProcessWhen you have a plan in place and you use it during an emergency, you are much more likely to come out the other side without having to worry about long-term or permanent closures. The faster you can react by calling SERVPRO®, the better your chances will be at a full recovery.
While we work on restoring and repairing your home, you will need to focus on keeping your staff in good spirits while also communicating to the public about your restoration process. Let everyone know how the restoration is coming and offer up tentative re-opening dates to keep people informed throughout the process.
Depending on your type of restoration, you and your team may be able to remain in your building while we work, albeit in an adjusted way. We can oftentimes secure areas or block off sections while we work so you can still operate in an abbreviated capacity during your recovery. We will work with you to find the right balance that you need.
Planning ahead and executing a quick recovery is exactly what your business deserves when it comes to recovering after a disaster. We are here to help you so you can open back up for business faster with a smile on your face!
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
Dealing With Multiple Kinds of Home Damage, Confidently | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!
When the rain comes pouring in or a house fire starts in the middle of the night, it can leave you with serious damage and a lot of questions. It always seems like the most unsuspecting situations are the most frustrating to deal with!
That is especially true when it comes to home damage as you always have to take action right away to stay in control of the situation. Whether Mother Nature caused structural damage to your roof during a tornado or your old dishwasher leaked yet again, dealing with the aftermath quickly is what will help you recover more confidently.
That’s why SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is here to help! With one simple phone call, all of your home damage woes will be taken care of as we get started on your entire recovery.
The Facts of Worsening DamageThe toll that disasters can take on communities can range from minor inconveniences to total emergencies, especially when it comes to serious storms or unexpected natural disasters.
For example, heavy rain can lead to flooding, which can be dangerous if you are out and about or can lead to mold growth in your home. Strong wind can knock out power for days or rip shingles off of your roof. A house fire can cause structural damage in the room that the fire occurred in, but it can also lead to soot and smoke odors all over your home.
The longer the damage sits in your home, the worse the situation can become. This is why a quick call to us will get the ball rolling and you will be able to recover faster and more completely!
Restoring With ConfidenceWhen disaster strikes, we want you to pick up the phone no matter what time it is or what day it happens to be. We are here 24⁄7, 365 days a year to respond to your emergency. We will get right to work by gathering a team and supplies and then be on our way to you quickly.
Our highly trained team members have years of experience helping our community overcome disaster. We are all trained on the latest and most advanced restoration techniques and we will tailor our plan to fit your home’s individual needs. We will be with you from start to finish no matter what.
Damaged roofs will be tarped and secured, flooded rooms will have the standing water removed and the walls repaired, and fire-damaged spaces will be cleaned, sanitized and restored with confidence.
We are even confident enough in our skills to tackle entire rebuilds of sections of your home! If a water disaster or fire caused too much damage to be repaired, we can tear down that section of your home and build it back up for you with precision.
One of the best things about working with us is that you are only ever working with us! It can be exhausting dealing with multiple different contractors and agreements, but you are only working with our team for every aspect of your restoration. That can make your recovery process much smoother and much more relaxing for your family.
When the rain pours in or a house fire takes you by surprise, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for a faster and more reliable recovery. We can help you find sunnier days in no time at all.
Have you experienced a disaster and need restoration? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.
Tips for Staying Toasty and Fire-Safe This Season | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
We are in the heart of cozy season right now, and we are cuddled up with blankets and enjoying the cooler weather right along with you. While you dust off your fireplace and bust out your space heaters on the coldest of nights, make sure you are being safe!
The number of house fires skyrockets in the winter season, and most of them are caused by preventable accidents with space heaters, fireplace issues or other electrical troubles. Our SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties team explains some easy ways to stay safe while also staying warm this season below.
Addressing Your FireplaceThe ambiance and warmth that a fire provides can’t be beat, but fireplaces can also be downright dangerous if not used properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to clean out ash from previous fires, and be sure your chimney is cleaned regularly to remove creosote buildup.
Keep flammable materials and decor far away from the flames and off the mantle, and make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, check the connections regularly to ensure you don’t have a small leak happening and clean it off to remove dust buildup. Make sure your fire extinguisher is always close at hand as well.
Space Heater SafetyDid you know that space heater mishaps are responsible for 1,700 house fires every year? The best part about space heaters is their ability to easily move around your home to provide warmth wherever you need it.
However, that is also what makes them fire hazards! Choose a hard, level and nonflammable surface to set yours up on, and check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring before plugging it in.
Create a three-foot barrier around your space heater to keep out kids and pets, and make sure things like curtains, couch cushions and bedding are nowhere near the heater. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord, and always turn off your space heater before going to bed.
Suggested Safety Features for Your Space HeaterNot all space heaters are created equally, and cheaper doesn’t always mean a good deal or good value. You need to do your research before choosing the right space heater to ensure your safety while you are using it.
First, make sure you are purchasing from a certified and reliable company that has passed all of the necessary safety certifications. Next, you should make sure it has a shutoff feature that can take over after a certain period of usage. Space heaters should never be left unattended, but the automatic shutoff switch can add another level of protection.
Finally, inspect the cord that comes out of the heater. It should be sturdy and well-made, and it should be at least six feet long so you can easily set up your space heater in a safe location in your room.
Stay safe, stay warm and call us right away if you suffer a house fire this season! We will remove damaged debris, tackle smoke odors and repair your home from top to bottom.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.
Sneaky Places for Water Leaks to Start | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.
Water is a necessary part of our lives, and we use it every day in a variety of ways. Water flows into our homes every time we run a load of laundry, wash our hands or clink ice into our glasses. While most of the time the water stays where it should, water leaks can happen at a moment’s notice and wreak havoc all over the place.
We can’t always predict or prevent water leaks, but knowing where they happen the most can help you take action quickly and track down the source of a leak faster. Catching one quickly can help you avoid serious damage and a longer repair process.
Under the Sinks and TapsWhere there’s a sink, there’s a water line. We often don’t think twice when the water flows down the sink and into the drain, but that water has to go somewhere! If a water line is loose or a seal has started to break down, that water can easily leak onto your floor.
If the leak starts under your sink, it will start to seep into the cupboards, get onto your floors and leak behind your walls. Check your water lines often and don’t forget to pay special attention to the water lines coming from your dishwasher! Tighten loose connections and recaulk old seals as you discover potential problems.
Under Your Water-Reliant AppliancesWhich appliances do you rely on the most during your daily life? Chances are they are the ones that use water to function. Water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers are essential parts of our households nowadays, but they also have the potential to leak at any time.
Get into the habit of pulling them away from the wall often to check for moisture issues. Water spots, mold or new puddles should quickly be investigated before the problem gets worse. Try to do this every time you deep-clean your home because water leaks tend to get worse the longer they are left unaddressed.
Behind Any WallYour water lines run behind your walls, so unfortunately, water leaks can happen behind your drywall without you even noticing! A single drip will probably not be noticed for a while, but sudden gushes of water from a burst water line will quickly become obvious.
If you start to smell something musty or earthy or one of your walls is starting to feel soft, it is time to call in the professionals so we can check it out for you and address any necessary repairs.
Exterior Windows and DoorsAs condensation forms on your windows, it can easily leak down your windowpane and settle on your sills. It can also get under your trim and leak behind your walls. Over time, this lingering moisture can lead to structural damage and mold growth.
Moisture can also sneak into your home through any gapping or cracks around your windows and doors. If you have a draft problem or your home is getting older and your windows are starting to sag, you should be checking these spaces often for signs of water damage.
If you do suffer from water damage, call SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties for a faster and more reliable restoration. We will quickly remove standing water while handling your repairs with confidence.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.
The Importance of Relying on Your Local Restoration Team | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
12/15/2023 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties!
When disaster strikes, it can cause all kinds of overwhelming feelings to take over, and it can seem like an insurmountable task to look around your home after suffering from a water, fire or storm disaster.
While disasters can certainly be scary, having a reliable team to help you recover can make all of the difference. That’s where SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties comes into play!
Our talented and local team will be able to help you recover faster and more efficiently no matter what your situation is.
Choosing the Right TeamIt can be a really vulnerable experience to suffer through disaster, especially when you have strangers in your home working on your recovery at all hours of the day. Thankfully, when you work with SERVPRO®, you can rest easy knowing that we will treat your home like it was our own.
The restoration company you choose should be trustworthy, kind and highly knowledgeable about your particular restoration project. They should also be available to take your call 24⁄7 or whenever you need them.
At SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties, we pride ourselves in providing all of that and more for our customers. We are also locally owned and operated, which makes us uniquely connected to our community. It is our job and our duty to help our fellow community members overcome disaster.
A History of Reliable ExperienceWhile having a friendly and local team is crucial to your comfort and your confidence in your restoration, you also want to make sure that the team you choose knows what they are doing. SERVPRO comes with the backing of a national brand that ensures we have the tools and the staff needed no matter the size of your project.
SERVPRO has also been in business for years and has grown from one branch in 1967 to over 2,000 today, including ours here in the Barron County area.
When you work with our team, you are working with professionals with years of experience who will help you recover faster and more confidently. We are trained and certified in every applicable area of disaster recovery, and we can handle your situation, too.
We will handle everything from the initial tarping of your roof and securing your home all the way to rebuilding entire sections of your home. Every SERVPRO employee will ensure to use the top-of-the-line equipment and only the latest recovery methods so we can help you put your life back together faster.
Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.
Taking Control of Your Flooded Business | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties
12/1/2023 (Permalink)
Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties a call to get that resolved!
We all have those morning routines we stick to when arriving at work. Unlocking doors, turning on lights, getting the mail…so when the unexpected happens, it can throw us off our routines entirely. This is especially true when you come upon a developing problem or a disaster situation, like a flooded room or water leaking from the ceiling.
If you get to work one day to find your lowest level flooded or your storefront’s carpet soaked through, what do you do first?
Having a plan in place ahead of any potential floods can help you stay in control and respond quicker in an emergency situation. Get to know what to do below so you can overcome this frustrating situation faster.
The First Few StepsWhen your business is flooded, it will take precedence over everything else for the time being. Try to stay calm and follow these simple steps to help get things cleaned up right away.
1. Stay safe. Your top priority is always safety when it comes to situations like this. Keep your employees out of the area, and avoid walking through the water. Stay on higher ground as you assess the situation and then get SERVPRO® on the phone right away so we can get started on your recovery plan.
2. Control the disaster. If the water is still actively pouring out of a burst pipe or is still flowing into your space, stopping the flow of water should be your next step. Locate the appropriate water valve and shut it off to stop the water from rushing in. If you can’t locate it quickly, shut off the water for your entire building to be on the safe side.
3. Start the drying process. We will be on our way to you as soon as you call, but you can still start the drying process while you wait for us to arrive. Open some windows and turn on a fan to start circulating air in the area.
Recovering After a Water DisasterOnce we arrive at your building, we will get right to work removing the standing water. We will also complete a total assessment of your building so we can make sure to get all of the water cleaned up and address the damage thoroughly. This is the point where we also make contact with your insurance company!
While we focus on your recovery, we want you to focus on finding ways to keep your business running smoothly. We can oftentimes secure the location of the flood so you can continue to operate in any capacity that you can.
We will make sure that your business is clean, dry and repaired as quickly as possible so you can open back up completely faster. Call us 24⁄7 for immediate assistance.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
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