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When Damage Leads to More Damage | SERVPRO of Hayward
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Hayward right away.
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes it can seem like we are all just waiting for the next disaster or unexpected situation to pop up. Quickly moving storms, accidental house fires and even a broken window from a pop fly gone awry can lead to significant home damage when you are least expecting it.
While it can be easy to be consumed with the possibilities, focusing on preparing for the unexpected can help you weather any situation more smoothly.
SERVPRO of Hayward is here to help, no matter what happens! We will respond quickly and efficiently to help you recover.
The Biggest Risks for the Hayward AreaWe all know that the northwoods in the Hayward area is unpredictable. Strong summer storms can bring intense wind, rain and hail after a humid and sunny day, while a snowy winter can lead to dangerous conditions, frozen pipes and collapsed roofs from a heavy snow. In addition to the specific weather threats in our area, general water leaks, roof issues or house fires can also cause significant damage.
Water damage can be caused by Mother Nature or by a house accident, and the resulting leak can lead to water that seeps and creeps into every crevice of your home. Fire can also be caused by a natural source, but more often than not it is due to some sort of human error.
The Effect of Compounding DamageSuffering through a singular damage situation is frustrating enough, but that specific situation can lead to even more issues if you aren’t quick about your restoration. For example, a flooded basement during a storm or a leaking water heater that goes unaddressed can lead to water damage, but the lingering water can also spark a mold infestation that takes extra steps to recover from safely.
The same is true for house fires. The initial fire damage can be extensive, but soot and smoke can also travel to every area of your home and cause stained walls and stubborn odors for years if not cleaned up properly. In addition, you could be dealing with water damage on top of everything else due to the water or chemicals used to extinguish the flames.
Natural disasters or manmade accidents can both be destructive in their own way. Thankfully, we are here to help with whatever disaster situation you are currently dealing with!
If your home takes on water and you are dealing with residual moisture, our team will come out to dry up your home and address repairs right away. A thorough cleaning and sanitization of your space can stop a potential mold infestation in its tracks.
If you suffer through a house fire, we will work quickly to remove damaged debris, soot and smoke odors from every area of your home. We will also handle water damage repairs while we work on rebuilding the damaged area of your home. We can truly do it all!
Our SERVPRO® team is locally owned and operated, but we are backed by a national company that provides us with all of the resources we need to handle your restoration from start to finish. No project is too large or too destructive for us to handle.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
The Significance of Having an Emergency Plan | SERVPRO of Hayward
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Hayward is here for you when disaster strikes!
Natural disasters can be really scary and can happen at a moment’s notice. While we are lucky enough to not experience certain situations like hurricanes or earthquakes in our area, there is always the chance that the unexpected occurs at any time.
In fact, the chance of suffering through a natural disaster has actually increased over the last five years. Natural disasters are happening more frequently and are stronger than ever, leaving behind extensive damage and destruction.
That may seem scary, but statistics aren’t everything! While we may experience a natural disaster at some point, the chance of suffering through a manmade disaster is also a possibility.
By understanding your risk and making a plan for each scenario, you can help mitigate damage and keep your staff safe.
Why Emergency Plans MatterWith the frequency of natural disasters increasing, having a plan in place can protect your staff and even control the extent of your damage. Fires, floods and even severe weather can be catastrophic if you don’t take the time to prepare for each event.
While we know that disaster situations can cause significant property damage, they can also be a strain on your financial situation. Costly damages can affect your revenue, force closures and lead to lost wages for everyone under your employment.
If the damage is significant enough, you may have to close your business for a long period of time to tend to the repairs. That always introduces the possibility of a permanent closure, and we certainly don’t want that to happen to you.
The Creation of Your Emergency Ready PlanSERVPRO® has everything you need when it comes to restoration services, but we can also help you plan for the unexpected! Our Emergency Ready Plan is a comprehensive guide that we can help you create that will assist you during any sort of disaster situation.
This plan outlines what to do before, during and after disasters. To create this guide, we will assess your business and determine the different risks and threats that you may face. For example, small storefronts will have a different risk assessment than a large warehouse that works with heat or dangerous chemicals.
Planning ahead of disasters can help you stay in control. We will outline important things like creating emergency exit routes, storage ideas for important documents and suggesting smart locations to store your fire extinguishers. Having all of these things taken care of before disaster strikes can help your response run much smoother.
Another important aspect of our Emergency Ready plan is communication. Staying connected during and after an emergency is crucial to everyone’s safety, so we take the time to identify a chain of command. Assigning important tasks to different employees can help ensure that everyone reacts appropriately and stays in control of the situation.
What are you waiting for? Planning for disasters now can set you up for a faster recovery and a less impactful situation when they do occur. An Emergency Ready Plan is the key to navigating disasters with confidence and clarity.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
Staying Fire-Safe in the Kitchen This Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Hayward
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Hayward on the case!
Can you believe it is already time to celebrate the holiday season? Whatever holidays you enjoy with your friends and family, there is bound to be some delicious homemade food somewhere in the mix.
Whether you are in charge of hosting your entire dinner party or have just been requested to bring your famous pecan pie, using safe cooking strategies in the kitchen is crucial for avoiding a house fire.
House fires are more common at this time of year, especially in the kitchen. Incorporating these preventive steps while you are making your food can significantly reduce your risk of starting a blaze that would most definitely derail your holiday plans.
Minimize Fire FuelBefore you even turn on a burner or preheat your oven, get your space ready. Clear the counter of clutter and be mindful about the objects that you have near your stove. Flammable materials can easily catch on fire, and the resulting flame can be dangerous or even deadly.
Remove items like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and holiday decorations from around your stove and put them in a safe place. Even just a small spark or pop of a grease bubble can be enough to start a quickly growing fire.
You should also dress smartly before you start cooking. Cute holiday accessories or aprons can be a fun seasonal way to prepare your food, but any loose clothing or apron strings can catch fire and lead to catastrophe. Roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Stay Near Your FoodOne of the leading causes of kitchen fires is negligence. Leaving your boiling pot or roast in the oven and then walking away can be really dangerous.
It doesn’t matter if you are frying, boiling, baking or grilling. Stay near your food. It only takes a few seconds for an emergency situation to get out of control, so it might be too late by the time you come back into the kitchen.
If your family partakes in the event of deep-frying a turkey, taking extra precautions are crucial for everyone’s safety. Choose a flat and nonflammable surface to set the fryer and do not overfill it with oil.
Read the weight of your turkey and set it out to thaw early enough before your party so that it is completely thawed before you submerge it.
Staying Safe Year-RoundWhile we know that fires aren’t 100% preventable, these steps can help reduce your risk all year. You should also be sure to have preventive measures in place to alert you to a developing situation as it is happening.
Smoke alarms can be your first line of defense, but only if they are working! Check the batteries monthly to ensure they don’t need to be replaced.
You should also invest in a fire extinguisher that stays in your kitchen. Since most house fires start there anyway, having it in an easily accessible location can help you control any situation quickly.
We hope you have a holly jolly season with your friends and family, and remember that we are here for you if your home does suffer from fire damage. Call us right away so we can get to work on your restoration so the rest of your holiday season goes off without a hitch.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
Navigating Strong Winter Storms Safely | SERVPRO of Hayward
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Hayward has your back with these helpful tips.
Winter storms are a different beast around northern Wisconsin, there is no denying that. Where we live, we can almost guarantee bone-chilling cold, blizzard conditions, slippery roads, wind and sleet.
Regardless of your situation, knowing what to do and how to prepare your home can help you stay safe and avoid serious damage to your home and property.
Preparing Your HomeHunkering down and avoiding road travel is always advised when a winter storm is on the way. Heavy rain, slick roads and blizzard conditions can make travel really dangerous or even impossible.
Fire up your weather radio and start gathering supplies to ride out the storm. Blizzards and other winter weather can knock out power for a few days, so having your emergency kit well-stocked and ready to use is crucial.
Include batteries with extra flashlights, first-aid supplies, blankets and sleeping bags, safe food and water, and any sort of extra heating source or fuel that you have. Wood stoves and fireplaces can help keep you warm in an emergency situation.
You should also have a backup location in mind of where you can head to if your home does get too cold. A friend or family member’s home, a public space like a library, or a warming center are all good options.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormAfter the storm has passed and the weather improves again, it is time to take a look at your home and make some adjustments to avoid serious damage or even prevent a safety concern for your family.
Invest in a roof rake that can help you pull heavy snow off the edges of your roof. This can help reduce your risk of suffering from ice dams, but it can also help lighten the load of snow. Did you know that heavy, wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot? That’s a lot of weight bearing down on your roof that could eventually collapse under the pressure.
It is also important to check all of your vents leading from your home and remove any debris, snow or ice buildup. Blocked vents can create a dangerous situation in your home if carbon monoxide starts to build up.
How We Can HelpIf your home suffers water damage due to the impact of the storm or if your home experiences serious damage due to the heavy snow or ice dams, give us a call right away. Our team will be able to assess the situation, dry out your home and tackle repairs quickly and efficiently.
We will help restore your home to its preloss condition faster so you can get back outside and enjoy all of the fun that this wintery season has to bring.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Hayward for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
Is Your Staff Ready to Weather the Storm? | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Hayward to get you back in action.
Owning a business is rewarding in many ways, but it is a huge responsibility. You are responsible for your daily operations, your long-term goals and an entire team of people!
In order to keep everyone safe, accounted for and on task, it is important to train them for any sort of situation that could occur at your building, including severe weather emergencies.
Don’t let your crew rush around chaotically during a severe storm! Use our tips below to help ensure your team is ready for anything that comes your way.
Preparing for the Different RisksWe are lucky enough to experience all four seasons here in northern Wisconsin, but that also means we experience severe weather during every part of the year! Strong tornadoes and high winds can cause damage in the summer and heavy snowstorms can plague the area in the winter. This past year was incredibly snowy and caused problems all over the state.
Recognizing your specific flood risk is also important for your business’ safety. Check to see if your building is located in a flood zone, and take action now so that you can react quickly if a flood warning is issued.
Your Communication StrategyIf you don’t already have your team’s contact information saved on your phone or computer, now is the time to do so. Staying connected during an emergency can help spread information quickly and efficiently.
If severe weather approaches unexpectedly, a quick text or email can alert your staff to the emergency exits, your safe shelter location or your emergency kit. You can also use it to designate certain jobs to trusted staff members to help ensure a transition from a normal work day to an emergency situation.
Whether to Stay Put or Get OutDifferent weather situations require different reactions. Sometimes an evacuation is necessary to get your staff out quickly. Walk your team through your building and discuss emergency exit routes, and ensure all exits are labeled properly.
In other situations, staying put may be necessary to keep everyone safe. Ensure that your safe shelter location is ready to use at any moment! Have food, water and your emergency kit set out and ready.
Whether you are ushering your team out or keeping them comfortable inside during a storm, keep them calm. A smooth and proper reaction to an emergency can help keep everyone safe while you wait out the storm together.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Securing Your Property From Severe Weather | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Hayward has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
We are no strangers to thunderstorms in the summertime. The humid temperatures and high heat can bring storms with wind, rain, hail, floods and even the occasional tornado. We all know that even though it is warm and sunny in the morning, it is certainly not a guarantee to stay that way in the afternoon and evening.
In order to stay protected from potential damage to your home and property, you need to be prepared ahead of a storm and able to act quickly as soon as the storm warning is issued.
Preparing the outside of your home is a great place to start, as it will serve as the first line of defense between you and the severe weather system.
Routine PreparationsIf you are a homeowner, you know how much work it can be to maintain your property on a seasonal basis. But did you know that some of this work is also part of a proper storm preparation strategy?
Routine yard work like trimming trees, removing dead branches and limbs, and cleaning your gutters not only makes your property look nicer and cleaner, but it also reduces the risk of suffering damage when the wind picks up. Yard debris can easily turn into a projectile in the right conditions, and when it rains, any water that can’t flow down your gutters will end up backing up onto your roof or raining down onto your foundation.
Another way to reduce your risk for water damage is to check your windows and doors for leaks often. Rotting wood or deteriorating caulk lines should be addressed right away and you should also check your roof for missing or broken shingles. Don’t leave these repairs to another day, because you never know when the next storm will pop up.
Home Upgrades to MakeThe good news is that most reliable storm preparation methods don’t require any additional money to accomplish, but there are some upgrades you can invest in to help make your home even more secure.
Many of us live in wooded areas or neighborhoods, which increases the risk of falling trees or flying debris. Consider installing storm shutters on your windows to help support them during a severe storm, and it can protect your house from water damage if the window does break.
Gutter guards can also be a good investment. With all of the leaves and pine needles, it can be easy for your gutters to get clogged. This is an easy way to ensure nothing can stop up your gutter system.
Once your home is prepared for the storms, stay tuned in to the authorities and be sure you have at least two ways of receiving weather alerts. At the first mention of a watch, head outside to secure your patio furniture and anything loose on your property and then head inside to wait out the storm.
If your property is damaged, remember that SERVPRO of Hayward is highly trained in storm repair and restoration and we will get your home back to preloss condition fast.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Hayward to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Backyard BBQ Fire Safety Basics | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Hayward to get your space back in shape.
We all know how special a Wisconsin summer is, and trust us, we are outside enjoying the warm sun and lake days around the Hayward area just like you! We bet you also love to be the grillmaster for your family when it comes time to make lunch or dinner.
Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires? A single grill fire can lead to a damaged roof, melted siding or even a full house fire. SERVPRO of Hayward’s fire damage restoration team wants you to enjoy your summer BBQs without the risk of fire, so read on to learn some great fire safety tips.
Creating a Safe EnvironmentThe first step is to find a space to set up your grill. It needs to be outside and far away from your roof overhang. This also includes keeping it out of your garage, even if you have the door open. Anything combustible above your grill has the potential to start on fire if the heat and flames become strong enough.
It also needs to be set up on a level surface that is at least 10 feet away from your siding or a deck railing. Your driveway or a concrete pad is often a good choice. Make this area a kid-free and pet-free zone as well.
Once you are ready to get grilling, inspect your specific grill for any defects or issues. If you have a charcoal grill, check the drum for dents or cracks and make sure the vent covers slide freely. Remove any ash buildup at this time as well. If you have a propane grill, also check it for dents or other issues, and you should check all gas lines and your propane tank to make sure the connections are secure. A single small gas leak is a huge fire concern and safety issue.
Controlling the GrillIf you are the self-appointed grillmaster, never leave the grill unattended while the food is cooking. Stay close by and have a water source ready if needed. A spray bottle is also a reliable way to knock down small sparks or wandering flames.
Once your meal is done and ready to eat, hand off the food to someone else and start shutting down your grill. Close the vents to your charcoal grill and scatter the coals or turn off the burners and shut off your propane tank. Check on it every so often to ensure everything is cooling down, and don’t go inside for the night until you are confident the fire is out and your grill is cold.
We hope you take advantage of the rest of the summer season here in Hayward, and we are already jealous of the delicious food you will be making! SERVPRO of Hayward is here for you if the unexpected happens and you wind up with some type of fire damage at your home.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Hayward for a fast restoration.
Recovering After a Water Disaster in Your Home | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Hayward right away.
Water is constantly flowing through our homes to help us wash our clothes, cook dinner and give the family dog a bath. We rely on water to do so much in our homes, and we are grateful for the easy access to such a critical resource.
That easy access does come with drawbacks, however. Since water is constantly at our fingertips and flowing through pipes behind our walls, there is always the potential for a water disaster to occur. Not only that, but Mother Nature can cause significant damage when a heavy rain or flash flooding event comes to town. Since we haven’t had much rain this season, a single heavy rain event could cause serious flooding concerns for our community.
Preventing water damage from even occurring is always ideal, but it’s just not always possible. Thankfully, your local water damage restoration team is here to help!
Controlling the SituationTiming is key when it comes to responding to a water disaster. Once a leak starts, water can seep and flow beneath your floors and behind your walls in minutes and can be hard or even impossible to dry out on your own.
If you notice a puddle near an appliance or come home to standing water in your kitchen, jump into action by turning off the main water valve connected to the appliance to stop the flow of water. If the leak is coming from your roof during a heavy rain, you may just need to wait out the storm and set a bucket under the drip in the meantime.
Do your best to avoid walking through the water, as electrical wires could have charged the area. Turn off all electricity in the room before investigating further.
Now that the situation is under control, it’s time to pick up the phone and call SERVPRO®. Our team is here 24⁄7, and it is our job to respond to calls just like this! We are locally owned and operated, which means we can be at your house in the blink of an eye with a plan and the knowledge to help you recover.
Our Efficient Drying ProcessWe are well-acquainted with water damage and what it can do to homes, so we jump into action right away to form your recovery plan. While we are chatting with you on the phone, take some photos of the damage. This will help us personalize your recovery, but will also make the claims process easier for you and your insurance company.
A few things happen at once when our trucks and restoration team arrives at your house. Some of us will start setting up our drying equipment while others will start removing your possessions to avoid further damage. We want to dry out your space as quickly as possible but we certainly don’t want to cause any more damage while we do so.
Once the water is dry and your possessions have been saved, we can sanitize, remove odors and start the repair process. We can handle anything from warped floors to soggy drywall, and we will work hard for you until you are 100% satisfied with the final product.
Even a small amount of water can cause significant damage to your home, which is why you should always rely on SERVPRO of Hayward to handle your recovery. We are equipped to handle your disaster situation quickly while ensuring your home is repaired to your satisfaction.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Top Tips for Recovering After a Storm | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Hayward to restore your space in no time!
We all know how destructive storms can be in the Hayward area. High winds, heavy rain, hail and even the occasional tornado can cause destruction. As soon as the forecast is predicted and you see the storms start to develop along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, it’s time to start preparing your home and family.
Taking preventive steps can help you avoid certain damages around your property, but storms are unpredictable and you can be surprised by the severity of any of the conditions.
Get your family to safety and stay away from windows until the storm has passed, and then take a walk around your property to look for damage. Check out our tips below to give you some guidance immediately after a storm.
The First Minutes After a StormStorms can be strong and, frankly, a bit scary when they blow through town. Be aware of any changing conditions and remember that even when the storm passes, another one may be on the horizon. Stay connected to your weather radio for updates and make sure your path is clear to your safe shelter location just in case.
Connect with friends and family to make sure your loved ones are safe, and consider checking in on your neighbors as soon as it is safe to do so. Tornadoes and high wind situations can have very specific paths, and your neighbor’s house might have not fared so well even if yours is untouched.
Take pictures of any damage that you see, and call SERVPRO® of Hayward right away. We are locally owned and operated, so we start getting ready for our community’s calls as soon as we see a storm on the forecast.
The Recovery TimelineHome damage can come in all shapes and sizes, so be careful walking around your home and property directly after a storm. Loose nails, boards and other hazards can cause significant injury if you aren’t careful. Keep your cell phone handy, and wear sturdy boots and gloves if you are moving anything around or need to walk through the damage.
We will secure your home when we arrive by tarping and boarding up any exposed portions of your house, but feel free to take these protective measures yourself right away if it is still raining.
While the recovery process may seem overwhelming in the moment, our restoration team will handle everything from your restoration to working with your insurance company to get the most out of your damage claim. We know that suffering storm damage is a scary experience and can cause some headaches for you along the way, but we are here to help put your home back together in no time at all.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
How to Respond to a Flash Flood Situation | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Hayward on the case!
We are experiencing an interesting summer in terms of weather so far! We have had less rain and fewer storms than we typically do during this time of year, but the season certainly is not over.
Rain storms can either be calm and idyllic or strong and frankly a little scary. They can bring heavy rain, whipping winds, and even hail or the occasional tornado. While we are grateful that our homes are sturdy and do a great job of keeping us safe, sometimes it can prove to be too much and the rain will force its way inside our homes.
Our SERVPRO of Hayward team wants you to stay safe and dry if a storm comes to town, so check out our tips below to learn more about intense rains and flash floods.
The Dangers of Serious RainWe all appreciate a gentle rain from time to time, but flash flooding conditions are much different. If the rain starts to fall fast and furiously, our area can quickly become in danger of flooded roads and yards. This is especially true if you live near Hayward Lake or any of the connecting creeks.
While we cannot control what Mother Nature does, we can be prepared for it! Preparing in advance can help you avoid more serious damages and you can ensure the safety of your family.
How to Stay SafeGetting your home ready and getting your family to safety should always be your top priorities. Get out of the elements and head home as soon as a flood watch is issued or a strong storm is predicted.
Avoid low-lying areas or roads that you know happen to flood a lot when it rains. Tidy up your yard and consider moving things into your garage in case the water makes its way to your home. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and 12 inches can sweep away your car.
Move anything fragile or sentimental out of your basement and consider turning off the electricity down there just to be safe. Wait out the storm with your family on a higher level and don’t panic if the water starts flowing in. Just avoid walking through the water and wait for it to stop rushing into your home. The next best step is to call your friends at SERVPRO of Hayward for a full restoration.
Future Water Damage Prevention StrategiesWe know that weather is by nature unpredictable, which is why you can’t completely plan for every scenario. However, you can learn something from every situation and that can help you plan for the future.
For example, if your basement always floods when it rains, it may be a good idea to consider getting it professionally graded. This process of moving dirt around your yard can help create better channels for the rain to flow down and away from your home instead of backwards into your foundation.
Another investment that will pay off in a big way is a sump pump. Sump pumps help keep your lowest level dry by kicking on when they sense excess water in the ground and it works by pulling the water away from your foundation and it pumps it back up to the surface.
Remember that we are always here when you need us. Our team is fully trained in water damage restoration and flooding issues, and we will work hard to help you overcome your situation as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
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