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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.
Dos and Don’ts for Your Fall Fires | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Hayward has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Say it with us: We love fall in the Midwest! This time of year is great for many reasons, but we thoroughly enjoy the crisper air, football Sundays (go Packers) and the increased time spent outside enjoying the colors and changing seasons. We also love enjoying fall nights at our bonfire pits.
If you are like us and enjoy lighting a fire in the fall, be sure you are being responsible with your flames! Any dry conditions can increase your risk of starting an out-of-control blaze that can lead to a serious situation.
Our SERVPRO of Hayward team explains some easy steps to follow when it comes to your bonfires so you can enjoy the crackling flames and campfire stories in a controlled and worry-free way.
Tips for Creating Your Fire-Safe EnvironmentDo pick a safe spot for your fire pit. You may not be able to move your permanent pit if it is in the ground, but you can ensure any debris around it is picked up, your log or brush piles are far away and any overhanging trees are trimmed.
Do make sure a water source is close by and ready to use. A hose that is pulled out and set near the site or a bucket filled with water can both help knock down any wandering flames in an instant. If you don’t have water nearby, keep a shovel close to pile sand or dirt on any unwanted flames.
Do watch the weather and avoid lighting a fire during high winds or dry conditions. Burn burns can change by the day, so check with our local authorities before lighting any kind of outdoor fire.
Tips for When Your Fire Is BlazingDon’t use gas or lighter fluid to keep the flames going. Those substances are really flammable, but they are unpredictable in these environments. Stick with tinder, matches or lighters so you can control the size of your fire.
Don’t let your kids or pets play unattended near the fire. Severe burns or dangerous accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
Don’t overfeed your fire and let it get too large. It can be fun to add leaves, wood and yard debris onto your fire, but keep it small. Large fires are harder to control and can easily spread beyond your pit.
Don’t go inside for the night until your fire is completely extinguished. Pour water over the logs and embers until everything is cold to the touch.
Wildfires and PeopleWildfires can be caused by multiple different natural processes, but unfortunately, most wildfires are caused by human negligence or accidents. Be responsible with your fires by keeping them small and only burn on days when the conditions are favorable.
We understand how quickly fires can damage homes and buildings. Call us right away for a complete restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Our Highly Trained Restoration Team Is Ready for You | SERVPRO® of Hayward
6/12/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Hayward is ready to help you recover around the clock.
As a homeowner, you know how important each decision is when it comes to your home. While some decisions don’t have long-term impacts, like choosing what color to paint your bathroom, others can be life-changing, like choosing who to help you restore your storm-damaged roof.
If you were to experience home damage due to a fire or a flooded basement, would you want to have a highly trained team come out to your house? Or would you be OK trusting a provider with less qualifications and less training?
For us, the answer is simple. The team at SERVPRO of Hayward ensures you are always in good hands when it comes to your restoration project. We have the latest and greatest equipment and materials, and we ensure that we have the certifications needed to help you the way that you deserve.
We Follow All Industry Training RecommendationsOur SERVPRO crew follows the IICRC standards, and we take the time to fully understand the guidelines and processes for proper cleaning and restoration. The courses we follow include classes on:
- water damage restoration
- fire damage restoration
- mold remediation
- carpet and upholstery and cleaning
We go even further than routine training to ensure our staff is ready for anything! We offer our Employee Certification Training to our staff to give them every possible opportunity to grow their knowledge base. This training is self-paced, meaning it gives each of our employees the time they need to fully understand what is being taught.
Our Learning Doesn’t Stop ThereOnce our employees are fully trained and incorporated into our staff, they are given the opportunity to continue growing their skills and knowledge base through continuing ed courses and e-learning classes.
We work hard to make sure that we have all the knowledge we need in order to overcome whatever damage you face.
By staying informed about the latest standards and practices, we are able to change up our processes to ensure you are getting the service you deserve. We want to make sure our materials, expertise and equipment are reliable enough to help you fully recover from damage.
Why This Training Matters for YouThe training we go through and the certifications we obtain are so beneficial for you! They ensure your restoration is completed thoroughly and efficiently, and we won’t leave until you are completely satisfied with our work.
Choosing a company with less training might work out for you, but why take that chance? When SERVPRO of Hayward comes to your door, you know that you will be well taken care of.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24⁄7 to start your disaster recovery.
Common Places Where Water Damage Starts | SERVPRO® of Hayward
6/12/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Hayward to find the source.
Water damage can occur anywhere in your home, which makes it one of the more frustrating home damage situations. To make matters worse, it can also happen quickly and quietly.
If a water leak or situation develops slowly, it could spread for a long time before it is eventually noticed by you. By knowing where to look for water damage around your home in the Hayward area, you can stop a problem before it gets out of hand.
Check out the areas below around your home often in order to help your house stay dry.
Up on the roof. When was the last time you gave your roof a thorough inspection? Chances are that it’s been awhile. Your roof is vulnerable to water leaks whenever it rains or snows, leaving your attic wet and your walls compromised.
A tiny leak might be difficult to discover right away, but eventually that tiny leak will lead to a widespread water damage situation.
When water enters your home, it doesn’t just stay in one location. It has the ability to drip and seep through your attic, ceiling, walls and floors. Once it gets behind your walls, your risk of experiencing a mold problem increases drastically.
Your bathrooms. Of course bathrooms are on this list! Our bathrooms are the rooms that use water the most often, so the potential of experiencing water damage in them is quite common.
Investigating a mysterious puddle or tracking down the origins of a dripping water line can help prevent any damage from getting worse. It is also important to lower your humidity and dry out your bathroom often to reduce your moisture levels.
Another important task is to inspect your plumbing systems regularly. Doing so can help you catch the beginnings of a pipe leak or a worn seal that is about to break.
Your water-reliant appliances. Dishwashers, washing machines and even refrigerators use water every day to help us perform our daily tasks and chores. Appliance leaks can be particularly frustrating because they can be hard to spot if the leak happens below or behind our heavy appliances.
Even though it may not sound super pleasant, you should get in the habit of pulling your appliances away from the wall on occasion to check for water spots and signs of mold growth.
You can also do a quick check before firing up any of your appliances by running a hand along them to check for moisture or drips. Another way to greatly reduce your risk of experiencing an appliance leak is to avoid letting them get outdated. Older appliances tend to leak or malfunction more often, so do your best to ensure you have the most reliable equipment in your home.
If you do end up suffering water damage, your SERVPRO of Hayward team will come to the rescue!
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Prepare Your Home for Wind Damage | SERVPRO® of Hayward
6/12/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Hayward your first call.
When the wind blows, it can either be a warm welcome or a dangerous event. Soft, gentle summer breezes can cool you down while strong winds accompanying a severe storm can quickly turn into a nightmare.
While it is most common for strong wind to be associated with severe weather, it can also occur even on the brightest, sunniest days. By understanding the types of wind that are common in the Hayward area, you can best protect your family and keep your home free from wind damage.
When the Wind Picks UpIt is true that most reported wind damage happens during thunderstorms—and certainly during tornadoes. If a weather warning is issued this spring or summer, take shelter immediately.
Thunderstorms can start producing winds that reach up to 60 miles per hour. Those speeds can easily pick up yard debris and other outdoor objects off the ground and toss them around.
One step further are straight-line winds. This type of wind can reach up to 100 miles per hour and can cause widespread damage in a short amount of time. This is because there is no rotation in them, which causes quick bursts of destructive wind power.
If a tornado touches down in the Hayward area, many different types of wind could be blowing at the same time. Tornadoes can have straight-line winds, downdrafts and micro- or macro-bursts that can level homes and destroy property with ease.
In the Hayward area, we seem to experience all types of wind no matter what season we are in. Strong summer storms can produce straight-line winds and the occasional tornado while the winter wind can blow snow around and create hazardous traveling conditions and scenarios. Always respect the power of a Wisconsin wind!
Taking Shelter From the WindWind damage can vary from mild inconveniences to complete devastation. It can topple trees, toss around yard equipment and disrupt power lines. If the wind blows over 80 miles per hour, it can even upend mobile homes, cars and semi trucks.
As soon as a wind advisory or weather alert is issued, it is time to take action. If the storm hasn’t arrived yet, go outside and secure down anything that has the potential to blow away. This includes propane tanks, children’s toys and trash cans. You should also take the time to collect any yard debris or branches that have fallen. A single broken branch can be dangerous in the right wind.
Once your property is secure, head inside and stay away from the windows. It’s even better if you can shelter in an interior room of your home. You should only go outside after you are confident that the storm has passed and the wind has died down.
You should check your home and roof for damage right away so that you can start the restoration process before the next storm eventually rolls into town. Call SERVPRO of Hayward for all of your storm damage restoration needs.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
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